149 - MORRIS. — Lucky Luke vs. Pat Poker.

MORRIS. — Lucky Luke vs. Pat Poker. Marcinelle-Charleroi, Éditions Dupuis, 1967. In-4, softcover with illustrations by the publisher, square spine, 46 color plates. Lucky Luke Collection, No. 5. A 1967 reprint of the fifth volume of the Lucky Luke adventures, originally published in 1953 by Éditions Dupuis. Text and illustrations by Morris. This volume brings together two adventures: “Cleanup in Red City” and “Turmoil in Tumbleweed,” in which Lucky Luke faces off against Pat Poker, a professional gambler and formidable cheat, an iconic character from the series’ early years. In “Cleanup in Red City,” Lucky Luke is appointed sheriff of a town overrun by outlaws and dishonest gamblers. In particular, he must thwart Pat Poker’s schemes and restore order. The album showcases the evolution of Morris’s artwork, as his line work becomes more fluid and expressive, while the characteristics of the famous lone cowboy become more defined. The cover depicts Lucky Luke catching Pat Poker off guard in a saloon, during a confrontation scene full of action and humor. This composition belongs to the classic period of the series’ early adventures. Condition: Good copy. The cover’s colors are well-preserved, with slight signs of handling and some scuffing along the edges and corners. Spine is in satisfactory condition. Interior is slightly yellowed, with no major apparent flaws.