List of posts

Eros Gone Wild

Story & Art by various prolific creators of the medium

From acclaimed authors such as Jean-Claude Forest (creator of "Barbarella"), Varenne, Beltran, Caza, Bilal, and many others come unique short stories rich with the inherent freedom of artistic sexual escapades.

Quick facts about Eros Gone Wild:

• Contains over 50 stories by more than 50 of Europe’s greatest comics artists.
• Essential purchase for any fan of erotic comics.
• In a new, affordable and handy edition.
• Perfect saucy Christmas present for a loved one.

Available below is the desktop wallpaper of Eros Gone Wild. Click the picture to choose your resolution.

Eros Gone Wild arrives in stores December 10, 2014 with a MSRP of $44.95/£29.99

Monsieur Jean: From Bachelor to Father

Story & Art by Philippe Dupuy and Charles Berberian

Monsieur Jean is a young writer whose everyday life and its inescapable existential woes are comedically told by the talented team of Dupuy & Berberian, winners of the 2008 Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême. Whether it’s the unexpected visit of an old friend, a trip to his in-laws, the arrival of a child, the frustrations of writer’s block, or even dealing with his moody landlady, Monsieur Jean’s life and times all share a tenderness and a dash of irony. A series full of the nostalgia and droll absurdity that invariably come with adulthood.

Quicks facts about Monsieur Jean: From Bachelor to Father :

• Creators Philippe Dupuy & Charles Berberian have won numerous awards, including the San Diego Comic Con’s 2003 Inkpot Award and the 2008 Grand Prix at Angoulême.
• Features an all new afterword by novelist and comics historian Claude Ecken.
• The one-shot Monsieur Jean: The Singles Theory (JAN121160), released by Humanoids in May 2012, was nominated in the Best U.S. Edition of International Material category at the 2013 Eisners.

Available below is the desktop wallpaper of Monsieur Jean: From Bachelor to Father. Click the picture to choose your resolution.

Monsieur Jean: From Bachelor to Father arrives in stores December 10, 2014 with a MSRP of $34.95/£22.99

Story and art by Igor Baranko

Thanks to the North American tribe, the Paiutes, time has been danced backwards and history has been changed. In the world of the “Second Attempt,” the greedy pale-skinned European “demons” never invaded. But one day, a young Lakota warrior named Four-Winds begs the Paiutes to once again change the course of history, to prevent the death of the Pawnee princess he loves. The Paiutes accept, but this temporal upheaval will not be without cosmic repercussions.

Quicks facts about Shamanism:

• From award-winning Ukrainian author Igor Baranko, creator of the ground-breaking, and critically acclaimed, surrealist science- fiction graphic novel, Jihad.

• Features an afterword by Claude Dordis, an expert in North American Indian cultures and civilizations.

• Ideal for fans of The White Lama, Paulo Coelho and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, alternative histories, The Last of the Mohicans and Native American culture in general.

• A fascinating story featuring the discovery of Europe by the Native Americans.

Available below is the desktop wallpaper of Shamanism. Click the picture to choose your resolution.

Shamanism arrives in stores October 22, 2014 with a MSRP of $24.95

Story by Alexandro Jodorowsky, art by Georges Bess

When an abandoned baby, sporting a tail, is rescued from a South American rubbish bin by a dwarf transvestite prostitute, you know you’re reading a story that only the mad genius of Alexandro Jodorowsky ("The Incal," "The Metbarons") could conceive! The child grows up to become Juan Solo, a vicious gangster and political enforcer, whose savagery sees him quickly rise through the ranks. Until his past catches up to him…

Quicks facts about Son of the Gun:

• Ground-breaking writer (Final Incal, The Metabarons, The White Lama) and cult director (El Topo, Santa Sangre, The Dance of Reality) Alexandro Jodorowsky defies definition once more.

• Afterword by award-winning science-fiction and crime novelist Claude Ecken (Le Diable au Port).

