#6 - The Eternaut
1950s Argentina's anti-fascist sci-fi epic for the working class.
Explaining the intricacies surrounding the massive amount of political upheaval in mid 20th century Argentina, would take entirely too long. Let’s just say that about every 10-20 years there was a revolution of one sort or another. Bloody coups and political persecution was all too common. In 1955, after an unthinkable bombing of it’s own citizens by a fascist military (killing over 300) who had gathered in Buenos Aires main square to show their support of the democratically elected government, a military dictatorship was set-up, which stayed in power till the summer of ‘58.
Undoubtedly this was all a major influence on writer Héctor Germán Oesterheld. Both an activist and a journalist, Oesterheld got his start in comics working for Alberto Breccia and Hugo Pratt. He had deeply held political beliefs, and became increasingly involved in the struggles of the Argentinian people through out his life. These beliefs clearly shaped the bleak world and thematic content of his science fiction epic, The Eternaut.
Published from 1957 -1959 in “Hora Cero Semanal”, the weekly strip drawn by Francisco Solano López, is about a time traveling protagonist named Juan Salvo (Salvo means “saviour” or “saves”) and addresses global issues of the cold war like the threat of thermo-nuclear war, as well as more localized concerns like Argentinians military and police forces becoming increasingly radicalized into right-wing fascism. Over the course of two years what unfolded was nothing short of a sci-fi masterpiece, which stands the test of time and still feels as fresh as ever, over 60 years later.
After finishing the Eternaut, Héctor continued working in comics, producing a thematic sequel set in a more realistic world, and which was much more straightforward in it’s messaging. He also became increasingly more involved in fighting against fascism on the ground level. In 1976, the Argentine military (backed by Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, the CIA, and US President Gerald Ford) staged yet another coup, after the government became destabilized yet again due to the death of President Petron, who passed only a year after being re-elected, following an 18 year exile which was a result of the aforementioned coup in the 50s.
One year later he was ‘disappeared’ by the newly formed government. They took him away in 1976 and after 1977 he was never seen or heard from again. It’s believed his 4 daughters suffered the same fate. Artist Francisco Solano López fled to Spain. When asked, a government official said “We did away with him (Oesterheld) because he wrote the most beautiful story of Ché Guevara ever done.”
So, go read The Eternaut - travel in time with Juan Salvo and smash the police state.
Your loving Comrade, Miss Emmy Martian
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