Johnny Thunder # 2 1973 VF/NM

Johnny Thunder #2 (1973) is an issue of the short-lived DC Comics Bronze Age Western anthology series Johnny Thunder Vol 1, released with a cover date of May 1973. Rather than featuring new material, this issue functions as a curated reprint collection highlighting classic DC Western characters and stories from the late 1940s and 1950s.

The Main Story: Johnny Thunder

The lead feature is "Battle of the War Bonnet!", which is a reprint of a classic story originally published in All-Star Western #73.

• The Plot: The story revolves around John Tane (Johnny Thunder), a school schoolmaster in Mesa City and the son of the local lawman, Sheriff William Tane. Because John promised his mother he would never use guns or follow his father into peacekeeping, he operates under a secret alter ego. He dyes his blonde hair dark, dons a black leather Western outfit, and uses his exceptional gun skills to protect the territory from criminal groups like the Drygulch Gang.
• The Creative Team: The legendary Alex Toth provided the definitive cover art (inked by Joe Giella), while the story was written by influential writer Robert Kanigher.

Featured Backup Stories

Like many DC anthology series of the era, the issue is padded out with popular backup features from the company's historical Western catalog:

• The Trigger Twins: Includes the reprinted story "The Gun-Fighting Statue!", written by Gardner Fox, which follows the adventures of twin brothers Walt and Wayne Harris as they bring law and order to the West.
• Nighthawk: Features the story "Nighthawk's Secret Identity", with prominent art contributions from celebrated artists Mort Drucker and Gil Kane.