Jun 20, 2009

Euro Books – Lucky Luke | 24 Albums | 2009

I am Back and have a story to tell about my recent absence at Comicology, which is by the way reserved for the end of the post; to save you from my blabbering and more importantly to pave way for the topic which turbo-charged me to comeback quicker: Euro Book’s Lucky Luke venture.

I am no stranger to the generation of kids who have grown reading Lion Comics, a Tamil comics brand from Southern India. My first encounters with Lucky Luke (for an Intro about this famous Franco-Belgian character, refer to the Lucky Luke debut post, here), were only through them. Even though later on I read on the web that few other publications have tried their hands on Lucky adventures in India, with mixed success. (For eg. Gowarsons).

Offlate, I need to admit that the humour in Lucky Luke stories have failed to tickle the fun bone in me, may be because we could have grown out of that target audience, or maybe because the Morris & Goscinny era is now over.

But the sheer glimpse of holding a Lucky Luke adventure and flipping through its pages is matched only by a handful of other series. It’s sure to bring you Nostalgic feeling and also take you back to your favourite childhood moments.

Smoking Lucky Luke (prior to 1983)And not to forget Lucky Luke series own style of featuring historical figures from the wild west in their comic books time and again with a comical style of representation (for eg., Dalton Brothers, Calamity Jane, Jesse James, etc.), and also for cultivating the good habits, as Non Smoking Lucky Luke (from 1983)the series progressed into more titles (for eg., Lucky used to be featured as a smoker in his initial run, before turning to a non-smoker in response to the non-smoking campaign on the rise in those times).

Lion Comics continues to feature Lucky Luke in their line-up, but their infrequent releases (their last Lucky exclusive release was in early 2008) meant that seeing a Lucky Luke adventure was increasingly difficult in India.

Surprisingly in 2007, Tara Press launched a limited edition 5 Set Luke series, and had plans to feature another series in Iznogoud, having obtained the copyrights for both of them. For whatever reasons, they chose not to continue the comics venture forward.

Lucky Luke with Dalton Brothers Later on CineBook’s debut in India, brought a host of Lucky Luke titles along with it, and they continue to release and add more titles on an incremental basis, every month. I have always been a great fan of CineBook, ever since they made their foray in India on 2008, due to their top notch quality of releases. So, these incredible Lucky Luke titles filled the void, now and then.

But in early 2009, Euro Books India, a comics publisher known for a set of graphic novel releases in one bunch (Ref. Biggles & Spirou and Fantasio Set releases in 2007), announced that they were working on a 24 set Lucky Luke release. Ever since hearing the news, I had been checking the stores, and bugging their local distributors, to check on their availability, but the announcement remained as Coming soon until now.

A couple of weeks back, I heard from some friends in the other cities that they have started to see the 24 set Lucky Luke Euro books editions on their local bookshops. I couldn’t wait to grab the copy, as the Chennai stores were still not showing any signs of their availability. So I managed to procure a set and had it shipped to me last week, through a friend.

So here is the list of 24 titles and their incredibly drawn cover arts, online first-up at Comicology.

EB LL 01 Daisy TownEB LL 02 FingersEB LL 03 Marcel DaltonEB LL 04 The ArtistEB LL 05 The Legend of the WestEB LL 06 The Daily Star

Typical to Euro Books Quality, these editions of Lucky Luke are incredibly well packaged. Waxed good quality papers, carefully bound on the edges, cost priced at INR 199 each, with A4 Size, all adds up to Lucky Luke Art Page Extra in Euro Book Collectionthe value. Euro Books this time around, even decided to not feature their logo on the front-cover, instead pushing it to   the back-cover. It highlights that they themselves didn’t want to disturb the incredibly drawn cover-art of each of these Lucky Luke golden titles. Look at the funny extras found inside the books.

Unlike Tara Press and CineBook, who relied on the Original albums released in early 60s (starting from 1962) to early 70s (up to 1971, as of their latest release); Euro Books have steered away from the current CineBook’s selection lot, by mostly selecting titles from the original albums released in 80’s, to the recent editions released a couple of years ago in 2006.

Talking more about that 2006 edition, The Beautiful Province, is said to be the highest sold Lucky Luke title post Morris & Goscinny’s successful partnership, where various writers worked with Morris to fill the void left by Goscinny’s demise in 1977. Later when Morris passed away in 2001, the series was taken over by French artist Hervé Darmenton, who is more famously known under his pseudonym Achdé. He was assisted in writing duties by Laurent Gerra.

EB LL 07 Lucky Luke's FianceeEB LL 08 NitroglycerineEB LL 09 The Cursed RanchEB LL 10 The Beautiful ProvinceEB LL 11 From the Gallows to the AltarEB LL 12 The Daltons' Loot

It is said that the duo of Achdé and Gerra, relied heavily on the instruction left over by Morris to base their storylines. Isn’t it a tribute to the legendary man who revolutionised the Lucky Luke series in his time Lukes Art page Extra in Euro Books Collectionwith the venture. Thanks to Euro Books for bringing this landmark title to India, which was the first title to have been produced under Achdé and Gerra partnership.

And does the title, From the Gallows to the Altar, remind you something very recently. Yes it’s indeed the title which fellow comiker, Lover of Dreams Shankar, enriched us with his wonderful translation on his blog, over here.

I would remember him, while reading this story. I don’t have high hopes over the English translation though, as compared to our desi version :). Moreover, there are no credits given for the English Translation in these Euro Book set. (Just like the Spirou & Fantasio series released a couple of years back).

I wonder, how would that change the storyline, as everyone knows that Translation plays a major part in making or breaking a series originally released in another language. I am not staying too optimistic, but let me give a final verdict after going through these titles. If not for anything, I would at least enjoy the incredible artwork, for which Lucky series is known for.

