Corto Maltese

Hugo Pratt’s Corto Maltese is a landmark of European adventure comics, following the globe-trotting sailor and romantic hero through early 20th-century history. Launched in Italy and later collected by Carlsen/if, the series is defined by Pratt’s lush, expressive art and literate, atmospheric storytelling. Though primarily written and drawn by Pratt, later contributions from Stellan Nehlmark have extended the saga. Its blend of historical fiction, exotic locales, and a brooding, antiheroic protagonist has made it a touchstone for mature, literary comics.