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The Metabaron #1-2
The Techno-Admiral & The Anti-Baron
The Metabaron character was created by legendary artist Moebius and writer Alejandro Jodorowsky in The Incal, and was later spun-off into his own international bestselling series, The Metabarons, with art by Juan Gimenez. The new series The Metabaron is a collaboration between Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jerry Frissen, exhibiting the work of talented artists including Valentin Secher and Niko Henrichon. Writer/director/ producer David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) called The Metabarons: “The greatest work of graphic fiction ever produced,” and it has sold millions of copies globally.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2016
3 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Alejandro Jodorowsky
697 books1,947 followersAlso credited as Alexandro Jodorowsky
Better known for his surreal films El Topo and The Holy Mountain filmed in the early 1970s, Alejandro Jodorowsky is also an accomplished writer of graphic novels and a psychotherapist. He developed Psychomagic, a combination of psychotherapy and shamanic magic. His fans have included John Lennon and Marilyn Manson.
Better known for his surreal films El Topo and The Holy Mountain filmed in the early 1970s, Alejandro Jodorowsky is also an accomplished writer of graphic novels and a psychotherapist. He developed Psychomagic, a combination of psychotherapy and shamanic magic. His fans have included John Lennon and Marilyn Manson.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 24, 2019
Having read the Incal, you can feel this is written by a different writer, that said the art is incredible besides being a bit dark at times but what makes this book really good is jodorowsky's overall story. (as he still was on board for the story idea, which shows)
Warning it is very brutal not shying away from hurting animals and women. What surprised me the most was its way of telling the story, opposed to following the protagonist we have 80% of the book focused on the antagonist. But if you get to the ending it really pays off in my opinion, as the conclusion was the best part and left me wanting more.
4.5 of 5 stars
Warning it is very brutal not shying away from hurting animals and women. What surprised me the most was its way of telling the story, opposed to following the protagonist we have 80% of the book focused on the antagonist. But if you get to the ending it really pays off in my opinion, as the conclusion was the best part and left me wanting more.
4.5 of 5 stars
June 3, 2017
I actually finished this a couple of days ago but forgot to update my status lol.
Anyway, I've never read anything in the Incal/Technopriest/Metabaron universe before, so I probably missed a lot of stuff, but I enjoyed this a lot regardless! My favorite character was the Metabaron's robot side kick (I can't remember his name at this point), I hope he's the person telling the story in the next book.
I don't really have a lot to say otherwise about this book. It was fun, and a cool introduction to the universe.
Anyway, I've never read anything in the Incal/Technopriest/Metabaron universe before, so I probably missed a lot of stuff, but I enjoyed this a lot regardless! My favorite character was the Metabaron's robot side kick (I can't remember his name at this point), I hope he's the person telling the story in the next book.
I don't really have a lot to say otherwise about this book. It was fun, and a cool introduction to the universe.
March 25, 2023
I will admit that I am in love with the artwork of this series (and in fact of the Jodoverse as the books refer to it). There is a little boy inside me which is absolutely fanboying out at the technology and spaceships and battles, very juvenile I know but how enjoy it while you can.
That said this is WAY more than any or all of that - the story is creative and enthralling and action is pretty much constant. This is a standalone (or least I felt it was) to the rest of the various series and appearances of the Metabaron however I would highly recommend them.
And of course the art and colouring is amazing. This is the over-sized edition and the I have to say that the extra page size sure do make all the difference to the full page pieces.
As you can imagine this is a new story so the action is pretty linear unlike the original Metabarons.
That said this is WAY more than any or all of that - the story is creative and enthralling and action is pretty much constant. This is a standalone (or least I felt it was) to the rest of the various series and appearances of the Metabaron however I would highly recommend them.
And of course the art and colouring is amazing. This is the over-sized edition and the I have to say that the extra page size sure do make all the difference to the full page pieces.
As you can imagine this is a new story so the action is pretty linear unlike the original Metabarons.
February 15, 2018
It actually had a more decent story than the previews Metabaron story who basically a one giant montage of their entire existence pack in a single tome.
The art is absolutely stunning-not as mind blowing at the first one but this is more clear and had singular focus in the panel.
The art is absolutely stunning-not as mind blowing at the first one but this is more clear and had singular focus in the panel.
October 15, 2016
The visionary and master Jodorowsky returns with another imaginative space opera epic that only some mushroom god might have dreamed up. The writing is entrusted to Jerry Frissen and he captures the original prose and dialogue expected of the series. Valentin Secher's art is engrossing, and while its digital techniques might startle longtime fans, it's nevertheless uniquely Metabaron art that captures the series' universe and its characters.
