The Lone Ranger: Snake of Iron #1 Review


Chances are that if you’ve grown up in the 2000s, you may have never heard of The Lone Ranger and his Native American pal Tonto. (The upcoming Disney film should be a good revival.) The Lone Ranger is a property that was practically made for the comics medium. The people that grew up with the original show would enjoy these comics especially. The original show (a true classic) never really delved deep into the characters and their backstories, it never had long-reaching story arcs. Dynamite is using these characters in a new light, crafting intelligent stories while staying true to the mythos. Issue #1 of this new sub-series does exactly that, it’s a comic old amd new fans shouldn’t miss.

Here’s the official description from Dynamite:

The Ranger and Tonto are in the crossfire as a bloody Kiowa uprising draws these Western legends onto the warpath. The Spirit Horse has returned to the plains and calling the tribes to battle. Is this a ghostly apparition or something else? If the Lone Ranger cannot solve the mystery then the land north of the Brazos will run red with blood!

Writer Charles Dixon really knows how to make these characters ‘deep’ yet at the same time stay true to their roots. Tonto, a truly unexplored character, is being made really a compelling focus in these comics, he could probably headline his own mini-series. The Ranger is cool, always was a likable character. Thankfully he isn’t changed to fit today’s comic culture. The writing matches the time period well enough, which I commend. I’ve seen comics set in old-time that uses language that wouldn’t be heard of back then.

The art, I really like it. It’s simple, has enough detail, and fits the story without the need of splash pages. What’s interesting about this adventure is that it’s rather ‘contained.’ It’s a simple story, yet you care about the characters and the situation. Sometimes it’s good to take a break from all the crossovers, explosions, and read a simple story about a masked ranger and his Native American partner.

Overall, Issue #1 of Snake of Iron comes really recommended. The writing is great, the story is simple yet engaging, and just a great comic overall. I may have to take out my old Lone Ranger DVD now, reading this has gotten me in a Lone Ranger mood.

4.5/5

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