Comics Review: JONAH HEX #69

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, Pencils by Jeff LemirePublished by DC ComicsIn Comics Stores Now!

rating: 5

Wow. This issue blew me away. When I saw that Jeff Lemire was pencilling this issue I couldn€™t resist picking it up. I€™ve been following the award-winning writer/artist for some time now, being a huge fan of both Essex County Trilogy and Sweet Tooth. Lemire€™s made me cry on more occasions than I care to admit, so it€™s suitably apt that his issue of Jonah Hex is far more emotionally probing than usual. The issue revolves around Hex confronting his estranged father and, while you shouldn€™t expect mean old Hex to start bursting into tears, there€™s a moment towards the end that is truly heartbreaking. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray€™s script is excellent, crackling with great dialogue and ingenious exchanges, but the reason the scene resonates so deeply is because of Lemire€™s knack for capturing emotion even in the subtlest of story beats. His idiosyncratic style may not be for everyone, and it arguably only suits non-superhero books, but for my money no one handles scenes of intimacy better than Lemire. His hugely expressionistic line work gives both the characters and the setting a life of their own. Though I€™m not a regular follower of this series, the standalone nature of each issue makes it completely accessible to new readers. Anyone can pick this book up and enjoy it- something that I think more comic books should aspire to. After the excellence of this issue, I will be scouring the back issue department of my local store in hope of finding more gems like this. The knowledge that I can pick up any issue and read them in any order is something I find surprisingly refreshing. This issue is a must and, if you enjoy it as much as I did, then make sure you€™re around in September when the series relaunches as All Star Western. Judging by this, the odds are it will be another winner.