Lady Vivian Hastings

Long John Silver #1

by Xavier Dorison, Mathieu Lauffray (Illustrator)

Il est l'enfant de l'encre et de la plume, la figure de proue de "L'île au trésor" de R.L. Stevenson. Il a vécu de crimes et de rêves, connu les galions de madère, le sac de Maracaibo et les révoltes des boucaniers. Il va mêler l'or et le sang pour sceller son destin aux confins des royaumes perdus de l'Amazonie. Il est le dernier pirate. Il est la légende. Long John Silver.

Genres: Comics, Bande Dessinée, Graphic Novels, Pirates, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, France

58 pages, Hardcover

First published May 17, 2007

About the author

Xavier Dorison est né en 1972 à Paris et passe trois années en école de commerce, où il organise le festival BD des Grandes Écoles, puis travaille chez Barclays Corp. Dès 1997, il écrit le premier tome du Troisième Testament, série co-scénarisé et dessiné par Alex Alice qui remporte un succès immédiat. Il publie ensuite deux séries aux Humanoïdes Associés : Prophet avec Matthieu Lauffray et Sanctuaire avec Christophe Bec. Il co-scénarise, avec Fabien Nury, le film Brigades du Tigre, qui sera également adapté en bande dessinée aux éditions Glénat avec Jean-Yves Delitte au dessin. Il co-scénarise, toujours avec Fabien Nury, le western fantastique W.E.S.T. mis en image par Christian Rossi. Et lance début 2007 une fresque pirate : Long John Silver. En 2008, il crée la série Les Sentinelles et participe au projet XIII Mystery, en scénarisant l'album sur La Mangouste. En 2008 également, il écrit Le Syndrome d'Abel pour son comparse Marazano, de retour au dessin. En septembre 2010, il s’associe à nouveau avec Alex Alice et commence la publication de l’antésuite du Troisième Testament, intitulée Julius, toujours chez Glénat. En mars 2012, paraît chez Dargaud le premier tome d’Asgard, série dans l’univers des vikings, dessinée par Ralph Meyer. En 2013 paraîtra chez Glénat une série coécrite avec son frère Guillaume Dorison.

Reviews

[P.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rôdeurs en maraude

Une BD qui prend son temps pour démarrer mais qui parvient d'autant mieux à préparer le terrain pour le retour aux affaires du pirate légendaire de l'Île au Trésor. Silver est sollicité par une dame aux dents longues, Lady Hastings, qui cherche à se tailler sa part du butin attendu du pillage d'une cité perdue sur les rives de l'Amazone ou de l'Orénoque.

Pas entièrement convaincu par le dessin au départ, et en particulier par les physionomies et les expressions du visage (la colère de Lady Hastings et la rage de la servante Elsie), j'ai par contre bien aimé les planches en pleine page. Celle consacrée à Francisco Pizarro accompagné du moine Fernando de Luque, figurés en gros plan, avec le buste menaçant de Pizarro de face dans son armure, associé au profil sinistre du religieux me reste en mémoire. Un autre élément me paraît franchement réussi : l'utilisation maîtrisée des coloris pour camper une scène : tons froids de la ville perdue de Guyanacapac, rouges inquiétants du manoir Hastings et de la cuisine du pirate et de ses hommes de confiance, très beau rendu des ombres lors de l'épisode chez l'armateur très louche Samir Razil...

Bref, je ne lis pas une masse de BD, mais ça fait plaisir d'en découvrir où les co-auteurs ont su trouver un traitement juste de leur sujet.

C'est encore mieux si le sujet est traité d'une manière assez créative à défaut d'être entièrement nouvelle.


Voir aussi :
L'Île au trésor – R. L. Stevenson

[Diz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story drags a bit until Long John Silver shows up towards the end. The first half of the book is basically spent setting up the character that hires him as a villain.

[Xavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha sorprendido mucho esta historia. Ganas de continuar.

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier Dorison, author of "Animal Castle", which expands on the George Orwell universe of "Animal Farm" is back with a new series that expands on the universe of "Treasure Island" with its main antagonist name as the title for it.

This first volume serves mainly as an introduction to all the characters and the setup for the story without much action or adventure actually happening. This makes it less impactful than "Animal Castle" was.

Regardless, it concludes with a good setup that promises a good adventure for next volumes. We'll see.

Mathieu Lauffray's illustrations are cold and haunting, a perfect fit for this story.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a bit different for me as I can confess to not being a massive comic fan. Apart from one copy of the Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home comic, I really didn’t have any comics growing up. However, seeing as I’d recently got an iPad, I was recommended to look at some comics and comic novels as they look good on it because of the screen. “Long John Silver 1 – Lady Vivian Hastings” is known as one of the better artistic comics, so it seemed a good place to start. Anyway, enough of the impromptu Apple selling pitch, lets get on with the important thing: the review!

As a lot of my review is based around the artistic style of the comic, this review will be different and will contain samples of the art of the comic. It will also have a different summary at the end, so don’t freak out!



Quickie Review
Written by Xavier Dorison and illustrated by Mathieu Lauffray, this has been hailed as one of the best of a bright new generation of French comics. At a mere 56 pages, I wouldn’t have thought this would be classed as novel in length but this is simply part one of a larger story. What did I get out of those pages though? Gorgeous artwork and a story that was distilled into its purest points which, given the title, showed a lot of sides of Lady Vivian Hastings while still introducing you to other characters of the story. If you’re a fan of pirate tales (who isn’t) or just comics in general, I would say to give it a read but keep in mind that you’ll probably want to buy the other comics to get a bit more of a story.

For a full review, along with examples of the awesome artwork, visit my site:

http://chrisreads.com/long-john-silve...

[Jayaprakash Satyamurthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The further adventures of Long John Silver...but this, the first volume of a trilogy, is very far away from Stevenson in many ways. First of all, the focus character is a noblewoman facing financial ruin and social disgrace, a fascinating, flawed and clever character. The atmosphere is quite dark and the scenario, with its hints at hidden treasure in South America seems promising. The art is wonderfully atmospheric and vivid and I'm used to Cinebook's usual second-rate translation job by now. I noticed nods to Herzog's Aguirre: The Wrath of God. Can't wait to read the sequels!

[Jockum]

Mörk historia för den som gillar Skattkammarön och vill ha mer av John silver, pirater och expeditioner till Sydamerika.

Härlig tecknarstil, skulle varit bättre om den kom i ett album istället för fyra mindre seriealbum.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been browsing European comics on Comixology for the past few weeks. I have enjoyed a few, but this is the first really good title I have found. It is not a sequel to treasure island, but a riff on the story that incorporates some of the characters, particularly my favorite, Long John Silver. It introduces a scheming, sex-pot noblewoman, her treasure mad husband, and a scurvy band of Silver's pirates taking a voyage from of blighty up the black Orinoco in search of Inca gold.

It works and I am planning on finishing the series.

[João Teixeira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uma história um pouco sinuosa e talvez, difícil de acompanhar de início (ou, mais provavelmente, eu é que não lhe prestei muita atenção)... Em todo o caso, fica a vontade de conhecer o volume seguinte.

[Tar Buendía · Rating 3 out of 5]

Por un lado es una maravilla, pero por otro se me ha hecho excesivamente introductorio y a la mayor parte de los personajes les falta carisma más allá del dibujo.

[Rafaela Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Très bien ! Une super histoire de voyages maritimes mélangés aux légendes des Amériques et les pirates. Bien sûr les pirates !!

[Vítor Pessoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interessante história de Long John Silver!

