By Morris
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 978-1-84918-045-0
Lucky Luke wasn't always a collaboration between Goscinny and Morris, in fact it's had a number of different writers, the first of whom was the strip's creator Morris, writing from 1949 to into the late '50s.This particular book is one of the last he created before the partnership with Goscinny really took off, so it's an interesting read to see how Lucky Luke compares for humour and style with the work that followed.
The Judge sees Lucky Luke crossing paths with Roy Bean, a real-life character of such outlandishness that he's been co-opted into fiction and survives as a minor American historical figure of note, particularly in Texas. Roy Bean lived west of the Pecos, a lawless but increasingly settled landscape, and it was here he owned a saloon that he doubled-up as a courthouse. Roy Bean had no right to call himself a judge and dispense justice, but he did, and appeared to be accepted in that role by many.
When Lucky Luke comes across him it's in the context of driving cattle to Silver City, but Bean accuses him of cattle rustling and has Luke taken in. Luke escapes the courthouse shenanigans only to meet a newcomer to the town who plans to set himself up as a rival judge. Naturally, much one-upmanship ensues.
I was pleased to see that much of the Lucky Luke I'm familiar with was already present here. Although it's a long way from a history book, by drawing in historical characters and events the Lucky Luke books have an additional appeal, and this one's no exception. There's still plenty of humour in it, so it looks like it was something Goscinny built upon rather than invented, although there's none of his clever word play.
All in all, another crackin' Lucky Luke read. But I'll let you be the judge of that.
And if you liked that: The Stagecoach (book 25) is out soon
No comments yet.