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Alas
When a young girl is captured in the forest and brought to the city, only to escape shortly afterwards, all manner of individuals and organizations try to get their hands on her, no matter the cost. In a chilling and clever tour de force, the authors use the backdrop of the 1910 Great Flood of Paris to depict a world where animals rule and humans are viewed as curiosities, scientific guinea pigs, hunting trophies, and the occasional snack. A political satire that forces us to question our treatment of different species, the nature of intelligence, and more.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 6, 2018
An English translation, Alas is comic genius.
In an alternative history, the animal kingdom have learned with notable excetions to become civilised, don clothes and walk as bi-peds.
In part, this is possible because humankind have been hunted almost to extinction; more likely now to be seen in zoos or a taxidermists window few animals have any memory of what these sedious creatures who wanted to have dominion over the planet were truely like.
Set in early 20th Century Paris, it is the story of how Parisian society is thrown into chaos by the Siene flooding and how 2 small human children, recently captured by hunters and sold into capitivity could undermine the scientific community.
The drawing of a beautiful city is the glorious backdrop to this story. Cleverly interwoven are the various animals who work together in an egalitarian society. However, different political aims are brought into focus when the scientific research into a small human child reveals language. Asthe girl speaks? Or did she just echo a word spoken, like a bird.
Do humans have inteligence?; research has been limited and previously compromised. A young pig is unable to challenge her eminent Father's scientific findings but then a secret government agency impounds the girl. Meanwhile, more basic animalistic tendencies have been arosed by the presence of the human beings - a number of players are active to satisfy their own ends.
With the flood waters rising, no-one appears safe, but the young scientist is determined to rescue the human child.
I loved the drawings, the brief comments of humour in this crazy alternative reality. It through ups aspects of upbringing, genetics, predetermination of behaviour and definition of species. Almost 'can a leopard change its spots?' - Although the only big cat I think is a majestic tiger. Diet and food choices, not everyone can be a vegitarian, can they?
A story which will give many hours of pleasure, with new things seen and read on repeat viewings and plenty to think about. Especially humanity's footprint on our world.
In an alternative history, the animal kingdom have learned with notable excetions to become civilised, don clothes and walk as bi-peds.
In part, this is possible because humankind have been hunted almost to extinction; more likely now to be seen in zoos or a taxidermists window few animals have any memory of what these sedious creatures who wanted to have dominion over the planet were truely like.
Set in early 20th Century Paris, it is the story of how Parisian society is thrown into chaos by the Siene flooding and how 2 small human children, recently captured by hunters and sold into capitivity could undermine the scientific community.
The drawing of a beautiful city is the glorious backdrop to this story. Cleverly interwoven are the various animals who work together in an egalitarian society. However, different political aims are brought into focus when the scientific research into a small human child reveals language. Asthe girl speaks? Or did she just echo a word spoken, like a bird.
Do humans have inteligence?; research has been limited and previously compromised. A young pig is unable to challenge her eminent Father's scientific findings but then a secret government agency impounds the girl. Meanwhile, more basic animalistic tendencies have been arosed by the presence of the human beings - a number of players are active to satisfy their own ends.
With the flood waters rising, no-one appears safe, but the young scientist is determined to rescue the human child.
I loved the drawings, the brief comments of humour in this crazy alternative reality. It through ups aspects of upbringing, genetics, predetermination of behaviour and definition of species. Almost 'can a leopard change its spots?' - Although the only big cat I think is a majestic tiger. Diet and food choices, not everyone can be a vegitarian, can they?
A story which will give many hours of pleasure, with new things seen and read on repeat viewings and plenty to think about. Especially humanity's footprint on our world.
November 13, 2018
Another story with animals instead of humans as characters. This can be a good thing but if it doesn’t bring anything to the story, if that is just a switch for a switch, it may not always be such a good thing. Anyway, here it has a purpose and it present animals that use human as animal, like we do with them mostly and that was a really cool concept, maybe not the most original, but a good idea. The problem is that, beyond a cool concept, the story was not interesting for me and the illustrations were good, but a bit too classical in their style for my liking. So a intriguing premise, but an execution that fell short. Too bad!
March 23, 2025
235×310 'Aire Libre' ¦ (no d.l.) D/2010/0089/28 ¦ prix DU08 = eo
Narrative: *****
A top ²%* masterpiece!