[Len Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this comic series because I re-read Treasure Island earlier this year and was left with a strong desire to read more of it. Unfortunately, Stevenson didn't continue the story, but other writers have and so the search for more led me to this. It's not Stevenson or even Stevensonesque, but it is interesting and enjoyable. I think writer does a decent job of capturing the spirit of Long John and it has quenched my desire for more. Dr. Livesy is also a character in the comic, but strikes me as very different from the one in Treasure Island. However, I think you can easily overlook that inconsistency , especially if it has been a long time since reading the original book. The artwork is good, nothing fantastic, but together with the story makes for a good read. I'd certainly recommend it.

[Tiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

You read a few graphic novels that don't stick the land, and start to think that maybe it's you, maybe it's just not the format for you.
And then you read the ONE that in less than 60 pages manages to establish a convincing and exiting pirate story, a few new characters, while staying true to the old ones. All that with an amazing art style.
Even if the rest of the volumes don't compare, it was already worth it because it made realize I wasn't over pirate stories, I just had to find the right one to pull me back into them.

[Aildiin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great art ( it took me a few pages to get used to it but after that it kind of grows on you), good original story , superb presentation ( this is a french import I made so we're dealing with a high quality low page count expensive hardcover). What more to expect ?
Easily 4 stars....

And a french quote to boot :
"Mais parfois, ils semble qu'à force de plier, certains roseaux deviennent des chênes."

[Perpetua · Rating 2 out of 5]

L'histoire ne m'a pas intéressée ...

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book.
I can’t hide it.
3 More to go

[Ghostcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story and characters are very well written, drawings and composition are gorgeous, can't wait to read the other volumes!

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billed as an homage to the Stevenson classic, 'Long John Silver' is a four part series written by Xavier Dorison and illustrated by Mathieu Lauffray.

As the title suggests, the first book focuses on Lady Vivian Hastings, whose husband, Lord Byron Hastings, went off on an expedition in search of the fabled lost city of Guiana Capac, and has now managed to send word back to her that he's actually found it and that she's to sell their estate to fund a new expedition. Facing financial ruin she turns to Dr Livesy who suggests she contacts a certain pirate captain to help her gain control of the ship.

Right from the off I was drawn into the story. Intrigued by Lady Hastings, she came across as a strong woman that was prepared to do anything to get what she wants. She was determined, cunning and at times manipulative but despite the hardships she has to endure, her resolve never waivers. The story sets up her predicament and the potential fallout very well over the majority of this introduction. After all, it is laying the foundations for the rest of the story arc, and is does so very well for the short amount of pages it covers - only just over 50 pages in this volume. The introduction of Silver and his crew is brief but you still get a sense of the camaraderie and that they'll follow Silver until the end.

The artwork by Lauffray is superb, setting each scene perfectly and bringing the characters to life. The occasional big splash pages are very impressive too.

What we get is the beginnings of a rip roaring pirate adventure story in search of treasure, that leaves you wanting the next instalment.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: ****
Welcome to a journey begun in Long John Silver's later life 15-20 years beyond "Treasure Island". That literary past is only referenced in memories which are also played off of the doctor from the novel, who is a cast member here, while the creators focus on estimating his present in the future. He still nurtures an energetic fire within but it's coupled with long-held malaria or something like it that has him spewing blood every once and awhile.

This opener is true to the title which states the main character. They did well to use her as the introductory anchor but it seems that her appearance time will be slashed a probable 50% of the magnitude of the first tome. That assumption breeds curiosity about how LJS will pinpoint the plot or not which is part of the incentive to continue with the series.

Other than the two mentioned above, the rest of the cast is only viewed superficially but that leaves them ready to be dug into and spun around and galvanized as the rest unfolds.

Art: ****
His lines are more expressive than exacting which loses detail but adds to atmosphere and emotion. It is very attractive but by no means beautiful with his best work within his huge panel efforts. Appropriate study must have been diligent because the period is well evidenced in the clothing and backgrounds.

