DC’s western title is part of their efforts to diversify the line. While diverse, I’m not sure it’ll scratch the itch many readers will want it to scratch.
General Information
Title: All Star Western #1
Author: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Illustrator(s): Moritat (art) and Gabriel Bautista (colours)
Cover Date: November 2011
Cover Price: $3.99
Buy the digital edition.
Premise
A serial killer is loose in Gotham, and bounty hunter Jonah Hex teams with doctor Amadeus Arkham to root out the evil at the core of Mayor Cobblepot’s city.
High Point
This feels more like Sherlock Holmes than the traditional western.
Low Point
This feels more like Sherlock Holmes than the traditional western.
The Scores
Though it is original to take a western title and write it as gothic Victorian mystery, I’m not sure that’ll help it reach the audience the marketing would aim it at. I give it 5 out of 6.
The artwork is not only detailed and emotive, it evokes the art of the Victorian era is was inspired by. It’s a great fit. I give it 6 out of 6.
The story grabbed my attention, and I hate westerns. This feels more like Holmes and Watson in America than anything else, though. Imagine Sherlock Holmes without the breeding being sent after Jack the Ripper, and you’ve got a good idea what this book is like. We’ve even got what seems to be a well structured mystery here, though it’s hard to say that conclusively at this point, given how much mysteries depend on their endings. I give it 5 out of 6.
The characterization is well done. Pairing Hex with a psychologist gives a natural way to study the character. There’s also a story behind the doc, but given that he serves as narrator (in another Holmes parallel) his depth is not as explored at this stage. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response was far better than I expected. I had absolutely no interest in a western title, and picked it up solely because of the deal I got on the complete 52. I’m glad I did, as I’ll be following at least the first story arc. I give it 5 out of 6.
The flow is very smooth. Character designs evoke the art of the Victorian era, but the poses and narration have the modern sensibilities needed to keep the story moving. I give it 6 out of 6.
Overall, this was another pleasant surprise from the new line. Just don’t buy it looking for a western title, because that’s not what it is. Unfortunately, I think that’ll hurt its chances of long term survival. I give it 5 out of 6.
In total, All Star Western receives 37 out of 42.
The New 52
Here are handy links for the reviews of all 52 new #1 issues:
- Action Comics
- All-Star Western
- Animal Man
- Aquaman
- Batgirl
- Batman
- Batman and Robin
- Batman: The Dark Knight
- Batwing
- Batwoman
- Birds of Prey
- Blackhawks
- Blue Beetle
- Captain Atom
- Catwoman
- DC Universe Presents
- Deathstroke
- Demon Knights
- Detective Comics
- The Flash
- Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
- The Fury of Firestorm
- Green Arrow
- Green Lantern
- Green Lantern Corps
- Green Lantern: New Guardians
- Grifter
- Hawk and Dove
- I, Vampire
- Justice League
- Justice League Dark
- Justice League International
- Legion Lost
- Legion of Super-Heroes
- Men of War
- Mister Terrific
- Nightwing
- O.M.A.C.
- Red Hood and the Outlaws
- Red Lanterns
- Resurrection Man
- The Savage Hawkman
- Static Shock
- Stormwatch
- Suicide Squad
- Superboy
- Supergirl
- Superman
- Swamp Thing
- Teen Titans
- Voodoo
- Wonder Woman
Great work, but howabout that Doctor Who review?