For the first time, the original pages and color indications of the mythical Buck Danny against Lady X are reproduced in facsimiles, in the original format!
Buck Danny against Lady X was pre-published in Spirou from February to August 1956 and appeared as an album in 1958. This is the first meeting between the athletic aviator and Lady X who will become his favourite adversary!
- Dupuis, June 02 2023
- ISBN 979-1-03477-011-3
- 608mm x 458mm (18″ x 24″), 104 pages, hardcover
- 250,00€
- Order online: Amazon
As with all AE format material (Artist’s Editions, Artifact Editions, Gallery Editions, Art Editions, Studio Editions, etc.), this is a collection of classic comic material and I’ll be reviewing the book and not the story. For a complete list of all current and announced editions, with review links, please visit our Index. Also, see What is an Artist’s Edition and our Artist Index. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
The complete story of Buck Danny Against Lady X, with all the original art and colour guides except for the last page. This is the largest bande dessinée AE format book I have at 18″ x 24″, and it’s a thing of beauty. The book consists of original art scans on the right page and immediately on its back is the colour guide for that page. We’re even treated to the album cover original art. The art was completed in two pieces for Spirou and then taped together for the album.
I don’t quite understand the colour guide on the back of the original, other than to reproduce the feel of the originals. Since they’re painted guides, it’s mostly blobs of colour. Are we supposed to hold the page to a light and see the colour come through the back? On one hand they’re presenting all the original material available for a more complete package, but it feels a bit like padding out the pages.
The scans are all exceptional: no visual issues whatsoever. The paper has aged well, most pages a light tan. The blacks show gradients. No pencils, very little blue pencil and the occasional margin note for production. Light use of correction fluid. Overall, very clean pages.
The design is clean and elegant. Front and back cover are enlargements of Lady X and Buck Danny, with the book’s information along the cloth spine, but printed to be clear and legible. The interior design follows the template from previous Dupuis Artiste Éditions: simplified repeating pattern for endpapers, and introductory essay with enlargements and historical material, then the full story and the colophon to close. They’re not afraid of white space and use it well. And those panel enlargements! Check out that image at the top: one panel enlarged and spread over two gigantic pages with no ill effects.
Production is excellent: a medium matte paper with slight gloss in a sewn binding. The paper weight is a bit light for my taste and for this price range, perhaps 100 gsm. Because of the page size the book lies flat when the center is smoothed, except for where the signatures are glued. The book comes in a cardboard case with a sticker showing the book cover, title, and numbered edition.
