Comix Review: Johnny the Homicidal Maniac

Review Originally Printed in Moisst Issue One 1992/93.

Well the title just about says It all...... In an industry filled with cliche's and rip-offs, a market saturated in the superhero genre, this book is refreshingly original. A five issue series, (the fifth due out in mid-August) Johnny the Homicidal Maniac is one of this years better reads. The buzz however, is JTHM will be run for an additional 3 issues, this however, is not confirmed.


The author of JTHM is Jhonen Vasquez, who is, in essence, the story's main character, Johnny. Slave Labor Graphics publishes the book. They also publish books such as, Milk and Cheese, Murder Can be Fun, Action Girl, etc... The story is vulgar, offensive and LOUD! The book is done in black and white, which adds a menacing appeal to the mood of the story. If you have ever had sociopathic tendencies you will feel right at home while reading this comic. And if you haven't, you'll laugh your ass off, while reading Johnny's perverse thoughts that are so true to human emotion.

The book is filled with quick stories that are great for those with little time, or short attention spans Happy Noodle Boy and Wobbly Headed Bob are two small strips shown from time to time in between the Johnny story line. These prove to be as remarkably funny as Johnny himself. Johnny is the creator of a comic book. Happy Noodle Boy, he lives alone in a small dreary house, with a bunny ( aptly named "Nail Bunny" as the bunny is nailed to the wall ), and a few other characters that serve as Johnny's conscience. Yes, he speaks to these animals..... and they speak back! It's great!!!! Essentially Johnny kills everyone, well, just about everyone. Johnny's conscience however pays the price for his random violence. At times the story is about Johnny the Suicidal Maniac..... we get to hear from Nail Bunny a lot during these episodes!

Dark humor, random acts of violence, and sweetly disturbing conversations, this book has it ALL!!! If you haven't read Johnny yet, go out and buy it NOW, you won't be disappointed!