What do you think?
Rate this book
Space Pirate Captain Harlock #1-?
Space Pirate Captain Harlock
From the legendary Leiji Matsumoto, along with Jerome Alquie, comes an epic new story! Set within the timeline of the original series, this brand-new Captain Harlock adventure marks the beginning of a new story arc. Planet Earth is threatened by an upcoming invasion by the Sylvidres and despite being banished as a pirate, Captain Harlock won't give up trying to save the world. This time, the source of danger comes directly from Earth, not outer space. A team of scientists discovers a Sylvidres mausoleum where they find information about terrifying genetic manipulations and a destructive power capable of either providing the Sylvidres with immortality or putting an end to their civilization. The unprecedented cold spell hitting Earth might only be a taste of what this new enemy has in store...
Will Captain Harlock and his crew manage to solve this mystery and save the Earth from yet another menace?
Will Captain Harlock and his crew manage to solve this mystery and save the Earth from yet another menace?
168 pages, Hardcover
Published April 19, 2022
20 people want to read
About the author
Leiji Matsumoto
191 books76 followersFrom the Wikipedia page:
Leiji Matsumoto (松本零士) is famous for his space operas such as Space Battleship Yamato. His style is characterized by tragic heroes; tall, slender, fragile-looking heroines with strong wills and in some cases, god-like powers; and a love of analog gauges and dials in his spacecraft.
Leiji Matsumoto (松本零士) is famous for his space operas such as Space Battleship Yamato. His style is characterized by tragic heroes; tall, slender, fragile-looking heroines with strong wills and in some cases, god-like powers; and a love of analog gauges and dials in his spacecraft.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 28, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This is a labor of love homage to the 1970s anime master Leiji Matsumoto and his series Captain Harlock. Beautifully illustrated and staying true to the style of the anime, it is clear the artist has the greatest of respect for the story and characters. While most of the original series doesn't age well in this modern age, those who grew up with Leiji Matsumoto will find a lot to really enjoy here. Others not invested in the nostalgia may wonder what all the fuss is about, however.Jerome Alquie illustrates this graphic novel beautifully and in full glorious color. It is one continuous story with several sub arcs (3 parts) and manages to include quite a few of the vast cast of characters from the original anime. They may only have a few page cameos (such as Galaxy Express 666 traveler Maetel or dead companion Tochiro), but Alquie always finds a way to weave them in while also introducing new characters.
This is a thick volume with a lot of story leading to several hours worth of enjoyment. While the story meanders quite a bit in order for the author to get in all the homages from the original anime, it still feels decently plotted. In some ways, it has been modernized but all the 1970s nuances are there: shaggy hair, over emoting, silly cliche characters, and sci fi meets fantasy intersections.
In all, there is a lot here to enjoy by fans of Leiji Matsumoto. And in a way, it can also be an intro to his works for those too young to have grown up with Captain Harlock. But as noted, this is an homage and sticks true to the source; not everything has aged well. Yet one has to appreciate the effort and work Alquie has put into this loving tribute. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
March 17, 2022
I loved Captain Harlock and loved the comics inspired by this character. It was like meeting an old friend and starting to travel with him again.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 12, 2022
Ablaze Comics has come out of nowhere as one of my new favorites when it comes to comic book companies that I follow. Having read The Cimmerian and The Breaker, and thoroughly loving them both, I was pumped to see one of my favorite franchises, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, under their wing. Written in collaboration between Belgian artist Jerome Alquié and the legendary Leiji Matsumoto himself, with art by Alquié, every page is a trip back in time to the Captain Harlock that everyone grew to love. Melding the sensibilities of both western comics and manga, this is an interesting hybrid project that excels in it’s goal – bringing this beloved franchise to a completely new audience.
Leiji Matsumoto’s original Space Pirate Captain Harlock series ran from 1977-1979 and became a worldwide hit. This was especially true in French speaking countries where “Capitaine Albator” became a immediate classic. Ablaze Comics is a French language comics publisher that thankfully has an English Publishing arm, so they were perfect to bring a project like this into the world.