EB LL 13 The AlibiEB LL 14 Ghost HuntEB LL 15 Kid LuckyEB LL 16 Oklahoma JimEB LL 17 The ProphetEB LL 18 Belle Star

Other than the regular series, this lot of Euro Book also includes two unique titles to have been released in the Lucky Luke series. The ones which talked about the Lucky Luke’s early years as a kid.

lucky_jollyKid Lucky is the title, in which Lucky is said to have befriended Jolly Jumper, his most loyal friend and companion in many adventures. Oklahoma Jim is the other title which wraps up the Kid Lucky twin title limited edition series.

Everyone knows that Lucky is credited to be the man who shoots faster than his own shadow.

RantanplanNot many know that his trusted ally, Jolly Jumper, is credited as the most intelligent horse in the world.

Not only that, Lucky is also accompanied in many of his adventures by a prison dog named Rantanplan, which is credited as the dumbest dog in the world. I don’t remember reading such a diverse character set in any of the comic series in my collection. Talking of Rantanplan, it had its own spin-off series which lasted for some years. Clearly, the dumbest dog, scored over the smartest horse, in fan-base Open-mouthed.

EB LL 19 The KlondikeEB LL 20 The Pony ExpressEB LL 21 Sarah BernhardtEB LL 22 The Bridge on the MississippiEB LL 23 The Hanged Man's RopeEB LL 24 The Ballad of the Daltons

So with this batch of Euro Books, the total number of English editions of Lucky Luke in my collection has risen up to 41 (12 CineBook + 5 Tara Press + 24 Euro Books). , astonishing to know that 2 years back it was a total blank. Thanks To Tara Press, CineBook, and Euro Books, and Bye-Bye, my hard earned money, once again Sad.

 

Euro Books Lucky Luke Series’ Origins: Here is the list of titles published by Euro Books in their 24 issue set, with their corresponding original reference. Morris was involved in all of them, until his demise in 2001. But he was mentioned in the credits even when other Artists or Writers took over the reigns.

# Euro Books Title Original Album (French)

Writers/Artists

Publisher Year
1. Daisy Town #51: Daisy Town Goscinny DG, 1983
2. Fingers #52: Fingers Lo Van Banda DG, 1983
3. Marcel Dalton #67: Marcel Dalton Bob de Groot LP, 1998
4. The Artist #69: L'Artiste peintre Bob de Groot LP, 2001
5. The Legend of the West #70: La Légende de l'Ouest Patrick Nordmann LP, 2002
6. The Daily Star #53: Le Daily Star Léturgie, Fauche DG, 1983
7. Lucky Luke’s Fiancée #54: La Fiancée de Luky Luke Guy Vidal DG, 1985
8. Nitroyglycerine #57: Nitroglycérine Lo Van Banda DG, 1987
9. The Cursed Ranch #56: Le Ranch maudit Léturgie, Fauche & Guylouis DG, 1986
10. The Beautiful Province #71: La Belle Province Achdé, Gerra* LC, 2004
11. From the Gallows to the Altar #72: La Corde au cou Achdé, Gerra* LC, 2006
12. The Daltons’ Loot #47: Le Magot des Dalton Vicq DG, 1980
13. The Alibi #58: L'Alibi Claude Guylouis DG, 1987
14. Ghost Hunt #61: Chasse aux fantômes Lo Van Banda LP, 1992
15. Kid Lucky Kid Lucky (Kid Lucky Series-1) Leturgie, Pearce LP, 1996
16. Oklahoma Jim Oklahoma Jim (Kid Lucky Series-2) Leturgie, Pearce LC, 2003
17. The Prophet #68: Le Prophète Patrick Nordmann LC, 2000
18. Belle Star #64: Belle Star Xavier Fauche LP, 1995
19. The Klondike #65: Le Klondike Yann, Léturgie LP, 1996
20. The Pony Express #59: Le Pony Express Léturgie, Fauche DG, 1988
21. Sarah Bernhardt #49: Sarah Bernhardt Léturgie, Fauche DG, 1982
22. The Bridge on the Missippi #63: Le Pont sur le Mississippi Léturgie, Fauche LP, 1994
23. The Hanged Man’s Rope and Other Stories #50: La Corde du pendu Goscinny DG, 1981
24. The Ballard of the Daltons and Other Stories #55: La Ballade des Dalton et autres histoires Goscinny DG, 1986

EB LL 02 Fingers c2Publishers Code: DG: Dargaud, LP: Lucky Production, LC: Lucky Comics
* Were written & drawn by Achdé, Gerra under the guidance left by Morris

Here is the back-cover one of the issue, which provides a checklist for the 24 titles available in this series of Euro Book. Also a familiar back-cover of all Kid Lucky Typical BackCoverLucky Luke Titles, which showcases the myth that the man his faster than his own shadow.

Talking about which, the Kid Lucky series had its own spin-off from this most famous back-cover feature, which wasn’t featured in the Kid Lucky series released by Euro Books. Nevertheless, here is a glimpse of that for your view.

Rantanplan's Shadow ActIf you say that was innovative, then wait till you see the Rantanplan’s own version of this famous Lucky Luke Shadow spin-off, showcasing that unlike Lukes, Rantanplan is dumber than its own shadow :).

I hope that someday these Rantanplan series will also be available in India, as I have heard good reviews about them.

 

Closing Notes:  To wrap up our Lucky Luke post, let’s discuss about the closing scene, which is a familiar scenario of every Lucky Luke Lucky Sundowntitle, where Lucky rides solo on his horse under the sunset singing is famous Lonesome Cowboy song.

