Comics / European Comics

A.L.I.E.E.E.N.

By Hervé St-Louis
May 14, 2006 - 15:52

Comic books being universal, creator Lewis Trondheim decided to show us how a comic book for alien kids would look. By a twist of fate this extraterrestrial comic book finds itself on Earth where, none of the texts can be read and where even the book jacket features comments by alien reviewers. A.L.I.E.E.E.N. stands for Archives of Lost Issues and Earthly Editions of Extraterrestrial Novelties. It was published in 2004 by French publisher Éditions Bréal, Rosny-sous-Bois.

There are stories about the various little aliens that live on a planet where several sentient races try to coexist. Some are bigger and dangerous. Some are small and adventurous. In several small chapters which at first look unconnected, an entire tapestry reveals itself with enough common sense and revelations about the consequences of the chaotic world. Friendship and love try to coexist with a drive to survive.

Of course, as the texts are all written in an alien language, there’s no point trying to read it to understand the adventure. In effect it frees Trondheim from the confines of dialogue so he can concentrate on storytelling which is his major strength. Those little creatures may look cute, but they express much emotions. A.L.I.E.E.E.N. is easy to read and a great comic book to handle to all nay sayers. Let’s just hope they don’t poke their eyes out.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12