Comics! Punk Rock Jesus #4

Punk Rock Jesus #4 

Sean Murphy

The Solicitation
A devastating loss pushes Chris to the brink. Feeling betrayed and alone, he begins to research the world that Slate and OPHIS have kept him from his entire life. Armed with new knowledge, a new haircut, and a new attitude, an angry Chris is about to tell the whole world the truth. And it all starts after he discovers a few old records in Thomas’s room...

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Why I Bought It
I was hooked onto the series after issue #2. Going with it until the end, then will probably strongly recommend it to others. Let's see what I'll be bragging about.

What I Liked
Each issue of Punk Rock Jesus has just been packed with story. Every panel and every page has to mean something, and it all just hits home here.

We finally have the title character make an appearance that has been building since issue #1. If you seriously didn't think that the image on the last page of this book would be included in this series, then you have a serious rude awakening when you flip to it.

Since this issue didn't build on the angels that appeared in this issue by having them appear again, it really hammers home the idea that this book is grounded in reality and what Gwen saw in the previous issue was a hallucination. More than likely, Slate had some hand in that going down, just like he did in Gwen's death.

And just as we are developing Chris into a full grown character, we get to see some of Thomas' history as well. Just the pace that the book goes through in telling that while it mirrors Chris' story is just going to come together in the end and you know it is will a great ending.

Once again, we have magnificent visuals. Like I said, every panel has to count when trying to tell this story at this pace, and the moments when it is there to shine it does and when it needs to take a moment to have you look at the details it hits it there as well. The name of the book is what originally brought me in, but it is the artwork and story that is making me a fan of Sean Murphy.

What I Didn't Like
There wasn't much that I didn't like. This is a comic that is right up my alley with a story I enjoy and art that I am looking forward to each month.

Panel to Remember
There are two panels on the same page that use a reflective surface in black and white art that is just amazing. The fact that you can see Slate's reaction as he stands over Gwen's body is just perfect. That sticks with you. And the one right below it where Chris' reaction is also reflected shows that there is a turning point at this moment. Ultimately, this is where Slate wanted things to go to. Now it will be interesting to see how Chris takes over the reigns here.

Quotable
"Wow, I've never had a camera in my face before!" - Dripping with sarcasm.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: Sold!