Running away with the unhappy heir to the galaxy’s biggest fortune, even if it’s because he wants it, is bound to cause some problems. On the lam with the Caliphette of Iksaladam, Valerian and Laureline are relentlessly pursued by the Quatuor Mortis, who are still after the enormous reward offered for the child’s safe return. Stranded among the Asteroids of Shimballil, they must evade the hunters, recover their ship, dodge profiteers and traitors … and decide what to do with the little brat!   Jean-Claude Mézières and Pierre Christin created Valerian in 1967 after working in the USA together, one as a cowboy, the other a teacher. While Valerian is Mézières’ only comic series, he has worked as an illustrator in many other areas, including designs and sets for The Fifth Element , and he was awarded the Grand Prix du festival d’Angoulême in 1984. Christin also works in collaboration with other artists such as Tardi and Bilal and writes novels and film scripts.