A literary and philosophical road trip through 1950s America

The fifth volume of the "Blacksad" series, entitled "Amarillo", takes us on a road trip through the vast landscapes of the United States in the 1950s. Published in 2013, this album, created by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido, explores themes of freedom, self-searching and literature in an adventure rich in encounters and introspection. Let's dive together into this captivating new opus.

In "Amarillo," John Blacksad decides to take a well-deserved break from his many previous adventures. He takes on a seemingly simple job: driving a car from New Orleans to Tulsa. But as always, things don't go as planned. Along the way, he meets a pair of beatnik writers on the run, Chad Lowell and Abraham Greenberg. One of the writers, Chad, is implicated in an accidental murder, which leads Blacksad into a new investigation full of twists and turns across the American South and West.

"Amarillo" stands out for its road trip atmosphere, contrasting with the dark, urban atmospheres of the previous volumes. The story is imbued with the beatnik culture of the 1950s, with literary and philosophical references that enrich the narrative. The themes of freedom and the quest for self are omnipresent, as Blacksad travels through desert landscapes and small American towns.

Blacksad's investigation is this time less focused on a complex crime and more on human encounters and moral choices. Chad, the fugitive writer, symbolizes the search for truth and artistic expression, while Blacksad, true to himself, embodies justice and the quest for meaning in an often absurd and cruel world.

Juanjo Guarnido excels once again in "Amarillo" with vibrant and detailed illustrations. The landscapes of the American South and West are beautifully rendered, capturing the vastness of the deserts, the crushing heat, and the atmosphere of small American towns. Each panel is a work of art, with careful attention paid to the characters' expressions and the details of the settings.

The anthropomorphic characters, faithful to the series, are once again superbly represented. The choice of animals to embody the characters continues to give additional depth and symbolism to the story. For example, Chad Lowell, represented as a lion, embodies the greatness and tragedy of the tormented artist.

"Amarillo" addresses universal and timeless themes. Freedom, the quest for self and the importance of art and literature are at the heart of the plot. Through his encounters, Blacksad explores different facets of humanity, aspirations and flaws of the individuals he meets.

John Blacksad's character, as complex and introspective as ever, finds himself confronted with his own desires for freedom and meaning. His relationship with Chad Lowell and Abraham Greenberg offers a reflection on the role of the artist in society and the quest for truth through artistic expression. The dialogues are deep and loaded with meaning, offering a philosophical dimension to the story.

"Blacksad: Amarillo" was well received by critics and readers for its different approach and thematic richness. The album was praised for its exploration of literary and philosophical themes, as well as for the exceptional quality of its graphics. This fifth volume has consolidated the reputation of the series as a major work of the 9th art, capable of renewing itself while remaining faithful to its original spirit.

"Blacksad: Amarillo" is a striking work that offers a profound reflection on freedom, the quest for self and the role of art in society. This album, both poetic and introspective, takes the reader on a journey through the landscapes and souls of the United States of the 1950s.