After Todd McFarlane’s Western Horror Comic I’m More Excited Than Ever About DC’s Gunslinger Comeback

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From the very beginning, Western comic books have been popular in print, featuring characters like Ghost Rider, Rawhide Kid, Jonah Hex, and Gunslinger Spawn. Now that Todd McFarlane is successfully revitalizing his Image Comics universe, DC seems ready to bring back one of its own tough, morally complex heroes. With DC’s upcoming Next Level initiative, I’m especially excited to see a classic character from the Bronze Age make a comeback.

Although some people thought Western comics were a thing of the past, they’ve repeatedly been proven wrong. Talented creators can successfully revive even forgotten genres, as demonstrated by titles like Todd McFarlane’s Gunslinger Spawn. Now, after a long hiatus since The New 52 initiative, DC Comics is bringing back its own Western hero, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Jimmy Pamiotti and Justin Gray Revived Jonah Hex

Fans of the original Jonah Hex comic had to wait twenty years after its end in 1985 for the gunslinger’s return. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, with artist Luke Ross, brought him back in a new series for DC after the Infinite Crisis event. Their run proved Western comics still had a place in the industry, especially when many thought the genre was fading. The new series successfully captured the feel of the classic Bronze Age comics while also exploring a grittier side of the Western world.

This new series delved into Hex’s beginnings, the dangers of the DC Universe’s Wild West, and the stories of ruthless bandits, all while paying tribute to classic Spaghetti Western films. It proved so popular that it boosted interest in other non-DC Western comics, like new Lone Ranger titles and Marvel’s 1872. Palmiotti and Gray’s work is still considered the best example of Wild West comics from this century, though Gunslinger Spawn and Deadly Tales of the Gunslinger are strong contenders.

Similar to the films of Sergio Leone, this 2005 series offered a diverse range of stories, including dark fantasy, horror, Western adventures, and suspenseful thrillers with complex characters. Though it didn’t reach a wide audience, it gained a dedicated fanbase, showcasing the creators’ impressive knowledge of the Old West.

The world of DC has always been a great place for individual, focused stories, and each creator puts their own spin on it. With so many classic villains and supernatural beings already existing in the DC Universe, the character Hex could easily encounter figures like the Gentleman Ghost, or even one-off monsters and bandits.

Todd McFarlane and Jimmy Palmiotti Primed DC For More Jonah Hex

In 2022, Gunslinger Spawn quickly became a huge hit with fans. Brett Booth’s excellent artwork on the ongoing series drew in more readers, who loved the unique blend of dark fantasy and Western themes. Building on the success of the main series, Todd McFarlane brought in Jimmy Palmiotti in 2024 to create a new series showcasing the gunslinger. With art by Chad Hardin and Patric Reynolds, Deadly Tales of the Gunslinger transported the antihero back to the classic Old West setting.

After years of requests from fans, DC Comics revealed in January 2026 that Jonah Hex will star in his own new series. This launch is part of the “Next Level” initiative, which is similar to the earlier “Absolute Universe” concept but with a focus on less intense storylines. The goal is to give creative teams more freedom to work with characters outside the main DC universe. Though the stories will still fit within the overall DC continuity, the new series will primarily showcase beloved characters who haven’t been featured prominently enough. The writer and artist for the new Jonah Hex book have not yet been announced.

Jimmy Palmiotti won’t be working on the upcoming Jonah Hex comic series, but he’s sending good wishes to the new creative team. Although fans hoped he’d return, his work at Image Comics has already given readers a great take on Western stories. This new team has a chance to bring a fresh perspective to both the character of Jonah Hex and the Western genre itself.

Jonah Hex Offers Some of the Best Potential at DC

One of the things that makes Jonah Hex so interesting is that his adventures don’t rely on the Justice League or the wider DC Universe. While he’s technically part of that world, his stories mostly stand alone. This gives writers a lot of freedom, as they aren’t constrained by existing storylines or continuity. Hex’s Old West setting is like a fresh start, allowing for unique explorations of the past without worrying about conflicts with established events. He can fit into the larger DC history when it suits the story, but isn’t bound by it.

Fans have missed Jonah Hex for years, particularly after his comic All-Star Western finished. Now, DC fans can finally celebrate his return, and the popularity of Gunslinger Spawn played a part in making it happen.

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2026-03-01 20:10