#41 That Texas Blood Vol 1 by Chris Condon and Jacob Philips

I have never been to Texas, so my impressions of it come from movies, books, and comics. The image I have formed is quite specific, and it may well be wrong compared to the reality I would encounter if I had actually spent time there. In any case, That Texas Blood Vol. 1 is a work that, from its very first panels, reassured me that everything I thought I knew about that place holds true.

One, two, three, let’s go, time for a western noir story, gritty and violent. If you are not ready for it, consider this your warning.

A crime takes place in Ambrose County, and Joe Bob Coates, the local sheriff, is called upon to make sense of it. He is an older man, seasoned by many years of service, experienced yet inevitably weary.

The second major figure in the story is Randy. After his brother is murdered, he returns to his hometown, a place he had left behind years ago in an attempt to change his life and “forget” his past.This is one of the central narrative threads. Memory, particularly the memory of childhood, plays a defining role in shaping who we become. It feels less like a locked box buried in a closet and more like a living organism—present, restless, and unpredictable. It breathes, moves, communicates, and evolves. And like anything alive, it cannot be controlled or fully anticipated.

The same applies to place. You’ve probably heard the saying that if you can’t remember something, you should return to where it happened, because the sights, the smells, and the atmosphere can bring back details long forgotten. That is precisely what Randy experiences.

The two creators devote ample time to building the atmosphere of the town, since it directly reflects the inner lives of the characters. There is a pervasive sense of confinement. Everyone knows everyone, and anything or anyone from the outside immediately stands out, and rarely in a welcome way.

Chris Condon’s writing is unexpectedly strong, though this is the first work of his I’ve read, and Jacob Phillips’ artwork is remarkable. As the son of the acclaimed Sean Phillips, he seems destined for a bright future in the world of comics.

Until next time — be well, and keep reading.

It’s important!

Accompanying Notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7piwku5O3bM

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