This is one of those that I've needed to wait a few years for it to fall to my means, which usually means that high expectation can take a bit of shine off of the read, but for this endeavor, however, proceeded just as excellently as I had come to believe! Despite the absurdities intrinsic in the whole pseudo-evolutionary switcheroo, I never thought of what they would specifically be since the plot smoothly carried me without needing to suspend disbelief through every leaf. I especially loved the unique and even difficult names in this
I have decided that this as a masterpiece, which I have deemed my top ²%,
Visual: *****
This was my introduction to Spiessert but his style took zero acclimation time- he somehow ideally captured the story with the texture of his art and it's appropriate atmospheric settings and staging. I tremendously enjoyed the Parisian/Venetian cocktail√+
:—〉¡Ha!〈—:
->artist's page 17 shoving the square into the circle...
->certain humans deserve artist's 42 panel 3...
->how the world became thus across artist's 56—>57...
->I was shocked that the slang term "long pig" wasn't used in such an appropriate story as to give it humor, so I assume that the French language didn't get it from whatever cannibal interaction brought it to English. I was saying the quote to myself, in a dialect I've created just for it since learning the term (from bd), "he got hisself a taste of that loooong pig"!
*The math of the top ²% will probably need adjusted as books I've long awaited continue to fall to me, especially with my ever increasing headiness about what they might be- but changing to ³ is misleading since they're really ¹% caliber of ALL bd.
Narrative: *****
A top ²%* masterpiece!
This is one of those that I've needed to wait a few years for it to fall to my means, which usually means that high expectation can take a bit of shine off of the read, but for this endeavor, however, proceeded just as excellently as I had come to believe! Despite the absurdities intrinsic in the whole pseudo-evolutionary switcheroo, I never thought of what they would specifically be since the plot smoothly carried me without needing to suspend disbelief through every leaf. I especially loved the unique and even difficult names in this
I have decided that this as a masterpiece, which I have deemed my top ²%,
Visual: *****
This was my introduction to Spiessert but his style took zero acclimation time- he somehow ideally captured the story with the texture of his art and it's appropriate atmospheric settings and staging. I tremendously enjoyed the Parisian/Venetian cocktail√+
:—〉¡Ha!〈—:
->artist's page 17 shoving the square into the circle...
->certain humans deserve artist's 42 panel 3...
->how the world became thus across artist's 56—>57...
->I was shocked that the slang term "long pig" wasn't used in such an appropriate story as to give it humor, so I assume that the French language didn't get it from whatever cannibal interaction brought it to English. I was saying the quote to myself, in a dialect I've created just for it since learning the term (from bd), "he got hisself a taste of that loooong pig"!
*The math of the top ²% will probably need adjusted as books I've long awaited continue to fall to me, especially with my ever increasing headiness about what they might be- but changing to ³ is misleading since they're really ¹% caliber of ALL bd.
November 9, 2018
I read the English edition of this graphic novel which is called 'Alas'.
It is set in a world where animals rule and humans are hunted and trafficked on the black market. In this world humans live as curiosities and they are to be hunted down and eaten, or traded for high prices, or even preserved as museum pieces.
A young human girl and boy see their parents killed by hunters and they are then captured and sold. The children are separated and the girl eventually ends up in the care of a scientist. The scientific community is amazed and scandalised when it seems that one of the children can speak but then the child is kidnapped and sold off like illegal contraband. The scientist who was researching humans manages to find the human girl and together they start to hunt for the little girl's brother. Alas, when they find him they have to overcome floods and animal foes in order to survive.
This is an interesting story. I thought the graphics were great but I didn't really like the colouring which was a bit unimaginative. Having said that the world building was excellent and the story was fascinating. I thought the reverse world with animals in power and humans as subservient was really interesting and kept me hooked until the end.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
It is set in a world where animals rule and humans are hunted and trafficked on the black market. In this world humans live as curiosities and they are to be hunted down and eaten, or traded for high prices, or even preserved as museum pieces.
A young human girl and boy see their parents killed by hunters and they are then captured and sold. The children are separated and the girl eventually ends up in the care of a scientist. The scientific community is amazed and scandalised when it seems that one of the children can speak but then the child is kidnapped and sold off like illegal contraband. The scientist who was researching humans manages to find the human girl and together they start to hunt for the little girl's brother. Alas, when they find him they have to overcome floods and animal foes in order to survive.
