The No Event Comic Review #3

It’s a six-pack of reviews, starting with:

Lone Ranger and Tonto #2




The second in this stand-alone sub series, I cannot recommend this and the regular Lone Ranger series enough. If you are a fan of the original radio or TV series or if you prefer something closer to the spaghetti westerns, there is something here for you. The series reads like the Clayton Moore shows directed by Sergio Leone. The wholesome character of the Lone Ranger still works against the backdrop of the grim and gritty Wild West.


The Phantom Annual #2


After a long hiatus, Moonstone seems to be back with a vengeance, releasing this annual before the relaunch of the main series and the introduction of a concurrent second series.
This annual serves as an opportunity to introduce the Lee Falk created magician Mandrake in a enjoyable action story with beautiful art by Samicler Goncalves.




Zorro #10

Matt Wagner is obviously a fan of both the Isabel Allende and Johnston McCulley Zorro Novels. After retelling the origin of Zorro as depicted in Allende’s ZORRO he is now tackling the retelling of McCulley’s MARK OF ZORRO (aka THE CURSE OF CAPISTRANO). I have long been a fan of Wagner’s storytelling and he does not disappoint with this series.
If you have never read any Zorro tales before you should pick up this series as well as the novels it is based on. The only complaint I have about this title is that it took artist Francesco Francavilla away from the Zorro inspired Black Coat (from Ape Entertainment).

Moon Knight #10









I have been a fan of Moon Knight since the first ongoing series. After a few failed attempts (Fist of Khonshu, Marc Spector Moon Knight) the folks at Marvel have got him back on his dark, psychotic path once again. With this issue we are introduced to a new story arc that has our Cowled Crusader escaping the insanity of the endless event comics by retreating to Mexico. After decades of being nothing more than the cab driving, information gathering aspect of the character, the identity of Jake Lockley finally comes to the forefront in this arc that brings Moon Knight back into the company of his long time ally The Punisher.

Secret Six #6

Gail Simone does not get the credit she deserves as a writer of superhero fiction. If you need any proof of that pick up Secret Six (or the earlier tales in Villains United & the Secret Six limited series). In the vein of crime dramas such as Heat or The Shield, we have protagonists who are on the wrong side of the law but still exhibit a teamwork and loyalty (to an extent) that is found in the hero teams.
The great thing about the Secret Six is that no one is safe. This issue proves that anyone on the team is expendable and they can go when least expected. Great writing and genuine plot twists make Secret Six a must read.

Vigilante #2

I have to admit; I never have been a fan of Garth Ennis and lament for the days when The Punisher was written by Mike Baron and Steven Grant. I suppose that is why I have quickly become a fan of Vigilante. Marv Wolfman has crafted a character that has a mature level of violence without being “for mature readers.” No adolescent gross outs, no over-the-top brutality, just a solid action story with a gun wielding, vengeance seeking costumed hero that reminds me why this sort of hero was so popular in the 70’s and 80’s. It is my hope that this series will inspire DC to collect the original Adrian Chase Vigilante tales in a trade format.