A Valerian comic is headed to Free Comic Book Day on May 6
Luc Besson’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets won’t hit the big screen until July 21, but fans will get an early taste at the film’s science fiction world as a Valerian comic has just joined the list of Free Comic Book Day titles that will given away at comic shops on May 6. The Valerian comic, a 32-page, free issue will feature a preview of the story from the original European comics that inspired the film, as well as exclusive, behind-the-scenes content from the highly-anticipated summer film developed and produced by EuropaCorp and distributed in the United States by STXfilms.
RELATED: Luc Besson Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
The original groundbreaking French Valerian comic series (titled Valerian and Laureline), was published by Les Éditions Dargaud and was created by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières. The comics inspired a generation of artists, writers, and filmmakers, running for 43 years across 23 volumes. This year, the series is celebrating its 50th anniversary coinciding with the feature film’s release in July.
“It gives me incredible joy to finally bring to the big screen, 50 years later, the work of comic book creators Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières that originally sparked my imagination and set me on this incredible journey,” said Besson. “I look forward to introducing a new generation of fans to the adventures of Valerian and Laureline.”
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as the title characters, special operatives for the government of the human territories and charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner, blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.
Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha’s seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.
Written and directed by Luc Besson and produced by Virginie Besson-Silla, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets also stars Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Herbie Hancock and Kris Wu.
You can check out the cover of the Valerian comic in the gallery viewer below along with an introductory letter from Besson himself.
