Journey 1: The Adventures of Wolverine Macalistaire

Journey: The Adventures of Wolverine MacAlistaire #1

by William Messner-Loebs

A classic adventure series from Eiser nominee William Messner-Loebs, Journey introduced the world to Joshua -Wolverine- MacAlistaire and the Fort Miami settlement populated by both real-life and fictional characters.
Now, IDW is re-presenting this acclaimed work in two comprehensive volumes, the first of which collects issues #1-16.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Comic Book

424 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2008

About the author

William Francis Messner-Loebs (born William Francis Loebs, Jr.) is an American comics artist and writer from Michigan, also known as Bill Loebs and Bill Messner-Loebs. His hyphenated surname is a combination of his and his wife Nadine's unmarried surnames.

In the 1980s and 1990s he wrote runs of series published by DC Comics, Image Comics, Comico, and other comics publishers, including DC's superhero series Flash and Wonder Woman among others. Additionally he has both written and drawn original creator-owned works, such as Journey: The Adventures of Wolverine MacAlistaire.

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes i just like a different kinda comic read. This one is not only based on Historical event it is just damned funny. Very nice read and the different art style fits the story perfectly. Overall a very enjoyable read. Very recommended

[Matthew J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goofy, biting, dark, and incredibly sad, William Messner-Loebs's long-running, extremely unusual comic about frontiersman Wolverine MacAlistaire and the wilds of early America is really something. If you're interested in the age of the Mountain Men, in the conflict between settlers and Native Americans, or in pioneer stories, or simply a good yarn, this is one to read. It really isn't like anything else I've read. The closest thing I can think of would be something like Mark Twain. Sometimes, it feels like you're reading legends, like characters stepped out of the poetry and myth of Americana. Sometimes, it feels like you're reading an old comic strip from the 50s, where you kinda get the joke, but know it's referencing something you don't quite get. Other times, it reminds me of listening to old-timey radio shows like Gunsmoke, where there's a cast of memorable regulars who wander on and off the 'stage,' while guest characters get wrapped up in the goings on of our heroes. Of course, Wolverine MacAlistaire isn't a hero. Not really. He's just a guy who's been living in the wild for a long, long time. Maybe he's mad. Maybe he's wise. Maybe he'll leave you for dead and take your stuff.
Comic readers owe it to themselves to read this. And if you're not normally a comic reader, this is an example of what a good artist and writer can do. Good stories are good stories, whatever their means of transmission.

[Michael J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read these in the original comic book issues from the mid-1980's.
I have never come across another comic quite like this one. On the surface, this is historical fiction, well-researched, of the frontier days of the Northwest Territories that border Canada and the United States.
JOURNEY focuses on the escapades of Wolverine MacAlistaire, an experienced woodsman skilled in survival skills and enduring long periods of isolation. There’s an equally complex cast of characters, all unique, and vividly portrayed down to their peculiar ways of speaking. The pencil and ink, at times minimalist and other times well-detailed, black and white art style of writer/illustrator William Messner-Loebs won’t appeal to all readers but I’ve come to appreciate it and pick up on the subtle touches.
Here’s some of what’s in store for readers to explore: How to survive frigid blizzards by burying under the snow. Finding bodies trapped under the ice after falling through a frozen lake or stream. Enjoying the hospitality of a frontier family while things thaw out, entertaining by reading Lord Byron’s poetry aloud, discussing politics, trading, “injun” threats. Hunting forest bison. A gnarly old man of the woods, thought to be a demon, who announces his presence with giggles, concluding with one utterance: “Deathie!” Love/hate relationships with ornery dogs. Pride. Lustful dreams. Hunting forest badger. Stealing honey from beehives high in the trees. Encounters with traveling Frenchmen and Hessians, some friendly and some not so much. Poets, prophets, and crazy folk. A spy inside Fort Miami, and an Indian plot to attack. A crossover story with NORMALMAN that seems absurd but entertains. How to track down a runaway canoe. Experiencing the eclipse of the sun.

With Issue #15, JOURNEY moved to a new publisher to continue the story of “Hunter’s Moon”, picking up from the aftermath of the eclipse from Issue #14. The Shawnee attack the fort, alliances are formed, the interior traitor is revealed.
Following the eclipse, a major earthquake occurs which dismantles the fort, and upends MacAlistaire as he tries to make his way towards the settlement. With a dry riverbed as a result, he has to abandon the canoe and make his way on foot through the snow and cold. The only thing that keeps him from giving up is crossing paths again with Jimmy Acorn, the singer of insane songs that at least lift his spirits. They meet up with German ex-soldiers (The Hessian Brothers) just in time to help erect a temporary lodge to shelter from the cold.

It’s a highly conceptualized world that readers can get lost in. IDW has collected JOURNEY in editions that will preserve this important work, and they are worth seeking out.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad I found this by chance at my local Bookoff. There aren’t many comics taking place in the territories of the US pre-Civil War. It’s a fun adventure story with some wilderness politics thrown in. Messner-Loebs draws with his Eisner influence on his sleeve, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The only part of the art I wasn’t a fan of was his choice to draw children as almost literally cartoons compared to the adults. All I could think of were Canadians from South Park.

Great volume and I wish these reprints were easier to find. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for anywhere other than the $100 second volumes on Amazon.

[Keith Bowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first of two volumes collecting William Messner-Loebs' wonderful frontier story from the 1980s. Warmth and humor and a genuine feeling of the Michigan territory of the early 19th century.

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really impressive lengthy graphic novel about a frontiersman in early 19th Century America. Rollicking adventure and humour in the vein of Bone but with a non-fantasy setting. The artwork is fantastic.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A somewhat reflective adventure story.