By Lambil & Cauvin
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181082
Corporal Blutch and Sergeant Chesterfield have faced a bloody and terrible battle and we join the tale at its aftermath on a desolate field of death and destruction. Blutch and Sarge have survived (Blutch typically doing better due to his natural survival instincts) but both sides have received such heavy losses that few soldiers remain on active duty. The officers decide to retreat to the frontline, effectively abandoning the scores of wounded. The only concession is that they'll be left with the doctor and moved to a nearby town while they wait for reinforcements in the days to follow.
The town of Rumberley, however, is a confederate town, and naturally hostile to the incoming injured. Blutch is fit, and Sarge, despite his wounds, joins him in keeping back the aggressive civilians until they can all gain some sort of safety in a barn. However, just getting water means running the gauntlet of potshots from neighbouring windows, and to make matters worse the confederate army is on its way. With little chance of rescue it falls to Blutch and Sarge to mount a defence.
At first glance The Bluecoats looks a lot like Lucky Luke, with it's stylised, friendly cartoon illustrations and humour. It's not a million miles away with its location and period either. But where Lucky Luke thrives on clever puns, absurd situations and daft gags, The Bluecoats humour has a a darker undercurrent. On the face of it its tone is light, but the backbone of the stories concern the horrors and injustices of war. It brings a depth to the books that is both melancholy and rewarding, particularly with the scenario where the officers rationalise leaving the wounded behind.
If you've not looked at a Bluecoats book yet then this wouldn't be a bad place to start. A clever mix of history, humour and storytelling awaits you.
And if you liked that: Volume 6 is available now
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