Corto Maltese

Hugo Pratt’s Corto Maltese (1971–1974) follows the globe-trotting, enigmatic sailor of the same name through a series of richly drawn, historically grounded adventures. Published by Publicness, this initial two-issue run introduced Pratt’s masterful blend of lyrical storytelling, ink-washed art, and a romantic, anti-heroic vision of the early 20th century. It remains a cornerstone of European graphic literature, celebrated for its literary depth and Pratt’s singular, evocative style.