What is the story of The Eternaut?

The Eternaut is one of the most famous and powerful comic stories ever created in Argentina. Written by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and drawn by Francisco Solano López, this science fiction tale first appeared in 1957. It tells a gripping story about survival, family, and resistance in the face of a mysterious and deadly threat. Over the years, The Eternaut has become more than just a comic book—it is now a symbol of hope, struggle, and resistance in Latin American culture.

In this article, we’ll explain the story of The Eternaut in a simple and easy-to-understand way, covering its main events, characters, and why it remains important even today.

A Deadly Snowfall in Buenos Aires

The story begins in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. One evening, Juan Salvo, a regular man, is playing a card game called truco with his friends in his home. Suddenly, a strange snowfall begins outside. But this is no ordinary snow—anyone who touches it dies instantly.

This mysterious and glowing snow starts to fall across the entire city, turning it into a deadly trap. People who go outside without protection die within seconds. Streets are empty, and the silence is terrifying.

An Ordinary Hero

Juan Salvo is not a superhero. He is just an average man who loves his family and wants to keep them safe. That’s what makes him so relatable and human. After realizing how dangerous the snow is, Juan, along with his friends, quickly makes homemade protective suits using plastic, metal, and other household items.

With these suits, they risk their lives to go outside in search of food, survivors, and a way to save their loved ones. Juan is especially focused on finding and protecting his wife, Elena, and daughter, Clara.

A Terrifying Discovery

As Juan and the others explore the city, they notice strange things. There are dead bodies everywhere, the snow never stops, and the air feels wrong. Eventually, they learn the truth: this is not a natural disaster—it’s part of an alien invasion.

The invaders are not seen directly. Instead, they send other creatures to do their work, like giant insects called “gurbos” and humans turned into mindless soldiers through alien control.

Fighting Back

Juan and his friends soon join forces with other survivors and the last remains of the military. Together, they try to fight against the alien forces. But the aliens are smart, and they always seem one step ahead. Every plan the humans make comes with risk and loss.

Many of Juan’s companions die, disappear, or are taken over. Still, Juan does not give up. He continues to push forward, doing whatever it takes to survive and protect those he loves.

The Birth of the Eternaut

Later in the story, Juan discovers an alien time travel device. He tries to use it to escape the nightmare, but something goes wrong. Instead of escaping, he becomes lost in time, jumping from one era to another.

Now, Juan is no longer just a survivor—he becomes “The Eternaut,” a traveler trapped in time and space. He is always searching for his home, his family, and a way to stop the invasion before it begins again.

A Story Inside a Story

One of the most interesting parts of The Eternaut is how it ends. After becoming lost in time, Juan somehow meets Héctor Germán Oesterheld, the real writer of the comic. He tells Oesterheld his story, and the comic we read is said to be the result of that meeting.

This creative twist turns the story into something deep and personal, making readers feel like it could really happen.

A Powerful Political Message

Though it is a science fiction tale, The Eternaut is also seen as a political allegory. It reflects the fear and tension that many people in Argentina felt during times of dictatorship and government repression.

Tragically, Oesterheld himself became a victim of real-life oppression. He was arrested and disappeared during Argentina’s military dictatorship in the late 1970s. This makes the story even more powerful, turning it into a symbol of resistance and the fight for freedom.

The Eternaut's Legacy

Today, The Eternaut is considered one of the most important comic stories in Latin America. It is studied in schools, talked about in political discussions, and remembered as a work of art, courage, and warning.

Its themes—survival, unity, sacrifice, and the struggle against invisible control—remain just as relevant now as they were when it was first published. Whether you love comics, science fiction, or powerful human stories, The Eternaut is a must-read.

Final Thoughts

So, what is the story of The Eternaut? It’s the story of an ordinary man facing an extraordinary threat, risking everything to save his family and fight for freedom. It's a story of danger, loss, courage, and hope.

More than just a comic, The Eternaut is a mirror of society, a warning from the past, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, ordinary people can rise up and become heroes.