[Johnny L. Wilson]

I've never read an actual dime novel from the western era--part history, part propaganda, and part braggadocio--but I'm sure many of them were like the tales in this comic. All of them claim to be "true" stories, but as we know from other media, "true" may simply mean that it has a basis in fact and dramatic liberties are taken thereafter.

But when you set your skepticism aside and you suspend your knowledge of how much injustice toward the Native Americans is glossed over in one or two comic frames, this is an intriguing book. I love the daring pre-Code cover with the buxom Calamity Jane (yes, rather more attractive than the photographs of the real person) and the fact that the text story expands on the cover.

I find it interesting and unexpected that the initial Wild Bill story is followed by a story featuring a Native American war chief, Red Cloud. I particularly like the fact that he wasn't demonized and that the ending was realistic. I'm not sure I can ever imagine George A. Custer being as reasonable as he was in the final story, but it made for a nice adventure.

In general, I felt like the artwork was reasonably solid as well. I liked the darker palette and the level of detail on clothing, if not on rifles. It's a very nice upload. Thank you!

Link to the book: Wild Bill Hickok 01