Last Days of an Immortal

by Fabien Vehlmann, Gwénaël de Bonneval (Illustrations), Edward Gauvin (Translator)

When you live forever, what will you live for?

In our distant future, science will provide access to eternal life. With immortality a universal constant, the concept of crime takes on a new definition, giving rise to the “Philosophical Police”, agents trained to solve conflicts between individuals as well as entire species of aliens who have integrated into our society. When two such species erupt in violence over a crime committed centuries ago, Police agent Elijah must submerge himself in each culture to understand how to overcome their ignorance of each other and bring about peace. Soon, however, he finds himself confronting his own immortality, and examining the concept of death itself…

In a world where death no longer exists, why do so many want to give up on life?

LAST DAYS OF AN IMMORTAL is a classic, cerebral science fiction story in the tradition of JG Ballard, Gattaca, Solaris, and THX 1138.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Science Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Adult, Comix

152 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

Usually uses the pseudonym Vehlmann

Fabien Vehlmann est comme son héros : pétillant, engagé et plein d'humour.

Après avoir patiemment suivi les cours d'une école de commerce nantaise, Fabien Vehlmann réalise que sa voie est ailleurs. Bien décidé à se lancer dans la bande dessinée, il se consacre à l'écriture de manière intensive durant une année entière. Il empile les projets et inonde scrupuleusement la rédaction du journal Spirou. Sa ténacité est récompensée : il y fait ses débuts dans le courant de l'année 1998. Dans les pages du beau journal, il apprend son métier en scénarisant des animations, puis ses premières séries dont le fameux "Green Manor" avec Denis Bodart.

Curieux et enthousiaste, Vehlmann touche à tous les genres : humour, science-fiction, aventure, conte,... Il multiplie les collaborations avec des dessinateurs aux styles aussi divers que Matthieu Bonhomme ("Le Marquis d'Anaon"), Frantz Duchazeau ("Les Cinq conteurs de Bagdad") ou Bruno Gazzotti ("Seuls"). En 2006, il réalise une première aventure de Spirou et Fantasio avec Yoann : "Les Géants Pétrifiés". Quatre ans plus tard, les deux compères reprennent en main la destinée du plus célèbre héros des Editions Dupuis...

Les albums de Spirou qu'il emmènerait sur une île déserte : Le Nid des Marsupilamis, Le Voyageur du Mésozoïque et Virus.

Source: http://www.dupuis.com/catalogue/FR/au...

Reviews

[Sam Quixote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fabien Vehlmann - author of the excellent “Green Manor” series, a much underrated book called “7 Psychopaths”, and a collaboration a couple of years ago with Jason, “Isle of 100,000 Graves” - returns with another highly imaginative and well written work with “Last Days of an Immortal”.

Set in the distant future where mankind has reached a point where death is no longer an inevitability and that people regularly live hundreds of years. They can also replicate themselves a number of times - called “echoes” - who can then set off into the world and do other things before being assimilated back into the original body and their memories absorbed by the host. There’s also a vast array of alien races who, along with humans, are part of an intergalactic Union, like Star Trek’s “Federation”.

Elijah is the main character, a Professor X lookalike who is a member of the Philosophical Police who have been tasked with arbitrating a case between two alien races whose dispute reaches back millennia where one member of the species was murdered by another. Unless Elijah can defuse the situation, war will erupt.

Very sci-fi, right? The book reminded me of the kind of sci-fi books written by Asimov and Ballard which I read when I was 12/13 years old. The invention is there but at the heart of it is something recognisable that would be a mainstream storyline if presented more mundanely: a murder mystery. Alongside this main story is a more interesting, philosophical one - if people can live forever, why do some voluntarily choose death?

Despite the many outlandish settings, characters, and even concepts, the book is very accessible and interesting once you grasp what’s going on. But for all the creative aspects of the book I found the characters and story a little cold and distant for me to really connect with either and the artwork is a bit lacklustre in places. Otherwise, “Last Days of an Immortal” is a perfectly enjoyable sci-fi mystery comic book with originality and intelligence.

