Heartless Hero is the first volume of the Showman Killer series of graphic novels, which seem to be Alejandro Jodorowsky's most recent published work in English. (The French original was issued in 2010.) Although this story doesn't have any narrative continuity with the Incal/Metabarons/etc., Jodorowsky is still telling the same kind of story: an anti-hero taking on a galactic empire, with mystical portents. The protagonist here is the titular "Showman Killer," an invulnerable assassin capable of destroying armies in the blink of an eye. This first volume recounts his creation, his independence from the scientist who engineered him, and his mercenary ambitions. He is drawn unwittingly into an intrigue for the throne of the Omnimonarch, and encounters a mysterious woman who has visited his dreams.

There is (predictably, given the plot summary above) a lot of violence and gore in this volume, although I suppose some readers might be more bothered by the occasional nudity. Artist Nicholas Fructus has a background in animation, and has worked with luminaries like Druillet and Moebius. His art here is very painterly and effective.

Un peu du grand n'importe quoi. Histoire pas très intéressante, dessin sans plus ! bref déception... je n'achèterai pas le tome2. ( )