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Valérian and Laureline #8
Die Insel Der Kinder
Every 100 years or so, the infertile people of Simlanne send their champions to the sacred island of Filene, where the best among them, chosen via a series of tests, will find and bring back the next generation. This cycle, though, the local heroes seem to fail repeatedly, and the aging Simlannians have sent for heroes from other worlds. Valerian, chosen to represent Earth, will have to overcome the tests and his competitors in a dangerous odyssey…
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
3 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Pierre Christin
209 books117 followersPierre Christin was a French comics creator and writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 14, 2017
On my opinion, the story of this book is the most simple of the Valerian and Laureline series, and maybe the most comical too. No big mystery, and no evil enemies. And feels shorter too, because some panels are without bubble words.
The antagonists are Valerian's rivals, and I admire that all the rivals are honest, not cheating or intentionally delivers our protagonist in dangerous situation. The funny insults and mockeries between rivals make the story light.
If you are seeking the tight plot and dark adventure as in other books of this series, you might be disappointed.
The antagonists are Valerian's rivals, and I admire that all the rivals are honest, not cheating or intentionally delivers our protagonist in dangerous situation. The funny insults and mockeries between rivals make the story light.
If you are seeking the tight plot and dark adventure as in other books of this series, you might be disappointed.
July 29, 2017
This one was super light and funny, like one huge wink from the author to his auditorium, but I really liked it. Art was gorgeous as always!
Impatiently getting into the next one.
Impatiently getting into the next one.
December 20, 2017
Action, humour and a smart criticism to totalitarian regimes, capitalism, communism, asceticism, new age philosophies... and american superheroes comics that the author just seems to hate.
The Moebius' Azrak reference was hilarious :)
September 4, 2020
This was better than the last, but overall not better than the average story. In this story, Valérian is selected to represent Earth and along with representatives from three other alien cultures, is set to race across a world so that they all can complete that planet's strange ritual that will ensure the next generation. The four heroes must undergo various trials and then, if successful and chosen, copulate with some sort of matron and thus save this alien race and the book is just about as trippy as that last part sounds.
It seriously is such a weird read that I almost suspect it might be more understandable and enjoyable after imbibing recreational substances. From the monomania of the three competing alien heroes to Valérian's own experience right down to the very end where a horde of children arrive at the adult society's capital ready to be raised up into productive adults, right down the the conclusion where Laureline finds Valérian who is for some reason shrunk down to pocket size. Seriously, dubya tee eff?
Anyhow, the trippiness makes it more entertaining and far less preachy issue than previous graphic albums. And the authors seem to understand that children are necessary for the continuation for society. When Valérian and Laureline arrive, they are given the tour of a society that is crumbling and aging. There is no vibrancy within it, and the citizens understand this loss immensely, even if they are equally outraged that it must be outsiders who will continue the race -- even though the natives have so far proven unable to complete the trials.
But still, overall this particular volume starts typically, quickly turns weird and ends weird. Since recreational marijuana is most definitely not allowed in this great state of Utah, I shall probably never truly understand what the heck happened here.
It seriously is such a weird read that I almost suspect it might be more understandable and enjoyable after imbibing recreational substances. From the monomania of the three competing alien heroes to Valérian's own experience right down to the very end where a horde of children arrive at the adult society's capital ready to be raised up into productive adults, right down the the conclusion where Laureline finds Valérian who is for some reason shrunk down to pocket size. Seriously, dubya tee eff?
Anyhow, the trippiness makes it more entertaining and far less preachy issue than previous graphic albums. And the authors seem to understand that children are necessary for the continuation for society. When Valérian and Laureline arrive, they are given the tour of a society that is crumbling and aging. There is no vibrancy within it, and the citizens understand this loss immensely, even if they are equally outraged that it must be outsiders who will continue the race -- even though the natives have so far proven unable to complete the trials.
But still, overall this particular volume starts typically, quickly turns weird and ends weird. Since recreational marijuana is most definitely not allowed in this great state of Utah, I shall probably never truly understand what the heck happened here.
June 19, 2017
In this chapter the storytellers of the classic French sci-fi series parody and pay homage to the American superhero genre. While there is perhaps a bit more humor than homage, both are still clearly present. This one primarily features Valerian, but Laureline plays an important role as well.
November 10, 2009
IMHO,
the best book in the series, 4 heroes wannabe with different characteristic, different capabilities trying to achieve the same objective with different consequences.
the best book in the series, 4 heroes wannabe with different characteristic, different capabilities trying to achieve the same objective with different consequences.
