Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Lone Ranger & Tonto #1
Dynamite Comics
Matthews, Abrams, Guevara, Pinto & Cassaday
I guess this is an annual? Or maybe it’s a one-shot. I’m not sure how to classify it or where it fits in with the continuity, but it’s great. Much like the first ten issues of the regular series, this issue provides good insight into the minds of the Lone Ranger and Tonto while giving a solid plot, delivered with excellent artwork. This issue really is a good “jump on point” for any curious Lone Ranger fan.
The issue begins with the Lone Ranger talking to a couple of locals and exchanging goods and information. This scene is very simple, but extremely powerful. The Lone Ranger has gotten a reputation. Good or bad, people are starting to side with him and give him help any way they can. On the other side, the Lone Ranger is no longer just a shadow. He’s a person that folks can talk to. The element of him being a ghost or a demon to all evil isn’t as evident as it had been. The Lone Ranger feels a little vulnerable. Somehow I doubt Tonto does though.
Out on patrol the Ranger and Tonto find some circling vultures. Without saying a word, Tonto knows the Ranger wants to investigate. He warns that it’s probably a person and there would be nothing they could do for them at this point. Of course, the Ranger takes off for the buzzards. Tonto always trying to coach the young Ranger and yet, he is always just trying to do “good” no matter how lost the cause is. It’s classic.
They find a murdered couple. The only survivor is a boy. There are very little clues to go off of. The Ranger and Tonto are stumped. Only after they get the boy to safety do they go back and find a missing clue. It provides an excellent mystery from this point on.
The elements of the second half of the story include some great moments. The town’s people want the culprit hanged at any cost. The Ranger warns them that he arrests and isn’t judge and jury. The Ranger has to outsmart the murderer using his surroundings, rather than a weapon. The Ranger also shows that he is not about punishment, but about rehabilitation. This issue has several villains, but no real true bad guys. It’s a mystery with a set of confused people that the Ranger is fighting. Even Tonto struggles (as always) with the concept of fighting, but not to kill. Even if the person, himself, is a killer.
Obviously I’m trying to give as much detail without spoiling any of the plot, but I think you get the idea. This comic isn’t a straight up good guys fight bad guys story. There is a mystery to be solved and the Ranger is growing into his own. He is still very young though, as Tonto enjoys pointing this out. He’s learning as he goes. He makes mistakes and sometimes they come too close to being deadly.
The artwork is excellent. From the scenery to the silver guns, it’s all true to the Lone Ranger story. One of the aspects of the artwork that enhances the story is the expressions of the faces. This story only has a couple of characters and their dialogue is enhanced through the artwork. Even though there isn’t a ton of it, the action is also illustrated very well.
I could complain about the lateness of the book or the price tag, but this issue is really an excellent read. I highly recommend this comic for fans of the western or of the Ranger. This is a great all inclusive story.
5 out of 5 geek goggles.
 Lone Ranger And Tonto #1 |
