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Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse
"Justice ain't got no age."Nate Cosby (Pigs, Jim Henson?s The Storyteller) and Chris Eliopoulos (Franklin Richards, Misery Loves Sherman) present Cow Boy, the story of a young bounty hunter determined to send his entire outlaw family to jail. He travels the Old West on a horse that ain't his and won?t stop 'til everyone'a his kin's in the clink.Also in this volume are short stories by the likes of Roger Langridge (The Muppet Show comic book), Brian Clevinger, and Scott Wegener (Atomic Robo), Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space), and Colleen Coover (Jim Henson?s The Storyteller).
96 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 16, 2014
Justice ain’t got no age…
Set in frontier times, Boyd is a ten year old kid who sets out with his horses - his custom popgun with a horse-head handle and his steed, Cee Cee – to take down the thievin’, no-good Linney family and put them behind bars where they belong. Only - the Linney family is his kin! In this first volume, Boyd aims for his paw Dub Linney, his scumbag brother Zeke, and his kindly but greedy grandpa. And they ain’t comin’ quiet!
I really liked this one. I can’t improve on Kurt Busiek’s blurb that this is a cross between Frank Miller and Charles Schulz because that is bang on what this comic is. I will say though that it’s 80s/early 90s Miller (the good years) and not late 90s/present day Miller (the crazy years). Other comparisons that spring to mind are Calvin & Hobbes (though Calvin imagined stuff like being cowboys and this isn’t fantasy to Boyd) and True Grit (though there’s no Rooster Cogburn; Boyd’s on his lonesome).
Though Frank Miller is a fine comparison, this is an all-ages comic that’s totally appropriate and, while Boyd is a tough cookie, he’s definitely not a hyper-violent lunatic like many of Miller’s protagonists! There are gunfights galore but no blood or any real suffering. A whorehouse is one of the settings but isn’t acknowledged as such and a young reader wouldn’t guess what it was from its bare depiction. There’s no cussin’ and slavery is mentioned once but in a smart way that’s informative.
Nate Crosby’s script is terrific. It’s convincing and feels genuinely of its time as well as being engaging for older readers like myself while importantly being accessible for a younger audience too. It certainly doesn’t talk down to the reader and aims for straight drama rather than pandering with Disney-esque side characters.
It’s also really fun to read aloud. I’d read a page and usually come across a line that tickled me and I’d repeat it to one of my dogs (who both stopped looking up from their sleep after a while – philistines!). I love Boyd’s character too. He’s a pint-size Judge Dredd who’s resourceful and unstoppable but also has moments of vulnerability that show his age.
I particularly liked the scene where Boyd saves a black man from a group of young men hurling rocks at him in a stable. The man explains his situation and how Boyd actually didn’t help him because he’s now lost his bedding for the night. It’s clever because it highlights the slavery issue of the time in an articulate way while underlining violence as not the answer to situations, but not in a preachy tone. And the scene ends with Boyd crying silently to himself against Cee Cee, his limitations of understanding as a child and that he IS a child devastatingly highlighted. It’s such a beautifully written/presented sequence – moments like these are why I read comics.
Chris Eliopoulos’ art is fitting for an all-ages book. It does have that Peanuts look to it as well as a touch of Bill Watterson and the characters’ faces are especially expressive. Eliopoulos and Crosby work well together with Crosby knowing when to let the art tell the story by not jamming up the action panels with words. Eliopoulos also adopts the traditional grid panel look to emphasise story over style, though he’s still able everything he needs to with the space he has.
I would say that while I liked the art, it wasn’t too eye-catching or unique and some pages were a bit too soft a touch that didn’t leave much of an impression. That and the boring backups written by various writers and artists included at the end were the only flaws with this book.
Otherwise, saddle up for a terrific all-ages wild west adventure with Boyd and Cee Cee! Crosby/Eliopoulos have created a fantastic character in Boyd and this first Cow Boy book is one hell of a start from them. Whether you’re a kid or a grown up, this is one “arresting” comic (yuk yuk)!
Set in frontier times, Boyd is a ten year old kid who sets out with his horses - his custom popgun with a horse-head handle and his steed, Cee Cee – to take down the thievin’, no-good Linney family and put them behind bars where they belong. Only - the Linney family is his kin! In this first volume, Boyd aims for his paw Dub Linney, his scumbag brother Zeke, and his kindly but greedy grandpa. And they ain’t comin’ quiet!
I really liked this one. I can’t improve on Kurt Busiek’s blurb that this is a cross between Frank Miller and Charles Schulz because that is bang on what this comic is. I will say though that it’s 80s/early 90s Miller (the good years) and not late 90s/present day Miller (the crazy years). Other comparisons that spring to mind are Calvin & Hobbes (though Calvin imagined stuff like being cowboys and this isn’t fantasy to Boyd) and True Grit (though there’s no Rooster Cogburn; Boyd’s on his lonesome).