The Techno-Admiral & the Anti-Baron album narratively takes place after the last Metabaron, No Name, where the Techno-Techno Empire was brought to its knees. The plot centers around the last Metabaron and the conflict on the Metabaron's birth planet, Marmola, home to the Epyphite, the anti gravity substance. A conflict between the last Metabaron and the newly appointed government head of Marmola, the Techno-Admiral, Wilhelm-100 and his new weapon... the Anti-Baron.
The Techno-Admiral & the Anti-Baron album narratively takes place after the last Metabaron, No Name, where the Techno-Techno Empire was brought to its knees. The plot centers around the last Metabaron and the conflict on the Metabaron's birth planet, Marmola, home to the Epyphite, the anti gravity substance. A conflict between the last Metabaron and the newly appointed government head of Marmola, the Techno-Admiral, Wilhelm-100 and his new weapon... the Anti-Baron.
March 3, 2017
3.5/5
Beautifully illustrated, well paced, and containing some interesting ideas, however this book points more towards greater things in the series to come rather than reaching the heights of The Metabarons or The Incal.
Much tamer than Jodo at his best, yet better looking and less dull than the Final Incal, at the very least this book has guaranteed I will be reading volume 2.
Beautifully illustrated, well paced, and containing some interesting ideas, however this book points more towards greater things in the series to come rather than reaching the heights of The Metabarons or The Incal.
Much tamer than Jodo at his best, yet better looking and less dull than the Final Incal, at the very least this book has guaranteed I will be reading volume 2.
April 27, 2023
I don’t recommend starting this if you haven’t read Metabarons. Jodorowsky is already a peculiar enough taste to acquire—best to give yourself a leg up so you’re not trying to decipher what came before while following this story’s rapidly shifting narrative.
Accessibility issues aside, I did enjoy this tale more than some of Jodorowsky’s other comic book work. Of course, being nostalgic for Metabarons and a major fan of the author, I’m biased, but I can still speak to some of my persistent struggles with his work.
But before going there, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge what an improvement co-author Frissen offers to Jodorowsky’s style by slowing down and parsing out the narrative and the dialogue, giving it a more deliberate and cinematic pace. For me, it was a more palatable reading experience than trying to catch up with Jodo’s trademark whirlwind, mile-a-minute imagination, impressive though it may be.
Adding to the delight of this story is the incredible artistic talent of Valentin Secher. Honestly, to my taste, not since Moebius or Milo Minara has an artist paired so well with this author. Such a breath of fresh air! The masterfully rendered machinery and anatomy, the memorable and consistent looks of the characters, and the thoughtfully composed and beautifully colored panels all add weight to the story, allowing it to bask in its status as a true heir to the throne of the masterwork that came before it. It’s a misstep, in my opinion, not to have Secher illustrate the entire series.
These are the book’s strengths. Unfortunately, the story still suffers from Jodorowsky’s other, darker trademark, one that will not stand the test of time: Sexism. Women have no place in this universe except as whores, mothers, wives, lovers, and computers. It’s a baffling blind spot for such a master poet. As esoterically and mythically meaningful as this story can be—in keeping with the generational and gender identity themes of the Metabarons series—there is too much reliance on shock value, extreme violence, and overall toxic masculinity, and not enough on character development and narrative stakes. Case in point: The showdown with the Anti-baron, the shadow twin of our protagonist, his supposed match in every way. Everything was set to deliver an epic fight for the ages, and, well, let’s just say it’s a little anticlimactic.
This is still a must-read for fans of the author and the series. I recommend it if you fall into that camp.
Accessibility issues aside, I did enjoy this tale more than some of Jodorowsky’s other comic book work. Of course, being nostalgic for Metabarons and a major fan of the author, I’m biased, but I can still speak to some of my persistent struggles with his work.
But before going there, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge what an improvement co-author Frissen offers to Jodorowsky’s style by slowing down and parsing out the narrative and the dialogue, giving it a more deliberate and cinematic pace. For me, it was a more palatable reading experience than trying to catch up with Jodo’s trademark whirlwind, mile-a-minute imagination, impressive though it may be.
