by Stephen Betts (thisisstephenbetts)
L'Autoroute du soleil
- Creator: Baru
- Publisher: Casterman
- Published on: 1995-09-25
- ISBN: 2203372060
About This Book
This is a complete translation of Baru’s huge book “L’autoroute du Soleil”. There is a two-volume edition of the book, but this is the original, single-volume version. Katherine Farmar, who translated the second half of the book, wrote about it on her blog:
“It’s a cracking good read: funny and action-packed, with enough moments of sharp observation and even pathos to keep me interested. On the other hand, it’s got some breathtakingly sexist moments. ... In any case, L’Autoroute du Soleil is a terrific ride, and I couldn’t put it down.” (http://puritybrown.blogspot.com/2008/03/)
Contributors
Complete translation
Translation: Highway of the Sun
Page 6
Panel 1
Karim Kemal is 22 and has a bad reputation. They say that he wins fortunes playing cards…
Panel 2
that he sells drugs, has AIDS….
Panel 3
but that no woman can resist him and that he sleeps with the richest for money.
Page 7
Panel 1
To top it off, his love for anything and everything from the 1950s…
Panel 2
adds to his bizarreness and discredits him in the eyes of the working class neighbourhood that he has never escaped.
Panel 3
As for Alexandre Barbieri…
he doesn’t play cards, doesn’t take drugs and doesn’t sleep with rich women. He admires Karim no end. He is 17.
Page 8
Panel 2
Karim! Karim!
Panel 3
What is it kid?
Panel 4
It’s ”#18”...
Panel 5
They can’t manage to blow it up!
Page 9
Panel 1
For two days now the demolitionists have sweated over taking down the last blast furnace of the Lorraine Ironworks…
Page 10
Panel 1
the tallest, the most powerful…
Panel 2
the pride of the valley.
Panel 4
But ”#18” refused to lie down…
Page 11
Panel 1
to the great displeasure of the demolitionists…
Panel 2
but to the great joy of the small group of retired steel workers come to pay a final tribute to a life-long companion.
Panel 3
And why don’t you go down there with the old guys?... You would see better…
Panel 4
Oh no! My father’s there…and I don’t want to see him complaining!
Page 12
Panel 1
It has been quite some time since Alexandre’s father left the Italian mountains…
Panel 3
like others had left the Ukraine, Poland or Algeria…
Panel 4
to come here to pour the cast iron and forge the steel of this country.
Page 13
Panel 1
All of them thought they would leave. They stayed. Because, like Alexandre’s father once said,”Da facktory, she grab yoo, she naiver let go…”
Panel 2
8 PM. The huge charge of dynamite stuffed eagerly all day in the belly of ”#18” explodes…
Page 14
Panel 1
and this time the steel monster, gnashing all its twisted beams, finally takes a last bow.
Page 16
Panel 1
The old steel workers no longer laughed.
Panel 2
They were once the lords that commanded the fire and steel…
Panel 3
they were no longer anybody.
Page 17
Panel 1
There…it’s over…
Huh!
Panel 2
Karim!
Panel 3
I..You…Are you going into town?
Yeeeah…But what’s it to you kid, you’re not going to spend the evening with me, are you?
Panel 4
No! No! I was just asking…that’s all!
Page 18
Panel 2
Karim…
Pfff…what is it now?
Panel 3
I’M NOT A KID ANYMORE!
Panel 4
No joke? What’s your name, then…
Page 19
Panel 1
Alexandre!
Panel 2
Come on, Alexandre, get on, I’m taking you with me!
Page 20
Panel 1
Not far from there, in the old ballroom of the Lorraine Ironworks…
Panel 2
the first speakers for the “French National Front” were already hammering out the usual racist slogans that brought the party success.
Panel 3
Seated to the side Dr Raoul Faurissier waits his turn with a smile…
Panel 4
for three days earlier at another meeting…
Page 21
Panel 1
he managed to get all his supporters to gather in the street…
Panel 2
where they easily overwhelmed a small group of communists from the old union of the “Lorraine Ironworks”.
Panel 3
For a few hours they were the masters of the town.
Page 23
Panel 2
The following day the incidents made the headlines and today the leader of the party has come here especially to choose the official “French National Front” candidate for the regional elections.
Panel 3
This is why Dr Faurissier waits his turn with a smile.
Page 24
Panel 1
9 PM…In his motel room Réné Loiseau is getting ready…
Panel 2
when the Highway of the Sun’s toll booth lights up.
Panel 3
Tomorrow this highway will bring him back to his wife…
Panel 4
but for now he’ll cheat on her once again.
Page 25
Panel 1
And, like each time he does…
Panel 2
he grins in the mirror…
Panel 3
before leaving with a whistle.
Page 26
Panel 1
11 PM…Alexandre is on cloud nine.
Panel 2
Not only did Karim not leave him behind, but, to boot, they went from café to café, talking about anything and everything, like two old friends.
Panel 4
But even the best things come to an end.
Okay! Alexandre…It’s not ‘cause I’m bored, but I have to go…
Panel 5
Where ya going? Where?
Page 27
Panel 2
Somewhere that you can’t go in my place! Bye, ‘til next time!
Panel 3
It is 11 PM and Alexandre is on cloud nine…when a screech of tires makes him turn his head…
Panel 4
in spite of the distance he easily recognizes Dr Faurissier with the leader of the “French National Front”...he’s seen them enough times on television.
Page 28
Panel 1
Alexandre isn’t much interested in politics, but he is sure of one thing…
Panel 2
he hates this guy!
Panel 3
FUCKER!!
Page 29
Panel 3
Happily the two gorillas are fat and the chase doesn’t last…
WAIT UNTIL WE CATCH UP WITH YOU, SHITHEAD!!
Panel 5
And Alexandre starts through the maze of alleys with a laugh.
Panel 6
The familiar sound of Karim’s scooter freezes him in place.
Page 31
Panel 1
Good God!
Panel 2
So…it’s true!
Panel 3
Karim does sleep with beautiful rich women…wow!!
Page 32
Panel 1
Anne had insisted they do it in the car and she shivers with delight when her large naked breasts rub the cool leather of the seats.
Panel 2
So, in spite of René Loiseau taking her from behind,she lets herself slide down…
Panel 3
and when her mouth comes in contact with the soft leather, she spreads her lips and sinks her teeth into the backrest.
Page 33
Panel 1
One thirty in the morning…
Panel 2
Dr Faurissier could have slapped himself! Good God, why didn’t he react when the punk threw the brick?...It was a sign!
Panel 3
He didn’t see anything, didn’t understand anything, enthralled by his imminent triumph…
Panel 4
and when the communists, a gang this time, invaded the ballroom…
Panel 5
he was dazed, stunned, while the sky crashed down on his head.
Page 34
Panel 1
They destroyed everything.
Panel 2
But the worst was the thrashing they gave the party leader.
Panel 3
It was one thirty in the morning and Dr Faurissier no longer smiled: he was no longer the official candidate for the “French National Front”.
Page 35
Panel 1
So there! All the important players are in place: Karim
Panel 2
Alexandre
Panel 3
René Loiseau
Panel 4
and Raoul Faurissier.
Panel 5
Later others would join in…
Panel 6
in the meantime, the dance begins!
Page 43
Panel 1
They’re deaf, damn it!! I’d better go in!! Shit, I’d better go in!!
Panel 2
I’m going in! I’m going in! I’m going in!!!
Panel 3
I’m going in!!
Page 47
Panel 2
The garden!! They getting away through the garden!!
Panel 4
Shit, which one’s the arab?
On the left, the tough one!
Page 50
Panel 1
But!...What’s…
By God, a scooter!
Panel 2
You two, after them! You, to the car with me! We’ll corner them down there!!
Panel 3
Karim, Good God!! There are only stairs in front!!
Page 52
Panel 1
René Loiseau liked to be a gentleman in front of women.
Panel 2
That’s why he hurries to open the passenger’s door and accompany her to her front door.
Panel 3
But after only a few steps his true nature comes striding back..
Page 53
Panel 1
My God…You’re crazy!
Panel 2
My…my parents…are sleeping…
Panel 3
Not after…I…no!...
Panel 4
Not this!
Panel 5
N…
Page 54
Panel 1
Oh shit!
Panel 2
Shit, shit, shit!!
Panel 3
Look…There they are!
Beeeeep
Panel 4
GO! CHARGE!
Page 58
Panel 2
This way, quick!
Panel 3
There…that car…it’s running…but empty!
When Karim jumps behind the wheel his eye catches the whiteness of the open thighs of the woman between the legs of the Mercedes’ owner…
Panel 4
He silently thanks her.
Page 59
Panel 1
The roaring of the car’s engine has an effect like a bomb…
Panel 2
And Anne’s whole body spasms so violently that she cannot help but grit her teeth.
Panel 3
But!!...why are you going back?
Panel 4
Don’t worry!
Page 61
Panel 2
Fabry and Leduc, go home…
Panel 3
Roger…Take Blanchard and Dumont…Find a car and come pick me up…
Panel 4
We are going to find them…If it takes us to the end of the earth, we’ll find them!
Page 64
Panel 1
Those pricks want to rearrange my face…and you’d be in for a bit of trouble if they caught up to you…
Panel 2
So I think it’s in our own best interest to put as much space between us and them as possible…
Panel 3
Okay…so, primo: we lose this boat! It’s not very discreet and I sure don’t want cops on our ass as well!
Page 65
Panel 1
Deuxio: We…
Panel 3
Alexandre!?! What’s wrong buddy?
Panel 4
Hey!?
Panel 5
Shit!
Page 67
Panel 1
Karim!!!
Panel 2
Sooo, not a moment too soon…
Panel 3
B…but what am I doing here? Where are we? And Faurissier!?
Panel 4
Whoa, slow down…one thing at a time…
Panel 5
Okay…”What are we doing here?” Well take a peak at your right arm…
Page 68
Panel 2
Oh shit!
It’s not too bad but it’ll be that way for six weeks.
Panel 4
Second qyestion: “Where are we?”...about 95 miles from home, in the “pearl of the Vosges”...These mountains, lakes, trees and the whole kaboodle…
Page 69
Panel 1
Third question…
Hello Raoul…
Panel 2
Faurissier…
Hi Pierre…
Panel 3
How are you?
Panel 4
FAURISSIER!!
Page 71
Panel 1
My glasses! I forgot my glasses!!
Panel 2
Who fucking cares!!
But I can’t see a thing!!
Panel 3
Too bad, it’s too late!!
Page 73
Panel 1
Hurry! For God’s sake hurry up!
Panel 2
Oh shit, what’s wrong now? It can’t be…
I…everything’s spinning, Karim, I can’t stand up!
Panel 3
No! Leave me…it’s really you they want..get away…
Panel 4
What are you playing at? A hero’s sacrifice like in “Fort Apache”? You see too many movies, buddy…Come on, up with ya!
Page 74
Panel 1
It’s okay, it’s okay, I feel better…
Panel 2
Is it much further to the car?
Panel 3
What car?
Well…the Mercedes!
Panel 4
There is no more Mercedes Alexandre…this morning I parked it in front of the cop shop…
Panel 5
By now the owner probably has it back…
Panel 6
But then…how are we getting out of here?
Page 75
Panel 1
By train, natch!
Panel 2
But Karim…what if there’s not a train home for a couple of hours?
Panel 3
Right! Except we’re not going home…at least not directly anyway…first we’ll grab a train…
Panel 4
any train…the first to leave…
Panel 5
And unless he’s divine I promise that this time Faurissier won’t find us as easily!
Page 76
Panel 1
Except for two girls in the seat at the back, the train is empty.
Panel 3
The are seats everywhere..So when the girls come and, without a word, sit right in front of them…
Alexandre, buddy, I think we’ll have to really watch out for Faurissier…
Page 77
Panel 1
Alexandre acts like a stunned seal.
Because he’s smart…look how quickly he figured that our scooter crash…
Panel 2
might lead us to seek medical attention, and…
Panel 3
What’s your name?
Page 78
Panel 1
Sophie
Panel 2
May I offer you a drink, Sophie?
Panel 3
A DRINK?!
buble: Gladly.
Page 79
Panel 1
A drink!...Whatever!!!
Panel 2
So what? There’s nothing wrong with having a drink, is there? Or are you saying that because my friend is an arab?
Panel 3
BUT THERE’S NO BAR ON THIS TRAIN, MORON!!!
Page 82
Panel 1
Perfect, we’re seven minutes early.
Panel 2
Here’s the plan, it’s very simple
Panel 3
Blanchard and I will go to the head of the train… as soon as it arrives we get on and search…Roger and Dumont, you stay on the platform, one on each side of the track to grab them in case they notice us…
Page 83
Panel 1
Then when the train leaves Roger will get on that last car…
Panel 2
and Dumont, you take the car and meet us at the next station in twenty minutes…got it?
Panel 3
Yup! And when we have them on the train, we beat the taste for our women out of that camel-jockey…
No!
Panel 5
We wait until the train reaches top speed…open a door…
And out we throw him…Cool!
Page 85
Panel 1
So…what are you doing there, Alexandre…Don’t tell me Elodie chased you away?
Panel 2
Wouldn’t surprise me, she’s a real bother!
And you’re a slut!
Well, welcome to happy hour!
Karim…I..excuse me, but…
Panel 3
What is it, buddy?
Page 86
Panel 1
Excuse me for bringing this up again but if Faurissier is that smart don’t you think he had someone at the train station?
Panel 2
FUCK!!!
Panel 3
THERE WERE ONLY THREE AT THE HOSPITAL!! AND THE FOURTH!? WHERE WAS THE FOURTH?!
Page 87
Panel 1
AT THE STATION, IDIOT!! AT THE STATION!!
Panel 2
I’M SO STUPID! DAMN, AM I A STUPID SHIT!!
Hey…are you crazy?!
Panel 3
Good thinking, Alexandre, good thinking buddy!!
Page 88
Panel 1
But what’s your plan then, you two?
Don’t worry…Tell me, are there roads that go where this train is going?
Panel 2
Of course…It even faster since they built the new highway…
Uhhh…
Panel 3
Fine! Let’s go…anyway, there’s no other way out..
Page 89
Panel 3
Yoo-hoo, Marc!
Panel 4
MMMMM, ‘lo baby…
Twenty minutes! The delays for this train are worse and worse!!
But not at all!!
Page 90
Panel 1
It’s because of two lunatics who pulled the emergency brake and took off!
Page 91
Panel 1
I’ll get you camel-jockey! In the name of God…I’ll get you!
Panel 2
I’LL GET YOU
Page 98
Panel 1
What’s up…not too talkative this morning!
Karim…
Panel 2
Yes..
How the fuck do ya do it?!
Panel 3
How do I do what?
With women?
Panel 4
AAAAHH!! That what you’ve been pondering since we got up!
Page 99
Panel 1
Of that, my friend, I won’t say a word! That’s top secret stuff…
Panel 3
Don’t be like that, I was joking!
Panel 4
I’ll tell you later…when we are in less of a bind…
Page 100
Panel 1
You’ll see..It’s not a mystery!
Panel 2
Damn…what you young’uns doing out in this godforsaken place at this hour? Broke down?
Panel 3
Take the sleeper, big boy…I only gots one seat…
Page 101
Panel 1
Shhh!
“Johnny 57” to all my buddies…WARNING!!
Panel 2
The smokies have a trap at Darcourt…on the other side…
Panel 3
THOSE BASTARDS!!
Panel 4
Ya don’t understand what bastards they is. They sits there in the dawn’s early light near the cement works an’ the boys are half-asleep and easy to catch…
Page 102
Panel 1
Over there…the third car!
Panel 2
Shit, would you look at those bastards! Shit, Ah cain’t stand ta look at ‘em!
Panel 3
*TARDS!!
Panel 4
“_uckoo88” to “Johnny 57” Thanks good buddy…Revenge was mine!
Panel 5
“Cuckoo”?
Page 103
Panel 1
Well, yeah…it’s muh handle!
