What do you think?
Rate this book
The Technopriests #1-8
The Technopriests
The wise and elderly Albino looks back on his origins and his galaxy-spanning adventures on his path to becoming the Supreme Technopriest.
After the apace opera "The Metabarons", and the sci-fi tarot saga "The Incal" comes a biblical odyssey of cosmic proportions from the iconic triumvirate Alejandro Jodorowsky, Zoran Janjetov ("Before The Incal") and Fred Beltran ("Megalex").
After the apace opera "The Metabarons", and the sci-fi tarot saga "The Incal" comes a biblical odyssey of cosmic proportions from the iconic triumvirate Alejandro Jodorowsky, Zoran Janjetov ("Before The Incal") and Fred Beltran ("Megalex").
408 pages, Hardcover
First published September 18, 2013
42 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Alejandro Jodorowsky
695 books1,949 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 18, 2017
Jodorowsky may in fact only have one story to tell -- "a man seeks enlightenment and becomes a god." It's basically the plot of El Topo and Holy Mountain, and I think it was probably the plot of his unmade version of Dune (it's also sort of the plot of the actual Dune, except for the fact that Frank Herbert's approach was one of condemnation of godhood, not the glorification of same).
The Incal is lauded as the closest thing to Jodo's Dune that we'll ever get, but I honestly feel like The Technopriests would have to be a close second. As a story about a universe run by a cult that dominates humankind through mind-controlling videogames, it's more of an extreme, brutal science fiction story than The Incal seems to be.
The Technopriests is no different, thematically, from Jodo's other works, and it has a lot of the same fixations: over-the-top gore, endless sexual violence, scatological humor, and weird gestures toward a mixture of Christian and Eastern religious symbolism without ever claiming any of those symbols entirely. It's a very dense and jarring read, but it gets by mostly on pure grandeur. Each new obstacle blocking the protagonist's ascent is introduced, shown to be depraved and horrific, and is then dispatched by the hero in a shocking and ultimate manner. Bodies are disintegrated, virtual entities are devoured, pirates are castrated, robot armies are melted together into planets, and alien gods are destroyed by infinite walls of asteroids stretched across a ruined universe.
The art is incredibly lush, disconcertingly grotesque. The book is ridiculous and borders on self-parody. It's also visceral and overwhelming. Your stoner little brother who hates college is going to love it. The stoner little brother inside you, if you let him have his day, will allow you to love it too.
The Incal is lauded as the closest thing to Jodo's Dune that we'll ever get, but I honestly feel like The Technopriests would have to be a close second. As a story about a universe run by a cult that dominates humankind through mind-controlling videogames, it's more of an extreme, brutal science fiction story than The Incal seems to be.
The Technopriests is no different, thematically, from Jodo's other works, and it has a lot of the same fixations: over-the-top gore, endless sexual violence, scatological humor, and weird gestures toward a mixture of Christian and Eastern religious symbolism without ever claiming any of those symbols entirely. It's a very dense and jarring read, but it gets by mostly on pure grandeur. Each new obstacle blocking the protagonist's ascent is introduced, shown to be depraved and horrific, and is then dispatched by the hero in a shocking and ultimate manner. Bodies are disintegrated, virtual entities are devoured, pirates are castrated, robot armies are melted together into planets, and alien gods are destroyed by infinite walls of asteroids stretched across a ruined universe.
The art is incredibly lush, disconcertingly grotesque. The book is ridiculous and borders on self-parody. It's also visceral and overwhelming. Your stoner little brother who hates college is going to love it. The stoner little brother inside you, if you let him have his day, will allow you to love it too.
December 19, 2015
The book is in a beautiful large format, but the story is just so repetitive. Our hero is beset by an insurmountable hurdle and then he has a spiritual breakthrough that saves everyone. Everything changes at a moment's notice so that the journey continues, but those changes don't seem to necessarily flow from character or story.
October 25, 2017
More craziness from the Jodorverse.
September 30, 2021
Jodo, my boy, I love you but please take it easy on the mushrooms :D
February 20, 2016
This is the worst comic I've read in quite some time. It makes very little sense, the characters are all abhorrent, and the "telling your history" trope is a terrible way to tell a story.
Specific quibbles I have:
1. every chapter ends with a variation of "this place that I conquered was hell, but it was a heaven compared to the hell I was going to next." Every. Damn. Chapter.
2. Even though the narrator tells us these ordeals are so terrible that everyone involved nearly died, they are nevertheless conquered with such laughable ease, there was never any danger whatsoever. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the narrator is telling us of these ordeals from memory, so we know everybody comes out okay.
3. Jodorowsky has two raped and abused women fall in love with their rapists/abusers, which is frankly two too many. Sigh.