Lucky Sundown 2 I recently came across a wonderful blog, which discusses the various ending scenes on the Lucky Luke titles with a comparison chart and extensive study. Have a look at The Looniverse page. The man behind that website, really deserves all the accolades.

That brings us to the close of Euro Books Lucky Luke Preview post. So use this as a checklist for your comics shopping next time around, or enjoy the cover-scans of these wonderful titles. If you are a Lucky Luke fan, it surely deserves a place in your collection. If you are not, then it’s time you experience the series in the top most quality in which it could ever be available.

Apart from the INR 199 single edition, these Lucky Luke set is also available in the 3-in-1 bound edition for INR 450 from Euro Books. It’s a nice deal, but you might have to lose the chance of owning these titles with their cover arts in a full-blown page. That’s a choice you got to make, I couldn’t. Smile

Book Facts: Publisher: Euro Books | A4 Size | Single Title: INR 199 | 3 in 1 Title: INR 450 | 24 Individual Titles

Places to Buy:
Available at all leading book stores, like Landmark, Odyssey, Crosswords, etc. including individual stores like Blossoms.
flipkart.com offers around 10% discount. All the Lucky Luke titles are available at present.
indiaplaza.in offers aroound 25% discount generally, but you need to wait as the Lucky set is yet to arrive on their listings.

 

Lion Comics Logo Trivia for Tamil Comics fans: The titles published by Euro Books may be new for CineBook fans, but not certainly for their counterparts from Tamil Comics. Many of the titles published by Euro Books, have already been released by Tamil comics giant Lion Comics (and in their erstwhile brand Mini Lion).  Looking just at the Euro Books cover, itself would bring that MiniLion Logonostalgia feeling, as many of them were used as it is in our Tamil Comics.

Could anyone point out the respective Tamil Comics titles for the ones printed out of this 24 set batch? Not only full titles, even the small stories found in the two Other stories titles were also used throughout the run of Lion Comics as an additional feature. I will post the respective Tamil comics title names, in a month’s time, to keep the suspense, and the contribution going.


dicesb-wzone My Blabbering: By the way, I promised to talk about my recent procrastination at Comicology (Did you think I forgot or what?). It was more to do with a personal emergency, which didn’t allow me to sit on and complete a post for long hours. But, I did manage to sneak around in fellow comikers blogs during this time, and have made every effort to comment on those wonderful posts, whenever time permitted.

Black and White Also in the interim, I was able to obtain my long time ambition to change the background for post pages; from White text on Black Background to
Black text on White Background.
It was a long standing request from fellow comikers, which I had to oblige, even though Black background was one of my personal favourite (which was a commonality ever since the blog was started in 2005, and the very reason why it still finds its place on the Sidebar).

But, after working out a lot of changes, I hope that the reading pleasure is now improved at Comicology. The only drawback was that I had to individually edit all the 60+ posts at Comicology, to adopt to the new style. In this spent effort, I could have actually created 2 to 3 newer posts itself. But, I hope the hard-work paid-off, if it has made it eye-pleasant for all comikers.

And for those who came in late, a list of all the posts at Comicology, until today could be found in the Bibliography page, which is now categorised into wider groups, for easy access; and for any help refer to the newly revamped Help page of Comicology. I would be eager to hear about your view on this Euro Book series, and the changes which have gone on to the template of Comicology through your comments, so keep them coming.

 

Euro Books’ Other Series: Before we wrap-up, here is the two-page flyer, which prominently finds place in the Lucky Luke series, and talks about the other Graphic Novels or Comics titles released by Euro Books in the last couple of years.

Euro Books Collection List 2Euro Books Collection List 1Two of which (Biggles & Spirou) have already been discussed at Comicology.

What’s left are Phantom, and Quick & Flupke series, if we eliminate the other failed attempts of Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and Agastha Christie comic series.

Also there is another series which was missed out from this list. We will see more about them in the coming months at Comicology.

I hope your prying eyes would have noticed the advertisement about the Iznogoud series too on the flyer. Well, it is yet to be published, and as per Euro Books officials, it would only be available in the mid of July. After witnessing Euro Books quality release of Lucky Luke, I am all set to grab the Iznogoud series too, when it is available.

Some more dear money has to be shed. Comics collection is a costly hobby, I bet you on that Surprised

Adios Amigos !

References: 1. Wikipedia’s Lucky Luke page, 2. iFarm’s Lucky Luke page, 3. Dargaud’s Official Website.

50 ComiComments:

Bien venu. mon ami,

லக்கி லுக்கின் சிறிய வயது லுட்டிகள் கூட சித்திரமாக வந்திருக்கிறதா என்ன? தற்போது வருகின்ற லக்கி லுக்கின் கதைகளில் அவர் ஒரு மாதிரியாக பேஸ்த் அடித்ததாற்போல காணப்படுகிறார். இந்நிறுவனம் இது போன்ற கதைகளை வெளியிடுவதை நிறுத்திக் கொள்வதே உத்தமம் எனதோன்றுகிறது.

இத்தலைமுறை சிறார்கள் இதனை படிக்கும் போது தவறான கருத்துடன் இந்த சிறந்த சித்திரத் தொடரை விலக்கிவிட்டு சென்று விடவே வாய்ப்புள்ளது.

Your language is so smooth, rafiq. Hats off.

ரஃபிக்,

உங்கள் வலைப்பூவில் மாற்றங்கள் சிறப்பாக உள்ளது.