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't imagine the saga of me getting my hands on this book!!! I missed when it was coming out with the newspaper, somehow I didn't find the book at the bookfair (I've now learned it was there and I had checked for it TWICE!!!!), but I found it at the comic fair now and bough the first volume (now may have to wait months for the rest, but here we are!!!)
So yeah, let's first admit I have read this post-Treasure Island scenario for Long John Silver multiple times in multiple fanfics, so you know I'm gonna try and not hold it against it that Max and Madi and Flint and Thomas are not around!!! Because you know I'm missing Silver's wife and boyfriend, and boyfriend's husband - please just watch Black Sails!!!
Now into the book, this is really just an introductory thing, like you need more to really grasp who John Silver is here... I don't know where they're taking him, but I like his voice so far and how he is with the crew, which is a big part of who he is because it impacts how important it is to him to how he's perceived. But really, it's more Lady Vivian's story so far, which is not a bad thing, but yeah waiting to fully form my opinion over all.
But onwards with the series!!! (When they actually get to bookstores...)

[Michael Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier Dorison and Mathieu Lauffray have combined to produce an attractive 4-book graphic novel featuring Robert Louis Stevenson’s popular character Long John Silver. The storyline, the writing and the art are all darkly mysterious, with this first volume setting the scene for the action and adventure that will surely follow.

The characters revealed so far all possess strong, distinctive personalities, and they inhabit a world that is complicated, gritty and dangerous. I love the flowing, textural quality of Lauffray’s drawing style and panel layout – loose yet very detailed, with great use of perspective, light and moody shadows. The colouring is also excellent, ensuring that every page is thick with atmosphere, intrigue and skulduggery.

I’m looking forward to finding out exactly in which direction Dorison decides to take his story, as this opening introduction has me eager for greater escapades.

[Nuno Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estive a ler uma recente edição em quatro volumes de capa dura, resultado da parceria entre as Edições ASA e o jornal Público. Trata-se da adaptação em português da BD Long John Silver, com argumento de Xavier Dorison e ilustrações de Mathieu Lauffray. Através destes quatro álbuns ricos tanto em argumento como em desenho, que recomendo a quem goste de caças ao tesouro, descobertas arqueológicas, histórias de piratas e também de intrigas densas, descobrimos mais sobre a personagem título.

Long John Silver é o famoso pirata do livro de Robert L. Stevenson, A Ilha do Tesouro, que aqui conhecemos mais amiúde na óptica destes autores contemporâneos; não obstante, a personagem que mais me saltou à vista e que de certa forma protagoniza toda a trama é Vivian Hastings, que certamente terão muito gosto em conhecer.

https://noticiasdezallar.wordpress.com

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous. And a great sequel to Treasure Island. Lauffray's artwork is incredibly detailed and immersive. Dorison's plot introduces a fascinating character, Lady Hastings, who is as different from Jim Hawkins as can be. Delightfully wicked, cunning, and courageous, she's a worthy foil for Silver and the perfect person to bring him into a new treasure-seeking venture. And Silver himself is as charmingly crafty as ever. Can't wait to dig into the next volume.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.0]
Masterful art. I enjoy the settings, the mood and the expressiveness. It is rather dark, befitting the story.

The plot is interesting enough, with lots of characters. I’m a sucker for the period (1700s) and seafaring. However, it is mostly an introduction or a setup, it feels like. It is a good start though, and I’m eager to continue

[Alessandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primo di una serie di quattro. Commenterò la serie nel complesso alla fine, ma il primo numero è fenomenale, sia come dialoghi che come disegni (praticamente dei quadri in alcuni punti, e di un dinamismo ed espressività notevolissime).

[Freya LaRouge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great art

The art work was really good, and the story has potential, but is still building. Some areas of my kindle version had words missing on the edge of pages. Overall it was good and I plan on reading number 2.

[Kryštof · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have any experience with europe comics (except tintin and asterix). This book was good, but there were some parts that were boring, the second part is much better.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome art, especially the ships.

[Pascal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Très beau dessin, une aventure qui démarre bien, je crois que je vais lire la suite...