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The Lone Ranger: snake of Iron
In his profession in comics, Chuck Dixon has written stories starring Batman to Bart Simpson and everyone in-between. Now, he sets his sights on the masked rider in Dynamite’s The Lone Ranger: snake of Iron. Westfield’s Roger Ash recently contacted Dixon to learn much more about the book.
Westfield: The Lone Ranger seems like a natural for you. Is this a book you’re thrilled about writing?
Chuck Dixon: You don’t know the half of it! I love westerns and have a special place in my heart for the Ranger and Tonto. I grew up viewing Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels. The first time I typed “big fella” in the first script I had a smile on my face like when I was ten years old or like the first time I typed the words “Batman and Robin.”
I love the medium and any project has its special challenges and pleasures but every once in a while a pure dream project comes along like this one.
Westfield: What about the characters of the Lone Ranger and Tonto appeal to you?
Dixon: Well, the fearless, indomitable western hero is sure an irresistible concept. add one of the greatest origins ever, silver bullets, an remarkable horse, a mask, and the coolest native American character in pop fiction and there’s just nothing not to like. and the relationship of these two men is unique. This isn’t a hero and sidekick. These men are partners in a fight for justice. The bond between them, that they owe each other their lives, is powerful stuff.
Westfield: What can you tell us about the story in the series?
Dixon: A band of Kiowa jump the reservation when rumors of a ghostly Spirit horse spread across the tribes. Their shamans believe that the return of this powerful ghost is a signal to go back to the old ways of raiding and they come down out of Oklahoma with the intent to join the Comanche and rob south into Texas. The Ranger believes their story and goes on a hunt for the Spirit horse in purchase to stop the potential bloodshed. At the same time, hundreds of miles away, Tonto is embroiled in a stand-off with Kiowa braves and trying to use his own powers of persuasion to bring peace. The stories of these two old pals converge as the story goes on.
Westfield: You’re working with artist Esteve Polls on the book. What can you say about your collaboration with him?
Dixon: It takes a special set of skills to draw a convincing western and Esteve has them all in spades. He’s comfortable with the settings and costuming and draws an amazing horse. We dealt with the good the bad and The unsightly for Dynamite and I am very pleased to be working with him again.
Westfield: any closing comments?
Dixon: I’m just as pleased as Silver in a field of clover to finally be getting a shot at writing one of my childhood favorites.
Purchase
The Lone Ranger: snake of Iron #1