Panel 2
But why “Cuckoo”
Panel 3
‘Cause ah’m like a cuckoo…I lay my eggs in other nests!!
Page 104
Panel 1
There, you’ll get everything for a 50 kilometre radius.
Panel 2
I put you on the truckers’ bandwidth.
Panel 3
Wait until that one’s finished before speaking.
“Cuckoo88” to “Johnny 57” Thanks good buddy…Revenge was mine!
Panel 4
Go ahead…don’t forget to push the button as you speak.
Panel 5
To all friends…to all friends…It’s Adeline’s father speaking…Yesterday my girl was assaulted by two punks..They raped her…They beat her…She’s in a coma…
Page 105
Panel 1
MY GOD…IS THAT TRUE!!?
Oh yeah!
Panel 2
The two punks are close by…A redhead with long hair and a cast on one arm, and an arab in a light- coloured suit…Help me find them before the cops do…
Panel 3
SHIT, THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR BALLS RIPPED OFF, THOSE SCUM!!
Help me…I beg of you! Out.
Page 107
Panel 1
GET AWAY, YOU FREAKS, GET AWAY!!
Panel 2
THIS ISN’T HAPPENING, FUCK!!
Page 113
Panel 2
Hey, buddy!
Panel 3
That it! He’s snoring…your buddy…
About time!
Zzzzzz
Page 114
Panel 1
What are you laughing about?
Zzzzz
Panel 2
I’m imagining his face when he wakes up 150 kilometres from home…
Zzzzzz
Panel 3
Zzzzzz
Page 119
Panel 1
Yeah, but it’s WHITE!
That! Well, no margin of error with peroxide!
Panel 2
But it suits you…
Panel 3
Now all you need is to lose a bit of this…
Panel 4
And I promise the women will be all over you!
Page 120
Panel 1
GOOD GOD!
Panel 2
Karim Kemal in jeans! I must be dreaming!
Panel 3
Whoa, slow down, not just any jeans…
Panel 4
The same jeans, jacket and shoes that James Dean wore in Rebel Without A Cause…1955! It’s only the shirt I not too sure of!
Page 121
Panel 1
Zzzzz
Panel 2
Tell me Karim, where does this fixation for the 50s come from? Your place is almost a museum.
And you weren’t even born then!
Panel 3
Pfff…who knows?
Panel 4
The way it is, that’s all.
Page 122
Panel 1
I didn’t know you had a car.
Panel 2
Actually, it’s not really mine…I’ve never driven it…
Page 123
Panel 1
And…could we keep it?
Impossible Alexandre…First because it’s not very discreet…then because we need money more than the car!
Page 126
Panel 1
Oh, it’s you Kemal…What time is it?
Panel 2
EIGHT O’CLOCK!! FUCK, ARE YOU CRAZY OR WHAT!!!
Panel 3
Oooh, look at that…your friend stuck his head in a bucket of peroxide!
Panel 4
Cool!
Page 127
Panel 1
See! I told you it was too white!
Panel 2
Watch out, man! I did the same thing at your age…look what happened!
Panel 4
Oops!
Page 128
Panel 1
You didn’t get me up just to make fun of me, Kemal?
No
Panel 2
I came because I figured you’d like it back…
Panel 3
You didn’t damage it, at least?
Never even drove it!
Panel 4
Hmm, yeah…
Page 129
Panel 1
Okay! But I still don’t have the 90 000 I owe you
Panel 2
I thought not, go figure…how much can you give?
Panel 3
20 000
30 000! And a car in good shape…that runs!
Panel 4
Deal…the bank opens at 9:00…Come on, I buy you a coffee…
Page 130
Panel 2
HEY “COWBOY”!
Panel 3
So…you’re out and about…whassup?
Panel 4
I just got my “_hrysler” back. See ya, Dédé!
No shit…
Page 131
Panel 1
I’m telling you…the arab is at my place and needs money…I got it for a third of the money I owe him…
Panel 2
Arab? He wouldn’t be with a long-haired redhead who has a cast on one arm, by any chance?
Panel 3
Almost! Except he had short …
Panel 4
bleached…
Panel 5
Why do you ask?
Page 132
Panel 1
Shit. What’s taking that asshole so long? He’s been gone a whole hour!
Page 133
Panel 1
There they are!
Panel 2
Shithead! What took you so long!! Did you hold up the bank or what?
I…
Panel 3
Ha Ha Ha..What a kidder…No, my banker was hassling me about a loan I need for my place…to expand…
Page 134
Panel 1
Okay, okay! The car already
Panel 2
Well, just take this one…
This piece of trash!
Panel 3
I’ve been driving this trash-heap, as you call it, for two months…those tires are invincible!
Panel 5
Anyway, it’s the only one with plates…
Page 135
Panel 1
Papers are in the glove compartment…I signed them over…
Panel 2
Man, don’t you have a few minutes for a drink?
No!
Panel 3
You’re in a big hurry…troubles?
Mind your own business!
Page 136
Panel 3
THEY JUST LEFT…I COULDN’T KEEP THEM..THEY WENT TOWARDS THE HIGHWAY!!
Page 137
Panel 1
Thanks buddy…I’ll owe you for this…
Panel 2
Uh, sir? The arab has my 30 000 in his pocket…
Panel 3
I’d like to get it back…
No problem!
Panel 4
Another thing…they won’t get far…I gave them a bad car…
Page 139
Panel 1
90 000! My God! But how does one play cards for so much money?
Panel 2
Usually you can’t but the “Cowboy’ is a real moron! We could have taken his house…
Page 143
Panel 1
The exit is just down the road! We’ll pick you up! Don’t let them get away!!
Page 144
Panel 1
Calling all buddies…they are on the Highway of the Sun at Belleville…The arab has a red shirt on!!!
I see them!
Panel 2
THEN GO FOR IT! RUN THEM DOWN!! KILL THEM!!
Page 149
Panel 3
They’re okay guys…My friend is going straight to Marseille… We’re meeting up tomorrow at seven…
Panel 4
Know what? First we’ll have a bite to eat then I’ll take you home…How’s that sound?
Page 151
Panel 1
THE TRAP
Here’s where we meet every morning after loading the trucks…
Page 153
Panel 1
Ah! There’s my friend Dédé…he’ll be taking you from here.
Panel 2
Hey everyone…Here’s the “package” I told you about…
Page 169
Panel 2
See, “Ugly”...your friends put the taste of blood in my mouth…bad mistake because now I’ll never let you go…
Panel 3
It’s just as if you were dead, “Ugly”.
Page 174
Panel 4
Oh! Was it you making that racket in the garden?...Hey, Looks like the prey put up a fight!
Page 183
Panel 1
Your eyes!
Panel 2
What’s with my eyes?
Panel 3
They’re going to pop out of your head…
Page 184
Panel 1
I’ve learned two things from this: your contact lenses work fine…and you have a weakness for big tits!
Panel 2
PFFF! AND YOU DON’T I SUPPOSE?
Panel 3
Blech, no! I’d have the impression of making love to a cow!
Whatever!
Page 185
Panel 1
Man!...What was I thinking?
Panel 2
It’s true that mister’s type is more the “screamer” kind…
Panel 3
like the one last night for example…good for the “Guiness Book of Records” that one…
Panel 4
Must have heard her all the way to the Italian border!
Page 186
Panel 1
What do you want…That kind of chick…
Panel 2
needs to tell the world she’s being screwed
Hey, you wouldn’t be a tad misogynistic, would you?!
Page 187
Panel 2
Excuse me, I’m sorry…Umm, no I’m not, I just hope you’re not hurt because I kinda did it on purpose…I’d like you to play with us…
Panel 3
That is…no, I…My arm is broken…A BROKEN ARM! And…I…ummm…no
Page 188
Panel 1
Too bad!
Panel 2
NO WAY!
Panel 3
A REAL LOOKER! HE JUST HAD TO GET UP!!! AND HE LETS HER GO!!!I MUST BE DREAMING!!!
Page 189
Panel 1
Don’t be that way…”Big Tits” will be back tomorrow
Panel 3
Shit Karim! I swear…that kind of girl isn’t for me!...She’s…too good looking!
Panel 4
And me, I ain’t good looking!