Jodorowsky and I clearly need to take a break.
Specific quibbles I have:
1. every chapter ends with a variation of "this place that I conquered was hell, but it was a heaven compared to the hell I was going to next." Every. Damn. Chapter.
2. Even though the narrator tells us these ordeals are so terrible that everyone involved nearly died, they are nevertheless conquered with such laughable ease, there was never any danger whatsoever. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the narrator is telling us of these ordeals from memory, so we know everybody comes out okay.
3. Jodorowsky has two raped and abused women fall in love with their rapists/abusers, which is frankly two too many. Sigh.
Jodorowsky and I clearly need to take a break.
October 1, 2016
If only the silly storytelling matched the art...
November 22, 2025
Fumada histórica
April 29, 2024
And so another (and probably one of the last) installments in to the Jodorverse with the tale of the Technopriests. This really fits in with a number of other works I guess started with the Incal.
I will be the first to admit I am relatively new to the world of comics and graphic novels so I am still learning about how works interconnect both through material and the creative team behind them. This is a perfect example - where stories and characters have evolved and grown.
But not only that but the creative process, art style and even the tools used in their creation - this book has a very familiar feel to it but I would also say that it is own story. I think for me this is probably the most final of all the installments but it does not need to be placed in any one location in the series.
So yes I recommend it, its a beautiful book with fun storyline to it - and it surprised me how quickly I slipped back in to this world - guess it says alot about the story teller.
I will be the first to admit I am relatively new to the world of comics and graphic novels so I am still learning about how works interconnect both through material and the creative team behind them. This is a perfect example - where stories and characters have evolved and grown.
But not only that but the creative process, art style and even the tools used in their creation - this book has a very familiar feel to it but I would also say that it is own story. I think for me this is probably the most final of all the installments but it does not need to be placed in any one location in the series.
So yes I recommend it, its a beautiful book with fun storyline to it - and it surprised me how quickly I slipped back in to this world - guess it says alot about the story teller.
April 15, 2013
I rated this work a five, not because it has the best story, or art, or for any other reason other than the totality of it is a five.
Firstly, the book is encyclopedia size, the pages are large, and the art looks great in this format.
Second, the whole premis is interesting and inventive, you don't where it's going next. The story is very operatic and dramatic.
The downside is that after a while the story begins to read like a serial where the protagonists, or sidekicks get into a tight spot...and then next week there is some inprobably deus ex machina that extricates them from the problem...rinse and repeat.
Still and all, it's a great and interesting thing. More interesting is that I paid $75 for it, new copies are selling for $115 and up, yet Amazon is offering to by the book back from me for a whopping $8.98. Sheesh.
Firstly, the book is encyclopedia size, the pages are large, and the art looks great in this format.
Second, the whole premis is interesting and inventive, you don't where it's going next. The story is very operatic and dramatic.
The downside is that after a while the story begins to read like a serial where the protagonists, or sidekicks get into a tight spot...and then next week there is some inprobably deus ex machina that extricates them from the problem...rinse and repeat.
Still and all, it's a great and interesting thing. More interesting is that I paid $75 for it, new copies are selling for $115 and up, yet Amazon is offering to by the book back from me for a whopping $8.98. Sheesh.
April 22, 2022
La storia del protagonista è davvero una cosa pesante, fortuna che la sua famiglia mette un po' di pepe, salvo affossarsi assieme a lui nel finale... illustrazioni non all'altezza delle opere precedenti.
May 30, 2019
3.5 El autor Keith McCleary señala que Alejandro Jodorowsky está contando siempre la misma historia: Un individuo busca la iluminación y se convierte en una divinidad . Y a pesar de ello, Jodorowsky busca dibujar alguna arista diferente para abordar sus reiterativos temas. En lo Technopadres me resulta particularmente interesante que el protagonista es un diseñador de juegos, específicamente de videojuegos, y el deseo del protagonista por realizar juegos que sean más trascendentes que los producidos comercialmente, es el detonante de la aventura.
Es sumamente complicado evaluar una obra de Jodorowsky, ya que en momentos es imposible no señalar que peca de cierta ingenuidad y candidez, pero el abandonar ésa mirada cínica es parte del punto del trayecto de sus obras.
Es innegable encontrar ecos de su proyecto fílmico Dune, y de alguna forma de ahí nacen sus fortalezas y debilidades: por un lado tenemos a un protagonista abrumadoramente aburrido en su perfección, que provoca que en momentos sea imposible seguir leyendo, pero en la conclusión del relato, los hilos argumentales se cierran de una forma satisfactoria si se mira más desde una perspectiva sensorial y eminentemente esotérica.
