Broken Frontier

Versatile writer Antony Johnston contributes to the rebirth of Western comics with a traditional, but gripping, heist story.

Cody Plummer is a notorious bank robber. He also has a long-standing rivalry with a member of the Pinkerton Agency, Robert Harding. In order to gain enough money with which to retire and embarrass Harding, Plummer has decided to pull his greatest job ever in a dramatic train robbery. He, however, cannot do so alone as he enlists a large group of equally shady characters to help him in his quest.

Antony Johnston is running out of genres to try as he and Oni Press have tackled every genre from romantic comedy to horror. Now, he can add Western to his long list of successful works. Make no mistake, this book is not very original at all. It is, without a doubt, a very typical Western heist story, complete with everything from Indians to rowdy poker games. What makes this book stand out, however, is the writer=s ability to truly grip the reader. With deliberate pacing, Johnston draws readers into this book. Johnston spends a good bit of time developing the characters and their skills, making sure that the readers care about their fate when the story=s climax takes place. During that event, Johnston builds tension by the panel. Johnston=s writing is impressively gripping.

The Long Haul features a wide range of characters and a plot that has the potential to end up very confusing. Johnston, however, keeps both the story and the characters clear to the reader, with the help of his artist, Eduardo Barreto. Johnston does not underestimate or overestimate his audience. His dialogue seems a bit hokey at times, but it truly does suit this fun Western story. Also fitting is the rather slow pacing. Johnston proves once again that he knows how to expertly pace an orignal graphic novel.

Veteran artist Eduardo Barreto=s last project for Oni Press was a similar period piece, Union Station. He has proven his ability with such stories as his work on both books is incredible. His detailed, but smooth style works perfectly with Johnston=s script. Further, Barreto is a clear storyteller, which really allows this book to work. His character designs are equally clear and distinct, a necessity for a book such as this one. Barreto has been in the industry for many years and his work just keeps getting better.

The Long Haul does not revolutionize the Western genre by any means, but it does provide a fun story, accompanied by beautiful art.

-Eliot Johnson