இளம் சிட்டுக்கள் போல் கண்சிமிட்டும் தலைப்பு பட்டைகள், கெட்ட கமெண்ட் போட்டால் கீசிடுவேன் என்றும் பச்சை மனிதன், பதிவைப் படிக்க வரும் செவிலிகளிற்கு உதவிடும் உதவிப்பக்கம், கண்களை உறுத்தாத மென், வெண்சாம்பல் பிண்ணனி என்று பின்னியிருக்கிறீர்கள்.

ஆனால் முன்பு பக்கத்தில் ஹீரோக்கள் நிற்குமிடத்தில் வானத்தை விதைத்து விட்டீர்கள், ஒரு நிலவையும் காணவில்லையே.

ரொம்ப குஷாலாக இருப்பீர்கள் என்றே நம்புகிறேன், இன்னமும் புதிய ஆல்பங்களைப் புரட்டிக் கொண்டுதான் இருப்பீர்கள் என்று எண்ணுகிறேன், இதில் இஸ்னோகுட் ஆல்பங்களை வாங்க வேறு தயாராகி விட்டீர்கள், போட்டுத்தாக்குங்கள் நண்பரே.

கானல் காட்சியாக மலை உச்சியில் குளிர் பீர் தெரிவது சூப்பர். ரண்டன்பிளானின் பாயும் நிழலும் அருமை.

பதிவில் என் உல்டா மொழிபெயர்ப்பை நினைவுகூர்ந்தமைக்கு நன்றி நண்பரே. உங்கள் மொழி நடை பற்றி கவிஞரே கூறி விட்டார் இருந்தாலும் அது அருமை என்று நானும் கூறிக் கொள்கிறேன்.

வலைப்பூ தற்போது மிக வேகமாக திறப்பதாக நான் உணர்கிறேன்.

உற்சாகத்துடன் தொடருங்கள்

ரஃபிக்,
தகவலுக்கு மிகவும் நன்றி. லக்கி லூக்கின் இந்த EURO BOOK பதிப்புகள் அனைத்தும் Flipkart.com இல் கிடைக்கின்றன .அதுவும் 181 & 374 விலையிலே


http://www.flipkart.com/search-books/lucky+luke

Lovingly,
Lucky Limat
Browse Comics

Rafiq,

Do you know if EuroBooks' Iznogoud titles are released or when they are up for release? It seems like they are releasing titles previously unreleased in English.

Gopal.

Rafiq,

wow great..... I am eagerly waiting to buy these books.

"Daily Star" is it that "Puratchi Thee"?

I could not open your website in IE 6.
So keep on postponing reading your blogs. But today downloaded "FireFox" to read it.

The error I got is given below. It seems it is fixed by MicroSoft in IE 8. But I am not dare enough to migrate to IE 8, until unless somebody says it is useful.

The error I got in IE 6 is given below.

Internet Explorer cannot open the Internet site yoursite name
Operation Aborted.

Regards,
Mahesh kumar

Hi,
Great to discover your blog! I'm also a Lucky Luke fan. I've discovered that a lot depends on the quality of the translation. The Tara Press series is the older Frederick Nolan translation, which in my opinion is the best. The Cinebook series uses a new translation by Luke Spear, which is ok but not as good as Nolan. I have no idea who has done the translation for the Euro Books series but it doesn't seem so good, and the name of the translator is not mentioned anywhere. I hope it's not another shoddy inhouse job like with Spirou and Fantasio, where the translation pretty much ruined what could have been a great series.

Hi Dude,
Now it is really cool to read. I am waiting list in IndiaPlaza.in. They will sale with 25% discount.

you can buy whole set less than 3000. try bloosom bookstore in Bangalore.....

Hi Rafiq,
Great to see your preview, I am waiting for your review. The books are available in Bookworm, Bangalore for 160 single edition and 360 for 3 in 1( 120 for 1 book) that is a steal. I bought all 3 in 1, Yep I had to sacrifice the cover arts. but I felt binding on 3 in 1 was better then singel 1. I could see few single one binding coming off on the new books.

any way decision is buyers choice.

Like everyone else waiting for Iznogoud eagerly.

Hi,

I've bought the set of 3 in ones, would have loved to buy all 24 single issues but fiscal prudence decreed otherwise. Yet to read the books but I hope the translation is ok. I agree that the Fred Nolan translations were the best. BTW did you know that Fred Nolan also wrote 5 books in the extremely popular 'Sudden' series of western novels under the pseudonym of Frederick H. Christian and also wrote a very good western series under his own name ( the Angel series).

Nice post dude...since long I'm waiting to read some titles of this WILD WESTERN and ye,finally I'm going to read a few(you know how?? :))...also this new EB series will give us some new taste besides da Original G&M combo - hopefully which we'll love too!!!:-)

lesse..

Congratulations for collecting all available Lucky Luke Comics & thanks for sharing information.

Waiting Iznogoud post.

I’d like to collect all Lucky Luke & Iznogoud available in India. Most probably in next year’s India visit I’ll buy.

Keep it up your good work. Your site is one of best in this category, deserves most attention from readers.

from spider....
hai fried thanks for ur wonderful
posting.ur writing itself make me buy the whole set.keep it up.

Hey RR,

Another great post Bro. I am a big fan of Lucky Luke (who's not) and have cpl of Tara Press Titles & Cinebooks too if m not wrong, I just wanted to check before buying Euro Titles that none of them are repeated and I end up owning same titles by different publishers. So I need to make a checklist before buying Euro versions but now after your post I think I can hardly wait to buy these...Great post!!

Great review of the recent lump treasure release. I too managed to lay my hands on the lucky luke individual set like refiq. It was a nostalgic experience like how we felt on the release of Giant super spl, mds, sets of gotham specials, etc. The crisp finish and look of the books are overwhelming and induces to buy other titles too from euro books. Hope to read the individual stories review and the link to tamil comics release of the corresponding titles. YOu have a long way to post still a lot of stuff rafiq! in this subject.

