A very good western anthology. Highly recommended! I've enjoyed most of the stories but the opening one is my personal favorite - “Thicker Than Water,” written by Sean Fahey with art by Lisandro Estherren.

In the interest of disclosure I should mention that I am one of the kickstarter backers for this comic. I was given a copy as one of the rewards. Normally I would wait on the review until I had received the physical copy, however it will not be printed on drivethrucomics to my knowledge.

What initially captured my attention about this comic was the unique and exciting theme of the anthology. While I love horror, sci-fi and mixed genre anthologies it was refreshing to see a book that did something markedly different. I can't say that I have seen any other recent Viking themed anthology.

Even better, the book is well curated. While the art and writers vary between stories the book feels cohesive in tone. There are far more hits than misses in this collection. And in the rare occasion where the story didn't entice me as much as the other contributions the art was always compelling. This is one of the most consistently engrossing anthologies I have read in some time.

I had hoped that reading the digital version would tide me over until the print copy arrived. Honestly, I am now even more impatient for its' delivery. I would strongly recommend any version of this book. I am also hopeful that more volumes are made in future.

I was searching for “weird” or “horror/supernatural” western tales along the lines of Lansdale’s DEAD IN THE WEST and came across TALL TALES FROM THE BADLANDS. There are five stores in this issue and I figured the odds were good I would find one or two gems. While three of the stories were similar in idea to others I’ve read over the years two of the books stood out for me. One especially nice tale with an unexpected ending was “Where the Heart Is.” As for the book itself the art is of professional quality throughout and the writing is consistently good. Rounding out the book were pin-up pages I would like to see fleshed out as stories. Maybe next issue.

If you have been curious about the western genre, you should consider Tall Tales from the Badlands #2. This black & white anthology contains 5 short stories that are accessible, thought-proviking, and entertaining.

Three writers and five artists combine to tell tales from the late 1800s, with a focus on both sides of the law.

"A Nation of Laws," by Sean Fahey (writer) and Borch Pena (art) is compelling. The question of justice versus due process remains topical today. The artwork is very good, although the word balloons take up large parts of panels due to the extensive text. Still, the writing is smooth, and the story keeps your attention.

"The Great Wall" by Fahey and Giannis Milonogiannis is set in the 20th century and displays the slow move toward ethnic tolerance in our country. The artwork is sketchier and contrasts the other styles in the book nicely.

"Paw" by Nick Nunziata (writer) and Carlos Trigo (art) calls back to the common Western movie theme of family feuds and the death that often defines their history. Trigo's linework is very clean, and the storytelling comes through well in the art. You can almost read it without the script.

"The Fastest Way from Here to There" by Seamus Kevin Fahey (writer) and Pablo Peppino (art) tells a story without words following a wild horse through the lawlessness and progress of the wild west. The art style is muddier, which is quite effective for the type of story being told.

"The Inside Man" by Fahey (writer) and Ger Curti is serviceable, if not predictable. There is a twist at the end which you might see coming. Even so, the artwork and pacing are enjoyable.

The lettering throughout is well done by Kel Nutall. Overall, this book is well done. It gives you what a comic book should . . . some action, multiple stories, and solid artwork.