Revisiting THE INCAL, and Oversizing It!

[@misomor3149]

The storytelling and symbols Jodorowsky employs are very influenced by Tarot, Jung's psychology, and various Hermeneutic philosophies. It was a bit hard for me to get into it, as well as his movies, but once I got more educated in his worldview and philosophy it clicked really well and I can now appreciate his work more thoroughly. Btw, Jodorowsky's Technopriest series is illustrated by Mr. Zoran Janjetov who is my fellow countryman, small world ain't it :D

[@ftloc]

I could understand some of the things he was alluding to, but as I say in the video I know nothing about the tarot and other, spiritual angles he has here. There's no denying the ambition and imagination on display; even for someone like me who may not get it all, I can see how much is there. Character and plotting though: those are the parts I would feel the most disconnect with, but I've been told they're much better in his other books?

[@whssy]

Apparently a movie is going to be made. Director to be announced on Thursday(4 Nov) according to Jodorowsky's Facebook profile yesterday.

[@ftloc]

I heard! A couple of friends and I were thinking of who we would like. I'd like a Terry Gilliam take on the material but others were considering more outright serious folks like Arronofsky and Refn. Do you have a guess/wish?

[@whssy]

@@ftloc I think Besson would do it justice but it would probably flop like his version of Valerian and we'd never see the whole thing. He's obviously a massive fan (as the Fifth Element testifies) and I think he would nail the fun and vibrance, but possibly oversimplify other aspects. Refn is Danish (I live in Denmark) so I should be biased but I think it could end up being too dark. Arronofsky I've only seen "Pi" and found it rather boring. Gilliam is offball enough but again, I think it would be too dark. Honestly I don't know.

[@garydavidson1970]

Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) is scheduled to adapt and direct.

[@athenassigil5820]

I love your enthusiasm and I love the Incal.

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much and I hope you find plenty more to enjoy on the channel! 😁

[@karannarula9358]

I'm a fan of Moebius as I am into comic style illustrations. Heard of Incal before but more than that, I stumbled upon the splash page artworks from the book. Thanks for the recommendation, hopefully I'll add this to my collection. Your bookshelves are the stuff of dreams btw.

[@ftloc]

Thank you and I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, Moebius' art is really remarkable, and one of the things I admire most about it is how much storytelling he can pack into simple and elegant images. If you do end up getting either version of this, I'd love to know what you thought of the entire thing!

[@nicklloyd9221]

Great review. Love the channel!

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@nanuvasqwibqwib]

I just happened to have ordered it last week and will be reading it for the first time probably by the end of this week. Seeing this vid makes it even harder to have to wait though.

[@ftloc]

Glad you enjoyed the video and be sure to let me know what you thought of it when you finish!

[@nanuvasqwibqwib]

@@ftloc Will do!

[@morganrennes]

For word balloons, it's maybe because French takes more place than English. At that time the drawer kept the place for the balloon directly on the page. And I seem to remember that Moebius wrote himself the words in the French version (hand writing take, maybe, also more place than computer's writing). So, I don't know but that's maybe some reasons why :)

[@ftloc]

That is an excellent explanation. It makes sense that they wouldn't be able to shrink the balloons because there was no art behind them. Of course, they could have made the English font size bigger, but that would probably have come across as shouting! Thank you so much for such a clear explanation. I am convinced you are right!

[@scpena725]

Thank you for your recommendations. Incal is the latest book I have bought based on your videos. Others include Mooncop and the series Demon. These come to mind easily. There are several others on my shelves. I enjoy independent comics that are not so much serial "capes and tights". Thank you, again.

[@ftloc]

I don't know why I haven't seen this comment before but thank you so much, I'm so glad to hear this. What did you think of Mooncop and Demon?

[@ftloc]

I don't know why I haven't seen this comment before but thank you so much, I'm so glad to hear this. What did you think of Mooncop and Demon?

[@ClockworkBoredom]

Have you ever read Berserk? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Dark Horse are releasing these beautiful deluxe editions

[@ftloc]

I just started reading it! I have the first deluxe and maybe I’ll do a quick intro video when I finish it?

[@ClockworkBoredom]

@@ftloc It's one of my personal favorites but I feel I have to say the first three volumes (collected in the deluxe edition) aren't all that indicative of the rest of the series quality. The second deluxe volume is where it's really going to grab people. Muira goes from okay to one of the best in the space of a few chapters.

[@ftloc]

@@ClockworkBoredom I've heard that exact sentiment expressed, but I have to read the first three, don't I? Everything non-spoiler I checked on indicated I can't just start from Vol 4. So, thanks to its reputation and this slow burn being clearly signaled to me beforehand by experts such as yourself, I'm prepared to wait (a bit)! 😊

[@haywoco2]

Seconding this. Truly a great epic of storytelling. And it's still going and better than ever after 30 years.

[@ftloc]

Well, I'm feeling pretty smart having preordered Vol 2 and 3 right now 😊

[@biggybg98]

Wow...just found your channel. What an insanely great and in-depth review. Thanks.

[@ftloc]

So glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much! I hope you find more on this channel to like! 😁

[@TheLongasen]

The rebooted Prophet comics from Image comics are definitely inspired from Moebius and it's a great read!

[@ftloc]

Definitely! Brandon Graham's art reminds me of Moebius at most times and Prophet (of which I have read the first two TPBs) takes the epic-and-unknowable storytelling style as well for sure. I really enjoyed Prophet and need to read on (I was waiting to see if there would be nice hardcover editions 😋)

[@Joel.C.Holtzman]

Also, Before the Incal and Final incal are pretty great. Will answer lot of questions you might have about the first book (That I think everyone has)

[@ftloc]

I'll have to seek them out then!