Very nice and exiting review Rafiq Bhai,seems written with great enthusiasm.
I have not read much of Lucky Luke except a couple of comics from Goversons Publications,and honestly,i didn't felt much impressed.
Well,its nice to see the excitement and wait which you possess for these current era comics,unfortunately for me i am not having any such passion for current comics,but i wish someday it to happen,may be if Phantom/Mandrake start publishing again in India.:o)

Dear Rafiq,

Thanks for the info. I just can't wait to read these issues. But I do not know who can post these to me. So I guess I'll have to wait till I come to India next time.

Here is the comparison list:
1. Lion 114 Boom Boom Padalam - Nitroglycerine
2. Lion 148 Cowboy Express - The Pony Express
3. Lion 181 Paralokathirkoru Paalam - The Bridge on the Mississippi
4. Lion 196 Choo Manthirakkaalai - Fingers
5. Mega Dream Special Lucky Lukeirkku Kalayaanam - Lucky Lukes Fiancee
6. Mini Lion Pisasu Pannai - The Cursed Ranch
7. Mini Lion Puratchi Thee - The Daily Star

That's all I can recollect as of now.

Regards,
Muthufan

Rafiq - Good Post. There are 43 books translated into English till now including "Dalton Brothers Memory Game" by Ravette Books UK and Apache Canyon (a small size book) by Knight Books UK. The others are more recent from Dargaud USA, Tara, Cinebook and now Eurokids.

BTW, does anyone have the list of the proposed Iznogoud books from Eurokids. Cinebook is only reprinting the old Egmont series of Iznogoud.

Keep the good work.

@ Josh:அன்பர் ஜோஸ், லக்கி லூக்கின் சிறு வயது லூட்டிகள் இரண்டு புத்தகம் மட்டுமே வெளிவந்தது, அதுவும் வேறு கதாசிரியர்களை கொண்டு. ஒரிஜினல் கர்த்தாக்கள் இதற்கு முழு சம்மதம் தெரிவித்திருப்பார்களா என்று தெரியவில்லை. இரண்டு கதைகளையும் இன்னும் படிக்கவில்லை, படித்து விட்டு கதை எப்படி இருந்தது என்று விமரிசனம் பதிகிறேன்.

சமீபத்தில் வரும லக்கி லூக் கதைகளும் புதிய கர்த்தாக்கள் கொண்டு தான் பவனி வருகிறது. எனவே அவற்றில் அவர் தோற்றம் மாறுவது இயல்பே. டர்குட் பதிப்பகத்திலேயே அதிகம் விலை போகும் நாயகனான இவர் கதையை அவர்கள் அத்தனை சீக்கிரத்தில் ஊத்தி மூடுவார்களா என்று சந்தேகமே. பொன் முட்டை இடும் வாத்தாயிற்றே... என்னை பொறுத்த வரை வெறும் பழைய கதைகளையே திரும்ப திரும்ப படிப்பதை விட, இப்படி புதிய முயற்சிகள் நடப்பது நல்லது என்றே தோன்றுகிறது, லக்கி லூக்கின் கதாபாத்திரத்தை அவர்கள் மாற்றாமல் இருக்கும் வரை.

முதன்மை கருத்துக்கு நன்றி நண்பரே.

P.S.: I love to express our passion towards Comics, in the same way, how a friend talks to another. Good to know that the tone of my writing language didn't sound like a literary guru (as if I am one :))

@ Shankar: ஷங்கர் நண்பரே,

வலைப்பூவின் மாற்றங்களை இதை விட திறம்பட (ஒரு காதலருக்கே உண்டான கவிதைநயத்துடன்) ஒருவரால் விவரிக்க முடியுமா என்று சந்தேகமே. நன்றி நண்பரே.

லக்கி லூக் கதைகளை பண்டிகை நாட்களில் மட்டும் லயனில் பார்த்து ஏங்கி போன மனதிற்கு, இத்தனை புத்தகங்களை ஒரு சேர பார்த்ததில் எழுந்த சந்தோஷத்தை வார்த்தைகளால் கூறி விட முடியாது, என்பது தங்கள் அறிந்தது தானே. இரண்டு நாட்கள் முழுவதும் அட்டையில் அந்த அற்புதமான ஓவியங்களை ரசித்தே பொழுதை ஓட்டினேன். நல்ல வேளை அவைகள் வார விடுமுறைகளாக இருந்ததால், எந்த பிரச்சனையும் வரவில்லை. :)

அந்த பீர் காட்சியை அரங்கேற்றும் போது உங்கள் நினைவுதான் வந்தது. அப்படி இருக்கையில் உங்களுக்கு பிடித்து போனதில் ஆச்சர்யம் இல்லையே. கூடவே, லக்கி சின்ன குழந்தை போல சோப்பு முட்டை இடும் ஒன்றையும் இணைத்து விட்டேன். :)

உங்கள் மொழி நடை முன்பு நான் எம்மாத்திரம்... உங்களுக்கும் (நண்பர் ஜோஸுடன் சேர்த்து) அது பிடித்திருந்ததே எனக்கு கிடைத்த மிகபெரிய பாராட்டு.

