Image: Moebius Time Masters (Wikipedia)

Author: VANAS

The Legendary Moebius and The Re-Release of The Time Masters

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Table of Contents

1. Who is Moebius?
2. Famous Artworks
3. How The Time Masters Came to Be
4. Awards and Achievements
5. Why Re-Release the Movie?
6. Additional Information
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Moebius?

Moebius, also known as Jean Giraud, was a legendary French artist and cartoonist renowned for his unique and transformative contributions to the world of art and animation. Born on May 8, 1938, in Nogent-sur-Marne, France, Giraud adopted the pseudonym Moebius for his science fiction and fantasy works, while using his real name for his more traditional comic series. His visionary artwork, characterized by intricate details and surreal landscapes, has left an indelible mark on the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

Moebius is a master draftsman, a superb artist, and more: his vision is original and strong, said Stan Lee, the legendary co-creator of Marvel Comics.

Famous Artworks

Moebius' illustrious career includes several iconic artworks that have captivated audiences worldwide. Some of his most famous works include:

• The Incal: A groundbreaking graphic novel series created in collaboration with writer Alejandro Jodorowsky. This series is celebrated for its complex narrative and stunning visual style.
• Arzach: A silent comic series featuring a lone warrior on a pterodactyl, showcasing Moebius' ability to convey powerful stories without dialogue.
• Blueberry: Under his real name, Jean Giraud, he co-created this classic Western comic series, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

His artwork has not only graced the pages of comic books but also influenced the design of several major films, including Blade Runner, Alien, and The Fifth Element.

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How The Time Masters Came to Be

The Time Masters (Les Maîtres du Temps) is one of the few cinematic works that showcase Moebius' extraordinary talent in animation. Directed by René Laloux, the movie is an adaptation of the French novel "L'Orphelin de Perdide" by Stefan Wul. The script, co-written by Laloux and Moebius, blends the artist's unique visual style with a compelling narrative.

The movie first opened in France in 1982 and later in the United States in 1984. The story follows a young boy named Piel, stranded on the dangerous planet Perdide. His only connection to safety is through radio contact with Jaffar, a friend of his father. Jaffar, along with an eclectic crew, races across space to rescue Piel, encountering various bizarre and dangerous obstacles along the way.

Awards and Achievements

Although The Time Masters may not have garnered the mainstream accolades of some other animated films, its impact on the genre is undeniable. The movie is celebrated for its:

• Innovative Animation Style: Moebius' art brought a unique, psychedelic visual experience to the screen.
• Cult Status: Over the years, it has gained a dedicated following among animation enthusiasts and sci-fi fans.
• Influence on Future Works: The movie's distinct style and storytelling have influenced many subsequent animated projects and filmmakers.

Why Re-Release the Movie?

The re-release of The Time Masters comes 40 years after its original debut, now restored in stunning 4K resolution. There are several reasons for this re-release:

• Preservation of Classic Art: Restoring the film ensures that new generations can experience Moebius' visionary work in the highest quality possible.
• Cultural Significance: The movie's themes and artistic style remain relevant and influential, making it a timeless piece of animation history.
• Demand from Fans: Long-time fans and newcomers alike have expressed a desire to see the film in theaters, leading to its re-release in select US art house theaters starting July 26, 2024.

Additional Information

The Time Masters is more than just a movie; it's a visually stunning foray into existentialist space adventure. The film's plot is rich with intricate characters and surreal environments. Jaffar, the pilot, is accompanied by the exiled Prince Matton and Princess Belle, and they seek the help of Silbad, a seasoned veteran who knows how to navigate the perilous planet of Perdide.

Throughout their journey, they encounter various extraordinary beings, including impish homunculi stowaways, identity-less angels controlled by an amorphous hive mind, and the enigmatic Masters of Time, who have the power to bend reality.

The collaboration between René Laloux and Moebius, along with the script by Jean-Patrick Manchette, results in a film that is both visually and narratively compelling. The 4K restoration ensures that this masterpiece will continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Moebius?

• Moebius, or Jean Giraud, was a renowned French artist known for his unique contributions to science fiction and fantasy art and animation.

What are some of Moebius' famous artworks?

• Some of his most famous works include The Incal, Arzach, and Blueberry.

How did The Time Masters come to be?

• The movie is an adaptation of the French novel "L'Orphelin de Perdide" by Stefan Wul, directed by René Laloux and co-written by Laloux and Moebius.

What awards and achievements does The Time Masters have?

• While it may not have mainstream awards, the film is celebrated for its innovative animation style, cult status, and influence on future works.

Why is the movie being re-released?

• The re-release in 4K resolution aims to preserve the classic art, highlight its cultural significance, and meet the demand from fans for a high-quality viewing experience.

What is the plot of The Time Masters?

• The story follows young Piel, stranded on a dangerous planet, and his rescue mission led by Jaffar and his crew, who encounter various extraordinary beings along the way.

For those passionate about animation, VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game Programs. To launch your career, visit VANAS.