Who Was That Masked Man's Injun Companion?- Tonto #19

Yep, that's right. Tonto had his own series. And really, out of all the partners and sidekicks of western heroes, who is more deserving? Red Ryder's kid sidekick Little Beaver? Well, okay, Dell gave him a comic, too. Of course Beav's comic only lasted 6 issues. Tonto's lasted 33. Which is pretty good for a spin-off. Sadly, Dell's comic about "The Lone Ranger's Famous Horse, Hi-Yo Silver!" lasted 34 issues. Sorry Tonto.

Here we have the cover story (although the cover art has nothing to do with it) from The Lone Ranger's Companion TONTO #19 from May-July 1955. Oh! and when you get to page 16, no need to adjust your sets, that page IS black and white. Dell made use of the inside and outside back cover to finish the story.

Four out of Five Soldiers Who Tried Camels Preferred Horses

In 1856, the United States Army imported 34 camels to be utilized in the American Southwest. The cavalrymen who were assigned to the animals had no understanding of how to ride them, how to care for them, or even the slightest notion of camel psychology. To complicate matters further, the American Civil War broke out and the majority of the Camels (which had been delivered to Texas) were in the hands of the Confederate Army, who ignored them altogether as potential mounts.

When the War ended, the Military had lost all interest in its camels and they were sold or turned loose. Eventually all of the former Army camels either died or were shot.

The following story is set in 1874. Which is not only nearly a decade after the last camel saw military service in the U.S., it's also far too late for the Shako hats the troopers are wearing. But, I'm not here to be the anachronism police, so please enjoy this unusual yarn from Amazing High Adventure #3 , October 1986. Story by Mike Baron, art by John Severin.

His Name is RIO...

Doug Wildey is probably best remembered for his role designing the distinctive look of Hanna-Barbera's "Jonny Quest". Wildey also worked on numerous comic books including Jonah Hex, Sgt. Rock and Tarzan.

Wildey was a fantastic draftsman with a real flair for realistic anatomy and characterization.

Here we get a look at Wildey's own Western creation, RIO. My best guess is that Wildey did his inks and an ink wash over his pencils, then went back in with watercolor. The results are tremendous, giving a very believable feeling of light to the piece. From 1984's Eclipse Monthly #5, here's "Satan's Doorstep!":