Lucky Luke is an iconic character in the world of European comics. Created by the Belgian cartoonist Morris, he first appeared in the comics magazine Spirou in 1946. Lucky Luke is known for his cowboy hat and his lightning-fast reflexes, and his adventures have captured the imagination of readers for decades. Lucky Luke albums are a must-have for any comic book collector, as they are the epitome of Western-themed comics. Let’s dive deeper into the world of Lucky Luke albums and find out more about these iconic works of literature.
What are Lucky Luke albums?
Lucky Luke albums are comic books that are based on the character of Lucky Luke. They are created by various writers and artists, and they have been published throughout the years by several different publishing houses. Lucky Luke albums are known for their high-quality artwork, interesting storylines, and memorable characters. They are also highly collectible, and many Lucky Luke albums are considered rare and valuable.
The History of Lucky Luke Albums
The first Lucky Luke album, « Arizona 1880 », was published in 1949. The album was an instant success, and it established Lucky Luke as a major character in the world of European comics. Morris continued to create Lucky Luke albums until his death in 2001, and he is considered one of the most important cartoonists in the history of European comics.
After Morris’ death, Lucky Luke albums were continued by several different writers and artists. Some of the most well-known writers who have worked on Lucky Luke albums include René Goscinny, who is also known for creating Asterix, and Jean-Michel Charlier, who is known for creating Blueberry. Lucky Luke albums continue to be published today, and they remain popular with both new and old fans of the series.
Lucky Luke Albums: The Characters
One of the reasons that Lucky Luke albums are so beloved is the memorable cast of characters that appear in them. Here are some of the most famous characters from the Lucky Luke universe:
Lucky Luke
Lucky Luke is the main character of the series. He is a cowboy who is known for his quick reflexes and his sharpshooting skills. He is also known for his sense of justice, and he always tries to do the right thing.
The Daltons
The Daltons are a group of four brothers who are constantly getting into trouble with the law. They are known for their ineptitude and their constant bickering, but they are also very charming characters.
Jolly Jumper
Jolly Jumper is Lucky Luke’s trusty horse. He is just as quick and clever as Lucky Luke, and he is always there to help his master out of a tight spot. Jolly Jumper is one of the most beloved characters in the Lucky Luke universe.
Rantanplan
Rantanplan is a dog who is known for his stupidity. He often causes more trouble than he solves, but he is also very endearing.
Top 5 Lucky Luke Albums of All Time
There are over 70 Lucky Luke albums, so it can be hard to know where to start if you are new to the series. Here are five of the best Lucky Luke albums of all time:
1. « The Dalton Cousins »
In this album, Lucky Luke has to deal with the arrival of the Dalton Cousins, who are even more dangerous than the original Dalton brothers. This album is known for its fast-paced action and its clever plot twists.
2. « Seven Stories »
In this album, Lucky Luke takes on seven different adventures, each one more exciting than the last. This album is a great introduction to the series, as it showcases the different types of stories that you can expect from a Lucky Luke album.
3. « The Grand Duke »
In this album, Lucky Luke has to protect the Grand Duke of Spain from an assassination attempt. This album is known for its elaborate plot and its witty dialogue.
4. « The Wanted Man »
In this album, Lucky Luke has to track down a notorious criminal who has kidnapped a young girl. This album is known for its suspenseful plot and its memorable characters.
5. « The Ghost of the Gold Mine »
In this album, Lucky Luke has to confront the ghost of a gold mine that is said to be haunted. This album is known for its spooky atmosphere and its clever use of Western mythology.
Collecting Lucky Luke Albums
If you are a collector of comic books, Lucky Luke albums are a great addition to your collection. Here are some tips for collecting Lucky Luke albums:
1. Know what to look for
There are several publishers who have produced Lucky Luke albums over the years, so it is important to know which publishers to focus on if you want to build a complete collection. Some of the most well-known publishers of Lucky Luke albums include Dupuis, Dargaud, and Lucky Comics.
2. Know what you are willing to pay
Some Lucky Luke albums are quite rare and valuable, while others are more common and less expensive. It is important to know what your budget is and what you are willing to pay for a particular album before you start collecting.
3. Check the condition of the album
The condition of a Lucky Luke album is very important when it comes to collecting. Look for albums that are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear. A well-preserved album will be much more valuable than one that is in poor condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Lucky Luke album to start with if you are new to the series?
If you are new to the series, « Seven Stories » is a great place to start. It will give you a taste of the different types of stories that you can expect from a Lucky Luke album.
What is the rarest Lucky Luke album?
The rarest Lucky Luke album is « La Terre Promise » (The Promised Land), which was published in 1952. Only 30 copies of the album were ever produced, and it is considered the holy grail of Lucky Luke collecting.
Who is the most popular character in the Lucky Luke series?
Lucky Luke is the most popular character in the series, followed closely by Jolly Jumper.
Conclusion
Lucky Luke albums are a beloved part of European comics culture. They are known for their high-quality artwork, interesting storylines, and memorable characters. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, there is a Lucky Luke album out there for you. So saddle up and start exploring the Wild West with Lucky Luke!