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Le Grand Duc #1-3
Książę Nocy
Segunda Guerra Mundial, frente del Este. Wulf, piloto de la Luftwaffe, y Lilya, del escuadrón de pilotos rusas “Las brujas de la noche”, miden sus fuerzas en increíbles combates aéreos. Aunque él no está demasiado convencido de servir al Führer y ella tiene que demostrar a cada minuto que una mujer puede pilotar igual que un hombre, el resultado de sus encuentros puede ser decisivo para la victoria de un bando u otro. Sin embargo, cuando se encuentren a ras de suelo, las cosas no serán tan sencillas.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Yann
523 books38 followersPseudonym of Yann le Pennetier or Lepennetier, who also publishes as Balac, is a French comics writer.
[FR]
Après ses débuts dans la publicité et l’architecture, ce Marseillais s’est lancé dans la bande dessinée en 1974 en dessinant pour Spirou à Bruxelles où il habite désormais.
Remercié par le journal pour dessins irrévérencieux, il avait noué des liens forts de franche camaraderie avec Conrad avec qui il a notamment réalisé les Innommables en 1980 et lancé la Tigresse blanche en 2005.
Ses premiers scénarios l’avaient conduit dans l’univers de Franquin avec le Marsupilami en 1989 et de Goscinny avec Lucky Luke sans oublier son one-shot sur une aventure de de Spirou. Il écrit depuis pour de nombreux dessinateurs comme Berthet (Pin Up, Yoni, les exploits de Poison Ivy), Simon Léturgie (Spoon White), Félix Meynet (les Eternels) avec ou encore Herval (Tiffany), René Hausman (Les Trois cheveux blancs, Le Prince des écureuils), Yslaire (Sambre), Joël Parnotte (Le Sang des Porphyre)...
[FR]
Après ses débuts dans la publicité et l’architecture, ce Marseillais s’est lancé dans la bande dessinée en 1974 en dessinant pour Spirou à Bruxelles où il habite désormais.
Remercié par le journal pour dessins irrévérencieux, il avait noué des liens forts de franche camaraderie avec Conrad avec qui il a notamment réalisé les Innommables en 1980 et lancé la Tigresse blanche en 2005.
Ses premiers scénarios l’avaient conduit dans l’univers de Franquin avec le Marsupilami en 1989 et de Goscinny avec Lucky Luke sans oublier son one-shot sur une aventure de de Spirou. Il écrit depuis pour de nombreux dessinateurs comme Berthet (Pin Up, Yoni, les exploits de Poison Ivy), Simon Léturgie (Spoon White), Félix Meynet (les Eternels) avec ou encore Herval (Tiffany), René Hausman (Les Trois cheveux blancs, Le Prince des écureuils), Yslaire (Sambre), Joël Parnotte (Le Sang des Porphyre)...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2014
This graphic novel is described on it's back cover as "a Romeo and Juliet story set against World War Two aerial dogfights." This makes it an unusual review for me because I don't really do "Romeo and Juliet" stories or read many graphic novels for that matter. But this one dropped into my lap and instantly my curiosity was aroused. I enjoyed collecting and reading war comics as a kid and I do enjoy a good aerial dogfight, so I was sure that I'd find something to enjoy. And I did.
It's got what I think is a fairly good story encased in truly stunning artwork. It's also written quite well, being originally published in French with an English version released in 2012. The translation quality is good and the text flows well, making it a breeze to read. Reading this was an enjoyable experience, a solid quality to the hardcover version that I read with excellent print quality and definition. It's also available in digital format and I imagine that it would be fine to read on a display of sufficient quality and size.
It must be said right from the start that the crowning glory of this book is the artwork. Romain Hugault's skillful depictions of the aircraft, action and landscapes are so superb that I found myself not caring quite as much about the story, I was enjoying being so thoroughly pulled in by the illustrations. I've seen other books illustrated by Hugault as well, and I'm blown away by the detail and realism in his art. Many of his drawings look like they are shots from actual movies and, in the case of this book, I felt like I was really experiencing the action. The son of a French Air Force officer, Hugault has been a licensed pilot since the age of seventeen and has done many aviation reference book illustrations. He's clearly got aviation in his blood. That said, the story is just fine but the artwork really does stand above.
In a solid yet slightly predictable WWII fighter pilot tale, there are featured two main characters, one a German man and the other a Soviet woman (both of whom are rather attractive...of course). Wülf is a disillusioned young Luftwaffe pilot who despises the Third Reich and questions his role in a seemingly pointless war. He fights purely for the love of his country and his family. The other main player, Lilya, is a fierce patriotic pin-up for the Soviets who are desperately battling to hold off the invading Germans. Lilya began her combat flying career as a member of the famous "Nachthexen" (Night Witches), brave women who flew simple biplane aircraft on harassment and precision bombing missions against German positions. Both are dedicated warriors and when they inevitably cross paths (or flight paths) things are not altogether straight forward.
It took me a little while to solve the meaning of the title The Grand Duke. It's a little cryptic, but refers to both to Wülf's Heinkel He 219 Uhu (Eagle-Owl) aircraft, and more importantly, to the Eurasian Horned Eagle-Owl (also known as the Grand Duke Owl in Europe) which features as a significant symbol in the story. This is a great touch and very well thought out.
Intended for an adult audience, there's no shortage of action, some of it quite graphic (literally...LOL) with lots of stuff being blown up, shot up and shot down. In a few places there is some nudity and soft sex, but this doesn't dominate and they form necessary parts of the overall story. The characterization is right on for the story, both central heroes are generally likeable and realistic although are a tad morally corrupt, which is probably understandable given their respective circumstances. There's a fine mix of good guys and bad guys on both sides along with the obligatory scoundrels and bastards. The subject matter appears to be very well researched and is reasonably historically accurate from what I can tell.
To summarize, this is a satisfying graphic novel with an interesting story, top-notch presentation and good entertainment value. It would probably be enjoyed by anybody with an interest in WWII, aviation and/or military history. Even if the narrative was abysmal, I reckon that I'd still have finished it because the incredible art alone was enough to keep me interested.
It's got what I think is a fairly good story encased in truly stunning artwork. It's also written quite well, being originally published in French with an English version released in 2012. The translation quality is good and the text flows well, making it a breeze to read. Reading this was an enjoyable experience, a solid quality to the hardcover version that I read with excellent print quality and definition. It's also available in digital format and I imagine that it would be fine to read on a display of sufficient quality and size.
It must be said right from the start that the crowning glory of this book is the artwork. Romain Hugault's skillful depictions of the aircraft, action and landscapes are so superb that I found myself not caring quite as much about the story, I was enjoying being so thoroughly pulled in by the illustrations. I've seen other books illustrated by Hugault as well, and I'm blown away by the detail and realism in his art. Many of his drawings look like they are shots from actual movies and, in the case of this book, I felt like I was really experiencing the action. The son of a French Air Force officer, Hugault has been a licensed pilot since the age of seventeen and has done many aviation reference book illustrations. He's clearly got aviation in his blood. That said, the story is just fine but the artwork really does stand above.
In a solid yet slightly predictable WWII fighter pilot tale, there are featured two main characters, one a German man and the other a Soviet woman (both of whom are rather attractive...of course). Wülf is a disillusioned young Luftwaffe pilot who despises the Third Reich and questions his role in a seemingly pointless war. He fights purely for the love of his country and his family. The other main player, Lilya, is a fierce patriotic pin-up for the Soviets who are desperately battling to hold off the invading Germans. Lilya began her combat flying career as a member of the famous "Nachthexen" (Night Witches), brave women who flew simple biplane aircraft on harassment and precision bombing missions against German positions. Both are dedicated warriors and when they inevitably cross paths (or flight paths) things are not altogether straight forward.
It took me a little while to solve the meaning of the title The Grand Duke. It's a little cryptic, but refers to both to Wülf's Heinkel He 219 Uhu (Eagle-Owl) aircraft, and more importantly, to the Eurasian Horned Eagle-Owl (also known as the Grand Duke Owl in Europe) which features as a significant symbol in the story. This is a great touch and very well thought out.
Intended for an adult audience, there's no shortage of action, some of it quite graphic (literally...LOL) with lots of stuff being blown up, shot up and shot down. In a few places there is some nudity and soft sex, but this doesn't dominate and they form necessary parts of the overall story. The characterization is right on for the story, both central heroes are generally likeable and realistic although are a tad morally corrupt, which is probably understandable given their respective circumstances. There's a fine mix of good guys and bad guys on both sides along with the obligatory scoundrels and bastards. The subject matter appears to be very well researched and is reasonably historically accurate from what I can tell.
To summarize, this is a satisfying graphic novel with an interesting story, top-notch presentation and good entertainment value. It would probably be enjoyed by anybody with an interest in WWII, aviation and/or military history. Even if the narrative was abysmal, I reckon that I'd still have finished it because the incredible art alone was enough to keep me interested.
July 11, 2021
The Grand Duke is a graphic novel about two rebellious soldiers at odds. One is a German pilot with strong anti-nazi feelings, the other a Soviet 'Night witch' pilot with an ahead of her time personality and anti-Stalin ideology. They're very good at their job which guarantees they won't face consequences for their misconduct, but only for so long because when their paths cross their subsequent actions lead to an interrogation by their superiors who can no longer look the other way, thus leaving them in a precarious situation, but together nevertheless.
This story reminded me of the pulp magazines my grandfather had in his library, haha, just with modern high quality art and a slightly better plot, but nothing to write home about to be quite honest. The characters are too one dimensional to muster any care for them, and the 'romance' lacks chemistry though not nudity from the pin up-like female soldier.
The highlighs of the graphic novel are the aircrafts with impressive details, and the dogfights. The artist really knows how to portray the thrilling action. I could look at these illustrations to no end.
This story reminded me of the pulp magazines my grandfather had in his library, haha, just with modern high quality art and a slightly better plot, but nothing to write home about to be quite honest. The characters are too one dimensional to muster any care for them, and the 'romance' lacks chemistry though not nudity from the pin up-like female soldier.
The highlighs of the graphic novel are the aircrafts with impressive details, and the dogfights. The artist really knows how to portray the thrilling action. I could look at these illustrations to no end.
October 2, 2019
Storia leggermente romanzata degli scontri aerei sul fronte occidentale. Molto interessante il personaggio storico di Lidija Vladimirovna Litvjak - pilota sovietico realmente esistito; nel fumetto è stata romanzata la sua fine, in realtà risulta dispersa in combattimento - il personaggio di Adolf Wulf inventato per la storia è forzato nella sua posizione ma comunque interessante.
Il fumetto avrebbe potuto essere memorabile ma è lento e di difficile lettura, trovo che a salvarlo da baratro dell'abisso siano solo i disegni molto affascinanti delle battaglie aeree.
Raggiunge 3 punti molto risicati
Il fumetto avrebbe potuto essere memorabile ma è lento e di difficile lettura, trovo che a salvarlo da baratro dell'abisso siano solo i disegni molto affascinanti delle battaglie aeree.
Raggiunge 3 punti molto risicati
May 10, 2017
Excepcional dibujo -detallado, realista e impresionante- y un buen guión (con la presencia de la legendaria Lidya Litviak, la Rosa de Stalingrado) hacen de "El gran duque" un cómic muy notable. Acabo con ganas de leer "Las brujas de la noche", sobre las aviadoras soviéticas de élite que lucharon contra los nazis.
January 28, 2017
Beh, tra tutti i volumi di Historica questo è uno dei migliori... Più per le immagini che per la storia, magari. Però, sì, l'ho letto molto volentieri.
I disegni e i colori sono favolosi. Gli aeroplani sono fatti con una precisione assoluta. Forse troppa per una come me, che non sa nulla di aeroplani. I personaggi erano riconoscibilissimi e molto morbidi.
La storia... Va beh, classica storia che si sviluppa in tempo di guerra tra due persone che combattono per fazioni diverse. Da un lato abbiamo uno degli assi della Luftwaffe, cui non frega assolutamente nulla di Hitler. Fa il pilota solo per mantenere un certo status in modo da offrire una vita dignitosa alla figlioletta Romy. Dall'altro lato della guerra c'è Lilya, una delle Streghe della Notte (Nachthexen in tedesco, o Ночные ведьмы in russo), che crede ciecamente nella causa comunista. Si incontrano, lei sputa a lui, lui la fa scappare e alla fine .
Come storia di guerra va bene. La parte relativa al rapporto tra i due è un po' così. Troppo veloce.
Dal punto di vista della lingua... Molto specialistica per quel che riguarda i temi di guerra e i fatti bellici. Inoltre, ci sono parti in tedesco e in russo. Ma quelle in russo sono traslitterate secondo il modo francese (se fate caso, troverete qualche ï che non appartiene di sicuro all'italiano); le offese in tedesco sono sbagliate (un paio di volte c'è la parola plurale ma il parlante si riferisce ad una sola persona). Ma non so se è causa dell'originale francese o di chi ha curato l'edizione italiana.
