All Star Western: Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, Moritat, Mike Atiyeh, Rob Leigh, Rafa Garres

Terrence 13: Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, Scott Kolins, Mike Atiyeh, Rob Leigh

Time for the exciting conclusion to The War of Lords and Owls! Hex and Arkham are still prisoners being tortured by steam (a truly gruesome and painful way to go), while Tallulah’s looking for a way to save them all. The Lords of Crime start to search for Tallulah, but she’s much smarter than she looks. 

We also get to find out what happened on the night Hex went to Wayne. Apparently they talked about Bennet and his plans for the city. Wayne discovers Bennet was part of the Religion of Crime and Hex tells Wayne to dig deeper. It also appears that Hex is the one to help inspire the Wayne line to pour their resources into doing something great with the city. He tells Wayne to use his money, power, and influence to keep the city afloat and alive.

After escaping the followers of Cain, Hex goes to witness the hanging of the criminals with Wayne and Mayor Cobblepot. Arkham asks Cobblepot and Wayne for plans on expanding his home into a place where he can admit and help patients with a history of criminal behavior and mental illness. I like where this is going. And, finally, we meet a new character named Reginald Frosythe, who has come to speak of his employer…a doctor named Jekyll. WHOA!

The dialog is outstanding this issue. I love everything that Arkham says, and Tallulah’s more of a firecracker than I’ve yet seen. Throughout the whole issue she has nothing but good lines. I found myself laughing the whole time, at all the characters. And the funny situations, too (which, honestly shouldn’t be funny), like when the dude’s head goes flying by, and Tallulah shoots off the other guy’s fingers. It was just hilarious.

Moritat’s art is also incredible, as per usual. I also really liked Scott Kolins’ art in the backup story, Terrence 13. I really like the heavy lines. This backup story was pretty good. I like this Terrence character. He’s amusing, and he’s very smug about his intellect. There’s a good, short detective scene here, and then we get to the action. It all leads to a very tragic ending, and I was moved. I’m curious to find out, though, whatever happens to the doctor. Does the curse work? He doesn’t seem to think it will.

All Star Western #12, the verdict: A great story that actually feels like Jonah’s wrapping up here. It honestly felt like the end of a movie, or a book series. After reading this issue, I wouldn’t be surprised if the next stars another set of characters instead of Hex. To be honest, it actually reminds me of the ending of the first Sherlock Holmes movie, with RDJ. We have a character who comes in to introduce us to the story’s next mystery, Dr. Jekyll, just like in the movie…where Moriarty’s larger role is hinted at. Very well done. …But, it is going to be Arkham and Hex, right? I guess I wouldn’t be upset, as it’d be nice to see other characters handled by this awesome team, but I would just miss this story is all.

(Photo Source: iFanBoy)