Redcoat has been an intriguing twist on historical fiction made real thanks to Bryan Hitch’s iconic pencils, and now it’s time for the fable to incorporate Johnny Appleseed. The myth that is Johnny Appleseed, among other American myths, gets a full introduction in Redcoat #9, out this week. The question is, is it good?
Redcoat #9 is an entertaining adventure, to say the least, though it gets bogged down by a lot of exposition and sometimes heavy dialogue. On the one hand, Geoff Johns’ captions give us little nods to American fiction and other myths, further fleshing out that Simon Pure has connections to a lot of American myths and fables. Still, on the other, it weighs down the action and adventure at hand in the issue.
The issue opens with Simon and Johnny Appleseed chasing something that’s tearing up the ground and trees from underneath the soul. It’s giant and carving out a cylindric path. Soon, we see it’s a giant worm knocking both of the main characters to the ground, and the story quickly shifts to the “how we got here” motif.
The captions do a lot of work.
Credit: Image
As far as Appleseed, Johns and Hitch do a good job establishing he’s not magic like Simon, but he’s aware of it. He’s magic adjacent, with magical seeds and the ability to sniff it out. He’s also a bit of a foil for Simon, as he’s caring and helps others, but Simon finds himself unable to even help a child. The introduction of the character here further widens the possibilities of magic in old America further strengthening the main narrative Simon is on.
Hitch’s art doesn’t disappoint. The scale of the worm, or a giant apple later in the issue, is impressive. The character acting and period clothing are on point. While Simon is a bit of a bastard, he’s also easy to commiserate with and connect with, thanks to his facial expressions. He wants to mean well but just can’t. Also, the giant worm, while a bit phallic, is pretty grotesque and scary.
Redcoat #9 is an ambitious blend of historical fiction, mythology, and fantasy that continues to intrigue with its exploration of magic in old America. While the story occasionally stumbles under the weight of its exposition, Geoff Johns’ narrative and Bryan Hitch’s exceptional art make it an engaging and visually captivating read. The addition of Johnny Appleseed adds a compelling dynamic, further expanding the series’ magical universe.
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