Comunque, il volume mi è piaciuto e direi che potrei mettere le mani anche sugli altri albi disegnati da Romain Hugualt.
I disegni e i colori sono favolosi. Gli aeroplani sono fatti con una precisione assoluta. Forse troppa per una come me, che non sa nulla di aeroplani. I personaggi erano riconoscibilissimi e molto morbidi.
La storia... Va beh, classica storia che si sviluppa in tempo di guerra tra due persone che combattono per fazioni diverse. Da un lato abbiamo uno degli assi della Luftwaffe, cui non frega assolutamente nulla di Hitler. Fa il pilota solo per mantenere un certo status in modo da offrire una vita dignitosa alla figlioletta Romy. Dall'altro lato della guerra c'è Lilya, una delle Streghe della Notte (Nachthexen in tedesco, o Ночные ведьмы in russo), che crede ciecamente nella causa comunista. Si incontrano, lei sputa a lui, lui la fa scappare e alla fine .
Come storia di guerra va bene. La parte relativa al rapporto tra i due è un po' così. Troppo veloce.
Dal punto di vista della lingua... Molto specialistica per quel che riguarda i temi di guerra e i fatti bellici. Inoltre, ci sono parti in tedesco e in russo. Ma quelle in russo sono traslitterate secondo il modo francese (se fate caso, troverete qualche ï che non appartiene di sicuro all'italiano); le offese in tedesco sono sbagliate (un paio di volte c'è la parola plurale ma il parlante si riferisce ad una sola persona). Ma non so se è causa dell'originale francese o di chi ha curato l'edizione italiana.
Comunque, il volume mi è piaciuto e direi che potrei mettere le mani anche sugli altri albi disegnati da Romain Hugualt.
July 19, 2013
World War II action in the skies with quite a bit of "we might die tomorrow" coupling on the ground. It's skillfully done, but I don't think it quite transcends the pulp storytelling that inspired it.
Yann's plot does a good job laying clear its "tyrants decide, the people die" theme, especially with the vile Communist boss on the Russian side. But character development on the ground is frequently interrupted to get back into the air (or out of some clothes). Beyond that, the hero is a bit too noble--a Hitler-hating German who removes the swastika from his plane--and the villains too vile.
There are some nice curveballs on the margins of the plot, and all of the art is exquisite. Romain Hugault is just as comfortable drawing historic planes as gratuitous, voluptuous female nudes. His panels are rich and detailed. A lot of care went into the drawing, and the dogfight scenes really draw you into the action in the sky. Check it out, with classic Enemy Ace as a required complement.
Yann's plot does a good job laying clear its "tyrants decide, the people die" theme, especially with the vile Communist boss on the Russian side. But character development on the ground is frequently interrupted to get back into the air (or out of some clothes). Beyond that, the hero is a bit too noble--a Hitler-hating German who removes the swastika from his plane--and the villains too vile.
There are some nice curveballs on the margins of the plot, and all of the art is exquisite. Romain Hugault is just as comfortable drawing historic planes as gratuitous, voluptuous female nudes. His panels are rich and detailed. A lot of care went into the drawing, and the dogfight scenes really draw you into the action in the sky. Check it out, with classic Enemy Ace as a required complement.
September 1, 2015
Der Name Romain Hugault steht für Zeichnungen der Extraklasse aus dem Bereich Luftfahrt. Auch für Pin-Up girls hat er eine Schwäche.
Da Hugault selbst Pilot ist, wirken seine Bilder besonders authentisch. Die Flugzeuge sind extrem detailreich und die russischen Pilotinnen extrem kurvenreich gezeichnet.
Die Bilder alleine rechtfertigen einen Kauf.
Für die Story ist wieder Yann verantwortlich mit dem Hugault bei zahlreichen anderen Werken zusammengearbeitet hat. Leider haben mich die Geschichten von Yann bisher nie so richtig überzeugt.
Und auch hier ist die Handlung nur mittelmäßig spannend.
Die Kunst von Hugault hätte eine bessere Story verdient aber immerhin wird die Geschichte von Band zu Band besser.
Für Fans der Fliegerei ein Muss.
Da Hugault selbst Pilot ist, wirken seine Bilder besonders authentisch. Die Flugzeuge sind extrem detailreich und die russischen Pilotinnen extrem kurvenreich gezeichnet.