Las ilustraciones sumamente efectivas, y en muchos casos -en las batallas espaciales- llegan a ser impresionantemente detalladas.
Es difícil recomendarlo, ya que se requiere un particular humor y estado mental. Si disfrutaron o pudieron terminar The Incal y no sienten rechazo frente a la visión e imaginario de Jodorowsky, les resultará interesante.
Es sumamente complicado evaluar una obra de Jodorowsky, ya que en momentos es imposible no señalar que peca de cierta ingenuidad y candidez, pero el abandonar ésa mirada cínica es parte del punto del trayecto de sus obras.
Es innegable encontrar ecos de su proyecto fílmico Dune, y de alguna forma de ahí nacen sus fortalezas y debilidades: por un lado tenemos a un protagonista abrumadoramente aburrido en su perfección, que provoca que en momentos sea imposible seguir leyendo, pero en la conclusión del relato, los hilos argumentales se cierran de una forma satisfactoria si se mira más desde una perspectiva sensorial y eminentemente esotérica.
Las ilustraciones sumamente efectivas, y en muchos casos -en las batallas espaciales- llegan a ser impresionantemente detalladas.
Es difícil recomendarlo, ya que se requiere un particular humor y estado mental. Si disfrutaron o pudieron terminar The Incal y no sienten rechazo frente a la visión e imaginario de Jodorowsky, les resultará interesante.
December 25, 2018
The trippiest of the Jodorowsky books, with glaring inconsistencies and an ending that just screams 'fuck it we're doing it live' Technopriests demands that you just lay back and savor the cover to cover crazy.
October 29, 2024
این سه ستاره به داستانشه که خوب بود، با این حال به بقیهی کارهای خودوروفسکی نمیرسید.
طراحی اینقدر بده که باعث میشد هر بار پنجاه صفحه بخونم و ولش کنم، هر چی هم جلوتر میرفت بدتر میشد.
طراحی اینقدر بده که باعث میشد هر بار پنجاه صفحه بخونم و ولش کنم، هر چی هم جلوتر میرفت بدتر میشد.
September 1, 2019
Naprosto úžasné sci-fi, hlavní hrdina Albino vypráví svůj životní příběh, jak měl coby chlapec sen stát se tvůrcem počítačových her, ale pak zjistil že to nestačí, tak se stal techno-katem, posléze technoknězem až se stal tím nejvyšším technoknězem, v podstatě nejmocnější bytostí v galaxii. Je tu také příběh Albinovy rodiny a dlouhá cesta vesmírem, na kterou vzal 500000 svých žáků "aby našli zaslíbenou galaxii, ve které by vytvořili společnost, v níž harmonické lidské vztahy budou důležitější než zkažený technologický pokrok, jenž pramení z nadmíry vědy a naprostého nedostatku vědomí."
Musím říct že po té várce amerických comicsů co jsem jich tak za poslední dobu četl, je tenhle francouzský comics velmi osvěžující. A zdá se že z tohoto světa by měla být i Kasta Metabaronů, což je další ukrutně tlustý comic-book, který už nějaký ten pátek mám doma a ještě jsem se k němu nedostal, takže tohle jistě brzy napravím.
Musím říct že po té várce amerických comicsů co jsem jich tak za poslední dobu četl, je tenhle francouzský comics velmi osvěžující. A zdá se že z tohoto světa by měla být i Kasta Metabaronů, což je další ukrutně tlustý comic-book, který už nějaký ten pátek mám doma a ještě jsem se k němu nedostal, takže tohle jistě brzy napravím.
June 21, 2017
With Jodorosky's incredible imagination he takes us deep on an amazing journey through space and the future of humanity. He depicts a universe run by the same rules and problems we have always had, yet centers on a hero who wants to change that wants to change those ancient customs. The Technopriests is a retelling of Moses and the Exodus story, but where Moses wants to create virtual reality video games that help enlighten individuals. It's a wonderful read, but very much an intense graphic novel.
March 3, 2019
Už Metabaroni jsou hodně repetetivní a epizodní, ale Technokněží to posouvají na další úroveň. Mám za to, že tento způsob zvolil Jodorowski záměrně, zpočátku mi to přislo ok, ale postupně mě to stále více štvalo.
Na závěr nepřichází katarze, ani překvapivé rozuzlení, které by mi tento způsob vyprávění obhájilo.
Naopak jsem měl mezi kapitolami pocit nekonzistentního fungování světa. Dá se to ale vysvětlit i záměrným zkreslováním fungováním řádu a všeho okolo.
Na závěr nepřichází katarze, ani překvapivé rozuzlení, které by mi tento způsob vyprávění obhájilo.
