So here we are at the end of a long and winding trail that is No West To Cross Volume 1. This three part independent western written by David Pinckney and published by his company Sequential Geek, is a great find that you are likely to overlook if you don’t dabble in some of the smaller indie books that are out there. If you like gritty western tales with plenty of action and starring a striking red-headed beauty named Rebecca Cross, then this is a book you will have to give a try.
The main premise of the story is that the villain, Bucky Dan, kidnaps a kid and Rebecca Cross finds out through the people in the town. The chase is on and despite doing the heroic thing and getting the kid back, Rebecca also has her sights equally set on getting revenge at the expense of her nemesis.
She meets a kind young man named Ray that becomes sort of a sidekick to Becky, despite his obvious crush on her. Their relationship winds up being a highlight of the book because of the seemingly reversed roles. Rebecca being the strong one and Ray being the cowardly doubter searching for his courage. Add to that a weapons maker named “Heavy” who has a pet bull named “Kraken” and you’ve got a nice bunch of characters ready to take on Bucky Dan and his men.
The pacing for this three issue arc, No Man’s Land, is nicely done with a great build toward a satisfying conclusion. However, the single issues are also good enough to stand on their own as solid reads. The main character Rebecca is such an instantly likeable character that you’ll find yourself eager to follow her wherever she goes. But make no mistake about it, though she is a kind woman, Rebecca Cross is tough as nails and will let no man stand in her way using her fists and her steel to settle scores. Much like a hero of bygone days, in these tales you always get the feeling no matter what happens to Becky, she’ll find a way out. Her nemesis, Bucky Dan, is a slimy villain who always seems to get the best of Becky just when he looks like he’s pinched. It’s a classic tale of good vs. evil, but not in a cliched way due to the strong character interactions provided by David Pinckney.
The art is somewhat stylized and reminiscent of some Jonah Hex books you may have read. Artist Zach Bassett makes sure his lines are very deliberate with outlines that are often thin, but thick when necessary. The essence of the art is less in the form and more in the action it portrays. When there are action sequences to be drawn this book really shines with motion happening everywhere on the page. The inks and colors done by Peebo Mondia do a great job of setting the mood of the moment simply by using a limited color palette. Grays, purples, brown, tans and yellow abound while reds and brighter colors are kept to a minimum highlighting Rebecca’s hair or the action taking place. The lettering, by Adam Wollet, is solid and and never confusing. Action words are kept to a minimum, but really jump off the page when it counts.
So do yourself a favor, give No West To Cross a shot and support a fun independent book written by a truly talented and nice guy David Pinckney. You can find this collection on here, and here or you can feel free to contact David through his website www.SequentialGeek.com to find out more.
Art: 8/10
Script: 8/10
Parental concern: Some violence and mild language.
I loved the first two issues of this series, and I really want to read the third. I’m so glad it’s collected in a trade! This is one that I’ll definitely pick up, not only to read, but to show to other people and get them interested!
