The legend of Zorro continues to grow up and down the coast of California as story after story builds the vigilante up to that of legend. If readers didn’t know the true story, we’d think Zorro was some kind of supernatural being of the night. In truth, he’s just a guy out to bring the man down.
Zorro #19
Writer: Matt Wagner
Artist: Francesco Francavilla
Letters: Simon Bowland
Covers: Matt Wagner (A), Francesco Francavilla (B)
This issue features yet another story of the adventures of Zorro, but this time they are coming from the Alcalde of Los Angeles as he spins his own version of his three recent encounters with the Fox to General Mancado. Instead of telling the whole truth, Luis Quintero reveals the necessary information, but leaves out those elements of the story that would show the General what a fool he really is. This includes the moment where Zorro blindfold’s the Alcalde and props a sword against his throat, while our hero quietly slips away. Instead Luis embellishes the story that has his second in command arriving just in time to ward off the dark avenger.
Still, the General is not pleased that The Zorro Situation has gotten out of control in Los Angeles, and when he discovers Zorro has been using his skills to make the Alcalde look like a jackass, he’s ready to bring in the military to end the adventures of Zorro. It’s this latest reveal that makes this particular story so much fun. Instead of cracking heads and robbing the rich to give to the poor, Zorro spends his time tormenting Luis to make him look like an idiot in the eyes of his own troops and the people of Los Angeles. When the Alcalde posts wanted posters, Zorro plans an elaborate scheme to get all the soldiers away from the area, so he can slip in and post his own posters seeking the resignation of El Asno – the jackass Mayor of Los Angeles - for crimes against the people.
One of the biggest problems with this series is many readers are not familiar with all of the characters that continue to pop up and appear in this adventure. And even though Fracesco Francavilla does an excellent job on the art, after all this time, it still takes a moment to remember the names, faces, and overall story, which ends up detracting from the story.
While we’ve been treated to these tales of El Zorro from many different perspectives, readers haven’t been made privy to the love affair between Don Diego and Lolita Polido.   While Don Diego is more than happy to see the love of his life. Lolita is not to happy that Diego has been away for so long without telling her what he is been up to. While Don Diego pulls the ol’ I’m Not Going To Tell You For Your Own Safety trick, Lolita doesn’t buy it, and it looks like love might be on the rocks.
This issue once again features fantastic art by Francesco Francavilla, and the continued use of the color scheme for flashbacks still works wonders for this series. Francavilla’s lines are crisp and sharp, and I love the little details he adds to each panel on the page.
Overall, the story is well paced, even with the continued jumping back and forth in time. The art is stellar, and I continue to be enthralled with the hero of Southern California. Readers who like their hero stories set in a different time, will enjoy this series, and while this issue is not a jumping on point, it is certainly worth the time invested to sit down and read. Zorro #19 earns 4 out of 5 Stars.
