Zagor Extra Retro #19: Čudni gospodin Smith

Čudni gospodin Smith combines the conclusion of an unusual crime adventure with the opening of a classic Western. A kidnapping connected with Trampy’s tourism enterprise brings Zagor face to face with a mysterious mastermind calling himself Mr Smith. His enigmatic presence contributes both suspense and humour.

Guido Nolitta plays with the meeting of adventure and deception: where danger was supposed to be staged, a real crime takes place. The story unsettles the expectations of its characters and readers, while Gallieno Ferri’s artwork combines action with comic situations. The title character’s identity remains a question leading towards the resolution.

In the second section, Zagor and Chico arrive in Paradise Gate, a mining town controlled by a dishonest mayor and his gunmen. Sheriff James Hilton, an old friend of Zagor, clearly needs help. Franco Donatelli takes over the artwork as the focus shifts towards the relationship between law, political power and violence.

The issue offers a change of tone alongside two distinctive artists. The Mr Smith adventure begins in Extra #18, Zemlja bezakonja, while the Paradise Gate story continues and concludes in Extra #20, Limena zvijezda. Neither adventure is complete within this issue alone.