The Eternaut

The Eternaut is an Argentine science fiction comic created by writer Héctor Germán Oesterheld and artist Francisco Solano López.

The Eternaut is an Argentine science fiction comic created by writer Héctor Germán Oesterheld and artist Francisco Solano López. First serialized from 1957 to 1959, it follows survivors in Buenos Aires after a deadly alien invasion begins with a toxic snowfall. Widely regarded as one of the most important works in Spanish-language comics, it has been adapted for television and holds relevance for Canadian readers as an internationally significant work published in English.

Publication history

The Eternaut was created by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López and first appeared as a serialized comic strip in the Argentine magazine Hora Cero Semanal from 1957 to 1959. It later appeared in revised or sequel forms, including The Eternaut 1969 and a second part published in the 1970s.

Plot

The comic follows Juan Salvo and a group of survivors after a deadly, phosphorescent snowfall strikes Buenos Aires, which turns out to be the opening phase of an alien invasion. The survivors must improvise ways to stay alive and resist the invading force. Juan Salvo is the main character and is commonly identified as the Eternaut.

Cultural significance

The Eternaut is widely regarded as a foundational work in Argentine comics and a major Spanish-language science fiction comic. Its themes of collective survival and resistance have made it a lasting cultural reference point, and it has been interpreted by many readers and commentators as carrying political and anti-colonial themes.

Adaptations and legacy

The comic has been reworked and reissued over time, including a 1969 reboot and a second part in the 1970s. It was adapted into a Netflix television series in 2025. Its enduring reputation has kept it in print and in public discussion far beyond its original serialization.