This is an interesting story. I thought the graphics were great but I didn't really like the colouring which was a bit unimaginative. Having said that the world building was excellent and the story was fascinating. I thought the reverse world with animals in power and humans as subservient was really interesting and kept me hooked until the end.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 5, 2018
I usually like stories with animals instead of humans as characters. But this? It was just a switch for a switch; good concept maybe, but not at all interesting story. I understand it was meant like something to think about, especially about impact of humanity on this world, but meh.
January 9, 2019
This was a really excellent graphic novel - a world where animals are members of civilized society and man is thought to be either extinct - or, if not extinct, at least incapable of becoming civilized. This commonly held belief makes it rather alarming when a human child appears just before a disastrous flood. A kind-hearted pig takes pity on the human child and sets about to discover where she came from, and whether she might be reunited with her brother -- only to discover that there exists a dark and seedy underbelly of human trafficking closer to her than she ever thought possible.
November 23, 2018
Prachtige graphic novel waarin de dieren de machthebbers over de mens zijn. Mensen zijn er slechts om op te jagen, op te zetten, te bezitten en te bestuderen als exotische wezens. Dat alles maakt dit verhaal zeer beklemmend en toont ook de waanzin van het jagen en opzetten van dieren.
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February 17, 2024tur
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March 2, 2025
I liked the social commentary aspect, but I wish that it would have gone somewhere, or done something with the concept, as the ending felt lackluster.
similar to blacksad, this is a society of animals living their lives like humans, but humans exist in this world as an almost extinct species. they are regarded and treated (when found) like we as humans treat animals in zoos. and it does a great job of illustrating the dangers of one species thinking it's the superior species and what it would do to other creatures with that belief.
I liked the setting, as we follow a human child and different member o the animals society, between those who treat humans with no regard to them and even eating them, while others feel sorry for them and believe that they are more intellegent than what is being said about them. the role-reversal was very clever at times, but then again, I was disappointed that the ending really did nothing with the concept.
similar to blacksad, this is a society of animals living their lives like humans, but humans exist in this world as an almost extinct species. they are regarded and treated (when found) like we as humans treat animals in zoos. and it does a great job of illustrating the dangers of one species thinking it's the superior species and what it would do to other creatures with that belief.
I liked the setting, as we follow a human child and different member o the animals society, between those who treat humans with no regard to them and even eating them, while others feel sorry for them and believe that they are more intellegent than what is being said about them. the role-reversal was very clever at times, but then again, I was disappointed that the ending really did nothing with the concept.
February 12, 2013
Imagine un monde régnait par des animaux ou les humaines sont une espèce en danger. Nous sommes mieux que les bêtes? Sont-ils mieux que nous??
January 14, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty interesting look at the way humans treat animals through switching things so that animals are the ones all dressed up and "civilised" while humans are naked and hunted and killed to provide food, entertainment or decoration for the animals. It was pretty horrifying but I think that's how it was meant to be, because the way animals are treated IS horrifying. All of the horrible things that happen to the humans in this comic happen to animals regularly but we're so used to it that it's barely news anymore. I don't know if the way the humans and animals were switched worked in every way but it worked well enough to show how disgusting the way animals are treated is. Obviously everyone has a different idea about what an animals life is "worth" compared to a human life, for some people I'm sure they could read this and be disgusted by the way the humans in the comic are treated, but decide in their mind that humans and animals are different enough that you can't compare the two in this way.
There was also a somewhat interesting story line which can be viewed separately from the themes above, but it wasn't totally compelling. Most of the characters weren't very interesting, and it was a bit much for me to see the humans being treated the way they were in this comic, it would be a bit too much if it was animals too, but I've gotten used to seeing animals being treated like this at least. Seeing it reversed is a bit much.
This comic probably isn't something I'd recommend unless what I've written above sounds like something you'd like to read. I think if I recommended this to most people they wouldn't thank me for that, but the ideas in it are ones that I think we should all think about and we all need to make a personal decision about how we want to treat animals.
This was a pretty interesting look at the way humans treat animals through switching things so that animals are the ones all dressed up and "civilised" while humans are naked and hunted and killed to provide food, entertainment or decoration for the animals. It was pretty horrifying but I think that's how it was meant to be, because the way animals are treated IS horrifying. All of the horrible things that happen to the humans in this comic happen to animals regularly but we're so used to it that it's barely news anymore. I don't know if the way the humans and animals were switched worked in every way but it worked well enough to show how disgusting the way animals are treated is. Obviously everyone has a different idea about what an animals life is "worth" compared to a human life, for some people I'm sure they could read this and be disgusted by the way the humans in the comic are treated, but decide in their mind that humans and animals are different enough that you can't compare the two in this way.