[@ahchiu9]

Really, really excellently done review. Regardless of my thoughts on The Incal (I'm in group 1), the quality of this review warrants a sub and I'll definitely be checking out all of your other content!

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much and a very warm welcome to the channel! Here's hoping you find plenty (both in past videos and from now on) to enjoy! Cheers!

[@corporal5286]

Great comprasions and video!Thanks!

[@ftloc]

Thank you - so glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@ev1005]

Does anyone else use Hoopla to read comics? I’ve discovered it about a year ago. And its amazing and FREE! As long as you have a library card and your library hosts Hoopla, you have access to hundreds of comics. Anyway, on my Hoopla (via my iPad), I have read Beauty, all The Lumberjanes, The Kitchen, Comics by Jason, Castle Waiting, and many more. And I’ve just checked and The Incal is there too. Only downfall, you only get 8 titles a month. I have to wait until Sept to get a fresh batch of comics. I highly recommend! Get a library card and check out your local library website for Hoopla. Oh, and they offer “regular” books, audiobooks, movies, and tv too. Definitely available in Canada and US. Not sure about other countries tho.

[@ftloc]

Yeah, for me the digital route is still one that I am unable to travel for comics reading, but I am guessing this is USA-based? Sounds terrific for those who have access (and such wonderful public libraries!), though!

[@NirSharma1]

Thanks a lot..I was looking for this review...hopefully you willcover Moebius's lesser known comics

[@ftloc]

I'd love to, if only I could get my hands on them! I briefly mention one rare reprint in one of my 'Recent Reads and New Acquisitions' videos, the one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l57QfHtvjrCSrpI I hope to get to more soon - watch this space! 😀

[@noahvansciver5661]

I found it very difficult to read. Hard to get into. I love the art though!

[@ftloc]

(Oh my goodness I'm so flattered to have you comment here! I've really enjoyed the work of yours I've been able to get my hands on; I have briefly discussed both Fante Bukowski Part One and The Hypo in other videos of mine. I need to get to cover One Dirty Tree in a video soon.) Re: the Incal, for you, would the art make it a great comic in spite of the text/plot not being something you enjoy? I'd love to know how you'd compare this to something like Little Nemo in Slumberland, say?

[@noahvansciver5661]

@@ftloc Oh of course, you have a great channel! I appreciate you talking about my books! Thank you very much! As for The Incal, personally speaking, great art is not enough for me to hold on to a graphic novel for my own library- story means more to me than amazing drawing. Little Nemo is similar for me. The drawing is so incredible however the dialogue almost doesn't want to be read, and the story-what story? It's the same gag every time... So I only keep a small paperback collection of those Nemo strips for reference purpose, but I'm not a big fan. Dick Tracy, Little orphan Annie, and Gasoline Alley (Walt & Skeezix) are more my speed.

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much for your kinds words about my channel. I've had the chance to look through your channel and find it a gold mine - what wonderful conversations and interactions you on have there! I'll be looking through all your videos over the next few weeks and will comment more there! Re: art and writing in comics, I believe I lean the same way as you, although I think I define 'story' in comics as the mixture of art and writing. If the writing is not good (and I don't mean only the written words but the ebb and flow, the focus and the emphasis) gorgeous panels by themselves end up being like a collection of pinups or posters. Which is fine, but not what I love. But I also feel that a series of wonderful images can be a good story, perhaps with a higher level of me 'filling stuff in' because I'm ignoring the text. In that way, Little Nemo is a little more effective than the Incal, although they both feel dreamlike and/or hallucinatory, but I can bring something to the table. So I guess I appreciate them as interactive works. But yes, a little bit goes a long way. Conversely, while I love great writing, tight plotting and - above all - memorable characters, I also find myself impatient with awkward exposition (either in dialogue or narration), over-reliance on twists and gotcha! moments, and unsubtle hit-you-over-the-head lecturing or polemics. Which is just to say that a lot of 'structured' plot and writing may still make for a bad story. I've never read any Dick Tracy but Gasoline Alley is a wonderful series I am glad to have discovered thanks to Chris Ware and the new reprints. Speaking both of classic strips and repeated gags, what do you think of Krazy Kat?

[@MattyStoked]

One of my favourite books to *try* and read, and pretend I understand what's going on. A true auteur masterpiece.

[@ftloc]

haha, I think 'favourite work to pretend I know what's going on in' should be a special category for everyone!

[@arungopalviews]

Very interesting. Atleast part of your review echoes my thoughts especially when it comes to the writing. Though I do keep revisiting this book and some of the other books for the Art alone, case in point being the Blacksad, Grandville, Okko, The Killer, Delilah Dirk, Witch Hat Atelier, Mort Cinder, The Beasts of Burden, the works of Kim Dong Hwa, Jean Pierre Gibrat's etc. and some that you have already mentioned like LW&C, Castle waiting and Usagi Yojimbo. The list of comics having transportive artwork is just so huge. Not that these writing is not strong in these books, but I would have bought these books for the artwork alone. I feel like standing inside the artwork with works like these. Now the one that I am looking forward to is Djinn by Ana Miralles and Jean Dufaux. The artwork looks really top class.

[@ftloc]

Yes, often the storytelling in just the art is potent enough to overcome redundant or indifferent text, but not always able to overpower bad text. I will say however, that at least of the books you have listed I find the writing of Castle Waiting, Delilah Dirk, Beasts of Burden, and Usagi Yojimbo to be top notch, and even those of Lone Wolf and Cub and Grandville to be far 'above average'. In the case of the Incal, it is a little more about some interesting ideas married to some fantastic visual storytelling often far outstripping the 'not-quite-making-it' text/ prose and characterization, for me. Since 'writing' in comics is not just the text that appears on the page, there are often a lot of areas of overlap and intersect with the art that I find fascinating, and a great comic (as opposed to a great collection of pictures) must have -for me - good storytelling, even if it has zero text!

