Written by: Jean-Michel Charlier
Illustrations: Jean Giraud
Coloring: Uncredited
Publisher: Dargaud
Blueberry: Integrale Uitgave #1 – Comic Book Review
Blueberry might be a rather fruity name for a spaghetti Western hero, but nonetheless, this scruffy lonesome ranger has been around since the beginning of the sixties, providing authentic wild west stories. While this series ‘ended’ in 2005 with the passing of the second writer who took the series under his wings, we’ll be able to relive the finer moments once again with the collection that is currently being bundled. We will get back in the saddle for one hell of a ride for the first of many more bundles to come. ‘Hooka hey!’
Blueberry has fallen from the overall grace of the military, as he is a very stubborn man, who has been transferred to the middle of nowhere. Nonetheless, before he heads to his destination, Fort Navajo, he decides to cheat himself some extra pocket change in the bar of the last town he’ll pass. After wanting to collect his prize money, the locals want to lynch him, because they already feel the money wasn’t won legitimately. Luckily for Blueberry, lieutenant Craig witnesses the rowdy display and interferes, granting the rugged cheater some time to overpower his new enemies. After Craig and Blueberry get acquainted, things go south rather quick as well, as Blueberry tends to insult Craig’s father, who happens to be a rather important general. After the short but startling dispute, Craig and Blueberry head their own way, albeit to the same location.
Nonetheless problems arise on their way there, as one of the local ranches was burned to the ground by what seems to be one of the local Indian tribes. With his dying breath Stanton asks to find his son, as the evildoers took him along, for god knows what purpose. Craig feels it is now upon himself to avenge Stanton and retrieve his son, without thinking logically as it’s clearly a one way trip. Blueberry tries to talk some sense into him, but to no avail. Even though Blueberry was about to head on his way again, Craig’s fellow passengers pretty much beg to try to talk some reason into Craig, or at least save him before he gets himself killed. Blueberry reluctantly goes to the rescue while fighting off a lot of the natives, finally able to head for Fort Navajo. It seems, even with the peace between the Americans and the Indians, a grand skirmish is bound to follow.
The events described above occur in the beginning of the first album, as the three issues bundled in this first part of the collection are part of one big story. The trilogy is about the new conflict that occurs around Fort Navajo, where Indians and the western world collide once again, even though the reason why is still very fishy. This means the pace is rather slow as the story is ‘dragged’ out over three separate issues, but it does not mean the flow is unpleasant. You’ll have a lot of text to plow through before reaching the end of this bundle, which is actually a fun change of pace from the many fast action packed comic books. Of course, this does not mean there is not enough action to be seen in this album, it’s just presented in a slower pace. This is also where it becomes rather apparent that this series is already quite old, as it feels slightly retro because of how things are handled. Nonetheless, surprisingly enough Jean-Michel Charlier’s writing still manages to stay captivating from start to finish, even in this day and age. That being said, the issue itself might be a bit too heavy to finish in one go.
Jean Giraud was in charge of the illustrations at the time, which were quite realistic. The lines are rather thick but never an eyesore, while the detail level shifted from time to time, making some character’s faces appear different on various occasions. It’s clear that the coloring has received a modern touch but other than that things haven’t really changed all that much. The coloring itself has been done with rather ‘flat’ colors, which make the album still feel fairly old and authentic.
Compared to many other bundles, this one is stacked with fun extra information about the creators of the series, Jean-Michel Charlier and Jean Giraud, sketching the time frame it all happened in, their inspiration and some original documents that depict how the series came to life, including some black and white panels and storyboards. Certainly a fun asset for those who want more than merely a bundle of the older albums.
Conclusion
Blueberry: Integrale Uitgave #1 is a must have for old school (spaghetti) Western fans, who like a slightly slower pace of how things are handled and love to do more than simply view the pictures. On top of an interesting story of conflict, you’ll get a lot of trivia facts that will shed another light on the series. This first part of the collection shows that some old series are not to be forgotten just yet.
Blueberry: Integrale Uitgave #1 - Comic Book Review,
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