When it comes to classic heroes like The Lone Ranger, do readers really need to read the first seventeen issue in order to understand what is going on? The Lone Ranger has a sidekick named Tonto, rides a horse named Silver, rights wrongs and fights evil doers, and hangs out with a woman and her boy. Wait, what?
I’ve heard nothing but praise about The Lone Ranger since Dynamite Entertainment debuted its take back in 2006, but like Zorro before, the moment I missed the first arc, I figured I’d be lost. If this sounds like you, then issue #17 is a good jumping on point. Even though the reader is thrown into the middle of a stage coach hold up, readers don’t need to know anything more than Reid and Tonto are trying to stop the bad guys.
And it is an awesome action sequence, including the part where the coach almost goes over the edge of the cliff with John hanging from the front. It’s a cliche, but it works well.
This issue is a great resting point for the heroes and those close to them as they are reminded that life is pretty good, even if they are caught up in the mess of fighting the good fight. But while everything seems to be smooth sailing, a more ominous story is building between the good moments as a a murderous bank robber is on the loose while someone who appears to be a Pinkerton arrives to stir up trouble.
For someone who hasn’t read a single issue until now, everything made sense, as I expect the holes to be filled in by the end of the next issue. Even with the killer opening action sequence, the issue is really a slow quiet story that gives readers a chance to breath. Brett Matthews does a wonderful job with this issue, pacing everything out without overwhelming the reader, or boring them.
Sergio Cariello does a bang up job on the art. The opening sequence is masterfully played out, and Cariello does a great job of having violent action take place just off panel or just after the scene ends that if there was MPAA rating attached, it would barely peak above a PG rating. Cariello’s style isn’t smooth and silky, but it also isn’t highly detailed to the point it becomes bothersome. It has enough detail to make the old west come alive and feel dusty, without being murky. It works, and I want to see more.
If I had one complaint it would be that I wish I had gotten in on the ground floor of this series. I’m going to have to start digging for the trades to get all caught up. The good thing is I can do that all in one sitting. The bad thing is, I’m now on the month by month wait for the next chapter.
Overall, my first venture into The Lone Ranger has been a highly positive one. Good story and solid art are what make a comic work, and The Lone Ranger #17 has that in spades. Can’t wait for the next issue, so until then Lone Ranger #17 earns 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
