Written by Len Kody & Chuck Dixon
Art by EricJ; Bernie Lee; & Dave Bryant
Cover Art by Kalman Andrasofszky
SUMMARY:
Published by Moonstone Books in 2008, this 32-page historical fiction one-shot is primarily set in late 1880 Arizona. The action starts almost immediately after “Curly” Bill Brocius has been arrested for Tombstone Marshal Fred White’s controversial death.
Inadvertently tipped off by famed dime novelist Ned Buntline, the fugitive Cisco Kid seeks out “Curly” Bill to finally settle a childhood injustice. Unfolding in segments, a childhood flashback reveals what dark connection the Cisco Kid’s broken family once had to sleazy thieves “Curly” Bill and Tyson Raines.
After abducting a captive “Curly” Bill from Deputy U.S. Marshal Earp’s posse, the Kid scares the notorious outlaw into rolling over on Raines. Pursuing the young desperado to the remote tent town called Daltry, a suspicious Earp wants answers. Gloriously dubbed the Robber’s Roost shootout by Buntline’s hype, a gunfight commences.
REVIEW:
It’s an impressive upgrade over Moonstone’s dismal 2005 black-and-white Wyatt Earp: Dodge City # 1. In addition to reader-friendly visuals (including much-appreciated color), the character visuals appear spot-on. For instance, a blonde Earp and his distinctive moustache are easy to recognize. It likely isn’t a coincidence that the cover image of Earp resembles a young Charles Bronson. The same applies to this story’s “Curly” Bill, who eerily resembles actor Powers Boothe playing him in 1993’s Tombstone film.
Despite playing fast and loose with historical details, the script coherently links Earp to the fictional Kid’s vendetta against his father’s old cronies. Reinforcing Earp as a cool-headed frontier icon, writer Len Kody does a credible job making his take on Earp at least plausible. Unlike the story’s other characters, Kody’s attention is mainly focused on devising ambiguous character depth for the vengeful Kid. This gamble pays off, as The Cisco Kid vs. Wyatt Earp is a dose of gritty entertainment for Old West fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