June 24, 2024
Stunning art once again leads the way. Mezieres has come up with stunning designs for the architecture of the planet and vividly brings to life Christin’s spare script. Beautiful and eloquent ink lines, tasteful framing and storytelling. A pleasure to read.
As for the script excels in its brevity, novelty, and simplicity and in its opportunities for elaboration through illustration. Christin has come up with another interesting concept which, as usual, seems closer to fantasy and mythology than to science fiction. (This is a good thing as fantasy is more imaginative)
The story begins with Valerian and Laureline approaching a planet to fulfill an unknown mission. (Christin uses the question to drive suspense through the opening) Eventually, we find out that all the planet’s inhabitants are elderly and sterile. They can only reproduce via an annual heroic quest to a nearby island of children but no one has been able to complete the quest for many years. Exactly what happens on the island remains a mystery (this question drives suspense for most of the book until the climax).
Since all the natives are too old to compete, for the first time foreigners have been brought in — Valerian and 3 giant humanoid aliens, each representing a different civilization and philosophy. An imperialist space Viking, a communist cyborg, and a hipppie shaman.
Christin uses narrative summary to relay the 4 parallel quests through act 2. Skillfully covering ground and allowing Mezieres to dazzle us with his imagination and layouts.
SPOILER
When the heroes finally reach their destination, some kind of immense classical palace, they are subjected to a test that makes their dreams visible. Each of the 3 aliens desires to shape the planet in their own image, but clueless Valerian has no plan in mind. So he is chosen, in a nod to self-determination. I appreciated the way this was handled — avoiding political harangues and overt partisan messaging.
The coda involves Laureline coming to rescue a tiny, depleted Valerian and features a standout panel of hundreds of children rushing down the palace steps towards awaiting boats.
An excellent volume where Mezieres really shines.
As for the script excels in its brevity, novelty, and simplicity and in its opportunities for elaboration through illustration. Christin has come up with another interesting concept which, as usual, seems closer to fantasy and mythology than to science fiction. (This is a good thing as fantasy is more imaginative)
The story begins with Valerian and Laureline approaching a planet to fulfill an unknown mission. (Christin uses the question to drive suspense through the opening) Eventually, we find out that all the planet’s inhabitants are elderly and sterile. They can only reproduce via an annual heroic quest to a nearby island of children but no one has been able to complete the quest for many years. Exactly what happens on the island remains a mystery (this question drives suspense for most of the book until the climax).
Since all the natives are too old to compete, for the first time foreigners have been brought in — Valerian and 3 giant humanoid aliens, each representing a different civilization and philosophy. An imperialist space Viking, a communist cyborg, and a hipppie shaman.
Christin uses narrative summary to relay the 4 parallel quests through act 2. Skillfully covering ground and allowing Mezieres to dazzle us with his imagination and layouts.
SPOILER
When the heroes finally reach their destination, some kind of immense classical palace, they are subjected to a test that makes their dreams visible. Each of the 3 aliens desires to shape the planet in their own image, but clueless Valerian has no plan in mind. So he is chosen, in a nod to self-determination. I appreciated the way this was handled — avoiding political harangues and overt partisan messaging.
The coda involves Laureline coming to rescue a tiny, depleted Valerian and features a standout panel of hundreds of children rushing down the palace steps towards awaiting boats.
An excellent volume where Mezieres really shines.
June 25, 2017
After the dip in form of the last volume, it's back on track with 'Heroes Of The Equinox'.
The inhabitants of Simlanne, an aging and infertile population, send out a request throughout the Galaxy every generation or so, for a Champion to endure the trials of the sacred island of Filene and repopulate the next generation. Valérian, chosen to represent Earth - much to Laureline's chagrin, along with three other competitors, battle it out to be champion for Simlanne.
Valérian's rivals seem like parodies of typical comic heroes, with rippling muscles, superhuman strength, always ready for battle, as well as each representing a different ideal, such as of a military Empire, a socialist regime and a more spiritual sense.
Part of the plot also seems a bit reminiscent of 'The Incal' and John DiFool having to battle rivals to repopulate the world of the Bergs. Although being published only a couple of years before 'The Incal', another case of the 'Valérian and Laureline' series inspiring other creators perhaps.
Due to the trials that Valérian has to go through, Laureline takes a bit more of a back seat in this adventure, at least until the last act. She is by far my favourite character in the series so far but hoping that she's more involved in the future adventures as I read through the series.
