Publisher: Titan Comics
Writer/Artist: Run
Release Date: 30th September, 2015

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Spawned from the (quite possibly disturbed) mind of graphic artist and illustrator Run, MUTAFUKAZ introduces us to Angelino, one of many deadbeats living in the slums of Dead Meat City, whose life takes a turn for the bizarre after he develops the ability to see mysterious creatures following a seemingly mundane scooter crash. One of the most famous comics in its native France, the series has already sold over 100,000 copies, and has now been unleashed on the unsuspecting British public courtesy of Titan Comics.

Blending Latino culture with gangland imagery and sci-fi insanity, Run sets the tone of MUTAFUKAZ right from the get-go during our first encounter with the big-headed, bug-eyed Angelino and the gloriously offbeat world he inhabits. Cartoony, over-exaggerated and crammed with brilliantly subtle detail, the visual style of this book is perhaps its strongest selling point, with an almost ‘graffiti-tag’ aesthetic in places that works well alongside the distinctly urban vibe of the story.

The story itself revolves around Angelino and his (inexplicably flaming skull-headed) friend Vinz as they try to figure out exactly what the hell is going on, and contains an unusual mixture of sci-fi, comedy, surrealism and surprisingly full-on violence. Several interesting characters are introduced along the way, and while it perhaps becomes a little too ‘out there’ in places, for the most part this remains an enjoyable, engaging read throughout.

To be honest, I can actually see this being something of a ‘marmite’ book. Some people will definitely get a kick out of Run’s distinctive aesthetic and sharp, humorous dialogue, while others will possibly be put off by the unconventional style and tone of the series. For my taste, MUTAFUKAZ falls right on the borderline; some of the moments and characters in this book are undeniably brilliant, while others fall slightly short in their execution, straying a little too far into the realms of weirdness in the process.

This is most is definitely a book that anyone reading it is going to have an opinion on. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the fierce passion behind Run’s work, and his boundless artistic talent is visible on every single page. In a lot of ways, MUTAFUKAZ feels like a drive-by shooting for the senses, providing an intense injection of visual insanity and offbeat storytelling that’s like nothing else on the shelves today. Demented and uplifting in equal measure, this one is definitely well worth a look, if for no other reason than to feast your eyes on the glorious vision of one absolutely twisted creative genius.

Rating: 4/5.

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INTERIOR ARTWORK
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The writer of this piece was: Craig Neilson-Adams (aka Ceej)
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