(The Akamuu of Earth One, and the Akamuu of Earth 616 have been summoned by bored gods to finally meet. And in this meeting, each of them will discuss the last comic they read, and their similarities and differences. And then, for two reviews only, Amalgamuu will describe both books at once. This is one half of his tale!)

I don’t want to get into an ugly contest, a drinking contest, or a battle of strength with Jonah Hex or Wolverine. Both these men of principles and murder have had their fair share of hookers, love, hallucinogens, and bullets.

I know All-Star Western is more than just a Jonah Hex book, but he’s why I pick the issues up. If Palmiotti and Gray put out a Jonah Hex book every day, I’d probably buy it. I love the way they create a continuity that doesn’t require you to have read any issues. Want to know the back story? Instead of some boring recap panel, they’re going to give you a couple of pages of action packed recap (say that four times fast). Then, BOOM, story!

Bunn’s first issue of Wolverine is, likewise a great jumping-on point. I’m enjoying his Rucka-ish Wolverine-in-a-bar-brooding-while-police-suspect-him-of-a-crime vibe, and that he pulls in quite a bit of Aaron related continuity without requiring you to read Wolverine & The X-Men, or Aaron’s Wolverine arcs.

Both Hex and Wolverine also have art styles that suggest gritty 70s TV shows: one a western, the other a crime serial. And while each of the stories from these issues was great, it’s the art that elevated both of these to five star books.

The ratings below are purely for All-Star Western. The Wolverine review will appear later with numbers of its own.