Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray; Art and Covers by Darwyn Cooke

Jonah Hex is a comic series that I've heard good things about, it’s just one of those comics I never got around to picking up.  But then I noticed that one of my favourite comic creators Darwyn Cooke was on art duties for issue #50, so I made sure I grabbed a copy. 

Issue #50 is an oversized self contained story, perfect for someone like myself that until now had not read a single issue of Jonah Hex.  For a complete newcomer the story is simple and straightforward, it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read Jonah Hex before.  There’s obviously stuff that’s come before this that gives the story more meaning for those that have been picking it up regularly, but for me it was a perfect done in one story.

The story kicks off with a dozen or so cowboys running from Hex and Tallulah Black, very quickly the cowboys are shot dead (in spectacular fashion).  Hex and Tallulah then make their way into town for some “sexy times”.  When Hex wakes Tallulah has gone, we later learn that she's pregnant and has escaped the life of a bounty hunter to be a mother, and to protect Hex (a child would be a target for his enemies).

As Hex leaves town he’s approached by a man who offers him a contract, capture or kill 50 men for two thousands dollars a piece.  The rest of the issues sees Hex chase down the 50 men, killing each of them in uniquely satisfying ways.  Whilst Hex is kept busy hunting down his bounty the story cuts back and forth with a pregnant Tallulah, who’s busy setting up a home for herself in a quiet town, a town where one of the residents is less than happy with her arrival. 

Cooke’s effortlessly creates another beautiful looking comic.  This is pure cartoon, it’s a million miles away from photorealistic yet Cooke’s characters look so real.  Hex kills for cash, he answers to no one and doesn’t appear to be emotionally attached to anyone or anything, Cooke captures this feeling of freedom (and Hex's enjoyment of being a bounty hunter) perfectly.  As the story unfolds and tragedy strikes the free living bounty hunter that was having so much fun is replaced by a sombre Hex (the ending is gut wrenching and came as a real surpise).  Cooke is a master cartoonist, unsurprisingly he doesn’t fail to please here.

I was amazed how quickly I could pick up the story, something that has perplexed me before when I’ve jumped in late on other comics. I highly recommend this issue, the art is gorgeous and the story has equal measure of fun and tragedy, I was left wanting more.  I intend to rewind and pick up the first trade of this series, Jonah Hex you have a new fan!