Though Frank Miller is a fine comparison, this is an all-ages comic that’s totally appropriate and, while Boyd is a tough cookie, he’s definitely not a hyper-violent lunatic like many of Miller’s protagonists! There are gunfights galore but no blood or any real suffering. A whorehouse is one of the settings but isn’t acknowledged as such and a young reader wouldn’t guess what it was from its bare depiction. There’s no cussin’ and slavery is mentioned once but in a smart way that’s informative.
Nate Crosby’s script is terrific. It’s convincing and feels genuinely of its time as well as being engaging for older readers like myself while importantly being accessible for a younger audience too. It certainly doesn’t talk down to the reader and aims for straight drama rather than pandering with Disney-esque side characters.
It’s also really fun to read aloud. I’d read a page and usually come across a line that tickled me and I’d repeat it to one of my dogs (who both stopped looking up from their sleep after a while – philistines!). I love Boyd’s character too. He’s a pint-size Judge Dredd who’s resourceful and unstoppable but also has moments of vulnerability that show his age.
I particularly liked the scene where Boyd saves a black man from a group of young men hurling rocks at him in a stable. The man explains his situation and how Boyd actually didn’t help him because he’s now lost his bedding for the night. It’s clever because it highlights the slavery issue of the time in an articulate way while underlining violence as not the answer to situations, but not in a preachy tone. And the scene ends with Boyd crying silently to himself against Cee Cee, his limitations of understanding as a child and that he IS a child devastatingly highlighted. It’s such a beautifully written/presented sequence – moments like these are why I read comics.
Chris Eliopoulos’ art is fitting for an all-ages book. It does have that Peanuts look to it as well as a touch of Bill Watterson and the characters’ faces are especially expressive. Eliopoulos and Crosby work well together with Crosby knowing when to let the art tell the story by not jamming up the action panels with words. Eliopoulos also adopts the traditional grid panel look to emphasise story over style, though he’s still able everything he needs to with the space he has.
I would say that while I liked the art, it wasn’t too eye-catching or unique and some pages were a bit too soft a touch that didn’t leave much of an impression. That and the boring backups written by various writers and artists included at the end were the only flaws with this book.
Otherwise, saddle up for a terrific all-ages wild west adventure with Boyd and Cee Cee! Crosby/Eliopoulos have created a fantastic character in Boyd and this first Cow Boy book is one hell of a start from them. Whether you’re a kid or a grown up, this is one “arresting” comic (yuk yuk)!
October 23, 2019
A funny and charming story. Don't expect any edification, plot twist or anything like that. Just enjoy that little brave bounty hunter. Great book for children, but I believe a lot of grown-ups will enjoy it too.
June 5, 2012
First of all, this book is gorgeous. Do yourself a favor a get this hardcover as soon as you can. Before I even started reading, I took a few minutes just to look at.
This is book isn't the sort of thing you expect it to be. Chris Eliopolis's style is cute and cartoony so you you kind of expect the book to have that sort of tone. It doesn't. Boyd Linney, despite his small size and cuteness, is force to be reckoned with. He is a serious child in a serious world and it's best not to turn your back on him or get in the way of his mission.
Boyd is a bounty hunter. A reasonably good egg from a family full of rotten ones. And instead of doing wrong like they do, he chooses to right their wrongs and turn his kin into the law. He does this in some surprisingly clever way. This story should ridiculous but it isn't. You feel for Boyd and you want him to succeed.
Boyd Linney isn't perfect. He's full of anger and he makes a mistake that is kind of heartbreaking. But this character make so much sense and Nate Crosby makes him so believable that you want nothing more than to see him prevail (and get a big hug).
This is book isn't the sort of thing you expect it to be. Chris Eliopolis's style is cute and cartoony so you you kind of expect the book to have that sort of tone. It doesn't. Boyd Linney, despite his small size and cuteness, is force to be reckoned with. He is a serious child in a serious world and it's best not to turn your back on him or get in the way of his mission.
Boyd is a bounty hunter. A reasonably good egg from a family full of rotten ones. And instead of doing wrong like they do, he chooses to right their wrongs and turn his kin into the law. He does this in some surprisingly clever way. This story should ridiculous but it isn't. You feel for Boyd and you want him to succeed.
Boyd Linney isn't perfect. He's full of anger and he makes a mistake that is kind of heartbreaking. But this character make so much sense and Nate Crosby makes him so believable that you want nothing more than to see him prevail (and get a big hug).
June 22, 2012
Cow Boy is awesome.
I heard about it on Comics Alliance and again during Nate Cosby's interview on War Rocket Ajax. The art is very Calvin & Hobbes-esque, but the story has shades of Watterson too. Remember how Calvin & Hobbes could be oddly serious and deep? The same thing applies here. Yes, this is a cute, fun, all-ages story, but there are moments of genuine sadness. Little Boyd is bringing in his family of outlaws. Worst case scenario is he fails. Best case scenario is his family endis up in prison.
Boyd himself is just a kid, though. And sometimes he makes mistakes. And sometimes he's let down. And it all works because Cosby doesn't talk down to his readers.
And if this isn't enough, there are mini-comics between chapters that are weird, wonderful, and whimsical--everything that comics should be.
I heard about it on Comics Alliance and again during Nate Cosby's interview on War Rocket Ajax. The art is very Calvin & Hobbes-esque, but the story has shades of Watterson too. Remember how Calvin & Hobbes could be oddly serious and deep? The same thing applies here. Yes, this is a cute, fun, all-ages story, but there are moments of genuine sadness. Little Boyd is bringing in his family of outlaws. Worst case scenario is he fails. Best case scenario is his family endis up in prison.
Boyd himself is just a kid, though. And sometimes he makes mistakes. And sometimes he's let down. And it all works because Cosby doesn't talk down to his readers.
And if this isn't enough, there are mini-comics between chapters that are weird, wonderful, and whimsical--everything that comics should be.
October 30, 2016
This is one cowboy you don't want to mess with! A cross between Charlie Brown and High Plains Drifter!
June 16, 2012
“Justice ain’t got no age” is the perfect tag line for Cow Boy, a new all ages comic about a ten year old boy in the Wild West. As the introductory page explains, “Boyd’s exploits ain’t for those with weak bellies and genteel dispositions..” Good thing I don’t know any kids like that! Written by Nate Cosby and illustrated by Chris Eliopoulos, and published by Archaia, Cow Boy will appeal to kids and adults alike.
The Cow Boy himself, Boyd, is introduced as he heads off to capture his first bounty, Dub Linney. As the storyline unfolds, we learn that each bounty on his list is actually a member of his family, and Dub is his father. Boyd’s sense of justice overrides any family ties, though, and his fierce independence requires him to take them in, one by one.
Boyd’s voice shines through from the very first line, “Bounty huntin’s simple. A man done wrong. You get that man.” I found myself reading his words out loud, just to hear him speaking. His voice was incredibly appealing to the two boys in my own house, and I’m excited to find out what my students think about it in the fall. The writing could also be a wonderful model for students on how dialect enhances character development, if teachers wanted to use a portion as a mentor text.
Boyd stands up for his beliefs, and he’s a charming little rogue while he does it. I heard echoes of some of my favorite scoundrels in many of his lines. Like Han Solo, he tosses down some coins and apologizes for the trouble he’s caused. With each story in the book, we get small glimpses into Boyd’s past. It’s clear his sense of fair play wasn’t inherited or taught at home. Kids will love his spunk and commitment to his ideals.
The art is a perfect match for the story. The simple lines, wonderful lettering, and slightly washed out colors gives it a rugged feel, and every picture feels like I’ve jumped into the old West. Even the end papers and the appearance of faded leather on the cover add to the overall experience of becoming a Wild West bounty hunter. The panels flow easily from one to the next; making it a graphic novel even a new fan of the format could follow with ease.
The book is labeled E for everyone, and recommended to kids second grade and up. While Boyd does carry what looks like a rifle in the shape of a ride on horse, he refers to it as a “pea shooter with a loud holler”, and none of the gun fights have casualties.
Nate and Chris took a huge risk and released most of the content for free online at Cowboycomic.net prior to publication. That content is still available for you to check out for yourself. Their hope was that people who read it would be hooked and want to own a copy. I’ll tell you what, it worked for me. I grabbed two copies, and had to fight my sons to get them back to read for this review. I can’t wait to bring it to my classroom in the fall, and I’m sure it won’t spend very much time on the shelves. Get your very own copy of Cow Boy, by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos.
The Cow Boy himself, Boyd, is introduced as he heads off to capture his first bounty, Dub Linney. As the storyline unfolds, we learn that each bounty on his list is actually a member of his family, and Dub is his father. Boyd’s sense of justice overrides any family ties, though, and his fierce independence requires him to take them in, one by one.
Boyd’s voice shines through from the very first line, “Bounty huntin’s simple. A man done wrong. You get that man.” I found myself reading his words out loud, just to hear him speaking. His voice was incredibly appealing to the two boys in my own house, and I’m excited to find out what my students think about it in the fall. The writing could also be a wonderful model for students on how dialect enhances character development, if teachers wanted to use a portion as a mentor text.
Boyd stands up for his beliefs, and he’s a charming little rogue while he does it. I heard echoes of some of my favorite scoundrels in many of his lines. Like Han Solo, he tosses down some coins and apologizes for the trouble he’s caused. With each story in the book, we get small glimpses into Boyd’s past. It’s clear his sense of fair play wasn’t inherited or taught at home. Kids will love his spunk and commitment to his ideals.
The art is a perfect match for the story. The simple lines, wonderful lettering, and slightly washed out colors gives it a rugged feel, and every picture feels like I’ve jumped into the old West. Even the end papers and the appearance of faded leather on the cover add to the overall experience of becoming a Wild West bounty hunter. The panels flow easily from one to the next; making it a graphic novel even a new fan of the format could follow with ease.
The book is labeled E for everyone, and recommended to kids second grade and up. While Boyd does carry what looks like a rifle in the shape of a ride on horse, he refers to it as a “pea shooter with a loud holler”, and none of the gun fights have casualties.
Nate and Chris took a huge risk and released most of the content for free online at Cowboycomic.net prior to publication. That content is still available for you to check out for yourself. Their hope was that people who read it would be hooked and want to own a copy. I’ll tell you what, it worked for me. I grabbed two copies, and had to fight my sons to get them back to read for this review. I can’t wait to bring it to my classroom in the fall, and I’m sure it won’t spend very much time on the shelves. Get your very own copy of Cow Boy, by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos.
June 20, 2012
Be sure to savor the experience of ambling through this gem. From the tactile experience of the cover to the gorgeous hues and color tints of each section to the terse but emotive language (think "True Grit") to the quirky hand-drawn fonts and onomatopoeic sounds, you will be affected on many levels by reading this book.
And don't be fooled by its seeming simplicity. "Cow Boy" starts and ends with Boyd's adage, "Justice ain't got no age," but upon finishing the book, you'll be catapulted back into Plato's cave, chewing on the cud of what true Justice means in our world. Even Boyd's aggressive line to bullies, "I ain't tired. Let's dance all night," is a loaded gun.
There is much worth considering in these gritty pages about perspective, integrity, and justice, which are hot fires that sear the soul.
And don't be fooled by its seeming simplicity. "Cow Boy" starts and ends with Boyd's adage, "Justice ain't got no age," but upon finishing the book, you'll be catapulted back into Plato's cave, chewing on the cud of what true Justice means in our world. Even Boyd's aggressive line to bullies, "I ain't tired. Let's dance all night," is a loaded gun.
There is much worth considering in these gritty pages about perspective, integrity, and justice, which are hot fires that sear the soul.
April 19, 2023
Boyd Linney is a bounty hunter. A ten year old bounty hunter. He comes from a family of criminals, and he aims to put them away. At first it seems like a funny comic, and it is, but there are also deep layers of emotion here. Especially in brief flashbacks to Boyd's younger childhood, where it's clear he was abused and neglected. I don't usually go out of my way for Western settings, either in books or movies, but this is such a profound, moving, bittersweet little book and I'm glad I took a chance.
April 21, 2019
Hace poco releí "La Metamorfosis" de Kafka y me fue menos denso que esta novelita gráfica O__O
A nivel visual y de diseño es hermosa. El tema planteado es complejo, la resolución por la que se opta también. Si en algo no me satisfizo del todo, podría decir, fue en pintar las cosas muy blancas o negras, sin grises intermedios, algo que es bastante típico del western clásico pero que en pleno siglo XXI ya tenemos un poco superado. Otra cosa que me pareció dura también es que no hay una gota de alegría para el personaje en toda la historia; en ese sentido, la lectura es anímicamente pesada.
Igual es breve, interesante y recomendable. Si una historia te deja pensando (como este librito me dejó a mí) creo que ya cumple con su cometido.
A nivel visual y de diseño es hermosa. El tema planteado es complejo, la resolución por la que se opta también. Si en algo no me satisfizo del todo, podría decir, fue en pintar las cosas muy blancas o negras, sin grises intermedios, algo que es bastante típico del western clásico pero que en pleno siglo XXI ya tenemos un poco superado. Otra cosa que me pareció dura también es que no hay una gota de alegría para el personaje en toda la historia; en ese sentido, la lectura es anímicamente pesada.
Igual es breve, interesante y recomendable. Si una historia te deja pensando (como este librito me dejó a mí) creo que ya cumple con su cometido.
February 15, 2013
Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse is a graphic novel by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos which is both suitable and enjoyable for all ages. The hero of this story is a young cowboy taking on the role of bounty hunter. He travels through the wild west on a well trained horse that is not his, and carrying a sidearm unique to him. An added twist to the story is that his bounties are not just random criminals, they are his own family members which all seem bent on leading lives steeped in criminal activity
Cow Boy is truly a graphic novel for all ages. It is fun, with a young hero with no real violence or disturbing moments for the youngest of readers. However, there is also the story of a boy doing the right thing, going against a criminal family, while also leaving the question open to whether he is doing the right thing for revenge rather than for the sake of doing the right thing. There is also the fun of figuring out the relationships, what happened in the past, and how this young boy is going to come out on top. The artwork has the same blend of simple fun and emotional layers as the story itself.
I highly recommend Cow Boy to graphic novel fans of all ages. I also think readers that have yet to discover how wonderful a graphic novel can be when done right, or enjoy graphic novels without the sex and violence that seem inherent to the format, should take a serious look at this book. Cow Boy offers readers all the good things about graphic novels, without the blood, guts, or sex that turn some readers away or being boring or less entertaining without those aspects, so it will truly interest all readers.
Cow Boy is truly a graphic novel for all ages. It is fun, with a young hero with no real violence or disturbing moments for the youngest of readers. However, there is also the story of a boy doing the right thing, going against a criminal family, while also leaving the question open to whether he is doing the right thing for revenge rather than for the sake of doing the right thing. There is also the fun of figuring out the relationships, what happened in the past, and how this young boy is going to come out on top. The artwork has the same blend of simple fun and emotional layers as the story itself.
I highly recommend Cow Boy to graphic novel fans of all ages. I also think readers that have yet to discover how wonderful a graphic novel can be when done right, or enjoy graphic novels without the sex and violence that seem inherent to the format, should take a serious look at this book. Cow Boy offers readers all the good things about graphic novels, without the blood, guts, or sex that turn some readers away or being boring or less entertaining without those aspects, so it will truly interest all readers.
March 3, 2013
Cow Boy A Boy and His Horse A Western Graphic Novel by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos - tonight I eagerly sat down with my son to read this book. We had previously enjoyed a few other cowboy books and I personally was excited to have something to link with Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack (even though it was written for a different age range.) So we read our way through the book. We loved the man missing his underwear and the twists with the little 10 year old bounty hunter. Pretty fun read aloud for us... overall. My main problem as a reader is that it was slightly disjointed. And I sat and compared it with Bad Kitty because in that one there are different voices/transitions as well but I think what I missed was the clear deliniation between the portions/stories in the book with Cow Boy. When I finished the book my son said, huh, that was a weird ending, it wasn't really done was it mom? Yet it was, if you had watched Westerns in the past and know how those leave you hanging a little... I think mostly my son didn't identify with the character having such a strong sense of right and wrong that he brought one particular character in for a bounty. Cow Boy certainly did stay true to the form of a Western but I now am concerned with how it will be received by my graphic novel readers. I enjoyed it, especially with my past experience but I feel like there would be some pre-teaching to appreciate the book vs. interpreting the book on its own. Funny to read other reviews from reader friends I admire on Goodreads, feel like I'm alone in this experience!
May 30, 2015
This is an odd one. Great illustrations and some deadpan humor that is hilarious. Boyd Linney is a ten year-old bounty hunter, with a rotten family and a score to settle. The dialogue is crisp and the comic timing excellent. This, while visually very appealing to kids is not really for them. I have to agree with another reviewer that commented that the two-page stand-alone comics that appear between chapters don't add, and actually detract from Cow Boy. The first one knocked it off my must-buy list by picturing a happy ending that will have some children up at night. The other uncomfortable bit, which is at least justified by meaningful content, is a scene in which Boyd interrupts three kids tormenting an African American free-man, who had been illegally taken as a slave and is trying to get back to his family in Philadelphia. There is some interesting stuff here, but it is likely more adult than most 7th and 8th graders can easily process, especially without any context. (Imagine four pages pulled out of one of the Asian stereotype scenes in American Born Chinese: awesome stuff, but without context has the high likelihood of being misinterpreted and causing offense.
Bottom line: I will need to pass this in front of some kids I know before deciding if it should sit on the shelves. Double thumbs up for grown-ups though.
Bottom line: I will need to pass this in front of some kids I know before deciding if it should sit on the shelves. Double thumbs up for grown-ups though.
March 6, 2013
From the cover to the book to the very last page, I couldn't stop smiling. The voice of little, rough and tough cowboy Boyd was just so fun to read! His first line even just captures his "ferocious" voice saying, "Bounty huntin’s simple. A man done wrong. You get that man.” He just seemed like a little boy who likes to put on his dad's work shoes and pretend that he is forty, working at a desk. It was so...endearing...for the most part :)
While the book, for me, had an overall just fun and playful feel, there were parts that seemed very mature. Moments of loneliness. Moments of having to choose what was "right"-follow the "law" or family ties. That one was the reason I couldn't give this book five stars. It seemed like such an easy decision for him to choose to follow the law over his family ties and I just wanted to see more love to his family. Maybe that's nit picking; but, hey, it's my opinion right?!
I would still definitely recommend this book and would love to have this in my classroom because the pictures do an awesome job not just supporting the text but carrying on the story line on it's own! Loved little Boyd :)
While the book, for me, had an overall just fun and playful feel, there were parts that seemed very mature. Moments of loneliness. Moments of having to choose what was "right"-follow the "law" or family ties. That one was the reason I couldn't give this book five stars. It seemed like such an easy decision for him to choose to follow the law over his family ties and I just wanted to see more love to his family. Maybe that's nit picking; but, hey, it's my opinion right?!
I would still definitely recommend this book and would love to have this in my classroom because the pictures do an awesome job not just supporting the text but carrying on the story line on it's own! Loved little Boyd :)
July 19, 2012
Initially, the word that sprung to mind as I began to read was "adorable." Please don't interpret this in its patronizing connotation. I mean that in a joy-giving, irrepressible wide grin kind of way. A ten year old bounty hunter on a horse he can't mount without assistance is adorable.
But as I read on, Boyd's backstory and his encounters with his family and with other travelers revealed a child resolved to do the right thing, sticking to his own rigid code of morals while ridding society of his good-for-nothin family members.
There are several moments that tug at your heartstrings and almost make you wish he'd make an exception, just this once. There are many bittersweet moments where his loneliness breaks your heart.
I love the art in the story. The panels give us time to get to know Boyd and to see his reactions and interpret what he's feeling. And the style of art supports the tone of the story. I love the design of the book...Get the hard cover.
The support stories are fun as well, and I enjoyed their placement in the story!
But as I read on, Boyd's backstory and his encounters with his family and with other travelers revealed a child resolved to do the right thing, sticking to his own rigid code of morals while ridding society of his good-for-nothin family members.
There are several moments that tug at your heartstrings and almost make you wish he'd make an exception, just this once. There are many bittersweet moments where his loneliness breaks your heart.
I love the art in the story. The panels give us time to get to know Boyd and to see his reactions and interpret what he's feeling. And the style of art supports the tone of the story. I love the design of the book...Get the hard cover.
The support stories are fun as well, and I enjoyed their placement in the story!
October 14, 2013
This graphic novel had an interesting story line that I think could be fitted into many of today’s family problems. Here was a boy left to his own care that was tossed out into the pen with the pigs by his brother who didn’t want to listen to his cry. This act of disregard was then compounded by the rest of his family and it seemed that eventually at a very young age, he was left to care for himself and straighten out his family problems. The only person that at first seemed to give him joy was his grandfather, who turned out to have taken stolen goods from his mother and that disappointed him and also disillusioned his view of this grandfather. This book would be suited for fifth and sixth grade readers because the pictures and the character’s expressions would need to be understood as well as the text. I totally love his rifle that had a horse head stock to it because it showed the tender child inside this gruff, western talking bounty hunter who is determine to clean up the Ole’ West of his lawless family.
September 7, 2012
This is a great graphic novel, slightly flawed by the varying age range of the short stories included.
The basic premise is that a little boy named Boyd has turned to bounty hunting, with his primary targets the various members of his own family, a criminal bunch. One digression involves finding an escaped slave in a livery stable. That and other parts of this odd story are about the main character's quest, and about growing up in spite of your family.
Thanks to the artwork of Chris Eliopoulos, the story has a visual style that would entertain readers of things like Calvin & Hobbes, but the core of the stories is a bit more serious. One very short text piece tells how Boyd first became a bounty hunter. The graphic segments show various aspects of how despicable his family is. The story is a bit grim, but his quest is intriguing. I think it will appeal to kids who have read Lemony Snicket and other such stories, in addition to ones who like westerns.
The basic premise is that a little boy named Boyd has turned to bounty hunting, with his primary targets the various members of his own family, a criminal bunch. One digression involves finding an escaped slave in a livery stable. That and other parts of this odd story are about the main character's quest, and about growing up in spite of your family.
Thanks to the artwork of Chris Eliopoulos, the story has a visual style that would entertain readers of things like Calvin & Hobbes, but the core of the stories is a bit more serious. One very short text piece tells how Boyd first became a bounty hunter. The graphic segments show various aspects of how despicable his family is. The story is a bit grim, but his quest is intriguing. I think it will appeal to kids who have read Lemony Snicket and other such stories, in addition to ones who like westerns.
February 27, 2013
The run-of-the-mill concept of the bounty hunter in Westerns is given a unique spin in Cow Boy, where our bounty hunter is a ten year-old boy whose targets are the other members of his ne'er-do-well family. The story is sweet but compelling, kind but morally complex. Our hero is tough beyond his years yet also the epitome of a ten year-old not yet exposed to all that the world has to offer in its glories and iniquities alike.
It's hard to describe the art without using the word "cute" or synonyms thereof, but that in no way takes away from how good it is. The juxtaposition, in fact, of the cute visuals with the sinewy action and tough language works really well for the book overall.
I also really enjoyed the guest-star vignettes between each chapter, ranging from the romantic to the absurd, that added depth and heart to the Cow Boy universe. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
It's hard to describe the art without using the word "cute" or synonyms thereof, but that in no way takes away from how good it is. The juxtaposition, in fact, of the cute visuals with the sinewy action and tough language works really well for the book overall.
I also really enjoyed the guest-star vignettes between each chapter, ranging from the romantic to the absurd, that added depth and heart to the Cow Boy universe. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
December 18, 2013
“Bounty huntin’s simple...Ain’t hard math. Good thing. Nobody’s taught me math yet.”
I kinda adore this story. Boyd Linney is a 10-year-old kid on a mission to rescue his good for nothing dad with his trusty steed and a custom made gun that is too cute for words. It's hard being a cowboy when you're just a kid.
It is easy to get lost in the cute. The art is gorgeous. The humor is everywhere and I've now incorporated words like tarnation into my everyday vocabulary. But, underneath this kids comic book, is a bonified western with heart and a strong sense of morality. There are brief humorous stories that pause the main story and give the reader a laugh. They remind me of the short skits in the hay on Hee Haw or Statler and Waldorf on the Muppets. Goldarnet, I smiled through the whole thing.
I kinda adore this story. Boyd Linney is a 10-year-old kid on a mission to rescue his good for nothing dad with his trusty steed and a custom made gun that is too cute for words. It's hard being a cowboy when you're just a kid.
It is easy to get lost in the cute. The art is gorgeous. The humor is everywhere and I've now incorporated words like tarnation into my everyday vocabulary. But, underneath this kids comic book, is a bonified western with heart and a strong sense of morality. There are brief humorous stories that pause the main story and give the reader a laugh. They remind me of the short skits in the hay on Hee Haw or Statler and Waldorf on the Muppets. Goldarnet, I smiled through the whole thing.
October 15, 2013
I actually really enjoyed this book. The book is about a young boy who is a cowboy and a bounty hunter. It is hilarious to me that this young boy is taken seriously by the criminals and sheriffs in this book. I feel that children will love this book because most kids pretend play about being cowboys and bandits. This book catches kids' interests and they will be able to live their "dreams" through this book. The kids will be able to enjoy reading and loose themselves in this book. Also the book is in a comic book format which also appeals to kids because it will feel like the kids aren't even reading a book that can teach them about history. I would have this book in my classroom when I become a teacher because I feel all the kids will love to read it.
January 25, 2016
Boyd is a ten year old bounty hunter out to get vengeance. He travels across the West scooping up criminals and serving justice.
Boyd is an interesting character, and I love how the pictures create great visualization and movement without having to use words. Boyd, being 10 years old, should not be a bounty hunter. He should not use his “horse” (a peashooter) to create justice. But, unfortunately in his life, justice is what he needs – even against his own family. I think this is provocative because there are a lot of things teenagers “shouldn't” have to deal with – divorce, depression, racism, and violence – even with members of their own family. The tag line is “justice ain't got not age”and I think it sums up the book very well.
Boyd is an interesting character, and I love how the pictures create great visualization and movement without having to use words. Boyd, being 10 years old, should not be a bounty hunter. He should not use his “horse” (a peashooter) to create justice. But, unfortunately in his life, justice is what he needs – even against his own family. I think this is provocative because there are a lot of things teenagers “shouldn't” have to deal with – divorce, depression, racism, and violence – even with members of their own family. The tag line is “justice ain't got not age”and I think it sums up the book very well.
April 6, 2013
3.5
A neat, somewhat gritty (but not bloody) and mostly funny book about a small boy being a cowboy in the Wild West. I have to admit that I was not a fan of many of the random bits in between the main story "chapters." The story itself was compelling.
The little Cow Boy character turned out to be tremendously complex. I must admit that I didn't see that coming. I expected this to be strait comic relief. This is the rare comic that you can recommend to just about anyone because it provides the basis for interesting discussions.
Morality is squarely in the center of this tale. It's a good one, well drawn, lettered, and told.
Recommend.
A neat, somewhat gritty (but not bloody) and mostly funny book about a small boy being a cowboy in the Wild West. I have to admit that I was not a fan of many of the random bits in between the main story "chapters." The story itself was compelling.
The little Cow Boy character turned out to be tremendously complex. I must admit that I didn't see that coming. I expected this to be strait comic relief. This is the rare comic that you can recommend to just about anyone because it provides the basis for interesting discussions.
Morality is squarely in the center of this tale. It's a good one, well drawn, lettered, and told.
Recommend.
September 4, 2014
This was a good story, but there was a lot of negativity by the main little boy, including multiple acts of vandalism, physical violence against adults, gun violence, and name calling, all in the name of justice. These aspects of the story really turned me off.
I wish I could give it a better review, it really was a good story and I loved the illustrations.
I would NOT recommend this to a conservative or Christian family. It teaches children that you get your way by using violence and shooting at people, also, that you can do whatever you want if you say it's for justice.
A side note too, this book features a seen with a smoking lady seeming to be a prostitute.
I wish I could give it a better review, it really was a good story and I loved the illustrations.
I would NOT recommend this to a conservative or Christian family. It teaches children that you get your way by using violence and shooting at people, also, that you can do whatever you want if you say it's for justice.
A side note too, this book features a seen with a smoking lady seeming to be a prostitute.
July 7, 2012
I really enjoyed this book about a young cowboy bounty-hunter who is on the trail of criminals who mean more to him than just a pay day. This is a great example of putting a whole lot of feeling and drama into a fun graphic novel anyone can enjoy. A true "western" story. The book also had a number of short western cartoons in-between chapters which were quite funny and sometimes a little more disturbing than I expected (poor piggy). But all-in-all I give this one five little doggies, or five six-shooters, or five spurs...anyway, five westerny things.
October 24, 2012
At once both charming and surprisingly deep, Cow Boy is the story of a young man who is treated poorly by his family but learns right from wrong despite this disadvantage. Thus begins his mission to personally put his family, thieves and law-breakers, behind bars. This is a great reminder that children are wiser than we give the credit for.
There are short comics in between the "chapters" of this story but they seem a bit mature, even though they show no severe violence or sexuality.
Would recommend for boys, grades 3+.
There are short comics in between the "chapters" of this story but they seem a bit mature, even though they show no severe violence or sexuality.
Would recommend for boys, grades 3+.
January 27, 2013
Cow Boy is fierce, dedicated, and just a little ornery. He's a pint-sized bounty hunter, bound and determined to bring his lawless family members to justice. In Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos' Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse, Cow Boy Boyd is out for blood with his trusty steed and steel, and his adventure is full of humor, grit and fun. The language is spot on old west and half the fun itself. Interstitial comics that punctuate the breaks in Boyd's story are very rewarding in their brevity. All together this makes for 97 pages of wonder and amusement.
April 14, 2014
This was a good book because of its use of playfully skimming serious topics but still get the massege across. This is shown in the part where Boyd Linny encounters a group of boys beating up a black man. The man Then procedes tells Boyd that him and is sons were kidnapped and sold into slavery. This shows some of the more serious tones that the play full looking novel brings into context. Moreover the way that the gutters are displayed rigedly and the dominance of dark colors bring out a darker more serious tone.
June 23, 2014
Starts off a funny/ironic (Use of irony would be a good discussion), but gradually gets a little darker with flashbacks to how he was treated by brother and mother as an infant. Get the impression that Mom is the real baddie. Doesn’t take granddad in to the marshall, which shows some confusion – trouble with shades of gray when black and white thinking are so much easier. Not sure why the other comics are interjected like intermission at a movie-show. Have seen reviews that target grades 3 - 8. I'd maybe bump that up a bit depending on the audience. There's a brothel and smoking.
December 6, 2012
I thought this was an interesting book. It was fun to read, it made me laugh a few times. It is about a 10 year old bounty hunter who is tougher than his age and size. There is a surprise twist in the story of his hunt. I think this is categorized as a children's book, but I think, due to the behavior of the child and a hidden reference to a house of prostitution, it should be for high schoolers and above.
In light of all that, I thought it was a good story and I hope there is a sequel.
In light of all that, I thought it was a good story and I hope there is a sequel.
February 2, 2013
This book was absolutely adorable. The illustrations were fantastic and helped make for a very comical story. Although he is small, he should is a fighter. My favorite part of this book is his gun which is a horse. Nate Cosby did a great job with the "western" theme. I would recommend this book to any child who does not like chapter books, or cannot read chapter books and for anyone who wants a laugh!
August 20, 2013
One of my favorite graphic novels! Wonderful illustrations and amazing characters. Although the main character is 10, this book skews a little older due to some of the situations. However, the violence is never graphic and the language is never fully western. Liked the little vignettes, especially the one with the cowgirl and the penguin, which is something I want to see as a full graphic novel!
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