The Obscure Citie: The Return of Captain Nemo

The Return of Captain Nemo (French: Le retour du capitaine Nemo) is the title of the latest entry in the international award-winning graphic novel series, The Obscure Cities (Les Cités Obscures), by artist François Schuiten and author, Benoît Peeters. The English language translation was done by Stephen D. Smith, publisher of Alaxis Press, and 2022 Eisner award-winning translator of the Obscure Cities book, Shadow of a Man. Smith also translated the Obscure Cities books The Leaning Girl, Samaris, Theory of the Grain of Sand, The Tower, and Schuiten's book, The Beauty.

The Return of Captain Nemo is a love letter to Jules Verne and his iconic character, Captain Nemo, presented as a blend of graphic novel and illustrated narrative. The book also features Benoît Peeters' history of Jules Verne himself, who had settled in Amiens, and where a monumental bronze sculpture of the Nauti-Octopus, designed by François Schuiten, will once be erected in 2025.

A hybrid creature emerges from the water. Part animal and part underwater craft, The Nauti-Octopus carries a disoriented man. Where is this little vessel taking him, as it travels through more or less familiar territory? “Captain, I was a captain... I am Captain Nemo.” Share Nemo's journey of self-realization as his Nauti-Octopus carries him around the world under the sea and ultimately to Samarobrive (the ancient name of Amiens, France), home of Jules Verne.