In this review of Purr Evil #5, we reach our crescendo as our heroes attempt to prevent the “cat-ocalypse” from happening.
Purr Evil #5
Writer: Mirka Andolfo
Artist and Main Cover: Laura Braga
Color Artist: Raul Angulo with assistance by Jose Enrique Fernandez
Variant Covers: Mirka Andolfo, Stjepan Šejić, Zulema Scotto Lavina
Release Date: July 17, 2024
Fandom can be a real beast sometimes. There are times where you’ll find reasonable people that just so happen to be a fan of a band or a specific personality. And other times, you encounter the obsessive types. Those that would follow their idol anywhere, do anything in their name, even kill if they think it will please them.
The “Purr Evil” miniseries deals more with the latter. To sum up the first section of the story: Deb and her mother Rita have been moving from place to place, running from Rita’s past. She had been a part of “The Stepsons”, a band that had dabbled in the occult several years before the story begins. Deb’s father Jason, also having been part of the group, had been pursuing Mother and Daughter.
Because of Deb’s connections to the demonic feline entity Mucci, she’s seen as a goddess by anyone that gets corrupted by the smaller demonic cats that follow her every step. Those first four issues are a bit difficult to sum up quickly enough for the purposes (or would that be “purr-poses”?) of this review, but they’re a chaotic, blood-soaked ride that I’d definitely encourage reading.
Puur Evil #5 — The Story
And now, we’re on Purr Evil #5. The penultimate installment. Now this is where things really start to come to a head. Rita, along with her neighbor Steve (looking to retrieve his currently-enthralled son Rob), and Deb’s grandmother-figure (who gives of punk-witch vibes) has managed to reach the complex where The Stepsons are planning to put on their next show, with the plan to introduce Deb to the world. Our small band of heroes, however, are looking to put a stop to this plan, given the obsessive fans and carnage that tend to follow this poor girl that just wants a normal freaking life.
Analysis
Despite the fact that I can’t quite clearly sum it up without it taking a long time, it was pretty easy to follow the arc of the whole thing. The pace moved along fairly quickly, fitting for the last chapter before it all wraps up. Every panel has a purpose, whether it be showing Deb having her doubts about either of her parents, or showing just how utterly unhinged one particular thrall of Mucci is.
And speaking of “unhinged thralls”, I want to give a bit of special attention to the expression work in the art. Know how they say that the eyes are the window to the soul? That’s especially true here. Any time we’re focused on those corrupted by Mucci’s smaller kitty avatars, there’s a particularly manic quality to their eyes that I seriously love seeing. Getting that quality with intention isn’t always easy, so seeing it done well is always a treat.
As for anyone that still has full possession of themselves, their expressions are also beautifully rendered. There’s no ambiguity as to what someone is feeling at a specific time, unless that’s what the artist wants.
The style itself works for the story, I find. The story is a fun piece of rock and occult-fueled madness. While the color palette may be bright, it’s not overwhelmingly so, and instead keeps the reader’s attention throughout the panels. The backgrounds don’t distract from the action, instead doing what any good background should: providing context for where the characters are at that time.
I’ve been really enjoying the story itself, as well. It’s told well; each chapter is concise as it unfolds. Purr Evil #5 is that all-important climax.
I look forward to issue #6 being a point where Deb steps up, takes her destiny into her own hands, and stops the potential cat-pocalypse her father could use her to bring. This just feels like it’d be a good direction for her arc to go in.
Now, for the characterization, this was also a good point. Deb definitely comes across as a girl that’s trying to figure out who she should trust. Can she really trust her father, who claims he can help control her power? Or should she listen to her mother, who’s been keeping her safe for the past sixteen years (even if it’s meant killing)? Everyone comes across as believable, particularly given the circumstances. Steve and Rita just want to keep both of their kids safe, and it’s quite clearly what drives their every move.
Jason reads as a less-than-savory individual (I mean, given his role in the occult shenanigans years before…yeah, the guy gives off a few red flags). It all feels consistent with how everyone has been presented since the beginning, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it all ends up.
The dialogue feels right for the story, I’d say. I can practically hear these conversations, without them sounding too stiff (or too emotive to the point where it takes me out of the story).
I initially picked it out because it sounded interesting, then tracked down the first four issues to catch up before this one. I went in blind, with no idea how much I’d enjoy it. Oddball horror is very much my sort of thing. Also, I’m a bit of a sucker for wordplay. SO, my recommendation would be to pick up this comic and buckle up for the madness. Would not recommend it for younger readers, though, due to the blood and language. But it all works for the story, so if that’s not a deal-breaker, then by all means!
Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
Image Comics provided The Comic Book Spot with an advance copy of this comic for review purposes. Find more reviews here. If you would like to buy a copy of this title, and help support the Comic Book Spot at the same time, consider purchasing this book at Amazon or from Things From Another World.
