Review: PUNCH TO KILL #1

It is ingrained in our DNA to thirst for bloody horror. But we generally know when we’re close to crossing the line. I think the comic, PUNCH TO KILL, does an interesting job of going back and forth with teetering towards a bit too much. If you love blood and guts, then no problem. That said, I give a lot of credit to cartoonist Marc Palm for carrying out his dance with death.

There is much said on the subject of horror, particularly movie horror. I don’t claim to really care more than I do. I like what I like. If it has wings, I’ll most likely applaud its flight. If it’s merely sick and disgusting, what can I tell you? This comic really tries my patience but it’s supposed to. In the end, I applaud its quirky humor. It is visually arresting. It’s a solid piece of work.

This is a collaboration between writers Kevin Clarke, Will Long, and writer/artist Marc Palm. I can see that they’re having a lot of fun with various horror and action movie tropes. There’s the tough guy being held prisoner in some dank office. Then, suddenly, he’s had enough, and he goes on a bloody rampage. Now, he’s like an armored tank plowing through one henchman after another. You think you fooled me, the tough dude thinks. Well, think again, sucker! Insert blood splatters on the wall, the floor, wherever you like.

What’s good about this comic is that, despite all the blood and guts, it’s got a good head on its shoulders–all the way up to when it gets blown clean off. Seriously folks, this is what you can file under “highly spirited good fun.”

PUNCH TO KILL #1 is published by Pizza Party Comix. You can find these bloody fiends right here.