The Metabarons with Jesse Fresco
We’re back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we’re talking about The Metabarons by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Juan Giménez! Our host this week is Jesse Fresco, a podcaster, production guru, and novelist!
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Edited by Case Aiken
Scored by Bret Eagleston
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Outline
️ Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School Podcast and Guest Introduction (00:00 - 00:20)
Jesse Fresco introduced as guest host for the Trade School series.
Objective: Discuss a notable comic book trade paperback.
Overview of Meta Barons Series and Alejandro Jodorowsky's Works (00:20 - 01:40)
Meta Barons described as a spin-off prequel to The Incal.
Trilogy includes The Incal, Meta Barons, Techno Priest.
️ Narrative Style and Artistic Elements (01:40 - 02:53)
The story is narrated by two robots, Lothar and Tonto.
Artwork by Juan Jimenez praised for its high quality and inventive panel usage.
Literary and Thematic Depth (02:53 - 04:34)
Series is dense with metaphysical topics, existentialism, and religious symbolism.
Tragic family saga with reflections of themes later echoed in Star Wars.
Cultural Impact and Influence on Other Media (04:34 - 05:44)
Strong suggestion that George Lucas drew inspiration from Meta Barons for Star Wars.
Influence on The Wachowskis for The Matrix ship and machine design.
Series Availability and Continuation (05:44 - 06:30)
The original four storylines collected but expensive European comics.
Asserted that the series is likely unfilmable or unadaptable outside comics.
️ Key Story Highlight: The Father-Son Battle for Inheritance of Title (06:30 - 07:07)
Unique scene where son kills father in a battle witnessed galaxy-wide.
Emphasizes comic medium’s unique ability to portray such concepts.
️ Artistic and Narrative Praise (07:07 - 08:37)
Elaborate ship designs resembling crustaceans and sea creatures.
Rich lore with Greek tragedy elements, samurai inspirations.
Reading Recommendations and Difficulty Level (08:37 - 09:50)
Not recommended as casual reading; requires investment and mood.
Jodorowsky’s work known for graphic, sexualized, yet spiritual storytelling.
️ Coincidental Tribute to Actor Terrence Stamp (09:50 - 10:30)
One Meta Baron character’s visual based on Terrence Stamp.
Jesse notes the appropriateness of the timing of this discussion.
Closing Recommendations and Final Thoughts (10:30 - 11:30)
Highly unique, unlike American comics, worth seeking out.
Recommended to pick up physical copies at comic stores or through online orders.