FROM THE LONGBOX : ALL STAR WESTERN # 1
The art looks simple and yet very detailed at the same time, and I love the design of Old Gotham city. It is strange to see Jonah hex in a city setting. I only followed him through the first 10 or 12 issues of the Polmiotti series. i do not know how unusual this is for him.
The cover is also amazing, and manages to set the tone for the story withing, all the while really just being a hero cover. With earthy browns instead of the usual dingy grey associated with Gotham city. The art inside is also this color for the most part. Especially during scenes of violence.
They touch on, but don't delve into the fish out of water aspect of having frontiersman Hex in a big city like setting. Yet it is still mentioned more than once that the people there see him as a savage. Especially since he still refuses to remove his Confederate states military uniform.
The best aspect of this issue was Arkham trying to pin down Jonah Hex psychologically. It was entertaining, and insightful. This also serves as a mirror to the murderers they believe to be following. One they think is a Rich and educated man, the other a brute who works with his hands. Jonah being the brute, and Arkham the educated wealthy man.
It is the murder plot that is the weak point of the story. It has a been there done that feel to it. Not bad mind you, just .. done. If something turns in the next issue to make it fresh, the whole storyline can be improved. If it continues as is, it will be a good distraction, but not incredibly memorable.
