Argentinean Anti-Authoritarian Sci-Fi Comic "El Eternauta" Archive, Scarce Hora Cero Printings, 1957-58

Héctor Germán Oesterheld El Eternauta

Comic books

[Comics][Political Activism][Latin America] Archive of four issues of Argentine anti-authoritarian sci-fi comic El Eternauta by Héctor Germán Oesterheld, printed in Hora Cero anthologies, 1957-58. El Eternauta is a foundational work of Latin American science fiction created by writer Héctor Germán Oesterheld and artist Francisco Solano López. The story begins in Buenos Aires, where a mysterious, lethal snowfall kills most of the population. The protagonist, Juan Salvo, and his friends survive by using makeshift protective suits to find others. They eventually join a resistance group fighting against the alien invaders. El Eternauta is a potent political allegory which explores themes of solidarity, resistance, and the threat of authoritarianism. Its social and political messaging is considered part of its enduring legacy. Oesterheld’s humanist script, emphasizing collective heroism over individualism, was recognized as a veiled critique of authoritarianism and the military rule, a theme that became tragically prophetic when the author himself was kidnaped and “disappeared” along with his daughters for his anti authoritarian activities under the late 1970s military junta. This scarce archive includes:

[1] Oesterheld, Héctor G.; Solano López, Francisco. Hora Cero. Suplemento Semanal. Buenos Aires: Editorial Frontera, Julio 23, 1958. Juan and his companions listening anxiously to a radio transmission, learning that those in the Northern Hemisphere believe they have defeated the invader with atomic rockets while deadly snow continues to fall. Interior sequences emphasize radio communication, strategic uncertainty, and the persistence of the lethal nevada, underscoring themes of misinformation and fragile hope.

[2] Oesterheld, Héctor G.; Solano López, Francisco. Hora Cero. Suplemento Semanal. Buenos Aires: Editorial Frontera, Julio 30, 1958. The installment depicts advancing terrestrial forces and collapsing structures, with sequential panels showing debris, panic, and attempted escape.

[3] Oesterheld, Héctor G.; Solano López, Francisco. Hora Cero. Suplemento Semanal. Buenos Aires: Editorial Frontera, Agosto 20, 1958. Surviving forces have been ambushed and nearly destroyed, as Juan, Favalli, and Franco hear a wounded soldier recount the destruction of key defensive apparatus. Interior pages depict Plaza Italia and regrouped fighters confronting defeat, emphasizing exhaustion, diminished numbers, and continued resolve.

[4] Oesterheld, Héctor G.; Solano López, Francisco. Hora Cero. Suplemento Semanal. Buenos Aires: Editorial Frontera, Junio 10, 1959. Issue includes installment of El Eternauta under episodic heading, with interior summary text describing the discovery of enormous tracks, suggesting the advance of an unknown enemy toward the city’s center.

Edge wear and creasing to covers, small closed tears at extremities, age toning to paper consistent with newsprint of this age, scattered surface abrasions and minor corner loss, interiors evenly toned and legible. Overall good condition.

Item #23027

Price: $2,200.00