All Star Western #28 Review

Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art by: Staz Johnson and Fabrizio Fiorentino
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 26, 2014

Face The Face

Jonah Hex has been in the present day DC Universe for close to a year and overall it's been a great run. Watching Jonah interact with modern life, as well as a who's who of heroes has been a hoot. Unfortunately, the fun has waned a bit in the last few issues and I think the Palmiotti and Gray know what I'm saying because without spoiling too much, Jonah is heading back home.

I've said it before and it remains the truth, All Star Western is my go to book for fun.  I love Jonah Hex and Palmiotti and Gray write him so well.  Unfortunately, this issue isn't the rip roaring good time I'm used too.  I guess it has to do with Jonah being in a coma after what happened at the end of last issue. If you didn't read it, think tons of alcohol, a motorcycle and a Big Rig and a really hard road.  

Well, sometimes you have to turn down the fun factor in order to get the book where it's going.  This is the case here and believe me, where it's going is long overdue.  Yes, Jonah is heading back home.  I won't say how he gets there, but it's awesome.  Brief, but game changing awesome.  

He doesn't go alone and he isn't the man who left the Old West behind all those months ago.  If you look at the cover, you'll get what I'm talking about.  I have a feeling that the change won't sit well with some readers, but I like it.  However, Jonah quickly finds out that it's not just the readers who may have a problem with it.  The book ends with Jonah in a pretty crazy mess that won't be easy to get out of.

Palmiotti and Gray give us what needed to be done in this issue.  Jonah in the present was fun, but it was starting to show some staleness.  They got him back home just in time.  I'll forgive the slower issue because of the awesomeness it sets up.

Unfortunately, I can't be as forgiving with the art team of Staz Johnson and Fabrizio Fiorentino. Awesome names, not so awesome art.  I may be spoiled by usual artist, Moritat, but I didn't like the look of the book and the styles of the artists clash a bit within.  It's a shame that Moritat wasn't involved in an issue with such magnitude for the series.

Bits and Pieces:

All Star Western #28 wasn't as fun as usual, but what happened in it was much needed.  Palmiotii and Gray put the book back where it belongs it's just unfortunate the art didn't seem to be ready for the ride.  It is a must read for long time fans and the changes to Jonah are huge and are more than just superficial.

8.0/10