Lucky Luke : Behind the Scenes of Morris’s Famous Belgian Comic Strip
Lucky’s Beginnings
Lucky Luke is a beloved bande dessinée, or comic strip, created by the Belgian artist Morris. The first publication featuring the lucky cowboy appeared in the Almanach 47 magazine in 1946. Lucky’s popularity skyrocketed, leading to his own series published in 1949. The comic’s success was mainly due to its clever mix of Western themes and humor, making it enjoyable for all ages.
The Lucky Luke Universe
Lucky Luke is a cowboy who, thanks to his incredible speed, fights against injustice alongside his faithful horse, Jolly Jumper. Throughout his long and adventurous journey, he meets a variety of unique and interesting characters, including Billy the Kid, Calamity Jane, and the Dalton brothers. The setting takes place in the American West, with Lucky frequently traveling to different towns and dealing with various problems, from robberies to gambling schemes.
Morris’s Contribution to Lucky Luke
The comic’s unprecedented success can largely be attributed to the talents of its creator, Morris. Morris (born Maurice De Bevere in 1923) began working as an animator for a Belgian film studio before creating Lucky Luke. Morris incorporated his passion for the American West into the comic through meticulous research and attention to detail. Morris also had a gift for storytelling, pacing Lucky’s adventures with humor and heart.
Celebrating Lucky Luke
Lucky Luke continues to be a beloved cultural icon in French-speaking countries. Belgium has even recognized Lucky’s impact by producing a set of officielle commemorative coins, featuring the fearless cowboy and his most notable foes. Lucky’s popularity extends beyond the realm of bande dessinée to the world of film and gaming. In the United States, Lucky’s image has been used for branding, including advertisements for a casino in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Lucky Luke and the Casino
Lucky Luke has experienced tremendous success in the world of gaming. One particular example is in the casino industry. Many casinos have Lucky Luke-themed slot machines, where players can win money while feeling like they are experiencing the Wild West. These casino machines often feature Lucky and other beloved characters, adding an extra layer of entertainment for fans of the comic series.
Chez Lucky Luke
If you are a true Lucky Luke fan, there are several experiences you can have that are inspired by the comic strip. Chez Lucky Luke is a themed restaurant in Brussels that incorporates the famous cowboy’s adventures into its decor and cuisine. While you enjoy your meal, you can observe interpretations of Lucky’s escapades through comic-strip images on the walls. Afterwards, you can purchase a souvenir from the restaurant’s gift shop, further commemorating your Lucky Luke experience.
Conclusion
Lucky Luke has been a staple of bande dessinée in Belgium for over 70 years. Morris’s iconic creation has captured the hearts of French-speaking audiences with his humor, heart, and Western flair. Lucky Luke’s legacy continues to thrive, inspiring everything from commemorative coins to restaurants to casino machines. If you haven’t experienced Lucky’s adventures yet, it’s time to saddle up and join the ride.
FAQs
Q: Who created Lucky Luke?
A: Lucky Luke was created by Morris, a Belgian artist born in 1923.
Q: What is Lucky Luke’s superpower?
A: Lucky Luke is incredibly fast, earning him the nickname « The Man who Shoots Faster than His Shadow. »
Q: What other media has Lucky Luke inspired?
A: Lucky Luke’s popularity extends to films, TV series, video games, and even casinos.
References
-{{cite web|url=https://www.comic-con.org/awards/awards-history|title=Comic-Con Awards History|website=www.comic-con.org}}
-{{cite web|url=https://www.mintsoftheworld.com/product/lucky-luke/|title=Lucky Luke commemorative coins|website=www.mintsoftheworld.com}}
-{{cite web|url=https://www.deadwood.com/place/gold-dust-casino-gambling-hall/|title=Gold Dust Casino and Gambling Hall|website=www.deadwood.com