Die Bilder alleine rechtfertigen einen Kauf.
Für die Story ist wieder Yann verantwortlich mit dem Hugault bei zahlreichen anderen Werken zusammengearbeitet hat. Leider haben mich die Geschichten von Yann bisher nie so richtig überzeugt.
Und auch hier ist die Handlung nur mittelmäßig spannend.
Die Kunst von Hugault hätte eine bessere Story verdient aber immerhin wird die Geschichte von Band zu Band besser.
Für Fans der Fliegerei ein Muss.
June 13, 2020
Hugault siempre es una delicia en cuanto a ilustración, y cuando se trata de aeronáutica se luce como el que más. Si tuviese que referirme únicamente al apartado gráfico diría que es maravilloso.
El Gran Duque centra la historia en el frente este de la segunda Guerra Mundial, poniéndonos en la piel de un soldado alemán y una bruja de la noche. Y aquí es donde la trama destaca: las brujas de la noche no son un tema trillado en este tipo de historias, son ese elemento casi olvidado. El conjunto de la obra es brillante, aunque el final (personalmente) me dejó bastante fría.
Sea como sea, es más que recomendable.
El Gran Duque centra la historia en el frente este de la segunda Guerra Mundial, poniéndonos en la piel de un soldado alemán y una bruja de la noche. Y aquí es donde la trama destaca: las brujas de la noche no son un tema trillado en este tipo de historias, son ese elemento casi olvidado. El conjunto de la obra es brillante, aunque el final (personalmente) me dejó bastante fría.
Sea como sea, es más que recomendable.
January 23, 2022
La historia es algo novelesca, pero no esperaba encontrar un relato de combate super realista, así que la disfruté cuando lo leí. También da un enfoque interesante al mostrar ambos lados del conflicto mediante los dos protagonistas. Ahora, el dibujo es espectacular. El nivel de detalle tanto de los aviones como de todo lo demás hace que sea un placer observar cada viñeta. Romain Hugault, el dibujante, capta de manera muy lograda los combates aéreos y los parajes, e integra muy bien a los personajes.
December 7, 2012
Bought this book as a Christmas gift for my hubby. He is a WWII buff, so I thought it appropriate. I learned something new reading it: I had no idea about the Night Witches (the female Russian fighter pilots) or that women served in the Russian army side by side with men. (I am not the WWII history buff, can you tell?) The art in this is striking and gorgeous, too. This hardcover edition is a beautiful book and I'm pleased to have it added to our bookshelf.
January 5, 2018
Ambientado en el frente del Este durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, nos cuenta la historia de dos pilotos enfrentados durante el conflicto.
El cómic compuesto por tres volúmenes tiene un buen guión, pero el dibujante, Hugault, hace que su visualización sea una verdadera delicia. El realismo, calidad y detalle de sus vehículos, acompañados con un impresionante colorido, hace que disfrutes de una joya visual en cuanto a aeronáutica se refiere.
El cómic compuesto por tres volúmenes tiene un buen guión, pero el dibujante, Hugault, hace que su visualización sea una verdadera delicia. El realismo, calidad y detalle de sus vehículos, acompañados con un impresionante colorido, hace que disfrutes de una joya visual en cuanto a aeronáutica se refiere.
November 29, 2015
El frente ruso de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en las miradas y experiencias de dos pilotos de bandos opuestos: El experimentado y supersticioso Wulf y la brava Lilya, juguetes más que protagonistas de un conflicto donde los enemigos no siempre visten el uniforme contrario. Probablemente, el mejor fruto de la sociedad entre Yann y Romain Hugault.
August 1, 2013
Love a reluctant Nazi story... And this is a love story between a Russian pilot and a german pilot in WWII... Sort of a take on Romeo & Juliet. Really excellent in the way European comics can sometimes be, and beautiful art
May 3, 2013
Extraordinary graphic art, complex plot and characters. Wartime romance, cocky aviators, doesn't seem like any other WWII story i've read. For older readers, probably not best for early teens.
January 13, 2014
Una interesante historia de la Segunda Guerra Mundial ambientada en el frente del Este y las condiciones de lucha del Ejército Rojo prácticamente a la desesperada.
January 23, 2016
I enjoyed this. Interesting story from a part of the war I know little about, and great art.
September 29, 2018
Całkiem fajna historia. Przepiękne plansze, wiernie oddane modele samolotów. Warto!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews