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Wild West #1
Calamity Jane
La conquête de l'Ouest n'est pas l’œuvre d'enfants de chœur.
Dans un monde de violence, sans foi ni loi, le premier tome de ce western retrace la destinée de Martha Cannary avant qu'elle ne devienne Calamity Jane.
Martha, 16 ans, est prête à sombrer dans la prostitution quand elle croise un chasseur de prime. Celui-ci lui révèle le secret de l'Ouest. La liberté est à portée de tous. L'arme à feu abolit les inégalités physiques. Même une jouvencelle de 50 kg peut terrasser un colosse de 100 kg.
Suffit qu'elle en ait la volonté.
Dans un monde de violence, sans foi ni loi, le premier tome de ce western retrace la destinée de Martha Cannary avant qu'elle ne devienne Calamity Jane.
Martha, 16 ans, est prête à sombrer dans la prostitution quand elle croise un chasseur de prime. Celui-ci lui révèle le secret de l'Ouest. La liberté est à portée de tous. L'arme à feu abolit les inégalités physiques. Même une jouvencelle de 50 kg peut terrasser un colosse de 100 kg.
Suffit qu'elle en ait la volonté.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2020
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 10, 2025
PT Nunca imaginei que estes westerns pudessem ser tão divertidos de ler.
Este volume afirma contar a história de origem da Calamity Jane — e embora não possa garantir a sua precisão histórica, isso pouco me importa. O que realmente conta é ser cativante e divertido.
E é precisamente isso que oferece: um western divertido, envolvente, com boas personagens e um bom sentido de aventura.
Não há aqui grandes reviravoltas narrativas nem dilemas filosóficos profundos — apenas uma leitura simples e agradável, apoiada por uma arte excelente.
Perfeito para sentar, relaxar e aproveitar o dia.
--
EN I never imagined these westerns could be so fun to read.
This volume claims to tell the origin story of Calamity Jane — and while I can't speak to its historical accuracy, that doesn’t really matter to me. What counts is that it's engaging and entertaining.
And that’s exactly what it delivers: a fun, compelling western with strong characters and a solid sense of adventure.
There are no mind-blowing plot twists or deep philosophical questions here — just a straightforward, enjoyable ride supported by great artwork.
Perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the day.
Este volume afirma contar a história de origem da Calamity Jane — e embora não possa garantir a sua precisão histórica, isso pouco me importa. O que realmente conta é ser cativante e divertido.
E é precisamente isso que oferece: um western divertido, envolvente, com boas personagens e um bom sentido de aventura.
Não há aqui grandes reviravoltas narrativas nem dilemas filosóficos profundos — apenas uma leitura simples e agradável, apoiada por uma arte excelente.
Perfeito para sentar, relaxar e aproveitar o dia.
--
EN I never imagined these westerns could be so fun to read.
This volume claims to tell the origin story of Calamity Jane — and while I can't speak to its historical accuracy, that doesn’t really matter to me. What counts is that it's engaging and entertaining.
And that’s exactly what it delivers: a fun, compelling western with strong characters and a solid sense of adventure.
There are no mind-blowing plot twists or deep philosophical questions here — just a straightforward, enjoyable ride supported by great artwork.
Perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the day.
March 30, 2021
Wild West
1. Calamity Jane
by Script by Thierry Gloris & Art by Lamontagne Jacques
Europe Comics
This looked like it would have great graphics and it was about Calamity Jane, I was intrigued. I was thankful for the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book. Now having said that, there are things I was not told before agreeing to read it.
No. 1, there is lots of graphic violence and a majority is against women. No. 2, there is also a graphic rape scene. Any one of these would have stopped me from requesting the book.
The book does have great graphics and easy to read fonts. I gave one star apiece for those. The story, if it is true which I am not sure of, could have been told without such graphic violence to women.
Spoiler ahead!
The story centers around a young orphan girl, Martha, too young to be a prostitute, but helps out with other chores. Men want her because she is young. Her boss sets up an ambush where she is raped on the way home and he "saves" her after the fact! The shooting is fake! Then he beds her and encourages her to work as a prostitute since she will make money now.
Meanwhile, she and other prostitutes are beat and whipped if the client is not happy. Even if the client is violent. It's in this salon she meets Bill Hickock and they become friends.
In the end she shaves her head and leaves to join the military. She looks like a young boy because she is young.
Other graphic scenes are in here too so definitely an adult book. My suggestion, if you want to learn about Calamity Jane, this is not the way. It's also a multi part series.
1. Calamity Jane
by Script by Thierry Gloris & Art by Lamontagne Jacques
Europe Comics
This looked like it would have great graphics and it was about Calamity Jane, I was intrigued. I was thankful for the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book. Now having said that, there are things I was not told before agreeing to read it.
No. 1, there is lots of graphic violence and a majority is against women. No. 2, there is also a graphic rape scene. Any one of these would have stopped me from requesting the book.
The book does have great graphics and easy to read fonts. I gave one star apiece for those. The story, if it is true which I am not sure of, could have been told without such graphic violence to women.
Spoiler ahead!
The story centers around a young orphan girl, Martha, too young to be a prostitute, but helps out with other chores. Men want her because she is young. Her boss sets up an ambush where she is raped on the way home and he "saves" her after the fact! The shooting is fake! Then he beds her and encourages her to work as a prostitute since she will make money now.
Meanwhile, she and other prostitutes are beat and whipped if the client is not happy. Even if the client is violent. It's in this salon she meets Bill Hickock and they become friends.
In the end she shaves her head and leaves to join the military. She looks like a young boy because she is young.
Other graphic scenes are in here too so definitely an adult book. My suggestion, if you want to learn about Calamity Jane, this is not the way. It's also a multi part series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2021
The beauty of a wonderful graphic novel is the illustrations, the colour palate and elaborate drawings. Here the artwork is superb detailing the vast panorama of what we know of as The Wild West.
