Am I a middle age duck chasing former glory? This was the question I found myself asking while reading Death Metal Duck. Written by Justin Heggs and art by Cam Hayden from Black Panel Press, Death Metal Duck is a 70 page graphic novel that felt like a combination of Howard The Duck and Metallica. After reviewing their graphic novel, Putin’s Fortune, I had to check out this book from Black Panel Press. Between these two books, Black Panel Press is certainly not afraid of publishing different stories.

Curtis Paul used to be the frontman of a legendary thrash metal band called Puke Hammer, now he is in his mid thirties navigating being a dad. Ask anyone in their mid thirties right now, “How’s life?” and they will reply back with something about their job, kids and financial struggles. But ask a former band member, their mind will go back to their glory days and that is exactly what happens with Curtis. He needs to get the band back together while juggling with all the drama that life throws at someone in their thirties.

Justin Heggs has a certain way with dialogue that made the story flow with humor and heart. A recent trend in comics is anthropomorphic storytelling with mature themes. Hit books like Feral, Stray Dogs, and Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees are perfect examples of this, Death Metal Duck can be added amongst those titles. This is all thanks to the craftsmanship of Heggs’ writing, getting the reader to laugh and cry within a few panels. Cam Hayden’s artwork is perfect for the story, drawn in black and white, it matches the vibe of thrash metal and independent creation. Hayden adds some hilarious easter eggs that feel perfectly suited for other stories that use ducks as their main characters.

While the black and white art does fit the vibe of the story, I can’t help but wonder what the book would add with colors. Especially the tease of the band members in color on the inside of the cover, which looks pretty awesome. The liner notes does give a background of how long it took to create this story, but it still makes me hungry for more Death Metal Duck. It is a fast paced story that does introduce some interesting moments of Curtis’ life. Would have loved to spent some more time with Curtis as he was younger and enjoying the spoils of being a legendary thrash metal band. However, the focus on older Curtis balancing family, life and the desire to rock is more relatable than I would like to admit. It also reminds us to do what we love, no matter what someone else’s internal thoughts or preconceived notions may be.

Death Metal Duck is a fun one sitting read that is accompanied by a soundtrack featuring songs like “Armed N Hammered” and “Speed Thrash Black Death” by The Cadavor Dog and “Buds?… we’re F****d” by Ghost Factory. This is a easy recommendation for those that love music and want a feel good story.