• The first volume won the Alph-art prize for best script at Angoulême’s legendary comic book festival in 1996.

• Georges Bess published his first comic books under the pen names Tideli and Nisseman.

Available below is the desktop wallpaper of Son of the Gun. Click the picture to choose your resolution.

Son of the Gun arrives in stores October 22, 2014 with an MSRP of $34.95

... on

3/25/14: In anticipation to the upcoming release of Metabarons Genesis: Castaka, we are posting a previously published special "Jodoverse" spotlight article (Originally published in September 2012), where you can once again plunge into the vast universe created by the one and only Alexandro Jodorowsky, and brought to life by his many wonderful collaborators.

Undeniably, Alexandro Jodorowsky is a man known for his multi-faceted talents. Be it his approach to spirituality (Tarot Card Reading), his comic books, his theatre work, and of course his movies. We won't delve into his entire illustrious career in this spotlight (but highly encourage you to do so on your own), but rather, will focus here on The “Jodoverse” he created and developed over the course of several graphic novels series, and for the purposes of the coming articles specifically The Metabarons. On the outside, it’s a story about a race of perfect space-warriors, but one with a powerful undercurrent of a multitude of themes pooled from just as many genres, places, and periods. From Greek tragedy to modern Science-Fiction. The first volume of The Metabarons was originally released in France, in 1992 and has gained a growing following over the last few decades as it has completed its initial story cycle, ending with the publication of the 8th volume in 2004 (released in the U.S. in both the monthly serial and trade formats). Many fans claim it to be the greatest space-opera ever released. We first saw the character of the Metabaron in another of Jodorowsky’s masterpieces, “The Incal,” released between 1981 and 1988. This particular character was actually the very last of the race of warriors and it would only be until some years later that we would see more told on the origins of his people. Jodorowsky, fascinated by his own creation, went above and beyond and created a huge mythology surrounding the Metabarons, spanning decades-long narrative time lines, huge family trees, metaphysics, advanced weaponry, as well as strong elements of science and fantasy. To imagine that this was all created by one mind is almost unfathomable. Especially if you factor in that he had already created a trove of many other unimaginably imaginative stories. Alexandro Jodorowsky literally has a mind that keeps on giving. It is worthwhile to note that he his also blessed with an unmatched eye for talent, having worked extensively with many of the world’s greatest artist, from Moebius to Gimenez. While most of what will follow will center around The Metabarons, we cannot go without mentioning several other of the stories that connect the many dots (or planets in this case) in the Jodoverse such as The Incal, The Technopriests, and Castaka.

The main areas we will cover are glimpses into the depth of information in the Jodoverse, chiefly relating to the Metabarons lineage, the influence and extent of the Metabarons across the world, and the production that went into creating the Deluxe edition (with slipcase!) of The Metabarons that went on sale to great acclaim on October 19th, 2011. Not many people know what goes on in the production process, and we hope to bring that side of the Humanoids to light as well.

Below is just the start of our Behind the scenes/production section.

Cover Gallery

This is a feature I'm quite excited to share with everyone. As stated before, Les Humanoïdes Associés (LHA) is a French company that primarily sells through the Franco-Belgian market, and that brings lots of its unique catalog to English speaking audiences via its sister company (us Humanoids!). But LHA also has a foreign rights department that handles the sale of many of its titles to other territories, from other European nations, as well as to Asia and South America. The Metabarons is one of the titles that has seen the light of day quite a few times over the years and its release has spanned several continents. With a multi-national release comes a bevy of different responsibilities. Sometimes LHA (and Humanoids) plays a major part in the production of these foreign editions, carefully supervising the translation, lettering, and printing processes among others, while at other times, the foreign publishers handle most of those steps themselves. In the end however, we are all always careful to communally approve a product that is both in line with the integrity of title in question, and of our brand in general, as well as an original new edition in and of itself. Covers are an essential aspect of foreign publishing as they are often the gateway to new readers. Lots of marketing and business decisions go into a cover. You want something that will appeal to your audience and while the story itself may be “universal”, that isn't always the case with covers that often have to take cultural standards into consideration. For example while an action or gore heavy cover may be acceptable for North American audiences, a tamer take may need to be released in another country. Vice versa, Europe often sees the release of rather “sexy” covers while we in the U.S. do not [the best example of such is our own cover of Madwoman of the Sacred Heart vs. the cover of the original French publication (NSFW).