[@arungopalviews]

Totally agree with you on the writing part. Absolutely spot on! What I was trying to convey is that sense of wonder that I get when I pore on the artwork. How do I put this..Okay.. let's take Beasts of Burden. The watercolors of that book, especially by Jill Thompson, takes me to Burden Hill..all those idyllic locales, forests, brooks...it gives me that sense of being there. While it is in service of the story which it does quite well, to me, there is an independent or a compartmentalized, if you will, aspect of roaming around in the spaces that the artist has drawn. This is a huge draw of comics for me. But that's just me... I love your videos and envy your collection.

[@peterstrianus1790]

Good job as usual. I'm Italian have you ever heard of famous phenomenons by us like Tex, Dylan Dog, Zagor, Diabolik and the satirical Rat-Man? I don't think you can find in English but as general culture can be an interesting research.

[@ftloc]

Thank you! Of them you named I am only familiar with Dylan Dog, and that too a few scattered pages I've run across online. The lack of English translations makes for an unfortunate wall for me (or is it a safety net keeping me from going broke?) I am going to do some research, but do let me know if you come across English editions!

[@VijayaLakshmi-pf8wh]

Tex is very popular in tamil and we get monthly issues translated. Few of dylan dog and diabolik also published in tamil. Zagor is going to be introduced in august 2022.

[@ThaKid14]

I cant wait to read this for the first time., looks like its way easier to get hands on a regular hardcover - the deluxe oversized editions are going for like 650 US online lol - not that fancy haha. Must have been a limited edition run and those are just some resalers absolutely jacking up the prices. but wow it looks fantastic!

[@ftloc]

It's a very nice book, but those algorithm driven prices are quite ridiculous! I hope they reprint it some time, but i know that sort of defeats the entire propose of 'limited runs' . I know they're expensive to produce but perhaps a Kickstarter every couple of years? It's a shame it's not more readily available, honestly.

[@Thierrothierro]

The first time I read The Incal (which puts me in Group 3), I found it difficult to get through the entire book because the story didn't flow naturally enough. Since then I've watched Jodorowsky's movies and gained a better understanding of his storytelling style, which consists of a lot of raw, purely visual ideas that may not gel together as a coherent narrative. The highlight of this book is Moebius' art. Just beautiful. Have you read his other stuff (Blueberry, Airtight Garage, Arzach, etc.)? Would love to see a creator spotlight video on him!

[@ftloc]

Other than this book, the only Moebius I have managed to read is what has recently been collected by Dark Horse. So: Madwoman of the Sacred Heart, The World of Edena, and two (I know there are more but I only have two) volumes of Inside Moebius. All those older classics seem to be tied up in legal issues, I think? I'm hoping for Dark Horse to save the day!

[@Thierrothierro]

@@ftloc Didn't know it was because of legal issues. I await the day when Blueberry gets collected!

[@janbonne]

Moebius is always the highlight for me with all of his collaborations with Jodorowsky

[@deeprao1673]

Hi. What about "Before the Incal" and "After the Incal"? Are they like "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune" - wherein the Awe and the Enjoyment is equal whether you decide to continue the series or not

[@ftloc]

I have not read them, because for me the draw of the Incal originally was the artwork of Moebius and they didn't feature them. However, after hearing some interesting thoughts, I did pick up Final Incal (which I think puts together two pieces) but shamefully I have not yet gotten around to reading it. 😝

[@deeprao1673]

@@ftloc Thanks! I will start with the Incal and let the monthly budget for comics decide :)

[@mutton7891]

I still treasure my first print edition by Self Made Hero from 2011. I find the cover art on that edition way more appealing than any of the subsequent editions.

[@ftloc]

I'm going to look those up!

[@mingfaiyuen]

They are doing the same format for The Metabaron by jodorowsky

[@ftloc]

Oh, that's interesting! This is not yet published, you say, so not the 40th Anniversary edition I have run across?

[@mingfaiyuen]

it's named as the oversized deluxe just as the incal oversized deluxe did. So, I believe they are the same format. Not sure if this is the one you talking about though. It comes out at 2020. www.amazon.com/gp/product/1643377329/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

[@ftloc]

Thanks for this heads-up! And sorry for the delay in seeing this - the link in the comment had sent it to the 'Review' folder which I just now noticed.

[@Rorschach924]

What are the dimensions of this edition? I can't seem to find that information anywhere. Amazon measures the black and white oversized edition as 12.6 inches tall but this seems bigger. And is there a non-slipcase edition? I found a french edition that is also 12.6. If you could clear this up for me, I would greatly appreciate it!

[@ftloc]

I just measured it and it is over 13 inches tall, but less than 13.5 (I was using a 1 ft ruler). It's also about 9.5 inches wide. The slipcase adds a tiny bit to those, but insignificant. I don't know if this very edition is available outside of the slipcase, but I have often seen product photos that show the inside cover, not the slipcase cover, for the same edition. I think they still deliver with the slipcase though? Unless it is second hand and the seller doesn't have the case anymore? Just guessing here, but I hope it was helpful!

[@Rorschach924]

@@ftloc Yes this was very helpful, thank you so much for the reply!

[@rodolfotheg]

I had the original books in english. the humanoids colors are dim by comparison. wish I still had them.got them in the 80"s at mile high comics

[@rodolfotheg]

btw, wonderful review. great emphasis, Immensely incredible story, love the Metabaron

[@ftloc]

This is not the recoloured edition, I'm sure? What I've seen of some pages of the 'modernized' recolouring did not look good to me. And thank you so much! I'm really looking forward to reading the Metabarons as soon as I can get hands on my copy, stuck abroad! 😢

[@FreakyFraser1]

I have decided to join group 3......I have 4 books on order that are currently in transit: The Incal, Final Incal, The Technopriests & The Metabarons (looking for Before The Incal). It's boom or bust over here lol. I'll report my findings once I get through it all.

