New Corto Maltese adventure 'Oceano Nero' coming September 2021 from Cong

A new Corto Maltese graphic novel, 'Oceano Nero', will be published in September 2021 by Cong. The series, created by Hugo Pratt in 1967, follows the Maltese sailor born July 10, 1887. The new volume is written by Martin Quenehen and illustrated by Bastien Vivès, taking over from the Spanish duo Juan Díaz Canales and Rubén Pellejero who handled the previous three books. The story features a sea boarding, strong female characters, and maintains Corto's sensual appeal. Vivès aimed to preserve the character's iconic attractiveness in every panel. Quenehen describes Corto as a rōnin—a masterless samurai—driven by sentiment rather than cause. The creators were inspired by Pratt's work, with Quenehen long urging Vivès to take on the project. The plot remains largely secret but promises action-film spectacle with Corto's empathy at its core.