In a twist against the norm, Midnight Western Theatre features a black and white cover, and full colour interiors. Let’s look at issue four of this horror title from Scout Comics.

Writer Louis Southard has created an ongoing tale of spooky supernatural in the old west. It’s the time of horseback travel, First Nations tribes being forcibly relocated, and frontiersmen forging and thieving. Times of upheaval and times of evil.

Alexander and Ortensia have been hired to eliminate a supernatural being who has already killed seven people. But Alexander being Alexander, can’t just go along with the plan. Instead, he has elected to scoff and mock, and play games with their prey. It all backfires of course, leading to much consternation. And violence. In addition, there is now a mighty strain being placed on their relationship!

The story is wonderful. The tension and conflict between Alexander and Ortensia make for high drama and pathos. We feel for these ‘semi-mortals’.

David Hahn’s artwork is continually appropriate for the subject matter. Medium width line strokes, loads of tasteful shadows, and plenty of thought being given to how to present the dramatic moments. The visuals have a smooth flow from page to page. Colour by Ryan Cody tends to be muted and dark, which is just ideal for the Midnight Western Theatre brand. Lettering is by Buddy Beaudoin. One comment about the lettering is that I found Alexander’s dialogue, as presented in thin white lettering on a black word balloon, to be difficult to read. I frequently had to zoom in on my digital review copy to make out his dialogue.

Great fun, nicely consistent from issue to issue!

Scout Comics, Midnight Western Theatre #4, $3.99 for 24 pages of comic content. Parental advisory

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!