Artist/writer/creator Paul PJ Johnson has been a consistent and prominent figure on the UK independent comics scene for the past 7-8 years. Being well known for his character Razor Bastard is only half the story, as Johnson’s versatile imagination and unique artistic style has seen him also release some absolute gems, such as the epic graphic novel Death Truck and the amazing Once Monster. Now he’s back, with what may be his most raunchy, most graphic, and most violent creation: Cannibal XXX.
When you talk about a unique style, Johnson certainly has that. All his books have a cinematic aesthetic like if Pixar had taken a heavy dose psychedelics and included a zany, 100mph ingredient of blood, guts and porn. Every violent scene has a wicked sense of humour, so even though Johnson pushes the boundaries at times, you can’t help but laugh out loud.
Johnson has always peppered his books with scantily-clad ladies and sex, but Cannibal XXX takes it to the next level, almost straight from the off, as the story revolves around a porn director who’s wanting to change his life; especially as he has had to watch and direct his wife doing the dirty deed daily with hundreds of different men. He has a sudden epiphany and sends scouts out to find him a unique mysterious island where he can get away and shoot his long-imagined masterpiece, and salvage his marriage in the meantime. Obviously this is a Paul Johnson book, so the island is filled with (yes you’ve guessed it!) sex-crazed violent cannibals.
What continues throughout the continuation of the pages now is Johnson spilling his crazy, depraved, no-holds-barred imagination and being extremely unapologetic about it. You see, this is a mature book for mature adults that like their humour slightly gross and immature, so beware this is strictly not for children. The artwork is over the top graphic and the writing is for people who aren’t easily offended.
There are panels within this book that are R-rated for sure but make no mistake, Johnson isn’t just going for shock value here, and isn’t creating an extreme horror title just to be noticed. This is his signature style! This is what he does best. I’ve always been a huge fan of his artistic style, but I don’t think he’s praised enough as a writer. His crazy pacing and characters are so unique and different to what else is gracing the shelves; not only independently, but commercially. I’m amazed some people are only noticing his work now!?
The bottom line is Cannibal XXX is another terrific book to his ever-growing catalogue. It’s got everything horror fans dream of and more. It’s dirty, wet and sticky, and Johnson is not only getting better and growing as an all-round creative powerhouse, but each new book just showcases more elements of his imagination and he keeps our appetite whet for more.
I don’t normally score during reviews, but if I did Cannibal XXX would definitely be 10/10.
