Outline
It is with Empire of a Thousand Planets that Valérian and Laureline begin, in this album published in 1971, their first great mission of exploration, study and cosmic adventure. It will be followed by many others which will take them to the four corners of the universe and further still.
But the discovery of Syrte-the-Magnificent, with its forbidden Imperial Palace, its mysterious festivals, its colorful souks, is guild of merchants and its hunters of marcyam will remain for them (and many readers) an unforgettable memory.
Why is it that when Laureline buys an old watch in the market of Syrte that she is sought by one of the disturbing Authorities who extend their influence on this marvelous planet whose decline, however, seems inescapable?
The depiction of all the nuances of a complex society adds colour to and reflects the action of the high adventures of our two heroes.
(translated from the back cover blurb to the French edition)
Read more about this topic: Empire Of A Thousand Planets
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