Outline
As they say their round of goodbyes on a distant solar system, Valerian and Laureline discover a planet plunging through space destroying all in its wake.
They leave to meet it and discover that it is in fact a hollow planet, the interior of which lies a civilisation devoted to an inexplicable war of the sexes.
Face to face, two quarrelsome cities, as refined as they are cruel. Malka, the city-citadel of the amazons ruled by the impressive Queen Klopka. Valsennar, the garden palace under the somewhat declining authority of Emperor Alzafrar.
In the middle, the miserable Lemm people, who extract the explosive flogums that make it possible for this war to continue and to cause the planet Zahir to tumble on its destructive course.
Only Valerian and Laureline are conscious of the imminence of the danger.
(translated from the back cover blurb to the French edition)
Read more about this topic: World Without Stars
Famous quotes containing the word outline:
“The beginning of an acquaintance whether with persons or things is to get a definite outline of our ignorance.”
—George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)
“One by one objects are defined—
It quickens: clarity, outline of leaf
But now the stark dignity of
entrance—Still, the profound change
has come upon them: rooted, they
grip down and begin to awaken”
—William Carlos Williams (1883–1963)
“A true poem is distinguished not so much by a felicitous expression, or any thought it suggests, as by the atmosphere which surrounds it. Most have beauty of outline merely, and are striking as the form and bearing of a stranger; but true verses come toward us indistinctly, as the very breath of all friendliness, and envelop us in their spirit and fragrance.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)