When you add a compelling account of the struggle in those pioneering days, violence and subjugation amid the general desire to survive. The story unfolds without rehashing all the familiar scenes of western movies. It is well considered, the power of money, the fear of the gun, the the general disregard of law and order.
In this first instalment we are introduced to the backstory of Calamity Jane. Originally a simple maid in the saloon come brothel of her hick town, she dreams of better times. The prostitutes are all called Jane for the ease of the customers but she is Martha and she wants a better life.
Matters take a turn for the worse when a punter feels able to proposition her, showing the lack of value of women in most men’s minds. She overcomes this set back by the intervention of Buck who helps nurse her back to health.
Unfortunately her life takes an unfortunate turn in that she is now indebted to her employer and all her hopes are restrained and mostly lost to financial poverty.
When bounty hunter Wild Bill Hickok saunters into town, he treats her more kindly than most and gives her a resolve to believe the American dream once more and look beyond her circumstances to improve her life and expectations.
Some may be disappointed in that this is an unresolved story but within episodic series you need reason to get chapter 2. There is motivation enough in the way this story pans out and the desire to see a more assured future for these well crafted characters. Their humanity lifts from these pages and we can invest in them, which in turn assists our enjoyment.
The bonus of short stories and comic books is that they enable a casual reader to dip into alternative genres and explore other reading streams. This is a gritty tale which although reflects a reality we are vaguely familiar with, redefine why the Western genre remains popular. That the female protagonist breaks the mould gives the story an impetus and scope for a wider audience, who will enjoy both the writing and the accompanying artwork.
A fine example of the power of graphic novels when like this one, they are done to perfection.
When you add a compelling account of the struggle in those pioneering days, violence and subjugation amid the general desire to survive. The story unfolds without rehashing all the familiar scenes of western movies. It is well considered, the power of money, the fear of the gun, the the general disregard of law and order.
In this first instalment we are introduced to the backstory of Calamity Jane. Originally a simple maid in the saloon come brothel of her hick town, she dreams of better times. The prostitutes are all called Jane for the ease of the customers but she is Martha and she wants a better life.
Matters take a turn for the worse when a punter feels able to proposition her, showing the lack of value of women in most men’s minds. She overcomes this set back by the intervention of Buck who helps nurse her back to health.
Unfortunately her life takes an unfortunate turn in that she is now indebted to her employer and all her hopes are restrained and mostly lost to financial poverty.
When bounty hunter Wild Bill Hickok saunters into town, he treats her more kindly than most and gives her a resolve to believe the American dream once more and look beyond her circumstances to improve her life and expectations.
Some may be disappointed in that this is an unresolved story but within episodic series you need reason to get chapter 2. There is motivation enough in the way this story pans out and the desire to see a more assured future for these well crafted characters. Their humanity lifts from these pages and we can invest in them, which in turn assists our enjoyment.
The bonus of short stories and comic books is that they enable a casual reader to dip into alternative genres and explore other reading streams. This is a gritty tale which although reflects a reality we are vaguely familiar with, redefine why the Western genre remains popular. That the female protagonist breaks the mould gives the story an impetus and scope for a wider audience, who will enjoy both the writing and the accompanying artwork.
A fine example of the power of graphic novels when like this one, they are done to perfection.
January 3, 2022
The art style is great, and the storyline is interesting, even if not entirely accurate. But that rape scene...I'm going to pretend I never saw it. Was that really necessary? Considering everything else that happens here, I guess that it was, but no. Just no.
I'll still give it 3.5 stars for the friendship between Martha and Wild Bill, that was strangely wholesome.
I'll still give it 3.5 stars for the friendship between Martha and Wild Bill, that was strangely wholesome.
May 25, 2020
No conocia la historia de Calamity Jane. No se si sera fiel a la historia pero con unos dibujos tan maravillosos y una trama tan interesante dificil no leerlo. Deseando ver los siguientes comics de la serie Wildwest de Dupuis
May 20, 2021
2.6/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Europe Comics for a free copy in exchange for an honest, unpaid review!
Trigger warnings: rape, murder, gun violence, beating (with a belt), prostitution, animal gore
Sadly this graphic novel was not quite what I was hoping for when I read the premise. Although I love the idea of an origin story for the iconic and enigmatic Calamity Jane, I'm baffled that it would include just SO MUCH violence against women in a story about.... a woman. While I understand there are elements of this that fit the time period, the plot points themselves, and how they were portrayed/how much was shown on page was entirely up to the creators, and I think they should have gone in some different directions. The art style was definitely gritty and fit the tone of the story, but there was a bit too much gore for my taste. Overall I think a strong concept wasn't executed to it's potential, and I was left grossed out and disappointed.
Imagine trying to flesh out and speculate about the backstory of a notorious gunslinger and just filling it with violence against women.... make it make sense. Martha had so much more potential than what they utilized. And the fact that netgalley had this categorized as women's fiction.... I need to sit down omg.
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2/5
Art: 3/5
Thank you to Netgalley and Europe Comics for a free copy in exchange for an honest, unpaid review!
Trigger warnings: rape, murder, gun violence, beating (with a belt), prostitution, animal gore
Sadly this graphic novel was not quite what I was hoping for when I read the premise. Although I love the idea of an origin story for the iconic and enigmatic Calamity Jane, I'm baffled that it would include just SO MUCH violence against women in a story about.... a woman. While I understand there are elements of this that fit the time period, the plot points themselves, and how they were portrayed/how much was shown on page was entirely up to the creators, and I think they should have gone in some different directions. The art style was definitely gritty and fit the tone of the story, but there was a bit too much gore for my taste. Overall I think a strong concept wasn't executed to it's potential, and I was left grossed out and disappointed.