"From the legendary Leiji Matsumoto, along with Jerome Alquie, comes an epic new story! Set within the timeline of the original series, this brand-new Captain Harlock adventure marks the beginning of a new story arc. Planet Earth is threatened by an upcoming invasion by the Sylvidres and despite being banished as a pirate, Captain Harlock won’t give up trying to save the world. This time, the source of danger comes directly from Earth, not outer space. A team of scientists discovers a Sylvidres mausoleum where they find information about terrifying genetic manipulations and a destructive power capable of either providing the Sylvidres with immortality or putting an end to their civilization. The unprecedented cold spell hitting Earth might only be a taste of what this new enemy has in store…Will Captain Harlock and his crew manage to solve this mystery and save the Earth from yet another menace?" - Description
The first thing that you will notice is that Jerome Alquié has mastered the art style and tone of the original manga and TV series, albeit with his own flourish. For many years, there has been an effort by cynical media executives to change what Harlock is, whether it be art style, tone, or characterization. The 2013 film commits a lot of these sins, attempting to alter the story to a much darker affair. Ablaze’s Harlock, however, runs head-first into the source material, existing as a sequel of sorts to the original story. We are greeted with a prologue that brings the reader up to speed with the characters and some big events that took place prior to the events of this book. Harlock is seen brooding over the death of his best friend Tochiro, then BOOM new story-line and the introduction of the new villains.
This story starts out a bit slow, but moves forward pretty fast into an action packed feast for old and new fans alike. Temperatures on Earth have started dropping and it’s immediately apparent that something is going on. We get confirmation that the new alien threat to Earth is an older version of Harlock’s primary foe, The Mazon, a sub-race that apparently can exist at extremely cold temperatures. Being a race of humanoid plants ostensibly, it’s confusing why an “Ice Mazon” can exist, but there it is, and it’s pretty terrifying.
Overall, this impressed me a lot. As I stated before, the attempts to re-make this franchise have been very hit-or-miss for me, and I appreciate a “back to basics” approach with the franchise. With Matsumoto getting pretty old nowadays, and merely consulting on many of the works he is often accredited, it seems like Jerome Alquié would be a worthy successor to keep the franchise going. This is a love letter to a great series that continues to make fans happy some 50 years after it’s inception, and hopefully many years to come. Highly recommended!
Leiji Matsumoto’s original Space Pirate Captain Harlock series ran from 1977-1979 and became a worldwide hit. This was especially true in French speaking countries where “Capitaine Albator” became a immediate classic. Ablaze Comics is a French language comics publisher that thankfully has an English Publishing arm, so they were perfect to bring a project like this into the world.
"From the legendary Leiji Matsumoto, along with Jerome Alquie, comes an epic new story! Set within the timeline of the original series, this brand-new Captain Harlock adventure marks the beginning of a new story arc. Planet Earth is threatened by an upcoming invasion by the Sylvidres and despite being banished as a pirate, Captain Harlock won’t give up trying to save the world. This time, the source of danger comes directly from Earth, not outer space. A team of scientists discovers a Sylvidres mausoleum where they find information about terrifying genetic manipulations and a destructive power capable of either providing the Sylvidres with immortality or putting an end to their civilization. The unprecedented cold spell hitting Earth might only be a taste of what this new enemy has in store…Will Captain Harlock and his crew manage to solve this mystery and save the Earth from yet another menace?" - Description
The first thing that you will notice is that Jerome Alquié has mastered the art style and tone of the original manga and TV series, albeit with his own flourish. For many years, there has been an effort by cynical media executives to change what Harlock is, whether it be art style, tone, or characterization. The 2013 film commits a lot of these sins, attempting to alter the story to a much darker affair. Ablaze’s Harlock, however, runs head-first into the source material, existing as a sequel of sorts to the original story. We are greeted with a prologue that brings the reader up to speed with the characters and some big events that took place prior to the events of this book. Harlock is seen brooding over the death of his best friend Tochiro, then BOOM new story-line and the introduction of the new villains.
This story starts out a bit slow, but moves forward pretty fast into an action packed feast for old and new fans alike. Temperatures on Earth have started dropping and it’s immediately apparent that something is going on. We get confirmation that the new alien threat to Earth is an older version of Harlock’s primary foe, The Mazon, a sub-race that apparently can exist at extremely cold temperatures. Being a race of humanoid plants ostensibly, it’s confusing why an “Ice Mazon” can exist, but there it is, and it’s pretty terrifying.
Overall, this impressed me a lot. As I stated before, the attempts to re-make this franchise have been very hit-or-miss for me, and I appreciate a “back to basics” approach with the franchise. With Matsumoto getting pretty old nowadays, and merely consulting on many of the works he is often accredited, it seems like Jerome Alquié would be a worthy successor to keep the franchise going. This is a love letter to a great series that continues to make fans happy some 50 years after it’s inception, and hopefully many years to come. Highly recommended!
February 17, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Ablaze and Diamond Book Distributors for an advanced copy of this graphic novel.
Back in the days when I was first getting into fandom, Japanese works both anime and manga were hard to track down, and even harder to understand. Starblazers and Battle of the Planets were edited and redubbed confusing the storylines, and manga was very hard to find until Akira popularized manga, to a certain extent. Above it all was always a image that would show up a lot, occasionally a tv show or two, usually out of order, of a scarred space pirate with a space ship that looked like an old Galleon with an engine. That was my first introduction to the character, but I thought his name was Arcadia not Captain Harlock.
In Space Pirate Captain Harlock, writer Leiji Matsumoto and artist Jérôme Alquié have created a new storyline in the existing universe and timeline. In the far future, Earth is ruled by a corrupt and useless government that is unable and uninterested in the threat that is posed by a distant alien force. Captain Harlock, considered a pirate for his actions against the Earth government is the only person willing to fight these aliens, with his crew of well manga-looking characters. As the Earth freezes the Captain must solve the mystery of who these aliens are, their threat, and how to stop them, no matter the cost.
The art was wonderful, very anime bright and clear and different then most manga that I have seen seen. The colors really are crisp and bring the characters out well. The aliens look a lot a like, but Harlock's companions are pretty distinctive and easy to follow. The story is a little tough, a lot of back and forth where things don't seem to happen, and probably more experience with the characters and their background might help. The art though really tells the story and helps to carry through those difficult parts.
An enjoyable space romp, very much in the Star Trek realm of space opera, very thoughtful, rather than Star Wars, things blow up good. The character is a bit a cipher, but I want to know more, and am interested to see what might happen. Not sure if this is a total reboot, of just a reintroduction to a modern audience, but I thing manga fans will enjoy it, and older fans like me can finally figure out who that Space Pirate guy from back in the day really is.
Back in the days when I was first getting into fandom, Japanese works both anime and manga were hard to track down, and even harder to understand. Starblazers and Battle of the Planets were edited and redubbed confusing the storylines, and manga was very hard to find until Akira popularized manga, to a certain extent. Above it all was always a image that would show up a lot, occasionally a tv show or two, usually out of order, of a scarred space pirate with a space ship that looked like an old Galleon with an engine. That was my first introduction to the character, but I thought his name was Arcadia not Captain Harlock.
In Space Pirate Captain Harlock, writer Leiji Matsumoto and artist Jérôme Alquié have created a new storyline in the existing universe and timeline. In the far future, Earth is ruled by a corrupt and useless government that is unable and uninterested in the threat that is posed by a distant alien force. Captain Harlock, considered a pirate for his actions against the Earth government is the only person willing to fight these aliens, with his crew of well manga-looking characters. As the Earth freezes the Captain must solve the mystery of who these aliens are, their threat, and how to stop them, no matter the cost.
The art was wonderful, very anime bright and clear and different then most manga that I have seen seen. The colors really are crisp and bring the characters out well. The aliens look a lot a like, but Harlock's companions are pretty distinctive and easy to follow. The story is a little tough, a lot of back and forth where things don't seem to happen, and probably more experience with the characters and their background might help. The art though really tells the story and helps to carry through those difficult parts.
An enjoyable space romp, very much in the Star Trek realm of space opera, very thoughtful, rather than Star Wars, things blow up good. The character is a bit a cipher, but I want to know more, and am interested to see what might happen. Not sure if this is a total reboot, of just a reintroduction to a modern audience, but I thing manga fans will enjoy it, and older fans like me can finally figure out who that Space Pirate guy from back in the day really is.
February 25, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I really liked this graphic novel!! It's the first time I read something in this universe and with these characters, so for me it was a great entry point and refreshing story!
First off, the art is just beautiful! The colors and the details of every character are great and really make for a great form of storytelling. Second, the characters themselves, although we don't see a lot of everyone in this, you can feel that all of them has deep stories and strong connections to each other.
The story itself was cool! Yes, it's not entirely original, it has been done before in sci-fi and fantasy, but still, a great take on it and a great way to explore the concept of a dormant and inner treat. Really liked it! Good turns and takes.
The thing I didn't like and it kind of infuriated me was the lack of research of some topics. For example, when they went to Peru and visited the Nazca lines they said that they were made by the Incas. They weren't. They also put Mesoamerican images in the amazonian. Pyramids and symbols that you can find in the forest, yes, but in Mexico and Guatemala in Central America, NOT in Peru and Brazil. Just a little and quick google research can give you the answers to that kind of stuff. The worst thing is that they're not the only ones that makes those mistakes, a lot of storytellers do the same, and that's part of the reason I get so angry with that kind of stuff. It's not that hard, people. Just google-check your facts before you put it out there, please; you just keep spreading misinformation.
I really liked this graphic novel!! It's the first time I read something in this universe and with these characters, so for me it was a great entry point and refreshing story!
First off, the art is just beautiful! The colors and the details of every character are great and really make for a great form of storytelling. Second, the characters themselves, although we don't see a lot of everyone in this, you can feel that all of them has deep stories and strong connections to each other.
The story itself was cool! Yes, it's not entirely original, it has been done before in sci-fi and fantasy, but still, a great take on it and a great way to explore the concept of a dormant and inner treat. Really liked it! Good turns and takes.
The thing I didn't like and it kind of infuriated me was the lack of research of some topics. For example, when they went to Peru and visited the Nazca lines they said that they were made by the Incas. They weren't. They also put Mesoamerican images in the amazonian. Pyramids and symbols that you can find in the forest, yes, but in Mexico and Guatemala in Central America, NOT in Peru and Brazil. Just a little and quick google research can give you the answers to that kind of stuff. The worst thing is that they're not the only ones that makes those mistakes, a lot of storytellers do the same, and that's part of the reason I get so angry with that kind of stuff. It's not that hard, people. Just google-check your facts before you put it out there, please; you just keep spreading misinformation.
February 23, 2022
I suspect this will be very much approved of by the right reader, but I didn't think I was one. Turns out this is yet another telling of the same story that's been done in books, films, TV animes and a whole lot more, of a space pirate and his crew of annoying mismatches, forced to rectify the situation on a dying Earth. The Prime Minister of what's left of civilisation is out-Trumping Trump in putting his head in the sand to avoid the issue, that prehistorically the planet belonged to some aliens, who seem homesick and want the place back – without us.
Visually this is strong, with a clear anime style that looks to go the full-on manga route at times but holds back. It's just the characters are so broad and odd they feel only suited to a young teenaged audience and nobody older, and without looking up the title character I would have thought this some side issue in his career, and not the solitary story he keeps getting lumbered with. You'd think, that being the case, something stronger would have been made out of it.
Visually this is strong, with a clear anime style that looks to go the full-on manga route at times but holds back. It's just the characters are so broad and odd they feel only suited to a young teenaged audience and nobody older, and without looking up the title character I would have thought this some side issue in his career, and not the solitary story he keeps getting lumbered with. You'd think, that being the case, something stronger would have been made out of it.
February 13, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Space Pirate Captain Harlock by Leiji Matsumoto & Jerome Alquie is a manga-style sci-fi graphic novel. The story revolves around the titular space pirate, who is trying to save Earth from an invasion by the Sylvidres. This leads to a rollicking adventure full of space ships and icy planets. Will Captain Harlock and his crew be able to save the world?
Overall, Space Pirate Captain Harlock is a sci-fi graphic novel that will appeal to fans of Osamu Tezuka and Star Trek. One highlight of this book is the retro-style, full-color manga artwork. It reminded me a bit of the optics in Astro Boy and similar art styles. I did take off 1 star, because I just didn't relate to the main character and didn't find myself rooting for him. If you're intrigued by the description, you can check out this book when it comes out in April!
Space Pirate Captain Harlock by Leiji Matsumoto & Jerome Alquie is a manga-style sci-fi graphic novel. The story revolves around the titular space pirate, who is trying to save Earth from an invasion by the Sylvidres. This leads to a rollicking adventure full of space ships and icy planets. Will Captain Harlock and his crew be able to save the world?
Overall, Space Pirate Captain Harlock is a sci-fi graphic novel that will appeal to fans of Osamu Tezuka and Star Trek. One highlight of this book is the retro-style, full-color manga artwork. It reminded me a bit of the optics in Astro Boy and similar art styles. I did take off 1 star, because I just didn't relate to the main character and didn't find myself rooting for him. If you're intrigued by the description, you can check out this book when it comes out in April!
April 15, 2022
4/5
🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Space pirates
~ Great art
~ Involving and fleshed out story
Arcadia, captained by Harlow and infused with the soul of his best friend, is on a journey to protect the Earth from Mazons - nature sprite-like aliens intent on returning and invading the Earth after the death of their own planets. The queen has sent her warning in the form of a sphere and some soldiers, her battalion follows, but she has other cards up her sleeves. The Mazons have been here since before humanity and have been asleep for millennia waiting for the opportunity to awaken and take position of this planet. Captain Harlow refuses to let this race of slim women take over the world, he will do all he can to thwart their plans including destroying three ancient legends of theirs who lay dormant and captured on Earth.
✨Give it a read.
🌱THE MEH
~ Women sacrificing their existences for men 🙄
~ Somewhat incomplete story
~ 😬 Little abandoned girl (that would hv certainly been on the ship had she been a boy 😒)
♡🌱 But that’s just me ;)
🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Space pirates
~ Great art
~ Involving and fleshed out story
Arcadia, captained by Harlow and infused with the soul of his best friend, is on a journey to protect the Earth from Mazons - nature sprite-like aliens intent on returning and invading the Earth after the death of their own planets. The queen has sent her warning in the form of a sphere and some soldiers, her battalion follows, but she has other cards up her sleeves. The Mazons have been here since before humanity and have been asleep for millennia waiting for the opportunity to awaken and take position of this planet. Captain Harlow refuses to let this race of slim women take over the world, he will do all he can to thwart their plans including destroying three ancient legends of theirs who lay dormant and captured on Earth.
✨Give it a read.
🌱THE MEH
~ Women sacrificing their existences for men 🙄
~ Somewhat incomplete story
~ 😬 Little abandoned girl (that would hv certainly been on the ship had she been a boy 😒)
♡🌱 But that’s just me ;)
June 29, 2023
Claimed to be a sequel to Leiji Matsumoto's manga series of the same name (which ran from 1977 to 1979), Jérôme Alquié (in conjunction with Matsumoto) writes and illustrates a story which is, at least to me, a retelling of the first three volumes of the original manga but this particular collected edition ends before Harlock's final confrontation with Queen Lafresia of the Mazon. Jérôme's artwork is a clear homage to Matsumoto's style and his color work is equally as impressive.
All told, if you enjoy Matsumoto's work and art style, this reimagining of Matsumoto's famous Captain Harlock character will not disappoint.
All told, if you enjoy Matsumoto's work and art style, this reimagining of Matsumoto's famous Captain Harlock character will not disappoint.
June 8, 2022
I've been a Harlock fan going back to when I first saw the Galaxy Express 999 series. This is more of a side story then anything else. The art was fine but seemed a bit off. The only issue I had was with the reader that I had to use to read the book which didn't work well with the layout. Some words and images were blurry.
June 30, 2022
Quick impressions: The series captures the essence of the original. The story has a good plot and pacing. It combines suspense, mystery, and adventure. The art is in full color, and it's so well made you'll feel like you are watching the show again. However, if you have not seen the original, you can still enjoy this series.
(Full review on my blog.)
(Full review on my blog.)
January 23, 2022
A really impressive take on the Captain Harlock series. Jerome Alquie's work here is really impressive.
April 5, 2022
A Captain Harlock adventure in which we also see the protagonists of the past and those of Galaxy Express 999 (also by Leji Matsumoto). Beautifully drawn and guest starring other intergalactic characters and Queen Raflesia.
Un'avventura di Capitan Harlock in cui vediamo anche i protagonisti del passato e quelli di Galaxy Express 999 (sempre di Leji Matsumoto). Disegnata benissimo e con la guest star di altri personaggi intergalattici e della regina Raflesia.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Un'avventura di Capitan Harlock in cui vediamo anche i protagonisti del passato e quelli di Galaxy Express 999 (sempre di Leji Matsumoto). Disegnata benissimo e con la guest star di altri personaggi intergalattici e della regina Raflesia.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews