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Billy the Kid's Old-Timey Oddities #1
Billy the Kid's Old Timey Oddities
Penned with deranged glee by Powell and illustrated by fan-favorite horror artist Kyle Hotz (The Agency and The Hood), Billy The Kid's Old Timey Oddities starts with Billy the Kid free to roam America, having faked his own death. Free, that is, until Fineas Spoule, a.k.a. The Human Spider, discovers his secret. Now, afraid of being exposed, Billy finds himself in the service of a caravan of carnival sideshow performers who have unfinished business with a mad scientist none other than Victor Frankenstein himself! This twisted lovechild of spaghetti westerns and Hammer horror flicks combines Powell's humorous fast-paced storytelling and Hotz's quirky macabre visuals for a story that the whole family will love... if they're they kind of family that love alligator men and miniature boys fighting monstrous mistakes of science with the help of the fastest gunslinger in the West!
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
131 people want to read
About the author
Eric Powell
498 books282 followersEric Powell has contributed work on such comics titles as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Hellboy: Weird Tales, Star Wars Tales, The Incredible Hulk, Black Panther, The Avengers, The Hood, MAD Magazine, Devil Dinosaur, Swamp Thing, the Avengers, She-Hulk, the Simpsons, Arkham Asylum: Living Hell and Action Comics.
Although eking out a meager living in the comics field since 1995, Eric didn't find true success until he launched his critically acclaimed dark comedy series The Goon. The Goon was subsequently picked up by Dark Horse Comics and boasts a diehard cult following.
Although eking out a meager living in the comics field since 1995, Eric didn't find true success until he launched his critically acclaimed dark comedy series The Goon. The Goon was subsequently picked up by Dark Horse Comics and boasts a diehard cult following.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews
May 13, 2025
Billy the Kid finds a new home.
December 22, 2012
William H. Bonney, aka Billy the Kid, was shot dead after killing some lawmen at a jail he managed to break out of - or was he? Eric “The Goon” Powell takes his enormous writing talent and applies it to this cowboy legend, taking him from the Wild West and depositing him in the company of carney folk on a mission to the Old World (Europe) to seek out the heart of a Golem in the hands of mad scientist Victor Frankenstein.
Powell splices in snippets of Billy’s abusive childhood in between the present as he fends off all manner of deformed creatures in his role as the protector of his small group of treasure hunters. The effect of including moments of non-fiction among the fiction makes for a more involving tale as Billy’s actions, seen through the prism of his damaged viewpoint, humanises him. It also works as a perfect foil to Powell’s darkly comedic instincts and blends in nicely with the strong storytelling focus on action fantasy.
Powell supplies the writing, handing over art duties to Kyle Hotz, an unfamiliar name, but boy, after reading this I’ll definitely remember to keep a look out for other titles he’s worked on. The art is outstanding, really. Cartoonish without seeming cartoony, gothic without seeming melodramatic, his panels contain detailed flourishes and imaginative visions which perfectly match this otherworldly story. Powell’s writing is excellent and is matched toe for toe with Hotz’ stylised and accomplished artwork.
I had a blast with “Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities”. Fans of Eric Powell will enjoy this the most but if you’re a comics fan looking for an ideal mash up of HP Lovecraft, Westerns, and dark comedy, with brilliant writing and art, this short book is right up your alley. Great fun, I’m off to check out the sequel. Fill yer boots!
Powell splices in snippets of Billy’s abusive childhood in between the present as he fends off all manner of deformed creatures in his role as the protector of his small group of treasure hunters. The effect of including moments of non-fiction among the fiction makes for a more involving tale as Billy’s actions, seen through the prism of his damaged viewpoint, humanises him. It also works as a perfect foil to Powell’s darkly comedic instincts and blends in nicely with the strong storytelling focus on action fantasy.
Powell supplies the writing, handing over art duties to Kyle Hotz, an unfamiliar name, but boy, after reading this I’ll definitely remember to keep a look out for other titles he’s worked on. The art is outstanding, really. Cartoonish without seeming cartoony, gothic without seeming melodramatic, his panels contain detailed flourishes and imaginative visions which perfectly match this otherworldly story. Powell’s writing is excellent and is matched toe for toe with Hotz’ stylised and accomplished artwork.
I had a blast with “Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities”. Fans of Eric Powell will enjoy this the most but if you’re a comics fan looking for an ideal mash up of HP Lovecraft, Westerns, and dark comedy, with brilliant writing and art, this short book is right up your alley. Great fun, I’m off to check out the sequel. Fill yer boots!
December 25, 2018
Nice read in the weird western genre. We find out Billy the Kid didn't really did when we he thought he did. He is then recruited by a sideshow to steal a magical gem from Dr. Frankenstein himself. Nice art by Kyle Hotz and a great balance between Weird and Western equal a very fun read.
April 19, 2018
Δυνατό κομικάκι. Όταν στερεύουν οι ιδέες των κλασικών σεναρίων και οι δημιουργοί ανακατεύουν φαινομενικά ασυμβίβαστες θεματολογίες, ή κάτι πολύ καλό θα βγει ή κάτι πολύ κακό. Εδώ βγήκε ανάλαφρο και διασκεδαστικό. Το διάβασα γρήγορα, χόρτασα το σχεδιάκι που σε ελάχιστα σημεία το βρήκα μπουκωμένο, έψαξα για τυχόν συνέχειες, τις βρήκα και τις έβαλα να κατεβαίνουν. Περίεργο μιξ μιας από τις διάσημες φιγούρες του φαρ-ουέστ με τρόμο της βικτωριάνα αλλά τελικά βγήκε απολαυστικό.
Αν και έχω τα περισσότερα goon, δεν έτυχε ακόμα να τα διαβάσω. Αν είναι και αυτά γεμάτα με αυτό το κάφρικο χιουμοράκι θα πέσει γέλιο.
-"Ξέρεις τι δεν μου πάει κάτω με τίποτα σε σένα; Που γ@μησες τα καημένα τα πρόβατα." :) :)
Αν δεν είναι αυτό η καταλληλότερη ατάκα για την κορύφωση του φινάλε, ποια είναι ερωτώ!
Αν και έχω τα περισσότερα goon, δεν έτυχε ακόμα να τα διαβάσω. Αν είναι και αυτά γεμάτα με αυτό το κάφρικο χιουμοράκι θα πέσει γέλιο.
-"Ξέρεις τι δεν μου πάει κάτω με τίποτα σε σένα; Που γ@μησες τα καημένα τα πρόβατα." :) :)
Αν δεν είναι αυτό η καταλληλότερη ατάκα για την κορύφωση του φινάλε, ποια είναι ερωτώ!
October 22, 2007
Another reason why Dark Horse is the leading large indie publisher of horror comics -- original, twisted, and funny. The editors at DH must have some of the creative insight Max and Bill Gaines had when publishing their multiple, still-relevant-to-this-day E.C. Comics horror series.
December 28, 2017
BCDER: 84
Supernatural horror western with Dr. Frankenstein and a freak show supporting cast - county me in! The artwork is amazing, smoke and clouds can be admired for minutes.
Supernatural horror western with Dr. Frankenstein and a freak show supporting cast - county me in! The artwork is amazing, smoke and clouds can be admired for minutes.
February 1, 2016
This was a lot of fun, this style of story, mixing real characters with fictional and mythical are hit or miss but this one really worked for me.
This was a fairly gross and violent comic but not graphic in an odd way, the art doing a great job of portraying the grotesque without going to far into gore, even during the violent scenes.
The characters were intriguing if not always likable, Billy the Kid especially is an uncouth lout you don't particularly like, but it fits him well.
My one compliant is that I would have liked to have gotten to know more of the 1Cfreaks 1D better but perhaps that happens in the next two stories?
It was a fast read but managed to really cram a lot of story into it's short pages without really feeling rushed or that much was missed or cut out. Overall I was very satisfied with the story and wanted to read more when I was done.
This was a fairly gross and violent comic but not graphic in an odd way, the art doing a great job of portraying the grotesque without going to far into gore, even during the violent scenes.
The characters were intriguing if not always likable, Billy the Kid especially is an uncouth lout you don't particularly like, but it fits him well.
My one compliant is that I would have liked to have gotten to know more of the 1Cfreaks 1D better but perhaps that happens in the next two stories?
It was a fast read but managed to really cram a lot of story into it's short pages without really feeling rushed or that much was missed or cut out. Overall I was very satisfied with the story and wanted to read more when I was done.
August 24, 2011
Interesting. I mostly like Billy's attitude in this, but he seems a bit oafish for my tastes, and for the stories about him. I'm probably to much a sucker for the romanticism behind the Kid's legend, but while I can handle 'rough around the edges', dangerous, witty, sarcastic, cold, yaddia yaddia - oafishness just never sits well with me.
November 9, 2013
Good stuff. I'm a sucker for stories that intertwine various characters (in this case, real and imagined) from different sources and genres into one story. In many ways we have a classic story here for a rogue who finds redemption, or a hard man who learns that he can be saved, but there's enough interesting and different additions amongst the details to make it feel new.
September 22, 2014
After Billy the Kid fakes his own death, he falls in with a pack of traveling carnival folk and joins them in a fight against Victor Frankenstein and his Alpine-Village-of-Dr.-Moreau. Creepy and awesome at the same time.
November 5, 2018
I think I was attracted to this series because Kyle Hotz did the art. I really like his loose style, but it would look better in a larger format so that you can soak up the strange details. The story has a cool premise.
September 19, 2015
Forgettable but well executed pulp, entertaining enough. Luscious drawings.
July 13, 2023
I read this graphic novel because I live near and work at Lincoln Historic Site where the historical Billy the Kid lived and fought during the Lincoln County War. My lecture was on the legend and myth that has developed since his death. I thought this was an enjoyable and entertaining take on the character. The Billy in this series fulfills the typical Hollywood stereotype of an outlaw/gunfighter.
It is dark and edgy and twisted. For me it shows how certain people in American History become more famous for the folklore that is written about them.
It is dark and edgy and twisted. For me it shows how certain people in American History become more famous for the folklore that is written about them.
February 18, 2023
This was more fun than I was expecting. Billy the Kid turns out not to have been killed, thanks to a bit of mistaken identity. On the lamb & trying to keep his identity secret, he gets recruited by folks in a traveling circus to help them find something valuable. What follows is a weird adventure that feels like something in the tone of Hellboy, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and Hammer Horror (with some of the extra luridness of American International).
July 12, 2020
Εξαιρετική δουλειά από Eric Powell και Kyle Hotz. Ενδιαφέρουσα και ιδιαίτερη ιστορία, πολύ καλό κείμενο και εξαιρετικό σχέδιο. Όλοι οι χαρακτήρες συμπληρώνουν ο ένας τον άλλο. Από τον αμφιλεγόμενο Billy The Kid μέχρι τον θίασο φρικιων και τον Δρ. Φρανκενσταιν, συνθέτουν μια ιστορία που απολαμβάνεις από την πρώτη μέχρι την τελευταία σελίδα. Το συνιστώ ανεπιφύλακτα.
June 21, 2024
Billy the Kid hooks up with a carnival sideshow to go treasure hunting. Hotz fills this book full of strange looking mutants. The art is really good. It's one of the rare times where Powell doesn't draw his own comic but it works here. It still has the same weird, horrific fun you can typically expect from Eric Powell.
June 22, 2025
Review is for three volumes read consecutively
Mash-up/pastiche done right. Take recognizable characters and archetypes, put them in familiar settings and storylines, and twist the tale just enough to surprise and delight the audience. If only there were half a dozen more volumes - - there are certainly enough possibilities to fill them.
Mash-up/pastiche done right. Take recognizable characters and archetypes, put them in familiar settings and storylines, and twist the tale just enough to surprise and delight the audience. If only there were half a dozen more volumes - - there are certainly enough possibilities to fill them.
January 22, 2024
An interesting mix of horror and western. A carnivale of oddities got the legendary William Bonney to a stroll through Transilvania in search of a magical jewel that creates monsters. A fun read, not overly pretentious.
November 22, 2010
Fans of Eric Powell and Dark Horse Comics’ THE GOON are invited to take a brief vacation from the mythology of a bare-knuckled, deformed brute; his sordid and creative cast of characters; and all the witchcraft, zombies, and bloodshed of that series to embark on a much different tale, starring one of the American West’s greatest legends.
Scratch that. Fans of THE GOON are in for more of the same regionalist, Southern Gothic storytelling that Powell has mastered through his ongoing series, but this singular series, starring Billy the Kid, simply posits readers into a world where Billy the Kid becomes the unlikely hero of the narrative when he’s asked to obtain the so-called “Heart of Golem,” a mythical artifact that is sought after by none other than Victor Von Frankenstein.
The story of BILLY THE KID’S OLD TIMEY ODDITIES is pretty simplistic, to write the very least, though this isn’t to suggest that it isn’t fare for the die-hard fans of Powell and THE GOON. Fans of Powell’s singular regionalism—particularly, the manner in which Powell is able to create a world that readers will ultimately believe could actually exist—will enjoy this brief reprieve from the ongoing mythology of THE GOON, but ODDITIES does little more than transport readers into a world where an historical gunfighter is transported into a world where magic, the living dead, and magic exist—no questions asked.
Along the way, Powell does a relatively good turn in dipping his toe into the mythology of a new character (albeit historically-based) to demonstrate the adventure that the serials of the old-time radio westerns possessed long, long ago. At its heart, OLD TIMEY ODDITIES is an entertaining read. It doesn’t require knowledge of Billy the Kid as an historical figure, yet it also doesn’t demand much when it comes to sequels, which might serve for some readers as the sticking point. When readers have finished OLD TIMEY ODDITIES, they won’t necessarily demand further adventures of Billy the Kid in similar scenarios, and that rather abbreviated adventure with the Kid may encourage readers to see this volume as little more than “fun” fare, with no long-lasting repercussions.
Truly, the strength that Powell demonstrates in this particular volume is reserved for the supporting cast. Too often over the course of this volume, Billy the Kid himself is reduced to a Seinfeld-esque caricature: entertaining to some extent, but ultimately overshadowed by the depth and potential of the supporting cast. This isn’t to suggest that Billy himself isn’t capable of further exploits, as his character ultimately demonstrates some growth that could prove for fruitful storytelling in the future, but the supporting cast is more capable of carrying a series than the vulgar, colloquialism-spinning, revolver-twirling “hero” that is meant to carry this tale.
Luckily, many Powell fans will be introduced to the illustrations of Kyle Hotz, who most notably gained recognition as the artist on Brian K. Vaughan’s THE HOOD. Hotz’s art is perfectly in sync with the humorous sensibility and Southern Gothic storytelling that Powell provides, so that any reader in love with both Powell’s writing and art will not feel discouraged that Powell himself isn’t illustrating the mini-series.
Understand that devoted readers of THE GOON, who might not have ventured into the worlds of CHIMICHANGA or the spin-off to THE GOON, entitled, BUZZARD, will experience a rather unique foray into the creative mind of Powell as a writer who is willing to take a rather dramatic and innovative turn by delving into the mythology of a character that isn’t as complex and intriguing as THE GOON. For fans looking for a respite from THE GOON’s exploits, yet still reminiscent of the sensibility of the series itself, ODDITIES may be the best match.
But at its best, OLD TIMEY ODDITIES is a self-contained, relatively creative story of what would transpire if Billy the Kid were enlisted to seek out a mythological artifact, including all of the villains that would stand in his way, and insomuch that the concept is unique, it might also read to some as a bit of a gimmick or a “one-trick pony.” Without looking into the future of Powell’s adventures of Billy the Kid, readers will leave this volume with little understanding of what makes this character, and his exploits, truly memorable, outside of the singular experience that warranted the storytelling, and for the moment, the proof in the “puddin’” is simply what readers will get.
Nothing less, and certainly nothing more.
It’s certainly consistently “old timey,” provided in part by Powell’s writing, and the experience is worth the attention of any great fan of Powell and THE GOON, but it’s also just a little bit this side of “odd.”
While an entertaining venture, readers may not be able to completely determine if this is a freak show that they’d prefer to visit again, any time soon.
The attendance of those that wholeheartedly embrace this unique narrative will depend upon future tours by Powell, Billy the Kid, his varied cast of characters, and the plot itself.
Scratch that. Fans of THE GOON are in for more of the same regionalist, Southern Gothic storytelling that Powell has mastered through his ongoing series, but this singular series, starring Billy the Kid, simply posits readers into a world where Billy the Kid becomes the unlikely hero of the narrative when he’s asked to obtain the so-called “Heart of Golem,” a mythical artifact that is sought after by none other than Victor Von Frankenstein.
The story of BILLY THE KID’S OLD TIMEY ODDITIES is pretty simplistic, to write the very least, though this isn’t to suggest that it isn’t fare for the die-hard fans of Powell and THE GOON. Fans of Powell’s singular regionalism—particularly, the manner in which Powell is able to create a world that readers will ultimately believe could actually exist—will enjoy this brief reprieve from the ongoing mythology of THE GOON, but ODDITIES does little more than transport readers into a world where an historical gunfighter is transported into a world where magic, the living dead, and magic exist—no questions asked.
Along the way, Powell does a relatively good turn in dipping his toe into the mythology of a new character (albeit historically-based) to demonstrate the adventure that the serials of the old-time radio westerns possessed long, long ago. At its heart, OLD TIMEY ODDITIES is an entertaining read. It doesn’t require knowledge of Billy the Kid as an historical figure, yet it also doesn’t demand much when it comes to sequels, which might serve for some readers as the sticking point. When readers have finished OLD TIMEY ODDITIES, they won’t necessarily demand further adventures of Billy the Kid in similar scenarios, and that rather abbreviated adventure with the Kid may encourage readers to see this volume as little more than “fun” fare, with no long-lasting repercussions.
Truly, the strength that Powell demonstrates in this particular volume is reserved for the supporting cast. Too often over the course of this volume, Billy the Kid himself is reduced to a Seinfeld-esque caricature: entertaining to some extent, but ultimately overshadowed by the depth and potential of the supporting cast. This isn’t to suggest that Billy himself isn’t capable of further exploits, as his character ultimately demonstrates some growth that could prove for fruitful storytelling in the future, but the supporting cast is more capable of carrying a series than the vulgar, colloquialism-spinning, revolver-twirling “hero” that is meant to carry this tale.
Luckily, many Powell fans will be introduced to the illustrations of Kyle Hotz, who most notably gained recognition as the artist on Brian K. Vaughan’s THE HOOD. Hotz’s art is perfectly in sync with the humorous sensibility and Southern Gothic storytelling that Powell provides, so that any reader in love with both Powell’s writing and art will not feel discouraged that Powell himself isn’t illustrating the mini-series.
Understand that devoted readers of THE GOON, who might not have ventured into the worlds of CHIMICHANGA or the spin-off to THE GOON, entitled, BUZZARD, will experience a rather unique foray into the creative mind of Powell as a writer who is willing to take a rather dramatic and innovative turn by delving into the mythology of a character that isn’t as complex and intriguing as THE GOON. For fans looking for a respite from THE GOON’s exploits, yet still reminiscent of the sensibility of the series itself, ODDITIES may be the best match.
But at its best, OLD TIMEY ODDITIES is a self-contained, relatively creative story of what would transpire if Billy the Kid were enlisted to seek out a mythological artifact, including all of the villains that would stand in his way, and insomuch that the concept is unique, it might also read to some as a bit of a gimmick or a “one-trick pony.” Without looking into the future of Powell’s adventures of Billy the Kid, readers will leave this volume with little understanding of what makes this character, and his exploits, truly memorable, outside of the singular experience that warranted the storytelling, and for the moment, the proof in the “puddin’” is simply what readers will get.
Nothing less, and certainly nothing more.
It’s certainly consistently “old timey,” provided in part by Powell’s writing, and the experience is worth the attention of any great fan of Powell and THE GOON, but it’s also just a little bit this side of “odd.”
While an entertaining venture, readers may not be able to completely determine if this is a freak show that they’d prefer to visit again, any time soon.
The attendance of those that wholeheartedly embrace this unique narrative will depend upon future tours by Powell, Billy the Kid, his varied cast of characters, and the plot itself.
September 16, 2019
Well, Watta certainly looked like an H. P. Lovecraft character.
November 16, 2020
Fun, lightweight story with fitting artwork. Not many surprises and Billy could've been replaced with any generic gunslinger, but it's a neat mash-up that's quick and easy to read.
February 13, 2019
Ποτέ δεν λέω όχι σε ανορθόδοξα crossover όπως αυτό, δεν μπορώ να πω όμως πως πάντα τα απολαμβάνω όσο απόλαυσα το συγκεκριμένο. Σκοτεινή ατμόσφαιρα, black humor, ανάλαφρο και απλό σενάριο χωρίς να παίρνει τον εαυτό του πιο σοβαρά απ' όσο θα έπρεπε. Το μόνο που θα άλλαζα είναι ότι θα το προτιμούσα με χρώμα. Προσωπικά ποτέ δεν κατάλαβα την "τέχνη" του ασπρόμαυρου, εκτός βέβαια και αν απλά ήταν θέμα budget. Όπως και να έχει πάντως, δεν με χάλασε αρκετά ώστε να μην του βάλω 5 αστέρια!
January 11, 2012
Billy the Kid takes up with some strange folk for what he thinks is a treasure hunt but what is really an effort to retrieve an old friend. We get background into what has made Billy the Kid who he is (he definitely didn't have the greatest childhood) and we get a chance to see what happened to Frankenstein after his initial experiment. The members of the caravan were definitely interesting, and I loved the tattoo'd lady, even with her sad sad story. The art style also definitely worked for this cross between a western and and a scifi/horror title.
That being said I didn't really like or dislike this book, I felt kind of nuetral about it which is weird b/c normally I feel like I should have liked it.
I'm curious as to whether this is a series or not b/c I think I would be curious to read the next one.
That being said I didn't really like or dislike this book, I felt kind of nuetral about it which is weird b/c normally I feel like I should have liked it.
I'm curious as to whether this is a series or not b/c I think I would be curious to read the next one.
January 2, 2015
Fun mish-mash of Victoria-era characters... you get Billy the Kid, Mr. Hyde, Dracula, etc, with some very good art. The story is pretty pedestrian, but worth a read of you like the era or the genre.
May 2, 2011
Billy the Kid fights Dr. Frankenstein with the help of the Wolfman? Yes please.
February 1, 2013
I was half-way before I realized I'd read this before. I kept reading because I couldn't remember the ending and then realized why. Lame.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews