The Asteroids of Shimballil

The Asteroids of Shimballil is the title of a pilot for a proposed animated adaptation of the French comic book science fiction series, Valérian and Laureline, created by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières. The pilot was never made, however, the concept art and storyline have been published.

Synopsis

The story takes the form of an oral report sent back to Galaxity by Valérian and Laureline.

Report begins:

Valérian and Laureline's astroship approaches Shimballil under its invisibility screen. Laureline fights off a swarm of metal-eating termites as she repairs the ship which has been damaged by the storm.

The astroship lands in the marshes of the asteroid known as Zakitab. Lashing up a barge, Valérian and Laureline make for Zakitab-The-Great-Market where they are to meet their contact.

Having searched the city for many hours with no luck, Valérian and Laureline are surprised to hear a song in a language known to them. Reaching the group who are chanting, one of their number reveals himself as their contact and asks them to follow them to Balbinful.

Following their guide through the streets of Zakitab, they are surprised by a group of creatures who kill their contact. Valérian and Laureline are left to contemplate what to do next.

Report Ends.

Setting

The Asteroids of Shimballil orbiting the dead planet of Shimballil. Although inhabited, it is a primitive place. The approach to the asteroids can be hazardous thanks to lightning storms and space termites. Asteroid number 14,112 is called Zakitab and is home to the market city of Zakitab-The-Great-Market. The city is surrounded by densely vegetated marshes.

Notes

• Although Mézières and Christin never finished the story and the pilot was never made, the concept drawings were published as an addendum to the album release of Bad Dreams with accompanying text.
• Shimballil re-appears in the album Orphan of the Stars where we see Zakitab again. However, the asteroids are no longer as primitive as depicted in this adventure.