Along the trails of the West (Comics)

"Lungo i sentieri del West" - copyright: Sergio Bonelli Editore. Written by Antonio Segura and art by José Ortiz.

There are many countries that are well-known for some particular stuff. For example, when you think about soccer, it probably reminds you about Brazil. If you think about sushi, you possibly also think about Japan. And if you think about deserts, it reminds you of the Egypt. Finally, if you think about western stories, what comes to your head? Was it “United States”? Actually, the western stories remind me of Italy.

Well, at least in the comic’s world, my relation is completely correct. The Italian Sergio Bonelli Editore is the best western comic producer, where you can find stories worthy of the classical American bang-bang. And the name responsible for the success is basically one: Tex Willer. Created by Bonelli and Gallepini, Tex is icon for the western comics as Superman is for the superhero comics.

Tex Willer riding a horse

In continuous publication since its creation, in 1948, Tex’s stories are famous in many countries, being considered the best of its segment. Greece, Turkey, Spain, Brazil, and, obviously, Italia, are some examples of where Bonelli comics, that has many others interesting characters and stories besides Tex, is a reference of quality and fun.

Tex 500 cover (from left to right): Kit Willer (Tex's Son), Tiger Jack (Navajo Warrior), Tex Willer, Kit Carson (old Tex's friend)

In my opinion, one of the best Tex stories is “Lungo i sentieri del West”, in the original, or something like “Along the trails of the west”. First published on the volume Maxi Tex #13, in October 2009, this 324 pages story is full of everything that a great western story must have: stagecoach chases, desert travels, Indians wrath against some corrupted palefaces, quick draw duels, and more.

Maxi Tex #13 cover

The main plot of the story is a western classic: after many crimes committed by a group of outlaws, Tex, a ranger and a justice man, is on their trail to bring justice to their victims. However, the bandits do not give up, which leads to a chase across the west American territory. It is the Bonelli Editore quality standard in its highest level.

Stagecoach chase

During the travel, Tex helps a lot of people along the way, many of them victims of the outlaws. He faces dangers like tornados, cheetahs, and snowstorms. And if at first this looks too fantastic for a western comic, you better read it for yourself. The writer Antonio Segura created the adventure plot with passion, mixing action, drama, and thriller moments in a perfect balance. The story follows an exciting rhythm, but without forgetting the important details and the characters developments.

Tex and Carson in a saloon gun battle

The story “Lungo i sentieri del West” also has a great artwork. José Ortiz style is absolutely amazing, making the entire action look really credible and intense. You can almost feel thirsty in the desert, of feel nervous during a gunfight. As I said before, the story goes along the American territory, which makes you face different environments, all of them brilliantly designed.

From sandstorms to icy mountains

It is interesting to see that the Ranger meets many friends during the story. The stories of the Tex Willer universe are all connected (with a few exceptions). So, it is natural to see him talking about past adventures, or meeting with people met in previous stories. If you’re a regular reader, these facts are like funny memories; if it is your first story, these moments make you feel like “wow, this is not a simple cowboy story”, making you feel how depth is Tex fictional universe.

"In that same time at Prescott...", as a classic old west town

During the story, there are some plot twists that leave the chase in the background. However, this is not a bad thing, as these events take the reader to new and exciting situations. For example, there is a moment when Tex helps some traveler families to pass through a Ute Indian reservation. Tex is also the Chief of the Navajos (I will not tell how this happened, but if you did not know it, I suggest you to look for this great story in past Tex comics), a Native American tribe of the United States, and it is interesting to see how he deals with this dual responsibility: help the lost travelers, but not harm the Utes territorial rights.

Tex needs to show his abilities in order to survive an Indian fight challenge

As good as any western movie of John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, “Lungo i sentieri del West” is a perfect story for the genre fans. A great adventure, that takes you to shootouts and deserts, saloons and long horse ridings, in the company of Tex Willer. A tough but noble man, who does everything to bring justice against the outlaws, regardless their color, properties or native land. A complete western adventure, full of fun for everybody who likes a thrilling story.