The Manara Library: Vol. Two

The latest volume of the works of Italian master artist Manara, newly translated, collects a long work of historical fiction alongside nine short biographical works. The standout piece is “El Gaucho,” with art by Manara and a script by Hugo Pratt (Corto Maltese). Set in the 19th century, it follows the lives of several people arriving in Argentina on the eve of a British attack, including British soldier Tom Browne, prostitute Molly Malone, and hunchbacked shipmate Matthew. All have their own reasons for seeking to break free of the people controlling them and try to use the chaos of the outbreak of war to slip away. But in each case their desire to help others leads to tragedy. Also included, Manara’s Trial by Jury series, in which noted historical figures from to Nero and Helen of Troy to Custer and Oppenheimer are put on hypothetical trials for their crimes, presented in biographical flashbacks. “El Gaucho” is beautifully drawn and colored, full of the sensuality Manara is known for, but not overwhelmed by it. The Trial by Jury stories, rather text heavy, take a more serious, chaste tone, but still are gorgeous to look at. (Feb.)