Insane Comics 2016
Created & Written by Kelly Bender
Created & Penciled by Ryan Downing
Inked by Ivan Miranda
Coloured by Alan Bay
Lettered by Micah Myers
As Dawson Coles continues her quest to rid the world of the “Devil’s Cross” gang, “Gunner” the Texas Ranger and “White Tail” the Native Indian Tracker are hot on her trail, and that trail is leading directly towards the deadly “Lady Rose” current girlfriend of the “Gold Toothed Man”...
I’m enjoying this story, it’s not often we get a western with touches of steampunk and dinosaurs in them. Add in White Tail’s mysticism and Kelly manages to expand the realm of this world in ways which are wonderfully different than what’s come before. While at it’s core this is ultimately a story of revenge along the way we do get to see and meet other characters and have side plots that really enrich this world. Also Dawson’s a nice character and should she succeed in her goal what’s she going to do afterward? Turn into one of the world’s premiere bounty hunters?
We open up in El Paso at Lady Rose’s brothel where she’s entertaining her boyfriend. There’s cute, there’s sexy and then there’s wth gratuitous and i’m not sure where we see Lady Rose’s pose on the bed but it seems off to me like unnecessary. Just me it just doesn’t have the allure I think was intended at least not in the more cartoon style of art. I love that while that’s happening upstairs downstairs Dawson is unknowingly close to her quarry.
There’s a poker game going on and we meet a couple more new characters, Rafe for one who seems more cyborg than man and Pearl. Pearl is Rose’s sister and well again i’m not sure what the purpose was but that outfit is like Sailor Moon meets Aphrodite IX thrust in a Jonah Hex book. It’s trying too hard, don’t overthink it just it flow and less look i’m wearing something to pop my boobs and showcase my hooch in panties and make kind of more alluring. Overt doesn’t always mean good sometimes subtle and illusion works better. Though I will say if that’s an homage to Bat-Lash at the poker game i’m all for it.
I like the pacing of the story and how it flows. Dawson’s journey is unfolding nicely as Kelly seems to have a great grasp on what to put her through and how to show it. Also I do like that she’s so focused on one goal it kind of gets in her own way sometimes. She needs to temper her anger and think things through but then again i’m guessing--or hoping--that’ll come with time as the story keeps going. Either way there’s some strong characterization happening here.
Seeing White Tail in action and her encounter with Dawson is good to see. A we get a nice look at what she’s capable of and B. there’s a chance for a little team-up and i’m all about that. Then the Transport scene was fantastic! There’s really a lot to like about how this book is structured and the events we see unfold. Plus are those Rhino’s or Triceratops pulling it? I”m hoping the latter because that would be so much hella cool.
Okay so i’m quibbling with the artwork, cartoony style + sexy = not good combination make the linework tighter and streamlined like the beasts or the mechanical pieces and it’ll round out better. The story more than makes up for my opinions regarding the art style. It’s fun, sassy and full of great action/adventure.
This is really a fun read with a great female lead who’s strong characterization and drive are certain to entertain!