Pratt’s Corto Maltese: The Ballad of the Salt Sea brings to life the character of the iconic European adventurer Corto Maltese.

[Hugo Pratt’s] drawings show an attention to, and familiarity with, exotic detail, far beyond what could be gleaned from a shelf full of National Georgraphic magazines. There is nothing stolen, or even borrowed, in Pratt’s work; even his sense of humor seems to come from preposterous experience. —  Frank Miller

When I want to relax, I read essays by Engels. When I want something more serious, I read Corto Maltese. — Umberto Eco

Treasure hunter, sailor, and adventurer, Corto Maltese remains one of the most popular characters from graphic literature in Europe and maintains a devoted cult following among American readers and creators. Originally published in 1967, Corto Maltese: The Ballad of the Salt Sea introduces our hero for the first time. The story begins with Corto Maltese adrift at sea in the Pacific during World War I. He is picked up by a Russian pirate/privateer named Rasputin. The graphic novel follows Corto and the adventure that ensues. 

Corto Maltese: The Ballad of the Salt Sea is sure to appeal to fans of swashbuckling action-packed tales and sophisticated readers seeking elegant stories alike.

Hugo Pratt (1927–1995) was a celebrated Italian comic book creator who is best known overseas for his popular comic book character Corto Maltese. He was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2005.

Graphic Novel
256 pages 6-3/4 x 9-1/2
Completely illustrated
ISBN: 978-0-7893-2498-6
Pub Date: March 6, 2012
US $25.00
CAN $25.00
UK £16.00
Publisher: Universe