பி.கு.: பின்புலத்தில் வலைப்பூவில் ஏற்பட்ட மாற்றத்தை உணர்த்தவே, நீல வாண்வெளியை அமைத்து விட்டேன். சிட்டுகள் மீண்டும் அரங்கேற்றபடுவார்கள், உங்களை நான் ஏமாற்ற முடியுமா ? ;)

@ Limat: உண்மை தான் நண்பரே. ஆன்லைனில் கிடைக்கும் புத்தக கடைகள், தள்ளுபடியே தராத நமது லோக்கல் கடைகளை சீக்கிரம் ஏப்பம் விட்டு விடும் வாய்ப்புகள் அதிகமாகவே தெரிகிறது. நமது காமிக்ஸ் ரசிகர்களுக்கு இனி கொண்டாட்டம் தான்.

உங்கள் தகவலையும் பதிவில் இணைத்து விட்டேன். தகவலுக்கு நன்றி லிமட்.

@ Gopal: Euro Books Iznogoud's titles are scheduled for a mid July release, which I believe would be made available only in the month of August probably. The post contains the same news, which I have now highlighted to catch the attention of other readers.

You are correct. The news is that this Iznogoud release will be translating at least 8 editions which were never translated into English before. Makes for a good waiting, Isn't it ? :)

@ Mahesh: Hope you enjoyed your set of Lucky Luke Titles. :)

Daily Star is indeed Puratchi Thee released in Mini Lion. It's sure to bring that old memories back, when you read this English translated version.

P.S.: The problem with IE is universal across all blogger sites. It seems the browser war has gone to the worst level with both Microsoft and Google blaming each other for this issue, ultimately leaving all the users into a spot of bother.

I tried my maximum to make it compatible with IE, with little amount of success. But, I advise to use Firefox/Chrome until the issue is resolved. It's difficult, but there is no choice left. :(

@ Sourav: It's true that translation is very much imminent for a success of series. Tara Press's limited edition and one time release gave them the option to chose the already available translated editions. Cinebook have traditionally relied on their own translators, and I found them good enough to be on the level.

Euro Book's should seriously consider revealing their translator names, as that would take them on par with international publishers. I must agree Spirou was indeed a disappointment, but the Lucky Luke series is mostly known for their splendid artwork which is sure to fill up the gap even if the translation leaves much to be desired.

By the way, I just completed reading few of the Euro Book's Lucky titles, I found them at least better then the Spirou translations. So hopefully, we are saved, at least to an extent :)

By the way, Welcome to Comicology. Hope to see you more often at other posts over here. Keep Visiting :)

@ Ramesh: Ever since I got the news about Indiaplaza from you, I have been regularly checking out their deals on Comics. It's indeed a good news for all Comics fan, who can own these wonderful titles at a handsome discount, and also without shelling the shipping cost.

By the way, I managed to get a discount of 25% for my set... so I am pretty much happy, this time around :)

@ Suresh: Welcome back my friend after a small gap :).

You guys at Bangalore real lucky, when it comes to getting great deals over comics or books in general. I hope Chennai bookstores pick up this trend soon enough, or they will only see their customers buying it elsewhere, and deserting them slowly.

I also found that the bound editions of Euro Books are far better than single ones, in terms of binding, but I couldn't sacrifice the covers... so had to go for them. :) As you said, it depends on buyers choice for sure.

I would love to review these titles, but there are a lot of others which I have to blog about, which is just sleeping on the horizon, due to my world famous laziness.... I will try to get to this set as soon as possible. Hopefully, I won't disappoint you when it's due :)

@ Vineeth: Welcome back to The Phantom of Comics :).

Seems 3-in-1 editions are really the buyers choice :). I read a few issues, and I found the translation to be good enough. Please let me know your ideas too when you get a chance. I hope for that, you need to push your other waiting list items on collection, and give these the preference ;)

Fred Nolan's other serious is new to me, I will try to get hold of some of them. But then, the Novels is something I am yet to adapt to that much. I still love those which have a picture based storytelling, so it might be long before I chance on the other side of the Writing world :).

Hope to see you more often at our blog.

@ MaNdrAke dudE: Dear Sagnik, Wild Western is a great genre, and only a handful of few writers or artists have managed to get them across without siding on one group. Top of them is certainly Lucky Luke series, which added a humor touch to them, not seen before in any other form.

As you said, this EuroBook series is a welcome change from the classics which are being published by Cinebook (with all due credits to them, and their creators G&M). So now we can enjoy both forms of Lucky Luke at the same time, in the language in which we can understand them :)

@ Prabhat: Do chance them when you are here in India. They are available at a price, which is sure to bring the envy of our other comikers located at other countries.

I will surely log my post once the Iznogoud titles are available. You can use them as checklist during your next India visit :)

Thanks for those warm words about the blog Prabhat Bhai. It's because of friends like you that I am able to keep my passion on blogging about our unique hobby alive. Thanks much for your support then, now and in future :)

@ Spider: Thanks for your comment Spidey. Good to know that you have decided to buy the series too. Looking forward to see your comments once you read through the set.

@ Toonfactory: Alok Bro, as you said who can say that they aren't a fan of Lucky Luke, once they read at least one or few of his adventures. So you aren't an exception, including myself :).

Good that the list served your purpose. So grab them, when you are back in the city.

P.S.: Thanks for making your presence felt even during your busy schedule. You are having a time of your life meeting all the creators whom we idolized all through our young life, and continue do so even now. Looking forward for your posts :).

@ ERB: Dear Friend, it's indeed a moment of nostalgic feelings to see these covers, some of which were bound with our memories of having seen them during our younger years. Thanks to Mr.Vijayan and his Lion brands for that.

Now we have a chance to own them in a better format, ever. Hope you enjoyed your set of Lucky's too.

Individual story reviews would be on over here, once I give enough time for others to read them all. As you said ERB, it's a long way to go for sure. Stay Tuned, bro.

@ CW: Zaheer Bhai, good to see you again at our blog.

I can't hide the fact that Lucky Luke has always been one of favorite western characters. So, while writing about it the enthusiasm would have shown in words.