Wrong!
Panel 5
I have a big nose…
Yup!
Page 190
Panel 1
I’m too fat…and anyway, what do you want me to do with this?
Panel 2
EH!? WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THIS!!?
Panel 3
SHIT, I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS THING!
Page 191
Panel 1
HAD ENOUGH!
Panel 3
ENOUGH! ENOUGH!! ENOUGH!!!
Panel 5
MY ARM!...IT’S SO SKINNY!!
Page 193
Panel 1
We’ll have to get you one of those things with springs you squeeze to work those muscles…
Or bone cancer…
Panel 2
Hold on, I have a better idea!
Page 194
Panel 3
AND YOU LET HIM?
Panel 5
Here…does the same job as the springs…and it’s free!
Page 195
Panel 1
Hey! Did you leave the window open this morning?
Panel 3
SHIT!!
THE MONEY!!
Page 197
Panel 1
Okay…Nothing to do but take off, right? The landlord will be by shortly…
Panel 2
And where to?
Home!
Panel 3
And Faurissier?
To Hell with Faurissier!!
Page 198
Panel 1
A “D.S.” TO BOOT! COOL!!
DID YOU SEE THE PLATE: A 54!! HE’S GOING TO OUR TOWN!!
Page 199
Panel 1
It’s a 1957 isn’t it?
Panel 2
Exactly!
Panel 3
Wow! And she’s like new…bravo!
Panel 4
Excuse me…your plate says 54…are you going all the way to Nancy?
Panel 5
Of course…I live there…
Page 200
Panel 1
But you, you’re not from Nancy?
Panel 2
Why? Do we look that much like paisans?
Panel 3
Not at all? It’s just I’ve never seen you…and a looker like you is quite noticeable!
Page 201
Panel 1
That’s enough! Stop beating around the bush! What do you want?
Panel 2
Well, I find you extremely seductive and I thought that you and I could…if you wanted…
Panel 3
LISTEN UP MAN!! I’ve spent 25 years trying not to puke at the idea that fa…homosexuals exist…Now I’m better…BUT DON’T PUSH IT, understand!!
Panel 4
I…I thought…Oh my God…I’m sorry… Excuse me…
Panel 5
Okay, okay!! Don’t make a big deal out of it!
Page 202
Panel 1
Excuse me but I’m very tired and I’d prefer to stop here…
Panel 2
I don’t dare offer to share my room, but be cool…
Panel 3
Promise that if you don’t leave you’ll sleep in the car…I’ll leave it unlocked, okay?
Page 203
Panel 1
Say…I’ve got the idea that you’ve been holding something back for a while?
Page 204
Panel 1
All right buddy! You won’t pick up a “screamer” here tonight!
Panel 3
But you’ve got a reservation with the waitress…she’s DEVOURING you with her eyes!! And a looker to boot!
Huh? Where!? Where is she?
Page 205
Panel 3
Pfff…I think that’s it…we’re stuck here…
Back to the car?
Panel 4
Okay but on one condition: Tomorrow you sit in front!
Page 206
Panel 4
That’s it…He just needs to pull the trigger.
Go ahead my lamb…shoot!
Page 209
Panel 1
BLANCHE
Blanche has the rhythm down and every evening parks her van in the spot Raoul Faurissier chose…
Page 210
Panel 1
where he has to simply adjust the mirror to track all the comings and goings of the station’s clients and miss nothing.
Panel 3
Ohhh…how my lamb is strong!
Page 211
Panel 1
How he loves his Blanche!...HOW HE LOVES HER!!!
Panel 2
In a minute or two the fat wench will collapse on him with a groan…
Panel 3
and she’ll go back to her job in the restaurant…
Panel 4
where she’ll keep spying for him.
Panel 5
Only then will he sleep a bit.
Page 213
Panel 1
He waits for the arab to return home to kill him…
Panel 2
But lambykins, there are dozens of stops like this one…why would he absolutely stop here? It makes no sense!
Page 214
Panel 2
Besides, they might already be in Timbuctoo, your two birds!
Panel 3
The fat wench repulses him…
Panel 4
She is debauched…
Page 215
Panel 1
After, he will kill her…
Panel 2
like the slut…pow!
Panel 3
But first…”Ugly”...
Panel 4
fatty, after!
Page 216
Panel 1
The first days, before he realized that he owned the arab,...
Panel 2
were terrible!
Panel 4
And because he drank cup after cup of coffee in an effort to stay awake, to above all not miss him…
Page 217
Panel 1
he finally noticed the fat waitress had a thing for him.
Panel 2
He dragged out the story of his raped daughter…she bought it wholesale…
Panel 3
That very evening he took her in the restroom.
Page 218
Panel 1
Two days later she borrowed a van from a friend…
Panel 2
changed to the night shift…and he could finally sleep a bit.
Page 220
Panel 1
LAMBYKINS! LAMBYKINS! HIS HAIR IS ALL WHITE! IT’S THEM!
Panel 2
And so…he has just to pull the trigger…
Panel 3
Go ahead my lamb…shoot!
Panel 4
Shoot…blow off his beautiful little dark head!
Page 221
Panel 1
Oh my lamb…kill him now…quickly!
Panel 2
B..BUT WHY AREN’T YOU SHOOTING!?
Panel 3
SHOOT YOU WORTHLESS PRICK!!!
Page 224
Panel 2
So, “Ugly”...I told you we’d meet again, didn’t I?
Panel 3
You are going to die!
Panel 4
BUT NOT NOW!!!
Page 225
Panel 1
You are going to die…
Panel 2
Uhh…
Panel 3
Next time!
Panel 4
Or the time after!
Panel 5
Ha-ha-ha…
Page 226
Panel 2
Anyway you’re going to die!! But only when I say so! When I’m tired of seeing you breathe!!!
Panel 3
Open!
Page 227
Panel 2
What the fuck…are you crazy?!
Panel 4
HEY SHITHEAD! Hurry up..Get your stuff and come on…we’re leaving!
DON’T FUCK AROUND ALEX! HE’S CRAZY!
Page 228
Panel 1
Note, I say i won’t kill you…but if you try to make a break for it…
Pow! Right in the back!
Panel 2
Ha-ha-ha…But I’m only kidding! You’ve only been scared for five minutes now!
Panel 3
AND THAT’S NOT LONG ENOUGH, BASTARD!!
Page 229
Panel 1
You’re walking? But you don’t walk when you’re scared! YOU RUN!!
Panel 2
No!
RUN!
Panel 3
RUN I TELL YOU!!!
Page 232
Panel 1
Look at him, thinks he’s so smart he’s getting away!
Panel 2
BUT YOU’LL NEVER GET AWAY FROM ME BASTARD! WHERE YOU GO I’LL GO! I’M YOUR DESTINY, YOUR CURSE!...YOU’RE MINE!!!
Page 234
Panel 1
There’s a police station at the next exit!! I’ll leave you there!!
Panel 2
No, no cops!
Panel 3
That maniac just wants to scare us…
Panel 4
WHAT!!? BUT KARIM HE’S GOT A GUN NOW, FOR FUCK’S SAKE!!!
Doesn’t matter!
Panel 5
Whatever, man, whatever…
Page 235
Panel 1
Okay…chill Bill…we won’t get messed up ‘cause of that bad scene!
Panel 2
Let’s roll a great big one…the stuff is in the glove compartment…Go ahead, man!
Panel 3
Allow me to introduce myself: “Daniel” for my mother…”La fleur” for everyone else…
Panel 4
That’s leather you smell…you’re sitting on it! I get it in Spain…In the winter I make bags…
and other stuff that I sell to tourists…I live off this.
Page 236
Panel 3
You know, I can’t drop you off with that other nutbar around…
Panel 4
I’m taking you with me…
Panel 5
and where we’re going, neither he nor the cops will find you! I guarantee it!
Page 242
Panel 1
Ah, there you are!
Him too!?
Panel 2
Holy shit…we could start an insomniacs club, the three of us!
Panel 3
Well, it’s just my stomach was growling…it woke me up!
