Dynamite Entertainment’s new LONE RANGER title made an immediate splash upon its debut. Once you read the first six issues, collected in THE LONE RANGER VOLUME 1: NOW AND FOREVER, you’ll understand why: For the first time since … well, maybe ever, it makes the character stand strong and relevant, rather than a symbol of an era gone by.
If you only know the character from reruns of the old TV show – and, let’s face it, most of us do – you’re going to be surprised at how much of a badass this Ranger is. Cue the “William Tell Overture” – or, rather, don’t. The tune won’t ever cross your mind.
And he’s no longer kind of a wussy. Writer Brett Matthews gives a motivated, believable origin to the hero, a newly minted, second-generation Texas Ranger who nearly dies when his group – father and brother included – is ambushed by a hail of gunfire. Angered nearly to a point of self-destruction, our hero vows vengeance for his departed family members and fellow rangers.
It’s a kick to see all the now-familiar elements of Lone Ranger lore click into place, and with reason at that: the acquisition of his horse, Silver; the meaning of the black mask; the cry of “Hi-ho!” But it’s the first appearance of his American Indian sidekick Tonto that’ll make you want to stand up and cheer.
A perfect counterpart to Matthews’ gritty scripts is the art of Sergio Cariello, grounded in realism, and the iconic covers provided by John Cassaday.
A mere few pages into it, THE LONE RANGER shot toward the top of my very small list of favorite current comics. I’d heard from several people how good this reinvented series was, but remained a bit skeptical, as I am a wait-for-the-trade guy (for reasons of economy, storage and gratification). My worry was for naught; THE LONE RANGER is as good as the word on the street has it – not to mention its awards recognition – and probably is even better. Long may it ride. –Rod Lott
