Just like with Norah’s Saga, it’s been 8 months since the previous issue of Bass Reeves. But, thankfully, just like with Norah’ Saga, it’s worth the wait! But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The creative team of writer Kevin Grevioux, artist David Williams, and letterer Eric Weathers return and continue the story where Bass is home, in-between bounty assignments, trying to reconnect with his wife and their 11 children, especially his eldest son Benjy who’s been acting up at home in Bass’ absence. Bass tries his best to set his son straight, including an impromptu shooting lesson where Benjy is amazed as his father’s expert marksmanship, and imparting wisdom about the law and honor, but there are clear indications that Benjy is set to follow a darker path.

Meanwhile Bass is also preparing to go on the hunt for a dangerous “Indian” criminal called Yah Kee. In this sequence Grevioux expertly showcases Bass’ natural detective skills, as he figures out how to track the outlaw. Bass’ boss and mentor, Judge Parker, thinks Bass needs help for this mission, and Bass ends up recruiting his own partner for this assignment, a Native American named Kwantu. I’m not sure if that’s an actual historical figure from Bass Reeves’ life, or if this is some creative license (likely meant to tie into the claim that Bass is the inspiration for the Lone Ranger), but I can say that the sequence where the two men meet is a quite thrilling, and foreshadows and exciting adventure to come.

This is a less action-packed issue the previous or the first issue of the series, but the dramatic tension that bubbles just the beneath the surface in each page is palpable, and keeps the reader riveted from beginning the end. And I really love Williams’ art-style, it’s perfect for this title. Let’s hope it’s not another 8 months before we get the next issue, because I’m on the edge of my seat now!

Chacebook rating: FIVE STARS

Note: In addition to the lead 21-page story, this issue also includes a 7-page preview of The Saints, an upcoming series from Allegiance Arts & Entertainment that is written by Patrick Stiles (creator of Norah’s Saga) and drawn by Christian Rosado).

AVAILABLE AT ALLEGIANCEARTS.COM