Comic Based on Pioneer’s Diary Offers Life Lessons

Hamilton, Ontario (I-Newswire) March 3, 2011 - In 1846 Francis Parkman left his urban life and chose to live with the Dakota native tribe on the American plains. The diary he kept of the time was published as a book in 1849 called The Oregon Trail.

Parkman would go on to write many more books as an expert on American History, Pioneer Culture, and Native Culture. In 1950, over 100 years later, The Oregon Trail was adapted into graphic novel format by John H. O’Rourke and Henry C. Kiefer for the Classics Illustrated comic book series.

Recently the historical issue was re-released, fully remastered and re-colored by Hamilton area comic artist Mike Gagnon, for Toronto based publisher Jack Lake Productions.

“I think that the story is as important and enlightening today as it was when it was published 162 years ago.” said Gagnon. “Although our society has changed, there is still a lesson to be learned on how two different cultures can co-exist with mutual respect and tolerance.”

Parkman embarked on his historic journey in April of 1846, freshly after graduating from Harvard. Within months of leaving the urban centre of St. Louis, Parkman had befriended Dakota chieftain, The Whirlwind, and was allowed to live as a member of his tribe. Parkman learned the ways of native life and resourcefulness, before moving on to seek more adventures across the American west.

The Oregon Trail has remained popular and in print since its first publication in 1849. Similarly, the graphic adaptation of the story proved very popular, selling through seven printings during the original Classics Illustrated run. The newest edition of the comic is its eighth printing, with newly enhanced colors for a new generation of readers.

“Mike’s work on The Oregon Trail issue is pure eye candy!” said Jaak Jarve, President of Jack Lake Productions.

Mike Gagnon is a professional artist and writer with over a decade of experience working for publishers of all sizes. More about his work can be found at www.mikegagnon.ca.

Jack Lake Productions has been reprinting the original Classics Illustrated series since 2002. The newly restored issue of Classics Illustrated #72 featuring The Oregon Trail is available now at your local comic retailer, Amazon.com or from www.jacklakeproductions.com

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For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Mike Gagnon at (289) 389-4091 or mike@mikegagnon.ca.

Jaak Jarve. President, Jack Lake Productions at 1-800-269-9206 or jacklakeprodinc@aol.com

Please NOTE: Any Classics Illustrated images provided and used with this article MUST be accompanied by the following notice: “Copyright © 2011 First Classics Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Jack Lake Productions Inc.” This is VERY important.

Please use contact info above to request additional images.

About Mike Gagnon:
Professional writer and artist.

Company Contact Information
Mike Gagnon
Mike Gagnon
132 Wellington St. South, Unit 1
L8N 2R4
Phone : 289-389-4091