Adding to the delight of this story is the incredible artistic talent of Valentin Secher. Honestly, to my taste, not since Moebius or Milo Minara has an artist paired so well with this author. Such a breath of fresh air! The masterfully rendered machinery and anatomy, the memorable and consistent looks of the characters, and the thoughtfully composed and beautifully colored panels all add weight to the story, allowing it to bask in its status as a true heir to the throne of the masterwork that came before it. It’s a misstep, in my opinion, not to have Secher illustrate the entire series.
These are the book’s strengths. Unfortunately, the story still suffers from Jodorowsky’s other, darker trademark, one that will not stand the test of time: Sexism. Women have no place in this universe except as whores, mothers, wives, lovers, and computers. It’s a baffling blind spot for such a master poet. As esoterically and mythically meaningful as this story can be—in keeping with the generational and gender identity themes of the Metabarons series—there is too much reliance on shock value, extreme violence, and overall toxic masculinity, and not enough on character development and narrative stakes. Case in point: The showdown with the Anti-baron, the shadow twin of our protagonist, his supposed match in every way. Everything was set to deliver an epic fight for the ages, and, well, let’s just say it’s a little anticlimactic.
This is still a must-read for fans of the author and the series. I recommend it if you fall into that camp.
December 12, 2017
The Metabaron is a new series published by an indie label. I was intrigued, mostly by the size of the oversized format comic, by this new series and figured I'd give it a try.
The Metabaron takes place in the future where a superhuman being known as the Metabaron (the greatest warrior in the universe) is flying around in an impregnable fortress known as the Metabunker. While this is happening the Techno Techno Union (I know-a moronic name) is looking for Epyphite, an element that powers their starships and their empire. It seems the Metabaron may have an ability to create more of the stuff. Thus the Techno-Techno Union sends General Wilhelm-100 to destroy the Metabaron Wilhelm-100 decides the best way would be to clone an "anti" Metabaron. More than that I will not say.
So what's good? The artwork is well done and really brings this world setting to life. I thought rather highly of it. The story itself is also interesting and not bad. What didn't I like? The really poor choice of names. I mean the Techno-Techno Union? yeah? Or the fascination with prefixing the term paleo (meaning prehistoric or primitive) to nouns such as "paleo scum" or "plaeo whore" might have sounded good at the time of the draft process- but is rather unwieldy and has a goofy connotation. Perhaps it's just me.
Still an interesting story and good artwork make for a decent sci-fi read. Shame the author couldn't come up something better than the banal "Techno Techno-Union" and the rather stupid, but no doubt pithy at the time of creation, practice of prefixing a "paleo" to anything you didn't like. I am interested enough to check out the 2nd book to see where all this is going.
The Metabaron takes place in the future where a superhuman being known as the Metabaron (the greatest warrior in the universe) is flying around in an impregnable fortress known as the Metabunker. While this is happening the Techno Techno Union (I know-a moronic name) is looking for Epyphite, an element that powers their starships and their empire. It seems the Metabaron may have an ability to create more of the stuff. Thus the Techno-Techno Union sends General Wilhelm-100 to destroy the Metabaron Wilhelm-100 decides the best way would be to clone an "anti" Metabaron. More than that I will not say.
So what's good? The artwork is well done and really brings this world setting to life. I thought rather highly of it. The story itself is also interesting and not bad. What didn't I like? The really poor choice of names. I mean the Techno-Techno Union? yeah? Or the fascination with prefixing the term paleo (meaning prehistoric or primitive) to nouns such as "paleo scum" or "plaeo whore" might have sounded good at the time of the draft process- but is rather unwieldy and has a goofy connotation. Perhaps it's just me.
Still an interesting story and good artwork make for a decent sci-fi read. Shame the author couldn't come up something better than the banal "Techno Techno-Union" and the rather stupid, but no doubt pithy at the time of creation, practice of prefixing a "paleo" to anything you didn't like. I am interested enough to check out the 2nd book to see where all this is going.
December 7, 2018
This comic is like a dying relationship. The spark is gone, but you hang around for the nostalgia and reminiscing of better times.
The stakes and threats are no longer as high, the locales no longer as exotic. The Promethean Fire that came from the Dune script is no longer here. As such, it feels like much more standard fare, rather than a comic brimming and clipping along with innovation and mad ideas. Its a story about what happens after the "great evil" has been brought to its needs, and what takes it place. Sadly, the replacement is nowhere near as interesting.
This is just like how I feel about Jodorowsky, especially after finding out how much of a creep he is. The format and premise were promising--four arcs each with a different artist. However, we lost Singh and Gimenez is nowhere to be found.
The previous tome was more a "montage" of their epic opera and history. Since this is a more linear progression, perhaps its "less mythologized", regardless it feels much tamer.
They've already announced a spin-off comic "Simak" from this mess. So "the comic that was definitely not made by robots (or corporations)" has been commercialized.
The stakes and threats are no longer as high, the locales no longer as exotic. The Promethean Fire that came from the Dune script is no longer here. As such, it feels like much more standard fare, rather than a comic brimming and clipping along with innovation and mad ideas. Its a story about what happens after the "great evil" has been brought to its needs, and what takes it place. Sadly, the replacement is nowhere near as interesting.
This is just like how I feel about Jodorowsky, especially after finding out how much of a creep he is. The format and premise were promising--four arcs each with a different artist. However, we lost Singh and Gimenez is nowhere to be found.
The previous tome was more a "montage" of their epic opera and history. Since this is a more linear progression, perhaps its "less mythologized", regardless it feels much tamer.
They've already announced a spin-off comic "Simak" from this mess. So "the comic that was definitely not made by robots (or corporations)" has been commercialized.
October 10, 2023
Η saga των Μεταβαρόνων ξεπήδησε μέσα από το σύμπαν του Ινκάλ, προκειμένου ο Jodorowsky να εξερευνήσει μονοπάτια πιο σκοτεινά (και ενδεχομένως πιο εμπορικά). Χωρίς τη σπιρτάδα και το χιούμορ του Ινκάλ, το έπος των Μεταβαρόνων διακρίνεται για τα συνήθη παραπτώματα της ηρωικής φαντασίας: σεξισμός, ρηχότητα των alpha-male χαρακτήρων, άσκοπη, σαδιστική και αιμοσταγής βία. Ο παρών τόμος περιέχει όλα τα παραπάνω σε ισόποσες δόσεις και σηματοδοτεί ένα καινούργιο επεισόδιο σε αυτόν τον ατελείωτο κύκλο που τα τελευταία χρόνια απασχολεί κατ'αποκλειστικότητα τον Jodorowsky. Εάν κάτι το σώζει είναι η αριστουργηματική deep space ατμόσφαιρα που αποδίδει με ψηφιακή βοήθεια ο ταλαντούχος και νεότατος Valentin Secher.
June 9, 2017
Vengo completamente a mitad de historia, no conozco nada del universo de los Metabarones pero ahí que me he metido. La verdad es que no me he sentido fuera de la historia en ningún momento, así que bien.
Me sigue pareciendo curioso el ritmo de la narración del cómic europeo. Menos páginas pero la narración está más condensada. Quizás si te paras a pensar el hilo de la trama es demasiado directo y en ocasiones parece simplista, sin embarbo mientras lees consigue atrapar y realmente devoré el álbum sin querer. Ayuda que el arte esté genial. Con ganas de más. A ver si lo pillo en la biblio.
Me sigue pareciendo curioso el ritmo de la narración del cómic europeo. Menos páginas pero la narración está más condensada. Quizás si te paras a pensar el hilo de la trama es demasiado directo y en ocasiones parece simplista, sin embarbo mientras lees consigue atrapar y realmente devoré el álbum sin querer. Ayuda que el arte esté genial. Con ganas de más. A ver si lo pillo en la biblio.
January 8, 2021
I'm a bit conflicted over this one. The story was good, leaving me wanting more while still getting to something like a conclusion. The artwork was excellent - another one to pour over rather than charge through.
The writing though. It felt clunky to me. Perhaps that is just an artefact of translation. Despite my best intentions, translations usually end up irritating me. But if I read one more random noun prefixed with meta- or techno- I might scream.
The writing though. It felt clunky to me. Perhaps that is just an artefact of translation. Despite my best intentions, translations usually end up irritating me. But if I read one more random noun prefixed with meta- or techno- I might scream.
May 5, 2017
The Metabaron first introduced in the Incal and then matured through the saga of the same name is now put against the techno admiral of the techno guild. The story is very similar to dune but the illustrations are epic and very well done. Satisfying addition to the series that is setting up the next step of the Metabaron's story.
May 26, 2019
There's really no character development - especially none that matters to the story. The jargon gets in the way of the story as the writer stumbles over himself. It's dealings with gender are pretty wild. The art isn't for me. I just didn't get anything out of this at all.
May 24, 2017
This book is lush. Beautiful art that brings alive insane, bizarre creations from the mind of a mad storyteller.
October 15, 2017
3 stars for the first half, 5 for the last half. wild and weird.