We have decided to share with you a collection of “Metabarons” from several different countries in the hope of offering you, our fans, just a glimpse at some treats that don't always get shared all under one roof. Enjoy!

The Metabarons Ultimate Collection – Production

For this section of the Metabarons’ Spotlight, we would like to take you to unchartered territory…into the design side of our production process. The Metabarons Ultimate Collection is one of our proudest (and heaviest!) titles produced thus far and because such sweat and tears went into its design and fabrication, we’re going to share a little of that essential yet oft overlooked side of comic book publishing.

Our designer, the multi-talented Jerry Frissen (The Zombies That Ate The World, Lucha Libre, The Tikitis and upcoming Unfabulous Five) really wanted to bring out both the gothic aspect that underlines much of the epic family saga that is The Metabarons series but also the Sci-Fi element that is also very much at the heart of the work. In order to achieve that combination, Jerry, when designing the cover, choose a very dark pallet that he supplemented by adding various layers, a few of which he shared with us. He first scanned a piece of sheet metal

Followed by integrating an old-fashioned baroque design

Followed by further darkening the cover while also creating a frame

and then bringing in the beautiful Metabarons logo (Look carefully at the top)

Before adding the title, spine and back cover texts.

Bringing us to the final cover as seen below.

The metallic aspect is also seen on both the actual cover title and the title on the spine of the book in a printing process known as silver foil stamping. Again, the uses of silver and metal are symbolic of the Sci-Fi genre, and specifically this title’s many robots, intergalactic vehicles, and weapons; all part of the powerful futuristic imagery that populates nearly all the pages of the series and that was uniquely crafted by the great minds of Jodorowsky and Gimenez.

This edition was also presented for the first time in the English language in its entirety and in its original colors and size.

Merchandise - Action Figures/Busts/Statues released in the past that are no longer available for order. You may find them at various shops on the internet.

Jodoverse

I’ve been working on this feature off and on since the start of The Metabarons' Spotlight and it's most likely going to be the last feature as we close it out. I say this because one nagging question kept popping into my head throughout my efforts to tackle this: how do you effectively cover something as grand as the ‘Jodoverse’ and do it justice in just one article. So began the exercise of reading, researching, and just all around diving into the vast expanse that is the Jodoverse. I came across an extravagant amount of information, reviews, merchandise, role playing games, and that was just day one…

A good way for me to take you through a quick tour of the Jodoverse will be by approaching each series (and the titular characters at the center of their respective premises) that make up this bizarre yet utterly compelling, without forgetting intricately structured, universe.

Let's start our journey by giving credit to The Incal, for without it, we would not have The Metabarons. Alexandro Jodorowsky did something extremely special when he created The Incal, he introduced us to a time and a place full of characters and peoples that would be featured throughout a universe he would subsequently and continuously build on. Among them, the Technopriests, the perfect Androgyne, and of course the Caste of the Metabarons, among many others.

Before we jump into the tour, much like the old adage “There be dragons head,” we may point out elements of the story that could be construed as “spoilers.” You have been warned, enjoy.