Panel 4
Go ahead and eat! Eat! But I warn you: the bread’s fresh from the freezer and there are no croissants, sorry! But the baker hasn’t come up here for five years..
Page 243
Panel 1
“You understand Mr La Fleur” he said to me, the asshole…”There’s just the two of you left…”
Panel 3
The village is empty now…
Panel 4
It just costs me too much!!
Page 244
Panel 1
“Empty”? ‘ow come, “empty”?
Empty…dead, deserted, abandoned!
Panel 2
WHAT!? YOU MEAN YOU LIVE HERE ALL ALONE!!?
Page 245
Panel 1
Huh…at least ther’s noboby to hassle me!
But…that’s impossible! Why do you stay?
That’s a long story, my friend…care to hear it?
Well, yeah!
Okay…You’ve never heard of the commune movement, I suppose?
Panel 2
Uhh…what’s that?
Page 246
Panel 1
And…and May 1968, you’ve never heard of that either?
Well, no…sorry…
Panel 2
Oh shit…I feel so old!!
Panel 3
Okay! I see you’re done…
Page 247
Panel 1
Let’s take a walk while I explain things to you, and it could take a while…
Panel 2
You’re not coming?
Panel 3
No, sorry…I need to think a bit…
Panel 4
Whatever, buddy, whatever suits you.
Page 248
Panel 4
[bold headline] discovery
[small headline] burned body in BMW not that of Dr Faurissier
Page 249
Panel 1
[bold headline] Macabre discovery
centre article Dr Faurissier and his victim, Mr Yann Leguet
[text of article] It took all the wisdom and experience of the investigators from Metz Station to not jump to obvious conclusions.
The corpse was found at the wheel of the car and had a bullethole in the temple. All evidence pointed to Dr Faurissier having shot himself in the head, thereby leaving his vehicle to plunge into the ravine where it caught fire after the violent collision.
But one crucial piece of evidence was missing: the gun. It was while searching the roadside following the car’s path that Lieutenant Bonnin noticed that the branches and brush flattened by the car were also burnt or singed. This signifies, of course, that the car was already aflame before it went down the incline.
[small bold headline] Dental detail
It didn’t take much to raise the suspicions of the officers from Metz. Captain Didry ordered a second evaluation.
The body was identified: not that of Dr Faurissier but that of a Mr Yann Leguet, a homeless 58 year- old, whose disapperance was reported by his fellow itinerants.
Formally identified by a dental particularity, the victim was also noticably smaller than the person he was supposed to replace.
Apparently the author of this atrocity is none other than Dr Faurissier himself. He intended to have this macabre scene convince authorities of his suicide, after having murdered his wife.
He is still at large.
Page 251
Panel 1
The first winter the twenty-odd villagers watched laughing while our goats died…
Panel 2
Ten years later our goats no longer dies but everyone had left: the commune and its inhabitants…
Panel 3
In 87 there was just me, my wife and three old folks…
Panel 4
Two died that fall and the third hanged himself during the winter…
Panel 5
In the spring it was my wife who left…
Panel 6
With the baker…So, buddy, still set on leaving?
Page 252
Panel 1
More than ever…
Panel 2
Fine…Listen, you see the Renault 5 there…
Panel 3
It’s my friend J.P.’s…the only one who visits from time to time…
Panel 4
Imagine that when he was here last spring he fell off the roof while doing repairs…resault: a busted-up leg and a cane for his remaining years…
Page 253
Panel 1
Anyway, he lives in Lyons which is on your way…
Panel 2
So, you could bring him his rusty clap-trap back…
Panel 3
And you do me a favour…okay? I’ll slip you a few bucks for gas…
Page 254
Panel 1
Karim…
Panel 2
What if we kept the car?
WHAT?!
Panel 3
Wait…you…you’re serious?
Well…yeah!
Panel 4
But…you’re disgusting!
Page 255
Panel 1
This guy risks life and limb to help us and you, all you can think is…Oh, that’s sweet, congratulations!
Panel 2
Fine, fine…I didn’t say a word…not a word…
Panel 4
And I already told you I didn’t want the cops on our tail TO BOOT!
Page 256
Panel 1
Oh yeah…you’ve got something against pigs!
Panel 2
YEAH, SO WHAT?
Nothing, nothing…
Panel 4
I bet you’d like to know why!
Panel 5
You got it!
Page 257
Panel 1
Well, when I was 12 I stole a comic book…The salesclerk called the cops. At the station they forced me to eat pork, just for kicks…until I puked…then they pushed me aorund and threw me down a staircase…fractured skull…broken wrist…
Being born an arab, what an idea!
Page 259
title: 10 IN THE LION’S MOUTH
Panel 1
Oh shit, one of the projects…we’ll never find the right place!
Page 260
Panel 1
Of course, no map!
Hold on, there’s kids over there…
Panel 2
Hey, “Snow White”!
Panel 3
Do you know Namur Street?
Panel 4
Which street?
Namur…
Page 261
Panel 1
Hey, Momo! Ya know Hammer Street?
NA-mur…
Panel 2
Yup! My uncle lives there!
Panel 3
But don’t go there, brother…there’s a whitey that killed an arab kid with a rifle ‘cause of the kid’s noisy scooter…
Panel 4
The kids, they went crazy! They’ve been destroying everything for a coupla hours now…The cops are comin’ from everywhere…
Panel 5
Don’t worry, Momo…Get in..you’ll show us the way…
Page 264
Panel 1
There…park in front…
Panel 2
Well, you don’t get rich from living in a commune! Check out this place!
Panel 3
Wait for us, son…we’ll be just a minute or two.
Panel 4
Okay…Door “C”...
Panel 5
Second floor..
Panel 6
Door on the left.
Page 265
Panel 2
Who is it?
Panel 3
We would like to see J.P….on behalf of “La Fleur”
Just a sec…
Panel 5
What does that dumb little pissant want from me now?
Page 266
Panel 1
What? “La Fleur” didn’t call you? We brought back your car!
Panel 2
My car? What the hell are you talking about? And who are you?
Panel 6
LISTEN ASSHOLE! “LA FLEUR” ASKED US TO BRING YOUR CAR BACK TO YOU!!!
Page 267
Panel 2
We brought it back!...NOW GO FUCK YOURSELF!!!
Panel 4
WHAT A SHITHEAD!! UNBELIEVEABLE!!!
Page 268
Panel 1
SHIT, SHIT ,SHIT…WAHT IS THIS SHIT!!
Panel 2
What’re they doing?
Panel 3
Nothing…they’re slowly walking away…There’s a kid with them…
Panel 4
THEY’RE COPS, I’M TELLING YOU!! And the car…?
Looks like the right one…
Page 269
Panel 1
It’s a fuckup, damnit!
Panel 4
YES?!
Panel 5
WHAT HAVE YOU FUCKING DONE THIS TIME !?
Panel 6
Your leg?...You broke your leg…and you can’t drive…
Page 270
Panel 1
WHAT!!? YOU GAVE 2 K’S OF COKE TO TWO GUYS YOU BARELY KNOW!!?
Panel 2
I SURE HOPE YOU DIDN’T LET THEM IN ON IT, ASSHOLE!!
Panel 3
Shit!...Listen to me, “La Fleur”...nothing better have happened to the dope…
Panel 4
Or else you better be ready for very…very rough time!!
Panel 5
MANIAC!!
Page 271
Panel 1
Louis..go get the dope…I need to know…
Panel 2
What about the cops?
Panel 3
We’ll take that chance…
Panel 4
Where is it?
In the spare tire…
Panel 5
Shit! Talk about cold, man!!
Page 272
Panel 1
All the same, Daniel… he’s intelligent, this “J.P.”... he’ll never swallow that!
Oh, but he will!
Panel 2
He will swallow it! He’ll swallow it whole!
Panel 3
It’s a bit much, no… you don’t find?
You think!!
Panel 4
This asshole thinks I’m such an idiot that he’ll never think it’s me!
Page 273
Panel 2
F—flour! It’s flour!
Panel 3
THEY’VE NICKED THE COKE! THAT ASSHOLE’S BEEN CONNED! I’M SURE OF IT!
Panel 4
I’M SURE OF IT!
