JACQUES MARTIN - Alix - The Cursed Island - Lot 294

JACQUES MARTIN - Alix - The Cursed Island JACQUES MARTIN Alix - The Cursed Island. Casterman, 1969. In-4 hardback, boards illustrated in color. Fourth album in the legendary Alix historical saga, originally prepublished in Tintin in 1956. In this adventure, Alix and Enak find themselves prisoners on a fortified island in the Aegean Sea, in the hands of a cruel and ambitious lord who uses destructive technology to blackmail the great powers of Antiquity. Jacques Martin infuses the story with a healthy dose of mystery and action, supported by highly graphic maritime and craggy settings. The first plate offers a memorable and oppressive composition, showing the two young heroes fleeing under the black portcullis of a gigantic stone fortress. Justification page and dating: CASTERMAN 1969 - Translation and reproduction rights reserved for all countries. Printer's code letter: B (indicating 1969 print run). Second plate: catalog of "Déjà parus" titles, listing 10 albums and ending with Iorix le Grand (published in 1972). This discrepancy is explained by the use of a second plate updated in the early 1970s by publisher Casterman during a reprint of this album. Copy in good condition. Solid period boards. First cover remains fresh and bright, with a beautiful contrast of colors. Corners and headpieces slightly dulled, with some minor wear at corners and along spine. The red spine is complete and present. The interior is generally clean, complete and sound, with no major erasures or tears. A fine copy of this sought-after edition from the late 60s/early 70s. An essential, suspenseful title in the series.