Join us for a dramatic reading (with images) from the science fiction graphic novel Last Days Of An Immortal.
Set in the distant future, a member of the “Philosophical Police” must solve all sorts of conflicts and crimes arising between Terrans and Aliens. With a narrative featuring laconic alien embryos, radicaly subjective courtroom procedures, and things getting eaten by other things, Last Days of An Immortal is the lastest work of prolific French comics and animation writer Fabien Vehlmann to be translated into English. The text will be read by Mark Allen, Janet Sarbanes and Fabien Vehlmann. Live sci-fi ambient sound accompaniment by David Eng with artwork by Gwen de Bonneval.
Fabien Vehlmann wrote, and Gwen de Bonneval provided the art for this contemplative far-future science fiction tale, reminiscent of the work of Stanislaw Lem, which probes issues of genocide, first contact, cloning, and mortality. It took top prize for best graphic novel at the international science fiction convention Utopiales.
Last Days Of An Immortal — In the distant future, Elijah is a member of the “Philosophical Police,” who must solve conflicts that arise out of ignorance of the Other. Two species are fighting a war with roots in a crime committed centuries ago, and Elijah must solve the crime and bring peace between their species, while also confronting his own immortality in a world where science provides access to eternal life. In a world where death no longer exists, why do so many want to give up on life? Serious, heavy duty science fiction, with shades of author J.G. Ballard and the films Gattaca, Solaris, and George Lucas’ THX 1138.
Now available as an e-comic on Comixology:
http://www.comixology.com/Last-Days-of-an-Immortal-1/digital-comic/DIG001483
Fabien Vehlmann has written in almost every comics genre, from long-running serials (Seuls, Spirou & Fantasio), humor (Dieu qui pue Dieu qui pète), and fantasy (Wondertown) to history (Le Marquis d’Anaon) and adventure (Voyage en Satanie). Several of his graphic novels have appeared in English: The Island of 10,000 Graves (Fantagraphics), Green Manor (Cinebook), Seven Psychopaths (BOOM! Studios). His eclecticism has led him to collaborate with many artists with many different styles. His work in animation includes the series Avez-vous déjà vu? with Alain Chabat and the feature film Un monde à nous with Balekdjian. He is one of the co-founders of the comics creators union (SNAC).