Monday, April 14, 2008

DC Showcase Presents Jonah Hex Volume One

April-May 1972, All Star Western #3 "Promise to a Princess"
A guy is shot in the back with an arrow which has the whites choosing to say, "Now we can concentrate on doing something about those filthy savages." (P. 40)
Little Fawn speaks pidgin English, has a faithful timber wolf companion, calls guns firesticks and Hex a paleface. Hex rescues her from from a fall into the river so the Indians in turn care for him (p. 44-45)
"Mr. Craig" gave the Pawnees smallpox infested blankets (46)
The Indians die, possibly of the pox, possibly attacked by townspeople, who then die of the pox.



"The Hoax", Weird Western Tales #18, April-May 1973
Backstory is Indian attack on wagon train that separates wolf-boy from white dad. Dad then grows up hating Indians. Attacks 3, killing 2 but being killed by the third who says, "Why, white man? Why you attack us? We hunting game...no mean harm to you...why you attack us?" Naturally, he is the missing son. (137-137, 22-23)

"Blood Brothers", WWT #20, Nov-Dec 1973
Hex saves an Indian.
"What'sa matter, you against shootin' stinkin' redskins?"
Hex: "One that's lyin' on the ground, with a barrel o' whiskey sloppin' inside his head--mebbe. But mostly I'm against killin' US Cavalry Corporals whut are 6 weeks AWOL..." (153/2)

"Indians are ridin' up a dry gulch, Hex! Can't fight against the white man's repeater rifles and gatling guns! Lost their huntin' and trappin' grounds! --Can't do no more than die." (155/4) John Running Wolf on why he scouts for the Cavalry.

When a small Indian party attacks the fort:
Major: "I never thought Red Horse would try this! I'm afraid this will mean a change in Washington's liveral Indian policies!"
Hex: "Which one d'ya mean--takin' their lands, killin' their braves--or mebbe starvin' their squaws and papooses?"
Major: "What the blazes are you, Hex--an INDIAN LOVER?" (157/16)

The bad guys for the issue are William Vandermeer of the Reading, Springfiels and Abilene Railroad and the Major.

Red Horse is accused of kidnapping Muriel, a "fine Boston lady"
Hex: "Busy feller, that Indian! A little crazy, too! Sendin' undersized raidin' parties against forts--stealin' Boston ladies to do squaws' work!" (p. 159/8)
Hex: "We gotta be mighty quiet, boy! We're out to beat some real experts in the sneakin' business!" (160/9)
Muriel turns out to be the wife, not kidnap victim (162/11)

The plot: Hire renegades to attack the fort so the government will drive the Indians off the land they would not sell (164/13-14)

"Well, look who's here! Too bad you been livin' with white men so long, John! A real Indian would never have let that floor creak!" (164/14)

"Bigfoot's War!", WWT #32, Jan-Feb 1976

Haynes does dirty land deal. After being scammed the Paiutes seek vengeance.
Haynes: "...someday he and his kind will realize you can't fight progress."
Hex: "Depends on where you're lookin' at progress from." (398/5)

Turns out Haynes has been poisoning the wells with strychnine to kill the women and children painfully, drive the Paiutes from their land. He retaliates by kidnapping Haynes' daughter.

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