Comic Review: Punks Not Dead: London Calling #5

Punks Not Dead: London Calling #5

IDW Publishing

Writer: David Barnett

Art: Martin Simmonds

The final issue of Fergie and Sid’s paranormal tale is at last here! It involves tons of colorful magic, heartbreak and, clearly, punk rock.

In this awesome conclusion of Punks Not Dead second and final arc, we have a lot going on. We start off in a reality show similar to those that Fergie’s mom, Julie, used to act on. Such similarity made us think that Fergie might have, somehow, rewinded time, in the last issue. In fact, Fergie constructed the scenario and brought all the people it should involve into it, including the show’s host. There Dorothy Culpepper devises a plan to take down Fergie’s father, Beleth a.k.a Billy, using Asif’s spirit jaguar guardian. As the plan develops things go south and reality shifts over and over. It’s a packed chapter.

Despite the great amount of events taking place in this single and final issue, Barnett’s writing makes it seem natural and fluid according the magic presented until this point. The dialogues remain deeply characteristic to each and every character which just contributes even more to the organic feel embedded deep in the storytelling. To add to that feeling Barnett filled the reality show segment of the comic with different corny taglines (such as ‘Sid getting vicious!’) depending on the characters’ reactions throughout the show and it makes the read hilarious and truthful to the Reality show genre. Barnett’s conclusion to the story is equally well written incorporating Fergie’s punk side in a incredibly satisfactory ending.

The art for this issue, as well as the whole series, is stunning! Right on the first few pages we get wonderful colored panels that pick up the reader’s interest immediately and from there on out it just gets better. Every shade, every stream of light every color in the pallet fits the composition beautifully with a neon tone that brings out the mystic elements in the story.

Another trace worth noting is the way every page is assembled differently than the one before it. Some of the pages follow the common composition of 4-6 panels juxtaposition to tell the story in a sequence. Yet, most of the pages play around with that aspect of comic book storytelling in an extraordinary approach. Page after page of quirky positioning of the panels give the story a different but instigating flow to it which just complements the writing perfectly. Plus Simmons’ artwork is just breathtaking and uses large spaces in the quirky pages to compose breathtaking pieces of art to fill the panels.

Although I did think the ending was fitting considering the direction the story’s taken, it is predictable that many readers may not think the same way. There’s a lot that’s deconstructed in the last pages, but, at least for this reviewer, it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s all been coming to this point the difference is it actually happened, there’s no sudden twist or change. The story flows as it should. Though some may find that a bit dull I think it’s just what such a good story as this one deserves.