Imagine trying to flesh out and speculate about the backstory of a notorious gunslinger and just filling it with violence against women.... make it make sense. Martha had so much more potential than what they utilized. And the fact that netgalley had this categorized as women's fiction.... I need to sit down omg.
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2/5
Art: 3/5
December 11, 2020
Incredible art, for adults only...
February 18, 2021
Wild West commence dès la superbe couverture avec cette femme qui vous perce du regard. En une seule image, le dessinateur Jacques Lamontagne, capte notre intérêt. Ensuite, nos yeux se portent sur le titre, Wild West et, le sous-titre, « Calamity Jane ». Tout est en place pour que notre cerveau comprenne dans quoi cette bande dessinée s’embarque. Une chevauchée dans l’Ouest sauvage avec la légendaire Calamity Jane. Et cette chevauchée sera tout aussi légendaire que son personnage !
Une histoire qui dépasse les codes du western
Ce n’est pas la 1re série de BD qui parle de western. La liste est longue et belle. Se lancer dans une telle aventure était dangereux, entre autre, à cause des incontournables comparaisons qu’elle allait subir. Et non seulement le scénariste Thierry Gloris réussit à nous raconter un magnifique western, il le fait en mettant un personnage féminin au centre de l’histoire, ce qui n’est pas commun dans ce genre. L’histoire de Thierry Gloris est palpitante et dynamique. Nous retrouvons tous les éléments qui font les bons westerns : la sauvagerie de cette époque, des personnages tous aussi sauvages et sans cœur, l’omniprésence de l’argent qui est le ciment de la Conquête de l’Ouest, la violence dans laquelle se baignaient les hommes de ce temps et bien entendu, la légende qui forge les histoires de cowboys ! Dans Wild West, l’auteur joue avec l’histoire de Calamity Jane pour la modeler à son image, pour nous donner une fusion entre la fiction et l’histoire. Et l’auteur joue bien avec les personnages historiques tels que James Butler Hickok, qui apporte une profondeur au personnage de Jane par leur relation en devenir. Cette voix de Jane, qui est la narratrice de sa propre histoire, est forte et nous guide dans la transformation de la frêle domestique qu’était Martha Cannary en cette femme qui deviendra la légende Calamity Jane.
Un monde signé Jacques Lamontagne
La réputation de l’artiste Jacques Lamontagne n’est plus à faire. Il est considéré comme l’un des meilleurs dessinateurs réalistes de la planète et c’est largement mérité. Ici, il s’est lancé dans un genre qui a vu les plus grands dessinateurs s’amuser et l’artiste vient de laisser sa trace dans la grande histoire du western. Il atteint un degré qui frôle la perfection. Bien entendu, tout passe par les personnages si brillamment construits par le duo d’auteurs. Thierry Gloris leur donne une psychologie, Jacques Lamontagne leur donne une âme. Nous vivons avec eux toute la gamme de leurs émotions. Le réalisme du dessinateur sur ce 1er tome de Wild West le place, indéniablement, dans les meilleurs récits du genre. Et l’attention portée aux décors et costumes représente très bien l’immense travail de recherche que l’artiste a dû effectuer pour en arriver à un résultat aussi criant de vérité. Jacques Lamontagne nous en met aussi plein les rétines avec ses couleurs qui viennent magnifier l’histoire, avec ses teintes foncées, terreuses, qui contribuent à créer cette ambiance de monde sale, dangereux, poussiéreux, vaseux. Tout au long de la lecture, nous sommes dans le Wild West. Une immersion complète.
Un duo d’auteurs qui fonctionne !
Ce qui ressort aussi dans la lecture de Wild West, c’est la complicité évidente entre les 2 auteurs. Nous l’avions perçu lors de leur 1re collaboration, Aspic, détectives de l’étrange, que je vous suggère fortement. Ici l’équilibre entre l’histoire et le dessin est parfait. L’un supporte l’autre sans jamais prendre le dessus et, pour moi, c’est la 1re qualité d’une grande bande dessinée. Le plaisir de créer du duo se ressent dans chaque planche. Et la conclusion est assez évidente qu’ils sont partis pour une longue collaboration sur cette série, au plaisir de tous les lecteurs et lectrices !
Un classique instantané
En voyant la couverture de Wild West, les yeux perçants de Calamity Jane, en lisant les 1re planches d’une sauvagerie sans nom avec cette chanson en arrière, il est évident que j’étais en lecture d’une bande dessinée qui allait devenir un classique du genre. Les critiques qui ont suivi en Europe m’ont donné raison mais sans surprise. Car, Thierry Gloris et Jacques Lamontagne ont fusionné leurs arts respectifs pour nous donner un 1er tome sensationnel d’une très longue série, j’espère. Une grande réussite pour ce tome 1 de Wild West. ■
Une histoire qui dépasse les codes du western
Ce n’est pas la 1re série de BD qui parle de western. La liste est longue et belle. Se lancer dans une telle aventure était dangereux, entre autre, à cause des incontournables comparaisons qu’elle allait subir. Et non seulement le scénariste Thierry Gloris réussit à nous raconter un magnifique western, il le fait en mettant un personnage féminin au centre de l’histoire, ce qui n’est pas commun dans ce genre. L’histoire de Thierry Gloris est palpitante et dynamique. Nous retrouvons tous les éléments qui font les bons westerns : la sauvagerie de cette époque, des personnages tous aussi sauvages et sans cœur, l’omniprésence de l’argent qui est le ciment de la Conquête de l’Ouest, la violence dans laquelle se baignaient les hommes de ce temps et bien entendu, la légende qui forge les histoires de cowboys ! Dans Wild West, l’auteur joue avec l’histoire de Calamity Jane pour la modeler à son image, pour nous donner une fusion entre la fiction et l’histoire. Et l’auteur joue bien avec les personnages historiques tels que James Butler Hickok, qui apporte une profondeur au personnage de Jane par leur relation en devenir. Cette voix de Jane, qui est la narratrice de sa propre histoire, est forte et nous guide dans la transformation de la frêle domestique qu’était Martha Cannary en cette femme qui deviendra la légende Calamity Jane.
Un monde signé Jacques Lamontagne
La réputation de l’artiste Jacques Lamontagne n’est plus à faire. Il est considéré comme l’un des meilleurs dessinateurs réalistes de la planète et c’est largement mérité. Ici, il s’est lancé dans un genre qui a vu les plus grands dessinateurs s’amuser et l’artiste vient de laisser sa trace dans la grande histoire du western. Il atteint un degré qui frôle la perfection. Bien entendu, tout passe par les personnages si brillamment construits par le duo d’auteurs. Thierry Gloris leur donne une psychologie, Jacques Lamontagne leur donne une âme. Nous vivons avec eux toute la gamme de leurs émotions. Le réalisme du dessinateur sur ce 1er tome de Wild West le place, indéniablement, dans les meilleurs récits du genre. Et l’attention portée aux décors et costumes représente très bien l’immense travail de recherche que l’artiste a dû effectuer pour en arriver à un résultat aussi criant de vérité. Jacques Lamontagne nous en met aussi plein les rétines avec ses couleurs qui viennent magnifier l’histoire, avec ses teintes foncées, terreuses, qui contribuent à créer cette ambiance de monde sale, dangereux, poussiéreux, vaseux. Tout au long de la lecture, nous sommes dans le Wild West. Une immersion complète.
Un duo d’auteurs qui fonctionne !
Ce qui ressort aussi dans la lecture de Wild West, c’est la complicité évidente entre les 2 auteurs. Nous l’avions perçu lors de leur 1re collaboration, Aspic, détectives de l’étrange, que je vous suggère fortement. Ici l’équilibre entre l’histoire et le dessin est parfait. L’un supporte l’autre sans jamais prendre le dessus et, pour moi, c’est la 1re qualité d’une grande bande dessinée. Le plaisir de créer du duo se ressent dans chaque planche. Et la conclusion est assez évidente qu’ils sont partis pour une longue collaboration sur cette série, au plaisir de tous les lecteurs et lectrices !
Un classique instantané
En voyant la couverture de Wild West, les yeux perçants de Calamity Jane, en lisant les 1re planches d’une sauvagerie sans nom avec cette chanson en arrière, il est évident que j’étais en lecture d’une bande dessinée qui allait devenir un classique du genre. Les critiques qui ont suivi en Europe m’ont donné raison mais sans surprise. Car, Thierry Gloris et Jacques Lamontagne ont fusionné leurs arts respectifs pour nous donner un 1er tome sensationnel d’une très longue série, j’espère. Une grande réussite pour ce tome 1 de Wild West. ■
April 11, 2021
Did you know that Calamity Jane had another name? It is Martha Cannery. When her parents moved out west, she lost her parents — her mother died and then her father. She did work in a brothel, cleaning up after a prositute had a client. Martha doesn’t work as a prostitute until she is raped. She is saved by one of the men who work at the brothel by taking her to see the doctor. When she is finally well, she is told that she will be in debt forever. Her solution is to be a prostitute to pay him back but hates it. When she finds out that a gun can equal strength, she goes and gets one. Who does she want to kill or shoot? Martha as several twists and turns when it comes to surviving. At one point in her life she becomes a soldier. When she saves a wounded soldier, she gets named Calamity Jane.
This is volume one of the Wild West. It is expertly written graphic novel and beautifully illustrated. It is a partial biography of Calamity Jane as it does represent what the beginning of the Wild West life was. It is an important book to show parts that is not always remember especially for women. There is also the good reminder that America is for all people.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This is volume one of the Wild West. It is expertly written graphic novel and beautifully illustrated. It is a partial biography of Calamity Jane as it does represent what the beginning of the Wild West life was. It is an important book to show parts that is not always remember especially for women. There is also the good reminder that America is for all people.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
August 6, 2021
Bei Comics, die im Wilden Westen spielen, denken viele sofort an Lucky Luke, aber da gibt es noch so viel mehr – wie man unter anderem an der »Wild West«-Reihe aus dem Splitter-Verlag sehen kann, deren erster Band sich der sagenumwobenen Calamity Jane widmet.
Zwar mag es in den ersten Panels noch nach Wild-West-Romantik aussehen, aber weit gefehlt; hier geht es hart und gnadenlos zur Sache. Der Wilde Westen wird in diesem Band nicht etwa verklärt, sondern in seiner ganzen schmutzigen, brutalen, oftmals unschönen und gemeinen Realität dargestellt. Zarte Gemüter sollten sich auf einen Realismus einstellen, der sich gewaschen hat – und der mit passenden Bildern vermittelt wird.
Welches Schicksal die junge Martha ereilt, die mit sechzehn Jahren in einem Saloon putzt und schließlich noch einiges mehr über sich ergehen lassen muss, liest sich nicht immer leicht, doch es ist eine spannende Entwicklung, wie auf gerade mal 56 Seiten aus der kleinen Martha (unter anderem dank der Hilfe eines gewissen Wild Bill Hickok) die sogenannte Calamity Jane wird.
Dieser durchaus realistische und nicht immer leicht zu verdauende Comic ist eindeutig nichts für zarte Gemüter, lohnt sich aber allein für die interessanten Momentaufnahmen aus dieser Zeit der amerikanischen Geschichte, die letzten Endes starke Heldin, die ihr Schicksal selbst in die Hand zu nehmen wagt, und die atmosphärischen Bilder.
Zwar mag es in den ersten Panels noch nach Wild-West-Romantik aussehen, aber weit gefehlt; hier geht es hart und gnadenlos zur Sache. Der Wilde Westen wird in diesem Band nicht etwa verklärt, sondern in seiner ganzen schmutzigen, brutalen, oftmals unschönen und gemeinen Realität dargestellt. Zarte Gemüter sollten sich auf einen Realismus einstellen, der sich gewaschen hat – und der mit passenden Bildern vermittelt wird.
Welches Schicksal die junge Martha ereilt, die mit sechzehn Jahren in einem Saloon putzt und schließlich noch einiges mehr über sich ergehen lassen muss, liest sich nicht immer leicht, doch es ist eine spannende Entwicklung, wie auf gerade mal 56 Seiten aus der kleinen Martha (unter anderem dank der Hilfe eines gewissen Wild Bill Hickok) die sogenannte Calamity Jane wird.
Dieser durchaus realistische und nicht immer leicht zu verdauende Comic ist eindeutig nichts für zarte Gemüter, lohnt sich aber allein für die interessanten Momentaufnahmen aus dieser Zeit der amerikanischen Geschichte, die letzten Endes starke Heldin, die ihr Schicksal selbst in die Hand zu nehmen wagt, und die atmosphärischen Bilder.
March 26, 2021
A beautiful illustrated origin story of Calamity Jane. This is not the tv westerns of the 1950s and 60s. This is the brutal struggle for survival it was, particularly for a woman without a family. I’m not sure how historically correct this story is—for one it doesn’t mention anything about her younger siblings that she cared for when she became the head of the family at age 14—but it does seem she was a prostitute at one time. This is definitely not suitable for children but I was very impressed with the illustrations and the story is compelling, though not complete within itself.
Thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in return for an honest review.
Thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in return for an honest review.
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March 13, 2022Ze všech českých westernů je Wild West takový... nejvíc obyčejný. Kresba je skvělá a západ je tu opět zbaven veškeré romantiky, jenže to už přestává stačit. Blbý je, že tu vlastně není žádný ústřední příběh - dějí se tu velké historické události (stavba železnice, válka s Indiány) a do sledujeme životy hlavních postav (přičemž jedna je je generický lovec odměn).
Calamity má v první knížce hodně silnou příběhovou linku, ale ocenil bych větší nimrání v její psychice a charakteru. Ve dvojce už je spíš prostředek k tomu, aby čtenář poznal jinou kulturu.
3,5*
Calamity má v první knížce hodně silnou příběhovou linku, ale ocenil bych větší nimrání v její psychice a charakteru. Ve dvojce už je spíš prostředek k tomu, aby čtenář poznal jinou kulturu.
3,5*
March 28, 2021
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Europe Comics.
Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the ARC
This is the first time I ever read a graphic novel about the Wild West, and I wasn't disappointed..
The plot was absorbing and fast paced, and I found Martha to be a very interesting and sympathetic character. I also liked the character of Bill Hickcok, who seemed to be the only person who's moral compass was not out of whack!
I loved the drawings by Lamontagne Jacques, and I found the colours to be easy on the eye.
I read this book in one sitting, and that is always a good thing!
I will definitely be on the look out for a physical copy of this comic and for future titles as well.
5/5 stars and totally recommended!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the ARC
This is the first time I ever read a graphic novel about the Wild West, and I wasn't disappointed..
The plot was absorbing and fast paced, and I found Martha to be a very interesting and sympathetic character. I also liked the character of Bill Hickcok, who seemed to be the only person who's moral compass was not out of whack!
I loved the drawings by Lamontagne Jacques, and I found the colours to be easy on the eye.
I read this book in one sitting, and that is always a good thing!
I will definitely be on the look out for a physical copy of this comic and for future titles as well.
5/5 stars and totally recommended!!
June 1, 2020
An “origin story” for Calamity Jane. Really good art. Fun read.
January 7, 2021
Superbe BD, si tu aime la conquête de l'Ouest et ses histoires, tu ne sera pas déçu.
December 3, 2023
Heel leuk verhaal over de achtergrond .. benieuwd waar het naar toe gaat gaan.
Ook mooie graphics door Lamontagne
Ook mooie graphics door Lamontagne
April 4, 2021
I enjoyed this somewhat violent Calamity Jane origin story. The artwork and colour palette is gritty and dark. I thought it was great and I'm looking forward to reading further volumes.
Trigger warning for rape scene and general violence.
Thank you NetGalley and Europe Comics for the advanced readers copy.
Trigger warning for rape scene and general violence.
Thank you NetGalley and Europe Comics for the advanced readers copy.
April 2, 2021
I am always hopeful that women can re-write some of the wrongs done to the stories of the old west. There had to be compelling stories that include women because at a very basic level, babies were born and the great white expansion to the west did not peter into a great bloody cockfight.
Unfortunately, this is not that story. The violence is glorified and frequent, the sex is for the eye of the male viewer, there are no important women in the story except for Calamity Jane, and besides making a tidy tragic backstory that does not ring true to what is factually known about this real life figure, the story somehow centers around the men in the story. Calamity Jane's character and plot are all based on abuse and drug addiction. I do not recommend this read.
I read this in ebook format early thanks to netgalley. Thanks to them for letting me warn you.
Unfortunately, this is not that story. The violence is glorified and frequent, the sex is for the eye of the male viewer, there are no important women in the story except for Calamity Jane, and besides making a tidy tragic backstory that does not ring true to what is factually known about this real life figure, the story somehow centers around the men in the story. Calamity Jane's character and plot are all based on abuse and drug addiction. I do not recommend this read.
I read this in ebook format early thanks to netgalley. Thanks to them for letting me warn you.
March 15, 2021
Read in English.
This graphic novel claims to be a fresh look at the origin story of Calamity Jane – influenced by Wild Bill Hickok to have a bit more about her when she's forced by other men in the book to become a brothel whore, as opposed to just a brothel bedroom maid and greeter. For all the "they left that bit out the musical!" detail, however, this is still pretty much a token, standard western story – here's a baddy, here's a drunken sheriff, here's the trains a'coming, and it's progress you know and you can't stand in front of that when money's involved. Good craft to the visuals perhaps makes this three and a half stars, but the next volume, due to concentrate a bit more on Wild Bill, would probably not be a book I rushed to pick up.
This graphic novel claims to be a fresh look at the origin story of Calamity Jane – influenced by Wild Bill Hickok to have a bit more about her when she's forced by other men in the book to become a brothel whore, as opposed to just a brothel bedroom maid and greeter. For all the "they left that bit out the musical!" detail, however, this is still pretty much a token, standard western story – here's a baddy, here's a drunken sheriff, here's the trains a'coming, and it's progress you know and you can't stand in front of that when money's involved. Good craft to the visuals perhaps makes this three and a half stars, but the next volume, due to concentrate a bit more on Wild Bill, would probably not be a book I rushed to pick up.
March 18, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review
The art style is unique to other graphic novels I've read - a lot more grisly. As for the story - though I know it's partially based on what is known of Calamity Jane's life - I found the story difficult to read. I have no problem with graphic content when I feel it's handled well and personally I didn't think that was the case here. Though I'm sure that will differ for some. The narrative outside of Martha's was fairly uninteresting.
The art style is unique to other graphic novels I've read - a lot more grisly. As for the story - though I know it's partially based on what is known of Calamity Jane's life - I found the story difficult to read. I have no problem with graphic content when I feel it's handled well and personally I didn't think that was the case here. Though I'm sure that will differ for some. The narrative outside of Martha's was fairly uninteresting.
April 4, 2021
Calamity Jane was a much more interesting historical figure than this graphic novel gives her credit for. Focused more on the men of the story than an actual story of female empowerment.
Trigger warning for rape and drug use.
I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own
Trigger warning for rape and drug use.
I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own
May 25, 2020
Wow ! Un très bon Western ! Juste dommage car je ne trouve pas que Jane soit la protagoniste de ce tome. J'aurai aimé voir plus son évolution a elle.
March 13, 2021
I’m a big fan of European comics (which is coincidentally the name of this books publisher, but I mean the geographical area), usually because they don’t worry about keeping everything for children at all times, and treat the material far more seriously than in either Japan or America. That isn’t to say its all gore-filled pornography either, its just like the difference between an HBO show and a Disney+ show in terms of sensibility, if that makes sense. I’ve been on a big Metal Hurlant and Heavy Metal kick as of late, so I was intrigued to see a French language comic (translated, of course) about Calamity Jane, and how a European publisher would handle the “origin story” of the famous frontierswoman.
Wild West is a quick read at only 66 pages, but it tells its story well, and doesn’t linger too long. Honestly, I hope they produce more of this, as this is basically the story of her beginnings and her first encounter with Wild Bill Hickock and up to her enlistment into the US Army under the pretense that she’s a boy rather than a woman. The thing about Calamity jane, and whether this book is historical, is that most of her backstory was created as a booklet to market her “character” at a series of tours that she participated in. I assume a lot of this was embellished, and sadly we’ll never know for sure. Not much is said about her time working as a prostitute (which is the focal point of this story), so I imagine there is a lot of artistic liberty here, with something that already had some to begin with.
All-in-all, this was a great comic with exquisite, detailed artwork. for fans of history, western comics, European comics, or just adult comics in general, this would be a great addition to your collection. I’m not certain that the book is available physically in the US, but a digital copy (like the one I have) is very affordable. This is a publisher that is now on my radar, if their quality is this good on everything, I’ll have to do some more research.
Wild West is a quick read at only 66 pages, but it tells its story well, and doesn’t linger too long. Honestly, I hope they produce more of this, as this is basically the story of her beginnings and her first encounter with Wild Bill Hickock and up to her enlistment into the US Army under the pretense that she’s a boy rather than a woman. The thing about Calamity jane, and whether this book is historical, is that most of her backstory was created as a booklet to market her “character” at a series of tours that she participated in. I assume a lot of this was embellished, and sadly we’ll never know for sure. Not much is said about her time working as a prostitute (which is the focal point of this story), so I imagine there is a lot of artistic liberty here, with something that already had some to begin with.
All-in-all, this was a great comic with exquisite, detailed artwork. for fans of history, western comics, European comics, or just adult comics in general, this would be a great addition to your collection. I’m not certain that the book is available physically in the US, but a digital copy (like the one I have) is very affordable. This is a publisher that is now on my radar, if their quality is this good on everything, I’ll have to do some more research.
October 12, 2022
PopKulturowy Kociołek:
Komiks rozpoczyna się dosyć spokojnie. Widzimy rodzinę podróżującą wozem w kierunku zachodu. Mały chłopiec gra na banjo, z niecierpliwością oczekując nowego „szczęśliwego” życia, w miejscu, gdzie każdy może zacząć od nowa. Lekki klimat dzieła momentalnie jednak się zmienia, a przedstawione postacie przekonują się o „dzikości” terenów, na które zawędrowali.
Mocny prolog wprowadzający czytelnika we wszechobecną przemoc wypełniającą tytułowy Dziki Zachód jest jedynie drobnym wstępem do dalszej dawki emocji, szaleństwa i dramaturgii. Jedną z głównych postaci albumu jest Martha Cannary. Kobieta starająca się jakoś przetrwać w bardzo niebezpiecznym i niegościnnym świecie. Pewnego dnia dotyka ją tragedia, która drastycznie wszystko zmienia w jej życiu. Przewracając kolejne strony dzieła, widzimy więc jak przemienia się ona w Calamity Jane, która jest gotowa dosłownie na wszystko, aby tylko nikt nigdy więcej jej nie skrzywdził.
