The Eternaut: When Sci-Fi Became a Symbol of Political Resistance
A Latin American comic book that still resonates today
What if a sci-fi comic from the 1950s could capture the fears of an entire nation — and become a symbol of resistance?
That’s exactly what happened with The Eternaut (El Eternauta), a groundbreaking graphic novel from Argentina.
Originally published between 1957 and 1959, and created by writer Héctor Germán Oesterheld and artist Francisco Solano López, The Eternaut is much more than an alien invasion story. It’s a reflection of its time — and a bold critique of authoritarianism.
🚨 Set Against a Backdrop of Repression
Argentina was in political turmoil during the “Revolución Libertadora,” a military coup that ousted President Juan Perón.
Censorship, fear, and state control were growing — yet The Eternaut slipped past the censors using powerful metaphors.
The comic starts with a man appearing mysteriously in a writer’s home. He calls himself The Eternaut and begins telling his story:
Juan Salvo, an everyday man in Buenos Aires, sees his life turned upside down when a mysterious, deadly snowfall begins to fall over the city.
❄️ Survival Mode: The Beginning of Resistance
As the snow kills everything it touches, Juan and his friends realize something isn’t right.
Trapped in a sealed attic — and equipped with scientific tools like a Geiger counter — they discover this isn’t just radiation. It’s an alien invasion.
They craft makeshift diving suits to explore the outside world.
The image of Juan Salvo in his suit, face visible through the visor, became one of Argentina’s most powerful visual symbols of resistance.
🔥 From Quiet Dread to Armed Uprising
The first part of the comic is quiet, suspenseful, and intimate — focusing on fear and survival.
But soon, it shifts gears into an epic battle for survival and liberation, as Juan and others resist the alien invaders.
Some saw this narrative change as jarring, but others viewed it as intentional: a call for collective action in the face of oppression.
Even with some repetitive or overly expositional moments (a common trait in serialized comics), The Eternaut holds its power — thanks to its message of unity, struggle, and hope.
🎨 Art That Hits You in the Heart
Francisco Solano López’s artwork is emotionally charged and realistic.
He gives life to characters who feel real — their facial expressions filled with fear, sadness, and resilience.
He also skillfully depicts the contrast between Buenos Aires’ familiar streets and the surreal alien elements, grounding the story in a believable reality.
🧭 Why It Still Matters Today
The Eternaut is timeless. Its themes — freedom, fear, resistance, and the power of everyday people — are universal.
Juan Salvo isn’t a superhero. He’s just a man doing his best in the worst circumstances. And that’s what makes him powerful.
In times when democracy and human rights are still under threat around the world, this comic remains not just relevant — but essential.
📚 A Must-Have Brazilian Edition
If you’re a collector, check out the Brazilian edition by Pipoca & Nanquim.
It features the original horizontal layout, a hardcover with an interactive visor, and a slipcase for storage — a true tribute to this iconic work.
🗣 Final Thoughts
If you care about comics, politics, or the power of storytelling, The Eternaut should be on your radar.
It’s not just a sci-fi classic — it’s a reminder that even the quietest voices can spark a revolution.
👉 Have you read The Eternaut? What did it mean to you?
Share this article with someone who believes in the power of good stories — especially the ones that dare to say something.