I did hear about Gowarsons Publications, through Prabhat. They seem to have been the forerunner for many a titles, including Asterix, and Iznogoud. I guess you were referring to this cover featured here : http://www.comicology.in/2009/05/lion-comics-160-iznogoud-apr-00.html.

I know being attached to the comics we read during our childhood, is something you can never be removed from. But, isn't that important that we keep our passion alive by reading also those titles which are currently in business, and offer a chance for a quality time to be spent on them? Well it's just my pennies of thought.

I hope that someday, you will start liking these current age comics, even though calling them so won't be appropriate, as some of the titles were released way back in 80's too :)

I hope some publishing company also gives the due credit to Phantom & Mandrake, in India. It's long overdue for these legendary characters of Lee Falk.

@ Muthufan: Dear Muthufan, so good to see your presence back at our blog.

The enormous set of Euro Book's Lucky venture, makes it a uninviting aspect to procure them from overseas. As you said, the good bet is for you to pick them when you visit India again.

I also heard that Euro Books might be selling these titles also through the Egmont brand in UK/US. But the cost may be higher than what's it sold in India at present.

Your comparison list is exhaustive. No Tamil Comics Trivia could stand against Muthufan, isn't it ? :)

I will wait some more time for others to add their response to the Trivia, before updating the post with the comparison list. :)

@ Badri: As long as CineBook and Euro Books continue to publish Lucky Series, I think they would be relying on their own translators.

CineBook is gung-ho to continue publishing Lucky titles regularly. But Euro Books past records means that they wouldn't be touching the series again for a very long time (or may be never again).

So, we might be seeing some new translations enriching us with these Lucky editions :), for years to come.

Regarding Iznogoud series, Euro Books have always been known for their secret operations, so I couldn't get the list of titles they are publishing. By their site preview, it looks they would again be choosing the very recent titles as opposed to the older ones worked over by Tabary & Goscinny.

Dear Rafiq,

Great lucky luke post. I got them at Flipkart! Many thanks to you and one of the visitors. Your blog page doesnt seem to be loading properly and I cant seem to post my comments in it. Could you please take a look.

I am also on the lookout for:

oumpah pah andBluberry comics. Please let me know if you come across any info.

Many thanks.

Grouchy

@ Grouchy: Good to know that you are also a proud owner of Lucky Luke titles from Euro Books. (I should probably check with Euro Books for a commission ;)) Please do record your comments, as to how you found these overall as a package, when you get time.

So good that you chose to record your comments, even though the blog error was preventing you from posting. Actually, the error seems to be existent on all blogger sites intermittently, which both Google and Microsoft are blaming on each other. I have advised all my friends to browse using Firefox/Chrome to avoid this error message, until its resolved by the bigger brands.

Blueberry Comics at present is available only in Tamil in India. My friends when they visit US, bring me some Blueberry English titles which they buy from amazon, other than that no one prints them in India. Tamil versions are from Muthu Comics, you may learn more about them by following the link. I am planning to do a post on Blueberry shortly at Comicology, to introduce the series to the IJC bloggers and others.

By the way I have heard great news about Oumpah, but sadly have never seen a comic over here in India. I was told that some publication in past has printed Oumpah stories in India. May be Cinebook, would be laying their hands on these series, very soon, as it is a treasure not to be left alone.

Keep Visiting Grouchy, would love to read your comments often on other topics too.

These are serials in other language. Want to know more information about this:::: Wish these were in ENglish!!!

1. Indianisches Roulette
2. Die letzten Büffel
3. Der Schatz der Daltons
4. Wie die Bilder laufen lernten
5. Lucky Luke und der Doppelgänger
6. Sherlock Holmes im Wilden Westen
7. Hoch lebe Friedonia
8. Chinesisches Intermezzo
9. Prinzen, nichts als Prinzen!
10. Der fliegende Cowboy
11. Die Schlacht um Fort Custer
12. Weihnachten mit den Daltons
13. Ausbruch im Morgengrauen
14. Die Daltons im Reservat
15. Ein Vater für vier Daltons
16. Der große Daltoni
17. Geier über der Stadt
18. Die Irischen Schwestern
19. Schlossgespenst und Dudelsack
20. Gefährliches Pflaster
21. Reise mir Hindernissen
22. Abenteuer in Alaska
23. El Coyote und seine Männer
24. Im Zweifel für die Daltons
25. Don Quixote in Texas
26. Die Lady ist keine Dame
27. Die doppelten Daltons
28. Alte Scheunen brennen gut!
29. Lucky und die Sängerin
30. Die Marsmenschen kommen
31. Die Daltons knacken den Jackpot
32. Das Ungeheuer von Alabama
33. Die Daltons gehen in die Luft
34. Ein Meisterspion?
35. Billy The Kid und seine Gang
36. Der General, der die Hunde liebte
37. Die Liebe siegt
38. Averell, der se Fratz
39. Die dicke Berta
40. Nehmen ist seliger denn geben
41. Bei den Trappern
42. Lucky Luke auf Geisterjagd
43. Der Schnecken-Doktor
44. Der Findling
45. Viel Lärm um Josefine
46. Eine Mumie kommt selten allein
47. Sieh mir in die Augen, Kleiner
48. Die Daltons gegen Billy The Kid
49. Willst du nicht mein Bruder sein?
50. Die Daltons in Uniform
51. Der Schulmeister
52. Stahl oder Holz, was solls?

hi, iam looking to buy out of print copies of sudden western books written by Frederick H Christian or Oliver Strange, any one knowin where to get the same, please let me know - vijaysimhan2001@yahoo.co.in

