Arizona by Morris

Why read the book?

This is one of the earliest albums, drawn and written by Morris alone before René Goscinny joined the series. The art is rougher and the gags broader, yet the world of the lone cowboy is already in place, with Jolly Jumper at his side and a dusty Arizona of saloons, stagecoaches and quick draws.

The stories here string together short escapades rather than one long plot. Lucky Luke crosses paths with rustlers, card sharps and bandits, and he sorts each one out with his fists, his wits and the fastest gun in the West. It is a plain, cheerful look at the series before its famous golden age.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

There is real charm in seeing the series take shape. The drawing is loose and lively, the pace is quick, and Morris clearly enjoys every chase and brawl. You can feel a young cartoonist working out what his hero will become.

For anyone who knows the later books, this early album is a warm reminder of humble beginnings.

Key Takeaway

A rough but cheerful early outing that shows the lone cowboy before Goscinny sharpened the humour.

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