Corto Maltese: The Ethiopians – An Adventure on the Horn of Africa
The Ethiopians is the fourth and final book that brings together the short adventures of the legendary Corto Maltese, offering four thrilling stories set on the Horn of Africa. In this edition, Corto reunites with his old friend Cush, and their journey takes us through the exotic landscapes of the land of frankincense, sandalwood, mimosa… and the enigmatic leopard-men.
Between History and Myth
The story unfolds between 1916 and 1918, a time when the world is breaking under the weight of the First World War. Corto traverses territories divided among various occupying forces, where the spirit of European romanticism relentlessly retreats before the harsh reality of colonialism. This is not just a historical backdrop but also a subtle critique of imperialism, told through the eyes of an adventurer who fits into no mold.
Corto Maltese is more than an ordinary hero—he is a poet, philosopher, cynic, and idealist. On his journeys, he often encounters injustices that he tries to right, even though he sometimes makes decisions that seem like mistakes. Yet it is precisely these "wrong" decisions that reveal his complex nature and defiant humanity.
An Adventure with Deeper Meaning
The Ethiopians are not just stories about exotic lands and daring exploits. They are tales of boundaries—geographical, cultural, and moral. Corto faces challenges that go beyond physical obstacles, questioning what it truly means to be free in a world trapped between colonial interests and personal ambitions.
His adventures carry the breath of desert winds, the echoes of ancient poetry, and the distant sounds of gunfire—but also the silence that follows after all battles are fought. In these stories, every decision bears the weight of the past, and every encounter leaves a mark, whether it’s with a friend, an enemy, or a passing stranger.
Pages: 112
Binding: Hardcover
Color: Color
Publisher: Darkwood