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Punk's Not Dead #4 Review: Instant Club Hit

Culpepper and Asif investigate the case of the perpetually dancing geriatrics at the Wigan Casino. Fergie and Sid show up too, as Fergie is convinced that he and Sid are somehow responsible. Culpepper spots Sid in the crowd and recognizes the spirit.

Punk's Not Dead #4 cover by Martin Simmonds
Punk's Not Dead #4 cover by Martin Simmonds

Punk's Not Dead #4 further establishes the importance of Dorothy Culpepper to this story by connecting she and Sid. It also calls into question some of what has been allegedly established thus far in the story, which adds some renewed intrigue to the comic.

Fergie is granted some fleshing out in this issue. While he was far from a cypher up until this point, he only really had two modes: beleaguered and horny. This issue shows something more than the self-obsessed teenager with whom we have been made familiar. He has an empathetic streak in him.

Culpepper's identity is expanded upon too. While she doesn't break the persona of an obstinate and aggressive elderly government agent, we learn a little of her past and even see her genuinely concerned about the Sid situation. The comic is framed with an email sent from Asif to a superior. We learn more about Asif this way too.

This is all to belabor the point that this comic book does some solid character work on its cast, and the scenario is ridiculous enough to be charming.

Punk's Not Dead #4 art by Martin Simmonds and Dee Cunniffe
Punk's Not Dead #4 art by Martin Simmonds and Dee Cunniffe

Martin Simmonds once more impresses with his unique mixture of strong detailing and depth of field created by the wildly contrasting color palette (that last bit with the help of flats by Dee Cunniffe). The book is given a surreal vibe thanks to its color and texturing while still having some realistic detailing work. On the whole, the comic looks great.

Punk's Not Dead #4 is another great installment from this Black Crown series. David Barnett and Martin Simmonds have created a truly unique and compelling series here, and it earns another recommendation with this book. Pick it up.



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Joshua DavisonAbout Joshua Davison

Josh is a longtime super hero comic fan and an aspiring comic book and fiction writer himself. He also trades in videogames, Star Wars, and Magic: The Gathering, and he is also a budding film buff. He's always been a huge nerd, and he hopes to contribute something of worth to the wider geek culture conversation. He is also happy to announce that he is the new Reviews Editor for Bleeding Cool. Follow on Twitter @joshdavisonbolt.
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