The Blue Tunics

    (Reney Editions, 2004)
™ and © Raoul Cauvin & Louis Salvérius

Writer Raoul Cauvin (born in 1938) and artist Louis Salvérius (born in 1935) originated Les Tuniques Bleues. At Salvérius’ death in 1972, Willy Lambil (born in 1936) took over in the middle of a sequence and drew the many following volumes. That should make it clear that this “first” volume was created long ago; but, for Americans, simply uncovering information about the three Belgian creators and their Blue Tunics feature is a challenge.

Apparently, the first story was put together in 1968, and this Reney book picks up in the middle of the series (originally published, as it was, by Dupuis in 1977). In Europe, there are nearly 50 volumes in print featuring the adventures of Yankee soldiers Cpl. Blutch and Sgt. Chesterfield, who bicker their way through real Civil War events.

In this case, Des Bleus en noir et blanc, the 11th in the original series, they squabble throughout an adventure farce with photographer Matthew Brady. Reney would do well to provide an informational page concerning the characters and their adventures. Nevertheless, it’s a promising introduction to a new series for U.S. readers.

— Maggie Thompson
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#1 (Hardcover Edition)


Cover Price: $12.45
2 copies available from $19.00 		Raoul CauvinWilly Lambil