Writer: Matt Hotson
Artist: Juan Gedeon
Colorist: Carlos Cabrera
Letterer: Jeff Powell
Cover Artists: Juan Gedeon; Andrew Krahnke; Joe Palmer; Gavin Smith; Patrick Spaziante; Ryan Brown & Steve Lavigne
Editor: Karl Bollers
Designer: Winston Gambro
Publisher: Oni Press
Price: $4.99
Release Date: September 17, 2025
When a series of kidnappings rocks Cowtown, Cowpital City sends help. But as Marshall Moo Montana steps off the train, he finds more trouble than he was looking for. Mayor Bulloney’s announcement of a tax hike hasn’t gone down like a cold glass of Lily Bovine's Sarsaparilla. But the Mayor appeases the crowd by pointing out Moo and promising that the Marshall will capture the kidnapper. Can Marshall Moo Montana find the kidnapped populace? And what dirty swine is abducting the good folks of Cowtown? Let's pull on our boots, leap into Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa #1, and see!
Story
Mayor Bulloney may have greeted Marshall Moo Montana with a smile. But when they reach the Sheriff’s office, he confides that he didn’t request help. Instead, the authorities in Cowpital City imposed Moo on him. Nor does Deputy Terrorbull want Moo there. In the Sheriff’s absence, Terrorbull wants to take charge. Moo urges Bulloney and Terrorbull to remain calm while they investigate the mysterious disappearances.
Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa #1 reveals the history of Moo Mesa. Matt Hotson explains how some of the animals roaming wild and free in the Grand Cownyon gained intelligence, while others did not. Moreover, it reveals how Moo Montana became the calm, thoughtful Marshal he is today. The debut issue introduces a host of colorful characters, including Lily Bovine, Cody Calf, Jack Rabbit, and Buffalo Bill. It also portrays differing approaches to leadership and how those who seek power may wield it unwisely.
Marshall Moo Montana faces a difficult task in Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa #1. He will face a superior adversary. Yet perhaps the most onerous aspect of the case is how personal it is for him. Not only does he know one of the kidnapping victims, but she also helped him become the Marshall he is today. And as Moo investigates her disappearance, he must work alongside Deputy Terrorbull, who reminds him of a time when he was fueled by bluster and anxious for recognition of his importance.
Art
A giant bovine, carved by either the elements or by hooves, rises amid a red rock canyon. While Moo Montana sets cans atop a wooden beam, Sheriff Marey Quine leans against the fence. Moo looks sullen while Marey smiles. But her features grow stern as she whips out her golden gun and shoots. As Juan Gedeon reduces the pair to silhouettes, a ram drives his frightened donkey to the breaking point. But it's his wooden wagon that breaks after it somersaults. And the spinning objects that hurtled after it become rascally armadillos wielding red revolvers.
Moo Montana reclines in the plush, upholstered cabin as the train pulls into Cowtown. After debarking to collect his horse, Moo strides through the dirt street between brown, wood-frame buildings. The Marshal’s orange slacks and green shirt show off his muscles. His blonde hair peeks out from his brown hat as a mouse hands him a newspaper. Carlos Cabrera applies a loaded palette of vibrant colors to Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa #1. Yet the longhorn Deputy’s muscular hide glows like a red-hot poker, as Terrorbull stands atop a wooden platform. Beside him, the well-dressed Mayor clutches a megaphone.
Amid battles, high-speed pursuits, rabblerousing, and tense confrontations, Jeff Powell fills white balloons with black, uppercase dialogue. The words grow bold for intonation, and balloon shapes grow spiky with intensity. While sound effects accompany snoozing, train whistles blowing, and bovine escapades, a newspaper headline turns Moo’s first day in Cowtown into a rude awakening. Thanks to Oni Press for providing a review copy.
Final Thoughts
Everyone needs rules to live by. For Marshall Moo Montana, it's the Code of the West. He understands the high spirits that drive people to take the law into their hands. A society that protects the downtrodden and fosters fairness requires a cool head and an adherence to the Code. That's what he'll try to communicate to the citizens of Cowtown, as Marshall Moo Montana searches for his missing mentor in Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa #1.
Rating 9.8/10
For more covers and a look inside see my preview of Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa #1.
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