Corto Maltese and Guybrush Threepwood
Two antiheroes, two unforgettable characters. #graphicnovel #videogame
Welcome back to Artcade, the only lifeguard that watches over fictional characters too. Yes, Corto Maltese and Guybrush Threepwood set sail (both a bit lost, as befits their characters) but remain under the vigilant eye of Artcade, where there’s no risk of drowning. While we’re here, let me remind you that you can share your thoughts about these pages by commenting or replying to the email. Every bit of feedback is welcome. And don’t be selfish—share Artcade with your friends; they might need a lifeguard too. Enjoy the read!
This image was on a huge poster in the house where I grew up. For years, I didn’t know anything about this character, whom I only discovered a decade later to be Corto Maltese. His stories are among the great adventures I read in my teenage years, and I still fondly remember their atmosphere and spirit.
And to think the man behind it all was this guy:
Alright, you can’t judge someone by their scowling look. Hugo Pratt was capable of creating incredible images like the ones below:
I’d say we can forgive him for the not-so-welcoming expression.
If you don’t know anything about the world created by Pratt, you’ve got a real treasure to uncover. His stories are an ode to freedom. It’s no coincidence that Corto Maltese’s very first appearance is in true antihero style: tied to a raft and abandoned at sea.
Hugo Pratt [1967 - 1969] The Ballad of the Salty Sea (Una ballata del mare salato) [Graphic Novel] [Adventure] [164 panels] Casterman
Guybrush Threepwood is another character that’s been part of my childhood. Like Corto Maltese, his stories often revolve around the sea, but when it comes to Guybrush, the comedic tone is even stronger, allowing us to tackle uncomfortable situations—like the classic quicksand trap (see image below)—with a smile.
The Curse of Monkey Island (the third entry in the series) is a fantastic game. Despite Tim Schafer, Dave Grossman, and Ron Gilbert (the geniuses behind the first two episodes) no longer being part of the development team, the game retains all the humor typical of the saga. A perfect example of this is the opening scene, in which Guybrush is already lost on the high seas aboard a bumper car.
Shipwrecked and desperate, Guybrush Threepwood writes what he believes to be his final words in his diary.
LucasArts [1997] The Curse of Monkey Island [Video Game] [Graphic Adventure] [8 Hours] [Microsoft Windows] [OS X] LucasArts
Information Desk:
As if his introduction as a perfect antihero wasn’t enough, in The Ballad of the Salty Sea Corto Maltese isn’t even the main character. Corto would later carve out his own space: Hugo Pratt went on to draw twelve Corto Maltese novels over more than three decades.
Corto Maltese has a strong connection to Venice. Some of his best adventures (and some of the most beautiful pages) are inspired by the City of Canals.
Monkey Island is one of the most famous (if not the most famous) graphic adventure series. If you know the insult sword-fighting duels from the first episode, you won’t be surprised if I sign off with: “How appropriate. You fight like a cow.”
“Now I know what filth and stupidity really are.”
“I'm glad to hear you attended your family reunion.”
My last two coins
The spirit with which Guybrush and Corto face their worst misadventures has always been a great source of inspiration. In their somewhat naïve boldness I’ve always seen a profound awareness of the human condition: we’re just passing through, and it’s a fleeting passage. For that reason, it’s worth taking risks, pushing beyond that dune or toward that mysterious island. The sounds that accompanied them on their adventures—the laughter and the wind’s whisper—might have existed only in my ears, but damn, they felt real.
Until the next episode, ciao!
I didn't read a single thing about Corto Maltese, but now I want to.
Like French people say: daje, Stefano.
This time I know nothing about both topics: never read Pratt's work, nor played any Monkey Island game. To tell you the truth, I know I should read Corto Maltese, but I fear will remain an entry in my to do list. Cheers!