Comic of the Week Zorro Returns from the Dead
Zorro Returns from the Dead: A Good Comic That Most People Will Like
Sean Murphy is a genius. And I think he is currently one of the best comic book artists in the world. I say that honestly, without holding back, regardless of the comics he makes. In Zorro Returns from the Dead, he proves it again, with art in his pencils that does not falter. Everything Sean Murphy does is wonderful. He is like King Midas—everything he touches turns to gold.
Art That Captivates
In this article, you’ll see the reproduction of some pages of the comic. As you can see, its art is splendid. Simply opening the comic and seeing these compositions makes it worth acquiring.
The script, however, is more conventional—a standard plot that is decent but undoubtedly the weakest part of the volume. For example, the color, handled by Simon Gough, elevates the comic to a higher level, placing it among the greats of the comic book world. While writing this article, I revisited Tokyo Ghost, another previous work by Sean Murphy, and observed how both the artist and his use of color have evolved over time.
A Nod to Tokyo Ghost
By the way, I highly recommend Tokyo Ghost, a great collaboration with Rick Remender handling the scripts and Murphy on the pencils. But in Zorro Returns from the Dead, Simon Gough’s coloring deserves special recognition. It provides even more context to the story, offering a richness beyond what you might have seen in Murphy’s previous works like Tokyo Ghost.
Gough’s colors stand out and beat other top-tier colorists, such as Matt Hollingsworth, who worked on Tokyo Ghost.
Sean Murphy: Artist vs. Writer
It seems clear that while Murphy is a phenomenal (and I’m being modest) cartoonist and a decent scriptwriter, his best works shine brightest when he collaborates with a strong writer. I know some of you might say, “What about The White Knight?” And it’s true—especially the first series—it’s fantastic. But even there, you can sense that the dialogues and environmental implementation could have been stronger.
This is a bit of what Zorro Returns from the Dead might lack. It’s a good comic with a passable script and drawings worthy of a place in the Prado Museum. Still, I can’t help but feel that with a scriptwriter like Rick Remender, with whom Murphy has already worked in the past, this could have been a masterpiece.
The Plot of Zorro Returns from the Dead
Diego is convinced he is El Zorro. As a child, he witnessed the murder of his parents at the hands of a drug cartel, led by El Rojo, who controls his hometown of La Vega. This trauma transported Diego’s mind back to a time when he believed he was El Zorro.
Since then, he has trained in sword fighting and horseback riding, honing the skills he will need to liberate La Vega and avenge his parents by facing El Rojo.
Sean Gordon Murphy revives the classic vigilante from Mexican California in an adventure brought to life with his spectacular pencils, paired with the evocative colors of Simon Gough.
Should You Read Zorro Returns from the Dead?
If you’re a fan of dazzling art, this comic is for you. The pages themselves are a masterpiece, guaranteed to brighten your day. However, if you’re someone who prioritizes complex narratives with intricate plot twists, this might not fully meet your expectations.
Sean Murphy’s Magic Lives On
Sean Murphy and Simon Gough have resurrected the legendary Zorro, delivering a visually stunning adventure. Zorro Returns from the Dead balances thrilling action with artistic brilliance, making it a great addition to any comic lover’s collection.