This week I have decided to read a piece from Jean Moebius, Blueberry “General Golden Mane.” This story had some really strong tension between characters that encouraged me to want more. At some points i’m trying to decide whether to have hope for the Natives or the new Americans to win.
Generally I wish for the Natives to keep there land for the reasons shown in this story.
We see how Golden Mane has no interest in the Native lives as well as his own. He plays off as a hero of some sort but truly he’s nothing more than a coward that’s afraid to lose to Blueberry. It’s funny to see how far he goes to get rid of Blueberry. After demoting him he even suggests killing him. The general wouldn’t even be alive if Blueberry hadn’t saved him. I guess the entire plot was based around the one moment were Blueberry could have either saved him, like he had regretfully done, or left him in the water to be scalped by the Natives. He instantly knew that he his decision was wrong but being the true hero it’s in his nature to save everyone.
Blueberry is the clear symbol of a hero. After saving the general and being demoted he still takes charge to win the battle and most of all, protect his troops. While he’s sent out to be slaughtered by the Natives he still works with what he has to succeed. Another admirable moment, the most admirable, is we Blueberry had argued with the general to leave the innocent women and children unharmed. Of course, rather than doing what is right, the general decides to send Blueberry to fight warriors while he pillages the easy targeted civilians.
In terms of art I am interested in the color choices that Moebius switches between. The story is drawn in black and white except for the characters. Beginning the story the characters are saturated with multiple colors. Then from scene to scene we see different schemes that help create the mood. Battles become shades of red and scenes of death become shades of cold blue. I found the intro most interesting for having the multicolored palette that represents what they were before the battles and death.
Moebius has done a great job building a climax, filled with tension between enemies. Through character development and foreshadows we learn how the true heroes are the ones that make mistakes but always defend their honor.
No comments:
Post a Comment