The Lone Ranger #8 Written by Ande Parks
Art by Esteve Polls
Colors by Marcelo Pinto
Letters by Simon Bowland
Cover by Francesco Francavilla Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: August 1, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99
In The Lone Ranger #8, the origin of Tonto continues. But let me forewarn you, it’s not pretty. At all. Nor should it be. I mean, this IS the old west we’re talking about. After reading two issues of this title that revolve around Tonto, I can honestly say that I would read a Tonto solo title.
Writer Ande Parks is up to his old tricks again – writing awesome comics! This issue, as we get further into the “current” storyline (but not by much), we learn the next installment of Tonto’s origin. This is a GREAT comic. A great, well thought-out story, but I have to say, it’s a little on the heartbreaking side. After reading the last issue, you pretty much knew that Tonto wasn’t going to up and say to his family “OK, I’m going on some adventures,” but it doesn’t make it any easier to read. And therein lies the brilliance of Parks writing. I’ve know these characters for all of two issues, more like one and a half actually, and I was terribly sad when they met their fate. Parks does a fantastic job of making you care, one was or another, about every single character in this book. Another great issue written by Parks.
As if the regular title wasn’t enough, Dynamite this month gives us The Lone Ranger: Snake of Iron #1, the start of a miniseries that is a fantastic Lone Ranger adventure that spans the almost the whole country and is full of mystery, action, and good old fashioned good guys vs bad guys. Sort of.
Acclaimed writer Chuck Dixon takes on The Lone Ranger!!! This is an excellent first issue. It really reminds me of a classic episode of the TV series, but with a wider scope to it. For one, The Lone Ranger and Tonto are separated, and we follow each character on their adventures, which are VERY different from each other. While Tonto is stuck in a more “civilized” environment than he’s used to, the Ranger is set off tracking the mythical “Spirit Horse” that has the Kaigwa Indian tribe VERY upset. While on his mission, the Ranger runs across a very cute, comic foil for him and he’s forced to try and keep an eye on her while trying to keep peace with the Indian tribe. Tonto, unknown to him, is about to set off on the same mission, but he’s halfway across the country.
The Lone Ranger #6 Written by Ande Parks
Art by Esteve Polls
Colors by Marcelo Pinto
Letters by Simon Bowland
Cover by Francesco Francavilla Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: June 6, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99
The Lone Ranger #6 is the epic conclusion to the series’ first story arc, and man, is it a great one. We’ve been following the Ranger as he and Tonto have been fighting to save the town of Utopia from the evil Dorsey gang. When we last left them, both The Lone Ranger AND Tonto were in pretty rough shape. Here’s hoping they made it out OK!
Month in and month out I praise the writing skills of Mr. Ande Parks, and this is going to be no different. You might ask yourself WHY I do that. The answer is simple: Ande Parks is a damn fine writer. Plain and simple. If you’re not reading this title and his work over on Green Hornet, you’re missing out on some quality entertainment.
The Lone Ranger #5 Written by Ande Parks
Art by Esteve Polls
Colors by Marcelo Pinto
Letters by Simon Bowland
Cover by Francesco Francavilla Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: May 2, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99
The Lone Ranger #5 is what SEEMS to be the climax of the first story arc in this title, but in fact, there is one more chapter to go. I’m not happy that I have to wait a month, because quite frankly, I’m not sure how ANYONE would top this issue.
It’s no secret by now that I love this book and I love Ande Parks‘ writing. Not just here, his Green Hornet title is seriously underrated. But, back to this comic.
The Lone Ranger #4 Written by Ande Parks
Art by Esteve Polls
Colors by Marcelo Pinto
Letters by Simon Bowland
Cover by Francesco Francavilla Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: April 4, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99
The Lone Ranger #4 is another can’t-miss issue. With so many stories going on at once, you never get lost or confused for a minute while reading this excellent comic. For the fourth month in a row, it’s another home run for this book!
Writer Ande Parks crafts a fantastic story this issue with lots going on. There’s about four different tales going on at once, including a fantastic origin of a main character!!! Be SURE to pick this one up, because I have a feeling it’s going to be very important down the road. This issue really transcended my love of the PROPERTY of The Lone Ranger, and solidified my love for this as a COMIC BOOK. At this point, Parks has you invested in these characters, that you don’t even think of them as TV, movie, or radio characters. You just read it because it’s a great comic.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press
