The Daltons Always on the Run by René Goscinny

Why read the book?

Tired of the brothers escaping again and again, the authorities try a new tack and grant the Daltons a kind of probation, on the promise that they will behave. Lucky Luke is given the thankless task of keeping watch to see whether the four can truly go straight.

The comedy comes from the strain of crooks trying to act honest while Joe's temper boils just under the surface. Averell drifts toward the nearest meal, William and Jack follow Joe, and Luke must judge each slip. It is a clever twist on the usual chase, with the law itself betting on the gang's good conduct.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

Watching the Daltons squirm under the burden of good behaviour is a fresh angle on the four, and Goscinny wrings real fun from it. Joe's effort to hold his anger in check, against every instinct he has, gives the album its engine. The premise is simple and the payoff is sure.

Key Takeaway

Forcing the brothers to behave proves funnier than any jailbreak.

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