Enrique Sánchez Abuli and Leandro Fernández take Luca Torelli’s story to tackle a robbery in the new volume of Torpedo, published by ECC Ediciones.
For good reasons, there are comic icons that survive over time, and if we talk about national comics, many things like Captain Truno or the characters that were popular in the editorial Bruguera and others, come to mind, but it will be very. Luca Torelli, created by Enrique Sánchez Abuli and Alex Toth in the early 1980s and popularized by Jordi Burnett’s painting, would be unfair not to put it on that eternal list. His latest adventure comes to us from ECC Ediciones in a volume titled Torpedo 1972 Vol. 3: A man named Capullo.
A history of four decades
After the character’s classic adventures collected in a massive comprehensive edition by Panini Comics titled Torpedo 1936, he returned as an elder in a new saga in the seventies. Charge by the great Eduardo Risso in class graphic. Burnett’s absence from these comics was due to some legal disputes with Abuli, which destroyed the friendship and possibility of working together between the two.
These adventures Set in the 1930s, they lacked the flavor of the classics, where Sicily defied the censors with his questionable morals and controversial actions, but still had the magic of a character with a personality that was even more attractive in his old age. His youth. And Riso’s painting wasn’t exactly something that devalued the work, quite the contrary.
For the third volume, unfortunately, there is no Risso, but his replacement could not be better chosen. Leandro Fernandez (known, among other things, for his excellent work in Garth Ennis’ Penalty) has a similar style to this master, which should come as no surprise when one considers that one of his first jobs was his assistant. And thanks to him Luca Torelli four decades after his first stories in 2024, at a high level (figuratively speaking).
Armed attack
In this case, our main character will be part of a band formed by Capulo, the character who gives his name to the voice, the short-sighted Topo, his partners Mona and the inseparable Rascal. The objective is a seemingly simple achievement designed by a girl: take money from some rich old men (a lawyer, a banker, a judge and a psychiatrist) who play a good game of poker every week.
This story starts as a light comedy and becomes something close to Reservoir Dogs. The script is clever and entertaining, but perhaps the weakest part of this new trio of characters. A Luca is as great as ever, but we see it a bit dulled by a plot full of characters, sometimes too rushed, that doesn’t take long to give everyone their due.
The mix of violence, comedy, comedy and political incorrectness works well in the story, and although it’s not as flashy as the previous installments, it’s still a fascinating direction and a treat for character lovers. By the way, no one expects this to be the last time we see good old Luke, because the (somewhat abrupt) ending opens the door to his problems with aging, preventing him from returning to his old ways too soon. ..
This volume is presented in hardcover cardboard format with a Dutch binding, 64 pages of quality perforated paper in color and includes a foreword by Anthony Giral and a final section of additional material illustrated by the artist. It has a recommended retail price of €16 and goes on sale in March 2024.
Torpedo 1972 Vol. 3: A man named Capulo
Luca Torelli decides to take part in a coup orchestrated by his colleague Capullo: he takes over the biggest pot from the poker games organized by a group of rich old men. With his inseparable Rascal and Topo and Mona – Capullo’s assistant and partner respectively – he sets out to execute a seemingly simple plan.
How hard can it be to rob a septuagenarian lawyer, banker, judge and psychiatrist?
You will soon find out…
Authors: Enrique Sanchez Abuli and Leandro Fernandez