Le Grand Duc
Le Grand Duc is a "Lucky Luke" adventure written by Goscinny and illustrated by Morris. It is the fortieth book in the series and it was originally published in French in the year 1973 and by Cinebook in 2011 under the title of "The Grand Duke". The story is loosely based on the Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia, who undertook a tour of America in 1870–1871. Plot. The Russian Grand Duke Leonid pays a diplomatic visit to the United States. However, a great reader of James Fenimore Cooper, in order for an important treaty to be  completed, he first wants to have a recreational trip through the West, complete with bandits and Indian attacks! Lucky Luke is assigned as a bodyguard to the duke, who is quickly targeted by all sorts of villainous persons — first and foremost a Russian anarchist who tries his best (or his worst) to assassinate the Grand Duke. With the interpreter of the Grand Duke, they travel the country, chased by the mysterious terrorist trying to assassinate the diplomat. Their journey begins in Abilene, the city where cowboys meet. Analysis. This fictional character is most likely inspired by the real Grand Duke  Alexis Alexandrovich of Russia, son of Emperor Alexander II and ambassador to the United States, whose trip to America from 1871 to 1872 left a picturesque memory, especially when he distinguished himself during a buffalo hunt with the famous Buffalo Bill.