A thrilling investigation into the political tensions of the Cold War

The third volume of the Blacksad series, entitled "Red Soul", marks a new stage in the adventures of the famous anthropomorphic detective. Published in 2005, this album, created by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido, explores the twists and turns of politics, betrayal and paranoia in an America in the grip of Cold War tensions.

In "Red Soul", John Blacksad finds himself immersed in the dangerous and complex world of American politics in the 1950s. The story begins when Blacksad is hired by the head of security for an influential senator to track down a prominent scientist, Professor Otto Liebber, who has mysteriously disappeared. Liebber, a former close friend of the senator, is now an outcast due to his communist sympathies.

The investigation leads Blacksad into the intellectual and artistic circles of New York, where he uncovers a conspiracy far larger than he had imagined. Between manipulation, espionage and betrayal, Blacksad must navigate a minefield to uncover the truth and protect those in need.

"Âme Rouge" is distinguished by a dense and thrilling plot, where each revelation leads to new questions. The album explores the themes of betrayal and loyalty, highlighting the political and social tensions of the time. The anti-communist witch hunt, led by figures such as Senator McCarthy, serves as a backdrop to this complex investigation.

John Blacksad's character, true to character, is both determined and morally ambiguous. His quest to find Professor Liebber quickly becomes a fight for the truth in a world where appearances are often deceptive. The many twists and turns and the chiseled dialogues keep the reader in suspense until the last page.

Juanjo Guarnido's visual style in "Âme Rouge" is, once again, breathtaking. Each panel is a painting in its own right, with meticulous attention to detail and the characters' expressions. The settings, whether they are bustling New York streets or dark, hushed interiors, are rendered with a precision and richness that immerses the reader in the heart of the plot.

Anthropomorphic characters are again used masterfully. Each animal chosen to represent a character brings an additional layer of meaning and symbolism. For example, the senator, represented as a hunting dog, embodies the vigilance and aggressiveness of the hunt for communists. Professor Liebber, as an owl, symbolizes the wisdom and solitude of the hunted intellectual.

"Red Soul" addresses powerful and ever-relevant themes. Political paranoia, fear of the other and manipulation are at the heart of the plot. Through the eyes of Blacksad, the authors criticize the excesses of witch hunting and the devastating consequences of widespread suspicion.

The character of Blacksad, an incorruptible and solitary private detective, embodies the quest for truth and justice in a corrupt and hypocritical world. His relationship with Professor Liebber, based on mutual respect despite their differences, underlines the importance of dialogue and understanding in a divided society.

Upon its release, "Blacksad: Red Soul" was widely acclaimed by critics and readers. Its mix of dark thriller, political critique and exceptional graphics confirmed the series as one of the most important in the 9th art. The album won several awards, including the Prix des Libraires de Bande Dessinée, highlighting the quality of its writing and illustration.

"Blacksad: Red Soul" is a masterpiece that transcends genres and eras. By mixing a captivating plot with a deep reflection on political excesses, this album offers an intense and emotional reading.