The Invisible Frontier (Obscure Cities)

Uncover the strange magic of The Obscure Cities and be awed by the beautiful art and incredible storytelling! Features a new English translation of the classic graphic novel.
Roland de Cremer is a young man who has just been assigned to the Center of Cartography in Sodrovno-Voldachia. It's a secluded place that is usually insulated from the outside world. But something is happening out there. Rumors swirl of attacks, assassinations, war, and rebellions bloodily put down. Meanwhile, Roland has fallen in love with a young woman named Shkodra, who the authorities have also shown an increased interest in. She has mysterious markings on her back, tattoos that look like a map. As the threat to her increases, the two flee through deserts, mountains, and swamps. They have only one option for escape: to cross the border. But will they be able to find their way through this land that bears no resemblance to the maps Roland is familiar with and will his desire to save her get them both killed?

First published in English in 2002, this new edition of the classic European graphic novel makes the critically acclaimed series accessible to a new generation of readers!

About the Authors

Benoît Peeters was born in Paris on August 28, 1956. After publishing two novels early in his career, he experimented with diverse genres: essay, biography, illustrated story, photo novel, film, television, radio theater, and, of course, comics. An Hergé specialist, he has written three books to date on the subject: The World of Hergé; Hergé; Son of Tintin; and Read Tintin. He is also the author of several books on comics, storyboards, and biographical studies on Hitchcock, Nadar, Jacques Derrida, and Paul Valéry.

François Schuiten was born in Brussels on April 26, 1956, into a family of architects. Since 1980, he has worked with Benoît Peeters on The Obscure Cities series. His graphic novels have been translated into a dozen languages and have received numerous international awards. He has also created many illustrations, posters, and postage stamps across Europe. In 2002, he received the prestigious lifetime achievement award from the Angouleme International Comics Festival. He published his first solo effort, The Beauty, in 2012, and designed a train museum, Train World, which opened in Brussels in 2015. His 2014 exhibition and accompanying book, Revoir Paris, has met with international praise.