Thierry Gloris w swoim dziele nie decyduje się sięgnąć po pewne dosyć klasyczne elementy westernu. Nie znajdziemy tutaj dzielnych kowbojów, krwiożerczych Indian i innych tego typu schematów. Zamiast tego poszczególne strony komiksu wypełnione są po brzegi sugestywną brutalnością, z zabójcami, łowcami głów, prostytutkami, morderstwami, gwałtami, torturami i innymi wątkami dla dojrzałego i świadomego czytelnika.
Scenariusz to bezkompromisowy obraz mieszanki brudu, krwi i rozpaczy, z której ulepiony jest cały naprawdę „Dziki” Zachód. W bardzo niebezpiecznym świecie autor umieszcza znane autentyczne postacie, które odcisnęły swoje piętno na historii tego zakątka USA. Nie czyni to z dzieła oczywiście komiksu ściśle historycznego, ale twórca stara się trzymać pewnych realistycznych szczegółów.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Komiks rozpoczyna się dosyć spokojnie. Widzimy rodzinę podróżującą wozem w kierunku zachodu. Mały chłopiec gra na banjo, z niecierpliwością oczekując nowego „szczęśliwego” życia, w miejscu, gdzie każdy może zacząć od nowa. Lekki klimat dzieła momentalnie jednak się zmienia, a przedstawione postacie przekonują się o „dzikości” terenów, na które zawędrowali.
Mocny prolog wprowadzający czytelnika we wszechobecną przemoc wypełniającą tytułowy Dziki Zachód jest jedynie drobnym wstępem do dalszej dawki emocji, szaleństwa i dramaturgii. Jedną z głównych postaci albumu jest Martha Cannary. Kobieta starająca się jakoś przetrwać w bardzo niebezpiecznym i niegościnnym świecie. Pewnego dnia dotyka ją tragedia, która drastycznie wszystko zmienia w jej życiu. Przewracając kolejne strony dzieła, widzimy więc jak przemienia się ona w Calamity Jane, która jest gotowa dosłownie na wszystko, aby tylko nikt nigdy więcej jej nie skrzywdził.
Thierry Gloris w swoim dziele nie decyduje się sięgnąć po pewne dosyć klasyczne elementy westernu. Nie znajdziemy tutaj dzielnych kowbojów, krwiożerczych Indian i innych tego typu schematów. Zamiast tego poszczególne strony komiksu wypełnione są po brzegi sugestywną brutalnością, z zabójcami, łowcami głów, prostytutkami, morderstwami, gwałtami, torturami i innymi wątkami dla dojrzałego i świadomego czytelnika.
Scenariusz to bezkompromisowy obraz mieszanki brudu, krwi i rozpaczy, z której ulepiony jest cały naprawdę „Dziki” Zachód. W bardzo niebezpiecznym świecie autor umieszcza znane autentyczne postacie, które odcisnęły swoje piętno na historii tego zakątka USA. Nie czyni to z dzieła oczywiście komiksu ściśle historycznego, ale twórca stara się trzymać pewnych realistycznych szczegółów.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
February 15, 2022
Serijal Wild West posvećen je slavnim junacima Divljeg Zapada. U ovom slučaju, Čarobna knjiga nam je predstavila objedinjeno izdanje prvog i drugog dela.
Pratimo priču o Marti Kanari, poznatijoj kao Kalamiti Džejn. Kalamiti Džejn ostala je upamćena kao najpoznatija žena Divljeg Zapada. Pratimo njenu nesrećnu sudbinu, počevši od bordela u Omahi, pa sve do njenog života sa indijanskim plemenom. U priči se pojavljuje i Divlji Bil, ratni veteran i lovac na glave.
Železnica koja je napredovala neke je obogatila, dok je mnogima bila propast. Ovo je veran prikaz pakla u kom su se ljudi tada nalazili, bez zakona, morala i okruženi nasiljem. Ovo je surova životna priča o osobama koje su nekad davno zaista postojale.
Verujem da će se ovaj strip dopasti i onima koji nisu ljubitelji Divljeg Zapada. Ilustrator vešto oživljava predele, životinjski svet i narod iz tog doba. Ilustracije su vrhunske, od boja do crteža. Ja lično nisam ljubitelj filmova i knjiga vezano za ovo doba, ali mi se strip dobrim delom dopao. Bilo je interesantno sagledati neke detalje za koje ranije nisam znao. Takodje i sam kraj, kada se sklopilo primirje, a rezervati osnovani. Zato i vama predlažem da mu date šansu.
Pratimo priču o Marti Kanari, poznatijoj kao Kalamiti Džejn. Kalamiti Džejn ostala je upamćena kao najpoznatija žena Divljeg Zapada. Pratimo njenu nesrećnu sudbinu, počevši od bordela u Omahi, pa sve do njenog života sa indijanskim plemenom. U priči se pojavljuje i Divlji Bil, ratni veteran i lovac na glave.
Železnica koja je napredovala neke je obogatila, dok je mnogima bila propast. Ovo je veran prikaz pakla u kom su se ljudi tada nalazili, bez zakona, morala i okruženi nasiljem. Ovo je surova životna priča o osobama koje su nekad davno zaista postojale.
Verujem da će se ovaj strip dopasti i onima koji nisu ljubitelji Divljeg Zapada. Ilustrator vešto oživljava predele, životinjski svet i narod iz tog doba. Ilustracije su vrhunske, od boja do crteža. Ja lično nisam ljubitelj filmova i knjiga vezano za ovo doba, ali mi se strip dobrim delom dopao. Bilo je interesantno sagledati neke detalje za koje ranije nisam znao. Takodje i sam kraj, kada se sklopilo primirje, a rezervati osnovani. Zato i vama predlažem da mu date šansu.
March 23, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review!
