Review: Punks Not Dead #1

Before I start to write about this comic, I have to ask everyone a simple question. What is Punk? I“m sure there are about as many different opinions on the subject as there are colors to dye your hair, but to me, the answer is simple. It“s an attitude, that lead to a style of rock music.

Writer David Barnett presents to us this new comic called Punk“s Not Dead (IDW Comics) which is about a young boy being raised by his rather shifty mother. As they make their way across the magazine and reality TV circuit by making up fake stories about their lives, the ghost of Sid Vicious appears to young Fergie, our protagonist, in a Heathrow Airport bathroom. Sid attaches himself to Fergie and starts handing down free advice to the boy. (Note: If you“re taking advice from beyond the grave, Sid Vicious is truly not the one to be listening to.) While this is going on, there is a parallel storyline regarding the aging Dorothy Culpepper, an MI5 agent in The Department of Extra-Usual Affairs. With Sid being a ghost and all, I“m sure these two stories are going to merge into one in future issues, but as of yet, I“m not sure how.

I found it difficult to see one of the most notorious symbols of the Punk era being used in this comic to help a young boy who feels alone. From the public persona, this seems like one of the last things he would have done. Maybe Sid, as an outsider, identifies with young Fergie, and the lad does show some abilities that could be considered very Punk Rock toward the end of the issue.

Overall, the comic is not perfect, but it“s an ok start to a new series. I“m interested to see how the next day at school goes for Fergie, and I“d really like to see Sid be Sid. There does appear to be some really great parts to work with here, and I“m hopeful for the next issue.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

David Barnett (w) ”¢ Martin Simmonds (a & c)

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Bryan Spaulding

In his free time, other than reading comic books, Bryan enjoys listening to his ever growing record collection and driving his 27 year old roadster named Mingo.