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PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of PUNK MAMBO #1 from Valiant Entertainment. Available April 24th, 2019, the creative team for this issue features writing from Cullen Bunn, art from Adam Gorham, colors from José Villarrubia, and lettering from Dave Sharpe.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
PUNK MAMBO #1

Studded leather jackets and day glow hair go hand-in-hand with captive loas and summoned bone reaper blades. Punk Mambo’s first issue is a little crazy, a little creepy, and a lot of fun.

Writing:

When Cullen Bunn has an interesting take and is paired with a great artist, stay out of the man’s way and let him serve you something you’re guaranteed to enjoy.

Punk Mambo leans more toward creative efforts like Magneto, The Damned, and the Sixth Gun while still carrying a sense of manic energy and fun of his X-Men work.

In terms of horror, his style is more big-budget slasher than atmospheric and haunting, but thematically he includes all the beats and notes the genre calls for.

The character of Punk Mambo, a Peter Milligan creation spun-out of Shadowman, does bear some elements of John Constantine and comparisons to this genre stand-out character would be unavoidable for anyone. But the story focuses on enough action and set-up that those comparisons will rinse away given the chance.

Cullen writes great character-infused narration and keeps up the pace, never sacrificing it for panels or dialogues of exposition or set-up. There’s always something interesting happening and pushing the story forward.

There are small moments that seem to jump or gloss over important info that would help a new reader immerse themselves in the character and world further, but nothing too glaring or disconnecting.

A Mash-up of cultures that balances the punk aesthetics with voodoo mysticism surprisingly well. It’s refreshing to read a first issue that hits the ground running so well. It’s captivating action up front followed by good story on the comedown. This is supremely effective and feels more unique than expected. A great, cool looking, entertaining read.

4 out of 5 Stars

PopCultHQ Rating – 4 Stars

PUNK MAMBO #1 can be pre-ordered on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and
online retailers Wednesday, April 24th!

Writer – Cullen Bunn

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Artist – Adam Gorham

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Letterer – Dave Sharpe

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Publisher – Valiant Entertainment

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