I bought #1 of Rawhide Kid: The Senational Seven primarily for the art (by Howard Chaykin) and, given the title was not too surprised to discover it continues the characterization from the 2003 (has it been that long?) MAX series… which I also bought for the art (by John Severin) come to think of it. I would have been even less surprised had I remembered that both series were written by Ron Zimmerman.
The first issue is chock-full of anachronisms, but historical accuracy is not what this series is about. It is so far over the top, in fact, I feel silly even mentioning it in the first place. I’m ambivalent about this new portrayal of the Rawhide Kid, but I must admit the first issue was a helluva lotta fun!
I saw it and thumbed through it ... I'm somewhat interested. The plus is the Howard Chaykin art ... the minus is the characterization from the 2003 MAX series, which is right is Chaykin's wheelhouse ...
I'm inclined to wait until I see it in the 50-cent bin a year from now ...
I don’t have anything to add about the second issue that I haven’t already said about the first as the story builds to its climax (and yes, in this case, pun most definitely intended), but I do have something else related to discuss. Back in the mid 80s, as comics were transitioning from 60 to 75 cents, I had been buying virtually every Marvel limited series released, but I gave a pass to Rawhide Kid because I was largely unfamiliar with the character. I became interested in it in the wake of the previous MAX Rawhide Kid series and mail-ordered it via the backissue market, but by the time it arrived my interest had cooled and I didn’t read it. “Buying comics and not reading them is stupid,” I often say, but I don’t necessarily put a time limit on it. I never buy a comic without the intention to read it someday.
I read the 1985 series over the weekend and discovered isn’t too bad. It’s written by Bill Mantlo and penciled by Herb Trimpe [with inks by John Severin (#1), Gerry Taloac (#2-3) and Danny Bulandi (#4), and covers by John Byrne (#1) and Keith Pollard (#2-4)] and is set toward the end of the Kid’s career. (The story suggests he’s 43 years old, but the way he’s drawn he looks more like 60.) The fourth issue reads like an old “anniversary” issue in which he fights many of his old foes while hallucinating. The ending is not the one I was anticipating, but it’s satisfying nonetheless.
I remember that one; it was pretty low-key. I didn't remember the Rawhide Kid was supposed to be in his 40s in that series; after all, he's wearing dentures! However, given the state of dental care in his day, that shouldn't be surprising.
I remember that one; it was pretty low-key. I didn't remember the Rawhide Kid was supposed to be in his 40s in that series; after all, he's wearing dentures! However, given the state of dental care in his day, that shouldn't be surprising.
If Marvel wanted to put out a Western, it had to be different from "Jonah Hex", and brother, is it! Still it's an enjoyable read and the Kid, while fabulous, is one tough dandy outlaw!
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The first issue is chock-full of anachronisms, but historical accuracy is not what this series is about. It is so far over the top, in fact, I feel silly even mentioning it in the first place. I’m ambivalent about this new portrayal of the Rawhide Kid, but I must admit the first issue was a helluva lotta fun!
I'm inclined to wait until I see it in the 50-cent bin a year from now ...
So do I. I consider the first MAX series to be an Imaginary Story.
I read the 1985 series over the weekend and discovered isn’t too bad. It’s written by Bill Mantlo and penciled by Herb Trimpe [with inks by John Severin (#1), Gerry Taloac (#2-3) and Danny Bulandi (#4), and covers by John Byrne (#1) and Keith Pollard (#2-4)] and is set toward the end of the Kid’s career. (The story suggests he’s 43 years old, but the way he’s drawn he looks more like 60.) The fourth issue reads like an old “anniversary” issue in which he fights many of his old foes while hallucinating. The ending is not the one I was anticipating, but it’s satisfying nonetheless.
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