Naopak jsem měl mezi kapitolami pocit nekonzistentního fungování světa. Dá se to ale vysvětlit i záměrným zkreslováním fungováním řádu a všeho okolo.
June 11, 2025
Not quite as successful as the more bombastic Metabarons, but serves as both a retelling and a critique of Dune. Gorgeous art and a slightly more uplifting message than other entries in the universe.
February 24, 2020
WARNING! SPOILER APPROACHING!
I had never heard of Alejandro Jodorowsky or how much he had influenced the space opera genre of Science-Fiction before watching Frank Pavich's great documentary 'Jodorowsky's Dune'. I have watched two of his pre-Dune films (El Topo, and The Holy Mountain, still have to watch Fando y Lis), and I own several of his Incal-related graphic novels including The Incal itself. I would love to read his Dune screenplay and see the storyboards and artwork that Moebius and Giger put together, but that I realize may just be a pipe dream. But enough about that. Let's talk about the Technopriests.
Now, when I first found out about this graphic novel, I had just finished The Incal, which had the Technopriests as a villainous organization. As a result of that, and the brief and vague summary of the story on the back-cover of this book, I thought this book would be like a sci-fi Game of Thrones-like story where the evil head of the Technopriests looks back at his life and the monstrous acts of violence it took to get back there. I was wrong. I was so wrong.
Without revealing too much, since this book primarily revolves around extensive LOST-style narrated flashbacks, the plot is about an elderly leader of a pseudo-religion in the far off future that revolves around technology and secretly worshipping a fallen deity known as Zombra. However, the Technopriest, who is named Albino, reveals almost immediately that he and his five hundred thousand devoted followers are actually a separate sect that are attempting to establish a new peaceful society in a primitive and uncharted region of space. Albino, along with his adorable sentient pet Tinigri, narrates his escapades and adventures starting off as a naïve and abused boy who wishes to break free of his rough existence and become a better person.
Much like his films and other related graphic novels, Jodorowsky doesn't skimp on depraved violence. There is some truly horrific imagery of mutilation and graphic violence (to say nothing of sex), but the good news is that it isn't as right-in-your-face as The Incal or The Metabarons. The most prominent of the horrific imagery are the scenes of castration, but fortunately, the artwork doesn't actually show the act in one scene, and the other time it's done exactly like a scene from El Topo. Aside from the depraved violence and bizarre imagery, the only thing that really rubbed me wrong about this graphic novel was the strange dialogue. Like The Incal and The Metabarons, the characters speak so frankly and seriously, but the words they are saying are so ridiculous despite the serious situation, that the dialogue wrecks the mood of some of the more brilliant scenes.
Story-wise, you can see the clear references to Frank Herbert's Dune, since it also is an adaptation of Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt to become a self-governing nation. Like most of the reviewers before me, though, I definitely want to point out that Albino is much more of a messianic figure than Paul Atreides was.
The characters are actually pretty interesting, also. Albino reminds me of Alec Guinness's Obi-Wan and Leonard Nimoy's Spock, with a dash of Alejandro himself in the character. His rodent-like pet is really adorable but evokes imagery of Rocket Raccoon from the Marvel Comics with his slightly wise-cracking and foul mouth. The other primary characters like Albino's mother Panepha; his red-skinned four-armed sister Onyx; the repenting space pirate warrior Thark; and Albino's mentor/father figure, Saint Severo, are well-fleshed out over the story. I would have liked to have seen more of Albino's older brother Amalgro, as his story wraps up rather abruptly and he is not referenced again afterwards.
Aside from the graphic violence and strange dialogue, the biggest turn-off of this graphic novel is that Albino and his kin are the product of rape. Originally, their mother Panepha swears eternal vengeance to hunt down and kill those who desecrated her, but she falls in love with one of them and becomes his concubine, and her daughter suffers the same fate. If you can move past that warped style of love, it's still a great read.
Ultimately, this book is not for everyone, but I recommend reading it at least once if you like alternative science-fiction.
I had never heard of Alejandro Jodorowsky or how much he had influenced the space opera genre of Science-Fiction before watching Frank Pavich's great documentary 'Jodorowsky's Dune'. I have watched two of his pre-Dune films (El Topo, and The Holy Mountain, still have to watch Fando y Lis), and I own several of his Incal-related graphic novels including The Incal itself. I would love to read his Dune screenplay and see the storyboards and artwork that Moebius and Giger put together, but that I realize may just be a pipe dream. But enough about that. Let's talk about the Technopriests.
Now, when I first found out about this graphic novel, I had just finished The Incal, which had the Technopriests as a villainous organization. As a result of that, and the brief and vague summary of the story on the back-cover of this book, I thought this book would be like a sci-fi Game of Thrones-like story where the evil head of the Technopriests looks back at his life and the monstrous acts of violence it took to get back there. I was wrong. I was so wrong.
Without revealing too much, since this book primarily revolves around extensive LOST-style narrated flashbacks, the plot is about an elderly leader of a pseudo-religion in the far off future that revolves around technology and secretly worshipping a fallen deity known as Zombra. However, the Technopriest, who is named Albino, reveals almost immediately that he and his five hundred thousand devoted followers are actually a separate sect that are attempting to establish a new peaceful society in a primitive and uncharted region of space. Albino, along with his adorable sentient pet Tinigri, narrates his escapades and adventures starting off as a naïve and abused boy who wishes to break free of his rough existence and become a better person.
Much like his films and other related graphic novels, Jodorowsky doesn't skimp on depraved violence. There is some truly horrific imagery of mutilation and graphic violence (to say nothing of sex), but the good news is that it isn't as right-in-your-face as The Incal or The Metabarons. The most prominent of the horrific imagery are the scenes of castration, but fortunately, the artwork doesn't actually show the act in one scene, and the other time it's done exactly like a scene from El Topo. Aside from the depraved violence and bizarre imagery, the only thing that really rubbed me wrong about this graphic novel was the strange dialogue. Like The Incal and The Metabarons, the characters speak so frankly and seriously, but the words they are saying are so ridiculous despite the serious situation, that the dialogue wrecks the mood of some of the more brilliant scenes.
Story-wise, you can see the clear references to Frank Herbert's Dune, since it also is an adaptation of Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt to become a self-governing nation. Like most of the reviewers before me, though, I definitely want to point out that Albino is much more of a messianic figure than Paul Atreides was.
The characters are actually pretty interesting, also. Albino reminds me of Alec Guinness's Obi-Wan and Leonard Nimoy's Spock, with a dash of Alejandro himself in the character. His rodent-like pet is really adorable but evokes imagery of Rocket Raccoon from the Marvel Comics with his slightly wise-cracking and foul mouth. The other primary characters like Albino's mother Panepha; his red-skinned four-armed sister Onyx; the repenting space pirate warrior Thark; and Albino's mentor/father figure, Saint Severo, are well-fleshed out over the story. I would have liked to have seen more of Albino's older brother Amalgro, as his story wraps up rather abruptly and he is not referenced again afterwards.
Aside from the graphic violence and strange dialogue, the biggest turn-off of this graphic novel is that Albino and his kin are the product of rape. Originally, their mother Panepha swears eternal vengeance to hunt down and kill those who desecrated her, but she falls in love with one of them and becomes his concubine, and her daughter suffers the same fate. If you can move past that warped style of love, it's still a great read.
Ultimately, this book is not for everyone, but I recommend reading it at least once if you like alternative science-fiction.
November 20, 2023
Like every other book in the “Jodoverse” that I have read, this is told in a flashback narrative by two hosts. This time it is the star of the story, Albino, and his alien animal sidekick Tinigrifi who tell the tale of a futuristic Moses (Albino) who leads his 500,000 Technopriests to the promised land “where healthy human relationships are valued more highly than technological advances corrupted by an excess of science and a total lack of consciousness”.
Jodorowsky's writing is incredibly witty this time out, with sometimes tongue-in-cheek, sometimes scathing views of technology, religion, and human nature. Think of this as a commentary of the human condition at the turn of the century wrapped in an elaborate science fiction wrapper. The story of Albino coming of age, realizing his dreams, and discovering what it means to be co-opted by the system is among the best of the Humanoids books that I've read so far. If only we all had the courage to basically say “screw it” and do what we want. If only...
The artwork by Janjetov (pencils/line art) and Beltran (computer coloring) is simply beautiful. I snapped a few pictures to give you an idea of how brilliant this team is, but I could have used every page in this book as an example. From the quietest of scenes to the loudest galactic battles, there is a grace and beauty here. These guys all take years to produce their art, but the end result is worth it. It is easy for me to say this with the complete story in front of me, of course. Waiting a year in between albums had to be excruciating.
Like all Humanoids books, I give this the highest of recommendations. I am admittedly more of a mainstream comic book reader, but even the “unwashed” comic book buying masses can see the value of this stuff. It's accessible high art.
Humanoids produces books that are as much a work of art as the material presented therein. This deluxe slipcased hardcover is no exception. This book is an absolute beast, weighing in at 4.8 pounds and measuring roughly 12.5 X 9.5 inches, basically the same dimensions of an EC Library hardcover or a DC Absolute. This is a numbered limited edition, with my copy being 934 out of 999 worldwide. The built in ribbon bookmark is another high end touch.
