Weird Western Tales #54 "Blockade"

 Weird Western Tales #54 April 1979

"Blockade"

Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & Luis Dominguez, art - Luis Dominguez, cover

Philadelphia, August, 1862

Sclaphunter is in the Union Station wondering what type of people try to encompass the world in steel and glass to block out the sky and wind. He does not like the White men and only a few actually command his respect, one of those has sent him on a mission. He is prodded by a cane wielded by a one eyed mustachioed man. The man shouts "You.. INDIAN"

Scalphunter turns and asks if the man is speaking to him. The man states that since Ke-Woh-No-Tey is the only Indian disembarking from the five o'clock train from St. Louis, he must be the redskin he is looking for. The man introduces himself as Samson Smith, sent by a mutual friend to get things squared away. He asks if Scalphunter has the money and is reassured it is carried in a place safe from thieves.

Just then they are stopped by Union soldiers who tell Samson he is under arrest by the Federal Army for treason. Smith whips out a pistol and shoots both soldiers. Smith grabs Scalphunter and tells him they better hightail it outta there. They rush out of the station and highjack a horse drawn city trolley. Smith pushes the driver out of the cab and whips the horses into a fury as soldiers exit the station and open fire.

Scalphunter wonders what type of man he has thrown in with as he watches Smith drive the trolley like a man possessed, slamming into wagons and trampling and killing pedestrians that are too slow to avoid the massive trolley. Scalphunter intervenes and tries to tear the reins from Smith's hands but Smith punches him squarely on the jaw. Smith realizes that he is going too fast for the curves in the tracks ahead and the entire rig topples over and crashes into the street.

Smith and Scalphunter jump from the wreckage, ignoring the injured passengers, with Smith firing once again at the closing Union soldiers. They take off down the alleys with the soldiers on their tail, with Scalphunter calling Smith a madman. Smith agrees but says he is the contact available to the Blockade Breaker and if Scalphunter lays a hand on him again, Smith will put a bullet in his brain and to hell with the guns for Scalphunter's Confederate buddies. They jump a wall, losing the soldiers and make their way into the back door of a house.

The building they enter appears to be a meeting place for distinguished men, all leather and dark curtains. They are approached by a butler carrying drink service. The butler informs them that Mr. Thornton will be with them shortly. Smith helps himself to a nearby decanter while Scalphunter gazes into the flames in a nearby fireplace.

He thinks back to his recent conversation with President Abraham Lincoln who told him that the North could carry on the war for years with their industrial capabilities. The South however, relies on arms from other countries and without those weapons, the war would be over within a year. Ke-Woh-No-Tey replies that war is a thing of honor, a man must fight or he is not a man. Lincoln says that might be true for Brian's people, but for the White man, war is an ugly terrible thing.

Lincoln then lays out his plan for blockading all of the southern ports, but there are foreign powers that will deliver weapons to American ships in the mid-Atlantic, and these American ships will run through the blockades. There is one man called the Blockade Breaker who has gotten through fifteen times in the past year. If they can stop this man, it will be a major blow to the Confederacy. Scalphunter says he is not a sailor but Lincoln says according to their informant, the Blockade Breaker is expecting to meet an Indian who is arranging for a consignment of guns to be delivered by the British. A number of tribes have aligned with the South, dissatisfied with how the Union has treated them, the tribes have been promised better treatment by Jefferson Davis.

Lincoln says they have already intercepted this Indian contact and asks Ke-Woh-No-Tey if he will fill in as their spy. Scalphunter says he is asking help for the men who betray Scalphunter's people and force them from their land? Lincoln asks him to do it as a personal favor. Lincoln gives his word that Indians will be treated fairly after the war is over. The two men once more clasp hands, this time in agreement, rather than in contest.

Scalphunter's memories are interrupted by the arrival of Watson Thornton. Scalphunter asks if he is the Blockade Breaker and Thornton assure him he is not. Thornton is merely a go-between who will verify the payment but not collect it. Thornton explains that he is a munitions manufacturer and the longer the war continues, the richer he gets, no matter who wins. Thornton then asks Smith and Scalphunter to follow him and he will make the proper introductions.

A pouring rain has started as night has fallen and the three men make their way to a horse cab. They climb inside and through the rain and fog they make their way to the docks to a massive steam ship named The Sea Dragon. As they arrive a sailor starts shouting that no redskin is going to set foot on their deck. Thornton asks the sailor to calm down, surely the captain will explain. The Sailor starts brandishing a cargo hook and then catches a smile from Smith. The sailor shoves Scalphunter, telling him to get off the wharf. Scalphunter tells him not to touch him again and the sailor winds up and swings with the hook. 

Scalphunter blocks the swing and delivers a hard right into the man's midsection. For some reason Scalphunter turns to see Smith smiling, enjoying the battle. The sailor retaliates, knocking Scalphunter to the dock, shoving the cargo hook closer....closer... until Scalphunter gets a knee underneath the man and flips him into the bay. Thornton rushes up asking if Scalphunter is unharmed. Smith tells Thornton to be quiet, Scalphunter isn't buying what they are selling. Smith tells Scalphunter to climb aboard and they will talk business. Scalphunter asks if the Blockade Breaker is on board.

To which Smith replies that the Captain of the The Sea Dragon is HIMSELF!!!!

Statistics for this issue

Men Killed by Scalphunter - Zero

Running Total - 101

Compared to Jonah Hex - 16th appearance and Scalphunter has 101 vs Jonah's 76

Scalps Taken - 0

Running Total - 14

Injuries - None

Timeline - One day and evening in August.

This one was pretty good. I liked seeing more interaction between Lincoln and Scalphunter and especially the way Scalphunter was surprised that some Indians were getting involved in the war. I also liked the reasoning that Lincoln used to honestly get Brian's help. Sadly, even in this universe, we'll never see what Lincoln could have done to keep his promise.

We get a good start to another tale of intrigue and spying with Scalphunter being even more out of his element. The trolley wreck was well done with the terror of the locals being vividly portrayed.

Also in this issue the letter column had a plea for more letters, having only gotten one letter for the prior issue. We also get a Wonder Woman Hostess ad (The Golden Treasure), an ad for the DC Comics newspaper strip by Pasko, Tuska and Colletta, giant edition of for the Superman Movie adaptation and a reprint of Superman #1, and Battlestar Galactica T-shirts.

Next Issue: A major whipping, a sea battle, a mutiny and a SEA OF BLOOD!!!

