New All-Star Western Arc has Promise
All-Star Western no. 17 gives us the start of a new storyline and presents a mysterious, new villain - at least as far as Jonah Hex and Amadeus Arkham are concerned. The story takes place in the winter, with a severe outbreak of cholera occurring in one of the tenement districts of 19th century Gotham. Thousands fled the district and soon those who remain begin to die off. As a result - the district is giving the dubious moniker of "Death's Doorstep." The outbreak become so bad that Gotham's mayor declares martial law and whole sections of Death's Doorstep are cordoned off, not allowing anyone to get in or out.
Prior to the arrival of disease and death in Gotham, we learn that a mysterious, worldly individual has arrived in Gotham. His presence has garnered the attention of Gothamites from all circles - from the lowest criminal element to the inner circles of the city elite - including one of its favorite sons, Alan Wayne. During the initial meeting with Wayne, our mystery man also makes the acquaintance of Jonah and leaves a bad first impression on the surly and ill-tempered Hex.
An unfortunate incident involving one of Alan Wayne's family members leads to Hex and Arkham going on a mission into Death's Doorstep. This sets up the connection to the title of this issue - "Standing on Death's Doorstep" - and also builds up to some great action against some vicious zombie-like individuals, and eventually answers some of the questions from earlier in the issue.
As with all All-Star Western issues, there is also a backup feature here, which introduces a character named Jenny Freedom and also the 19th century version of StormWatch.
The Good
Once again, the team of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray do a wonderful job setting up the plot for the latest arc in this series with the opening narration. I also enjoy the way the story cuts from one scene to the next, especially when Hex is first introduced to our mystery man. And anyone who is familiar with characters from the DC universe will not be disappointed when they learn who the mystery villain of this issue is (which is revealed within the first few pages). Plus Moritat's art continues to impress. The more I see his work on the pages of All-Star Western, the more I can not imagine any other artist in comics being able to match his style and how it fits perfectly with this series and its 19th century themes.
The backup feature also does a decent job of introducing us to a new character and reeling us into wanting to learn more about StormWatch and the direction the story will be going in future issues. it is a significant improvement from the prior backup story featuring Tomahawk, at least in my opinion.
The Bad
No real complaints here. There was a key part of the plot involving the capture of Alan Wayne's Wife by an angry and desperate mob that was a little too contrived for my liking. At the end of the issue there was also a teaser story for the new Constantine series that is going to be launched by DC. I don't care much to have that taking away space from All-Star, but such is the way of comic book marketing in the 21st century. So it goes.
Verdict
This is a great rebound from what I thought was a flat ending of the prior storyline involving Jekyll & Hyde (which also initially began with much promise). All-Star Western no. 17 provides a great jumping on point for those who have yet to discover this underrated series from the New 52 line up. It also provides a reason to keep us regular and loyal readers on board well into the future.
4.5/ 5 Stars.
