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Stern #1
Le croque-mort, le clochard et l'assassin
Voici le premier tome de Stern, un western décalé et savoureux !1880 au Kansas. Elijah Stern, croque-mort local, mène une existence calme et solitaire jusqu'au jour où on lui demande de pratiquer l'autopsie d'un homme trouvé mort dans un bordel. S'improvisant médecin légiste, il découvre que la mort n'est en rien naturelle et se trouve impliqué, malgré lui, dans une véritable enquête. Mais Stern n'imagine pas encore que les clés de cette affaire sont à chercher dans son propre passé... Une nouvelle série savoureuse qui sera constituée d'une suite de one shot.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2015
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 24, 2018
3.5 stars
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like the premise of this comic. The main character is no John Wayne or Ricky Nelson - he's a quiet, reserved undertaker and extremely complex individual shrouded in mystery.
This comic reminds me very much of the anime Cowboy Bebop - not only because of the style, but because regret and being stuck in the past play such a big role in enriching the narrative.
I enjoyed the style immensely. It's unlike anything I've seen before. Simple rounded lens shots like this make the style quite unique.
I really enjoyed the post-Civil War backdrop. A lot of characters share different perspectives - not only on the war, but on people, racism and anti-Semitism. All of this is done in a way that is more introspective and not at all in-your-face. However, the references to Victor Hugo, Poe and Moby Dick all seemed a bit forced. Maybe more unfamiliar books of the time would be appropriate? The authors use ideas from these authors to make points that have been used dozens of times in other books and movies.
The characters are very well-fleshed out. They have their own idiosyncrasies, unique dialogue and great character design.
I've yet to be blown away by this comic, but it has so much promise. I encourage the authors to keep going with this. I think something very special can come of it. I urge others to read this comic and give it a chance.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like the premise of this comic. The main character is no John Wayne or Ricky Nelson - he's a quiet, reserved undertaker and extremely complex individual shrouded in mystery.
This comic reminds me very much of the anime Cowboy Bebop - not only because of the style, but because regret and being stuck in the past play such a big role in enriching the narrative.
I enjoyed the style immensely. It's unlike anything I've seen before. Simple rounded lens shots like this make the style quite unique.
I really enjoyed the post-Civil War backdrop. A lot of characters share different perspectives - not only on the war, but on people, racism and anti-Semitism. All of this is done in a way that is more introspective and not at all in-your-face. However, the references to Victor Hugo, Poe and Moby Dick all seemed a bit forced. Maybe more unfamiliar books of the time would be appropriate? The authors use ideas from these authors to make points that have been used dozens of times in other books and movies.
The characters are very well-fleshed out. They have their own idiosyncrasies, unique dialogue and great character design.
I've yet to be blown away by this comic, but it has so much promise. I encourage the authors to keep going with this. I think something very special can come of it. I urge others to read this comic and give it a chance.
February 22, 2018
MINI-REVIEW
(I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
I'm quite new to graphic novels and this was quite an interesting one. It was a more or less simple murder mystery revolving around an unique main character. The Undertaker is a man people tend to overlook, a man people hardly register as a person who's more than the work he does. I liked how he reads books and has deep discussions about Shakespeare, poetry and more. The art was quite beautiful but the font used was a little hard to make out at times.
(I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
I'm quite new to graphic novels and this was quite an interesting one. It was a more or less simple murder mystery revolving around an unique main character. The Undertaker is a man people tend to overlook, a man people hardly register as a person who's more than the work he does. I liked how he reads books and has deep discussions about Shakespeare, poetry and more. The art was quite beautiful but the font used was a little hard to make out at times.
February 24, 2018
"The Undertaker, The Vagrant & The Assassin (Stern, #1)" by Frédéric Maffre with art by Julien Maffre is a Western story that had some interesting character twists during the course of the story.
The story begins with a bushwacker raid in Lawrence, Kansas in 1863 where we witness a small boy standing over the dead body of his mother. We then move to Morrison, Kansas and the present, 1882. Stern is an undertaker in a small town who wears black and reads literature. He goes to the local madam's house to retrieve a body. The widow asks Stern to do an autopsy to give her teetotaling crusade proof of the ravages of alcohol. What he finds instead sets off a series of investigations into this death.
