This image is taken from a comic called Naugatuk 1757 by Italian illustrator an comic author Sergio Toppi. The story deals with the war between the British and the Native americans at the time, with this certain panel being sympathetic to the British soldier.
I gather this from the artists use of, primarily, white, the colour denoting good within most cultures, to portray the soldier, paired with the satisfied, happy expression on his face. Being put alongside a mostly black surrounding area also causes it to be the entry focal point, thanks to the use of contrast and space.
The eye follows the soldiers bagpipe pipes,where you suddenly notice a figure, mostly shrouded by the surrounding darkness, sneaking up on the soldier and probably startling the viewer. You then notice that the native is holding an axe/ tomahawk and is midway through a swinging motion This is a very intimidating and daunting image as the unsuspecting soldier is seconds from death. It is also interesting to consider what the method of killing says about the rivalry, sneakily bludgeoning in the back, a skilful yet barbaric death, showing no respect between enemies.
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