I feel as though Mark Russell has taken his cure from the recent Disney Lone Ranger movie. It’s fine to have Tonto be the smarter one of the partnership, but the Ranger is no slouch in the brains department either. In this issue, he’s portrayed as a bit simple, relying on Tonto’s wisdom perhaps a little too heavily.

The other plot element I disagree with is the notion of the Masked Man “disguising” himself as a nameless Texas Ranger, sans mask. Longtime fans who grew up watching Clayton Moore fight for law and order know a key element is to NEVER see the Lone Ranger without his mask. Sure, he might wear a disguise, but it usually came with fake whiskers or he was seen from behind. We never saw Clayton Moore’s full face.

There’s a sequence that offers some backstory on Tonto. I’m not sure how legitimate it may be, believing that it’s completely fabricated at the whim of the writer. I’m sure it makes sense to him, but again, for longtime fans of the old TV show, it’s generally accepted that Tonto is merely an American Indian who partnered up with the Ranger.

But this issue does feature a moment where the Ranger takes advantage of firepower he normally doesn’t have. And Tonto is extra crafty in another scene, so as a story, it’s pretty good. I’m just not sure it’s a good Lone Ranger story. I’m still willing to maintain an open mind, but this issue makes it difficult.

Rating: 7/10