There is a vagrant who moves in with Stern who is more than he seems. There are a few characters that seem to be stereotypes or caricatures, but end up having more depth than I expected.
This is well written and I liked the art. I liked the grim mood of the story and the main character. I would read more of this series if it were available.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The story begins with a bushwacker raid in Lawrence, Kansas in 1863 where we witness a small boy standing over the dead body of his mother. We then move to Morrison, Kansas and the present, 1882. Stern is an undertaker in a small town who wears black and reads literature. He goes to the local madam's house to retrieve a body. The widow asks Stern to do an autopsy to give her teetotaling crusade proof of the ravages of alcohol. What he finds instead sets off a series of investigations into this death.
There is a vagrant who moves in with Stern who is more than he seems. There are a few characters that seem to be stereotypes or caricatures, but end up having more depth than I expected.
This is well written and I liked the art. I liked the grim mood of the story and the main character. I would read more of this series if it were available.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
February 7, 2018
A well written graphic novel, with great artwork and an excellent story set in the wild west.
Stern is the town undertaker. He has no friends, family or associates and exists on the margins of life in his town. He maintains the grave yard, holds funerals and reads his books. His life takes an interesting turn when he is asked to perform an autopsy on a man who dropped dead in the local brothel. Stern does the autopsy only to find out that the deceased man was actually murdered.
When a young girl from the local brothel is arrested, Stern decides to get to the truth but the town is one of dark secrets, dark history, historical resentment and ingrained injustice.
As Stern seeks the truth his actions draw him into the centre of town life, but they also mean that he may stay on the margins for good.
This is a gritty and engrossing graphic novel set in the wild west. The civil war had been fought and some families still feel repercussion. The town has a history of death and darkness but is Stern able to wade through it and solve the crime?
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exhange for an unbiased review.
Stern is the town undertaker. He has no friends, family or associates and exists on the margins of life in his town. He maintains the grave yard, holds funerals and reads his books. His life takes an interesting turn when he is asked to perform an autopsy on a man who dropped dead in the local brothel. Stern does the autopsy only to find out that the deceased man was actually murdered.
When a young girl from the local brothel is arrested, Stern decides to get to the truth but the town is one of dark secrets, dark history, historical resentment and ingrained injustice.
As Stern seeks the truth his actions draw him into the centre of town life, but they also mean that he may stay on the margins for good.
This is a gritty and engrossing graphic novel set in the wild west. The civil war had been fought and some families still feel repercussion. The town has a history of death and darkness but is Stern able to wade through it and solve the crime?
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exhange for an unbiased review.
February 13, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting comic about the wild west. There were a few golden moments in it but I found a majority of the graphic novel was just okay. At times the font used was difficult to read on the screen but on the whole the presentation of the comic was good.
An interesting comic about the wild west. There were a few golden moments in it but I found a majority of the graphic novel was just okay. At times the font used was difficult to read on the screen but on the whole the presentation of the comic was good.
February 7, 2018
I was accepted to read Stern Vol 1 by Europe Comics via NetGalley (So thank you to them!) and as much as I love graphic novels, I have stopped allowing myself to expect anything much different from one I've read previously (excluding Saga, don't worry) and rather this helped in Stern's favour or we have just a pure awesome story here that took medal all on its own.
Stern was written by Frederick Maffre and illustrated by Julien Maffre, and was released September 2017. The graphic novel is a western set in the 1800's about Elijah, a calm and quiet undertaker whose simple job of burying corpses puts him at the investigative head of a murder.
We have all the loved traits of a western setting that so many of us love in western cinema and other novels, everything from saloons and their whiskey coated drunks to prostitutes and an ignorant sheriff whose jail consists of his desk and two small cell's. What really sets of these locations and environments is Julien's illustrations; there is a subtle masterpiece to nearly every square of art, but my favourite's are the long and establishing shots of places like Elijah's small cabin hut house next to the cemetery. Whether the sun is rising or rain is falling, I could feel the cold or the warmth and hear the quiet patter of the rain at the back's of my ears. This comic is very fantastic to look at.