Panel 5
SURE! SURE! SURE!
Page 274
Panel 1
And if it was “La Fleur”?
Impossible… he’s too stupid! No, it’s those two shitheads… So, you run and find Pedro and you two bring them to me…
Panel 2
But, “J.P.”... if they’re pros… they must be far away by now!
I SAID RUN!
Panel 3
AND WATCH OUT FOR THE ARAB, HE’S A WORM!
Page 279
Panel 1
Y’hear that Pedro?... I think we’re dealing with jokers here…
Panel 2
They tax us for 2 K’s of coke… and they ask us what this is about… they’re jokers, I’m telling you…
Panel 3
WHAT!!?
Page 280
Panel 1
You know what Pedro? We’re not going to bring them to “J. P.”, the jokers… ’s no need…
Panel 2
Because they’re gonna tell us right away where they stashed the coke!...
Panel 3
Huh! They’re gonna say it right away…
Panel 4
The jokers!?...
Page 281
Panel 2
Uncle! Uncle! This way! It’s free!
Panel 3
It’s my uncle! Good luck that I found him, huh?
Great, Momo… Great!
Page 283
Panel 1
Hey, Smaïn! We just snatched these guys away from the cops… you’ve got to get them out of here…
Panel 3
No problème, brozeur… No problème!
Note: presented as in original; he is speaking heavily-accented English.
Page 284
Panel 1
The cops are blocking off the whole district, the boys…
Panel 2
We can get through! But I’m obliged to do it in the “Paris-Dakar” way! So…
Panel 3
HOLD ON!!!
Page 287
FACEL VEGA HK500
THERE’S A FATHEAD WHO WANTS TO GET IN MY WAY! THERE’S A GANG OF PISSED-OFF LUNATICS WHO THINK I’M FUNNY!
Page 288
Panel 1
THEY’VE ALL GOT GUNS! EVER SINCE I TOOK YOU ALONG, I’VE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE!!
Panel 2
ALL YOU DO IS BRING ME BAD LUCK!!! THAT’S HOW IT IS!!!
WHAT!?
Page 289
Panel 1
BECAUSE I WAS THE ONE WHO FUCKED MA FAURISSIER!!? AND THE CAR! WHO WAS IT WHO WANTED TO TA—
Panel 2
Ah, shit! Go fuck yourself!
Page 291
Panel 1
Stop!
Panel 2
Go… and strike hard… it’ll do both of us good…
Panel 3
LEAVE ME ALONE!
Panel 4
ASSHOLE, YOU’RE A REAL MULE-BRAIN, IN THE NAME OF GOD!
Page 292
Panel 1
DON’T EVER START THAT AGAIN, ASSHOLE! DON’T EVER START THAT AGAIN!
Panel 3
Alexandre… this time, we’re really in the shit…
Page 293
Panel 1
Because guys who can throw two million into drugs, they must also have the means to get hold of us… whatever happens…
Panel 2
Wherever we go…
Panel 3
It’s just a matter of time!
Panel 4
Karim! The Mercedes!
Panel 5
What!? What Mercedes?
Page 294
Panel 1
There! The one that just parked!
Panel 2
It’s the one we nicked last month…
Panel 3
You’re sure!?
Certain! “5117 KJ31”. I learned the number by heart…
Panel 5
Alexandre, buddy… I believe we’ve finally had a bit of luck!
Page 295
Panel 3
But!?...
Panel 4
Hey!! But, no, this can’t—Get… Get out of here straight away!!!
Page 296
Panel 2
OUT OR I CALL THE COPS!!
Panel 3
Quietly, buddy… You see the young guy with white hair standing outside the door of the shop your wife just went into?
Panel 4
Well, I just have to make a little sign to him and he’ll tell her where you were sticking your dick the night we stole your car last month…
Page 297
Panel 2
BASTARD! I… I don’t have any money!!
We don’t need your money…
Panel 3
Quite the contrary, pretend that you just bumped into two old friends, that they had a breakdown and that you’re offering them hospitality… nice, right?
Page 298
Panel 2
Phew, René! ...You told me about your house, but you didn’t say it was a palace! Wow!
Page 299
Panel 1
So, buddy… what do you say to this!?
Amazing! It’s amazing!
Panel 2
But!? But they’re going to the swimming pool! RENÉ!!
Panel 3
Make sure they don’t get too comfortable, thes “friends” of yours!
Panel 4
You understand!
Page 300
Panel 1
YOU UNDERSTAND!!?
Fuck, I don’t understand! ...This guy lives in a palace but he dicks around with secretaries like some ordinary salesman and his wife talks worse to him than to her dog!
Panel 2
But what I understand even less is that now the surprise has worn off, now that he’s had the time to go back, he could… I don’t know…
Page 301
Panel 1
Call the cops…
Panel 3
In any case, find a way to get rid of us.
Panel 4
And he’s not doing that… Got to believe that we’ve put the finger where it needed to be…
Page 302
Panel 1
Listen, I thought this wasn’t going to work…
Panel 2
When I told his good wife that my name was Jean-Pierre, good God, the look she gave me!
Panel 3
Tell me, Alexandre… do I look that much like an Arab?
Page 303
Panel 1
That! I wouldn’t say you looked Swedish!
Panel 2
Deep down, it bothers me, this Roger…
René!
René… We dropped him in the shit but I think he’s a decent guy!
Panel 3
Okay! I’m going to go see if I can sort this out!
Page 304
Panel 1
Mr Loiseau…
Panel 2
GET OUT, SHITHEAD! DON’T COME NEAR ME! FUCK OFF!
Panel 3
GET AWAY, I SAY!
I…
Page 305
Panel 1
I just wanted to tell you that we couldn’t have done otherwise… That we regret dropping you in the shit and… well, thanks that…
Panel 2
Now you’re being polite?
Note: Karim has switched to the formal “vous” pronoun.
Panel 3
Listen to me well, “Jean-Pierre”, or whoever you are… you’ve forced me to put you up, okay… but when my wife isn’t there I forbid you to say one word to me! Get out of here!
Page 307
Panel 1
A FACEL VEGA HK 500!! FUCK… I… I’M DREAMING!
Panel 2
Chrysler “Typhoon” engine, 5.9 litre cylinder! 360 horsepower! A four-barrel carburettor… No! If that’s the one, there are two!
Panel 3
Don’t bother getting excited!!! You can’t steal this one… The engine’s fucked! It hasn’t been driven in thirty years…
Page 308
Panel 1
But that’s no reason! Have you tried to make it start up again?
Panel 3
Just one time… I put in a new battery… The engine didn’t go…
Panel 4
Fuck… if that’s how it is… only need to change some parts…
Looks like you know something about it?
Panel 5
I was a mechanic…
And you’re not any more?
Panel 6
No
And why?
Page 309
Panel 1
Because I could never repair cars like this one…
Panel 2
What’s your real name?
Panel 3
Karim…
Panel 4
Tell me, Karim… what kind of mess are you in, for real?
Page 310
Jean Daninos (brother of the author) created the Facel company in 1937 but it was not until 1954 that he launched the production of his own model: the luxury coupé the Facel Vega. Four years later, without losing any of its superbissime elegance “à la Française”, the coupé became a monster of power:
The Facel Vega HK500.
Equipped with an 8-cylinder V Chrysler Typhoon VII engine producing 335 horsepower with a four-barrel carburettor or 360 horsepower with two four-barrel carburettors (automatic gears), it could reach 235 km/h with stupefying acceleration (8”6 from 0 to 100 km/h) considering its weight (1660 kg). It was 4.59 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.36 metres high.
Manufactured from 1958 to 1961, it gave way, after some modifications, to the “HKII”. In parallel, Jean Daninos launched a less expensive car: the “Facellia”, the technical and commercial failure of which put an end to the business, which closed its doors in 1964. 750 HK500 and HKII coupés had been manufactured, of which 3/4 were exported.
Sold at 39,500F in 1960, it is today worth between 100,000 and 200,000F on the collectible automobile market.
(Source: “Retro-Viseur” No. 4—December 1988)
Page 311
Panel 2
Listen! I’m reminding you that you have to go get your daughter!! So I advise you not to make her wait… Understand!?
