Django/Zorro: The Official Sequel to Django Unchained

Django #2

by Quentin Tarantino, Matt Wagner, Esteve Polls (Illustrator)

Oscar Award-winning writer/director and Django creator Quentin Tarantino teams with Eisner Award-winning comic book creator Matt Wagner to write the official Django Unchained sequel, uniting the gun-blazing Western hero with the legendary swordsman of literature, film, and comics: Zorro! Set several years after the events of Django Unchained, Django again pursues evil men in his role as a bounty hunter. Taking to the roads of the American Southwest, he encounters the aged and sophisticated Diego de la Vega by sheer chance. Django is fascinated by this unusual character, the first wealthy white man he's met who seems totally unconcerned with the color of his skin... and who can hold his own in a fight. Django hires on as Diego's bodyguard, and is soon drawn into a fight to free the local indigenous people from brutal servitude. Learning much from the older man (as he did from King Schultz), he discovers that slavery isn't exclusive to his people, as he even dons the mask of Zorro in their mission of mercy!

Collects DJANGO/ZORRO #1-7.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Westerns, Fiction, Adventure, Graphic Novels Comics, Historical Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Quentin Jerome Tarantino is an Academy Award- and Palme d'Or-winning American film director, screenwriter and actor. He rose to fame in the early 1990s as an independent filmmaker whose films used nonlinear storylines and stylized violence. His films include Reservoir Dogs (1992), Pulp Fiction (1994), Jackie Brown (1997), Kill Bill (Vol. 1 2003, Vol. 2 2004), Death Proof (2007), and Inglourious Basterds (2009).

Reviews

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic crossover!!!


The TPB edition contains the “Django/Zorro” #1-7.


I bought this in its single issues, but I chosen the TPB edition to make a better overall review.


Creative Team:

Writers: Quentin Tarantino (YES!!! HIM!!!) & Matt Wagner

Illustrator: Esteve Polls


THE D IS SILENT, THE Z ISN’T

A crossover that it’s too good to be true…

…but happily IS TRUE!!!

Django Freeman, the character developed in the film Django Unchained meets Diego de la Vega better known as El Zorro!!!

An epic adventure that only Quentin Tarantino and Matt Wagner could tell!

The story is set after the events of Django Unchained AND when Diego de la Vega is now an old man (but still be able to kick butts!). Not matter that it’s quite evident that the main influence for Zorro (in this crossover) is the classic TV series starring Guy Williams, in this case, Bernardo, the mute servant instead of being Spanish, he is Indian (Native American), that while it looks a little bit to Lone Ranger to me (not complaining, just saying) I think that’s a good idea.

El Zorro freed California for the oppression of corrupt Spanish officials, and Django Freeman saved his dear Hildi from slavery; however there are still injustices out there…

…El Zorro and Django are needed again!

A cunning villain designed a plan that it took like 20 years to be able to have all the pieces in the right places in his scheme, but it worths the time since…

…now that villain is owner of all Arizona!!!

In fact, he has a royal title…

…the Archduke of Arizona!!!

Presenting a claim, now the law supports his rule over the whole territory of Arizona.

Abusing of the Indian tribes, treating them as slaves. The oppressed cry for help.

Diego de la Vega, while now old, he still has good hearing.

El Zorro rides again! And now with Django as partner!


THE D IS SILENT, THE COMIC BOOK ISN’T

If you are dissapointed that this would be a Tarantino project without a kickin’ butt soundtrack…

…you won’t be!

Molly Mahan, associate editor of the comic book project, brings in each issue of the saga, a list of songs to make the whole soundtrack of the story.


THE D IS SILENT, JUSTICE ISN’T

Just imagine how good can be a crossover with El Zorro and Django…

…and you can be sure that this story is as good as you can imagine (if not better!).

Righteous heroes in a dangerous crusade.

Django Freeman is still a bounty hunter and he will learn that there are moments where justice has to be done, not matter if he won’t get paid.

Diego de la Vega is still a freedom fighter and he will learn that there are moments where justice has to be done, not matter if the price is too high to pay.

Beware villains! Here comes Zorro and Django!!!

[Sr3yas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was... something.

Witness a unique and completely awkward crossover event where Quentin Tarantino's Django fights alongside with Spain's own Antonio Banderas EL ZORRO!



Once again, Django is back in west hunting criminals down for sizable bounties (Dead, never alive). While he was on a job, he crosses paths with an elderly Spaniard: A man with his own set of peculiarities which reminded Django of someone who used to be very close to him.



Meet the enigmatic Don Diago Da Le Vega. After witnessing Django's resourcefulness in handling firearms, Don Diago enlists Django as his bodyguard. Moreover, our old Zorro sees something in that man: A potential to be something more than a gunslinger.

The second chapter sets up our Villain. A Villain so ruthless that he spends seven years in a monastery peacefully to create false documents ....uh.... Well, he is really evil.

Anyways, now he is the Archduke of Arizona, thanks to his very long and weird scheming. He is ruthless, greedy, and treats the local Indians as his slaves.

Will Django and Zorro be able to stop him?



Unfortunately, the story felt like an incoherent mess. We yet again witness the most common plot element manufactured in wild west: The damn railroad construction and the politics behind it. Also, the story tries to bring the playfulness of Zorro and the blood & gore of original Django story together, but end up creating a story which is neither, but an imitation of both. The supporting characters are thoroughly forgettable and dialogues were okay-ish. And The art was not my cup of tea either.


Oh, the hammer throwing native American chief reminded me of Thor! Unfortunately, He wasn't fun either.

Overall, Unremarkable.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This crossover fits in seamlessly. Whoever came up with the idea is a genius. Great dialogue, great story, great art!

[Scarlet Cameo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not so much into westerns, but this one is a really entertaiment one. Django and the Zorro are to characters with a strong feel of justice and a particular way of take it to the practice, so when a villain crossed in their way, they join force and OMFG! That' a good story.

I read this one a lot time ago, so I'm not going to make a long review but, if you like Django Unchained (the movie), you will enjoy this one, both as an arch and musically, 'cause this comic take the scense of the movie.

A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley

[Danger]

In my opinion, this sequel mirrored the beats of 'Django Unchained' a bit too heavily at times, and as such, didn't really feel like there were many surprises in store. That said, this is still Tarantino through-and-through - so the book is full of cool characters, great dialogue, and tight plotting. Consider me satisfied.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride. Quentin Tarantino makes whats being called his official first foray into comics, and it delivers. Matt Wagner handles the scripting, which is too bad really. I'm a huge Matt Wagner fan but I've always thought Tarantino's true strength was scripting even moreso than plotting. The art is great as well.

This story picks up several years after the end of Django Unchained when Django meets up with an aged Zorro. The two find themselves attempting to tend the tyranny of the evil Archduke of Arizona. It really seemed to capture the flavor of a Tarantino film, and came across as a believable sequel to Django Unchained.

I'd recommend this to any Tarantino fan that likes graphic novels, or any Zorro fan. Western comic fans in general would enjoy this one as well. Highly recommended. (As everything written by someone named "Quentin" should be! :D )

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not a fan of westerns, and especially not a fan of westerns as comics, for one primary reason: they are simply too predictable. That's the problem with this one, too.

Django leaves the southern US towards Arizona, and meets Zorro on the way. They join forces against a cruel and ruthless landowner, and against overwhelming odds they win the day for the people (in this case American Indians) that were being oppressed. So predictable, so boring.

I didn't care for the artwork, either. It was too dark and didn't provide much in the way of detail, very similar to the artwork seen in comics of the early to mid-70s.

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Killian · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I love Q-ball's movies, as I've gotten older and my ability to handle watching gore has decreased I've had to stop watching his movies. The last one I saw was Django Unchained and even though it was probably one of my favorites of his works, I will never watch it again. Decaprio's character was a bit much for me.



That being said, comic violence is easier for me to digest so I was excited to delve into this series even though Zoro has never been my favorite masked hero. Honestly the story ended up being rather bland and derivative of the movie, or really westerns in general. I suppose that was part of the point since Django was Tarantinos love letter to spaghetti westerns, but it made for a pretty uninteresting read. Zoro was always a pretty one-note hero to me, and though they've added a few layers here, his core remains true to the original (and the reboot).



I probably wouldn't recommend this to someone not familiar with the movie, or the genre in general, but it was nice for what it was: a crossover series.

[Maran Subramaniam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quentin Tarrantino co-wrote a book (well a graphic novel) and in it he dreams up a partnership between Django (from Django Unchained, that deliciously stylish and violent western masterpiece) and Zorro (potentially, the inspiration behind many of today’s popular masked superheroes) that examines in an extremely action packed and fun way what could happen when the two icons come together battling a common enemy with the only obvious downside being that any depth of characterization was provided only to the antagonists, thus fully shifting to the reader the burden of being armed with enough popular cultural references and knowledge to understand the motivation of the heroes (all from the movies – Django Unchained and the numerous Zorro features over the years), though technically this could not necessarily be held against the book as it is clearly stated on the title that it is indeed a “sequel” to the movie - a real treat for fans of Django, Zorro and Quentin Tarrantino!

[Josip Paršić · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Tor Domay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all great mini-series, the ending felt tragically rushed, but the pairing of these two characters was a tour de force I didn't know I needed. Knowing of Tarantino's heavy involvement in making this canon makes it all the more enjoyable.

[Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Django & Zorro

What an unlikely cross over story, but it works really well. The story takes place after the events of the Django movie. Zorro is much older, but has to be to fit in Django’s timeline. The main villain is conniving and mean. The story was very imaginative. Highly recommend

[Magda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was quite a ride! Great action, and what a duo. OK, I admit I still haven't watched Django, I know I should, but somehow I can't get to it, so I don't know anything about this guy. But Zorro, on the other hand, him I do know and this story is totally in his style. I'm guessing from Django's side you'll have all the gunfights and killing as Zorro prefers not to kill.

I had a great time watching and reading how Diego gets rid of some idiots who think they can mess with him just because he's wearing fancy and colorful clothes in this boring, dominated by brown and beige colors world. It seemed like Django had just as much fun :). I'm kind of surprised how these two came together and basically showed each other their secrets. Maybe I wanted them to hide more, but then again it worked out for them quite nicely.

I rather enjoyed the drawing style. I admit, I'm not an expert with graphic novels, but this one looks like one of the old-style superhero ones. It fits perfectly with the Zorro theme.

Ooooh and the extras... the original script and all the single issue covers! Awesome! I have to admit, I like Dynamite comics. They did publish some of the great ones :).


I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Find my reviews on https://maginibooks.wordpress.com

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The west is still open and land is being snatched up by any means legal or otherwise as rumours abound of a railway linking the west with the east. Don Diego de la Vega (Zorro) is on his way to investigate the man known as the ‘Archduke of Arizona’ who claims to own most of the territory when he meets up with Django who is on the trail of some bank robbers. The two discover their mutual interests and Zorro offers to hire Django as his bodyguard although it becomes clear pretty quickly that he doesn’t need one. But despite his suspicions that there’s more than a little de la Vega isn’t telling him, Django accepts.

Quentin Tarantino has teamed up with Eisner-award winning comic writer Matt Wagner to write the graphic novel Django/Zorro and what a great pairing both of writer and artist and, of course, of characters; Django with his wit and his quick draw and Zorro with his old-world charm and his exceptional skills with a sword. This graphic novel is well-written and beautifully drawn with plenty of action, engaging characters, and engrossing storyline. A definite recommendation from me for fans of graphic novels, Quentin Tarantino, and/or stories of how the west was won.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I'll be! "Django/Zorro" is the team-up comic book that I didn't know I needed but, by God, I did. I loved "Django Unchained" and I grew up watching the old black and white Zorro TV show and loved it so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.

The Zorro of this book is an awesome older Zorro who may be a little more achy but he hasn't lost a step mentally and can still swash a few buckles when it counts.

The two of them end up fighting a corrupt and phony-baloney land owner in what will soon become Arizona. I really liked how the villain was fleshed out and his motivations made clear. The lengths he went to in obtaining his ill-gotten gains were quite impressive. I thought his son would be more of a factor but I really liked how his child-bride came into play.

Django and Zorro kicked a lot of ass and yes, to answer your question, Django does don the Zorro costume at one point and yes, it is amazing.

In the introduction, Tarantino hints at other future team-ups. Yes please!

[Mon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this for free through NetGalley

Loved Django and love Zorro so I was really happy that I got to read this. All I can say is that it is epic! Classic Tarantino for sure. I got a little lost in the middle like I sometimes do with graphic novels but nonetheless the story is fantastic. I really enjoyed the artwork in this as well. I haven't read too many graphic novels but the art in this is distinct and captivating - it really lifted the story and gave another level of depth to the characters.

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't know this existed until I heard QT talking about it on The Nerdist podcast. It's a passable reworking of the story from the movie but I'm pretty insulted that QT takes any claim for writing it as its very basic form makes it pretty obvious he didn't. Guess what I'm saying is that if I'd stayed in the world where I didn't know it existed that would've been just fine.

[Andrés Carvajal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice idea that came together better than expected.

[Arjun Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sans Nostalgia: 3/5

Blurb: Blades, Bullets and Boyhood memories

Before I was inducted into the geekdom of comic-books and graphic-novels, I was but a child running around with a towel around my shoulders and a wooden sword tucked into my woefully inadequate and re-purposed underwear shouting "Zorro Rides Again!!" This coupled with my penchant for Spaghetti-Westerns made Zorro and Django (Franco Nero) the fictional idols, to whom I tipped my hat whenever I jumped from one couch to the next and drove my mother mad.

When I first saw this graphic-novel, I was overcome with joy and nostalgia. It mattered little that the Django in this story is not the Django I grew up with. The 'D' was silent then, and it's silent now. And Zorro, well, following the loss of Dr. King Schultz, I could very well imagine Django taking a liking to Don Alajandro De La Vega with the same curious warmth that he did his old friend. However, aside from the use of characters who represent different approaches and different styles of combat, and also the stellar art, there is little to experience in terms of story. The antagonist is sufficiently evil, and our heroes are sufficiently righteous. And in the end, the enjoyment is sufficient. But is 'sufficient' all that one should expect when reading a crossover involving two of the greatest fictional pulp-icons of their generations? I think not.

While Django/Zorro certainly has it's heart in the right place and has all the elements that could have made this one of the best crossovers of all time, it fails to deliver in terms of depth and chemistry. We're all accustomed to watching Django and Zorro save the day and ride into the sunset, however, we also expect a sequel to a film like Django Unchained to follow in the film's footsteps and honor the tropes of the genre while delivering a fresh take on the dynamics governing its characters. I'm still happy that I read this, but I guess I didn't just want to be 'happy'. I wanted to be awed.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd be curious to know how many people came to this book as Tarantino fans primarily (although I assume there is a fair overlap between Wagner fan who are also Tarantino fans). I put off reading it for a long time because, honestly, I'm overall not much a fan of Tarantino's films. Those that I've seen anyway. I haven't seen Django (yet. Still not sure if I will.). (Inglorious Basterds and Hateful Eight were both pretty decent.) That said, I enjoy a good western and I LOVE a good Matt Wagner comic. I actually haven't read much of Matt's Dynamite Comics pulp-hero stuff, because there's only so much time in life and I never had much connection to that stuff, but I've dabbled here and there. (And I'll never miss GRENDEL or MAGE!)

Anyway, long and winding preamble out of the way, I came into this with very unclear expectations. I don't know much about Zorro (aside from one Banderas film) and even less about Django. I dug the drawn-out and wildly complicated origins of the Archduke of Arizona's claim to the territory. I enjoyed Diego's foppery, and Django's drive. The plot is solid, meat and potatoes western, with a dollop of freedom fighter righteousness. The artwork is very effective - clear to read, capturing that western grit, explosive when required, subtle when necessary.

In a few months, I probably won't recall much of the details, but I enjoyed the ride.

[Linnea Gelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where has this been hidden? And will there ever be a Lone Ranger/Django team-up, as Tarantino muses in the foreword?

I found it very entertaining and in line with both characters as I know them. Especially the last chapter started off on a great emotional cliffhanger.

The only thing I felt missing was a bit more time between the revelation of Bernardo's death and the actual ending - which surprisingly came from a bullet not fired by any one of the main characters (slightly too much deus ex machina for my taste, despite having been set up).

Perhaps one more chapter squeezed in between the penultumate and the last episode, would have done the trick. The despair and pain rising from Bernardo being shot would have made for a really strong lowest point in the story. As is, this never quite pays off because the characters (especially Diego, in this case) have to pick themselves up very quicly to end on a high note.

I was also waiting for an actual last fight between Diego and his nemesis, after the anticipated swordfight was swiftly cut off. This too could have happened in that "lost" chapter, perhaps even with Zorro losing and Django having to step in.

Well, anyway. Highly enjoyable all the same. I have high hopes for more collaborations like this!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

An aged Don Diego De la Vega aka Zorro, comes across a stranded Django in need of a lift. Zorro insists he joins him inside the carriage to be out of the sun, they share cucumber sandwiches. Zorro’s kindness and hospitality reminds Django of his late friend, Dr. King Schultz. A band of outlaws holds up the carriage and Django unleashes a lethal ambush from the carriage. All a planned attack on bounties he was after. Zorro is impressed with the gunslinging of a supposed prospector and offers Django a job as his bodyguard. Django hesitates to accept, until he’s paid up front in gold nuggets. That’s how this adventure begins. It’s full of great dialogue, genuine Django Unchained talky talk. Explosions of sudden violence highlighted in red panels just like in the movie. The plot might be archaic and straight up overdone, but there’s always gotta be some effed up railroad scheme where oppressed people are in need of liberation. There’s a really cool moment where Django engages in the same subterfuge as Zorro.

Tarantino teases the possibility of a Vol. 2 of Django/Zorro in the foreword. But that was years ago. I hope it comes to, it’s an awesome pairing for a story. It’s criminal to be deprived of more of it!

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of the greatest fictional pre-civil war western heroes team up…and it’s wonderful…

Django / Zorro by Matt Wagner and Quentin Tarantino is an unimaginable 7 issue mini series that pairs a great hero of the 20th century with a fun film characters of the 21st century…with adventures set during the mid 19th century…

Set after Django Unchained, the solitary bounty hunter continues his work west of the Mississippi and makes the acquaintance of a post-Spanish colonial noble named Don Diego de La Vega…who hires him as a bodyguard…

Thus begins an Arizona conspiracy as a terrible “archduke” tries to establish his claim on the area…while abusing the local natives and planning for possible United States annexation…

Django has issue with some of the eastern Allie’s the archduke is trying to recruit…but he also finds his employer far more capable than he expected…

No surprise that the legendary El Zorro starts riling up the local natives and attacking the oversees who work them to death…

Django and Zorro teaming up in an epic battle to defend the people against those who would take advantage of them…

[Chandler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story written by Quentin Tarantino himself. Some of the dialogue in the graphic novel doesn’t feel up to the usual standard of dialogue in a QT film, but the story does contain a despicable villain with a very elaborate plan who is very much on par with DiCaprio’s villain from the movie. I also liked the themes of justice and liberation throughout the novel, and the emphasis on how the actions of just one man can lead to a revolutionary chain reaction. You see a good bit of character development with Django as he learns there are many people in need of freedom and liberation from oppressive people. Zorro himself is a very well written character, and both Django and Zorro have their times to shine throughout this graphic novel. It doesn’t feel too much like one or the other character’s story and is well balanced between the two characters. The ending does feel a little abrupt and the tension of the story seems to resolve a little too easily, but it is still a very well paced story.

[Carl Waluconis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quentin Tarantino, and I love this about him, readily admits he makes comic books for the screen. In a time where content and style of comic books, now graphic novels, influences content and style of so many films, amazing that so few directors admit this. Connecting old legendary heroes with contemporary ones is a great idea, but not always fulfilled well. Two accomplished creators team up here to write a graphic novel that does this successfully. It is the Old West wearing contemporary clothes - an exciting ride. There is some close-up violence, especially faces, but that is almost expected on this ride. However, the character who could have developed gender issues well is sent off unseen riding a royal "Cinderella" coach. What will she do with her door prize? Just the same, Old West meets New West, and justice triumphs. (I don't think anyone who has seen a Western will think that is a spoiler.)

[Don Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is a big fan of Tarantino (even the later films that everyone else seems to either show disinterest or hate) I was looking forward to seeing what Django had gotten up to after the credits rolled.

So, we pick up with Django Zorro several years after the end of the movie. A chance encounter leads Django to Diego de la Vega who hires him as a bodyguard after seeing how he can handle himself. It is not long before Django realities that Diego may not need as much protection as it once seemed.

Together they team up to take on a man who is treating Native American's quite shoddily to say the least. This bad guy has a whole section dedicated to how he got where he is now - essentially the ultimate long con which includes 7 years of being a monk!

There isn't much more to be said about the story without spoiling things but let’s just say it has all the brutality of a Tarantino movie, coupled with some scenes that are quite brilliant. Before I continue on those lines, I would like to say that the artwork throughout is pretty incredible.

However, despite the good artwork the overall story is a bit of a let-down. I found my interest waning at times, and I almost gave up entirely halfway through (explaining why it took me so long to read it). I did take a look at how much I had read vs how much was left and told myself it may get better. This time round time invested certainly didn't pay off. The moments of brilliance, while they do come, are quite few, and I thought the relationship between Django and Zorro to be a bit disjointed.

So, brilliant artwork aside, overall, I am disappointed with Tarantino's little sojourn into graphic novels. Hopefully he won't send Django after me if he reads this...

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Django and Zorro: Fist Fight in Heaven.

I'm at a bit of a loss here--I'm not a huge fan of Django, and I've lost my love of Tarantino a bit before i slid into my 30s. Matt Wagner is a writer/artist who got me into comics with Mage--and apparently he was going to be working on Mage III (currently nearing completion now) but instead worked on this opportunity. Mage III is taking in my opinion and I'm tempted to blame it on this comic, but that's not fair.

Matt Wagner's best stuff is his creator-owned work, but he's been a solid workhorse of Zorro, The Shadow, The Spirit, etc. And all that work bored me to a bit. However its oddly a logical sequel/crossover, and I've got to give credit to the inspiration.

This is a well-produced comic--the art is superb, and it's well-written (dialogue is not sparse). It was definitely a time investment.

[Bill Koester · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are definitely some Tarantino touches here, like references to famous classic films and narration that reads like the stylized dialogue in the director's own films. With a few exceptions, though, the actual dialogue doesn't have the punch and energy one would expect from the director, and without those scenes of exchanges between the characters, it seems a lot less substantial than any of his movies. It's like something's missing. And while the storyline (establishing an elaborate villain plot) is interesting, it mostly plays out like a pretty standard adventure story. Readable, but not an essential Tarantino work, and not on the level of the film Django Unchained.