ZORRO FLIGHTS #1 – Review

In ZORRO FLIGHTS #1, available from American Mythology on October 6th, 2021, what’s a legendary masked man to do when he encounters a “dragon” in the wilderness and a red-haired bodyguard itchin’ to shoot them both down?

The Details

• Written By: Don McGregor
• Art By: Vincenzo Carratu
• Colors By: Jeremy Kahn
• Letters By: Natalie Jane
• Cover Art By: Roy Allen Martinez
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: October 6, 2021

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Was It Good?

We’re having so much fun with the classic pulp titles from American Mythology, it’s almost unfair to the other publishers. Zorro is a long-standing favorite character for everyone on the team, and we couldn’t wait to see what American Mythology would put out next for an original story. So far, it doesn’t disappoint.

For the first act of the arc, we’re introduced to new characters that all have a distinct voice and point of view. What’s great about McGregor’s first issue in the arc is how quickly he establishes these new characters while the action of a runaway balloon dominates every page. You figure out who you like, don’t like, and why in their interactions with each other and how they react to the crisis at hand. It’s a great example of letting the action reveal who these characters are without relying on bulky exposition or lengthy dialog.

The concept is super simple but it contains an element of whimsy. A competitive entrepreneur, Sandy McBain, is setting up a hot air balloon in the shape of a dragon for an upcoming contest. For that time period, a hot air balloon contest is something special, but making the balloon into the shape of a fire-breathing dragon gives the scene a touch of magic to make the situation feel a little more special.

Beyond the character of McBain, McGregor adds in the danger of bad intentions with Holly, Misery, and “Red”. Holly means well but her eagerness to help winds up putting her in danger. Misery has a suspicious streak that might just get someone shot. And “Red” is the hired bodyguard who’s more than a simple hired hand. It’s an eclectic group that already carries a fair bit of interpersonal conflict that practically promises to create trouble for Zorro.

Love, love, love Carratu’s art in this issue. The conflict in this issue is rooted in a sudden windstorm that disrupts the group’s plans, and Carratu infuses rustling fabric and windswept hair into every panel to give the impression of blustering air. It feels like the comic is in constant motion which works for the story and it makes for exciting visuals.

In all, this is a fantastic first entry to pluck your classic pulp hero heart strings.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

Zorro and Eulalia are riding along the road, casually avoiding any interactions with the local authorities, when they see a “dragon” lying on the ground nearby. When they ride closer, they see the “dragon” is really a hot air balloon and a foolish man is trying to get it inflated on the windiest day of the year.

Sandy McBain is the foolish man, and he’s determined to get his dragon balloon aloft as an entry in a contest. McBain is accompanied by Ms. Holly Go-Forth, Holly’s aptly named friend Misery, and McBain’s bodyguard, “Red”. Despite his best efforts, McBain can’t control the balloon after it’s partially inflated, and Zorro rides in to help him get it under control.

Misery, an untrusting sort, suspects Zorro was sent by the competition to destroy the ballon, and she badgers Red to shoot Zorro before he can do any damage. Zorro is equally good with a pistol as he is with a whip or blade, and he shoots Red’s rifle out of his hands before he can get a shot off. We conclude the issue with winds picking up, a dragon taking flight, and Zorro going for a ride without a destination.

Final Thoughts

ZORRO FLIGHTS #1 is pure serial pulp fun from start to finish. It’s a wholesome start to a classic adventure with a little whimsy to give the story an element of magical charm. The art is great, and the plot point of fighting a windstorm is a perfect excuse to infuse every panel with constant motion and energy to make the issue more engaging.

Score: 9/10