There was also a somewhat interesting story line which can be viewed separately from the themes above, but it wasn't totally compelling. Most of the characters weren't very interesting, and it was a bit much for me to see the humans being treated the way they were in this comic, it would be a bit too much if it was animals too, but I've gotten used to seeing animals being treated like this at least. Seeing it reversed is a bit much.
This comic probably isn't something I'd recommend unless what I've written above sounds like something you'd like to read. I think if I recommended this to most people they wouldn't thank me for that, but the ideas in it are ones that I think we should all think about and we all need to make a personal decision about how we want to treat animals.
November 25, 2018
I read the English translation entitled “Alas”. It is a story of a parallel universe where animals are the dominant species set in 1910 Great Flood of Paris—I was hooked right from the start!
The unique art and color scheme (the use of colors to differentiate spaces) is exceptional and also helped me to understand what was happening. The setting of flooded Paris is something new to me. I didn’t know at all that this happened before. This is why I love historical fiction, it brings information as well as stories.
The role switching is done expertly and there is real discomfort of seeing humans treated as animals. It reminds us that no type of species will ever deserve cruelty and abuse of entities in positions of power. All creatures are worthy of kindness.
I love the political stance of the novel against all forms of oppression. It questions to what extent can we justify violence or force in the name of science and pursuit of knowledge. It also reminds us how history may just be a combination of fact and fabrication made by people (or animals in this scenario).
Definitely a lot of really morbid, disturbing scenes but also the right amount of humor inserted where appropriate. After reading, it leaves you with a lot of things to think about humanity and history.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
The unique art and color scheme (the use of colors to differentiate spaces) is exceptional and also helped me to understand what was happening. The setting of flooded Paris is something new to me. I didn’t know at all that this happened before. This is why I love historical fiction, it brings information as well as stories.
The role switching is done expertly and there is real discomfort of seeing humans treated as animals. It reminds us that no type of species will ever deserve cruelty and abuse of entities in positions of power. All creatures are worthy of kindness.
I love the political stance of the novel against all forms of oppression. It questions to what extent can we justify violence or force in the name of science and pursuit of knowledge. It also reminds us how history may just be a combination of fact and fabrication made by people (or animals in this scenario).
Definitely a lot of really morbid, disturbing scenes but also the right amount of humor inserted where appropriate. After reading, it leaves you with a lot of things to think about humanity and history.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2020
Beautifully drawn, fantastical story of early 20th century Paris where animals have evolved to become fast talking city dwellers, while primitive humans are almost extinct and are being hunted. The story is based on this interesting premise and the execution is well done, with some complex relationships and a mystery in the heart of it all. Who's trafficking the humans and why? The answer is shocking within the realm of the story. Perhaps what's missing is any sort of character development. The story does not affect or change characters in any way. Those who think of humans as just an animal to hunt, eat, keep in a zoo still do, and those that want to study humans to perhaps elevate their status in the animal kingdom still do, as well. There's no a-ha! moment, no character has an arc with significant internal conflict. The only internal conflict seems to be the main character's dilemma to choose between an old, lost lover who's never coming back and a journalist, who's in love with her.
Overall, Alas was a fun read with some interesting twists and turns. Recommended for those who like polite mice, epic floods, and taxidermy.
Overall, Alas was a fun read with some interesting twists and turns. Recommended for those who like polite mice, epic floods, and taxidermy.
October 17, 2021
'Alas' by Herve Bourhis with art by Rudy Spiessert is a graphic novel about sentient animals and the discovery of a young human, who are thought to be almost extinct.
When a young girl is captured in the forest, it sparks all manner of interest because humans are viewed as curiosities by their animal captors. The interest varies from scientific to hunger to being owned as a pet. When the girl escapes and a flood happens, all manner of chaos ensues.
I liked the story and the characters. It is really a strange one, but perhaps not as original as it could have been. I did really like the art by Rudy Spiessert.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Harper Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
When a young girl is captured in the forest, it sparks all manner of interest because humans are viewed as curiosities by their animal captors. The interest varies from scientific to hunger to being owned as a pet. When the girl escapes and a flood happens, all manner of chaos ensues.
I liked the story and the characters. It is really a strange one, but perhaps not as original as it could have been. I did really like the art by Rudy Spiessert.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Harper Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
January 7, 2019
Ooh! Twist ending I did not see coming!