[@ftloc]

That's fantastic! I'm looking forward to hearing your take on all or any of them! Cheers!

[@alessioavezzano]

I love this channel.

[@ftloc]

Thank you! Love right back at you! 😁

[@sleepyreader666]

Given its publishing history in English its not surprising there are so many in group one. I read a few chapters in Heavy Metal, as a teen, but it was decades before I discovered the complete edition....and now, we finally get the correct sized edition...as a limited print...

[@ftloc]

I completely missed out on the limited run info! And I forgot to mention the extra 8 page story too. Rookie mistake!

[@marcelg.5675]

Thank you very much for a good review of a well known book without overhyping it! I have never read it. Tried to get into it several times because of the praise it gets but it is not my cup of tea. I am totally satisfied with looking at some of the beautiful panels, I do not need or want to dive deeply into the story. It just does not grap me. Maybe it is because SciFi from some years ago simply feels too dated for my likings? Fantasy, suspense, crime stories, horror or even comedy from back than holds up better in the present than SciFi. But that is just my two cents and I am happy for everyone who loves this book.

[@ftloc]

That’s an interesting point about Sci Fi versus other genres from ages ago. I agree in the case of very tech heavy fiction, but the ones that put the humans and people at the centre seem to use the ‘equipment’ to tell stories that hold up better than others, I’ve found. Also, many parts of this books are almost fantastical or magical, which makes it a bit of a unique beast. I think totally alien things aren’t as enjoyable to read as those that have some thread of ‘relatability’, and the Incal definitely has attempts, but that human/relatable connection to the storytelling seems a little lacking, still, to me.

[@marcelg.5675]

@@ftloc a very good point to differ between the tech focused SciFi and the human centered SciFi! As long as human moral codex does not (hopefully) change as fast as technological progress goes on, we should be able to relate to the story. No matter how old it is.

[@ftloc]

Absolutely. In prose, the works of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, in spite of their ‘antiquity’, remain some of my favourites. I think it’s because the human element of wonder, awe and discovery remain intact in spite of the science being ‘old fashioned’.

[@haywoco2]

Definitely read "The Metabarons". Gimenez's art is insane.

[@ftloc]

There it goes, on to the list!

[@joncarroll2040]

The Incal is a lot like its earliest inspiration (Frank Herbert's Dune): the more you experience it, the better you are able to appreciate it... Though the writing is so difficult that you will start reading it many more times than you will finish it... Metabarons is much more accessible but also a lot more transgressive.

[@ftloc]

A third trip around is called for soon, perhaps! And the Metabarons is long overdue for a first read - thank you for spurring me on!

[@D0Gdidthemath]

I'm currently in the "has only read The Incal once" group, and I really should re-read it at some point, I'm not entirely sure about some elements of the story and characters (for the most part), but I do love the artwork, and I think it was definitely worth a read just for that alone. I suspect Ill probably find more to like about the story if I re-read it, it certainly seems like the sort of story that needs to be read multiple times to fully appreciate, which actually fits in with the story's themes now that I think about it (In case anyone is wondering which edition I have, its the scaled down release, and I have to say, the deluxe version looks quite tempting)

[@ftloc]

Very much my own experience leading up to this video. I will say - as I think I may hint at here - that while the re-read did not completely convert me, the foreknowledge married to the superior presentation did result in a kinder overall impression. Still completely worthwhile, and for many it may be a more potent re-evaluation!

[@D0Gdidthemath]

I pulled my copy of it of the shelf earlier and I've realised its actually a softcover edition, rather than the hardcover one you show of in this video (I think its still the same scaled down size though)

[@atheistsince1210]

Just purchased one of the last of the 1500 print run for this edition from eBay. I drew out of my 401k I had no idea it was on the market until I stumbled across it by accident . The smaller version the print is far too small but the work was profound in my life back in 2016 and with that said it’s a towering achievement superior to Watchmen and Moebius is perhaps the greatest artist and graphic novel artist whoever lived .

[@ftloc]

That's great you were able to get your hands on one! Drawing out one's 401k is next level dedication though! I completely agree about the small size being a disservice, and wish all European classics like this would be preserved in their original album/ magazine sizes if not oversized!

[@darklightdays]

FTLOC, would you be willing to do a similar video on The Metabarons if you have the editions to compare? Secondly, do you feel the colors in this oversized Incal are dulled and less vibrant than the smaller edition? I've seen that complaint made about The Metabarons oversize edition and am wondering if it applies to The Incal as well.

[@ftloc]

Yeah, I'd love to give the Metabarons the same treatment as I do here (maybe one day)! As for the Incal colours, I don't really see the colours of the two editions being that different in this video, do you? If I peer real hard, I think there's a very slight difference but I'm putting that down to paper and size (square inch area) more than any sort of file remastering. I'll take another look and update if I change my mind!

[@Abstractreference260]

Could you please do a video about the recoloring of Geof Darrows Hardboiled series by darkhorse

[@ftloc]

I’d love to but I only own the new edition. That’s the recoloured one, isn’t it? I’ll need to find a copy of the original somehow...

