If this is your first time picking up a Lone Ranger comic, you’re probably expecting the title character to be roaming around and stopping a few thugs. Not here. This time, it’s all about his Native American partner, Tonto. It’s basically a flashback story that takes place before he joined forces with the Ranger. Longtime fans will appreciate the concept. That doesn’t mean people jumping on board can’t enjoy the story. It’s truly heartfelt, brutal, and a comic you do not want to miss, fan of the character or not.

Here’s the official description from Dynamite:

The tragic arc that will forever redefine Tonto’s origins rolls on in Native Ground, Part Three of Six. As Tonto lies near death in 1870, the story of how he came to be a rogue brave unfolds. In the past, all that Tonto loved has been destroyed, leaving him shattered… empty, but for a single purpose: Revenge. Tonto rides as a warrior, drenched in blood, and with nothing left to lose.

Readers wanting to see Tonto get his revenge on the Americans will be satisfied with the comic, it is brutal. Not only in the physical sense, but mentally also. As we see in a flashback one of the soldiers shooting down a Native American woman, it makes you take a step back and say “Wow…” When a comic has that effect on you, it has succeeded. The writing is strong, like always. My favorite line is by Sergent Simpson. “Some men can’t handle the killin.’ Never get used to it. Others…once they get a taste of blood, they can’t ever get enough of the damned stuff.” Really makes you think, doesn’t it? This is one deep comic that sadly will be overlooked by many buyers, which is a mistake. With a lot of pure action driven titles out there, this comic stands out.

The art is simple, it doesn’t try to draw attention to itself, it has just enough detail. With a story like this, it’s not about how great the art is, that’s for a series like Justice League. The story is accompanied by boxes with words from a Native American folk tale, which is a pretty nice touch. It compliments what’s happening in the story. I think personally this would have worked better as a Tonto mini-series, since the Ranger is having really no part in this, but it doesn’t matter. Either way, it’s an arc to check out.

Overall, this is the payoff issue in Native Ground. Tonto is truly a great character, this arc has really helped in shaping him as a compelling focus. I’m looking forward to seeing how it ends.

4.5/5