-The Tour Guide

The Incal

As I said, this was the one that started it all. While the story takes place further along than the beginning of The Metabarons, this is the tale that laid the foundation for what was to become the Jodoverse. The story of John DiFool, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, who one day finds himself thrust into the adventure of a lifetime. He goes from the dreary streets of Suicide Alley to meeting and visiting all kinds of crazy characters and settings while the world as they know it is in the midst of falling apart. Together, this eclectic team, finds a way to save the world... or do they? (Note: if you haven’t read The Incal, drop everything you’re doing, even reading this, and run out and get it a hold of it!) One of the characters John meets is the Metabaron, last of his lineage, who goes on to help John on his path of destiny. In the new Deluxe Metabarons collection, there is a story that bridges the gap between The Metabarons and The Incal storylines, explaining some of the events that transpired between the two series. The perfect Androgyne also makes his/her debut as a deity like entity in The Incal, worshipped by many and hated by others, such as the Technopriests (who in turn also eventually have their own tale told as well). All the meanwhile, things heat up everywhere else as the conspiracies surrounding John DiFool and his faithful pet Deepo are coming to a head…

Before the Incal

A big thing to do these days is that when a story is deemed successful and there is obviously more to tell, do you first do a sequel or a prequel? Just because the first story cycle you released is complete doesn't mean there isn't plenty of story left to set up beforehand. Just like The Metabarons leads into The Incal), Before the Incal (as its name accurately states) is a precursor to its namesake. Before the Incal tells the story of a young John DiFool, long before we find him plunging to his death in the opening pages of The Incal. This story tells of the upbringing of DiFool, showing his relationship with his mother and father, as well as involving a few run-ins with a number of other major characters shared across both series. This character is clearly a different ‘DiFool’ than then one we grew accustomed to in The Incal. But without this DiFool, we wouldn't have our DiFool (sounds obtuse, rightfully so, but not to worry, Before The Incal is available on the Humanoids Store).

The Technopriests

The Technopriests play a huge role in The Incal as one of the many antagonists in the mix of the elaborate conflicts at the heart of that series. They weren't always seen as the bad guys and to be fair it really depends on the point-of-view. Their own book, The Technopriests (Also available on our store.) tells the story of Albino, a young game creator, his family and his ultimate rise to Supreme Technopriest. One of his biggest adventures involves him leading 500,000 fellow Technopriests to the promised galaxy and much like Ulysses’ journey in the Odyssey, the voyage is never as simple as one expects (but all the more entertaining for us readers!). Bit by bit, we discover the difficult and challenging path that he and his people come to follow, one of hard choices and significant sacrifices, but all finally molding him into the leader he grows into. As mentioned earlier, this series offers a different perspective on the people we jeered against in the pages of The Incal, and clearly demonstrates one of the key trademarks and powerful aspects of Jodo’s storytelling, that to exposes us to different ideas in disparate cultures (and even civilizations), both on an individual and societal context.

The Metabarons

A Race of Perfect Warriors. Those words are what pop into my mind whenever I think of the Metabarons. Fortunately, they do not even come close to covering the depths that this genre-spanning series offers us, taking us on a fascinating historical and meta-physical journey throughout the lives of one of the Jodoverse’s most important families. There's a reason, make that many a reasons, that this series is hailed as one of the greatest stories ever told. Between the story and the art, from beginning to end, you have the epitome of what defines an epic. A single character from The Incal given a meticulously crafted and multi-generational back-story. Most people would go as far as to say that The Metabarons exceeds The Incal in scope. While I personally love both for totally different reasons, I can see why people would say this. This is a true masterpiece and deserving of the deluxe hardcover treatment it recently received. When I think of just how complex and well thought out this story is while still managing to tie up the threads that culminate in the lineage’s latest warrior, the Ultimate Metabaron, I find it hard to believe that it's all told in under 600 pages. This is a book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime, comic fan or not.

Metabarons Family Tree

The Man himself: Alexandro Jodorowsky

What do we say about a man who has given us so much in just one lifetime. The man is one of the most creative, spiritual, talented, brilliant, and interesting people in the world. He was and still is far ahead of his time and due to this fact, a lot of people did not begin to understand and even discover him until later in his life (better late than never I say!). If you look at his full resume, you would be far pressed to find several individuals with half the accolades he has achieved across a multitude of medias and formats, let alone one single person in one art form. From his writing, to his directing, to his tarot card reading, the talent this man possesses in one pinky is most will ever exude in their life. If you want to see something truly interesting, track down one of his films and be prepared to be taken on a spiritual journey, one that will leave you baffled and awed. We at Humanoids are honored to have been able to work with Jodorowsky so prolifically and to bring many of his talented writings to each and every one of you.

