124 - MORRIS and GOSCINNY. — The Stagecoach.

MORRIS and GOSCINNY. — The Stagecoach. Paris, Dargaud, 1968. In-4, illustrated hardcover by the publisher, square spine, 46 color plates. Lucky Luke Collection. French first edition, published by Dargaud in 1968, bearing the notation “Legal Deposit: 2nd quarter 1968, No. 1244” and “Publisher No. 304.” Story by René Goscinny and art by Morris. In this album, Lucky Luke is tasked with escorting a Wells Fargo stagecoach across the American West. Accompanied by a colorful cast of travelers, he must face the many dangers threatening the convoy, including attacks by bandits and the hardships of the journey. The album is particularly famous for the appearance of the character Hank Bully, the stagecoach driver, and for its humor, characteristic of the collaboration between Morris and Goscinny. The cover, which is particularly dynamic, depicts a red stagecoach galloping at full speed, crossing a collapsed bridge as a vulture looks on. The back cover features an illustration of Lucky Luke shooting at his own shadow. Condition: Good copy. Front cover with bright, well-preserved colors, showing some slight rubbing and signs of wear. Spine and corners slightly marked. Back cover showing some soiling and rubbing. Interior clean overall, with slight natural yellowing of the paper.