This offbeat Western story takes on an even more farcical tone this month, and it offers a few solid laughs. But what escapes me about this script is the reasoning behind the title character's "fancy" (the term "effeminate" doesn't really seem to apply) new personality. It doesn't really seem to contribute anything to the story, aside from a few low-brow, wink-wink jokes that fall flat. Still, despite that, the book remains a visual delight, as John Severin's gritty yet somehow sleek artwork is a real treat.
Cisco Pete and his gang have cleared out of town, but they haven't gone far. So Sheriff Morgan sets to the task of recruiting a new deputy to help him out, but given his new reputation for cowardice and the danger that loomed, his efforts aren't going well. Meanwhile, the Rawhide Kid pays a visit to Pete and et al on the outskirts of the town, and demonstrates his skill, bravery and clear sense of style for a confused crowd of outlaws.
Severin's artwork captures the gritty, raw quality of the old West, which comes as no surprise, given his long -- even legendary -- career in comics. There's a sharp, crisp tone of realism in his work, the sort of thing one would expect to find in the work of artists who followed oin his footsteps such as Steve (Punisher) Dillon. I like how the characters aren't just images of perfection. There's a variety of body types here. Most impressive is how well he conveys the arid nature of the setting, as well as the folksier elements that accompany it. Buccellato's colors are really crisp yet never cross the line into garish.
However, what does cross the line over into the realm of garish is the characterization of the title character. I've never been one for this mindset that just making a gay character a protagonist equates into some kind of tone of acceptance. It's one of the reasons I loathe Will & Grace. Instead of fighting the stereotype, it is embraced. Sure, the skilled-gunfighter riff runs contrary to said stereotype, but I still get the feeling the writer is laughing at homosexuality, not people's perceptions of it.
The one character in the book I'm really enjoying is Sheriff Morgan... at least I was until the latter part of this issue. Up until now, he's really been the victim of perception and gossip. He never really came off as a coward, but then Zimmerman throws in a gag that seems entirely out of character for Morgan up to this point. Still, it's a fleeting moment, and the sheriff continues to stand out as my favorite character in the series thus far.