Story wise, I was at first worried it would be a little predictable, but Frederick easily took something over done and moulded it into his own child. I think this comic is almost like a black sheep of it's own genre, because it's subtle and quiet but holds a very, very big punch swung from it's great character work. The character of Elijah is very important, not just because he stands as the main character with the story moving around him rather than about him, he is like a misshapen puzzle piece that doesn't fit the puzzle but the box shows clearly he is the last and most important piece. Like I said before, there is a sheriff, prostitutes, a grumpy and strict madam who runs the brothel and even a piano in the saloon; Elijah is odd, from his clothes and hair, to his personality and lack of garishness. The best way to describe Elijah is to get you to imagine a sober, younger version of Edgar Allan Poe, at least that's what I thought of! 😱
It may not have had me gasping at the reveal of some of the reasons for certain events, but I definitely did when I realised I had finished it and now I need Vol 2!
If you like westerns, cinematic comic artistry or a gritty story of great true to themselves characters, definitely pick up Stern Vol 1: The Undertaker, The Vagrant & The Assassin!
Stern was written by Frederick Maffre and illustrated by Julien Maffre, and was released September 2017. The graphic novel is a western set in the 1800's about Elijah, a calm and quiet undertaker whose simple job of burying corpses puts him at the investigative head of a murder.
We have all the loved traits of a western setting that so many of us love in western cinema and other novels, everything from saloons and their whiskey coated drunks to prostitutes and an ignorant sheriff whose jail consists of his desk and two small cell's. What really sets of these locations and environments is Julien's illustrations; there is a subtle masterpiece to nearly every square of art, but my favourite's are the long and establishing shots of places like Elijah's small cabin hut house next to the cemetery. Whether the sun is rising or rain is falling, I could feel the cold or the warmth and hear the quiet patter of the rain at the back's of my ears. This comic is very fantastic to look at.
Story wise, I was at first worried it would be a little predictable, but Frederick easily took something over done and moulded it into his own child. I think this comic is almost like a black sheep of it's own genre, because it's subtle and quiet but holds a very, very big punch swung from it's great character work. The character of Elijah is very important, not just because he stands as the main character with the story moving around him rather than about him, he is like a misshapen puzzle piece that doesn't fit the puzzle but the box shows clearly he is the last and most important piece. Like I said before, there is a sheriff, prostitutes, a grumpy and strict madam who runs the brothel and even a piano in the saloon; Elijah is odd, from his clothes and hair, to his personality and lack of garishness. The best way to describe Elijah is to get you to imagine a sober, younger version of Edgar Allan Poe, at least that's what I thought of! 😱
It may not have had me gasping at the reveal of some of the reasons for certain events, but I definitely did when I realised I had finished it and now I need Vol 2!
If you like westerns, cinematic comic artistry or a gritty story of great true to themselves characters, definitely pick up Stern Vol 1: The Undertaker, The Vagrant & The Assassin!
February 11, 2018
An Interesting, Well-Written, Character Driven Story
When it comes to graphic novels sometimes you forget that it's not all about superheroes, aliens, monsters, and the occult. Here, we get a Western murder tale with a mysterious central character, a twisty plot, and loads of atmosphere, mostly of the dust and grit sort.
The drawing is understated, with detailed pen and ink and lots of soft washes. Backgrounds have gotten a lot of attention so the scenes seem to be bigger and grander than you might expect for a "small" and character and detail driven story. The effect is cinematic and the book feels almost like a shot by shot storyboard for a film treatment. That was fine by me because the tale has that kind of focus, pacing, and careful development.
Our hero, Stern, is the town undertaker, and a loner and outsider by choice. When he is pressed into service to perform an autopsy he learns that the death of an aged alcoholic was not death from natural causes but murder. Well, what's such an outsider/loner to do but dig into and uncover all of his town's nasty little secrets. And it turns out that there are plenty of suspects, motives, and angles to go around.
I like a Western that feels legit. This is dry, dusty Kansas in 1880, not some Rhinestone Cowboy fantasy of rootin' tootin' and shootin'. Our solitary noir detective with a shovel and no snappy patter is ironic and weary and stubborn and dogged, in a good old-school way. Plenty of interesting characters with surprising sides to their personalities keep the plot wheels spinning.
So, this has all the ingredients for a good tale, it is well served by its graphic treatment, and it was an enjoyable read. A nice find.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
When it comes to graphic novels sometimes you forget that it's not all about superheroes, aliens, monsters, and the occult. Here, we get a Western murder tale with a mysterious central character, a twisty plot, and loads of atmosphere, mostly of the dust and grit sort.
