Milo Manara, the celebrated Italian comic book artist known for his elegant and expressive style, delivers a dreamlike take on the Western genre in The Paper Man. First released in Europe, this graphic novel follows a cowboy drifting across the desert with only a photo and a longing for the woman it depicts.
The Paper Man by Milo Manara: A Cowboy’s Quest Through Strange Encounters
In The Paper Man by Milo Manara, the protagonist is a wandering cowboy searching for love. He travels across a surreal desert landscape, guided by a photograph and driven by obsession. Along the way, he meets several curious characters: a refined Englishman, a captive Indigenous girl, a man with unpredictable behavior and uncanny skills, and an “Indian of Contraries,” who insists on doing the exact opposite of what is expected.
The narrative feels loose and abstract. Characters appear out of nowhere, and the cowboy’s journey becomes more symbolic than literal. Manara doesn’t give us a clear map—only glimpses of longing, isolation, and human contradiction.
Visuals That Speak Louder Than Words
As expected from Milo Manara, the illustration in The Paper Man is exceptional. The attention to detail in landscapes and settings creates a vivid Western world. His focus, however, leans heavily toward the female form. Women are drawn with sensual finesse, while male figures tend to be rougher, more minimalist in comparison.
This imbalance may raise questions, but it also highlights Manara’s signature style. Visually, the book is stunning, with panel compositions that evoke mood and mystery more than action or plot.
Story and Structure: Abstract and Emotionally Distant
The plot in The Paper Man by Milo Manara is simple: a man searches for someone he’s never truly known. But the journey is filled with ambiguity. Most of the supporting characters lack background or development, which can leave readers feeling detached.
Despite that, there’s something compelling about the book’s tone. The melancholy ending reinforces its theme of unfulfilled desire and emotional isolation. It’s a quiet story, but one that sticks.
Final Thoughts on The Paper Man by Milo Manara
This isn’t a typical Western. It reads more like a visual poem than a linear adventure. Though the story lacks strong character arcs or a satisfying resolution, its artistic execution and haunting tone make it worth experiencing—especially for fans of European comics or readers who enjoy open-ended narratives.
It’s not for everyone, but for the visually inclined or the introspective reader, this one just might stay with you.
About Me
I’m JP B. Bantigue, CLSSBB—a storyteller, designer, and comics enthusiast fascinated by stories that break form and expectations. Whether it’s European art comics, Westerns with a twist, or offbeat narratives, I find joy in reviewing graphic novels that challenge how stories are told.