Alas is set in a fantastical past where animals rule the earth and humans are an endangered species. Of course there is a thriving black market in humans as pets and slaves, but Leopoldine (a pig scientist) and her dad just want to study them and learn whether or not humans are capable of intelligent thought.
When a little girl named Leaf comes into their lives, they must protect her from all the people hunting her down and try to reunite her with her brother. But in a world where all those in charge are corrupt and working on their own agenda, this becomes a matter of life and death for Leopoldine, Leaf and their reporter friend Fulgence.
Alas is set in a fantastical past where animals rule the earth and humans are an endangered species. Of course there is a thriving black market in humans as pets and slaves, but Leopoldine (a pig scientist) and her dad just want to study them and learn whether or not humans are capable of intelligent thought.
When a little girl named Leaf comes into their lives, they must protect her from all the people hunting her down and try to reunite her with her brother. But in a world where all those in charge are corrupt and working on their own agenda, this becomes a matter of life and death for Leopoldine, Leaf and their reporter friend Fulgence.
November 12, 2018
Read in English – which at least makes half a pun out of the title. Alas = a lass, geddit?
Disappointingly, this book offers little beyond a flooded Paris. Animals as humans and vice versa? Done that. Rewritten history for metaphor sake? Seen it. Wild child acting as saviour? Got the T-shirt. It's not unpleasant, but it's so old-hat it's bordering on the unfortunate – therefore it's at least appropriately named. One and a half stars.
Disappointingly, this book offers little beyond a flooded Paris. Animals as humans and vice versa? Done that. Rewritten history for metaphor sake? Seen it. Wild child acting as saviour? Got the T-shirt. It's not unpleasant, but it's so old-hat it's bordering on the unfortunate – therefore it's at least appropriately named. One and a half stars.
December 1, 2018
Alas is an interesting graphic novel set in a parallel universe where animals and humans have their roles reversed. I was hooked right away. As a graphic novel newbie, I found the story easy to follow. The art and colours are beautiful. I enjoyed the minor characters stories immensely. I also enjoyed the historical setting!
Thank you to #Netgalley and #EuropeComics for the eARC of #Alas.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #EuropeComics for the eARC of #Alas.
November 14, 2018
I enjoyed this book, the story isquirky and the drawings are really impressive, but the all humans vs. animals secret society felt a bit confused.
There were some plot details that were trully amazing, like the moments were they refer to animal instinct. No spoilers, so I say no more.
There were some plot details that were trully amazing, like the moments were they refer to animal instinct. No spoilers, so I say no more.
October 13, 2020
Reverse universe
March 17, 2015
Dans un Paris alternatif, à l'époque de la grande crue de la Seine de 1910, les humains sont devenus des créatures sauvages en voie d'extinction, tandis que les animaux se sont civilisés et vivent comme des hommes. Cependant, leurs instincts sont parfois durs à combattre et les prédateurs ont parfois beaucoup de mal à rester civils avec ceux qui étaient autrefois leurs proies… Une petite fille humaine est capturée par des braconniers qui font du commerce d'humains pour un mystérieux collecitonneur. Une jeune truie compatissante va l'aider à s'enfuir et à retrouver son petit-frère.
Une BD étonnante, profondément originale, bien dessinée et globalement chouette comme tout. Ce qui est dommage, c'est que ce soit si court : l'univers donnerait envie d'une série, de plus longs développements, d'un approfondissement des enjeux évoqués. Le format me laisse un peu sur ma faim, même si elle vaut vraiment le détour.
Une BD étonnante, profondément originale, bien dessinée et globalement chouette comme tout. Ce qui est dommage, c'est que ce soit si court : l'univers donnerait envie d'une série, de plus longs développements, d'un approfondissement des enjeux évoqués. Le format me laisse un peu sur ma faim, même si elle vaut vraiment le détour.
November 18, 2018
In a world were animals are the dominant species, humans are hunt down and sold as a rare species. When a young girl is brought to Paris, she immediately becomes the object of everyone's curiosity; and maybe she is much more valuable than anyone had expected.
Alas is a genius story of a reverse world. Painfully honest, eye-opening and attention-grasping, Alas captures the reader's interest from page one. A wonderful artwork, both in terms of storytelling and visuals, this is a graphic novel that will appeal to many readers.
Alas is a genius story of a reverse world. Painfully honest, eye-opening and attention-grasping, Alas captures the reader's interest from page one. A wonderful artwork, both in terms of storytelling and visuals, this is a graphic novel that will appeal to many readers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews