The Prophet by Patrick Nordmann

Why read the book?

This time the Daltons escape with Dunkle, a ranting and spiteful prophet they meet in prison, and Rantanplan tags along behind. Following Dunkle's word, they settle in Paradise Gulch, a town with no problems at all, which means no sheriff, no saloon, no bank, no money and not a single gun to rob.

For a gang of bandits this is a strange sort of paradise, and a fine setup for comedy. Lucky Luke watches the prophet's grip tighten and the brothers grow ever more frustrated in a place that offers nothing to steal. Joe's temper and Averell's appetite collide with Dunkle's gloomy gospel.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

Dropping the Daltons into a town with nothing to rob is a sharp joke, and the false prophet gives the gang a manipulator to fear.

The contrast between Dunkle's doom and the brothers' simple greed keeps the pages lively. This is a later Morris-era story, but the gag of bandits stranded in a crime-free utopia still lands cleanly, and Rantanplan adds his usual confusion.

Key Takeaway

For a robber, a town with nothing to steal is the cruellest place on earth.

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