THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #1, from Image Comics on 8/9/23, takes a trip to Ambrose County, Texas in 1875 to separate fact from legend surrounding a notorious massacre spurred by outlaws, lawmen, and a mysterious murder.
The Details
- Written by: Chris Condon
- Art by: Jacob Phillips
- Colors by: Jacob Phillips, Pip Martin
- Letters by: Jacob Phillips
- Cover art by: Jacob Phillips
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 9, 2023
Is It Good?
In THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #1, the dynamic duo behind the acclaimed That Texas Blood series goes back in time for another story about Texas blood spilled when a group of outlaws are hunted after the diabolical murder of a bank manager. Condon’s gift for dramatic tension, befitting Old West dramas, brings a cast of characters to emotionally-charged characters to life, and Phillips’s cinematic art style rivals the best of classic Sergio Leone Westerns.
Condon’s script follows the Enfield Gang in Ambrose County, Texas, led by Montgomery Enfield. In 1875, the time of outlaw rule is coming to an end, so Montgomery contemplates settling down and going straight, much to the relief of the bank manager Montgomery visits monthly for a “withdrawal.” Unfortunately, a gruesome murder puts the prospect of a graceful retirement out of reach.
What’s great about this comic? Nearly everything. If you’re a fan of Westerns with all the classic tropes (bank robberies, outlaws, tin stars, hootin’, and hollerin’), Condon’s script has it all in spades. Better still, the murder that turns the tide is a well-crafted mystery. Despite Montogmery Enfield’s status as an unabashed outlaw, Condon quickly develops him into the center of the reader’s focus as a sympathetic character, even in his worst moments. Condon’s plot is rock-solid, and the character work just adds icing to the cake.
What’s not so great about this issue? Reasonably, nothing besides the odd, minor nitpick. Condon’s technical execution is on-point in terms of character introductions, dialog, pacing, and plot progression. This issue is probably a better start to a new series than That Texas Blood #1.
How’s the art? Consistently good, as always, from Jacob Phillips, with a color assist from Pip Martin. Sergio Leone’s name comes up intentionally because Leone masterfully used vivid colors to saturate scenes for mood, particularly in tight close-up shots. Here, Phillips successfully recreates that effect with cinematically glorious results. Western fans will be well and truly pleased.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a brief prologue circa 1906 when a carnival barker for Doc Malady’s Wild West Show recounts the tale of the Endfield Gang Massacre as he stands next to the mummified corpse of the long-dead Montgomery Enfield. In 1876, Montgomery’s Enfield Gang made a living harassing and robbing the fine folks of Ambrose County, Texas. Due to the relatively bloodless nature of the crimes, the recently-elected sheriff restricted his law enforcement to local, petty crimes. However, the patience of the townsfolk wore thin as they met in the town hall with the sheriff and mayor to discuss taking action.
Suddenly, a man burst into the meeting and promptly died from his injuries, but not before telling everyone the local bank manager was dead. Retired Captain Ely of the Texas Rangers, the sheriff, and a small group of armed men head to the bank to investigate, and the shocking scene of death they find unsettles the posse.
Elsewhere, Montgomery Enfield suspects the increasing calls for law and order mean it’s time for him to consider retirement. We conclude the issue with a nighttime visit, death, and an ultimatum.
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Final Thoughts
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THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #1 follows up the acclaimed That Texas Blood series with a mesmerizing murder mystery set in the Old West. Condon’s talent for establishing memorable characters and an intriguing plot in the space of a single heartbeat is matched only by Phillips’s cinematic art style.
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