Jodorowsky was multi-talented from an early age, becoming skilled in puppetry and mime, in addition to writing, by his late teens. He traveled with a pantomime troupe in the 1950s, and within a couple years had made his way to Paris where he collaborated with the world-renowned mime Marcel Marceau,

In the 1960s, Jodorowsky ventured further into the world of theater, creating in Mexico, the Panic Movement. This innovative artistic movement allowed him to creatively participate in over a 100 theater productions. The 1970s saw him transition into the world of film where he quickly put a defining stamp on all his cinematic works. He directed several cult films, namely the infamous “El Topo,” a Midnight movie favorite. Shortly thereafter, Jodorowsky became attached to direct the adaptation of the famous Frank Herbert sci-fi epic novel “Dune.” At the preparation stage of the film, he brilliantly assembled a team of extremely diverse and gifted artists such as HR Giger, Chris Foss, Dan O'Bannon, and Moebius, all of who would later be hired as concept artists on Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” The development of “Dune” came to a halt due to financial problems, but Jodorowsky, having been exposed to such immense visual talent, propelled himself into writing graphic novels, pairing up with the artist Moebius. This collaboration resulted in what many consider to be one of the most creative European sci-fi graphic novel series of all time, “The Incal,” which went on to sell millions of copies worldwide. More on what could have been with the "Dune" can be found in the upcoming "Jodorowsky's DUNE" documentary from director Frank Pavich.

Biography details source: http://www.humanoids.com/profil/Alexandro%2BJodorowsky

The Art behind the Jodoverse

The imagination is capable of creating wondrous worlds as Jodorowsky has incessantly shown us with his writing. But it also takes a great artist to help translate those words visually, especially in this graphic storytelling medium we all have so much love for. Without these men, we wouldn't have the Jodoverse as we know and love it. Some you may know more than others, but each is deserving of the utmost recognition:

Moebius - Your favorite artist's favorite artist. He and Alexandro Jodorowsky have collaborated several times over the decades, starting with The Eyes of the Cat (whose foreword by Jodorowsky in its recent release explains the beautiful tale of how the two masters met). The Incal was the first book set in what was to become the Jodoverse and with that said, we can proudly count Moebius among its founding fathers. Every time Moebius and Jodorowsky worked together, it was a success. Most recently they reunited for Madwoman of the Sacred Heart.

Name: Jean Giraud (AKA Moebius)
Nationality: French
Style: Capable of adapting to fit the theme. Moebius is a notoriously quick artist. When signing his work, he uses a brush for work done under his real name and a pen for work done under his pseudonym.

Juan Gimenez – If Moebius is a founding father, then Gimenez is right alongside him in the Jodoverse’s “artist family tree.” He is responsible for the amazing artwork you see in every page and panel of The Metabarons. Every magical detail (his approach to designing and drawing machinery is truly unparallel) brings Jodorowsky's world to life in jaw-dropping imagery. I would dare to say that Giminez was able to complement and even exceed the author’s imagination with the work he did on The Metabarons.

Nationality: Argentine
Style: Extremely detailed.

Zoran Janjetov – The talented artist who brought us the story of Before The Incal as well as The Technopriests. Along with part of Weapons of the Metabaron. He had big shoes to fill following Moebius and Gimenez and I believe he more than succeeded.

Nationality: Serbian
Style: Originally influenced by Walt Disney, Father was an architect that taught him the basics.

Travis Charest – This man deserves a spot at the table (or rather in the tree) for the work he did on Weapons of the Metabaron. While Janjetov did the majority of the pages, the work that Charest did was equally as great while offering a totally different style.

Nationality: Canadian
Style: Spontaneous. Charest prefers not to use sketches, thumbnails, or layouts.