Since the resurgence of the superhero genre, Westerns have taken a back seat in the medium of comics. Audiences are more likely to see capes and colorful spandex uniforms then they are to see six-shooters and cowboy hats these days. However, with the debut of Image’s new science fiction Western Copperhead, we might yet see the brand ride back to its former glory.
Copperhead follows the story of Sheriff Bronson, a single mother starting a new assignment in the mining town of a distant planetoid. Before she can even settle in, Bronson is tasked with quelling a bloody family feud with hillbilly aliens. Assisting on her assignment is an oversized alien deputy who harbours a petty grudge against his new boss. On top of this, Sheriff Bronson has to contend with a scummy mining tycoon and the presence of “arties,” a resentful and dangerous race of artificial humans. Matters only escalate further from there when the Sheriff’s son, Zeke, goes missing into the badlands outlying the town of Copperhead.
Clara Bronson is a strong character who audiences can root for. She is a compassionate maternal figure with no tolerance for crime or corruption. For better or worse, Bronson does not back away from any fight — which, more often than not, leads to exciting situations for the character.
In a time when the cry for strong female leads is prominent, Copperhead is a strong name in this genre. But, those concerned that the character is a byproduct of marketing tactics can rest easier knowing that Sheriff Clara Bronson is the real deal. In the pantheon of strong female leads, this sheriff stands toe-to-toe with The Terminator’s Sarah Connor and Alien’s Ripley.
Jay Faerber concocts an enthralling serialized story, which is as entertaining as it is intriguing to see unfold. Copperhead is well-stocked with a rich and diverse cast of characters, each of whom harbours secrets and truths that are provocative to ponder. Faerber makes all his characters, major or minor, interesting enough to invest in each of their personal stories. In almost every capacity, Copperhead leaves audiences wanting to know more.
Another great component of this science fiction Western is its limited use of dialogue; the story is a smooth read from start to finish. Where some stories are clamoured with unnecessary exposition, Copperhead succeeds in its succinct and polished narrative. Likewise, the story never leaves one confused. It strikes the right balance between art and dialogue.
Scott Godlewski brings to life the world of Copperhead with his bright and colorful panels. The art is always dynamic and jumping out at readers; in a comic already gracing readers with a fun plot and interesting characters, Godlewski’s action-packed artwork is the cherry on top of an already delectable experience.
Not since Joss Whedon’s Firefly was tragically cancelled have audiences been graced with such an enjoyable and widely accessible science fiction Western. This graphic novel has ridden into town and served notice to the whole superhero genre.
There is a new sheriff in town and it’s called Copperhead, pilgrim.