[Berna Labourdette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vehlmann es otro historietista que siempre me parece interesante. Este tomo no es la excepción, ciencia ficción y un misterio detectivesco se unen para mostrar un futuro muy lejano donde la humanidad descubre la inmortalidad haciendo duplicados de cada persona y donde debe convivir con otras razas y entender sus costumbres (para lo cual hay una especie de policía filosófica, con un investigador estrella, que es el protagonista). Mi único pero es al arte de Bonneval, creo que es demasiado sencillo y no funciona tan bien. 

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

In “Last Days of an Immortal,” humans have evolved into a state of virtual immortality. Humans can make copies of themselves called “echoes.” If the “primary” body is threatened, they can make the leap to an echo.

Within this framework is Elijah, a member of the Philosophical Police. He is tasked with settling an intergalactic dispute between two alien races.

The art is done up in a somewhat minimalist grayscale.

The beginning of this book was a bit disorienting. However, it soon became clear what was going on. I appreciated the talk about the importance of having a definite end to life, but I would have liked if there was more of this.

[Trinity9bi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ciencia ficcion futurista en un mundo en el que conviven distintas especies de distintos mundos y en el que ser humano se ha vuelto inmortal, donde el protagonista nos enseña todas las peculiaridades de esa sociedad moderna a través de sus vivencias. Me ha parecido una historia bonita, interesante, con un ritmo pausado que no lento. Quizás peca un poco de saltar de una escena a otra sin una transición clara, aun así la lectura es fluida. Una lectura curiosa que si no me hubieran recomendado habría pasado desapercibida.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: "The premise sounded intriguing, I like crime/detective fiction, science fiction and this also sounded like it would have a dystopian vibe. All things that interested me.

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened up and started reading with how much I loved the art. It was astonishingly stark and understated and yet fully drew one into the story. This is a prime example of less is more. In this future world which is our Earth, people no longer die as we know it. By accepting certain memory loss one can transfer ones brain data into an "echo" of oneself and live indefinitely. Here characters were aged well into their 400's. People can use technology to change one's appearance, experience physical pleasure and clothing is a personal style and even optional. Many alien nations have joined the "community" and Elijah's job is to keep the peace between species though psychology and philosophy. This is his story, of the several cases he is working on at once and how a few personal problems affect his own psyche and the eventual choices he makes. The dystopian reality of this society is presented simply in the life and legal rules of this society. The author never brings any judgement upon them, yet due to choices made by certain characters and the readers reasoning in evaluating such a state of being, one can see all the possible fears in this current generation come true within this age where many issues of life must be dealt with if immortality is to be the order of the day, A compelling and page-turning read. Of note, this book is very much rated "M" for ages 18+; there is language, frontal nudity of both s*xes, and while artistically rendered, still graphic, s*x scenes. The language bothered me but the rest was not gratuitous. Recommended for those looking for a thought-provoking graphic story.

[Ryan Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very smart sci-fi story, but I just couldn’t connect with it. Nothing seemed to be on the line, even with the threat of war looming over the outcome of protagonist Elijah’s investigation into an ancient murder. Perhaps the book was a bit too cerebral for me to latch onto, like how everything in a HHH match makes sense but isn’t necessarily exciting.

The art has a mid-century feel to it, not too far removed from a simplified Beetle Bailey as far as I can tell. I think the choice of paper, thicker and craft-like, was excellent and felt very organic—a nice juxtaposition with the cold futurism of the story itself.

[Romain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabien Vehlmann est l'un des scénaristes de BD qui a le vent en poupe. Après son travail remarqué sur Seuls, Le Marquis d'Anaon (voir les articles ici) ou encore Des lendemains sans nuage (voir l'article ici), il signe ici un scénario ambitieux publié dans la collection Futuropolis. Tellement ambitieux d'ailleurs que je vais être bien en peine pour vous en parler. Nous suivons Elijah qui exerce la profession de détective ou de policier philosophe. Jusqu'ici, c'était facile. Dans ce univers complètement original, l'on ne tue pas vraiment les gens — ou très rarement — mais leurs échos, c'est à dire des représentations physiques d'une personne source — un peu comme des clones. Elijah est l'un des enquêteurs les plus prestigieux et est chargé de résoudre des affaires complexes dont certaines peuvent impliquer des peuples aux cultures complètement différentes.

Résoudre un crime vieux de plusieurs milliers d'années. Ca vous tente ?

L'esthétique de la BD est très réussie, des dessins simples utilisant du noir et un lavis bleu pale confèrent une poésie et une unité à l'ensemble. Tout est à l'avenant, le design des personnages — celui d'Elijah correspond très bien au personnage — mais aussi l'architecture des bâtiments et les paysages. C'est un très beau conte philosophique sur la relation entre les êtres — a fortiori ceux qui ne partagent pas le même référentiel et donc ceux qui ne se comprennent pas. Il traite aussi de la vie diluée par les moyens de communication et les barrières protectrices que nous mettons entre nous et les autres et qui aboutissent au final à une perte de sens. Deux sujets qui sont plus que jamais d'actualité.

https://www.aubonroman.com/2011/01/le...

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"LAST DAYS OF AN IMMORTAL is a classic, cerebral science fiction story in the tradition of JG Ballard, Gattaca, Solaris, and THX-1138"

What more do I need to hear? JG Ballard? Gattaca?? Solaris??? Actually, they had me at "Gattaca," and I'd say I picked up on that, and the other nuances. Basically, if you enjoy any of those things, and can appreciate the simplistic, effectual art (that actually seems an homage to old cartoon illustration styles of the 60s and 70s), and strangeness of the futuristic developments of this society, then this book will probably "do it" for you.

One of the things that I enjoy about finite graphic novels, you can enjoy the beginning and ending, and cherish the story as a whole without unintentional lose ends trailing off in whichever direction. Unfortunately, I wish there were more to this book because it moves fluidly and too soon ends before you're ready to close the back cover.

[Daniel Murcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿Merece la pena vivir para siempre perdiendo una y otra vez tus recuerdos más preciados, por muy fascinante que trabajar como xenopsicólogo en la policía filosófica o conocer los nuevos placeres que nos deparará el futuro pueda llegar a ser? El planteamiento es sencillo, al adquirir la capacidad de duplicar nustro cuerpo manteniendo la mente intacta podemos ser imortales teniendo una “copia” siempre disponible. La parte filosófica no se hace aburrida ni parece un tratado. Aparte hay una serie de investigaciones de “exopsicología” que hacen entretenida la parte más liviana, sin contar con las posibilidades que plantea el dominio de la materia. Un cómic muy francés que encontré por casualidad en Flash Libreria (Granada) y que os recomiendo. "Los últimos días de un inmortal", Gwen de Bonneval & Fabien Vehlmann, Ninth Ediciones

[P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

what I wrote last June when I read this for the first time: There's something about deBonneval's line that I love. expressive yet compact & controlled. the story is intriguing, the concepts are fascinating, and things don't get bogged down.

re-read June 2014: still agree. love this book and I'm glad we're reading it for a book club so I can read it again and make other people read it. it's brimming with ideas but it has tender feelings too.

[Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

This graphic novel is a giant convoluted mess of ideas, which is interesting considering how hollow and unpolished the art looks. It often feels like you're being pummeled with hip tech-speak to compensate for the rather boring characters and inexplicable, unannounced leaps in setting between pages. Don't misread that. Last Days of an Immortal isn't surreal; it's just disorganized.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent to me of some of Jack Vance's work, in theme, setting, and mood, Last Days of an Immortal places the reader in a world of humans become so alien as to be almost unrecognizable as humans to the reader, yet at the same time still exhibiting all the petty foibles that make us so human. In the end though, it's a story about letting go of life and accepting death.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one boring book if you don't read adult comicbooks with deep philosophical bent. The story is a good scifi what-if on immortality, having humans live hundreds/thousands of years and also intermingle with alien races. I recommend this book to some one with an open mind, it may not be your cup of tea, but given a chance it is well written.

[Titus · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are countless works of fiction that envisage a distant future where humans live alongside myriad alien species in some kind of galaxy-spanning or intergalactic society – the most obvious example being Star Wars. However, in the vast majority of cases, the aliens are basically just funny-looking humans – often of broadly humanoid, bipedal appearance, and usually exhibiting essentially human psychologies. In some cases, an alien species might embody a specific range of human neurotypes – such as the aggressive and short-tempered Wookies or the hyper-rational Vulcans – or might correspond to a particular real-world culture – a civilization based on feudal Japan or on Viking marauders, for example – but rarely do they feel truly otherworldly.

The central premise of this comic is a multi-planetary federation where the constituent species all have radically different cultures, physiognomies and psychologies. Its protagonist, a member of the humans' "philosophical police", is responsible for identifying the causes of inter-species conflicts, disputes and misunderstandings. Further adding to the high-concept stew, humans in this setting are immortal, can duplicate themselves and can transform their bodies. All of this is to say that this comic is packed with great sci-fi ideas. It's a thoughtful and thought-provoking work that's full of ingenious and highly memorable concepts.

In terms of presenting and exploring cool concepts, this comic is very successful, and it’s worth reading on those grounds alone. On top of that, the artwork is subtly lovely and very atmospheric, especially thanks to the perfect pacing and deft visual storytelling. That said, the abundant great ideas are never quite turned into a compelling plot. The first two thirds of the comic are fairly meandering, with the protagonist dealing with various unrelated cases, and this works quite well, but the attempt to raise the stakes in the final third is a bit clumsy and doesn’t really land. I also never really connected with the characters. I didn’t have a strong sense of the protagonist’s personality: his defining trait seems to be his competence, and he just feels kind of hollow.

Despite its flaws, this is an excellent work of science fiction, throwing a load of great ideas out there and giving serious thought to their implications. Highly recommended to any fan of the genre.

[Alexander Lisovsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Классный закос под олдскульную фантастику — как визуально, так и по необычно глубоким, оригинальным темам, особенно что касается представления поистине инопланетных культур (в отличие от мейнстримно декоративных пришельцев, ничем, кроме внешности, не отличимых от людей). При этом, во главу угла здесь ставится не стилистика (как это часто бывает), а содержание. Дополнительно авторы накаляют читательский интерес, выбрав в качестве повествовательного подхода детектив.

В далёком будущем люди (терране) давно вошли в галактическое сообщество, достигли технологического бессмертия через клонирование, а главный герой работает сотрудником "философской полиции" — т.е. в одном лице и дипломатом, и следователем по особо важным делам (как правило, убийствам). Серия межгалактических убийств и лежит в сюжетной основе небольшого комикса — причём, в каждом случае авторы ловко и остроумно концентрируются на культурных коллизиях, из-за которых весь сыр-бор.

Помимо этого есть и традиционные для классической фантастики размышления о смысле жизни (с точки зрения бессмертных), о практиках половых отношений в пост-морализаторском обществе, о памяти, эмоциях и т.д. В целом не скажу, что прям шедевр на века, но любителям жанра обратить внимание стоит. Прикладываю небольшое превью.

P.S. Фабьен Вельман больше известен как сценарист "Прекрасной тьмы" и "Сатании", но вот и на поле фантастики тоже молодец.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vehlmann se está convirtiendo en uno de mis autores favoritos, lo que parece irónico teniendo en cuenta que sólo le he dado tres estrellas a este cómic. Sin embargo, Vehlmann no se está convirtiendo en uno de mis autores favoritos porque siempre me guste lo que ofrece, sino porque, me acabe gustando o no, sus obras siempre me sorprenden por su audacia. En este caso nos encontramos con un a historia de ciencia ficción que bordea lo filosófico centrándose en la importancia de los recuerdos, el sentido de la vida y la dificultad de entendimiento entre culturas y formas de ver el mundo. Es precisamente eso lo que más me ha gustado de la historia, el trabajo como mediador del protagonista y su capacidad para entender, empatizar y negociar con todas las culturas y criaturas que se encuentra. Por suerte o por desgracia, el foco de la obra está no en ese trabajo (aunque se desarrolla bastante) sino en su crisis filosófica que a mí me vino un poco grande o no terminó de interesarme. De todas formas, una lectura que merece la pena.

[Juushika · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a distant, intergalactic culture, a member of the police-equivalent solves interpersonal and intercultural disputes across space while juggling his relationship with his instanced self and the degradation it causes in his immortal memory. Very cerebral, and made moreso by the understated art, which creates an emotional distance from what's often an emotional text. I'm not a big fan of that approach, and Scott-Clary's Post-Self series does such a good job, and a much more thorny and emotional and nuanced job, with highly speculative instanced identities meeting casefic that I can't help but making the (admittedly niche) comparison to find that this falls short. I still like what it's trying to do, and it's an interesting, quick read, surprisingly dense narrative in a deceptively sparse style.

[Nickolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When you live forever, what will you live for?"
This was my third Fabien Vehlmann book, my least favourite, but it's still good. The story is ambitious with, if not the creation of, the reworking of different science fiction concepts. Everyone is immortal because they have "echos" of themselves, basically clones, that they can create and use how they wish. The main character is a sort of forensic archaeologist trying to solve space crimes to prevent inter-galactic wars.

The art is really interesting. I don't have the art knowledge to put it correctly into words, but I would say it's a Golden Age Deco comic style. Black and white, sometimes parts look unfinished, and other times a panel will be absolutely stunning and I would just stare at it for a while. I can't draw stick figures to save my life, so those who can art always amaze me.

[SodaArtist]

Les missions diplomatiques sont intéressantes, dans la veine du cycle de Hain de Ursula K. le Guin, mais dommage que ça ne prenne pas plus de place au final. L'immortalité est un élément très secondaire de l'histoire, les états d'âmes du personnage principal m'ont profondément indifféré. Et surtout, qu'est-ce que c'est que cette histoire de prendre l'apparence d'enfants pour faire du sexe ?? Ça va aller la pédophilie dans la BD franco-belge là, vraiment y a un soucis global qu'il va falloir adresser un jour.

Au final je suis assez déçu, j'aime bien le travail de Vehlmann en général, on m'a dit que c'était sa meilleure BD , et je suis vraiment pas d'accord.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not bad, but it's less a mystery and more of a philosophical blah blah blah about how different all alien species are or whatever. There's a major terrorist attack that happens 2/3 of the way through that has almost no impact on either the plot or the reader.

I'm also 100% done with people (men) including scenes of nude women in their sci-fi/fantasy/whatever graphic novels in an attempt to make people think the story is deeper or artsier than it really is.

It's fine! But it's not saying as much as it thinks.

[Stan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another try at a graphic novel, as recommended by my colleague who really likes the genre. While I really enjoyed Maus because the story was so real, this was an odd Sci-fi. It was fun and an easy read--took no time at all. The art was better than Maus. The story was decent and I liked the way it resolved. But, I think this story could have been better developed as a traditional novel. It's a good-enough premise to warrant a 300 page book. With this graphic format, one really has to read between the lines. I would have liked more help.

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - french people are crazy as fuck

neat story. best parts about this are the art and world-building-- fave aspects include the setting of the spaceport and the designs and behaviors of other species. loved the opening scene. unfortunately i had to read this kinda quick so i think a few things about the plot itself may have gone over my head… definitely agree with other reviewers that the characters + conflicts feel a little distanced and are hard to get invested in. really appreciated the resolution though! nice read yayy

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little cerebral, the focus was on the philosophical journey of the mc rather than fitting that emotional arc into one plotline, which would have been more interesting to me. Twice the mc's brilliant solution is presented after the fact, diminishing the excitement of a murder mystery and a delicate cultural investigation in the hopes of preventing war. The character seemed deeply concerned for two other characters who it seems have a longstanding relationship with him yet treat him like crap.

[ISMOTU · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting science fiction story exploring the idea of immortality via identical genetic copies. There are also interesting notions of alien interactions and very foreign means of communication. The art is clear and crisp, not overly realistic nor overtly cartoony. Some food for thought and definitely a graphic novel for grown ups.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable, quick read that feels very much like classic sci fi. At times it felt a little abrupt, and I'm not sure I understand Elijah's final choice, but I'd recommend it to my friends that enjoy sci fi and graphic novels.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The black and white pastel artwork is decent but doesn't stand out in my mind, the alien races are mentally bizarre and imaginative and the handling of the issues of potentially immortal humans interesting. It reminds me a bit of Jack Vance, a good read.

[Louis Corsair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great one-day read. Elijah is an unusual cop protagonist who is from a far off future. He and his “clones” take on cases and confer with each other, all the while trying to keep his relationship with his girlfriend fresh.

[Cèilidh Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Characters can change their bodies, mc’s love interest has sex as a child and states she prefers it like that and prefers if her partners are children - so pedophilia but technically the people are adults but they still have the bodies of children

[Juan Fuentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un policía-filósofo se encarga de solucionar malos entendidos entre las diferentes especies espaciales, solucionando crímenes, haciendo de embajador y evitando guerras.

[Tenebrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed me as a person. Weird and pretentious and high concept and very French and I absolutely adore it.