The drawing is understated, with detailed pen and ink and lots of soft washes. Backgrounds have gotten a lot of attention so the scenes seem to be bigger and grander than you might expect for a "small" and character and detail driven story. The effect is cinematic and the book feels almost like a shot by shot storyboard for a film treatment. That was fine by me because the tale has that kind of focus, pacing, and careful development.
Our hero, Stern, is the town undertaker, and a loner and outsider by choice. When he is pressed into service to perform an autopsy he learns that the death of an aged alcoholic was not death from natural causes but murder. Well, what's such an outsider/loner to do but dig into and uncover all of his town's nasty little secrets. And it turns out that there are plenty of suspects, motives, and angles to go around.
I like a Western that feels legit. This is dry, dusty Kansas in 1880, not some Rhinestone Cowboy fantasy of rootin' tootin' and shootin'. Our solitary noir detective with a shovel and no snappy patter is ironic and weary and stubborn and dogged, in a good old-school way. Plenty of interesting characters with surprising sides to their personalities keep the plot wheels spinning.
So, this has all the ingredients for a good tale, it is well served by its graphic treatment, and it was an enjoyable read. A nice find.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 14, 2018
I really liked this one. Honestly, I've never been a fan of westerns but I do love mysteries and suspense. While this didn't feel like a suspense, there definitely was intrigue and some mystery. I loved the art style and thought it matched the story really well. Both are sort of quirky and I really enjoyed that. Obviously with it being a murder mystery, there is violence in here but, even though it's a graphic novel, the violence wasn't that graphic. If you're really quite squeamish it might bother you since he does dissect a body but it only shows organs and they are, afterall, illustrations and not super lifelike. Other than that, this is pretty clean. There's a scene inside of a brothel but it shows a dead body, not any sexual acts. There is also some drug and alcohol use but both are portrayed in a pretty negative light. Definitely this is for teens at the youngest and probably middle to older teens at that. Overall, I'll be following this series in the future and would definitely recommend it to those who aren't squeamish and want a good mystery.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2020
Trop bien cet western !
November 11, 2015
De sfeervolle tekeningen en inkleuring van Julien Maffre zorgden ervoor dat ik deze western kocht. Het is geen avonturenstrip à la het recente 'The Undertaker', eerder een verhaal dat zich in Deadwood had kunnen afspelen, waarbij er meer ruimte en tijd is om alles wat te doen chambreren. De broers Maffre hebben een zeer degelijke strip afgeleverd met personages die goed uitgewerkt zijn. Het einde is niet 'waw', redelijk voorspelbaar. Toch zal ik het volgende album aanschaffen want ik ben zeer benieuwd wat de toekomst biedt voor de personages in deze reeks van op zichzelf staande verhalen.
September 29, 2022
Una historia muy bien narrada y aún mejor dibujada. Con un personaje central, el sepulturero, que atraviesa todas las viñetas desplegando un gran carisma y con unos secundarios muy sólidos. Bien engarzada con la atmósfera de la época. Una lástima que Norma optara por discontinuar la serie, porque entre el Undertaker de Dorison y este, me quedo con este.
February 22, 2018
I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.
Originally written in French, The Undertaker, The Vagrant & The Assassin takes on a small town with a murder problem. The sombre story unwraps itself through the eyes of a lonely undertaker. It is he who we follow through the heartbreak of war, loss and prejudice. He's an advocate for truth. Due to the time period, racism is present throughout the graphic novel and it would be wise going into this with that in mind.
Surprisingly, the main character suffers from the 'people are dying but I have it worse' syndrome'. Nothing bad ever truly happens to him. He's plagued with emotional guilt and languishes in it while others get murdered. For someone who's trying to figure out who the murderer is, the undertaker is always a little too slow and a little too eager to walk away. His true aim appears to be to absolve himself of guilt without truly having any empathy for those with whom he tries to find resolution with.
