Junk Punch #3 — Paul Tobin and Carlos Olivares dive into the criminal underworld of Billowing City
Clara the steamroller is hunting a villain stealing life's big moments in Paul Tobin and Carlos Olivares' chaotic Mad Cave series. Issue #3 pushes the story into the Silverhand underworld with an unexpected origin story and police involvement.
There is a specific kind of joy in reading a comic that refuses to take itself too seriously, and Junk Punch is serving it up in generous helpings. We are currently on issue #3 of this five-issue arc from Mad Cave Studios, and the momentum has shifted from random chaos into a genuine mystery. Paul Tobin and Carlos Javier Olivares have built a world where the absurd is treated with the gravity of a noir thriller, and that contrast is where the magic lives.
At the center of this is Clara, a runaway steamroller who has taken it upon herself to track down a dire villain. This isn't a criminal stealing money or jewels; they are stealing goals. We are talking about soccer goals, touchdowns, and even successful first dates being ripped from the citizens of Billowing City. It is a bizarre premise, but Tobin handles it with a confidence that makes you believe in the stakes. Clara isn't working alone; she is diving deep into the criminal underworld of Silverhand alongside her partner, Medium Cotton.
What makes this issue particularly compelling is that the plot thickens in unexpected ways. We are getting an origin story, which grounds the absurdity in character history. But the situation isn't exactly friendly for our heroes—the police are involved, and they seem to have it in for Clara. The dynamic of being hunted while trying to save the day adds a layer of tension that keeps the pages turning. It’s not just chaos for chaos' sake; it’s a narrative engine that is firing on all cylinders.
Carlos Javier Olivares’ art is a perfect match for this tone. His line work and pacing capture the kinetic energy of a steamroller on the move while keeping the city's distinct flavor visible in the background. Seeing the Silverhand underworld rendered with such style gives weight to the world, making the absurdity of stolen first dates feel like a legitimate threat in this universe. Tobin’s Eisner-winning writing provides the wit, but Olivares provides the visual punch.
If you enjoy series that blend superhero action with a dash of urban fantasy and a whole lot of heart, Junk Punch is a book that rewards your attention. Issue #3 is a great place to jump in if you want to see where the plot is heading, or continue if you’ve been riding with Clara from the start. It’s a vibrant, funny, and surprisingly grounded story that feels like a gift from someone who loves comics. Check the shop to see if a copy has landed on the shelf.