The Rivals of Painful Gulch by René Goscinny

Why read the book?

In the town of Painful Gulch, two families wage an endless war. The O'Haras have big ears and the O'Timmins have big noses, and they have traded bullets for so many years that the original quarrel is long forgotten. Lucky Luke, riding in with Jolly Jumper, is asked to bring peace before both clans wipe each other out.

Goscinny uses the silly feud to poke fun at pride and stubbornness. Every attempt at a truce collapses into fresh gunfire, and Lucky Luke must find a way to make grown men see how foolish the whole thing has become.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

The running joke of the ears and noses never tires, and the escalating ambushes are beautifully timed. There is a warm message under the slapstick about how feuds outlive their reasons.

It is one of the most quotable and best loved albums for good reason.

Key Takeaway

A timeless comedy about a feud nobody remembers starting, and the folly of carrying on regardless.

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