All Star Western #31 Review

Written by: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by: Staz Johnson and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 28, 2014

Dead and Alive

Everyone knows by now that All Star Western will end in August.  It's such a shame because Gray and Palmiotti made this book so good with it's smart and funny dialogue, crazy situations and of course, my favorite anti-hero, Jonah Hex.  No matter what happened (save maybe meeting Superman) it was always great fun.  I guess everything good must come to an end, but at least we have a couple more issues.  If All Star Western #31 is any indication, and I have no reason to believe it's not, Jonah will go out in style and Madame .44 will be along for the ride.

Jonah and Tallulah are in the middle of drinking, fighting and talking. In other words, things are back to normal.  Palmiotti and Gray can just throw these two in a saloon, add some alcohol and watch the bullets fly. That's what they do this issue and because of the sharp and funny dialogue, it's a blast.  By the end, they have a healthy body count and a Sheriff looking for answers. That's when the reader is hit with what will drive this book to the finish.  Jonah Hex is a wanted man. Unfortunately, it's not THE Jonah Hex, but an impostor...or is it?  I can't wait to find out.  I loved the setup and of course Jonah and Tallulah are always great together.  I just wish the story was a little longer.  However, it's short because...

This issue also continues the story of Madame .44.  Things have gotten strange real quick.  I really like Madame .44 as a character, but I'm reserving judgement on the story.  Right now it's a bit Wizard of Oz mixed with Unforgiven.  A weird mix for sure, but it has me intrigued.

I'm sure everyone who reviews this issue will say it, but it's so sad we are losing this book.  Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti have taken a niche title and given us over 100 issues of fun.  Yes, it doesn't fit perfectly in the New 52, but isn't that part of it's charm?  I love Jonah Hex and and we can all rest assured that we will see him again, but right now we can enjoy his victory lap through the Old West and thank Palmiotti and Gray for all the good times they have given us.  

Bits and Pieces:

All Star Western #31 is the beginning of the end of one of my favorites.  It's fitting that this issue highlights what drew me to it in the first place...sharp dialogue, great action and fun.  F.U.N.  I wish more people jumped on the train earlier, but for those who waited, this is your last chance (for a while at least).  Jump on and enjoy the end of this great series.  

8.5/10