[@Abstractreference260]

@@ftloc I thought it would be an interesting subject matter for a video as the recolouring was considered controversial by some.. I think the original colouring is quite hard to find these days.If you can find the time I would love to hear your thoughts in a video on whichever one of these comics you find interesting :Enigma by Peter Milligan, Mr Miracle by Tom King, Battling Boy by Paul Pope, Shaolin Cowboy by Geof Darrow, Green Lantern Willworld by J. M. DeMatteis, The Prophet vol 1 by brandon graham

[@ftloc]

@@Abstractreference260 I'll keep an eye out for the original form of Hard Boiled, and thanks for that great list! There are at least a couple, maybe more, that I can definitely see myself covering. My shelf videos also have fleeting glances at some of these; I'm not sure if you've had a chance to check those out?

[@eduardocarvalho861]

Nice oversized edition. And the colours, were preserved has they should be, gives this a definitive retro style. Wish that one also includes the pre and after Incal albuns. It should be quite a bulky book for sure. For me , I still continue with my original collection, in separated albuns (80's and 90's).

[@ftloc]

I am sure those slim albums make a lovely collection. Now it is difficult for me to be interested in the smaller size for any of them, especially if the art and lettering continue to be of the same quality.

[@artofbusiness12]

@ForTheLoveOfComics/ Interesting and insightful review. I’ve always admired Moebius Artwork. May pick The Incal up one day, preferably if they ever reprint the Absolute Edt. One thing that has always bothered me about European Comics, is the obsession with TINY LETTERING, Arrghh!! I wear glasses, new prescription, but after your review if I ever get to it, I’d prefer the Absolute Size. - Thank You

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much - so glad you enjoyed the video! I have to say that the tiny lettering is really a bother to me too. Strangely, when I see pages of the original French, the font is not so tiny, so it is not a design thing but an English translation thing. Never understood why. But yes, if you can, the oversized edition is the way to go, although it's not technically an Absolute since it is not DC. But if there is one thing better than the slipcase Absolutes come in, it's this box! 😁

[@Franky007ization]

How good is the Metabarons and Technopriests.? Do I have to read The Incal prior to those books?

[@ftloc]

I've not read anything else so I'm asking for recommendations myself! From what I've heard the Matabarons is good and the sequels to the Incal are also good, to varying levels. I'm going to try the Metabarons next, I believe.

[@ProhibitedRealm]

You don’t to read the Incal first to read the Metabarons and Technopriests. They introduced first in the Incal, but in their own books they have their own stories.

[@James-sf7yp]

Was waiting for some Moebius, I have the original Titan editions which are well worth the price as they are different translations and colours. Still waiting for Dark horse to publish the Airtight Garage saga. One day, so expensive to buy the Titan editions from the 80's.

[@ftloc]

I agree, I can't wait for Airtight Garage, Azarch, and Blueberry (among others) to get the DH hardcover treatment! I heard there were legal issues tying up those stories but maybe Dark Horse can untangle them?

[@Hanomarkhan...]

for the pronunciation of incal, it would be fair to say that it is in French, but with a Chilien accent that it should be pronounced... OK, je sors ;) For the sentiment uneven quality of the whole, I share it. It is also explained by the evolution of Moebius' life and career at that time and I would add that Jodorowsky, adapted to it in the writing of the story (I imagine, in fact but I do not know...). The beginning of the recognition, what he called his "mercenary works" with Hollywood, his spiritual researches (he made Blueberry eat vegetarian salad in a cantina of the far west...) and the fact that he was not obliged anymore to publish regularly to live, all that is seen and felt in Incal, especially after the first 2 volumes (my favorites) and marks for me the beginning of the end of his golden age that are the years Métal Hurlant. I am a lover of his work, I discovered Moebius with the Incal at its release, I was 10 years old... That marks you ;)

[@ftloc]

Oh I can only imagine what an explosive experience it would be to read Moebius at 10 - I was 18 and I was blown away by the look of it. And I really feel that the storytelling the visuals do is spectacular. I think maybe if I had read it in chapters, following it like a four page newspaper strip or similar, I wouldn't have tried so hard to make 'traditional' sense of the narrative, perhaps? There are many comics I love that I don't have to fully understand, only be transported and experience them, so it's definitely a power of comics I deeply appreciate. And haha, thanks for the tip on the pronunciation! 😁 This more recent video, on the Black and White edition, contains what I have settled on for now, what do you think? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6DUe42Vi9Jqrpo

[@yannsalmon2988]

Good thing that US readers can now appreciate the Incal with the intended European format rather than the downsized version. But still, the English texts are way smaller than the original French version, where the hand drawn dialogues had quite a big font size and were really completely filling the speech bubbles. I can imagine how this could affect the reading experience. I never read the English version, so I hope that nothing was lost in translation, because from what I could see on this video comparing the different editions, it spotted a few translation changes. Note that the first edition books size was in fact originally a bit smaller than mainstream French “Bandes Dessinées” like Tintin. Note also that when it comes to US comics, French editors tend to do the opposite and oversize them to match our publishing standards (though it’s less and less true as French readers tend to really value original format for Japanese Mangas or US comics now). It’s also important to remember that this story was at first serialized in a magazine, with separate chapters published along the way, and then grouped into separate books. If you compare it to a Tv show, chapters were episodes within a season, and each book was a separate season. All this had an impact on the structure for storytelling. As a teenager in the 80’s, I read the books one after the other and had to wait for the next one to be published. There was not then one single book compiling all of the story, that came way later. So my reading experience was a bit different than “binge watching” the whole series afterwards. I never read any of the Incal “spin-offs”, like the Metabarons or Before the Incal. I am sure they are well done and very interesting, but for me The Incal story is all I need from this universe, I don’t need more. Jodorowsky’s stories are strange and confusing, and the Incal is not even the weirdest script he wrote. Part of it is because he’s crazy (I mean that in a good, creative genius mind way, but… yeah… there’s no way around it, the guy’s totallly nuts… or high on drugs… or both), but also because that was what SF was like in the 80’s. Since then, science-fiction became more and more down to earth, more “realistic” and less fantasy.

[@ftloc]

The books=seasons analogy works perfectly for me! I have also applied that to American superhero comics and 'runs' by different creative teams and the arcs, those in monthly chapters. I too appreciate the original size as well as the enlarged text, although - yes- I still don't fully understand why they can't take up all the space the speech balloons afford them. And I quite like the fantasy approach to sci-fi. Although it feels quaint by today's standards, as you say, there's a charm and optimism in those stories, not necessarily in their subject matter but the way the storytelling is viewed. The Incal seems as born of mysticism as that fantasy sci fi legacy though, which makes it quite different from the other Flash Gordon/ HG Wells/ Jules Verne descendants, both in goals and execution!

[@carolinalopez8248]

The president of El Salvador 🇸🇻 is reading this book. So I looked it up, very interesting 🧐

[@ftloc]

Oh wow, they are? I want to find out what they think of it! 😁

[@tahnadana5435]

well, try metabarons than

[@ftloc]

That's the plan! 😁

[@sam.s.g]

I just started reading this and love the police designs as well as the city. I'm not so sure about the main character. Should I buy the 35$ hardcover or the 125 oversized (in your opinion)?

[@ftloc]

I think the larger size definitely is a better read, for both the art as well as the text. But it's a significant difference in price, so it should be based on how much you enjoy the work. Have you started reading it digitally?

[@sam.s.g]

@@ftloc yes, when I finish (if I like it) I'll buy it on paper

[@ftloc]

So let's see how you feel when you've finished it, you may find the price tag for the larger edition worth it (if it doesn't go out of stock)

[@omnitheus5442]

Don't get the hate of recoloring older stuff. I'll wait till that happens to get this series. Loving the new Sandman Deluxes. I don't think I'd liked it as much with the original coloring...

[@ftloc]

Yes, sometimes the recolouring can be a repair of errors or make up for limitations of the past. But I think what people object to is not so much the 'restorative' colouring but the ones done to make things 'more modern' or 'to contemporary tastes'. The art's identity being completely changed, especially for hallowed and reputed works, is a certain kind of tone deafness for some people. I think some of the Sandman recolouring is very good and important to clear up muddy and murky originals, and yet other parts of it affect the psychedelic luridness it had, so it is - for me - a bit of both. With the Incal, given how universally panned the modern colours were, I don't think they will ever go back to them, so your best bet may be to try and source one of those older reprints that contain the brighter and gradient-ed colours. I would suggest you take a look at samples online to make sure that is what you want though!

[@danianevem]

It's supposed to be pronounced as Inkɑl or at least that's how Jodorowsky pronounced it in the amazing documentary titled 'Jodorowsk'y Dune' which is exactly about the failed project you've mentioned (and about Jodorowsky other insanely surrealistic movies). I highly recommend that movie, some of his movies as well if you are into such trippy experiences. However, good to see that it finally got the proper publishing format, as far as I know (Hungarian viewer here) Blacksad got treated inappropriately as well as each of its stories should have been published separately in large format. p.s.: great channel by the way, great to see some fresh air and not another superhero-oriented one

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much! And I will keep cycling through various pronunciations depending on what I heard last! 😀 Would you recommend the other books in this series/universe?

[@danianevem]

@@ftloc I'd go for the Metabarons (illustrated by Juan Giménez) which is a more militaristic one, sort of a Dune-inspired Greek drama in space. As you've mentioned you've liked the art style better than Jodorowsky's writing so I don't know whether you'd like it, but I'd give it a try.

[@ftloc]

​@@danianevem Thank you, I will! I will still keep looking for more Moebius, too, of course! 😊

[@Joel.C.Holtzman]

why disable likes & comments? Its a good review and I wanna like it/support!

[@ftloc]

Much appreciated! Folks can still hit the buttons and I still see all the likes and dislikes; they're just not visible publicly.

[@Joel.C.Holtzman]

@@ftloc thought they are fully disabled. My bad!

[@bgwhite3]

Looks like a great edition. I read it spread across multiple issues of Heavy Metal back in the day. I'm also interested in The White Lama. Have you read that?

[@ftloc]

No, but it looks intriguing! No decent availability of it here as far as I can see, just a stray volume or two of the Humanoids hardback from time to time, and that too not in order unfortunately....

[@ftloc]

Well, this video just set a record for me - the fastest dislike! Is this what happens if KZbin promotes your video at launch? 😁

[@maxm5953]

Psh. Forget it, man. I love your stuff and im always excited to see new stuff come out. Someone recommended this to me when i was first getting into reading comics, i have yet to pick it up but i may have to look into it more!

[@ftloc]

@@maxm5953 Thanks! Let me know what you think of it!

[@haywoco2]

FWIW your like to dislike ratio is still insane. There are just some people who go around hitting dislike on videos for strange and incomprehensible reasons.

[@ftloc]

Yes, I do wish they would leave a comment on what they disliked about it, or how they would have enjoyed it more. Just a thumbs down is pretty frustrating after working hard on something...

[@trouble5085]

Just listen to Jodorowsky in interviews and go with the way he says it. Which is In-CAL.

[@ftloc]

Yes, that way seems the most sensible. I was worried I would come across as trying to imitate an accent, so wanted to be careful about that! Cheers!

[@marsupius]

Was the original language French?

[@ftloc]

Yes it was! Originally serialized in Metal Hurlant magazine.

[@johnnemesh5459]

Ouch, just checked and the oversized edition is $890!

[@ftloc]

Oh wow, that's crazy! Hopefully there will be a reprinting some time around the release of the movie to capitalize? There's also a new black and white edition that has been announced...

[@gavgardnermusic]

Hey man! Why did you stop using the musical intro on your video's?

[@ftloc]

Ah good question! I liked it but wasn’t sure if everyone did. I think I looked at some audience retention data for some videos and it looked like people would drop off when it started, so I am trying just launching into the video and seeing if it improves the ‘retention rate’. But in all honesty, I don’t know what I’m doing! 😀 Somebody says ‘have an intro’, I put one in there. Someone says ‘it’s repetitive’, I take it out!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

@@ftloc Make it shorter.

[@ftloc]

I'm going to play with that idea of a shorter intro - thank you!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

@@ftloc A splash intro.

[@gavgardnermusic]

It's a damn cool intro!

[@whssy]

My limited A3 black and white print of "l'Incal Noir".... THAT's oversized. This is just proper size. 8D.

[@ftloc]

Haha rub it in, why don't you? 😁 But in all seriousness, that sounds awesome

[@thesecretsaucechannel]

Holy Shit! That thumbnail had me skip a beat. I was this close to getting the oversized deluxe edition but thought not to go for it due to 1. The price 2. I'd have to keep both the deluxe and HC since whoever I asked aint at all into The Incal. They seemed biased and not worth 'owning HC' for a mediocre title.

[@ftloc]

It’s a lovely edition, and I think definitely worth it for fans and even for converting people like me. And there will always be new fans of the Incal won’t there? 😀

[@comicKkrakK]

To those that say it’s a European comic and they just write different, I would say that it’s a Jodorowsky comic and he just thinks and writes differently. See The Holy Mountain for a deeper dive into his philosophies.

[@ftloc]

Yeah, while I kind of understand but a sweeping statement is way too blunt. The individual, obviously still a product of time and place, is the final ‘reason’ behind something being the way it is. I watched El Topo many decades ago and I’ll check out Holy Mountain, thank you!

[@fbritannia]

@@ftloc If you can check Santa Sangre, it's one of my favorite films of all time, I really enjoy Jodorowski's stories. In whichever medium they may come.

[@ftloc]

@@fbritannia Added to the list, thank you!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

Any excuse to buy a new comic.

[@ftloc]

Isn't that the truth! 😁 But not just ANY comic, it is one of my Top 10 honorable mentions for best sci-fi comics of all time!

[@alvaroenriquejaimesmoreno5093]

Gracias! Excelent vídeo ! I'm ilustrator old most cómic ilustrator hahahahaha!

[@ftloc]

Thank you and I am so glad you enjoyed it! Hope you find plenty more to enjoy here! 😁

[@vellu5000]

I am weirded out by the attention lavished on The Incal by this and other channels. Incal is... nice. It is totally okay. It is worth a look for any comics fan. But the 800-pound juggernaut of European sci-fi is Valerian and Laureline; the yardstick that everything else inevitably gets compared to. This is quite presumptuous of me, but considering the very wide range of interests covered on this very channel, I kind of thought that the humanist themes of Valerian would have been more up your alley than the "mere" psychedelic wish-fulfillment fantasies of Incal.

[@ftloc]

Well, there's a lot of comics I haven't read and Valerian is one of them, so there's that. But even if I had, there's only one video a week I can make, if that, and I do my best to cover things in a way that keeps both me and my audience interested. I think that in almost every video I make I have questions on why I didn't make other videos, or mention other comics: on Tintin people will ask about Asterix, on Lone Wolf people will ask about Vagabond, on Watchmen people ask about Dark Knight Returns, and so on. My only responses are either I'll eventually get to them or I'm not as interested, my interest being key to the kind of effort, time and energy each video requires from me. This video is really about me trying to figure out exactly what I feel about the book, grappling with its reputation as well as with the lavish production here, while giving people a look at an edition they may not immediately have access to, something many of my videos are about. I'm sorry you're weirded out by my choice but I did feel this was a departure for me, not being an outright gushfest as many of my videos are, and a bit of a risk/ me putting myself out on a limb by exposing myself to criticism for not outright adoring the hallowed work. Given the response this video has generated, the discussion, the communications and the subscribers it has brought to my channel, I feel I did all right, in my relative way. I strive to make my videos about embracing and inclusion and trying to generate discussion and togetherness, and frankly I find a constant ranking and "this is superior to that" approach, especially when it comes to art, wearisome and uninteresting.

[@vellu5000]

@@ftloc This is more like a personal pet peeve of mine than any sort of serious criticism. And I agree that this topic did bring a fruitful comment section.

[@ftloc]

@@vellu5000 Yes, I never make any video from an authoritative point of view; my personal experience and thoughts -and therefore limitations - are part an parcel of the autobiographical approach I have for this channel. The diversity of commentary and views around that I feel are the true goals, which I am always thrilled to see! 😁

[@vellu5000]

@@ftloc I, on the other hand, have zero problems making authoritative snap judgements, personal limitations be damned. Subjectivity? What is that, precious?

[@vellu5000]

In all seriousness, "ranking" comics I think gets to the chestnut of whether "objective" artistic merit exists. I am maybe a bit more favorable to that idea than you seem to be.

[@janbonne]

I appreciate how you voice your opinion with the context you are coming from. Hearing about how your impressions and reactions of the Incal throughout the years was great. I’m curious to see if you have already or will do more reviews of moebius’ work. I love the history of the Incal but more because of Moebius. I find Jodorowsky inconsistent with his storytelling and overall cohesiveness and more importantly completion of some of his projects... movies and graphic novels. Nothing pisses me off more than a weird rushed ending or random tangents that don’t lead to meaningful closures etc.

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much and I'm so glad to know you enjoyed this video! Yes, I am definitely planning on covering more Moebius - I'm just trying to fin down what and in what form. I do wish Dark Horse would reprint some of his older stuff (and they would become available here in India!) And I'm not very familiar with Jodorwsky outside of El Topo and the documentary Jodorwosky's Dune, but I am going to give his Metabarons a shot since I've now been told it is worth a look. I agree with you though - while his ideas and imagination seem incredible, his final scripts so far are all over the place for me: sometimes great, sometimes careless. Other viewers have told me it's because he has so much crammed into his head that things just spill out chaotically! 😁

[@JamesFenczik]

here is a "movie trailer" for the incal created by the artists who made Heavy Metal. I trust how they pronounce it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWW5nKywp9hkfM0

[@arindam_sen]

Group 2 represent ✋

[@ftloc]

Did the video have any effect on your choices henceforth? 😊

[@arindam_sen]

@@ftloc oh yes. I guess I'll be looking out for a deal on the oversized edition 😁

[@ftloc]

Glad to hear it!

[@AtticusStount]

48 pages?!

[@ftloc]

What is?

[@radomirkuzmanovic1915]

Before the incal has better story in my opinion, sequel not so much. You should check them out anyway and see for yourself. And yes, great content as usual.

[@ftloc]

Thank you so much! Yes, I think I will try a little bit more of the 'Jodoverse' although I am a bit nervous without Moebius holding my hand 😀!

[@radomirkuzmanovic1915]

@@ftloc Yes, that s a little problem, they are decent but not on his level. Original is original. :D

[@gianmarcotoval509]

Anyone else getting crazy asmr from his accent?

[@souvikdas3636]

Jodorowski and moebius rocks

[@ftloc]

Metabarons is up next for Jodorowsky and I wish Moebius' early works like Blueberry and Azarch would see some reprints!

[@souvikdas3636]

@@ftloc i havent read any of mobius' work before the incal, i gotta check them out, french sci-fi is awesome :)

[@EuropaPhoenix]

It doesn't really matter how you pronounce "The Incal" since it is just a translation of the original title. If you really want to say it properly, you should say "L'Incal" the French way... which is hard for a non native French speaker : translate.google.fr/?hl=fr#view=home&op=translate&sl=fr&tl=en&text=l'incal (click on the speaker to hear the voice) Personally, I love the drawings but I don't like the story. There is too much esoteric and surrealistic themes for my taste . Jodorowsky, the writter, was a member of the Panic movement and a man very interested in tarot, shamanism, alchemy, etc. I don't like to mix sci-fi with these topics. Moebius was 100% French, but Jodorowsky was Chilean/French (mostly Chilean, he spoke French with a very thick spanish accent). His story telling style was very weird and absolutely not representative of how European author usually work. By the way, I'm translating an interview of Moebius on my channel (subtitled in English). Take a look if you want to learn a bit more about him and European comic books.

[@ftloc]

Thank you! But isn't that just a mechanical voice, not a human? I think someone shared a clip of Jodorowsky saying it in French and he said 'inkull' but of course now I can't find that! 😋

[@EuropaPhoenix]

@@ftloc It is a synthetic voice, indeed. But, as a native French speaker, I can say that it is a very, very good restitution. I don't know the interview with Jodorowsky (he had a very thick spanish accent), but I know that Moebius didn't say "Incull" or "Incall".... he said "L'incal". Like this young woman : kzbin.info/www/bejne/onqsY4SveKqLarc Again, it doesn't really matter. It is a made-up word, just say it the way you want.

[@ftloc]

Thank you! I am going to start practicing to pronounce it that way (I hope I don't make a fool of myself 😁) I made the same point here - that it is a made up word - but I'd still like to think of how the characters in the story may be saying it when they talk to each other, just for my sake if nothing else. I didn't see the second part of your original comment so apologies for missing that - I feel I agree with you on the story: while the art is terrific and transportative, there's a bit too much going on in the plot that is scattered, and a few too many ideas that don't get fleshed out. I don't mind the authors having a mysticism and magic or even divinity in their sci-fi, and I do admire the ambition. But it felt separated, and incomplete and not completely integrated here. Of course that's a purely personal reaction and no disrespect meant towards people who love the writing. And thank you for your note on the Moebius interview! I'll definitely be taking a look!

[@EuropaPhoenix]

@@ftloc That's ok, I understand and I wish you good luck with that, because if you're not familiar with the French language, you'll have quite a hard time with the prononciation of "'L'Incal" :-) But don't worry about making of fool of yourself, the hero's name is John Difool after all. You're right, I shouldn't say that I don't like to mix these topics with sci-fi. In the novel DUNE, Frank Herbert dealt with the same topics, and I really enjoyed it. The huge difference between Dune and L'Incal is the story telling. Frank Herbert's approach was based on rationality (religions, messiahs, shamanism, etc. are man made and used as political tools) while Jodorowsky's - who wanted to turn Dune into a movie, and failed to do so - is more dreamlike and spiritual. I guess I'm too much of a Cartesian.

[@stillprogressing8118]

Plx Cover the topic of Tintin being a racist

[@ftloc]

It’s a tough one, but interesting, but I’ll give it a shot. Give me some time to work it out , and I have a bunch of planned videos I need to find the time to make anyway! 😀

[@haywoco2]

@@ftloc It's a very interesting topic. Part of the reason I wish compilations would include Tintin in the Congo is because, like other early work from Herge, it's indicative of a man who's making comics without thinking for himself...he regurgitates every stereotype common in the culture around him. But having that reference point lets you chart where he began to change and care/think for himself about the cultures he was depicting (changing around the Blue Lotus due to his personal association with Zhang Chongren) and so gives you a portrait of an artist who is moving from a place of racism or ignorance to a place of learning and dialogue.

[@darthstarch]

It's pronounced "Incal."

[@ftloc]

Haha, I see what you did there 😁