Punk Mambo #1 Review

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Adam Gorham
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Publisher: Valiant

There are so many things to be excited about regarding this new Punk Mambo series. Firstly, Punk Mambo is such a great character who perfectly encapsulates the darkness and the humor that we’ve come to expect from Valiant characters, so a whole series about her is a wonderful idea.

Secondly, Cullen Bunn is writing the new series, and I personally am a very big fan of his writing. If anyone knows how to write interesting stories that involve a lot of evil, it’s definitely him. Thirdly, I only know a little bit of Adam Gorham’s artwork, mainly from covers, but I do know that I have enjoyed anything I’ve seen of his, so with him on board as the artist for this new series is another fantastic feature.

So with such a lineup of characteristics to be thrilled about, does it deliver? Absolutely.

Sure enough, Punk Mambo has always been entertaining to read about and this whole first issue proves that that is still the case, and even more so now that she has the opportunity to really grow. Also, as expected, Cullen Bunn’s storytelling is already enjoyable and humorous. I was interested in the opening situation and as the issue progressed and the bigger conflict was being introduced, I became more and more intrigued.

Adam Gorham’s artwork is the only thing that I found to be very surprising, and not because it was bad. I casually knew his work, but I wasn’t too familiar with it, but I was surprised by how much I absolutely adored his artwork in this first issue. This series has so much going for it and needs a strong artist who can manage to awe us with their take on voodoo ridden places like New Orleans, Haiti, and different spirit realms. Well, we definitely have that in Adam Gorham. The settings, the action, and the emotions are all exquisitely illustrated to provide a gorgeous reading experience.

The excitement that I felt for this new series has been reinforced by an excellent debut issue by a very talented group of people. After a captivating first issue, I’m thrilled for more of what this new series has to offer.