You got Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, and Jeff ‘fucking’ Lemire on a Jonah Hex issue. What more could you ask for? The book would have to be edited by Jesus and printed on the Dead Sea Scrolls to be any better. After that balant overpraising you can assume that I love this issue to death. I’ve been trade waiting on this series and I’ve been enjoyed it quite a bit on this slow burn. But when Jeff Lemire, the most perfect artist I could think of to do this series, is announced to do this particular issue then how could you expect me not to double dip?

First let me say that Palmiotti and Gray’s story shouldn’t be ignored. Even though I am behind on this series a bit, this has to be a BIG deal that Hex is dealing with his dad. Although this series is never linear in it’s storytelling we have been getting hints and certain issues dealing with Hex as a boy. Hell the issues I have in the six trades are mentioned in this particular issue which makes it helpful for me. But to the story at hand it is sentimental as much as it can be with Papa Hex finally confronting the man he help create. It’s sad in a way as neither man can’t really express their opinions truthfully. But with the clever writing you get just enough to see the disappointment in both Father and Son.

At first I was expecting this issue to be balls to the wall exciting with big gun fights and horses racing around. But that’s not what Lemire is best at and quite frankly this is the best story for him to work at. It’s kinda like looking at a ‘Wild West’ version of ‘Essex County’ in a way. For the most part we get talking heads either with a group of men or with Hex and his Dad and no action what so ever. (Apart from the panels showing some blood) Again while both men can’t really express their emotions to each other, Lemire is able to express it just enough with their faces to convey them. Dave McCaig, the colorist, should also get some credit here for some wonderful colors throughout the book. Some great reds, oranges, and browns are peppered throughout the issue which makes Lemire’s pencils stand out even more.

For once I am able to pick an issue up of Jonah Hex and see just how wonderful it is from a monthly stand point. I’m not saying the series isn’t wonderful in it’s own right trade wise. But the fact that this is a perfect issue in every way and I would have to wait just to get another one a month from now eats me up inside. But then again I could read this issue over and over again and never get tired of it. That is the testament to how wonderfully written and drawn this issue and a series (as a whole) this is.