DJANGO/ZORRO #1 Review

Will these two fabulous western characters merge for a phenomenal tale? Or will this be a match made in hell? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

Featuring a story by Oscar Award-Winning Writer/Director, and Django creator Quentin Tarantino, and award-winning writer/artist/creator Matt Wagner! The official sequel to Django Unchained in the first-ever comic book sequel ever done of a Tarantino film!

Set several years after the events of Django Unchained, Django/Zorro #1 finds Django again pursuing the evil that men do in his role as a bounty hunter. Since there’s a warrant on his head back east, he’s mainly been plying his trade in the western states. After safely settling his wife, Broomhilda, near Chicago, he’s again taken to the road, sending her funds whenever he completes a job. It’s by sheer chance that he encounters the aged and sophisticated Diego de la Vega – the famed Zorro – and soon finds himself fascinated by this unusual character, the first wealthy white man he’s ever met who seems totally unconcerned with the color of Django’s skin… and who can hold his own in a fight. He hires on as Diego’s “bodyguard” for one adventure and is soon drawn into a fight to free the local indigenous people from a brutal servitude, discovering that slavery isn’t exclusive to black folks. In the course of this adventure, he learns much from the older man (much like King Schultz) and, on several occasions, even dons the mask and the whip… of The Fox!

I have to admit, I’m a sucker when it comes to anything Quentin Tarantino related, with the recent news surrounding the Hateful Eight having me excited. One of my favourite films from the writer/director however is Django Unchained, and once you throw in Zorro and Matt Wagner things can only get better? Well it’s this notion that had me eager to dive into this series, and I have to say I’m not disappointed.

Capturing the tone of both Django and Zorro perfectly, Tarantino and Wagner produce a wonderful script that it utterly gripping. From the engaging dialogue, to the exciting action, the duo manage to give the kind of flair that is expected from these characters. The concept of aging Diego up also allows for a fresher take on the character, as though this isn’t the first time we’ve seen an older Zorro, it still is unique enough to add that extra layer of depth. Despite this it’s the dialogue that really allows these events to entice, with the two characters being perfectly paired.

The artwork from Esteve Polls is also exquisitely handled, as though there are a few imperfections, it is generally very consistent. There is also a lot of depth to his work, with the layouts allowing for a very fluid and engaging tone. It is however the action where the artist really shows his worth, as where it’s easy to become chaotic, Polls manages to make things gritty and exciting. In addition to this there are also some amazing colours from Brennan Wagner, with the choice of palette allowing a bold tone, whilst also giving great tone.

Django/Zorro is as awesome as I expected, bringing these two wonderful characters together in an enticing fashion. It is however the character interaction where this issue excels, with the chemistry between Diego and Django being very engaging. Highly recommended.