.html by Christopher P. Reilly & Darron Laessig For the first time in comics, the centuries-old tale of "Punch and Judy" is told in this 48-page adaptation of the classic children's puppet show, written and researched by Christopher P. Reilly and illustrated by Darron Laessig, with a gorgeous cover painted by Star Wars cover artist, Jon Foster. Follow the trail of mayhem left by Mr. Punch, as he brandishes his "slap-stick" upon every foe who tries to hurt his precious and infamous nose, from the dog Mr. Toby, to Mr. Scaramouche, to the Hangman, and finally the Devil himself. Plus, historical background on the "Punch & Judy" story. b&w, 48pg
Christopher P. Reilly's graphical interpretation of the Punch and Judy narrative is solid, without really breaking any new ground or offering new insights on that rich tradition. There are some visual puns embedded throughout, and one can't fault the author for making morbid connections between the villainous Mr. Punch and Napoléon Bonaparte, John Wayne Gacy, etc. Darron Laessig's black-and-white panels are spare and kinetic, and his personification of Mr. Punhc is probably the highlight of this volume.