I picked up the first issue of Sean Murphy‘s mini-series Punk Rock Jesus and thought it was pretty solid. The plan, for me, was to wait until it was a trade paperback and then read all six issues in one go. DC decided to change that plan a bit by sending me an early review copy of Punk Rock Jesus #6. After reading it, I’m so tempted to go back and pick up the issues I missed right away.

Murphy describes the mini-series as an “autobiography cleverly disguised as science fiction.” It’s the near future, and the newest hit reality television show has the unlikeliest celebrity of all – a clone of Jesus Christ. A messiah to some, a sacrilege to others, he causes outrage, adulation and chaos first in a reality TV series, J2, then as a rebellious teenager when he joins a punk rock band.

The final issue takes on the ramification of all this. How would the world react to a cloned Jesus Christ? And what would happen if he toured in a rock band? There’s some smart commentary on modern religion and extremism in this final issue.

Overall, it wraps up nicely. Even not knowing what occurred in the previous issues, I was able to follow it pretty easily. I picked up what was going on, and still enjoyed it. There’s enough there to appreciate the commentary at least.

Murphy’s writing is only topped by his art, which we’ve seen in Joe the Barbarian and American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest. The art is fantastic as expected. Combined that with his writing and you can see why Murphy has a following and why I keep my eyes out for whatever his name is attached to.

After reading this one issue, it’s not a surprise this series landed on so many “best of” lists. I absolutely recommend it if you’re able to get all of the issues and especially if you’ve followed it up until now. I myself am definitely picking up what I missed, either as individual issues or as the eventual trade paperback.

Story and Art: Sean Murphy

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review