Corto Maltese: The Ballad of the Salt Sea is the first adventure of the enigmatic sailor Corto Maltese, created by Italian comic artist Hugo Pratt. Set in the early 20th century, this graphic novel takes readers on a thrilling journey across the world, from the Pacific Islands to the Caribbean. Known for its atmospheric artwork and complex characters, Corto Maltese has become a classic in European comic history. This book is a great introduction to the captivating world of Corto Maltese.