What's Happening?
Fantagraphics has acquired the rights to publish Hugo Pratt's iconic comic series Corto Maltese in the United States. Starting January 2026, the publisher will release a 132-page paperback compilation titled Corto Maltese: The Fable of Venice and Other Stories. This will be followed by six deluxe full-color hardcover editions of the entire series. Corto Maltese, which debuted in the late 1960s, is considered a literary classic and has influenced comic artists worldwide. The series has previously been published in English by IDW and the Library of American Comics, but those editions are now out of print.
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Why It's Important?
The acquisition by Fantagraphics is significant as it makes the Corto Maltese series accessible to a new generation of comic readers in the U.S. The series is renowned for its artistic depth and storytelling, and its availability in full color for the first time in the U.S. market is expected to attract both new fans and collectors. This move also highlights Fantagraphics' commitment to preserving and promoting international comic art, potentially influencing the U.S. comic industry by introducing more diverse and historically significant works.
What's Next?
Fantagraphics plans to release the first hardcover edition in fall 2026, with subsequent volumes following every six to eight months. The publisher aims to include extras such as sketches, illustrations, and essays to enhance the reading experience. The release schedule may coincide with the anticipated Netflix adaptation, potentially boosting interest and sales. Fantagraphics' initiative could lead to further collaborations with international artists and publishers, expanding the diversity of comic offerings in the U.S.
