Outlaws by Morris

Why read the book?

This early album takes its cue from history. The four Dalton brothers begin with a bank raid at El Reno in 1889 and move on to stagecoaches, and the government sends Lucky Luke to bring them down. Luke shames them in a saloon to prove his speed, but they slip away and keep robbing, even trying surgery to change their faces.

The story runs to its grim historical end at Coffeyville, where the brothers split to rob two banks at once and the town turns its guns on them. This is the original Dalton tale, the rough first sketch of a feud that would shape the whole series. Jolly Jumper carries Luke through it.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

It is fascinating to see where it all started. These are the historical Daltons, not the comic cousins, and the tone is harder and plainer than the later books.

The drawing already shows Morris at ease with horses, dust and the long open street. Watching Luke read each robbery a step ahead is a quiet pleasure, and the bleak Coffeyville finish gives the album a weight that the gentler sequels never aimed for.

Key Takeaway

The first Dalton story is the leanest and most historical of them all.

Enjoyed this post?

Well, you could share the post with others, follow me with RSS Feeds and/or send me a comment via email.

Tags