You may remember about a month ago the buzz around a new comic from Vertigo Comics called Punk Rock Jesus. It received rave reviews, one of them being from me, on this very site. So needless to say, when I was driving to my comic shop, knowing that the follow-up to one of my favorite comics from July was waiting in my file, I may have sped a little. So how do you one-up something that was so awesome? Do you one-up something that was so awesome? Let’s see.
Punk Rock Jesus is a 6 issue series from Vertigo comics, that, put simply, is about Jesus. If you haven’t read #1 yet, don’t worry I don’t plan to spoil it too much for you. But here’s a quick rundown of the story so far: a big time TV producer pays geneticists to take DNA left by Jesus Christ to create a clone. The project is called J2 and is marketed as the “return of Jesus”. If I say any more, I will be spoiling the first issue for you, and I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight if I did that to you. I read an interview with the creator, writer, and artist, Sean Murphy, in which he explains what got him to write the book. Long and short is, he was born and raised Catholic and due to a number of exciting events with an atheist friend of his, decides to become an atheist. He goes on the explain that the comic is a part of his own personal journey in life and about re-defining what Jesus Christ, the man, and religion means to him.
Agree or disagree with the motive behind the book, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to judge this comic only on the artistic abilities of Mr. Murphy. And it’s honestly not hard for me to say that Sean does a fantastic job with the story and the art. In serious comics like this one, there is a fine line between comedy and slap-stick, the latter being completely out of place. But the little bits of laughter there are, are just subtle enough to hit the spot. But, there are only little bits of laughter in this book. The rest of it is really quite sad. We get to see the struggles of a teenage girl who gave birth to the second coming of Christ. She’s secluded, but with the entire world watching her on TV. We also get to see the softer side of the big, tough, Irish security guy as he carries her, sleeping, to her bed.
The story so far has me wanting more. It has me wishing there were more than six issues in the series. And although I do like the art style, there are a few places where the black and white pages are a little too black. That is really honestly my only fuss with the artist’s style in the book. The art is beautifully drawn and for the most part portrays the story very well. But those dark areas can have an effect on how the faces portray the characters feelings. Again though, that is minimal. I would never tell you it ruined the comic for me and you shouldn’t buy it. In fact, it’s so minimal of a problem for me, I’m asking you why you haven’t walked away from you computer/cellular device and sped off to the comic store yet?
Yes, Punk Rock Jesus is a thrill ride. The story is wonderfully written, about taboo subjects most would never touch, with beautifully drawn black and white ink style art. If you don’t have #1, I highly suggest seeking it out. If you are into the political, action, and religious tie in movies, TV, and comics, you’re missing out if you haven’t read this yet.
Art: 8/10
Script: 9/10
Parental concern: Language, violence
I’ve really enjoyed the series so far. It’s gotten a bit of a negative reaction from a lot of Christian comic fans, a friend of mine included who calls it “sacrilegious”, but if anything, the controversy only draws more people to it. SGM does a great job on both story and art and brings everything together nicely.
It is controversial, that’s the beauty of it. The other beauty of it is that it’s fiction. I myself am a Christian and take no offense over the subject. What does baffle me is people getting mad about something that’s a work of fiction, just a story.
