The Lone Ranger #12

  • Title: The Lone Ranger #12
  • Comic Vine: link

“There’s a reason I make them out of silver.”

Issue #12 picks up with the Lone Ranger back on the trail of Cavendish.  Reunited with Tonto and finally coming to terms with who and what he is, and what he’s willing to do to keep his vow, the Ranger sets out for justice.

There’s a lot going on in this single issue from the Ranger’s opening moments pumping Winthrop for information (in sharp contrast to Cavendish’s attempts later on),  to admitting his past mistakes to Tonto, to Cavendish’s gleeful reintroduction as the series major villain..

However my favorite scenes from this book come from the interaction between the Ranger and his brother’s widow and young son.  The scene with Linda peals away another piece of the Lone Ranger legacy by explain why the masked man uses sliver bullets and what they symbolize to the Texas Ranger turned outlaw vigilante of justice.

Brett Matthews and Sergio Cariello provide a great story with art to match.  And not to be outdone John Cassaday provides another cover that can only be described as damn cool.

Our hero, given his recent actions and mistakes, is contrite in this issue which highlights his humanity more so than the classic hero of legend who could do no wrong.  Fans of the old radio and TV character will find this Ranger more complex than previous versions, yet still feel connected to him through all the trappings of the legend put on display here.

Although I was a little late hopping on the Lone Ranger bandwagon, I must say this series has it all.  This latest issue, part one of a new four-part arc, is a great jumping on point for those who haven’t been following the series as well as those who have been enjoying the previous eleven issues of adventure.  It’s a tad overpriced ($3.50 an issue), but it’s worth it’s weight in silver.