There can never be sunshine with rain, as I used to hear my grandmother say. I never quite understood that as kid, even after she explained it to me. Life as a kid was always straightforward, and I never saw what the adults in my life had to deal with. As I am an adult and a parent now, I wished they shared with me more now of what they dealt with.

As we never wanted for anything, but my parents dealt with their own set of struggles, something they shielded us from. As their hearts and minds were in ensuring our future as I do now for my daughters. That struggle and the need to “just do” is what makes us who we are. The folks at Allegiance Arts explores the struggles our protagonist had in Bass Reeves #2.

We find Bass as he grows his legend all across the Oklahoma Territory, one outlaw at a time, as he shows that he is a man that suffers no fools. We are also taken to a Seminole village, where a bunch of prospectors attempt to take advantage of the native’s kindness, which is quickly extinguished by Bass, where he unearths an outlaw looking to make his mark. We also find Bass’s son, Benji, who without his guidance, becomes a bit of a problem for Bass’s wife., Nellie. By the issue’s end, his new antagonist, Yah Kee, who has just robbed a stage wagon, and looking to send a  message.

Overall, Bass Reeves #2 is a great second issue that humanizes this icon. The story by Kevin Grevioux is relatable. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, a story that grounds our character and further endears him to the reader.

Story: Kevin Grevioux Art: David Williams, Kelsey Shannon, Eric Weathers, Herman Octavio, and Chris Kindrick
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

As a fan of Watchmen, I was happy to see the TV show give the series its proper due. It was basically a sequel, which had all the characters we loved from the comic book series. What made the series really phenomenal is how the creators made it relevant to what our current climate is. It pushed to take apart America’s ills and everything that comes with the hate that gave birth to the country.

One of the elements added to the show, which I found exciting, was how they connected Bass Reeves to the story. As comic book and history buffs will tell you, he’s the inspiration behind The Lone Ranger. It’s sad to say, but very little has been written about this historical figure and his indelible mark on the Wild West. The folks at Allegiance Arts realized the void, and with the help of the creative world attempted to fix that gap with Bass Reeves #1.

We’re taken to the Indian Territory in 1865, where a tense standoff is taking place and where we meet Judge Parker, who has lost too many Marshalls to the outlaws in this area. We are then taken to the Louisiana territory where a band of outlaws is conjuring the legend of Bass Reeves, which meet sooner than any of them would even predict. Judge Parker soon hears about Bass and offers him a job, one that he turns down, as his family and his land are his priorities. By the issue’s end, he realizes the lawlessness that exists may soon come to his doorstep and he is the only one who can protect them all.

Overall, Bass Reeves #1 is an excellent debut issue that brings this important historical figure to life. The story by Kevin Grevioux is action-packed. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that gives readers, a different look at what made a hero in the Wild West.

Story: Kevin Grevioux Art: David Williams, Kelsey Shannon, Eric Weathers, Herman Octavio, and Chris Kindrick
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy