posted
Punk Rock Jesus #1 was AWESOME! Writer/artist Sean Murphy (who previously drew Joe the Barbarian and American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest shows he is more than capable of doing double-duty in the debut of this Vertigo mini!
The story concerns the cloning of none other than Jesus Christ via DNA recovered from the Shroud of Turin for the focus of a new reality show. Sounds wild, right? This first issue sets up the concept very well as we see the media frenzy build up around a virgin mother chosen by the producers of the reality show to bear the cloned child. We get a well-rounded idea of the religious ramifications, see the dirty corporate dealings and meet various members of the cast in 32 story-packed pages. It ends with the birth of the child, along with an unexpected consequence.
The art here is presented in black and white, a kind of rarity in the main Vertigo line. I think it serves Murphy's art very well as his incredibly detailed linework is on full display and doesn't really need any bells or whistles to make it pop. His art tells the story well, is packed with detail and his faces and body language are very expressive.
Offhand, I'd say this is the best new Vertigo project since American Vampire and Scalped if this issue is any indication. Too bad its only a mini-series! Murphy is as talented a writer as he is an artist from what is on display here!
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
^ Oh, by the way....PRJ is 32 ad-free pages of story per issue at only $2.99! I thought this was just for the first issue, but it's the same EVERY issue! PRJ and Morning Glories over at Image give ya the most bang for yer buck!
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
I read PRJ #2 last night. Still very excellent!
This issue spotlighted Gwen, the young mother of the supposedly cloned Jesus and how hard the simultaneous isolation and lack of privacy is getting to her. All the while, the producers of the reality TV show are manipulating her into turning to alcohol and other ways to make the show more enjoyable to the viewers.
At the same time we learn more about another of the series' major characters, bodyguard/head of the show's security detail Thomas McKael. He has a bloody past with the Irish Republican Army and is starting to see protecting Gwen and little Chris as his chance to atone.
Their stories converge as Thomas helps Gwen leave the compound where the show has her isolated to find out what happened to her parents. Unfortunately, they find that out in the world where both are two of the most famous people in the world, they face great danger from zealots and fans alike.
Can't emphasize enough what a terrific artist Sean Murphy is and how gorgeous his lines look in this black and white format! Now, showing incredible writing skill to go with it, PRJ looks to be perhaps the sleeper of the year, even amid such a dearth of exciting launches that have characterized 2012 in comics!
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
So I took your advice and grabbed Punk Rock Jesus #1, and like so often in the past, you definitely didn't let me down! Wow, what a totally fantastic, phenomena opening! As you said, one of the best debut issues EVER for a comic! Already I'm feeling this will be a great fit in the pantheon of Vertigo greats.
Sean Murphy is a force to be reckoned with. His art is intense and gritty, and his writing is super heavy in plot, non-stop in characterization and when it's all combined there isn't one wasted moment or panel. To say I'm impressed is an understatement. And I agree, the black and white format adds a little something extra by letting his finished pencils shine unhindered.
The story itself is pretty brilliant at first glance but when you get into the first issue you quickly see its more than just a good premise. There are some serious questions being asked, and the characters react in some realistic and even scary ways.
The twist near the close of #1 is one I saw coming because I'm kind of immersed in "Jesus Conspiracy" lore (even though I'm Catholic). But it definitely opens up some major possibilities of how it may play out.
I'm gonna grab #2 & #3, and get it on my pull for the rest. Major kudos to Lardy for BRRing (=Buying, Reviewing and Recommending--new Gymlls term!).
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Image, Dark Horse and company have been the heirs of Vertigo anyway these last couple of years.
Wherever Berger turns up, that's where some real excitement will be.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Berger has had a remarkable career with Vertigo and DC. She says she is ready for a change, and after 30 years who can blame her. Nelson's words were kind and true. This is the first I'm hearing of Time Warp and the Sandman mini. Looking forward to both. Best to Karen.
-------------------- No regrets, Coyote.
From: Missouri | Registered: Oct 2003
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I'm cutting Unwritten from the pull list. I'd thought about cutting it during the Moby Dick story and got the same feeling now. It just seems to go on and on, then things pick up and get interesting... I don't know. I think the last issue with all the killing just got me fed up. Death doesn't sell comics to this reader.
posted
I just read Unwritten vol.6, TT and the War of Words. While I liked it, especially the chapters from the 1/2 issues, I too was wondering "So where else is there for the story to go?" I saw that vol. 7 will be in next month's solicits and plan on ordering it, but all of the launching story points have been addressed-- Leviathan, Pullman and the Cabal as we know it, Tom growing into his power-- I'll have to see the next trrade and decide from there what I'm doing with the title. Is there an endgame for the series?
-------------------- "Anytime a good book like this is cancelled, I hope another Teen Titan is murdered." --Cobalt
"Anytime an awesome book like S6 is cancelled, I hope EVERY Titan is murdered." --Me
From: Up a Gumtree | Registered: Jul 2003
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Yeah, the ending to the 6th trade (which Peebs summarizes) seemed like a natural ending to the series, and it was pretty damn fantastic. I was pretty surprised when another issue came out!
I'm kind of left scratching my head wondering how the series continues. But I'll prob stick it out longer because I enjoyed those issues so much that I can't help but have faith there is more good to come.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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