As ever, Mézières artwork is superb. Rendering the different locations of the trials, from swamp land, frozen wastes, barren deserts, and dark caverns, as well as the temples on the sacred island.
Enjoying reading through the series and this is a good addition.
The inhabitants of Simlanne, an aging and infertile population, send out a request throughout the Galaxy every generation or so, for a Champion to endure the trials of the sacred island of Filene and repopulate the next generation. Valérian, chosen to represent Earth - much to Laureline's chagrin, along with three other competitors, battle it out to be champion for Simlanne.
Valérian's rivals seem like parodies of typical comic heroes, with rippling muscles, superhuman strength, always ready for battle, as well as each representing a different ideal, such as of a military Empire, a socialist regime and a more spiritual sense.
Part of the plot also seems a bit reminiscent of 'The Incal' and John DiFool having to battle rivals to repopulate the world of the Bergs. Although being published only a couple of years before 'The Incal', another case of the 'Valérian and Laureline' series inspiring other creators perhaps.
Due to the trials that Valérian has to go through, Laureline takes a bit more of a back seat in this adventure, at least until the last act. She is by far my favourite character in the series so far but hoping that she's more involved in the future adventures as I read through the series.
As ever, Mézières artwork is superb. Rendering the different locations of the trials, from swamp land, frozen wastes, barren deserts, and dark caverns, as well as the temples on the sacred island.
Enjoying reading through the series and this is a good addition.
May 16, 2018
Although this episode has its flaws, it still remains one of my favorites in the series.
In this episode, a childless planet has invited four offworld heroes, including Valérian, naturally, to compete in trials to see who is worthy to sire the next generation.
As you can tell, the series has shifted toward science-fantasy or space opera. If if you're a fan of science fiction, this is a negative. So is the fact that Laureline basically sits this one out, making a few token appearances, while Valérian gets the lion's share of the reader's attention.
On the plus side, however:
Mézières's art is better than ever. In particular, he goes to town (no pun intended) in his depictions of the planet's grandiose architecture. And his vibrant colors and sprawling land- and space-scapes help the story come to life.
The story takes advantage of the graphic-novel format to tell four stories in parallel.
The twist felt satisfying rather than cheesy.
In this episode, a childless planet has invited four offworld heroes, including Valérian, naturally, to compete in trials to see who is worthy to sire the next generation.
As you can tell, the series has shifted toward science-fantasy or space opera. If if you're a fan of science fiction, this is a negative. So is the fact that Laureline basically sits this one out, making a few token appearances, while Valérian gets the lion's share of the reader's attention.
On the plus side, however:
Mézières's art is better than ever. In particular, he goes to town (no pun intended) in his depictions of the planet's grandiose architecture. And his vibrant colors and sprawling land- and space-scapes help the story come to life.
The story takes advantage of the graphic-novel format to tell four stories in parallel.
The twist felt satisfying rather than cheesy.
February 17, 2020
Valerian-kimara jatkuu. Tällä kertaa on vuorossa Päiväntasauksen sankarit (1978), joka on ehkä turhankin suoraviivainen tarina neljästä eri sankarista, jotka lähtevät kilpailemaan siitä kuka pääsee siementämään uuden kansan. Tarinankuljetus kulkee aivottoman supersankarisarjakuvan tyyliin, eikä albumista jää kauheasti käteen. Väärennetty maailma (1977) puolestaan poukkoilee ajassa edes-takaisin aikamatkustusgenren tyyliin, ja vaikka siinä on tarinan puolesta paljon mielekkäämpi asetelma ja mysteeri, ei sekään ole mikään varsinainen nappiosuma. Nämä albumit ovat 70-luvun lopulta, ja niissäkin hämmästyttää tietty modernius, sillä ne voisivat ihan hyvin olla esimerkkejä tämän päivän jenkkisarjakuvasta.
January 22, 2019
Valerian and three other intergalactic champions face trials to determine who gets to be the progenitor of an alien race who can no longer reproduce for themselves.
Certainly the wackiest entry in the series so far. And now that I've finally figured out how to read these books -- as the product of French Hippies -- I might actually be able to settle in and enjoy them on their intended level.
It's a psychedelic space wonderland, and when the trippy (and zaftig!) space-mother-to-be finally arrives on the scene, . . . well, pass the space bong, Laureline! I need another hit!
Certainly the wackiest entry in the series so far. And now that I've finally figured out how to read these books -- as the product of French Hippies -- I might actually be able to settle in and enjoy them on their intended level.
