The Cisco Kid (O. Henry’s…)

(Moonstone, 2004-2005)
™ and © Moonstone

What Unforgiven is to Western films, The Cisco Kid is to Western comics. Edgy, deadly, and every bit the people’s reluctant hero, The Cisco Kid rides again. With a story that could be considered “Western noir,” Moonstone delivers a dark hero from the past with plenty of modern appeal.

Created by O. Henry as a merciless assassin in his short story, “The Caballero’s Way,” The Cisco Kid was reforged into the misunderstood “Robin Hood of the Old West” through early films and radio shows. When Duncan Renaldo assumed the television role in 1950, Cisco was a good guy aided by his carefree sidekick, Pancho.

Writer Jim Duffy’s Cisco is an appealing cross between the O. Henry assassin and the Renaldo hero. Moody, philosophical, and drinking heavily, Cisco begins the story losing a bar fight. Pursuing the bad guys leads Cisco to their camp and a young Pancho, hiding in ambush. The bad guys are stealing local children, including Pancho’s sister, to sell as slaves, and Cisco joins forces with Pancho, fueled by a determination to save the day. Jerry DeCaire’s black-and-white art sets an appropriately dark tone, but there are inconsistencies in Cisco’s presentation (particularly his face) that distract from the story.

With its edgy story and strong pace, The Cisco Kid sets a new standard for modern Western comics.

— Karen O’Brien

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Notes

Writer

Artist

#1

July, 2016
Cover Price: $2.95
2 copies available from $2.00

Jim Duffy

Jerry DeCaire

#2

Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $1.49

Jim Duffy

Jerry DeCaire

#3

Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $1.99

Len Kody

Matt Camp