The Ensnared and the Vengeful
Highly Recommended!
Off the pugilistic heels of the last issue, comes the next installment of All-Star Western! This is just the second issue of the new arc and things are really starting to heat up for each of our main characters. If you have been curious about this foundational DC 52 Universe series, now is definitely the time to dive in. Pick up both issue 7 and 8 and giddyup!
The Ensnared - On a "mission" of his own, the good doctor surrounds himself with "women from the far east" and a "sample of the local opiates", while Jonah is still battling it out with Z.C. Branke in the dockside arena. Both men end up getting in a bit above their heads and are once again united - only this time it would appear they are without a paddle, so to speak...
The Vengeful - Last issue we caught a glimpse of Nighthawk's back-story. As I suspected, the second story in this issue was in fact dedicated to everything we needed to know about what makes Cinnamon the vengeful and skilled lass that she has become. And, as an added bonus, we get the history of the talismans that adorn these two renowned outlaw hunters. Along the way, we even hear mention of El Diablo - the first character to decorate the pages of the All-Star Western second story.
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Stories: 4.5 / 5.0
I really like where both stories are headed. We see Jonah and Arkham once again way in over their heads - caught up in a fight that is not their own, with a destination plotted for certain death. It is what makes these western stories great - triumph against all odds - the way of the west. The second story is filling in nicely, as we get the background story for Cinnamon in this issue. Now that we have the backgrounds for both characters, we are nearly caught up with where we met them, in New Orleans, exacting vigilante justice. What I really like about these two stories, is that they are linked - one fills in background for the other - they are not just merely in the same universe happening during the same time period. It will be interesting how everything comes together and how many issues the second story keeps focus on Nighthawk and Cinnamon. Of course it will also be interesting how and if the second story continues to relate to the primary Jonah Hex ongoing story... only time will tell.
Cover Art: 4.5 / 5.0
As usual, I enjoyed the cover art. I think this series would do well to offer variant covers - heck, there are already two stories, why not embrace that and produce a couple different covers? I understand that there is likely budgetary concerns when it comes to variants, but still, this series of any deserves a second set of covers - especially when the standard covers are so well done. I also really enjoy how each cover has a tantalizing subtitle... just urging you to pick it up off the rack!
Art: 4.5 / 5.0
Eight issues in, I can safely say that I am used to the style of art that is being used to illustrate these All-Star Western stories. It did take some time though - it is a very particular style. From the beginning I have said that it certainly matches the feel of the time period and mood of the story. It was just so different from everything else I read, but then again so are these stories. I give them credit for keeping it consistent. It would have been much more difficult to embrace if the look and feel changed from issue to issue.
Overall: 4.5 / 5.0
Thanks to Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, this series has provided consistent quality and quantity month after month. The book is priced right, excellently written and illustrated in a way that makes you feel the time period and setting. And yes, the second story and overall length of the book makes a big difference - especially when there are so many $4 books that aren't even worth $2 - this one outshines a good majority of the books sitting on the racks. All-Star Western continues to be one of the main books I look forward to reading and reviewing each month.