In the Shadow of the Derricks by René Goscinny

Why read the book?

When oil gushes up at Titusville, the sleepy place is overrun overnight by speculators chasing a fortune. Lucky Luke is asked to keep the peace amid the boom, with Jolly Jumper at his side, as honest folk and crooks alike sink wells and stake claims.

The story follows the greedy rush and the dirty tricks used to grab the best land, with Luke standing for fair play against a grasping oil baron. Goscinny uses the black gold rush to poke fun at runaway capitalism and the speed with which money turns a community wild.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

The album is sharp on the madness of a boom town, with the satire of greed sitting neatly under the gags. Morris draws the forest of derricks and the muddy chaos with real flair.

It is a Goscinny script at full strength, balancing a clear plot, brisk action and a steady stream of jokes about money fever.

Key Takeaway

A pointed and funny look at how a strike of oil can turn a whole town greedy.

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