The Lone Ranger is one of the best series on the stands. If you aren’t reading it, I’d advise putting it on your pull list. The previous Tonto-centric arc ended with the last issue, so it would be interesting to see where the series goes. This issue is great in many ways, mainly because it’s a fantastic standalone tale and PERFECT jumping on point. If you’ve never read a Lone Ranger comic, pick this up. Even if you have no intention of buying the series, this is still a great one-shot comic to read.

Here’s the official description from Dynamite:

‘Ghost Town’.

The first in a series of single issue stories, and a perfect jumping on point. The Lone Ranger and Tonto come across a small Western town that harbors great suffering. That suffering resonates through time, to the Ranger’s own past, and to the future.

Can the Lone Ranger and Tonto find a way to replace that suffering with hope?

The Ranger is investigating a town, mainly a building owned by a man named Coy. Turns out he’s selling women, the Ranger and Tonto want to put a stop to that operation. This issue is an example of two things. One, it shows what the Lone Ranger title is all about. Two, it showcases what a comic with little mass market appeal can do. I’ve stated this before in other reviews, but with a title not connected to the big mainstream franchises, it has to rely on its writing and story. Ande Parks succeeds in crafting a very real story with great writing throughout. This issue will make you think of the Ranger in a new light, as great as a character like Batman or Superman. I personally like how the beginning takes place in modern day, with the Ranger being labeled a myth. In 1870 however is when the stuff is. Somehow in under 30 pages a greatly paced standalone story is crafted. The reader really feels for the women being used by Coy. The dialogue with the Ranger on that was great.

The art by Esteve Polls has a very simple look to it, I like it. It isn’t dynamic that it calls attention to itself, it just simply illustrates the story. The cover is pretty good, only thing is that Ranger’s face looks way too young compared to what’s inside.

Overall, at its core, this is a standalone Lone Ranger and Tonto story. It’s beautifully engaging as we root for the Ranger, he’s one of those characters that is never truly subject to change like certain other ‘superior’ heroes. It’s a simple issue, but the story itself is anything but. It’s quite vile how the women are being used, so it’s not exactly a very ‘light’ thing either. It’s a perfect balance of story and Ranger action that can be enjoyed by all readers. Like I said in the first paragraph, pick up this comic, it’s one of the best I’ve read in awhile. (Nice ending too.)

5/5