Manuele Fior's dystopian graphic novel 'Celestia' released by Oblomov Edizioni

Manuele Fior, a leading Italian comic artist known for 'Cinquemila chilometri al secondo' (2011) and his illustrations for The New Yorker, has released 'Celestia', the first volume of a two-part graphic novel published by Oblomov Edizioni, headed by Igort. The story is set in a dystopian future where civilization has collapsed and knowledge is preserved only by a few. Celestia, a renamed Venice, stands as the last bastion of humanity, separated from the mainland where masked inhabitants follow the law of the strongest. Protagonists Dora and Pierrot, both possessing special gifts, are driven by youthful restlessness to leave the city. Pierrot, son of one of Celestia's saviors, carries a family tragedy that pushes him to seek an 'elsewhere' beyond known boundaries. They are pursued by Celestia's telepathic elite and masked lagoon dwellers. The 148-page volume, priced at €18, was presented at Lucca Comics & Games 2019. Fior's narrative skills are highlighted, with the story taking precedence over his celebrated artwork, marking a departure from earlier works like 'Le Variazioni d'Orsay' where visuals dominated. The second volume is anticipated.