Cross to Bear

The first installment of Cross to Bear starts off a bit rough, as readers are thrown into the story and must piece things together as they go along. While this can be a challenge, it eventually begins to click, particularly towards the end of the issue. Marko Stojanović employs the right techniques for this type of narrative structure and opening, although it took some time for me to fully connect with it. On the other hand, Siniša Banović truly shines in the art department. It seems that every artist, at some point, desires to tell a story set in the Old West and play within that sandbox. Banović’s character designs steal the show, and his depiction of locations is commendable. The layouts are particularly impressive, enhancing the flow of the story, especially during tense moments.

The premise takes a while to unfold, but essentially revolves around a group known as The Order, comprised of descendants from the ancient Knights of the Round Table during the Crusades. They combat darker evils in the world that elude ordinary men, and for years, they have pursued Jack the Ripper. The book begins with a team pursuing him in 1889 Boston, but they fail, resulting in the deaths of most members and only Simon surviving. As Jack the Ripper escapes, he gives Simon a knowing nod. This poses a significant challenge for Simon, as he has lost all his superiors in The Order, individuals far more skilled than he is. In search of assistance, Simon turns to the only person he knows, leading him to venture into the Old West, specifically Tombstone.

The majority of the book takes place in Tombstone, where Simon seeks out a former member of The Order named Edgar. Edgar has settled comfortably in this area, running a saloon, importing books from Europe, and enjoying married life, while being an upstanding citizen who engages with the community. Simon eventually manages to contact Edgar and attempts to persuade him to return to their old ways, but Edgar staunchly opposes the idea due to the toll that years of killing have taken on him. An engaging discussion ensues, which can be viewed through the lens of two arguing brothers, as we later discover. There is no resolution, only Simon’s determination to continue the pursuit of Jack the Ripper, along with the exploration of this intriguing family dynamic that resonates within the larger context of The Order.