Weird Western Tales #53 "Twilight of Treachery"

 Weird Western Tales #53 Mar 1979

"Twilight of Treachery"

Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & Luis Dominguez, art - Luis Dominguez, cover

July 1, 1862. Top of the unfinished Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

 

Scalphunter is hanging from underneath the top platform, having just pulled Miss Lavender to her death. He has been enlisted by, and then double crossed by, Bat Lash in a plot to kill President Abraham Lincoln. A plan formed by Secretary of War Stanton. Scalphunter climbs back upon the platform and hears soldiers coming up the stairs. Three soldiers, two armed and one carrying a lantern have seen the bodies fall from the structure. As the round a turn near the top, Scalphunter hurls himself downward upon them. Crashing into the men a rifle is discharged but the bullet goes wild.

 

Scalphunter is grabbing and pummeling them. He flips over them, grabbing one and tossing him further down the stairs. One soldier finally gets ahold of Scalphunter from behind, choking him and tearing at his eyes. Scalphunter remembers the words of his teacher when he was with the Kiowas, a lesson about how dangerous a frightened man can be in a fight. Such a man cannot be beaten, he can only be killed. Sclaphunter reached behind himself, grabs the lantern and smashes it against the man face, setting him ablaze. The remaining soldiers try to give chase but Scalphunter has already made it out of the structure and into the darkness.

 

He finds his way through alleys and across rooftops until he arrives atop Stanton’s townhome. He hangs from the roof, listening in to where Bat Lash is demanding even more money from Stanton. Stanton understandably balks at the request but Lash says that Stanton has mucked things up by trying to kill Ke-Woh-No-Tey. Stanton tries to compose himself but Lash notices the shadow outside the window and puts a finger to his lips, signaling Scalphunter to remain quiet and wait.

 

Lash uses some fast talking to get Stanton to leave and Scalphunter climbs into the room. Lash apologizes for the pickle that he put Scalphunter in and gets a solid right hook to the jaw and some unrequested nap time for his troubles. When Lash comes to, Scalphunter says that he would have killed Lash for what he had done, but then remembered how this game was played when they saved the Gatling gun on their prior adventure.

 

Bat replies that he had no choice, if Scalphunter had hurt Stanton, they never would have learned who the other men in the plot are. He says that he never intended to take the money, he would never betray his country. Lash concocts a plan where he will keep an eye on Stanton and Scalphunter goes to be with Lincoln. While they are talking the butler is approaching the room with the bottle of wine that Lash had requested of Stanton earlier. As the butler enters, Scalphunter has already made his exit out the window.

 

Later, Lincoln is sitting in the Oval Office reading. Without looking up, he bids Scalphuner to enter, he has been expecting him.  Lincoln says that his eyesight is bad but his hearing is as good as ever, he heard Scalphunter when he slipped past the sentry. Scalphunter calmly explains the plot by Stanton and how Lash and he are working to foil it.

 

Lincoln sighs and says that he is not surprised. Lincoln states that for all of Stanton’s faults he is the best man to be Secretary of War, and that this treason is against Lincoln the man, not the Presidency. Lincoln says that Stanton still needs to be taught a lesson when this is over. Lincoln then calmly asks Scalphunter if he Indian wrestles.

 

The two men takes seats across a table and calmly place their elbows down, slowly grasping each other’s hand. Lincoln smiles as they each brace themselves and Lincoln quickly starts pressing downward. Ke-Who-No-Tey is surprised and almost drops his grasp. He fights back to the starting position. In the lantern lit room, the men stare at each other, not wavering, testing each other and testing themselves. This is not a fight to win but a test of trust. Suddenly, without a word, both men let go, a deep mutual respect now formed between them.

 

They stay together throughout the night, talking of each of their pasts and of the plan for tomorrow. Lincoln is slated to give an address the next day and he will proceed with it.

 

The next day Stanton arrives to escort Lincoln to the stage built on the Capitol steps for the address. Scalphunter stays behind in the shadows. As Lincoln steps outside, Stanton declines Lincoln’s offer to join him on the stage and leaves the Capitol. Scalphunter follows Stanton to a nearby wooded area where Bat Lash is tied up and guarded by two men.  Scalphunter suddenly jumps from a tree and hurls a knife into the chest of one of the men, a Union officer. The officer, his pistol already drawn, falls and shoots the other man who is smoking a cigar. As the other man falls, cigar in his hand falls upon the fuse, which quickly catches.

Scalphunter jumps to free Bat Lash but Bat tells him that the fuse leads to twenty sticks of dynamite, it's a fast burning fuse, it HAS to be stopped! Scalphunter takes off as only a Kiowa warrior can. The fuse snakes through the grass and up to the Capitol. Scalphunter continues to give chase to the dancing flame. The spark weaves it's way through the crowd towards the platform. Scalphunter pushes his way through the throng and then he dives under the platform upon which stands the President of the United States. He cuts the fuse with about a foot to spare.

Later Lincoln is talking to Scalphunter in a hushed whisper, stating he knows that Scalphunter and Bat Lash have saved his life but it must remain a secret. If it got out the scandal would tear the Union apart. The other two men, a general who graduated from West Point and  high society businessman from Boston are dead and Stanton has learned his lesson. Lincoln asks Scalphunter why Bat Lash isn't with them.

Scalphunter replies that Bat had business in Richmond, something about a card game and a woman. Scalphunter says he will miss Bat and Lincoln agrees but fears Richmond may prove to violent for a man such as Bat. Bothe men smile and nod.

Statistics for this issue

Men Killed by Scalphunter - two, the burned soldier and the General

Running Total - 101

Compared to Jonah Hex - 15th appearance and Scalphunter has 101 vs Jonah's 72

Scalps Taken - 0

Running Total - 14

Injuries - None

Timeline - Evening of July 1st and into July 2nd.

This one gets a lot of coverage regarding the bizarre cover (coverage/cover wink wink) when taken out of context. But, if a cover is to get you to buy a book, this one nails it. Lincoln is rather buff and I do enjoy the portrait of Washington in the corner with the What The look on his face.

Storywise, a really great tale. Lash and Scalphunter are a great pairing and the relationship between Ke-Woh-No-Tey and Lincoln was perfectly laid out.

I couldn't find anything about a speech that Lincoln gave on July 2nd so I'm assuming it was for Independence Day. Everything doesn't have to be historically accurate (Doesn't sound like me, I know.)

Next Issue: A secret mission from Lincoln, blockade runners, and the Trolley Problem.

