All-Star Western was a comic I knew I was going to pick up totally based on the premise alone. We have Gotham City during the area of Americans expanding out into the west, a murder mystery and a team up involving Jonah Hex and Amadeus Arkham. How am I supposed to say no? And while I haven’t read anything with Jonah Hex in the past, the overwhelmingly positive things I’ve heard that writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti have done with it gave me total faith.
I’m happy to say that my faith was rewarded. All-Star Western #1 is an intelligently written introduction into what I am sure will be a fascinating story arc. In the opening we are introduced to the character Jonah Hex through the thoughts of Amadeus Arkham as Jonah Hex making his way through the thugs of this old west Gotham City. The rough sepia toned art that artist Moritat (Justin Norman) and colorist Gabriel Bautista speaks volumes for the overwhelming sense of corruption and dread that looms in this world. The story itself centers around the mysterious murders of several prostitutes in Gotham where the word “fear” has been seen written in blood in a different language for each victim. Amadeus Arkham, who has taken an interest in the case, employs Jonah Hex to be his second pair of eyes as well as his strongest pair of fists.
The two characters play off each other very well and the dialogue, which could’ve easily devolved into typical brains vs. brawn banter, establishes an interesting chemistry between the two. The two characters seem equally adept at solving the mystery behind the murders but their resources allow their means to differ. While Amadeus toils at his desk, with his insightful thoughts carrying the story along, our bounty hunter of little words is getting information with a bit more … force. Beyond that the character interactions among the entire cast are very natural and even as someone unfamiliar with Jonah Hex and the rest of the cast, Palmiotti and Gray set up these characters extremely well. And where there are well written characters, you can bet there is a higher chance of a thoroughly engaging story. That rings true here as well.
I find it difficult that the people who put this delightful issue together are going to see it fall off the wagon anytime soon. All-Star Western #1 sets a precedent as one of the most promising era intrinsic pieces of the New 52. With snappy well written dialogue, a well-paced introduction and a killer visual presentation I’d say this is a #1 well worth investing in.
