#ray forest

Milestone Monday

Final Escape

On April 28, 1881, the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid made a daring escape from the Lincoln County jail in Mesilla, New Mexico. At that time, he was awaiting trial for murder due to his involvement in a series of violent events related to the Lincoln County War, a conflict between rival merchants that escalated into a full-blown feud. The story of Billy the Kid has since become a significant part of American folklore, with varying accounts of his true identity and character, as attested by the work highlighted here, which portrays him as a folk hero.

In Billy the Kid Adventure Magazine, a Western adventure comic, Billy the Kid is depicted as a charming outlaw with a heart, bravely navigating various challenges and helping those in need. Published by Toby Press in 1955, our issue is #27 of 29 showcasing the talents of several artists, including Don Heck, Jack Sparling, Ray Forest, and Art Kenik. Notably, Don Heck would go on to become a Marvel legend, co-creating characters like Iron Man, Hawkeye, and Black Widow. 

This era of comic books is characterized by a focus on adventure and heroism, and Billy the Kid Adventure Magazine perfectly fits within that tradition, appealing to fans of Westerns and adventure stories alike. The series serves as an intriguing artifact of its time, reflecting both the cultural fascination with the Old West and the evolving landscape of comic book storytelling in the 1950s. It also highlights the enduring legacy of outlaws and the myths they inspire in popular culture.

Our copy is a gift of Joan Tarachow. 

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