JONAH HEX AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH #1 – Something Wicked This Way Comes

Creative Team – Michael Walsh, Toni-Marie Griffin, Becca Carey

Published by DC Comics

MORE FROM NERD INITIATIVE HERE!

The Story

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Matt!

Matt – This is a classic Western tale, and I love it when DC dives into its creepier, supernatural stories. Jonah is a broken man and a shell of who he used to be. Michael does a great job using the surrounding characters to build up Jonah Hex’s mystique and legend. The background of this first issue leaves the reader with an unsettling feeling, as there is something lurking in the shadows and an unease about the town folk. I am hooked and excited to be delving back into the world of Jonah Hex as well as seeing where this will lead. The biggest question I was left with was is everyone aware of the evil lurking, or is there more at play?

Megan – Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death #1 started with a bang and never let up! Immediately, you’re pulled into the life of Jonah Hex and the ghosts of his past. Jonah lives just outside of Ashecott, a small town that shows everyone and isn’t afraid to ask about your past. It’s an innocent enough town, but there’s something dark that’s taking a hold and Jonah knows it. The build up of getting to know the town of Ashecott while the looming feeling of evil was brillianty handled by Michael Walsh, the writer of Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death #1. You get just enough of the inner turmoil that Jonah is going through that makes you want to know so much more. Jonah’s past is clearly coming back to him, all the while there’s something dark and evil that’s arrived in Ashecott. This first issue was fantastic all the way through and I’m very excited to see what happens next.

The Art

Matt – The art does an incredible job of capturing the dusty and barren feeling that a Western setting would often bring. The sand and lifeless architecture build up the scenery around Jonah, who is as lifeless as the town he frequents. The little aspect of coloring that we are given, whether it is Annie’s flowers or the clothing characters wear, pops out from the background and tells us a little something about each character. This is a rugged story and a rugged character, which the art and lettering depict perfectly.

Megan – The artwork of Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death #1 is simply sublime. Perfectly capturing the energy of Wild West, Michael Walsh brings bold linework that makes each page stunning. There’s also the horror aspect that will cause a shiver down your spine, with Walsh leaving a lot to the imagination and making the threat more looming. Toni-Marie Griffin does a fantastic job with contrasting vibrancy with the darker tones, giving each page its own energy. I particularly loved how Griffin handled the coloring in the bar, using the pinks and purples to contrast off the blues. Becca Carey handles the lettering and knocks it out of the park, which isn’t a surprise if you’re familiar with Carey’s work. Carey is able to capture the different tones of the characters through the dialogue, especially with Jonah. There’s a quiet darkness about him that comes with a huge intimidation, and that’s portrayed beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Matt – 1010. This first issue does a beautiful job of building up the mystique and lore of Jonah Hex and showing us that who he is now is a far cry from the man he once was. This is easily a run that people will need to pick up!

Megan – 10/10. This was an excellent way to start Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death #1! The creative team captured my attention immediately and didn’t let it go until the very end. This needs to be on everyone’s pull lists!

Overall Grade –

Make sure to find Matt and Megan at NYCC this week and let us know what you thought of the comic in the comments below!