This is the first time that this has been published in English with the original color palette. That's an automatic OCD +10%!
Jodorowsky's writing is incredibly witty this time out, with sometimes tongue-in-cheek, sometimes scathing views of technology, religion, and human nature. Think of this as a commentary of the human condition at the turn of the century wrapped in an elaborate science fiction wrapper. The story of Albino coming of age, realizing his dreams, and discovering what it means to be co-opted by the system is among the best of the Humanoids books that I've read so far. If only we all had the courage to basically say “screw it” and do what we want. If only...
The artwork by Janjetov (pencils/line art) and Beltran (computer coloring) is simply beautiful. I snapped a few pictures to give you an idea of how brilliant this team is, but I could have used every page in this book as an example. From the quietest of scenes to the loudest galactic battles, there is a grace and beauty here. These guys all take years to produce their art, but the end result is worth it. It is easy for me to say this with the complete story in front of me, of course. Waiting a year in between albums had to be excruciating.
Like all Humanoids books, I give this the highest of recommendations. I am admittedly more of a mainstream comic book reader, but even the “unwashed” comic book buying masses can see the value of this stuff. It's accessible high art.
Humanoids produces books that are as much a work of art as the material presented therein. This deluxe slipcased hardcover is no exception. This book is an absolute beast, weighing in at 4.8 pounds and measuring roughly 12.5 X 9.5 inches, basically the same dimensions of an EC Library hardcover or a DC Absolute. This is a numbered limited edition, with my copy being 934 out of 999 worldwide. The built in ribbon bookmark is another high end touch.
This is the first time that this has been published in English with the original color palette. That's an automatic OCD +10%!
August 27, 2021
First i would like to say that i love Incal and Metabarons series and i own them in various deluxe editions which i would never trade with anyone but Technopriests are complete miss for me and i am planning to sell it as soon as possible so nobody can find it in my library. ^^
I have zero issues with extreme tempo of jodorowsky's books, it's overflowing mass of new ideas, places and characters felt always natural to me. But unfortunately in this case it was completely opposite. Every aspect of book felt forced and completely artificial without any hidden meaning or surprising revelation.
I simply wasn't worried about anyone. Any unescapable situation was saved from panel to panel like easy peasy lemon squeezy. Once all unique escape ideas were tossed on you and some character was about to die again, out of nowhere someone cloned itself and let die his mirror. It was like smash this red button to generate solution for everything, which made any future danger completely meaningless.
Don't get me wrong, Metabaron tend to be the same but there you can at least feel that the character is truely capable being who can settle everything by himself and in freaking epic manner. In technopriest i couldn't see the hero as some badass being rather like weakling kid who needs his narrator daddy Jodorowsky (or rat) to save his ass.
I have no problem with sexism and violency when it's supported by monsterous politics, wild environments or planets filled with war and cruelty. But here? Rape victims fell in love with their rapers without any understandable catharsis, simply because plot needs to move quickly to next episode. Have to say it felt truely cheap (what is worse, it wasn't just once or twice).
Art is definetely the best part of this book. Clean crispy digital textures, juicy gradients. But have to say that even in this aspect felt this book inferior to others. Quite often panels felt flat. Characters were drawn from side or directly from the front. For me it lacked visual depth which i loved so much in work of mr.Gimenez.
I bought this book based on reviews here and have to say i was kinda surprised how many people felt okay with this one. This BOOK IS NOT ESSENTIAL for jodowerse collection at all.
I have zero issues with extreme tempo of jodorowsky's books, it's overflowing mass of new ideas, places and characters felt always natural to me. But unfortunately in this case it was completely opposite. Every aspect of book felt forced and completely artificial without any hidden meaning or surprising revelation.
I simply wasn't worried about anyone. Any unescapable situation was saved from panel to panel like easy peasy lemon squeezy. Once all unique escape ideas were tossed on you and some character was about to die again, out of nowhere someone cloned itself and let die his mirror. It was like smash this red button to generate solution for everything, which made any future danger completely meaningless.
Don't get me wrong, Metabaron tend to be the same but there you can at least feel that the character is truely capable being who can settle everything by himself and in freaking epic manner. In technopriest i couldn't see the hero as some badass being rather like weakling kid who needs his narrator daddy Jodorowsky (or rat) to save his ass.
I have no problem with sexism and violency when it's supported by monsterous politics, wild environments or planets filled with war and cruelty. But here? Rape victims fell in love with their rapers without any understandable catharsis, simply because plot needs to move quickly to next episode. Have to say it felt truely cheap (what is worse, it wasn't just once or twice).
Art is definetely the best part of this book. Clean crispy digital textures, juicy gradients. But have to say that even in this aspect felt this book inferior to others. Quite often panels felt flat. Characters were drawn from side or directly from the front. For me it lacked visual depth which i loved so much in work of mr.Gimenez.
I bought this book based on reviews here and have to say i was kinda surprised how many people felt okay with this one. This BOOK IS NOT ESSENTIAL for jodowerse collection at all.
May 7, 2024
For me, "The Technopriests" marks a departure from Alejandro Jodorowsky's usual narrative brilliance, leaving readers, like myself, somewhat disappointed. While initially intriguing, the storytelling quickly loses its luster, descending into a repetitive cycle of obstacles swiftly overcome by the protagonist, the Albino, often through convenient and predictable deus ex machina interventions. As the pages turned, what began as promising gradually felt like a tedious chore rather than an engaging journey. Jodorowsky's heavy-handed biblical references further detract from the narrative, lacking the subtlety that would have made them more impactful.
However, amidst the narrative shortcomings, Juan Giménez's artwork shines as a beacon of excellence. Although different from his previous work on "Before The Incal," Giménez's art remains grand and beautiful, injecting life into the story. Yet, the brilliance of Giménez's illustrations is somewhat dampened by Fred Beltran's computer-based coloring, a compromise explained in the preface due to time constraints.
In conclusion, "The Technopriests" is still a part of the "Expanded Jodoverse," likely to appeal to fans eager for more. However, those approaching with high expectations may find themselves disappointed. With its mix of strengths and weaknesses, this installment warrants a modest three out of five stars.
However, amidst the narrative shortcomings, Juan Giménez's artwork shines as a beacon of excellence. Although different from his previous work on "Before The Incal," Giménez's art remains grand and beautiful, injecting life into the story. Yet, the brilliance of Giménez's illustrations is somewhat dampened by Fred Beltran's computer-based coloring, a compromise explained in the preface due to time constraints.
In conclusion, "The Technopriests" is still a part of the "Expanded Jodoverse," likely to appeal to fans eager for more. However, those approaching with high expectations may find themselves disappointed. With its mix of strengths and weaknesses, this installment warrants a modest three out of five stars.
November 6, 2018
Preface: I'm done with Jodorowsky after recently find out he raped someone during El Topo and has displayed a nonchalant attitude it since. I'm not intending to buy any of his future work (but had owned all his prior books) but am doing a final reread of the Jodoverse before I begin liquidating my collection of his stuff. It's hard to separate the art from the artist, the the rape is literally the art in this instance.
So, this series is look at the Technpope and his religion. While the Metabarons is a greek tragedy, this is more akin to the story of Moses and looking for a promised land. Jodorowsky tells the same story, but with a different framework. It's usually about a man, generally violent who eventually becomes enligthened. They usually involve weird family dynamics and trama. Often transgressive and over-the-top ultra violence, incest and/or rape. That ol' sacred/profane dichotomy. And the guy ends up as god. It's a glorification of mysticism and messiahs--rather than a condemnation (which is what Frank Herbert was going for).
This is basically about game designers written by a guy way too old to know much about video games. It's operatic and as such epic but very repetitive.
So, this series is look at the Technpope and his religion. While the Metabarons is a greek tragedy, this is more akin to the story of Moses and looking for a promised land. Jodorowsky tells the same story, but with a different framework. It's usually about a man, generally violent who eventually becomes enligthened. They usually involve weird family dynamics and trama. Often transgressive and over-the-top ultra violence, incest and/or rape. That ol' sacred/profane dichotomy. And the guy ends up as god. It's a glorification of mysticism and messiahs--rather than a condemnation (which is what Frank Herbert was going for).
This is basically about game designers written by a guy way too old to know much about video games. It's operatic and as such epic but very repetitive.
February 18, 2023
Technokneží jsou jakýmsi protipólem Matabaronů. Od hledání perfektního individualismu a dokonalých nástrojů ke kolektivnosti a odporu k technologiím. Jodo opět používá svůj oblíbený narativ vypravěčů z centra dění, který mu dovoluje skákat v čase a prostoru a plnil svůj nekonečný vesmír kdejakou šíleností a fantaskní inspirací, která mu vyvstane namysli. Přes veškerou snahu jsou ale Technokněží slabší než Metabaroni. Tady Jodo a jeho mysticismus svého hlavního hrdinu, který je superschopný a stává se schopnější a schopnější za hranice superschopností, už nezvládá kočírovat. Tím spíše ve světě, do kterého chrlí stále nové prvky, jen pro to, aby je nechal chvilku rezonovat a pak utekl úplně někam jinam. Technokněží působí jako taková ilustrovaná historie na LSD. JE to poutavé, dobře se to čte, ale je jednoduché se od toho odtrhnout. Protože příběh nemá tu správnou spirálu, co vás drží a táhne ke svému středu. Technokněží spíš vystřelují paprsky všemi směry a nikdy netušíte, jaký pohne dějem dál. Který paprsek je ozvěnou minulosti, budoucnosti nebo dějové přítomnosti. Vizuálně je to působivé, já však se tím prokousával dlouho. Nebylo to nepříjemné, jen to bylo všude a nikde zároveň. Děje se toho tolik a přitom tak málo. A stejně tak mé hodnocení - Tolik?!? Tak málo?!?
July 13, 2024
It gets a 2 because the art is spectacular and I feel bad otherwise. I'll say the incal is my favourite book.
But the plot is bad. It almost feels like Jodo didn't understand what people liked from his earlier work. Or maybe he never did, and just had people stopping him from going too crazy.
Reading this is confusing. You never know if he means anything with all the sprititual alegories that the entire book is made of. I hope he doesn't because if he does I likely don't like it.
The entire plot is also just Deux Ex Machina almost literally, where the god like main character just does a god thing that is a new power and destroys the horrors of the universe, just for another horror to be there in the next chapter.
Also, the mysoginy crosses a line. Rape is treated on the same level as insult, with several instances of the woman falling in love with the perpetrator.
Someone else said it in a review and maybe I feel the same: perhaps Jodo and I need to take a break.
But the plot is bad. It almost feels like Jodo didn't understand what people liked from his earlier work. Or maybe he never did, and just had people stopping him from going too crazy.
Reading this is confusing. You never know if he means anything with all the sprititual alegories that the entire book is made of. I hope he doesn't because if he does I likely don't like it.
The entire plot is also just Deux Ex Machina almost literally, where the god like main character just does a god thing that is a new power and destroys the horrors of the universe, just for another horror to be there in the next chapter.
Also, the mysoginy crosses a line. Rape is treated on the same level as insult, with several instances of the woman falling in love with the perpetrator.
Someone else said it in a review and maybe I feel the same: perhaps Jodo and I need to take a break.
April 10, 2023
Guessing there's a lot of straight up biblical allegory here that I'm just missing because I'm a little fuzzy on old testament stuff (and also new testament stuff), but this one is all over the place. The best parts are definitely where you can feel Jodorowsky almost biographically describing the disillusionment he felt when his artistic ambitions ran into the constraints of the commercial film industry. I think moment to moment there's some interesting stuff but as a whole it's got some pretty significant issues.
October 31, 2024
Deus ex machina a cascoporro. Situaciones repetitivas. Mucho contar y poco mostrar, y eso que estamos en un cómic (algo que resulta patético y terrible a la vez). Diálogos horribles y artificiales, dignos de CSI Miami y Horatio. Simplismo por doquier. Personajes maniqueos, o que pasan del blanco al negro en un abrir y cerrar de ojos sin explicación.
Y el dibujo estático a más no poder. Apenas se leen expresiones en los rostros de los personajes. Incluso
Ernie Chan lo hacía mejor, por dios.
Se nota a la milla que es un trabajo alimenticio, una absoluta sombra del Incal.
Huid, huid, insensatos.
Y el dibujo estático a más no poder. Apenas se leen expresiones en los rostros de los personajes. Incluso
Ernie Chan lo hacía mejor, por dios.
Se nota a la milla que es un trabajo alimenticio, una absoluta sombra del Incal.
Huid, huid, insensatos.
May 5, 2017
Strange and beautiful, though sometimes marred by the comedy (though not as grating as the intrusions of The Metabarons). Janjetov's art is stunning in its detail. It likely won't win any fans for those who can't stand Jodo's preoccupations (violence, sexual violence, machismo, etc.) but if you've already explored The Incal and The Metabarons, this serves as a strange, optimistic counter to the relentless evil the Technos embodied in those previous volumes.
June 5, 2021
For my money the weakest of the Jodoverse books, both in terms of the artwork and the writing. However if you're not turned off by either of these things then perhaps the frequent violent sadism on display might do the job, or maybe the numerous acts of sexual abuse/assault carried out against the female characters who seem to subsequently, and invariably, fall in love with their abusers and marry them.
May 14, 2020
Un cómic sin pies ni cabeza, lo único que lo salva es la calidad de los dibujos, porque el guión es difícil de digerir. Que sea ciencia ficción no debería dar licencia para que puedas escribir un guión endeble y unos personajes planos.
May 31, 2020
Jodorowsky’s storytelling ambitions, occult in The Incal and Shakespearean in The Metabarons, turn to the biblical in The Technopriests. As always, the saga of societal reform and exile from oppression is framed in the most excellent space opera style science fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews