The only rule here is that you never follow the rules. From the baddest bull riders to your favorite western’s favorite villain, we’re taking a look at outlaws — the rabble rousers who shaped the West.
Marvel and DC have their universes. As does Taylor Sheridan. We feel compelled to create the “Outlaw-verse.”
Outlaws pop up in all shapes and forms, and with all kinds of intent. Traditional, literal outlaws terrorized the settlers and law-abiding folks of the Wild West. Others among them broke laws and did what they had to do to survive or seek justice, even if society frowned upon their methods.
In later decades, less deadly outlaws built their names in stages and arenas outside beaten paths — singing or riding for crowds who saw in them something different, something dangerous. Admirers emerged from those very crowds, inspired enough to step outside the boxes in their own lives and take the torches.
The more theatrical outlaws of the West channeled a kind of evil that exists in the heart of every man (if he digs deep enough) and laid it all out on the big screen for all who viewed. Real life history, sport and music legend, and big-screen western glory — they’re all perfectly suited to showcasing the outlaws who’ve impacted us in so many ways.
This is our first shot at capturing the vibe, the spirit of what we’re calling the “Outlaw-Verse.” It’s a big and expanding world of good guys and bad guys who have one thing in common — the refusal to walk the straight and narrow.
Let’s have a toast for the outlaws!
J.B. Mauney Is One Tough Bull
J.B. Mauney’s legendary riding career has seen him evolve from singular badass to inspiring team-builder. The bull rider opens up about his toughest moments in and out of the arena and how he plans to continue embracing and enhancing rodeo. Plus, check out some of the baddest bulls to ever enter the bucking chute.
Mr. Cash: Big Bad On The Big Screen
Johnny Cash’s interest in the black sheep of society extended beyond his outreach to the prisoners at Folsom — he channeled a variety of big bads on screens big and small. Explore Cash’s vast film career, and meet the new outlaws who are upholding the wave making traditions that the Man in Black began.
Sometimes The Bad Guys Win
Some of the greatest Western performances belonged to the “big bads” or “black hats” of the genre — the villains who send a chill down the spine of any lily-livered viewer. Read about a few of our favorites.
Who Really Ran Bandit Heaven?
Stories about the Wild West, like those passed down by the ancient Greeks, often focus on heroes. We are warmed by the tales of the men — and some women — in white hats. But let us give credit to the outlaws. We might not want to have encountered them in real life, but today, safely in our stories, they add spice and excitement and danger. Learn about the legends of the real outlaw underground — from the Wild Bunch to Billy the Kid and beyond.
Click below and scroll through the digital version of the American Outlaws issue.
Our February/March 2025 issue is available at the C&I Shop now.