Graphic Novel Review: Terminal Punks

When it comes to our consumption of audio and visual media, we all have things that we consider to be “guilty pleasures”. A movie critic may secretly enjoy a “cult classic” or a horrific “B movie”. A classical composer might be inspired by heavy metal, or a ‘metalhead’ might like K-pop… whatever yours may be, TERMINAL PUNKS combines two of mine: monster movies and loud, trashy punk rock.

The premise explains it all: A punk rock band (nameless group consisting of Kee, D’Arby, Burton, and Sway) lands and gets trapped in an airport where animal experiments, created by a negligent tycoon, have escaped and begun killing people. Throw in a CDC agent who knows way more than they should, an assassin hired to retrieve samples and paperwork, and the hilarity that comes from the beasts being named after vape flavors (i.e. a giant toucan named Heavy Lemon, a feral elephant named Custard Creme, a huge snake called Lava Juice, etc) and you get TERMINAL PUNKS.

Yes, of course, some people get eaten… this is a monster story.

Yes, of course, characters you thought died show up later on to save the day… monster story trope.

And Yes, of course, punk rock music will ultimately save the day… but you already knew that. Part of what makes it so great is that you know things will ultimately work themselves out.

Matthew Erman (LONG LOST, CARE BEARS: UNLOCK THE MAGIC) brings us fast-paced action, crazy monsters, and the hilarity that a monster story always needs. TERMINAL PUNKS will stick with me and be recommended to others as a story that excels at its own tropes.

Ages 14+

ADAM FISHER, Reference Associate