Comics Review: JONAH HEX #69

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.

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.
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Dean likes words. He also likes pictures. One day he would like to combine them to make a beautiful picture-word baby. Follow him @deanthreadgold for daily updates on all things comic book related (and some things unrelated).