Life was pretty sucky in the Old West. It's a good thing the Lone Ranger and Tonto were around but too bad if you on the receiving end of their justice.
The Good
In many Western tales, you get a sense that life wasn't easy. Usually the hardship has happened to the hero and they are out seeking justice. It doesn't seem like we often see the innocent bystanders get a lot of focus. In a possible bold move, this issue begins with the troubled life of another character rather than have the Lone Ranger appear on page one. This is a nice move as we get to know the victim before the Lone Ranger rides into the story. Seeing what life was like for some, even if a little dramatized, gives a sense that it wasn't always rootin' tootin' fun and adventure. There were a lot of victims that truly needed someone like the Lone Ranger to come along and save the day.
Throughout all the action, we also get a sense of who the Lone Ranger is behind his mask. He isn't simply a masked hero unleashing justice on the bad guys. There is a reason he does what he does and that's something that is often overlooked among heroes. We'll occasionally get the flashback reminder and there is some of that here. It's presented in a way for new readers to become familiar with the character but not another retelling of the origin long time readers already have seen many times.
There is a lot of emotion told through Esteve Polls' art, especially in the eyes. Life was tough and it shows on the characters. They almost have a tired look but do what they have to do to carry on. The lighting effects and shadows are a nice touch in adding to the storytelling.
The Bad
There is a very isolated feel to where the 'victim' lives. That makes sense since the Old West was very vast. It must have been perfect timing then when the Lone Ranger showed up.
As for the story, this is the first part of a six-issue arc. It's hard to get a sense of where the story is going. This definitely feels like a self-contained story. It was well played out but I didn't really get a sense of a hook to make me have an undying urge that I must pick up the next issue.
The Verdict
The Lone Ranger and Tonto are back. For those that have never read a Lone Ranger comic, this is extremely accessible. There is plenty of Old West action as the Lone Ranger is determined to hand out justice the way he knows how. In coming in to save the day, we get to see some of the motivation that drives him to be a hero. You do get a sense of the isolation in the Old West. This works in conveying what life was like for some but also gave the book a slightly isolated feel and felt a little convenient when the Lone Ranger managed to show up at the right time. As the first part of a new arc, it's a little difficult to see how it will tie into a bigger story as this felt pretty self-contained but that could be the hook in seeing how it all fits together and ties back to the Lone Ranger's personal life. If you've been interested in the Lone Ranger, here's your chance to jump into the action.