SPOILER/ Maffre manifests his character's guilt in the form of a child victim whom he wasn't able to help. In a cheap shot, the author makes the victim a one-time murderer of vengeance and the undertaker takes his way out in a heartbeat. He walks away without any guilt whatsoever. There is no mention that it is the undertaker's fault that the victim turned out the way he did. For a character who is supposed to be brooding and thoughtful, this damages the reliability of the writing. /SPOILER
The dour atmosphere is captured quite well with Maffre's art style. The scenes are full of sharp lines and dreary colours which heighten the depressing mood. However, Maffre does appear to struggle with drawing unique women as it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. He is able to draw men quite well. Overall, the art style will not be for everyone but it effectively gets the story across.
Originally written in French, The Undertaker, The Vagrant & The Assassin takes on a small town with a murder problem. The sombre story unwraps itself through the eyes of a lonely undertaker. It is he who we follow through the heartbreak of war, loss and prejudice. He's an advocate for truth. Due to the time period, racism is present throughout the graphic novel and it would be wise going into this with that in mind.
Surprisingly, the main character suffers from the 'people are dying but I have it worse' syndrome'. Nothing bad ever truly happens to him. He's plagued with emotional guilt and languishes in it while others get murdered. For someone who's trying to figure out who the murderer is, the undertaker is always a little too slow and a little too eager to walk away. His true aim appears to be to absolve himself of guilt without truly having any empathy for those with whom he tries to find resolution with.
SPOILER/ Maffre manifests his character's guilt in the form of a child victim whom he wasn't able to help. In a cheap shot, the author makes the victim a one-time murderer of vengeance and the undertaker takes his way out in a heartbeat. He walks away without any guilt whatsoever. There is no mention that it is the undertaker's fault that the victim turned out the way he did. For a character who is supposed to be brooding and thoughtful, this damages the reliability of the writing. /SPOILER
The dour atmosphere is captured quite well with Maffre's art style. The scenes are full of sharp lines and dreary colours which heighten the depressing mood. However, Maffre does appear to struggle with drawing unique women as it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. He is able to draw men quite well. Overall, the art style will not be for everyone but it effectively gets the story across.
February 6, 2018
Set in 1882 in the little town of Morrison, Kansas, Elijah Stern is the town's undertaker who enjoys a solitary life. One day, this well-read man who also dabbles in forensic pathology was asked to perform an autopsy on Charles Bening. His findings led him to believe that Charles did not die from natural causes but was murdered instead. Another body showed up a few days later and again evidence pointed to a murder. Not only that these murders may be connected, they may also share a connection to Stern's past.
A good plot albeit slow-paced. But the good story build-up is worthy of your patience! There was definitely a mystery element in the story but not too much. Generally clean language used and I appreciate that. Characters are developed quite well and there is connection with Stern's character. The illustrations are actually quite good where the right colors and characters' expressions definitely set the mood for this story and complement the smooth flow of the story.
Overall, this is quite an enjoyable read. I am not a Western story fan but I would definitely read the next volume as the plot was intriguing for this first volume.
*** Sincere gratitude to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review ***
A good plot albeit slow-paced. But the good story build-up is worthy of your patience! There was definitely a mystery element in the story but not too much. Generally clean language used and I appreciate that. Characters are developed quite well and there is connection with Stern's character. The illustrations are actually quite good where the right colors and characters' expressions definitely set the mood for this story and complement the smooth flow of the story.
Overall, this is quite an enjoyable read. I am not a Western story fan but I would definitely read the next volume as the plot was intriguing for this first volume.
*** Sincere gratitude to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review ***
February 13, 2018
I was provided a free copy of this novel from NetGalley.com for an honest review.
This is a great graphic novel, albeit slow paced. It isn't plodding or lazy but instead the text meanders from one frame to the next. Much how I would think a cowboy of the old west would mosey. I don't know if that is a stylistic choice by the authors, or just how the authors write, but it is effective.
I think there is a great need for graphic novels set in the old west. It was an interesting era and it is rife with historical misinterpretation. Really, the past is interesting and exciting enough without having to dress it up in silver spurs and the OK coral. The authors really did justice to the time frame. Plus the lead character is likable without being annoying, and flawed enough to seem realistic. All and all a great read and I am looking forward to reading more from this author duo.
This is a great graphic novel, albeit slow paced. It isn't plodding or lazy but instead the text meanders from one frame to the next. Much how I would think a cowboy of the old west would mosey. I don't know if that is a stylistic choice by the authors, or just how the authors write, but it is effective.
I think there is a great need for graphic novels set in the old west. It was an interesting era and it is rife with historical misinterpretation. Really, the past is interesting and exciting enough without having to dress it up in silver spurs and the OK coral. The authors really did justice to the time frame. Plus the lead character is likable without being annoying, and flawed enough to seem realistic. All and all a great read and I am looking forward to reading more from this author duo.
June 6, 2019
Very enjoyable old west murder mystery with very nice artwork.
Stern is the town undertaker and basically likes to keep to himself. Then one day a town drunk dies while visiting the local whorehouse. His wife, leader of the local temperance movement offers Stern $50 (two and a half month's pay) to cut out his stomach, liver and heart so she can display them, to show other drunks what alcohol does to a body.
It's during this illegal autopsy that Stern realizes the man was actually suffocated, and there's a murderer on the loose. An African-American prostitute who is addicted to Laudanum is blamed for the crime, but Stern doesn't buy it, and sets out to investigate... but bodies start to pile up and Stern doesn't know who to trust.
I think I will definitely be looking for others in this series. A good read.
Stern is the town undertaker and basically likes to keep to himself. Then one day a town drunk dies while visiting the local whorehouse. His wife, leader of the local temperance movement offers Stern $50 (two and a half month's pay) to cut out his stomach, liver and heart so she can display them, to show other drunks what alcohol does to a body.
It's during this illegal autopsy that Stern realizes the man was actually suffocated, and there's a murderer on the loose. An African-American prostitute who is addicted to Laudanum is blamed for the crime, but Stern doesn't buy it, and sets out to investigate... but bodies start to pile up and Stern doesn't know who to trust.
I think I will definitely be looking for others in this series. A good read.
November 18, 2022
Going into this book with 0 expectations, it just took me by surprise. It is so well done with a simple, yet compelling plot that is narrated more in terms of the characters, their behaviour, their lives and pasts.
You cannot not notice the quite setting in a remote town with a little population and the contractual undertaker with a nick for reading books, who under a weird circumstances gets involved into a murder investigation in this album.
The dialogues are plain, transparent and delivers what it should. The artwork is cartoonish, yet suits well into the story and setting. At time brutal, at times comical, exploring the human emotions and characters in a good level, yet uncompromising with the storytelling, this is great book.
Highly recommended!!
You cannot not notice the quite setting in a remote town with a little population and the contractual undertaker with a nick for reading books, who under a weird circumstances gets involved into a murder investigation in this album.
The dialogues are plain, transparent and delivers what it should. The artwork is cartoonish, yet suits well into the story and setting. At time brutal, at times comical, exploring the human emotions and characters in a good level, yet uncompromising with the storytelling, this is great book.
Highly recommended!!
June 19, 2025
Cenaze levazımatçısı, serseri ve suikastçı... Kısaca Elijah Stern.
1880'de Kansas'ta yerel bir cenaze levazımatçısı olan Elijah Stern, bir genelevde ölen adamın karısı tarafından otopsi yapması istenene kadar sessiz ve -görece- huzurlu bir hayat sürmektedir.
Okuyan, çok okuyan, her bulduğu kitabı okuyan biri olan Stern, adli tabip olmadığı halde, ölümün doğal olmaktan çok uzak olduğunu keşfeder ve kendini, istemeden de olsa, gerçek bir polisiye soruşturmanın içinde bulur.
Ancak Stern, bu davanın anahtarlarının kendi geçmişinde yattığını hayal bile edemeyecektir.
Maffre'nin ayrıntılara önem veren çizgisi ve hikayede çok derinlikli şekilde işlenen karakterler birleşince heyecanlı ve aksiyona göz kırpan bir çizgi roman çıkmış ortaya.
1880'de Kansas'ta yerel bir cenaze levazımatçısı olan Elijah Stern, bir genelevde ölen adamın karısı tarafından otopsi yapması istenene kadar sessiz ve -görece- huzurlu bir hayat sürmektedir.
Okuyan, çok okuyan, her bulduğu kitabı okuyan biri olan Stern, adli tabip olmadığı halde, ölümün doğal olmaktan çok uzak olduğunu keşfeder ve kendini, istemeden de olsa, gerçek bir polisiye soruşturmanın içinde bulur.
Ancak Stern, bu davanın anahtarlarının kendi geçmişinde yattığını hayal bile edemeyecektir.
Maffre'nin ayrıntılara önem veren çizgisi ve hikayede çok derinlikli şekilde işlenen karakterler birleşince heyecanlı ve aksiyona göz kırpan bir çizgi roman çıkmış ortaya.
June 3, 2017
Ik ben een redelijke Western-fan, dus je moet al van goede huize komen om mij te overtuigen. Deze strip begon onder een slecht gesternte (pun not intended): vrijwel tegelijk verscheen een andere (Western-)strip over een doodgraver. Een ongelukkig toeval, en bovendien een onterechte vergelijking.
Deze kan meedraaien met de top. Er zijn nog schoonheidsfoutjes (iets teveel toevalligheden die helpen bij de oplossing), maar die vergeef ik de makers van harte dankzij de kwaliteit van de rest.
Ik had nog nooit van de broers Maffre gehoord, en nu ben ik benieuwd naar wat ze in de toekomst gaan voorschotelen.
Deze kan meedraaien met de top. Er zijn nog schoonheidsfoutjes (iets teveel toevalligheden die helpen bij de oplossing), maar die vergeef ik de makers van harte dankzij de kwaliteit van de rest.
Ik had nog nooit van de broers Maffre gehoord, en nu ben ik benieuwd naar wat ze in de toekomst gaan voorschotelen.
June 9, 2023
I quite liked this tale from the Old West about an undertaker in a frontier town in Kansas who no one really talks to. He becomes more involved with the town members when he autopsies the recent death of a drunk. I like how he is a voracious reader living more or less in a shack by the cemetery, making a new friend along the way. I also enjoy how it is a self-contained story instead of being split in half like most European comics. I'll be seeking out additional stories of Stern from the Maffre brothers.
February 4, 2018
Un récit enjoué, bien dessiné, avec un fil conducteur qui marche. On accroche aux personnages, leur histoire et leur singularité. Peut être un peu "lisse" comme script/dessin, mais au final une belle découverte au hasard d'un rayon de bibliothèque.
February 7, 2018
I suppose this book is somewhere north of the average three stars - certainly it is when judged on the artwork - but I was a little disappointed that it boiled down to the American Civil War. Other than that it was a fairly intriguing cycle of death and revenge.
January 29, 2019
Source: Netgalley
This was quite fun! The plot wasn't easy to predict and the characters, although a bit bland, were still interesting. Now, I want to read more about Elijah and his family.
This was quite fun! The plot wasn't easy to predict and the characters, although a bit bland, were still interesting. Now, I want to read more about Elijah and his family.
June 1, 2019
Un peu de polar sur fond de western, un mort puis deux puis trois et voilà Stern le croque-mort bien occupé. L'intrigue est bien menée, l'histoire bien ficelée. Les personnages, celui bien sûr de Stern mais aussi Larry ou Madame Bening sont fascinants, intéressants, innovants. Le trait est clair, les décors bien amenés, les couleurs aux dominantes sable rappellent la chaleur, le désert. Franchement une belle histoire et un bon moment à passer avec un compagnon qui n'inspire pas forcément confiance ou camaraderie, parce que bon, un croque mort, quoi. Mais il cite Shakespeare, s'intéresse a Moby Dick et tente sa chance en l'art de l'autopsie tout en affirmant son flair de détective ... Un jack of all trades à rencontrer avec plaisir.
November 21, 2019
Great story with some wonderful, expressive artwork.
February 26, 2020
Duhovito, zanimljivo nacrtano... Topla preporuka.
October 6, 2020
Chouette lecture. N'aimant ni le polar ni le western, je n'en garderai pas un grand souvenir mais c'est très agréable à lire avec une bonne narration.
December 9, 2024
Premier tome très intéressant, j'aime vraiment cette série !
January 9, 2025
Need more of stern brilliant artwork and narration
March 26, 2025
Prêt Jean-louis
February 22, 2017
Très bon western avec comme anti-héros un croque-mort chétif. Ce polar d’enquête se déroule au Kansas en 1882 et a pour fond la Guerre de Sécession. Je craignais de trouver plusieurs ressemblances avec la série Undertaker qui est sortie l’an dernier, mais les comparaisons s’arrêtent au métier du personnage principal. Les dessins sont vraiment superbes et les décors sont très bien rendus.
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