I will admit that I was late to That Texas Blood, but after reading the first three volumes, I will say it is some of my favorite comics of the past few years. Now, Chris Condon and Eisner-nominated artist Jacob Phillips return to Ambrose County, Texas in a new time with a new mystery, but packing the same punch as we have come to expect with That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch.
On March 19, 2003, Sheriff Joe Bob Coates and Deputy Wilson Hart are called to the Allison Ranch — the largest and richest ranch in the United States — where family grievances are blooming into full-blown war.
It’s been nearly four years since the last issue of That Texas Blood, but the creative team behind the stellar series hasn’t skipped a beat. Returning with a new arc, and a new number one, Condon and Phillips bring us to 2003 in Ambrose County, Texas. With That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch it was nice to see some familiar faces from the first three volumes, as well as some new introductions. The way Condon and Phillips craft these stories gives us readers of the previous issues a nice glimpse of the past, while also those new to the series a place to start without feeling lost.
Even as a Mainer, how Condon writes these books makes me feel like I know Texas just as well as the next guy. They are vivid with little explanation needed, you can feel for those living in Ambrose County and the weight of being a police officer in a County that seems to have evil roots. Additionally for this new arc, I was 17-years-old in 2003 and remember watching the Iraq War on the television and it consuming the world around us, so the connection to Joe Bob and family was even more real. The highlight of this stories is the periods of time they take place, the feel purposefully told and poignant.
We were introduced to Joe Bob in the first issue back in June 2020, but have been able to go back years in subsequent volumes which allows us to know a bit more about the character as well as see him grow into the officer he is today. This unique storytelling makes That Texas Blood even more of an experience than a simple linear story. In That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch we even see those familiar faces I have mentioned already, but younger and still causing trouble.
Phillips continues to illustrate the stories in gripping ways. With That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch his lines are a little thicker than previous issues, which makes more of an impact in the storytelling. The boldness of his illustrations, killer angles and perspectives, and amazing use of color helps make this comic what it is and immerses us in another eerie mystery.
It might have been four years between issues, but writer Chris Condon and artist Jacob Phillips have not skipped a beat with That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch. Full of familiar faces in familiar places, this new arc in the That Texas Blood series is perfect for those looking to jump into the series, but also a nod to those who have read the 20 issues prior. That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch is a fantastic return to Ambrose County that reminds us exactly why this series has been so special from the start.
That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch #1 hits local comic shops on September 23, 2026 (FOC: August 31) from Image Comics.
That Texas Blood: Hell Comes to Allison Ranch #1 Preview
