Redcoat #9, Hornsby and Halo #3 reviews – Image Comics 1/29/25

Redcoat #9

Redcoat #9 was another excellent installment of one of the best comics going today. Saying it’s one of the Ghost Machine imprint’s strongest titles doesn’t do it enough Justice. The Ghost Machine titles have all provided an elite tier reading experience yet Redcoat is emerging as the top title.

Redcoat #9 does little to change that ranking as writer Geoff Johns and artist Bryan Hitch with colorist Brad Anderson and letterer Rob Leigh detail Simon Pure’s latest meet up with his friend Johnny Appleseed.

This issue showcases a significant part of the fun with Redcoat is seeing Simon interact with various historical figures. The opening act had him encounter Albert Einstein, George Washington and Benedict Arnold.

Redcoat #9 is another indicator that Simon is not the fully self-absorbed selfish lout he believes. Yes, he’s not as happy go lucky as Johnny, but the two have a solid bond. While he’s no immortal, Johnny can sense magic like that emanating from Simon.

Johnny sees the potential in Simon long before he does. Johns has always been very good at writing comic character friendships. As his first true friend, Johnny inspires Simon to be a better person even when his normal instincts are to only think about himself.

The duo go to a village that was nearly burned down and after some of Johnny’s delicious apple cider, Simon wants to track down the arsonist who nearly destroyed it.

Simon’s magical energy powers play out in Redcoat #9 in an atypical way for the series. That made for a fun mini-adventure that Hitch seemed to have a blast drawing. Hitch really has Simon’s attitude and posture down giving him a true irreverent demeanor. For Johnny, Hitch crafts a warmer, simpler character that’s far more inviting than some other mythical figures in the series.

Anderson gives Redcoat #9 a brilliant array of colors with Simon’s coat and magical abilities in action. This issue was all about Simon — and by extension the reader — enjoying a story that wasn’t so bleak and depressing. Leigh maintains a steady presence with clean dialogue that doesn’t feel too smushed together.

Redcoat #9 was another sensational installment in one of my favorite comics. The book never disappoints and it’s easy to see why with stories like this one.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics

Pre-order the first Redcoat trade, Redcoat Volume 1: Einstein & The Immortal, now on Amazon.

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