
Zagor LU maxi #3: Čovjek sa crnom maskom / Sjena na suncu
The maxi edition of Zagora No. 3 contains two stories: The Man with the Black Mask and Shadow in the Sun, by Moreno Burattini and Francesco Moretti, with drawings by Franco Donatelli and Roberto D’Arcangelo, with a cover by Gallien Ferri.
In The Man in the Black Mask, Zagor confronts a mysterious vigilante, Black Skin, who resembles Zorro. This ruthless character, convinced that gold is the source of all evil, kills everyone associated with the metal. His past, marked by the tragic death of his family, motivates him to seek revenge, but his methods clash with Zagor's moral principles. The story culminates in a tense battle between Zagor, the Axe-wielding Ghost, and Black Skin, as Zagor seeks to establish justice in Darkwood. Donatelli's drawings, although from a late phase of his career, bring a rugged charm, although they have been criticized for their occasionally poor proportions.
In Shadow in the Sun, the plot revolves around the Ottawa Indian tribe, who interpret a solar eclipse as a sign of Manitou's wrath, blaming the white man. A self-proclaimed prophet incites rebellion, and Zagor and Chiko must prevent war. The story explores the conflict between superstition and reason, with an emphasis on Zagor's role as a protector of justice. Donatelli began the drawing, but due to illness, D'Arcangelo finished it, resulting in a mixed style. The episode has been criticized as predictable, but offers a classic Zagor adventure.
Both stories, while not groundbreaking, provide action and moral dilemmas, with Donatelli's final work adding a sentimental touch.
Two copies are available