It's a psychedelic space wonderland, and when the trippy (and zaftig!) space-mother-to-be finally arrives on the scene, . . . well, pass the space bong, Laureline! I need another hit!
April 26, 2018
Simply beautiful! Amazing visuals, I love it - solely for that I'd give 4 or 5 stars. However, the story itself isn't that great, though it's not bad either. It's just... very simple. And very funny. Mocks (American) superheroes and what else, one panel was especially funny where Valerian talks to mother. I love it that it also has some politics, I've always liked when this series is about politics (more or less).
August 12, 2019
I have a 1981 hardback reprint in French, from Dargaud. Originally serialised through 1978 and published in book form in the same year, this is a quick read as the story is principally a visual feast with extraordinary graphics and inventive ironic page formatting that bursts out of the publisher’s usual format.
The story is essentially an affectionate piss-take of American superhero comics which were emerging into the mainstream in France at the time. It all works very well precisely as the mockery is affectionate as well as very knowing, and the contrast between the all-American supers and Valérian who is really not super at all reflects French concerns at American cultural domination. The graphic auteur particularly was known for his love of all things USA. The authors also have a good dig at the political cultures at the time, as the three superheroes represent nationalism / imperialism on the one hand, conformist dictatorship on the other, and fanatical religious and hippyish isolationism on the ... uh ... third hand. Forty-odd years on, this satire is still dreadfully relevant.
It is worth noting that during the 60s and 70s there were really very few graphic novel series in Europe that were entirely sci-fi. The Valérian series was both pioneer and honoured elder. But the emergence of US comics must have seemed to be suddenly crowding the market.
Laureline is particularly snarky in this episode, as downtrodden Valérian’s mission puts him in direct confrontation with her. His objective is to father a whole new generation for a planet’s population. Firstly, Laureline is dismissive, believing (or hoping?) he doesn’t have a chance of success, then worrying about his survival, and finally boiling with indignation when it’s clear that Valérian has ... ahem ... done his duty.
There’s a great bit of self reference at the end, recalling Laureline’s original damsel in distress moment in the first episode. Valérian is shrunk to doll size in his turn, and Laureline can extract every bit of vengeful pleasure in making him stew, now that she’s unquestionably in charge.
A good laugh all around.
The story is essentially an affectionate piss-take of American superhero comics which were emerging into the mainstream in France at the time. It all works very well precisely as the mockery is affectionate as well as very knowing, and the contrast between the all-American supers and Valérian who is really not super at all reflects French concerns at American cultural domination. The graphic auteur particularly was known for his love of all things USA. The authors also have a good dig at the political cultures at the time, as the three superheroes represent nationalism / imperialism on the one hand, conformist dictatorship on the other, and fanatical religious and hippyish isolationism on the ... uh ... third hand. Forty-odd years on, this satire is still dreadfully relevant.
It is worth noting that during the 60s and 70s there were really very few graphic novel series in Europe that were entirely sci-fi. The Valérian series was both pioneer and honoured elder. But the emergence of US comics must have seemed to be suddenly crowding the market.
Laureline is particularly snarky in this episode, as downtrodden Valérian’s mission puts him in direct confrontation with her. His objective is to father a whole new generation for a planet’s population. Firstly, Laureline is dismissive, believing (or hoping?) he doesn’t have a chance of success, then worrying about his survival, and finally boiling with indignation when it’s clear that Valérian has ... ahem ... done his duty.
There’s a great bit of self reference at the end, recalling Laureline’s original damsel in distress moment in the first episode. Valérian is shrunk to doll size in his turn, and Laureline can extract every bit of vengeful pleasure in making him stew, now that she’s unquestionably in charge.
A good laugh all around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
Un peu different avec les superheroes. La grande femme et the sex insinuée était un peu étrange aussi! Pas le meilleur mais des éléments intéressants. La première fois qu'on voit des panneaux qui sont répandues sur deux pages.
November 27, 2019
Great story about a planet where everyone is sterile except from the great over-mother, who produces a new generation of children every 100 years or so. Guess who's the lucky guy who fertilizes her this time ;-). And of course he also needs to be saved by Laureline in the end.
January 10, 2021
Once again Valerian in to save the day. Only you get to see him offset against three other adversaries in a contest of champions. Who wins and why is kind of predictable but the prize at the end is balanced against Loraline’s response.
November 7, 2021
Probably the best V&L book I've read yet. High comedy, Futurama-adjacent hijinx on a beautiful "greekish" planet with a great ending twist to the otherwise typical "compete to be the genetic hero" storyline.
May 26, 2017
Again, interesting in an old comic style, but not really my cup of tea. Just reading because the trailers for the movie look fantastic!
August 20, 2017
Ainakin tähän mennessä selkeästi eniten vitsisarja ja onnistuu siinä hienosti. Hauska ja viihdyttävä sankarimittelö.
March 11, 2019
hehehe
August 2, 2019
Pas la meilleure, à mon humble avis. J’ai trouvé l’idée un peu facile et le développement vaguement amusant, au plus.
August 6, 2020
A woman can do a man's job you know!
October 31, 2024
Re-reading these from my childhood.
November 18, 2024
Hauska ja kiehtova! 😃
June 28, 2020
The plot was too condensed- such a tshiam. I guess the format of the album series would've required the story to fill two books which would probably be stretched too far.
It's a great story idea that showcased how faulty plans for the future of humanity tend to be. There was a refreshingly original "power"- the ability to project one's imagination visually so their ideals could be seen beyond the deceptive words of rhetoric. How better to demonstrate how politicians persuade people of all levels of intelligence to support a future they want no part of!
Laureline has nearly no role and looks significantly different than the five others (1,2,3,4,7) I've read. Her often mannish look made no sense to me because I don't remember any other women in the cast- besides the one other who got to speak.
It's a great story idea that showcased how faulty plans for the future of humanity tend to be. There was a refreshingly original "power"- the ability to project one's imagination visually so their ideals could be seen beyond the deceptive words of rhetoric. How better to demonstrate how politicians persuade people of all levels of intelligence to support a future they want no part of!
Laureline has nearly no role and looks significantly different than the five others (1,2,3,4,7) I've read. Her often mannish look made no sense to me because I don't remember any other women in the cast- besides the one other who got to speak.
August 16, 2019
This book was really fabulous.
January 31, 2015
The people of Simlane are barren so the only way for them to obtain another generation is for them to partake in a trial at the time of the equinox where theie champions travel to a sacred island, and, if successful, return with a new horde of children. However, they’ve not been particularly successful of late, and worse, the population is so aged that they’re unable to take part any more. They must now rely on the best from other worlds, and of the four chosen on this occasion one is Earth, so it’s Valerian who must take the trial. Not that Laureline is particularly impressed with it all.
The other champions are hulking great brutes of heroic stature and prowess, each with their own talent and ideology. Valerian is somewhat dwarfed by their size and their magnificence, and by the end of the opening ceremony looks very much the puny human. Once on the island none of the heroes is faring well, although bombast and brute force push them through with Valerian finding his own way to beat the challenges. It’s not until the deciding task, though, that their true worth is tested.
There are two good reasons for buying this book. One is to enjoy Mézières artwork, from his grand temples and majestic buildings to his playful and experimental page layouts to chart the adversaries progress. The other is to appreciate Christin’s retort to the mindless, muscled heroes who only ever get a job done by fist, sword or gun. He’s clearly having fun with it, and the results are everything they should be.
Because of the very nature of the tale Laureline is very much sidelined in this one until the final act, but within the context of the story that’s fine. Possibly my favourite in the series so far.
The other champions are hulking great brutes of heroic stature and prowess, each with their own talent and ideology. Valerian is somewhat dwarfed by their size and their magnificence, and by the end of the opening ceremony looks very much the puny human. Once on the island none of the heroes is faring well, although bombast and brute force push them through with Valerian finding his own way to beat the challenges. It’s not until the deciding task, though, that their true worth is tested.
There are two good reasons for buying this book. One is to enjoy Mézières artwork, from his grand temples and majestic buildings to his playful and experimental page layouts to chart the adversaries progress. The other is to appreciate Christin’s retort to the mindless, muscled heroes who only ever get a job done by fist, sword or gun. He’s clearly having fun with it, and the results are everything they should be.
Because of the very nature of the tale Laureline is very much sidelined in this one until the final act, but within the context of the story that’s fine. Possibly my favourite in the series so far.
August 21, 2019
Typical of the series, good art and a somewhat wacky story (more a fantasy than science fiction). With the emphasis on the satire of heroes and regimes, Valerian and Laureline are more to the sidelines (especially Laureline). Anyway, a fun reading.
October 31, 2014
I love this series! It brings back so many childhood memories. FYI: this isn't a comic series targeted to children. This can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
February 27, 2015
This is another entertaining installment which highlights the growing confidence of the creators. Valerian's rival "heroes" are all excellent satires and there's even a prod at Moebius's Arzach!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews