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Les corsaires d'Alcibiade #1
Élites secrètes
N'OUS SOMMES AU DEBUT DU XIXième SIECLE, EN ANGLETERRE, AU COEUR D'UNE UNIVERSITE SECRETE ET SELECTE DE LA COURONNE BRITANNIQUE. PETER, LYDIA, MIKE, CURTIS ET MARYLINE, CINQ JEUNES HOMMES ET JEUNES FEMMES QUE TOUT OPPOSE EN APPARENCE, ONT ETE REUNIS POUR PARTICIPER AU STAGE DE SELECTION DE CETTE ECOLE PAS COMME LES AUTRES.. POURQUOI ONT-ILS ETE CHOISI ?
DANS QUEL BUT ? . AUCIN D'ENTRE EUX NE SE DOUTE ENCORE QU'ILS QUITTENT POUR LONGTEMPS LEURS VIES PLUTOT TRANQUILLES AU REGARD DES AVENTURES QUI LES ATTENDENT..
DANS QUEL BUT ? . AUCIN D'ENTRE EUX NE SE DOUTE ENCORE QU'ILS QUITTENT POUR LONGTEMPS LEURS VIES PLUTOT TRANQUILLES AU REGARD DES AVENTURES QUI LES ATTENDENT..
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Éric Liberge
64 books6 followersNé en 1965, Éric Liberge déclare avoir toujours dessiné. Depuis 1977, il hantait déjà ses feuilles volantes avec des fresques entières de petits squelettes. En 1996 il se lance dans le projet Monsieur Mardi-Gras Descendres. Ce sont les revues "PLG", "Ogoun" et "Golem" qui, les premières, acceptent de publier quelques courts extraits du Petit monde du Purgatoire. Achevé en 1998, le tome 1, Bienvenue !, est publié par Zone créative. Prix René Goscinny 1999, l'album est réédité chez Pointe Noire. En 2002, après trois albums, il met de côté sa série phare et publie Tonnerre Rampant puis Métal, chez Soleil dans la collection Latitudes. En 2004, les éditions Dupuis rééditent les trois premiers volumes de Monsieur Mardi-Gras Descendres qui sont suivis en 2005 par la sortie du quatrième et dernier volume inédit. Par ailleurs, Éric Liberge démarre en 2003 une collaboration en cinq tomes avec Denis-Pierre Filippi, Les Corsaires d'Alcibiade chez Dupuis dont l'action se situe dans l'Angleterre du XIXe siècle. En 2008, il publie Aux heures Impaires, un album carte-blanche sur le musée du Louvre aux éditions Futuropolis. Son nouveau projet en auteur complet, L'Empire du rêve est un regard sur la violence des hommes en temps de guerre à travers une croisée de destins pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, est prévu chez Dupuis pour le printemps 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 7, 2019
The Corsairs of Alcibiades: Secret Elites:
Translated from the French comic series over 5 books "Les corsaires d'Alcibiade" we have the opportunity to read it in English.
It starts with the saving / the abduction of 5 young people. Peter, Lydia, Mike, Curtis, and Maryline who are forced together due to their shared desire to solve puzzles and overcome the establishment.
They all neither under guard nor restrained, they seem to be confined with similar young people as they take in their surroundings. They are told they are to sit elaborate entrance exams and tests, in order to be considered for a unique university that will only admit the elite of society. Its best brains and problem solvers to be available to work for the British Crown.
The graphic novel starts at a pace and the five young people are plucked from their often hazardous lifes; however, if you are not aware of the plot this is quite complicated and immediately confusing.
Slowly we learn about the chosen five, and focus on these leading characters. However, this against a background they themselves don't understand. Their mixed emotions are shared by the average reader who can not get a grasp of what is going on either. Who is everyone? Is an evil force at work?
Perhaps some darker research is at work harvesting the very brains of the young inteligent elite.
Just when you think you're make progress, the story jumps with little continuity between the drawn frames and writen story. Then, almost as you become determined to persevere with solving this riddle of a book, it's complicated plot, the episode is left hanging - to be continued.
Too complex for me; I like the characters, perhaps a little pen biography of each one before they are introduced would make the story less confusing. Shame as the age and sense of science at work is quite fascinating and must build into a very readable series.
Translated from the French comic series over 5 books "Les corsaires d'Alcibiade" we have the opportunity to read it in English.
It starts with the saving / the abduction of 5 young people. Peter, Lydia, Mike, Curtis, and Maryline who are forced together due to their shared desire to solve puzzles and overcome the establishment.
They all neither under guard nor restrained, they seem to be confined with similar young people as they take in their surroundings. They are told they are to sit elaborate entrance exams and tests, in order to be considered for a unique university that will only admit the elite of society. Its best brains and problem solvers to be available to work for the British Crown.
The graphic novel starts at a pace and the five young people are plucked from their often hazardous lifes; however, if you are not aware of the plot this is quite complicated and immediately confusing.
Slowly we learn about the chosen five, and focus on these leading characters. However, this against a background they themselves don't understand. Their mixed emotions are shared by the average reader who can not get a grasp of what is going on either. Who is everyone? Is an evil force at work?
Perhaps some darker research is at work harvesting the very brains of the young inteligent elite.
Just when you think you're make progress, the story jumps with little continuity between the drawn frames and writen story. Then, almost as you become determined to persevere with solving this riddle of a book, it's complicated plot, the episode is left hanging - to be continued.
Too complex for me; I like the characters, perhaps a little pen biography of each one before they are introduced would make the story less confusing. Shame as the age and sense of science at work is quite fascinating and must build into a very readable series.
October 3, 2024
Another bad steampunk story.
Even the art which at first glance looks good, it is bad.
Even the art which at first glance looks good, it is bad.
April 18, 2011
Cette BD a du charme et du caractère, cela se sent dès la première page.
Ce premier tome sert avant tout à planter le décors, on y découvre les protagonistes et les raisons qu'ils ont de se retrouver ensemble.
A défaut d'être originale cette BD utilise efficacement les ficelles d'un bon scénario d'aventure.
Curieusement, j'ai un peu l'impression que j'avais étant enfant après le premier épisode d'un nouveau dessin animé où l'on sent tout le potentiel pour de chouettes aventures pour la suite.
J'acheterai certainement le tome n°2 pour découvrir la suite et pour voir si l'aventure sera au rendez-vous.
Ce premier tome sert avant tout à planter le décors, on y découvre les protagonistes et les raisons qu'ils ont de se retrouver ensemble.
A défaut d'être originale cette BD utilise efficacement les ficelles d'un bon scénario d'aventure.
Curieusement, j'ai un peu l'impression que j'avais étant enfant après le premier épisode d'un nouveau dessin animé où l'on sent tout le potentiel pour de chouettes aventures pour la suite.
J'acheterai certainement le tome n°2 pour découvrir la suite et pour voir si l'aventure sera au rendez-vous.
January 6, 2019
*I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley.
I didn't know much about this graphic novel when I picked it up, but thought the premise of early nineteenth century England and secret society vibes would mean a fun time. The art style of this graphic novel fit the setting perfectly, but the setting itself could have been more fleshed out. At the beginning of the story you are dumped right into action with little to no explanation of when or where much is happening. At first you move from character to character without little separation or any real indication that the setting/perspective is changing. Once you get about halfway through things start to make sense and fall into place.
Even though the beginning was a little hard to follow, the adventure and concept definitely point towards future volumes being fun and full of mysteries and action. It will be interesting to see more of each character's personalities and the relationships that develop between them as well as the adventures they go on.
I didn't know much about this graphic novel when I picked it up, but thought the premise of early nineteenth century England and secret society vibes would mean a fun time. The art style of this graphic novel fit the setting perfectly, but the setting itself could have been more fleshed out. At the beginning of the story you are dumped right into action with little to no explanation of when or where much is happening. At first you move from character to character without little separation or any real indication that the setting/perspective is changing. Once you get about halfway through things start to make sense and fall into place.
Even though the beginning was a little hard to follow, the adventure and concept definitely point towards future volumes being fun and full of mysteries and action. It will be interesting to see more of each character's personalities and the relationships that develop between them as well as the adventures they go on.
January 18, 2019
I saw ‘The Corsairs of Alcibiades: The Secret Elites’ in the ‘Read Now’ section on NetGalley for Historical Fiction and thought that the cover and description sounded interesting. Thank you to Europe Comics for making this available.
It is a quite short graphic novel from Belgium written by Dennis-Pierre Filippi and illustrated by Eric Liberge. It’s the first in a five-part series, translated from the French.
In 1825 five young people have been brought to a secret and exclusive university run under the auspices of the British Crown. Peter, Lydia, Mike, Curtis, and Maryline soon discover that they are there to undergo a selection process for entry.
Even though the names of the characters and the language seemed a bit modern, this was a lot of fun to read. Almost a steampunk ‘Kingsmen’.
Lots of energy in the story and artwork though did notice that Lydia’s broken arm did switch from right to left in one panel. Whoops.
Overall a good introduction to the characters and world and an adventure that left me eager for more.
It is a quite short graphic novel from Belgium written by Dennis-Pierre Filippi and illustrated by Eric Liberge. It’s the first in a five-part series, translated from the French.
In 1825 five young people have been brought to a secret and exclusive university run under the auspices of the British Crown. Peter, Lydia, Mike, Curtis, and Maryline soon discover that they are there to undergo a selection process for entry.
Even though the names of the characters and the language seemed a bit modern, this was a lot of fun to read. Almost a steampunk ‘Kingsmen’.
Lots of energy in the story and artwork though did notice that Lydia’s broken arm did switch from right to left in one panel. Whoops.
Overall a good introduction to the characters and world and an adventure that left me eager for more.
January 21, 2019
Nah, just nah. In a very inaccurate steampunk London, five people who we can never grow to ever like or care for get stuck in a huge establishment designed to test their mettle and ability at derring-do. When they get out they find they're part of a third-rate LXG, and that they'll have no end of missions to raise funds for said League and to protect the Crown. The artwork is fine, although some scenes really don't allow for an easy 'read', it's just the whole script thing that lets the side down. None of the characters are at all likeable, they bicker before they do anything else (because the author seems to think that's entertainment – clearly he's read too many DC comics), and before too long we're most interested in the humongous cleavage on one of the female contenders. None of the five show any interest at first in sticking with the plan and doing what they're told – and you know what? This reader certainly doesn't want to stick around for more after this extended prologue. Considering the artist's talent, this is a huge disappointment.
January 20, 2019
'The Corsairs of Alcibiade #1: Secret Elites' by Denis-Pierre Filippi with art by Eric Liberge is a graphic novel about a secret society with a really tough entrance exam.
A group of various people in the early 1800s is captured and are taking place in a very strange admission exam to an elite organization. Before long, the large group is whittle down to 5 people with nothing in common. They are forced to run, solve puzzles, and use their wits to try to escape from a very strange ship.
I really liked this kind of smart story. The characters were interesting, and I like how they had to use different talents and each other to get through things. The art by Eric Liberge works well for this story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
A group of various people in the early 1800s is captured and are taking place in a very strange admission exam to an elite organization. Before long, the large group is whittle down to 5 people with nothing in common. They are forced to run, solve puzzles, and use their wits to try to escape from a very strange ship.
I really liked this kind of smart story. The characters were interesting, and I like how they had to use different talents and each other to get through things. The art by Eric Liberge works well for this story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
January 19, 2019
With a little of mystery here and there, The Corsairs of Alcibiades was a great and easy read!
The time is the nineteenth century England, and for some reason there's a group out there kidnapping strangers and having them take a test to be part of a secret amazing university. There we meet Peter, Lydia, Mike, Curtis, and Maryline who get caught up together in the mystery that is the university and the prize of doing well in there.
For it being the first volume I though it was really great in introducing a bit of the characters as well as letting the mystery of what was happening thrive as they went together and alone looking for clues.
The art by Eric Liberge is great, the lines and colours all fit very well with the century and the mood of it all, and Filippi's script really gets you hooked!
I can't wait for the next volumes to get to know more of that the British Crown is doing and how our 5 main character's are doing along their plans.
Thank's Netgalley and Europe Comics for this chance of reading this marvellous piece!
The time is the nineteenth century England, and for some reason there's a group out there kidnapping strangers and having them take a test to be part of a secret amazing university. There we meet Peter, Lydia, Mike, Curtis, and Maryline who get caught up together in the mystery that is the university and the prize of doing well in there.
For it being the first volume I though it was really great in introducing a bit of the characters as well as letting the mystery of what was happening thrive as they went together and alone looking for clues.
The art by Eric Liberge is great, the lines and colours all fit very well with the century and the mood of it all, and Filippi's script really gets you hooked!
I can't wait for the next volumes to get to know more of that the British Crown is doing and how our 5 main character's are doing along their plans.
Thank's Netgalley and Europe Comics for this chance of reading this marvellous piece!
January 7, 2019
This is the first novel in this series. It was hard to follow at the beginning but as some of the mysteries unfolded it became more enjoyable.
The artwork is good and the story has some good twists and turns. This is the first book in the series and I think this series is set to be one that is full of adventure.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgally in exchange for an unbiased review.
The artwork is good and the story has some good twists and turns. This is the first book in the series and I think this series is set to be one that is full of adventure.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgally in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 8, 2019
Set in England during the early 1800s, and promising adventure - what is not to love, right? I was excited about this one.
Absolutely gorgeous art, but the story seemed a bit convoluted. This seems to be a standalone or at least the beginning of a series - but the story hits the ground running and I was never able to really catch up.
That art though - I enjoyed that much more than the story.
*eARC Netgalley
Absolutely gorgeous art, but the story seemed a bit convoluted. This seems to be a standalone or at least the beginning of a series - but the story hits the ground running and I was never able to really catch up.
That art though - I enjoyed that much more than the story.
*eARC Netgalley
April 29, 2019
A group of students, some kidnapped, seek to find a way out of a very strange school in a steam-punk Great Britain. When they manage that feat, they found out that they were being recruited into a secret organization that did the Crown's bidding. But they had to fund themselves by treasure seeking. And that was their next task, recover a certain treasure while avoiding smugglers. Will they survive this or fail utterly? Nice artwork, a decent plot, and a cliff-hanger ending.
April 15, 2020
Thanks NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. Dynamic art, beautiful coloring, clear depiction that kept good pace with the plot and character development. This is a fun concept, super secret organization, sponsored by the crown during the colonizing of the Americas, recruiting the best of the best, sometimes from their bed, often at knife point, or sword. Very engaging read, can’t wait to read the other volumes!
June 28, 2023
In 19th century England a bunch of strangers are scooped up and dropped into a secret program working for the Crown. They (and us) are given very little information as they have to figure out puzzles to keep moving on. It has the feel of a video game. The focus is on the story and not the characters who I don't even though if they all were given names yet. It's intriguing and I liked the art quite a bit.
January 6, 2019
A good, short introduction to the series.
This volume focuses on introducing characters, setting the stage for future adventures, and giving a taste of the world.
I liked the art and the writing enough to have an eye on Vol.2 when it's available.
ARC through NetGalley
This volume focuses on introducing characters, setting the stage for future adventures, and giving a taste of the world.
I liked the art and the writing enough to have an eye on Vol.2 when it's available.
ARC through NetGalley
Want to Read
March 12, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 29, 2011
"Die Korsaren der Alkibiades" hat ein sehr spannendes Setting, das eine Mischung aus Steampunk und Clockpunk darstellt. Im Mittelpunkt stehen 5 junge Personen, die aufgrund ihrer Fähigkeiten von einer Geheimorganisation rekrutiert werden, die im Auftrag der englischen Krone operiert.
Leider konnte ich die drei ersten Bände nicht so ganz genießen, obwohl mich der Zeichenstil sehr anspricht. Die Dialoge sind streckenweise sehr hölzern und die Story ist, gerade im ersten Band, ein ziemlich abrupter Ritt. Auch bei einigen anderen Aspekten der Handlung wäre Weniger manchmal mehr gewesen - man gewinnt den Eindruck, dass die Autoren wirklich alles, was es an Ideen zum Genre geben kann, reinpacken wollen. Dazu kommen (gewollte?) erzählerische Auslassungen, die den Leser oft im Dunklen tappen lassen. Dazu eine Fülle an Personen (fünf Hauptcharaktere plus einige wichtige Nebencharaktere), die sich alle recht ähnlich sehen und seltenst mit Namen ansprechen - da verliert man oft den Bezug bzw. den Faden. Meine Empfehlung: Geschwindigkeit aus der Handlung nehmen und mehr Hintergrund/Vertiefung!
Fazit: Für Steampunk-Fans sicher interessant, aber besser erst den ersten Band probelesen!
Leider konnte ich die drei ersten Bände nicht so ganz genießen, obwohl mich der Zeichenstil sehr anspricht. Die Dialoge sind streckenweise sehr hölzern und die Story ist, gerade im ersten Band, ein ziemlich abrupter Ritt. Auch bei einigen anderen Aspekten der Handlung wäre Weniger manchmal mehr gewesen - man gewinnt den Eindruck, dass die Autoren wirklich alles, was es an Ideen zum Genre geben kann, reinpacken wollen. Dazu kommen (gewollte?) erzählerische Auslassungen, die den Leser oft im Dunklen tappen lassen. Dazu eine Fülle an Personen (fünf Hauptcharaktere plus einige wichtige Nebencharaktere), die sich alle recht ähnlich sehen und seltenst mit Namen ansprechen - da verliert man oft den Bezug bzw. den Faden. Meine Empfehlung: Geschwindigkeit aus der Handlung nehmen und mehr Hintergrund/Vertiefung!
Fazit: Für Steampunk-Fans sicher interessant, aber besser erst den ersten Band probelesen!
January 8, 2019
I really liked the art contained in The Corsairs of Alacibiades. But by the end of the volume none of my questions were answered which left me confused. I enjoyed the actions; it was go-go-go, but I would have liked to know what was really going on.
January 10, 2019
Adventures and mysteries in the XIX. The art style is very colorfull and it helps you enter in the atmosphere of the setting. The story begins in the middle of the action, with a series of mysterious kidnaping and an unconventional school exam. It`s a bit confusing at the beginning and even if there are some explanations throughout the story somethings remain obscure. Five strangers find themselves in an unexpected adventure and will have to join forces to go to the end of the mysteries. I really liked that after the first moments the characters seem already to connect and care for each other. It’s always good having some nice friendship in an adventure.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews