De ballade van de zilte zee

Hugo Pratt’s De ballade van de zilte zee, first published by Casterman in 1979, is the single-issue graphic novel that introduced the world-weary adventurer Corto Maltese. This foundational work, written and illustrated entirely by Pratt, establishes the lyrical, historically rich tone of the series, blending maritime adventure with a melancholic, poetic sensibility. It remains a cornerstone of European comics, celebrated for its sophisticated storytelling and evocative, inked art.