Hi, I'm a fan of Lucky Luke. And I'm trying to collect the collection in English. Too bad that I couldn't find the 24 ones from the Euro books publication online. Well, I forgot to mention that I'm currently in US. And amazon only has the series from the Cinebook. So if you kindly know where I can buy the Euro books' collection and it can be shipped to US address, please email me at mars_christ@yahoo.com

@ ERB: Thanks for that other language series list of Lucky Luke. Like you, I am also eager to see those getting translated to English pretty soon. Hope it won't be far, since many Lucky Luke episodes are now being converted to many regional languages, such as the current ones running in on Tamil. But, even there i believe they tend to select only the English titles. Hope the trend changes for the better, and these treasures aren't restricted to foreign languages only :)

@ Anony/Vijay: Dear Vijay, as much as I hate to respond to out of context questions on this blog, I felt I owe a response for the time taken to comment over here, even if it is late. Sadly I am not much of help to you, as frankly I don't know what Sudden series is all about. I should admit I was never a great fan of literary work filled with letters or text. I know it isn't a credit, but I believe I am not cut out for it yet. :)

Hope you have found your search of Sudden collection. If not, I just googled for more info, and found that Sudden is a much acclaimed fantasy series. All credits to you. I even found that Indiaplaza has one of the Sudden listed at their archives, which is sadly out of print. You may try your luck by subscribing for their availability alert. Here is the link Sudden on Indiaplaza. Access while the link stays alive, and Best of Luck :)

@ Anony/Mars: Dear Mars, I am so happy to meet another Comic fan of Lucky Luke. Welcome to the loving club, and sadly I should break the news that these books aren't available for direct sales to any other countries other than India and Sri Lanka. Euro Books have the rights to publish it only in India, and sell it to a select few countries adjacent to it, in Asia again. So almost all sites which have these in their sale, are restricted by the condition.

For instance, see here at Lucky Luke on Infibeam, which is an Indian based comic seller. CineBook hold exclusive rights to sell it over to all other countries, so you can only find them in a legitimate way for shipping to US.

The only option left is to buy them by getting a help of your local trusted friend, and have it shipped manually. I agree that it's going to shoot up the shipping cost, but that's the only way out, even though I doub't what would be the legality in such :)

Best of Luck with your efforts to acquire these titles. :)

I am also a lucky luke fan and it is good to see to lot of luck luke fans in this blog.

For those who wants to buy lucky luke books, now there is an ideal opportunity.
It is available in Indiaplaza at this moment and price is also cheaper than other online shops (Indiaplaza offer upto 40% discount for the 24 book series).
Along with Euro books, few Tara India press, cinebooks and National book network books titles also available.

Eurokid - 24 books series - Rs. 2866+250 (shipping charges) -Total Rs. 3166
Single book cost is coming around Rs. 130

Some of the cinebooks are available at the price of Rs. 160.

I believe this is great deal. Try your luck.

Here is the link
http://www.indiaplaza.in/search.aspx?catname=Books&srchkey=&srchVal=lucky-luke


-Scienty

from spider....
hai fried thanks for ur wonderful
posting.ur writing itself make me buy the whole set.keep it up.

Hi Rafiq,
Great to see your preview, I am waiting for your review. The books are available in Bookworm, Bangalore for 160 single edition and 360 for 3 in 1( 120 for 1 book) that is a steal. I bought all 3 in 1, Yep I had to sacrifice the cover arts. but I felt binding on 3 in 1 was better then singel 1. I could see few single one binding coming off on the new books.

any way decision is buyers choice.

Like everyone else waiting for Iznogoud eagerly.

Bien venu. mon ami,

லக்கி லுக்கின் சிறிய வயது லுட்டிகள் கூட சித்திரமாக வந்திருக்கிறதா என்ன? தற்போது வருகின்ற லக்கி லுக்கின் கதைகளில் அவர் ஒரு மாதிரியாக பேஸ்த் அடித்ததாற்போல காணப்படுகிறார். இந்நிறுவனம் இது போன்ற கதைகளை வெளியிடுவதை நிறுத்திக் கொள்வதே உத்தமம் எனதோன்றுகிறது.

இத்தலைமுறை சிறார்கள் இதனை படிக்கும் போது தவறான கருத்துடன் இந்த சிறந்த சித்திரத் தொடரை விலக்கிவிட்டு சென்று விடவே வாய்ப்புள்ளது.

Your language is so smooth, rafiq. Hats off.

Hello Rafiq! Assalaamu Alaikkum(varah)

I too am a great fan of LUCKY LUKE. As you have said, Lion Comics did great by translating these books. 

But unfortunately I read these books while I am studying II to V standard in school. So, I forgot the finer points in the story. But  the taste of Lucky Luke lingered in my mind. So, Started searching free pdf editions in the internet. and got 11 in PDF and 2 in CBZ formats.(Billy the Kid to Tenderfoot).And I also have full set of ASTERIX in pdf format.
But the titles in your posts are newer for me. If you like, I can send you those 13 titles to you via Email. 

And I too need a help. can you upload those titles? or you can send me JPEG photoes of those books(....only if you can).

MY EMAIL ID is....   sirajudeen_in@yahoo.com

I like to know your answer....

Snaeghathudan
Sirajudeen

Great review.and good information this site.just you can see and to buy books in online if you want.

Great information in this blog.and one thing you know.we are having lot of books and products.just you can see and buy a book - http://www.grabmore.in/products/0785146237/Spider-Man-Big-Time-Vol.-1.html

we are having lot of products in grabmore.Its fastly growing ecommerce website in india.if interested you can see and buy books online - http://www.grabmore.in/categories/Books/Arts-and-Photography/

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