The Lone RangerThe Lone Ranger
Review by Larry Stanley
So, it looks like the new Lone Ranger series is well in hand and under control.
I admit, when I heard about it I got worried. I kept flashing on that horrible
WB film of a few years ago and about all I wanted to do was crawl under my bed
until it was all over.
However, after checking out some of the stuff, Brett Matthews and John Cassaday
had to say, and seeing some of the pages, I feel much better.
See, I have been a fan of the Lone Ranger since I first watched the TV show
in about 1959. To me, it was the best western I had ever seen, and to this day,
it still is. I have a bunch of the episodes on DVD and I tend to watch them
repeatedly.
When I started reading Comics, I also started looking for Lone Ranger books.
Over the years, I have tried to find Lone Ranger stuff, from books to Comics
to toys to whatever I could. My prize is a button from one of the Fan Clubs
circa 1947. I think it is a beaut.
To me, the Ranger always symbolized justice. I always expecting him, Superman,
or the Phantom to suddenly show up and whisk me to safety. I hated Britt Reid;
I wanted to be him so much.
My first Lone Ranger was Clayton Moore and probably always will be. I liked
Klinton Spilsbury, but I always thought he was too young to be the Ranger. Maybe
that added to some of the problems I had with that film. And I never liked John
Hart in the role.
I have heard rumors of a new movie being planned; all I can do is wait and worry.
When Dynamite Entertainment announced that Matthews and Cassaday were the creative
team, I relaxed some, but I had to see what direction they were going before
unclenching.
The Ranger is an icon in American mythology and in Comics. He was the first
of the masked heroes (it has been argued that The Phantom 
was
the first, but actually, the Phantom appeared some three years -after- the first
appearance of the Lone Ranger. However, the Phantom is the first superhero to
wear a costume.)The Lone Ranger was honest, the first one to actually be a crusader
for truth, justice and the American way. Both Cassaday and Matthews seem to
understand that position.
Matthews has stated that he wants to remind people the Lone Ranger is "First
and foremost a western story. I want to get back those roots and discover the
meaning behind that; I want to remind dads why their childhood hero was the
Lone Ranger, so they can share with their kids why that is so cool."
John Cassaday adds that the Lone Ranger is a symbol to him and so many others.
He wants to bring back the style and dedication of the legend. Less is known
about the Lone Ranger's past then probably any other hero. "His story is
one of our most mysterious and misunderstood. We're going to open the dusty
book of battle scar secrets, revenge and an empty grave."
Sweet Jesus, I can hardly wait.
Oh, and people here is something you might want to hang over your tables as
you work.
"I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
That
all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to
make this a better world.
That God put the firewood there but that every man must gather and light it himself.
In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight
when necessary
for that which is right.
That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
That 'This government, of the people, by the people and for the people' shall live always.
That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
That sooner or later... somewhere...somehow... we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.
In my Creator, my country, my fellow man."
The Lone Ranger