September 12, 2018
These short explorations of the metabaron's tale are as high quality as you'd expect from Humanoids and the talented people behind this edition.
Woody Hayday
Woody Hayday
October 24, 2018
This comic book was the shit. It looked amazing from beginning to end and the story was messed up at times but overall enjoyable. Glad I took the risk.
March 17, 2019
Super!!!!!
July 15, 2019
Occasionally incomprehensible but beautifully illustrated.
May 21, 2020
Too dense, too full of mindless jargon, too fucking silly
May 19, 2021
Unreadably violent and disgusting.
May 5, 2023
Amazing art, mediocre but quite captivating story, but too sadistic and way too info-dumpy.
August 9, 2022
"The metabarons" or "The saga of the Meta-Barons" is a graphic novel that tells the story of the dynasty of warriors known as Metabarons. The comic series was written by Alejandro Jodorowsky and illustrated by Argentine Juan Giménez and was published between 1981 and 2003. Metabarons first appeared in the Incal comic, also by Jodorowsky.
The series takes place over several generations and chronicles the lives of each of the five Metabarons. The stories depict a space opera reminiscent of a Greek tragedy and heavily influenced by Frank Herbert's Dune novels. Jodorowsky was in the early stages of making a Dune movie in 1973 and the whole process of how Jodorowsky's Dune was almost filmed can be seen in an amazing documentary called "Jodorowsky's Dune" from 2013.
In history every Metabaron follows a strict code of conduct and the preparation to become a warrior is cruel. T They are mutilated at a young age so that their resistance to pain is tested. The destroyed parts of the young man’s body are replaced with mechanical parts. They have high technology, weapons and cruelty. In each generation, the son and heir must face their father in a battle to the death. These battles took many forms, from hand-to-hand combat to space duels, and succession is only achieved when the son succeeds in killing his father.
The metabarons saga was divided into two cycles: Cycle 1 "The Saga of the Meta-Barons" which has 9 volumes and cycle 2 "The Metabaron" with 6 volumes. Outside the cycles there are two more stories that are part of the same universe: Weapons of the Metabaron and Castaka. American black metal band Bihargam released their debut album in 2019 titled “Castaka” which is a musical adaptation of The Metabarons.
My first contact with the saga was through reading volume 1 of the second cycle, "Wilhelm, The Techno-Admiral" and I was delighted with the quality of the material, plot and art are magnificent. Just by this contact I already purchased the complete volume of the First cycle!! I didn't find a Portuguese version, so here's a tip for publishers.
@thereader2408
The series takes place over several generations and chronicles the lives of each of the five Metabarons. The stories depict a space opera reminiscent of a Greek tragedy and heavily influenced by Frank Herbert's Dune novels. Jodorowsky was in the early stages of making a Dune movie in 1973 and the whole process of how Jodorowsky's Dune was almost filmed can be seen in an amazing documentary called "Jodorowsky's Dune" from 2013.
In history every Metabaron follows a strict code of conduct and the preparation to become a warrior is cruel. T They are mutilated at a young age so that their resistance to pain is tested. The destroyed parts of the young man’s body are replaced with mechanical parts. They have high technology, weapons and cruelty. In each generation, the son and heir must face their father in a battle to the death. These battles took many forms, from hand-to-hand combat to space duels, and succession is only achieved when the son succeeds in killing his father.
The metabarons saga was divided into two cycles: Cycle 1 "The Saga of the Meta-Barons" which has 9 volumes and cycle 2 "The Metabaron" with 6 volumes. Outside the cycles there are two more stories that are part of the same universe: Weapons of the Metabaron and Castaka. American black metal band Bihargam released their debut album in 2019 titled “Castaka” which is a musical adaptation of The Metabarons.
My first contact with the saga was through reading volume 1 of the second cycle, "Wilhelm, The Techno-Admiral" and I was delighted with the quality of the material, plot and art are magnificent. Just by this contact I already purchased the complete volume of the First cycle!! I didn't find a Portuguese version, so here's a tip for publishers.
@thereader2408
February 22, 2017
Beautiful art, interesting story. Only if author doesn't try to shock you with some or other perversion coming out of mind and action of the story antagonists. Original Metabaron books had similar tendency for rather sick (no better word unfortunately) story twists but it took like 6 books to get to the point where everything looked ..... weird. And all of that did serve as story support element (surprisingly enough). After the original story arc it seem that only goal is how to shock the reader. In my opinion unnecessary and diverts attention from main story.
August 6, 2016
It is starting to be more of the same.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews