Punks Not Dead #5

66 is the new 23



Writer: David Barnett
Artist: Martin Simmonds
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: June 20, 2018

Cover Price: $3.99

Another title I jumped in on, having not read any of the preceding issues. Every issue might be someone’s first, right? Luckily we get a nice recap on the title page to catch us up to speed.
 
The short version: there are magic music shenanigans happening in Jolly old England, and it looks like it’s to do with a wily old demon named Beleth. The Department of Extra-Usual affairs is all over it. How does this issue work as a jumping on point? Can a brand new reader make sense of it and enjoy it?


Spoiler: not really.


This issue tells us the story of Dorothy, a Department Of Extra-Usual Affairs (DfEUA) agent who in her youth in 19wp’s found the actual, fountain of youth in Sicily and remained perpetually 23 until she had to suck a demon out of one of her mates when a spell went bad.  

Less fun and definitely less sexy than it sounds. Get your mind out of the gutter! The wily demon Beleth then Aged her to perpetually 66. Note to self: you can’t substitute pigeons for chickens when it comes to magic. This happened in 1966.


We end with Fergie and his ghostly punk friend Sid who think they may have found someone from an occult message to help them. Hooray! 



Bits and pieces:


This is not a great book to just jump in on. The time skips are confusing, and there’s very little explanation about who the characters are. If you can grab the first few issues, that would probably help a lot! As it is, the art is really good. The different time periods get a different art style which helps a lot. Still, it’s a nice change of pace from the usual capes and tights I normally read.  Verdict: a not new reader friendly

 6.5/10