Page 314
Panel 2
Hello Alexandre… Do you mind if I take a dive?
Panel 3
I… No! No! Not at all!
Panel 4
But wait… I’ll go… it’ll be easier for you…
Page 315
Panel 1
Ah no! Stay! Just for once I’d like not to be all alone while I bathe!
Page 317
Panel 2
Karim…
Panel 3
How do you find Véronique?
Panel 4
Who’s that?
Huh!? Véronique! Loiseau’s daughter!
Page 318
Panel 1
Ah! I’d say by the bumpers she’s lugging around!
You ass…
Panel 2
I… You think I could take a chance… she’s not too good for me?
Panel 3
Do what you like Alexandre… but think about it: we’re cushy here… so don’t mess about and stir shit up… okay?
Page 320
Panel 2
The fact that you are our guests doesn’t give you every right!!... So make sure that your nephew stops bothering my daughter!! Understood!!?
Panel 3
Forget it, son… she’s a real viper…
Panel 4
Watch out for Alexandre, René… he could lift mountains for a pair of big tits!
Page 321
Panel 1
Eh… he can have her any way he wants her if he likes the bitch… she’s too like her mother…
Panel 3
And why don’t you smack her in the face?
Panel 4
Because she’s waiting for that to ask for a divorce and finally choke me.. Cheers!
Cheers!
Page 322
Panel 1
You see all that, son…
Panel 2
The shed, the grounds, the vines…
Panel 3
And the bearing factory, down there, outside Villefranche… 750 workers…
Page 323
Panel 1
Well, all that, it was mine.
Panel 2
Well! My father’s, to be precise!
Page 324
Panel 1
In 1945, at the end of the war, there was nobody to compete with Papa’s factory…
Panel 2
And for six-seven years, I didn’t see him often but he earned lots and lots of money
Panel 3
Until a Toulouse firm fucked things up by slashing prices… From then on, I saw him even less than before… Look, that’s my uncle Roger there in the Facel…
Panel 4
He was Papa’s elder brother, not like him at all… but at least he paid attention to me… He was crazy about cycling… he passed the virus on to me. Result: at 16, I only thought about one thing…
Page 325
Panel 1
Doing everything I could to win the cycling regionals…
Panel 2
And listen! You wouldn’t think it to look at me now but good God I swear to you that I was a whiz!
Panel 3
So much that in ‘57, Geminiani in person! came to see my father for me to turn pro…
Panel 4
But my father, him, he had other plans for me… in ‘58 he made peace with the Toulouse guy and I found Marie… bye bye cycling! I was 18 years old…
Page 326
Panel 1
Let me introduce the daughter of the “Toulouse bearings guy”... what’s she found to piss me off with this time?
Panel 2
I’m going to town at 4 o’clock… be ready!!
Panel 3
Papa died in ‘69… I wasn’t made for business… in three years, she and her brother had sheared me like a sheep…
Panel 4
All my goods went to the “Toulouse woman”... except the Facel: they don’t think it’s worth anything.
Bloodsucker! I understand better why we’re here, I tell you!
Page 327
Panel 1
Yeah… Except I don’t give a shit if she finds out I’m tricking her. I won’t make her leave that way… after all that time…
Panel 2
But!?... but then… why’d you give in to our blackmail?
Panel 3
To get on her tits, son… to get on her tits! And I swear to you that it gets on her tits that you’re here! More than you can imagine!
Page 328
Panel 1
Wear your helmet…
Yes mum
Panel 2
And come back in time for dinner!
Yes mum
Page 332
Panel 2
Unless! Unless you tell me why…
Panel 3
You’re REALLY here…
Panel 4
I can’t, Véro… I swear that I can’t…
Page 333
Panel 1
Well, so much the worse!
Panel 3
Ah, shit… to hell with it after all!
Page 334
Panel 3
René… I do believe your daughter just lost her cherry, buddy…
Panel 4
Bah!!! Charming business! If she takes after me, this mustn’t be the first time!... Can I get in now?
Page 335
Panel 1
Wait, I’m going to give the engine three turns with the crank…
Panel 2
It’s fine… go for it!
Panel 3
I don’t dare…
Panel 4
Go for it, I say… It’ll rev up after a quarter-turn!
Page 343
Panel 1
Come on! I know where to find some…
Panel 3
Where’s that!?
Panel 4
In town!
Panel 5
In town!!? But c’mon Véro… You know well that I can’t!
Page 344
Panel 2
Wait for me there… He doesn’t know you and if you come, he’s going to flip out…
Panel 4
Ah! It’s you! ...What do you want?
Page 346
Panel 1
COKE!!?
Panel 2
Yeah… great stuff! 300 francs…
Panel 3
I can’t, “Matisse”... I don’t have the dosh…
Panel 4
Ah!...That’s a pain in the ass…
Panel 5
Listen… Maybe there’s some way we can work things out… like last time…
Page 348
Panel 3
It… it’s raining!
Panel 4
My friend! He… he’s going to come up!
Panel 5
STOP! LET ME GO!
Page 349
Panel 1
I SAID LET GO!!!
Panel 3
Stop, “Matisse”... I… I don’t want the coke any more… I beg you… my friend, he…
Page 352
Panel 2
Say, why’d your friend bleach his hair like that? So you can see him easier at night?
Panel 3
Crrr crrr crr…
Asshole!
Panel 4
But the best part is that I know that matchhead… he still glued to his Arab?
Panel 5
Wha!? ...How do you know that? They’re not from here!...
Page 353
Panel 1
Heheh… I know, that’s all!
Panel 2
Okay! I got something to do…
Panel 3
I’ll be at it for five minutes… you, wait for me there…
Panel 4
Because we’ve got something to finish up, us two, am I right? Heheh….
Panel 5
HEY! WHY ARE YOU SHUTTING ME IN?
Page 354
Panel 3
Hello? I got your number from a friend… It seems that you’re looking for an Arab and a guy with bleached hair?...
Panel 4
Exactly…
Panel 5
That’s good… Call back in ten minutes… I’ll tell you what needs to be done…
Page 355
Panel 1
Hello, “J.P.”... its Pedro! FUCK, YOU’RE BRILLIANT! IT WORKED! There’s a dealer in Villefranche who’s spotted them…
Panel 2
Louise… take out the BMW… we’ve found them…
Panel 3
LOUIS!!
Panel 4
Fuck, “J.P.”, look at that: 21700 points! At speed 10 and level 12… not bad, huh?
Page 359
Panel 1
Karim… you do as you like, but me, I’m going back…
Panel 2
René… can you advance us some dosh for the train?
Panel 3
No, but I can do better, son… I’m going back to work on Monday… I’ll drive you back up…
Panel 4
Meanwhile, I know where to stash you, okay?
Panel 5
Alexandre?
Page 361
HANDS UP SCUM!
Fuck!... But he’s not here yet, that Portuguese idiot!? He should be there, Goddamn it!
Page 362
Panel 1
Go find out… Go find out where that asshole’s lost himself now!
Panel 2
Okay! Change of programme…
Panel 3
You’re going to take care of it by yourself…
Panel 4
WHAT!!!? BUT THERE ARE TWO OF THEM “J.P.”... I’LL NEVER MANAGE IT!!
Page 363
Panel 1
You will!... Provided you knock off the Arab as a first course! Before he’s had time to make a move!
Panel 2
That’ll scare the piss out of the blond… and he’ll drop the stuff…
Panel 3
Bleached, “J.P.”... he’s not blond, he’s bleached…
Panel 4
What the hell do I care?! Go, hit the road…
Hee hee hee hee hee…
Page 365
Panel 1
Hey!... You can’t do th…
Panel 3
You follow that BMW over there, or your life won’t be worth a thing!
NO!! MERCY!! MERCY!!
Panel 4
DRIVE, YOU FOOL!
DON’T KILL ME!! DON’T KILL M…
Page 366
Panel 1
I’ll only kill you if you lose them…
Panel 2
Or if you don’t stop your teeth chattering…
Panel 3
The girl’s hopped it, mister… while I was phoning you!
Page 367
[l:1]
WHAT!!?
BUT I KNOW WHERE SHE LIVES!
Panel 2
Don’t you have something more conspicuous?
Panel 3
Get out, idiot… I’ve seen enough of you…
Page 368
Panel 1
THIEF! THIEF!
Panel 2
AND GO WASH YOUR ASS BEFORE YOU GO TO THE COPSHOP, COS YOU’VE SHIT YOUR PANTS!
THIEF!
Page 370
Panel 2
We’ve had some luck! They’re just packing up…
Panel 3
You think the driver’s in on it?
Panel 4
No… Too much money, too conspicuous… I’d know him! Get on!
Page 372
Panel 1
Stop with that thing, good God!!
Panel 2
I SAID STOP!
Panel 3
And go see if these shitheads are wanking…
Page 375
Panel 3
Ah, shit… I’m sick of this! C’mon! We’re going… We’ll cook the Arab while the other one’s gone…
Panel 4
COME ON, I SAID!
I’m coming, I’m coming…
Page 379
Panel 4
Cuckoo! It’s me…
Panel 5
And this, this is my Colt .45… you know, the one that makes big fat holes in your head…
Page 384
Panel 1
Mext time you want to use one of these things… make sure to flip the safety catch…
Panel 2
Okay! I’m not gonna kill you… After all, we’re both hunting the same prey! Am I right? So, we’re going to be a team… Terrific idea, no?
Panel 3
But I give the orders, of course!
Panel 4
You’re cra…
Sh!
Page 385
Panel 3
Hi big-nose… you’re not coming back, huh?
Panel 4
Fine! We have to go… there’s a car for you over there, on the bend… see you next time, eh?
Panel 5
Hup hup hey hey…
You’re cracked!
Page 394
Panel 1
...under threat of a revolver.
Panel 2
Let go by his aggressor, the unhappy motorist presented himself at the Villefranche police station in such a state of agitation that the officers were obliged to use strong-arm tactics to overcome him…
Panel 3
Result: multiple contusions and a broken collarbone… but that’s not all…
Panel 4
On the road to the hospital, a speeding tanker truck knocked the ambulance against a plane tree, ending by breaking the unfortunate M. Laveyne…
Panel 5
who wears his name decidedly badly… the unhappy man will not have lost everything during this sad event… his car, to begin with…
Page 395
Panel 1
It was found intact in a street in the town centre of Marseille… Next, and crucially, he will not have lost his life, for it would seem, according to the signals he has given, that his aggressor was none other than Dr Faurissier, the murderer still at lar—
Panel 2
THEY’RE IN MARSEILLE!
Panel 3
You’re still that lucky?
Panel 4
Ah! You’re there? I thought you were further away…
Page 396
Panel 1
The Arab’s mine, I tell you! He’s mine!
Panel 2
Pfff… doesn’t matter!
Panel 3
I would’ve bet they were at Marseille… ’s the only place they could put the drugs on the market…
Panel 4
PEDRO! PREPARE THE BAGS!
Page 397
But once in place, I’m the one who’ll take things in hand… I’ve got slightly less weirdass ways than your “dark strengths” to get the Arab back in our path…
Page 401
Panel 2
You’re still not eating a flea?
No!
Panel 3
But eat something, good God! That makes a week when you haven’t eaten!
And so! What the fuck business is it of yours?
Page 402
Panel 1
IT’S MY BUSINESS THAT YOU STAY UPRIGHT! IT’S MY BUSINESS THAT YOU’RE TURNING INTO A RAG! IT’S MY BUSINESS THAT WHEN FAURISSIER STUMBLES OVER US…
Panel 2
HE WON’T EVEN NEED TO PULL THE TRIGGER BECAUSE YOU’LL ALREADY BE DEAD!!!
SHUT IT, FUCKER!!
Page 405
Panel 2
Don’t move… I’m coming back!
Panel 4
So, what’s this giving us?
Panel 5
This holds straight to the deposition of the man named Loiseau at Villefranche-sur-Saône… As for Faurissier, the Metz SRPJ confirms it. He already has at least two corpses on his hands… they’re sending us someone… As for the cripple, the Lyon drug squad don’t seem to have much… they’re looking… I think they’re going to give us carte blanche…
Note: SRPJ is the regional French police.
Page 406
Panel 1
I’m going to let the kid go… Listen, Antoine, stick to his trail and try and find out where they’re hiding.
Panel 2
Listen, kid… We’ve got a serious job here, you know… you know that, huh?
Panel 3
I…uh… well, yeah…
So you understand that we REALLY don’t have time to waste with your cuckold stories… Get out!
Panel 4
WHAT!? B…BUT IT’S TRUE!
Page 408
Panel 3
KARIM!!
Damn! I woke you up! I’m sorry… especially since it’s only four o’clock in the afternoon!!
Panel 4
And I tell you, buddy… I’M DYING OF HUNGER!... and I have no intention of stealing one of your rotten pizzas.
Page 409
Panel 1
YEAH!!
Panel 2
I spied a restaurant next to the sea… they do seafood and grilled fish… we’ll drink white wine!
Panel 3
We’re going back home?
We’re going back…
Page 410
Panel 3
Hello Inspector… here’s a client for you…
Hey! Hi “Little Louis”
Panel 4
Say, Inspector… wouldn’t it be possible for them not to shake me so much when they bring me in?
What’s new in the neighbourhood, pal?
Page 411
Panel 1
Bah! Not much, Inspector, it’s quiet…
Panel 2
There’s less coke and the price is rising a bit… otherwise, nothing…
Panel 3
No, wait! There’s Bruno Gambini in person who’s dragging around a cripple from Lyon who’s had 2K of coke stolen by an Arab and a redhead with bleached hair… there’s part of the coke in it for whoever can help catch them…
Panel 4
THAT! Now that interests me!
Page 412
Panel 3
Ah! Hi, Bruno…
Panel 4
9 pm… “Le Peano”... where’s that?... Perfect. See you then…
Panel 5
THAT’S IT! WE’RE GETTING THEM!
Page 413
Panel 1
Fuck, I’m going to explode… I’ve gained at least 10 kilos in four days..
We’re going over the sea wall… that’ll help our digestion…
Panel 3
Alex… if it suits you, we’ll go tomorrow…
And the idiots?
Page 414
Panel 1
We’ll give them the runaround… through Toulouse, Bordeaux, Paris… we’ll just have to go home… then we’ll be saved.
Panel 2
Yes, but Faurissier, he’ll end up coming to look for us there…
Panel 3
You think! It’s the only place where he’s not ready to set foot…
Panel 4
He killed his wife, Alexandre…
WHAT?!!
Page 416
Panel 3
DON’T FIRE! I want him alive! Pedro’ll get him back with the boat
Panel 5
JUMP KARIM! ...HE’LL MISS YOU!!
Page 417
Panel 1
What’s he up this Ab… Ah! There!
Panel 2
FUCKING JUMP!
Panel 3
So what are you waiting for? Do it, fire!
Panel 4
Shit… it’s not him!
Panel 5
IT’S A FUCK-UP! IT’S A FUCK-UP!
Panel 6
No! You see I’m not afraid…
Page 418
Panel 1
KARIM!
FUCK, IT’S A FUCK-UP!!
Panel 2
FIRE, SHITHEAD!
IT’S A FUCK-UP!!
Panel 3
THE… THE BOAT!
SHITHEAD!
Page 419
Panel 1
IT… IT’S STOPPED!
BASTARD!!
Panel 2
THE COPS!
Panel 4
CUCKOLD!!
Panel 5
DON’T SHOOT!!
Page 422
Panel 1
His legs are injured… I’ve taken his weapon
Panel 3
Did you fish out my friend?
Page 423
Panel 2
Didry to Vedette… Did you fish out the kid? Fine… turn off the floodlights… we’re proceeding to intercept…
Page 427
Panel 1
Heh! Very simply that with Faurissier I had ONE chance to get out of it… in the drink, none!
Panel 2
I don’t know how to swim, buddy!
Page 429
Panel 1
Alexandre…
Panel 2
If you see me hanging around some woman BEFORE we get home… don’t hesitate…
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