Mezieres' comment on Star Wars.......

I read the first volume(?) and thought it was okay. I got it free for Kindle a while back. My understanding is it gets better from there. I just haven't had time to read more.

I remember watching the movie, but I really only vaguely remember it. I want to say that it was pretty to look at but the story itself was kind of boring. Which probably jibes with me only barely remembering something I watched not more than 18 months ago.

Didn't know there was an animated series; will have to get it.

Definitely a fan and will be getting more Valerian.

Interested in hearing how it progresses with time, Shax.

I read volume 1 and volume 3, I think it was, shortly before the movie, trying to choose those volumes containing stories the movie was rumoured to be based on. I really liked them. The film I thought looked great and I actually found the actress who played Laureline not only looked right for the part but even did a commendable job with a poorly written part - and when I say poorly written, I mean specifically the romantic relationship between Laureline and Valerian. The actor who played the latter role I didn't like at all, though the writing is partly at fault there too. I don't even think he looked right - I see Valerian as a much more competent and dashing sort of character, almost Bond-like in some ways, whereas the they cast him as a kind of goofy but (supposedly) lovable sort.

This is shaxper fault as I attempt to provide my thoughts and idea's about the Valerian and Laureline series of books. Blasted teacher's and their assignments, but this is one I can get behind as I have for many years wanted to read some French Valerian comics. In the good old days of the 70's/80's there just was no option other than very high end European volumes so I would look, drool, look some more and say one day. That one day has finally come and boy what wonders unfold before my eyes. The series is printed in deluxe hardback editions collecting several stories to a book in sequential order. So let us begin with the start: Bad Dreams from November 1967, created when I was all of 5 years old! A mix and mash up of science fiction, history, fantasy all in a world where magic and science can co-exist. I sat and read the very 1st two stories last night and what bed time stories they were! M dreams were wild and enchanting afterwards.

Bad Dreams introduces the unfolding future of Galaxity where Valerian the spatio-temporal (so much cooler sounding that time police, eh?) is interrupted from crafting his mathematical sculpture by the Council as Xombul has gone back in time to 11th century France to become ruler of the world. From such basics does the world of Valerian unfold quickly. Handsome, heroic, cleft chin, Saturday matinee idol good looks our boy Valerian has all the charm and qualities of most hero's and some of the arrogance and ignorance as well. Quickly donning time appropriate apparel he goes zipping into the past and just as quickly blunders and becomes trapped while sleeping in a giant leaf which curls up in the nights darkness and traps him.

Thus our story ends....if not for the introduction of his soon to be partner: Laureline who frees him so that his mission may continue. Pretty much just a second fiddle side kick to the hero here, she is still a wonderful part of the story showing more sense and ability than Valerian. They eventually find Xombul who has magically transformed people into mystical monsters and giants and he actually transforms the sweet Laureline but forgetting that you cannot transform the pure of soul into just anything. So she has become the mystical and magical talking Unicorn of yore! Of course Val and Laureline turn the tables on Xombul who escapes back into the future where they ultimately defeat him. A nice change of pace here in that Laureline steps into the future without all of the tropes and earth shattering time problems you might usually find and she is placed under a mnemonic machine providing her with all the information and skills necessary to becoming a time traveler agent alongside Valerian. 

Everything you need to know is provided here in a whimsical, fantastical world where past and future all exist and combine to create a uniquely visual world full of excitement and fun to come. A somewhat small story to begin with and yet it captures the imagination as you can tell Christin and Mezieres have found themselves a very special universe to explore. It is entertaining and unique and it will only get better from here!


The City of Shifting Waters has our time hopping companions exploring several science fiction staples: on leave playing 3D chess where Val is losing to Laureline of course since he is eager to leave upon a new assignment to the post apocalyptic year 1986 after the Polar Ice Caps have been melting after nuclear explosions, the atypical flooded New York and decaying Statue of Liberty, and mob rules and raiding. Valerian goes it alone with Laureline left behind in the future (confused yet?) as backup with Val even making jokes that soon enough he won't be checking in and she will be needed which of course is the case. 

With this story we begin to see the quips and camaraderie between Laureline and Valerian growing. We get crazy wild visuals with destroyed 1986 New York, stylistic robots which look like walking chemical suits with rubber boots and gloves as well as our intrepid heroic duo dressed to fit the times which is all hilariously false as they are drawn in typical 60/70's kind of fashions (Val does kind of resemble Elvis) as well as Laureline shows us her wit and quick thinking skills (her explanation of hiding the borrowed plane and the artwork showing her crashing the plane) throughout. Also includes the introduction of several recurring characters Sun Rae the gangster musician and Dr. (looks like Jerry Lewis) Schroder  of the scientific genius variety. The story itself leaps all over fromthe future to the past from New York to Wyoming to the Rocky Mountains and into Outer Space!

A much more intriguing and developed story with layers and wit and humor this story advances many of the aspects and ideas the series will develop into over time. Quite well done and exciting and this one will make certain you are wanting more adventures! 

I forgot to mention several other aspects which were present in these 2 stories. Shax is correct in that the series continuously promotes education and learning as essential aspects of life. That Laureline is changed into a unicorn showing her purity and "perfection" of all that is female after rescuing "inept" Valerian is a great entrance to who and what she is and will become in future stories as she takes on more importance as a character and equal partner in the series (if not actually becoming the lead). It was also very charming that without any real challenges or arguments she simply found out the truth of Val and jumped out of the past into the future alongside him, and Valerian without complaint or other reasoning just simply accepts this as if it is natural and was meant to be. Even the leaders in the future allow her to become a part of the force and don't attempt to sending her back in time (perhaps they realize her importance?) to where she came from. 

Valerian remarks in allowing females into the Tempo-Spatial force and he flatly states that women are superior to men. Unheard of concept in 1967/68 and shows great insight into coming women's liberation and today's ongoing equalization rights/struggles. Also that all citizens of the future are "addicted" in their dreams rather than doing any real work reflects so much of today's various gaming/television/sports fans who spend more of their time in dealing in fantasy than the real world. 

Xombul is either incredibly smart in knowing the past is the place to be in taking control/power of the future or very stupid himself in wanting to try and change what is essentially shown as a peaceful and productive future Utopian society. What is wonderful is that whether Val/Laureline are in the future or past, they seem to function and live happily no matter what, where or when, and this shows us all that we should make the most of any circumstances and appreciate the moment we are in.