Weird Western Tales #52 "The Plot to Kill President Lincoln"

 Weird Western Tales #52 Feb 1979 

"The Plot to Kill President Lincoln"

Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & Luis Dominguez, art - Luis Dominguez, cover

Southern Virginia. June 29, 1862

Scalphunter is awakened from night slumber by a pistol being held to his head. The brandisher of said weapon stands in the moonlight, stating that he has followed Scalphunter out of Atlanta five weeks back. Suddenly the sleeping Indian attacks, grabbing the pistol, punching the man and then grabbing him, hurling them both into the river.

As they battle in the water, the man, Bat Lash, starts calling out to Scalphunter. Scalphunter stops his attack and then drags Bat Lash from the river. Once on shore, Scalphunter reaches to retrieve Lash's hat and Bat punches him on the jaw, returning the favor of the attack. Bat composes himself and launches into why he is there.

He was in Montgomery at a poker game with a Confederate officer. Lash was caught cheating and in a manner that becomes him, Lash shoots the chandelier, dropping it on the officer's head and then hotfoots it out the back into an alley. In the darkness he is approached by a woman with a pistol. Her name is Lavender and she knows of Lash's exploits stealing the Gatling Gun. She is working for President Lincoln and she has been sent to retrieve Lash and Ke-Woh-No-Tey and bring them to the White House.

Lash's pursuers eventually make it to the alley and he has to beat a hasty retreat and that brings us to the present time. Bat does ask if Scalphunter ever found his sister but Ke-Woh-No-Tey replies that his sister is dead. Lash asks if Scalphunter is up for a trip to Washington D.C. and Scalphunter just nods.

They continue riding through the night and most of the next day they end up on a hill overlooking White Oak Swamp, observing the beginning of a major battle breaking out. They realize that the quickest way to Washington is directly through the battlefield and without a further word Scalphunter spurs his mount with Bat Lash trying to keep up. The Battle of White Oak Swamp was a bloody affair with over 17,000 men killed, wounded, or missing and Lash and Scalphunter end up fighting their way through, kicking and shooting both Union and Confederate forces to get by.

They manage to get through with their skins intact and by nightfall they are on a supply raft heading up the Potomac. Morning breaks and they arrive in DC and they are stopped by Union guards. Just then Miss Lavender vouches for them and guides them through the guarded roads to the hotel where they will be staying. Lavender says she will come by in the evening to take them to the State Dinner where they will meet the Secretary of War. Lash says he thought they were to meet the President. She says they will but Secretary Stanton will explain everything.

That evening at the White House Bat Lash and Scalphunter are introduced to President and Mrs. Lincoln. The President says that he understands that Brian was adopted by the Kiowa, very brave people, and that he had dealt with a few in Illinois. Lincoln then asks why they are in Washington. Lash and Scalphunter exchange puzzled looks and Secretary Stanton intervenes saying that they are here at his request to thank them for their help in St Louis. 

Stanton and his two guests take their leave of Lincoln and go to a private room. Stanton said he wanted them to meet Lincoln to take his measure. Scalphunter states that Lincoln has a strong hand. Stanton agrees but that Lincoln is weak in war and that afterward he may be a traitor to the Republic. Lash notes that Stanton doesn't sound like a fan of Lincoln's and Stanton confesses that he brought the two men here to kill President Lincoln!

After a momentary pause, Lash asks how many other people are in on this plot. Stanton states it is Miss Lavender, several northern businessmen and a Union General. They are willing to pay generously. Lash smiles and asks how much are they thinking? Stanton offers five thousand, Lash counters with ten thousand (about 318k in 2025). Stanton agrees but Scalphunter says he will not be a part of it. Killing in battle is honorable but killing a chief in his lodge is the act of a coward. Lash turns and says he was afraid of that and knocks Scalphunter out with the butt of his pistol.

Scalphunter wakes up, his hands bound behind his back, atop the uncompleted Washington Monument. 

He is up there with a Union soldier and Miss Lavender. She says that this is the type a place a half-wit savage might climb up and then slip and fall to his death. Lavender tells the soldier to untie Scalphunter and then give him 'a taste of your bayonet'. The soldier does so but rushes at Scalphunter, who ducks and the soldier goes arse over teakettle over the edge to his death.

Miss Lavender pulls out her whip (which has a wrist loop)and starts whipping Scalphunter until he stumbles backwards over the edge. Satisfied with her work, she steps to the edge to look down on the dead Indian but she suddenly screams. Scalphunter caught a support beam and is just under the lip of the platform. He grabs her whip and yanks hard, hurtling Lavender over the edge to her death. Scalphunter climbs back onto the platform and swears to repay the debt he owes to Lincoln.

Statistics for this issue

Men Killed by Scalphunter - two, the soldier and Miss Lavender

Running Total - 99

Compared to Jonah Hex - 14th appearance and Scalphunter has 99 vs Jonah's 68

Scalps Taken - 0

Running Total - 14

Injuries - Knocked out and whipped

Timeline - Evening of June 29, all day and night of the 30th and then July 1st.

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Conway, once again, has a believable running timeline and a consistent geography. He ties in several historical events (White Oak Swamp, unfinished Washington Monument, we also see the capitol being built) and refers back to prior issues. 

Bat Lash and Scalphunter are like a western buddy cop movie, with Lash being the loose cannon and Scalphunter playing the stoic partner with a set of morals. I enjoy it every time these two pair up and this looks like it will be really good story arc (but I already know that, wink wink.

The artwork is spot on with the panels of the two men exchanging looks saying a lot more that exposition boxes could ever convey.

Next Issue: The rumble in the stairwell, crosses and double crosses, the meeting of titans and the most iconic Scalphunter cover EVER!!

Weird Western Tales #51 "Hanging for a Scalphunter"

 Weird Western Tales #51 Jan 1979 

"Hanging for a Scalphunter"

Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & Luis Dominguez, art - Luis Dominguez, cover

Atlanta, Georgia. Early May, 1862

Scalphunter is bound and sitting in a jail cell. Confederate guards insult and taunt him. It is just before dawn and three guards are escorting him to the gallows. As they walk through the prison they pass the cell of Samantha Savage, Scalphunter's long lost sister. She reaches out to him, touching him on the arm and expresses a connection that she has felt since they met two days ago (He has not revealed his true identity to her). A guard smacks her arm with a rifle barrel and Scalphunter whirls and snarls at the guard, who tells Scalphunter to PLEASE try something.

The guards lead Scalphunter to the main room of the jail which resembles an administration room. Once in the room, Scalphunter lunges towards a guard with his shoulder, knocking the man down and the kerosene lantern he is holding shatters, setting a desk on fire. He then head butts another guard through a door and while a third guard manages to get a shot off, Scalphunter flips backwards to avoid being hit. 

Just then Colonel Tremayne and more guards come into the room and the Colonel shouts that Scalphunter will surely hang. The guards rush him and Scalphunter backpedals away, slamming into a large mirror on the wall and then falls unconscious. The guards load him up into a wagon and head towards the gallows erected in the city square. A large crowd has gathered to see the Indian hang. 

It takes six guards to get Scalphunter out of the wagon and up the steps to the noose. Scalphunter snarls at those gathered and we have a 1+ page flashback of the previous five issues including the never before seen trial of Scalphunter and Samantha where they were found guilty of being spies. After sentencing, Scalphunter tears apart the rope holding him grabs Dasher and hurls him out the fifth floor window to his death.

Drake, wearing handcuffs, charges Scalphunter and manages to get him into a bear hug, crushing his ribs. Scalphunter manages to get his hands around Drake's neck and both men crash to the floor, unconscious.

As the guards approach, they learn that Drake is dead and Scalphunter jumps up and grabs another guard and starts strangling him. Colonel Tremayne intervenes by pistol whipping Scalphunter unconscious.

Back at the present and at the gallows, the noose is placed around Scalphunter's neck, the hangman advances to the lever and shoves the lever downward. The door opens and Scalphunter falls but he suddenly takes a piece of broken mirror, cuts his bonds, grabs the rope and slices the noose before it goes taut, he then drops to the ground, alive and then rushes and grabs a horse hitched to a buggy, he slices  the harness and escapes.

The Senator declares that any man that possesses such horsemanship cannot be a spy. He demands that Colonel Tremayne bring Samantha Savage to the plantation that evening or there will be the Devil to pay.

Later in a hotel Mademoiselle Magarit is mulling over that her spy has allowed her two best men to be captured, has allowed Scalphunter and Samantha to be hung as spies and Scalphunter has escaped. Soon people will make the connection and realize that she was the one passing Rebel plans to the officials in Washington.... and just then the door to her room swings open and Scalphunter walks in. We then hear her scream.

That evening at Creighton House everyone is gathered, with the Senator demanding of Samantha that she reveal if she is a spy or not. She admits that she is not and the Senator demands to know is! Just then Scalphunter and Magarit enter, with Magarit stating that Samantha is innocent. She also explains her connection to Reginald Ashe and Samantha was unknowingly carrying instructions to the real spy here in Atlanta. As she is about to reveal the spy's identity, she is fatally shot. Colonel Tremayne steps from behind a curtain, places the smoking pistol to his temple and kills himself.

The next morning, Scalphunter is readying his horse when Samantha approaches him. She said she never did learn why he came here and who is his. Scalphunter looks into her eyes, thinks for a quick moment and then mounts up stating...

Statistics for this issue

Men Killed by Scalphunter - two

Running Total - 97

Compared to Jonah Hex - 13th appearance and Scalphunter has 97 vs Jonah's 65

Scalps Taken - 0

Running Total - 14

Injuries - Knocked out twice and almost hung

Timeline - One day and the next morning.

This was a very very nice conclusion to the Samantha Savage quest as well as the Mademoiselle Magrit intrigue. I did enjoy the flashback plus the extra part covering the sentencing, this allowed the story to start right into the action. Conway was always adept at this typo of story structure.  The escape by Scalphunter was somewhat ruined by the cover reveal, but we always knew that covers couldn't be trusted, right???

Next Issue: Scalphunter goes to Washington DC via the Swamp, Faces Monumental problems, Bat Lash and a plot to kill Lincoln!! How much more can they cram into one issue?!?!?!

Weird Western Tales #50 "Spies"

 Weird Western Tales #50 Dec 1978 

"Spies"

Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & Luis Dominguez, art - Ross Andru and Al Milgrom

Early May, 1862. Atlanta, Georgia.

Scalphunter is riding a black stallion down the streets of Atlanta. He is recognized by Mademoiselle Margarit and she starts asking two of her compatriots if they properly handled Wakwame? They tell her that she should consider that matter closed. 

Scalphunter is heading to the home of Mrs. Maxwell, a home that carries some notoriety. As Scalphunter dismounts, two men sneak up behind him and one (Drake) slips a rope around his neck, the other pulls a rapier from a modified cane. As Drake loops the rope around Scalphunter and pulls him into an alley the other man moves in to attack. Scalphunter flips Drake forward over himself and smashes Drake's head into the wall. He then punches the other man in the face and leaves them both unconscious in the dark alleyway. 

Scalphunter approaches the door and a neighbor interrupts him, saying that the Maxwell woman and her harlots are in jail. Scalphunter asks if all the women are in jail, shows her a locket with his sister's photo and asks if it includes her as well. The woman says that looks like the girl Senator Creighton took in. She wasn't like the other floozies. She gives him directions to Creighton's place and he rides off to find his sister.

Some time later Scalphunter arrives at the massive Creighton House. The Confederate flag flys tall in th eyard and Rebel soldiers surround the area. One stops Scalphunter and tells him to turn around or be shot. Scalphunter, not one to be ordered around, tenses to take the soldier out when an officer, Colonel Tremayne, orders that Scalphunter be allowed to pass. The soldier observes that Scalphunter is white and Tremayne notes that he is dressed as a Kiowa, many are the stories of white children raised by the Kiowa. Tremayne invites Scalphunter into the house and offers a hot bath a fine meal.

When they enter the house they meet a wheelchair bound Senator, his son and slowly descending the staircase, Miss Savage, Scalphunter's lost sister. She asks his name and he replies that he is Ke-Woh-No-Tey. She grasps his arm and states she feels as if they have met and Scalphunter does not see the hate in the eyes of the Senator's son.

Shortly afterward, once Scalphunter has had a bath and is wearing a suit, the four of them sit down to a meal, waited upon by the son. The Senator apologizes for the meager fare but the war has caused all sorts of shortages. The son interjects that they are also prisoners in the house. Tremayne, wiping his mouth, states that is a requirement due to the fact that someone in the house is a Yankee spy. It could be anyone, Miss Savage; Josiah, the butler; Prissy, the maid; Senator Creighton; Randolph Creighton, his son; or even Scalphunter himself.

Miss Savage protests because Ke-Woh-No-tay just arrived but Tremayne says his whereabouts yesterday were unknown. If he is innocent, where did he come from and where is he going? No matter what, Tremayne will get his answers or nobody leaves alive!

Back in Atlanta, the two thugs are speaking with Mademoiselle Margarit in house that formerly belonged to Mrs. Maxwell. She is complaining that Maxwell forgot to bribe the officials and got shut down, destroying the conduit for the spy information conduit. But now Tremayne has learned of the spy activity, her informant is trapped in the Creighton House and soon they will all be discovered. On top of that, those two thugs can't kill an unarmed Indian. 

The other man says there is nothing to worry about because the Indian is trapped in the house as well. She pulls a pistol on him and tells him to go up to the house tonight, contact the informer, get the information and kill the Indian.

That night, Samantha Savage, is walking in the garden in the moonlight and Scalphunter is on an upper balcony, silently watching her. He hears glass break in the house and he quietly retreats into the house. He voices downstairs and looking over the stair rail, he sees the two men from earlier. They are talking to an unseen man in another room and as the two men start to approach the stairs, Scalphunter launches himself over the rail to attack. 

He slams into Drake, clawing at his eyes. The other man draws his sword and tries to skewer Scalphunter, but Slaphunter manages to tackle both men at once, sending all three slamming their heads into a wall, knocking the two out.

Samantha walks in and sees the damage. Scalphunter explains about the spy and that he is in another room. Scalphunter tells her to stay where she is but she demands to follow him. Scalphunter turns and is knocked out from behind by a shadowy figure with a fireplace poker.

When he wakes up he is on the floor, hands bound behind his back. Tremayne holds a rope that binds the two thugs, demanding who is the traitor they were trying to meet. They cite Samantha Savage is the spy and the Indian is in cahoots with her. Tremayne agrees that they are both spies and tomorrow they will hang.

Statistics for this issue

Men Killed by Scalphunter - Zero

Running Total - 95

Compared to Jonah Hex - 12th appearance and Scalphunter has 95 vs Jonah's 56

Scalps Taken - 0

Running Total - 14

Injuries - Knocked out

Timeline - One day. 

This was a really enjoyable issue with even more intrigue being piled on. We have spies, a whodunit, a found sister, double crosses and Scalphunter in a suit. Will Scalphunter get his revenge on Mademoiselle Margarit, will he be able to reveal his true name to his sister, can he survive the next day? Sadly, no backup story of Cinnamon.

Next Issue: It's a necktie party and probably the wildest one since Cat Ballou!

Weird Western Tales #49 "The Belle"

 Weird Western Tales #49 Nov 1978 

"The Belle"

Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & Luis Dominguez, art - Luis Dominguez, cover

End of April, 1862. Fifty miles North of New Orleans, Louisiana.

First off, WWT goes monthly with this issue! Next we find Scalphunter sitting in a roadhouse, minding his own business when some yahoos start talking about an Injun being uppity and needing to teach him some manners. Needless to say, but I'm gonna say it anyway, this doesn't play out as the yahoos expected. Sure, they dump Scalphunter's soup in his lap and douse him with water. Sure, they get in several HAW HAW HAWs. But then they get thrown across the room, a broken arm, a chair across the head and then thrown over a table. 

When the dust settles the owner of the roadhouse pulls a shotgun and tells Scalphunter to just hold still until the railroad guards get there. Aaaaand THAT doesn't end up as intended when Scalphunter snatches the shotgun out of his hands. An older man dining at a nearby tables stands up, and tells the roadhouse owner that HE will vouch for Scalphunter and there is no need to get the authorities involved.

The man introduces himself as Judge Jeremiah Halleck and his wife Charity. The Judge invites Scalphunter to discuss some business on the train along with partaking of some tea. On the train, in the Judge's private car, the Judge explains that they are fleeing the Union soldiers that have overtaken New Orleans. He has converted all of his cash holdings into jewelry and placed it all in a lockbox. Their plan was to take the train to Montgomery but they have learned that several prisoners that the judge sentenced have escaped in the confusion of the occupation of New Orleans. The judge says the prisoners know of his wealth and he expects them to try to overtake the train and exact their revenge upon he and his wife. Of course, the judge can't seek military assistance and offers Scalphunter the job of bodyguard.

Scalphunter asks why the judge doesn't think that he will just kill the judge and take the jewels. The judge states that Scalphunter is a man of honor and the both know it. Scalphunter agrees, but only as far as Montgomery for he has business in Atlanta. The judge signals the engineer to get started.

That night, northeast of New Orleans, several escaped prisoners break into a plantation house and overpower the owner in his bed, knocking him out and taking his shotgun. Dutch, the leader, has the men search for other guns, food and horses while he takes care of 'other business' whilst he leers at the wife sitting in her bed.

The next day, Scalphunter is standing on the back of the train, watching the track vanish in the distance as they cut their way across southern Alabama. Charity comes out on the platform and comments that he is the strongest man she has ever seen. She asks what his name is, his Christian name. Scalphunter states that his father named him Brian but his real name is Ke-Who-No-Tey. Charity says that Brian is a wonderful name and it makes her weak inside, like a little girl. She starts to swoon and Scalphunter boldly asks "What do you WANT, woman?"

Charity cuts the act and explains that she is terribly unhappy, the judge is a beast and she feels so hopeless she could kill herself. Scalphunter asks if the judge mistreats her and she acknowledges that. He asks why she hasn't left and she explains that the judge gave her parents money to buy their plantation in exchange for her marrying the judge. She says that Brian is her only hope.

Then the train is making its way around a blind curve and ends up running into an avalanche. As the train topples over, Scalphunter is able to leap from the back of the train, grabbing Charity and taking her with him. He breaks her fall with his own body and then runs back to the train. 

He finds the judge, crushed in the private car. The judge explains that the jewels are for Charity and gives Scalphunter the box and the key. Scalphunter swears the box won't fall into the wrong hands.

As Scalphunter emerges from the wreckage, Charity calls out that she couldn't warn him but the prisoners have descended upon the wreckage. Dutch manages to knock Scalphunter out using his rifle butt and as he passes out, Scalphunter sees Dutch grab Charity and the box and ride off.

Hours later Scalphunter comes to and starts tracking the riders.

Later that night, by the campfire, Dutch explains that Charity's information regarding the train was so bad, they almost didn't find the right train. They were able to escape with her help of the knives she smuggled in and now Dutch is going to give her the share of the reward, as he grabs her and starts forcing a kiss on her. Just then the horses take off running and the men run off into the darkness to retrieve them, leaving Dutch and Charity to hear their horrific screams in the darkness.

Scalphunter steps out of the black and demands Dutch release Charity. Dutch pulls his rifle and Scalphunter charges with his knife. The two tumble into the campfire, battling it out and in the end, Scalphunter and Charity walk away.

The next morning in Magnolia, Mississippi (more on that later), Scalphunter is explaining the entire story to the local sheriff. The Sheriff wants to know how the convicts knew the location of a private train. Scalphunter explains that Charity was working with the convicts. Charity denies it and says that Scalphunter betrayed her husband and killed the judge. The sheriff pulls his pistol and Scalphunter knocks him out and runs out the door, dropping the key to the lock box. Charity picks it up, grabs the lock box next to her and opens it up.... to find the jewels gone!

On the road to Atlanta, Scalphunter stops by a stream and tosses the jewels into the water, fulfilling his promise to the judge that the jewels will not fall into the wrong hands.

Statistics for this issue

Men Killed by Scalphunter - Four

Running Total - 95

Compared to Jonah Hex - 11th appearance and Scalphunter has 95 vs Jonah's 65

Scalps Taken - 0

Running Total - 14

Injuries - Knocked out

Timeline - Three days. First day to meet the judge, second day to travel, and the third day to get to the sheriff. So we are very close to the end of April.

This one was pretty good. The cover promises a lot and delivers on every bit of it, the train wreck, the jewels, the prisoners. I actually laughed when Scalphunter said "What do you WANT, woman?" seeing through her charade and not having any of it. The artwork was gritty and well done, showing the action very well. 

Now about geography, They start fifty miles north of New Orleans which would have put them just north of Lake Pontchatrain, probably near Hammond, Louisiana. The test tells us they are heading across southern Mississippi. This all makes sense as they would have to head east, cross Mississippi, then into Alabama to get to Montgomery. Now the detour to Magnolia, Mississippi, THAT's the problem. Magnolia is due north of Hammond, LA and it is barely within Mississippi (just 13 miles across the state line), not enough for them to have been traveling across 'Southern Mississippi'. I guess you could argue that the geography is correct, but it didn't strike me that they would be heading due north to get to Montgomery to the northeast. ANYway!!!

The issue was rounded out with another eight page Cinnamon backup feature. 

Next Issue: The 50th issue, Scalphunter makes it to Atlanta, finds his sister, gets fitted for a suit, and gets sentenced to HANG!!!

Weird Western Tales #48 "Slaveboat"

 Weird Western Tales #48 Sept/Oct 1978 

"Slaveboat"

Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & George Evans, art - James Sherman & Dick Giordano, cover

Wednesday, April 23rd, 1862. New Orleans, Louisiana.

Scalphunter has been captured by Reginald Ashe and is bound in chains aboard the slaveboat (hence the title) Swanee Dawn. The slave master is whipping Scalphunter, berating him for being a white man in warpaint making him a savage. Scalphunter grabs the end of the whip and jerks the slave master down into the hold. Even in chains Scalphunter is a force of nature and he quickly cracks the man's neck. (notice how I didn't make any mention of the word 'Cracker'? Such restraint!)

  The slaves are worried what will become of them once this is discovered. Scalphunter says that together they can free themselves.

  We see that Mademoiselle Magarit is speaking with Reginald Ashe aboard ship. She warns him about keeping Scalphunter on board but Ashe is having none of it. He has paid for Magarit's girls to be on board and he expects them to be more 'friendly'. She reminds him that this was all her plan and he plants a big wet smacker on her. They are interrupted by General St. Samuels.

  The two men retire to Ashe's quarters where the General reveals that his spies downriver that Admiral Farragut has breached the the Confederate blockade of the Mississippi and that Farragut is planning on getting past the two Confederate forts guarding New Orleans and will land troops before dawn. He says they have to cast off immediately in order to get the slaves delivered else they shall have to kill them all. Ashe says he'll get the ship underway, but what could possibly go wrong. 

  On shore we see a dark hooded figure slide from the wharf into the water and make their way on board the Swanee Dawn. The figure slips into the stateroom of Mademoiselle Magarit and reveals himself to be Wakwame!!! Wakwame explains that he knows places on the body where a knife can go that will cause no serious injury. He managed to position himself at the right time so that Scalphunter's thrust did not cause death and that his 'death' was merely an illusion of magic. Since Ashe's men thought him dead, they tossed him aside and ignored him.

  Shortly thereafter, the Swanee Dawn casts off and makes its way north. Down in the hold we learn that the slaves have freed themselves from being chained to the ship, though they still have chains on their hands (it is unknown how they actually did it). They make their way through back passages in the hold, finding a concealed door. Scalphunter slowly opens the door and knocks out the guard that was napping on the other side. Scalphunter tells the slaves they now have a knife and a gun and fire but the slaves say that without the key to the shackles, they are unable to swim to shore. Scalphunter assures them he knows who holds the key...Reginald Ashe!

  A dozen miles downriver at Fort Jackson, lookouts realize that the U.S.S. Hartford, Brooklyn and Varuna are slipping past the fort. The alarm is sounded and the fort opens fire upon the ships. However, the ships are able make their way past the fort at 03:40, making their way to New Orleans.

  Back on the Swanee Dawn, the door to the bridge opens and Scalphunter grabs Ashe by the throat, dragging him out. Scalphunter demands the key to the shackles and Ashe tosses the key down to the slaves on deck. Scalphunter then demands to know what happened to Samantha Savage. She said she loved Ashe and was going to be his wife. Ashe says he sent her east to Atlanta. He says Samantha wanted to be married but not to him, so he had Mademoiselle Magarit take Samantha to a business partner of the Madam. Scalphunter asked if Samantha worked for Mademoiselle Magarit and Ashe starts to say she was the most promising...BAM! Scalphunter knocks him out cold.

  Scalphunter tells the slaves that he needs to find Mademoiselle Magarit and the slaves proceed to take over the Swanee Dawn. Scalphunter battles Confederate guards, searching for the woman and the ship is now engulfed in flame. Scalphunter grabs Ashe once again, demanding to know where his quarry is. In a fit of rage, Scalphunter grabs Ashe and pushes both of them over the railing into the Mississippi. 

The General and others on board attempt to follow suit but find themselves entangled in chains that formerly bound their cargo. Enmeshed in the iron, everyone on board is dragged to the bottom of the river.

On the shore, Reginald Ashe is horrified at the carnage and death but Scalphunter demands to know where his sister in located in Atlanta. Ashe says she is with a woman named Maxwell but he doesn't know the address. Scalphunter turns to leave into the dark as Ashe swears he will pay for what he has done to Ashe.

 That day, at an undisclosed location, Mademoiselle Magarit is riding is a carriage driven by Wakwame. Mademoiselle Magarit says they were very fortunate to have left the Swanee Dawn prior to its departure and Wakwame says he only wants to find his brothers in Atlanta. She says that will be no trouble because they are being hidden by a woman named Maxwell.

Statistics for this Issue
Men Killed by Scalphunter - Wow, this one is tough. We see Scalphunter kill four guards but we can't really count the entire passenger list of the boat on him since the fire was started from 'spilled torches'. Were these caused by the slaves rioting? The shelling from the Union boats? I'm gonna keep it at four but it's probably a lot more
Running Total - 91
Compared to Jonah Hex- Ten appearances in and Scalp has 91 vs Jonah's 56
Scalps Taken - 0
Running Total- 14
Injuries - Whipped. 
Timeline - One day, Wednesday, April 23rd, 1862.

I enjoyed this one. More intrigue with Mademoiselle Magarit, Wakwame returns and an entire boatload of Confederates get an ironic death, and Scalphunter gets one step closer to finding his sister. This issue was part of the DC Explosion and had an 8 page backup introducing Cinnamon, a character that started off wonderfully but.... timelines and all that. I'll be giving her separate posts because I think there was a lot of potential there

Next Issue: A rocky train ride and nobody judges another man's Charity.

Weird Western Tales #47 "City of Shame!"

Weird Western Tales #47 Jul/Aug 1978 

"City of Shame!"
Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & George Evans, art - George Evans, cover

Tuesday, April 22nd, 1862. New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the French Quarter, after a harsh rain, we find Scalphunter slipping in the muddy streets, almost falling under the thundering hooves of a horse drawn carriage. He goes flying face-first into the mud, much to the enjoyment of the onlookers. Scalphunter stands, snarling and one by one, the crowd quietly disperses, all except for one woman, herself an object of disrespect and scorn by many.

  She steps forward and introduces herself as Mademoiselle Magarit. She offers her 'house' to Scalphunter so that he may bathe and she will have his clothes cleaned.

  After his bath, several of Magarit's 'girls' are admiring Brian's chiseled form. Magarit apologizes for not being able to remove the bear smell from Scalphunter's coat but he replies that the bear had much medicine and he is proud to carry the scent. Magarit asks his business and he replies, walking out the door, that he seeks Reginald Ashe. As he leaves, Magarit calls over Judith and gives her a secret task.

  Not long after, Scalphunter finds himself at the docks in front of the Swanee Dawn where he witnesses a slave owner getting ready to whip a female slave. Without thinking, Scalphunter draws his knife and advances but is quickly stopped by Wakwame. Wakwame warns Scalphunter that he can't help the woman by interfering, he must stay silent and come with him. As they leave, Wakwame explains that he is about to use his Shaman medicines to help free his African brothers. Scalphunter acknowledges that Wakwame once saved his life and is willing to help.

  Sadly, they are deep in conversation and do not see the two Confederate soldiers approach them and start taunting them. Something snaps inside Brian and he lunges, tackling one of the soldiers. Wakwame throws a knife into the neck of the other soldier as Scalphunter quietly snaps the neck of the man he holds down. Brian then scalps the man and the two leave to continue their plans elsewhere.

  Later than night, at Magarit's house, she is entertaining Reginald Ashe and Confederate General St. Samuels. She explains about Scalphunter looking for Ashe and she fears he may upset their plans. Ashe tells them there is nothing anyone can do, the Swanee Dawn will sail upriver tomorrow and that is that. The General rants that Ashe doesn't have a grasp of the situation. Farragut is about to capture New Orleans and even now is outside Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip. Ashe tries to ease St. Samuels fears and states that he has to leave for his mother's birthday party. He gives Magarit a deep kiss and leaves. Samuels puts forth "That man will doom us all."

  A mile northeast of the city, deep in the swamps, Scalphunter and Wakwame talk around a fire. Scalphunter tells of his search for his sister, Samantha, and how he learned she was in New Orleans. The trail has lead to Reginald Ashe. Wakwame also explains that his quest leads to Ashe due to a vision he received last month. Wakwame has learned where Ashe lives and they will go there tonight.

  Later, under cover of darkness, Scalphunter easily overcomes the wall surrounding Ashe's plantation. He dispatches a guard via quick use of a club and then enters the mansion, knife drawn. There is a large party taking place and Scalphunter makes his way to Ashe's office. Once there, he searches through Ashe's desk and finds a daguerrotype, more recent than the one he carries, but obviously it is Samantha. Just then a voice from the doorway reveals that Scalphunter has been discovered.

  Reginald Ashe stands there with two Confederate guards, gloating of how they captured Wakwame and how he will kill him and Scalphunter. The guards open fire as Scalphunter dives to the floor, rolling under a couch. He picks up the couch, using it as a shield, rushing the two guards. An unseen third guard comes from behind and knocks Scalphunter out.

  Some time later, Scalphunter regains consciousness and he finds himself in a ring surrounding by a roaring crowd. Lit by torches, the ring is one for battle. In the sand before him is a knife and across the ring is Wakwame, already armed. Ashe explains that the two captives are to battle to the death for the pleasure of his friends. Scalphunter refuses but Ashe explains that he will shoot all of the slaves unless the battle takes place. Wakwame whispers to Scalphunter that they have no choice and he rushes at Scalphunter. 

  The fight ensues, during which Wakwame reminding Scalphunter that the African is a man of medicine, medicine of Africa, or Kiowa and even of voodoo. Even though Wakwame may be cut, may bleed, may even die, he cannot be defeated. The pitched battle continues for half an hour until Wakwame moves into position and Scalphunter drives his knife home. The African shaman slumps to the sand, thanking Scalphunter, exhorting him to free the slaves until Wakwame returns.

  Scalphunter watches his friend fall to the sand, he turns and rushes towards the nearest guard, but the butt of a rifle comes down upon his skull, once more thrusting him into darkness. When he awakens, he is bound in chains upon the Swanee Dawn along with a boatload of slaves, Reginald Ashe standing before him, gloating at the Kiowas fate.

Statistics for this Issue
Men Killed by Scalphunter - One wharf guard and Wakwame
Running Total - 87
Compared to Jonah Hex- Nine appearances in and Scalp has 87 vs Jonah's 39
Scalps Taken - 2
Running Total- 14
Injuries - Knocked out twice. 
Timeline - One day, April 22nd, 1862.

A nice issue with a reappearance of Wakwame from issue 41 from the year prior. Just one major problem... dates. Surprised? Issue 41, written by Michael Fleisher, took place in Summer, 1862 and once Gerry Conway took the reins, two issues ago, he placed us firmly in March, 1862. So, I'm calling an audible and saying that since there is nothing in issue 41 tying it historically to 1862, I'm gonna say Scalphunter and Wakwame first met in 1861. I like Wakwame as a character and how he is his somewhat appalled at Scalphunter taking scalps.

I enjoy that they are putting Sclaphunter in actual history in a believable timeline. He was last seen in St. Louis in March and now we're in New Orleans in the end of April. A nice amount of time to cover that distance. 

Next Issue: Scalphunter finds himself up the river without a paddle, and Matching Dragoons takes the Cinnamon Challenge!

Weird Western Tales #46 "The Savage Streets"

Weird Western Tales #46 May/June 1978

"The Savage Streets"
Gerry Conway, story - Dick Ayers & George Evans, art - Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, cover

March, 1862. St. Louis, Mo.

We see Scalphunter climbing up the outside of a building, knife wielded between his teeth. Two days have passed since last issue and he has finally made his way back here searching for Bat Lash. Scalphunter makes his way, via rooftop, to the warehouse of Cyrus Calhoun. He overtakes the guards, killing both of them and then breaks into Calhoun's study, demanding to know the location of Bat Lash.

  At knifepoint, Calhoun spills the info that Lash was taking the Gatling Gun and was going to auction it off to the highest bidder. Scalphunter demands Lash's location but Calhoun says that he doesn't know, the army doesn't know, everyone is looking for Bat Lash. He says that lash had stayed at the Grand Hotel earlier and Scalphunter tosses him aside, crashing Calhoun's skull against a nearby safe.

  Scalphunter moves off into the night, making his way through the shadows of the city in search of Bat Lash.

  We find Mr. Lash a lot easier for he is in the Hotel St Louis, in the company of two 'lovely' French ladies. As they are about to kiss, two men kick in the door, shouting and Lash dispatches them quickly with the help of Mr. Colt. Bat goes through the dead men's pockets, finding Confederate money. He steals one last kiss and departs just as the sheriff arrives.

  Under cover of dark, he makes his way down to the riverfront, sneaks into a warehouse and checks on his precious Gatling Gun. He wanted to be sure that General Beauregard Smith, a bidder in the upcoming auction, hadn't made off with the prize weapon while bat was combating the General's hired goons. Lash decides to spend the night with his prize to insure its safety.

  Just down the street at the Hotel Grand, Scalphunter inquires at the front desk of Bat Lash. The clerk insults Scalphunter and tells him to leave, but when Scalphunter grabs him by the collar and pulls him across the counter, the clerk realizes that the Indian is a white man and apologizes. A couple of other men comes up, asking if Scalphunter is a friend of Lash's and attack him. Scalphunter engages in the fight, picking one man up and hurling across the clerks' desk just as the other man gets off a shot that's creases Scalphunter's...well, scalp, knocking him out. The men gather up his limp form and take him to Gen. Beauregard.

  Dawn, and Scalpunter finds himself tied to a post in the company of the General. Smith puts forth a plan wherein Scalphunter will help him obtain the Gatling Gun for the Confederacy. Smith explains that since the Confederacy's cash reserves are frozen in northern banks, he plans to steal the weapon. Smith wants Scalphunter to tell him where the gun and Lash are located.

  Scalphunter says that he doesn't know, Lash is his enemy and if Smith unties him, he will help Smith on one condition...Scalphunter gets to kill Lash afterward. Smith smiles the smile of a man who has instantly struck a bargain.

  About an hour later (less, actually), Smith and some other men meet with Lash in the warehouse. Bat is perched high atop some crates, shotgun in hand, overseeing the auction. The bidding starts with Mr. Samson, representing the USA, ponying up $5,000 (about $122k today). The second man, Cyrus Calhoun, puts forth $7,000 and Gen. Smith raises it to $10,000. Bat inquires as to if that is Federal or Confederate dollars. Smith states that it would be Confederate, of course, and Lash declares his bid invalid.

  Just then Scalphunter jumps down from a skylight, smashing Bat Lash to the floor. Smith pulls a pistol, mounts up onto the wagon containing the Gatling Gun, and bolts out of the warehouse. Scalphunter is left with the unconscious Lash, Calhoun and Samson. He pulls his knife, weighs his options and then runs into the street, stealing a nearby horse.

  Later, twenty miles from St. Louis (probably near present day Maryville, Mo.) Gen. Smith is setting up an ambush for a US patrol. Scalphunter is on a rocky outcropping, overlooking the General, and he pulls his knife, ready to pounce. Suddenly Bat Lash grabs him by the ankle and pulls a pistol. Scalphunter kicks it out of Lash's hand and dives onto Lash. They battle hand to hand and Lash suddenly flips Scalphunter and explains that the General can't kill anyone with that gun because he removed the......

  Scalphunter knocks Lash out and heads to stop Smith. Just then the US patrol shows up and Smith shouts out to them that he is General Smith pf the Confederacy and that they are cowards. The patrol rushes him. Smith starts to crank the handle but it won't move. He is cut down in a hail of Union gunfire as Scalphunter watches.

  Heading back to St. Louis, Lash explains that he did it for the money but he couldn't let anyone get killed by that gun so he pulled the cotter pins from the crank handle so it wouldn't turn. Lash asks Scalphunter what is plans are. Brian states that his sister lives with the whites. He'll find word of her in St. Louis and he will look for her and find her. The two men part ways.

Statistics for this Issue
Men Killed by Scalphunter - Two warehouse guards.
Running Total - 85
Compared to Jonah Hex- Eight appearances in and Scalp has 85 vs Jonah's 39
Scalps Taken - 0
Running Total- 12
Injuries - Gut punched, bullet across the scalp. 
Timeline - Two days prior, one night and the next day. So we have spent four days in March, 1862.

Not a bad book overall. Some twists and turns. I especially enjoy the interaction between Scalphunter and Bat Lash, the savage of morals against the gentlemen of scoundrels. Conway's writing can be a little heavy handed, but that is to be expected when your main character doesn't spend half the book spouting forth exposition.

 Of course, a Lopez cover for me to drool over, never hurts.

Next Issue: The Search for his sister, Pit Fighters, and a Surprise from the Past!