Chinaman #1 – 5 (1999) – A Bold East-Meets-West Tale in the Old Frontier 🌄🔫
Genre
Western, Action, Drama, Historical Fiction
Main Characters
-
Chen Long Anh / Chinaman – A skilled Chinese immigrant turned gunslinger, searching for a new identity in the unforgiving American West.
-
Ada – A compassionate woman who helps Chinaman on his journey and serves as a symbol of understanding between two clashing cultures.
-
Marshal Wallace – A lawman torn between justice and prejudice.
-
Zhao – Chinaman's former ally turned adversary, representing betrayal within one's own roots.
Writer
Le Tendre (Jean-François Di Giorgio) – Known for his philosophical narrative tone and deep character exploration, Le Tendre delivers a story that’s both intimate and epic.
Artist
Olivier TaDuc – TaDuc’s stunning illustrations bring the dusty, sun-bleached frontier to life with expressive detail and dynamic action panels. His character work adds emotional weight to every page.
Editor Details
The editorial team, working under the French publishing house, ensured historical accuracy, cultural nuance, and consistent artistic tone throughout the series. Specific editorial credits are not always listed in European comic publications.
Publisher and Brand
Originally published by Le Lombard (Belgium) under the Cinebook brand for English translations, Chinaman stands as a European take on the American Western genre.
Release Year
1999
Brief Plot Summary
Chinaman follows Chen Long Anh, a Chinese immigrant who arrives in 19th-century America during the height of anti-Chinese sentiment. After a brutal betrayal by members of his own tong (Chinese gang), he renounces their violent ways and takes on the identity of a lone gunslinger. As “The Chinaman,” he wanders the West seeking peace, justice, and redemption. Along the way, he challenges both the lawless brutality of the frontier and the deep-rooted racism of the era, making uneasy allies and dangerous enemies.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
-
"The Wrecked Brotherhood" – The origin of Chinaman’s break from his tong and his journey toward personal freedom.
-
"A New Code of Honor" – Chinaman establishes his own moral compass outside of both Western and Eastern structures.
-
"Blood and Dust" – A violent showdown with his past forces Chinaman to confront what kind of man he truly wants to be.
Fan Theories or Interpretations 🤔
Many fans interpret Chinaman as a metaphor for cultural duality and identity crisis in immigrant experiences. Some theories propose that Chen Long Anh's rejection of both Chinese gang loyalty and American lawlessness reflects a deeper philosophical stance on creating one's own code of honor in a world without justice. Others compare the character's solitary journey to that of the ronin archetype in Japanese storytelling—an honorable warrior without a master.
Review Summary ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Chinaman is a rare gem in the Western genre. The artwork is cinematic and evocative, blending dusty landscapes with emotional character design. The storytelling is thoughtful and well-paced, avoiding Western clichés while introducing fresh perspectives. The character development is deeply moving, especially in Chinaman's internal struggle between violence and peace. This isn’t just a Western—it’s a soulful journey of identity, loyalty, and redemption. A must-read for fans of historical drama and character-driven narratives. 💥📚
🧧 Chinaman offers a powerful blend of gunsmoke and philosophy—a comic where every bullet fired echoes with deeper meaning.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
