Milady is Paulina Zumo, a haughty Imperial Colonel and countess of the Zumo dynasty. Her stories, set in 3000 AD, are a science fiction mixture of many influences: these include Old Chinese costumes, Italian Renaissance intrigues, and hyper-technological environments. Magnus maintained he was also inspired by Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon for the series.[2]
In her adventures, Milady is assisted by Uèr, an electro-chemical android who is desperately in love with her, in spite of Milady's repeated, contemptuous refusals.
Characters
Milady (Paulina Zumo): A proud, commanding noblewoman and officer of the Galactic Empire.
Uèr: Her android aide, a tragicomic figure devoted to Milady.
Publication history
The series originally appeared in:
Il Principe dell’Equilibrio e della Quiete Galattica – Il Mago #94–96 (Jan–Mar 1980)
Nel Palazzo di Kê and Intermezzo sul Proteo – Il Mago #105 (Dec 1980)
Gran Condè and Lord Black – Eureka #248 (Feb 1984)
Colored versions of the first three stories were published in France in Métal Hurlant #55, #61bis, and #65, though Magnus objected to the colorization and later re-colored one of the episodes himself for a deluxe Italian edition.[1]
Reprints and editions
A deluxe edition was published by Glittering Images in 1985.
Glénat Italia released a color hardcover in 1988.
A black-and-white paperback came out in 1992 from Granata Press.[1]
In 2002, Flashbook published a complete volume.
In 2009, Rizzoli Lizard included the comic in its anthology Erotico e fantastico.
Art and style
The series is noted for Magnus’s precise linework and visual fusion of classical Chinese motifs with futuristic sci-fi aesthetics. Critics and collectors have praised its elaborate costume design, luxurious page layouts, and sensual overtones.[3]
Critical reception
Though not widely reviewed in mainstream English-language sources, Milady 3000 is considered a cult classic in Italy and among comic collectors. The series is often recognized for its genre-blending ambition and daring eroticism. Original art pages have been featured in auctions and exhibitions.[4]
Legacy
Milady 3000 is considered one of Magnus’s final experimental works before he shifted to more realist projects. It stands alongside Lo Sconosciuto and Necron as a testament to his versatility.[5]
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