Jodorowsky, Alexandro. The metabarons; #1: Oton & Honorata.

JODOROWSKY, Alexandro. The metabarons; #1: Oton & Honorata. DC Comics. 129p. illus. c2004. 1-4012-0362-0. $14.95. A

This title reveals the origins of the Metabarons, the mightiest warrior clan in the galaxy. Othon Von Salza lives with his wife and son on the planet Marmola, where they make a peaceful living harvesting its marble. Marmola is the only source of epyphite the marvelous anti-gravity oil, which is a closely guarded secret until an accident reveals its existence. Intergalactic war ensues, climaxing in Othon vanquishing 1,500 Black Endogard single-handedly. Othon hands over the secret of epyphite, to the Empire and is given the world of Okhar as a reward. Othon is lonely (his wife died in the Black Endogard assault), but takes great joy in watching his son ride his pet horse, Shazam. Unfortunately, Othon loses both his son and his groin during the theft of Shazam, and it takes an attempted robbery of the Imperial Embryo--which Othon foils by destroying 100,000 high powered Ostrov-Class Armored Mini Fighters--to restore his zest for life.

Othon's reward for this heroic act is Honorata, priestess of the Shabda-Oud; Othon, who is now sterile as a stump, does not appreciate the gift until Honorata uses her endorgasmic powers to impregnate herself with his child. All is well until Othon's concubines, maddened by jealousy, decide to kill themselves and Honorata by jumping off a building. Othon manages to inject Honorate with ephyphite, which causes her to give birth in midair, and she and the baby float gently through the air like hot-air balloons.

The Metabarons: Othon & Honorata is chockfull of nonstop action, over-the-top gore, and some truly sadistic touches, such as the Metabaronic tradition of father-son mutilation. It's the best swashbuckling SF I've read in awhile; it's also not for everyone. Recommended for collections that cater to older readers. George Galuschak, YA Libn., Montvale P.L., Montvale, NJ