The tragical comedy or comical tragedy of Mr. Punch

96 pages

English language

Published Nov. 15, 1995 by Vertigo/DC Comics.

ISBN:: 978-1-56389-246-2

(2 reviews)

"A dark and frightening fully painted novella, Mr. Punch tells the tale of a young boy's loss of innocence results from a horrific confrontation with his past. Spending a summer at his grandfather's seaside arcade, a troubled adolescent harmlessly becomes involved with a mysterious Punch and Judy Man and a mermaid-portraying woman. But when the violent puppet show triggers buried memories of the boy's family, the lives of all become feverishly intertwined. With disturbing mysteries and half-truths uncontrollably unraveling, the young boy is forced to deal with his family's dark secrets of violence, betrayal, and guilt. Written by New York Times best-selling novelist Neil Gaiman, with unwordly illustrations by artist Dave McKean, MR. PUNCH - 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION is the new deluxe cut of this landmark original graphic novel. Includes bonus material"--

6 editions

Arbieroo reviewed The tragical comedy or comical tragedy of Mr. Punch by Neil Gaiman

Review of 'The tragical comedy or comical tragedy of Mr. Punch' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

An adult nostalgically recollects childhood events that seem mysterious...could be [b:The Ocean at the End of the Lane|15783514|The Ocean at the End of the Lane|Neil Gaiman|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351914778s/15783514.jpg|21500681], right? Well, no, because this story is not fantastical and is very short, not to mention being in the form of a comic book.

For me, the atmospheric, almost disturbing illustrations by McKean were the best aspect of the book. The story itself I found uninspired and just as with [b:The Ocean at the End of the Lane|15783514|The Ocean at the End of the Lane|Neil Gaiman|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351914778s/15783514.jpg|21500681] the childhood nostalgia aspect was detrimental. I'm not quite clear why this is, since I find it a strong positive in [b:Dandelion Wine|50033|Dandelion Wine|Ray Bradbury|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1170366282s/50033.jpg|1627774], for example.

OriginalBarbas

rated it

June 9, 2011

Subjects

Punch and Judy -- Comic books, strips, etc.
Family -- Comic books, strips, etc.
Graphic novels.