Blake und Mortimer Bibliothek 0: Die U-Strahlen

A Vision of the Future from the 1940s

In 1943, Europe is in the midst of a terrible war. However, E. P. Jacobs, the creator of Blake and Mortimer, devises a story set in a distant future. There, Norlandia and Austradia stand opposed to each other, ready for mutual destruction. But then, a scientist who bears a striking resemblance to Professor Mortimer makes a brilliant invention: a weapon that is meant to put an end to the conflicts once and for all and bring peace. Immediately, a race begins for the mineral that will power the weapon. Dark forces on both sides attempt to prevent its extraction.

A Warm-Up for Blake and Mortimer

This adventure was published in 1943, three years before the first volume of Blake and Mortimer, and can be seen as a precursor to this new series. Not only is the drawing style similar, but it also features a bearded professor, a blond mustachioed man, and the great antagonist in the form of a hostile spy. Additionally, Jacobs showcases much of what he would later incorporate into the various adventures of Blake and Mortimer: an interest in science, aerial battles, prehistoric animals, different cultures, and architectures. A wonderful adventure in the style of Flash Gordon that every fan of Blake and Mortimer should know.