Red Plains

No stereotypes. No shortcuts.

Written and created by Caryn A. Tate and illustrated by various talented artists, Red Plains is an authentic, ongoing digital comic book series (and soon-to-be-released novel series) that is centered on a town filled with murder, lust, and greed. The series deals with the West as it really was – violent and unpredictable – and doesn’t fall back on any tired tropes. And, just like real world, the actions of and decisions made by a single character have an impact on other characters and the world in which they live.

The series features a diverse cast of characters. The main characters include the wealthy Latino family the Escovidos; rancher Doug Stevens and his spoiled son, Jackson; struggling father/daughter farmers Isaac and Rose Templeton; and the local politicians, prostitutes, cowboys, townspeople, and Sheriff Doles and his deputies, who are trying to keep a lid on things.

Where to Read it

New to Red Plains and its rich cast of characters and intertwined storylines? Well, good news: you can jump in anywhere! While the stories are listed here in chronological order, they’re all written with everything you need to know right there on the page, so you can start wherever you’d like!
Red Plains started out as a webcomic on Top Shelf 2.0, and is now available for download at iTunes/Apple Books and the Nook store. Each issue includes bonus content like concept art, script excerpts, and character information!

The Storylines

Range War (4 issues)

Part One is FREE;  99 cents for each subsequent issue! Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

4 issues – written by Caryn A. Tate, art by Eisner Award nominee Noel Tuazon

Think you’re ready to jump into “The Real West”? This is the storyline that kicks off the action packed series, in which homesteaders and ranchers butt heads, the law is thwarted – with the most serious of consequences – and the bond between father and son is sorely tested. Each issue is loaded with bonus content including background character information and script excerpts! Unlike many stereotypical westerns you may be used to, Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-em-up.” Influenced by film noir, the classic pulps, true crime, and, most importantly, the authentic Western lifestyle and history as lived and researched by its author, Red Plains is the real deal.


Nice Place to Raise Your Kids Up (6 issues)

Part One is FREE; 99 cents for each subsequent issue! Or, download the Collected Edition for $3.99, which includes all 6 chapters! Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

6 issues – written by Caryn A. Tate, art by Larry Watts

This action-packed, character-driven story marks a major turning point for the people of Red Plains! The town’s leadership has joined forces with the most influential men in town, including the wealthy Don Luis Escovido. Their goal? Sheriff Doles: ruined, replaced or dead. Everyone’s actions come to a head in a thrilling climax you’ll never see coming! Loaded with bonus content including character backgrounds and script excerpts, Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-’em-up.” Influenced by film noir, the classic pulps, true crime, and, most importantly, the authentic Western lifestyle and history as lived and researched by its author, Red Plains is the real deal. “Nice Place” is brought to life by writer and series creator Caryn A. Tate and dynamic artist Larry Watts.


Some Kind of Closure (1 issue)

99 cents  –   Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

1 issue (22 pages) – written by Caryn A. Tate, art by Gary Fitzgerald

In this one-off tale following the explosive events of the “Nice Place to Raise Your Kids Up” storyline, Sheriff Doles and the other townsfolk of Red Plains take stock of what they’ve lost and how to move forward. Bonus content includes concept art, character information, and script excerpts. Influenced by film noir, the classic pulps, true crime, and, most importantly, the authentic Western lifestyle and history as lived and researched by its creator, Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-’em-up” – it’s the real deal.


The Scurvy (2 issues)

$1.99 for Double-Sized Issue     Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

2 issues (44 pages) – written by Caryn A. Tate, art by Gary Fitzgerald

DOUBLE-SIZED ISSUE! Experience the horrors of the West firsthand! In this one-off story, Isaac Templeton recounts the ordeal of migrating West in a wagon train. But what happens if the man in charge is not looking out for the best interests of the group? Bonus content includes concept art, character information, and script excerpts. Influenced by film noir, the classic pulps, true crime, and, most importantly, the authentic Western lifestyle and history as lived and researched by its creator, Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-’em-up” – it’s the real deal. “The Scurvy” is brought to life by writer and series creator Caryn A. Tate and the beautiful art of Gary Fitzgerald.


Accidents Will Happen (2 issues)

$1.99 for Double-Sized Issue  –  Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

2 issues (44 pages) – written by Caryn A. Tate, art by Butch Mapa

DOUBLE-SIZED ISSUE – 44 pages of story, plus bonus concept art! Victimized deputy Joe Morelli finally gets a one-time shot at revenge in this action-packed, haunting tale. Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-’em-up”–it’s the real deal. “Accidents Will Happen” is brought to life by writer and series creator Caryn A. Tate and the lush, striking art of Butch Mapa.

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Christmastime is Here (1 issue)

99 cents  –   Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

1 issue (22 pages) – written by Caryn A. Tate, art by Gary Fitzgerald

In this stand-alone tale, enjoy a Real West holiday season with Harry & Laura Blass; the Escovido family; the cowboys of the Devil’s Hed Ranch; and the lawmen, who must deal with an unexpected crisis. Influenced by film noir, the classic pulps, true crime, and, most importantly, the authentic Western lifestyle and history as lived and researched by its creator, Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-’em-up” – it’s the real deal. “Christmastime is Here” is brought to life by writer and series creator Caryn A. Tate and the rich, beautiful art of Gary Fitzgerald.


Mi Amor

$1.99 for Double-Sized Issue  –  Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

44 pages – written by Caryn A. Tate, art by Mike D. Kim

DOUBLE-SIZED ISSUE – 44 pages of story! In the midst of the brutal Mexican-American War, young Luis Escovido is exposed to horrors that will either make or break him. In this action-packed, stand-alone tale, experience the wild world of Red Plains first hand. Packed with bonus content including concept art, character information, and script excerpts, Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-’em-up” – it’s the real deal.


The Ballad of Double Ott

$2.99 for Triple-Sized Issue  –  Download at iTunes/Apple Books or NOOK Store

66 pages – written by Caryn A. Tate; art by Mike D. Kim

Action-packed, bloody, and thrilling, this tale is a landmark in the world of Red Plains! A mysterious bounty hunter appears, bringing with him news of a man who has plagued the town, and Sheriff Doles in particular. It’s the return of one of the most chilling outlaws Red Plains has seen yet: “No Nose” Velasquez! And what will his presence mean for the future of Lupe Escovido? Loaded with bonus content including art extras and script excerpts, Red Plains is more than a simple “shoot-’em-up.” Influenced by film noir, the classic pulps, true crime, and, most importantly, the authentic Western lifestyle and history as lived and researched by its author, Red Plains is the real deal. “The Ballad of Double Ott” is brought to life by writer and series creator Caryn A. Tate and dynamic artist Mike D. Kim.