The best part of Wild West is its setting. I was so excited to read this graphic novel and be transported back in time to the Wild West. This graphic novel did not disappoint in that regard. With its depictions of saloons, railroad engines, and guns, I felt like I was living in another time. Another solid aspect of this book is the art, which is very realistic. I can tell that the artist must have spent a lot of time to perfect both the human figures and the backdrops of each scene. Unfortunately, I was turned off by the graphic depictions of rape, sex, and violence, which I have included in the Content Warnings (CW's) below. Maybe I should have expected that the real Wild West would include these things, but I was slightly shocked by how brutal it was for the female characters in the graphic novel. Overall, Wild West will definitely find its appreciative readers, but I am not one of them.
CW: Rape, nudity, violence.
The best part of Wild West is its setting. I was so excited to read this graphic novel and be transported back in time to the Wild West. This graphic novel did not disappoint in that regard. With its depictions of saloons, railroad engines, and guns, I felt like I was living in another time. Another solid aspect of this book is the art, which is very realistic. I can tell that the artist must have spent a lot of time to perfect both the human figures and the backdrops of each scene. Unfortunately, I was turned off by the graphic depictions of rape, sex, and violence, which I have included in the Content Warnings (CW's) below. Maybe I should have expected that the real Wild West would include these things, but I was slightly shocked by how brutal it was for the female characters in the graphic novel. Overall, Wild West will definitely find its appreciative readers, but I am not one of them.
CW: Rape, nudity, violence.
March 22, 2021
I have every intention of finding this in print and buying it for myself. This was excellent. Thank you to Netgalley, Europe Comics, the author and illustrator for the opportunity to check it out.
I'm a sucker for a good western, especially one with a compelling hero. This fit the bill.
The art in Wild West is beautiful, detailed and expressive, the warm color palette immediately pulls you into the setting. The characters faces are skillfully rendered, clearly expressing their emotions.
The story was great, presenting a kind of redemption/revenge arc of a sympathetic hero who caught some very bad breaks early on. There were some monstrous, brutal scenes (if this was a podcast, there would be a content warning at the start), but they never felt exploitative. You couldn't help but wince or shudder or get angry. And when the story wrapped up, you can't help but do a little mental cheer, because it was so satisfying to see the tables turn.
I feel really lucky to have been able to read this one, and now I want to find book 2!
I'm a sucker for a good western, especially one with a compelling hero. This fit the bill.
The art in Wild West is beautiful, detailed and expressive, the warm color palette immediately pulls you into the setting. The characters faces are skillfully rendered, clearly expressing their emotions.
The story was great, presenting a kind of redemption/revenge arc of a sympathetic hero who caught some very bad breaks early on. There were some monstrous, brutal scenes (if this was a podcast, there would be a content warning at the start), but they never felt exploitative. You couldn't help but wince or shudder or get angry. And when the story wrapped up, you can't help but do a little mental cheer, because it was so satisfying to see the tables turn.
I feel really lucky to have been able to read this one, and now I want to find book 2!
April 2, 2021
The artwork was good and the story was interesting but the violence was off putting especially the beatings and a rape scene. The book needs to have some kind of warning so that readers can avoid it if thye wish too.
The story is about Calamity Jane who was orginally called Martha Cannery. The artists are trying to show that Martha's experiences in a brothel are what hardened her to disguise herself as a man, join the army and eventually become Calamity Jane. The real story about Calamity Jane is very different.
In any case I just think if artists are going to depict rape scenes in their graphic novels warn the reader and also give an age guidance. Some young person might buy this thinking it is a good old cowboy story.
Needless to say I was underwhelmed.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley
The story is about Calamity Jane who was orginally called Martha Cannery. The artists are trying to show that Martha's experiences in a brothel are what hardened her to disguise herself as a man, join the army and eventually become Calamity Jane. The real story about Calamity Jane is very different.
In any case I just think if artists are going to depict rape scenes in their graphic novels warn the reader and also give an age guidance. Some young person might buy this thinking it is a good old cowboy story.
Needless to say I was underwhelmed.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley
March 13, 2024
Ça aurait nécessité un TW sur la couverture...
Je mets des étoiles pour les dessins magnifiques (ce qui m'a attirée vers ce livre dès le départ), mais je n'ai pas aimé comment cette histoire est racontée.
.
Spoiler:
L'histoire aurait pu mettre moins le focus sur les abus, l'exploitation des femmes et les violences sexuelles (aussi...explicitement) et on aurait aussi bien compris que le personnage a eu beaucoup de traumatismes à guérir et à surpasser. Même si cela a fait partie de sa vie et de son histoire et qu'on ne peut pas non plus l'ignorer, mais elle n'est pas sensée être définie par les horreurs qu'elle a subi...parce qu'honnêtement je ne trouve pas qu'on en apprend beaucoup sur sa personnalité et qui elle est réellement. Même que l'histoire tourne pas mal vers d'autres événements et personnages (rendue là, je n'en dis pas plus).
Je mets des étoiles pour les dessins magnifiques (ce qui m'a attirée vers ce livre dès le départ), mais je n'ai pas aimé comment cette histoire est racontée.
.
Spoiler:
L'histoire aurait pu mettre moins le focus sur les abus, l'exploitation des femmes et les violences sexuelles (aussi...explicitement) et on aurait aussi bien compris que le personnage a eu beaucoup de traumatismes à guérir et à surpasser. Même si cela a fait partie de sa vie et de son histoire et qu'on ne peut pas non plus l'ignorer, mais elle n'est pas sensée être définie par les horreurs qu'elle a subi...parce qu'honnêtement je ne trouve pas qu'on en apprend beaucoup sur sa personnalité et qui elle est réellement. Même que l'histoire tourne pas mal vers d'autres événements et personnages (rendue là, je n'en dis pas plus).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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