Graphic Novel Review... Lucky Luke Book 44
Lucky Luke Book 44: Lucky Luke Versus Pat Poker, by Morris, Cinebook
AN IMPORTANT archive collection in the Lucky Luke series from Cinebook, featuring the earliest strips that gambler, cheat and saloon owner Pat Poker showed up in, all by original creator, Morris.
Based on his first appearance within the Clean-Up in Red City story, you’d not think Poker would become a recurring character in the series, even though many of his ongoing traits are already familiar. You can tell it’s an early strip, Luke himself is seen drinking alcohol in the saloon and instead of that piece of straw dangling lazily from his mouth there’s a cigarette.
The story begins when after going for a swim Luke’s clothes and his horse Jolly Jumper are stolen, and he's given some inappropriate attire to wear that convinces the townsfolk their new sheriff will be a washout. Thereafter a series of events take place wherein Luke slowly proves them wrong. The early art style loose, slowly paced but well captured and easy to follow, the results being amusing enough.
In Rough And Tumble in Tumbleweed Luke’s initial problems revolve around a gun for hire going by the handle of Angelface, however Pat Poker (having survived a noose in the last story) sets up as the new owner of the local saloon and a two-pronged series of attacks on Luke’s welfare ensue. Already the characters are developing, so the book’s of historic pop cultural value as well as being entertaining. Far from the best stories in the series, but generally always worth reading.
For more information on Luck Luke books in English visit Cinebook.
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