Marvel Illustrated: Last of the Mohicans

(Marvel, 2007-2008)
™ and © James Fenimore Cooper

The long-running Classics Illustrated adapted famous literary works—often written in formal styles tedious for young readers—into comics. This mini-series, part of Marvel’s revival of the concept, features two James Fenimore Cooper stories. Writer Roy Thomas’ dialogue and narrative maintains the classic feel without being dry, and combines well with the art to provide two “fresh” adventures.

In the title story, the British are fighting the French, and the various Indian tribes, though allied to one side or the other, are fighting their own internal wars as well. Hawkeye, though more comfortable among Indians, puts his life on the line protecting travelers fleeing from one embattled outpost to the supposed safety of another. Their struggle could also mean the end of an era—Hawkeye’s closest friend is the chief’s son, and the last male of his line. If he perishes, the Mohicans cease to exist as a tribe.

The back-up story, The Deerslayer, is an exciting tale of Hawkeye’s youth.

— Joseph Self

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