We’re going a bit retro for the pull list this week thanks to ComiXology‘s re-issue of the first 5 issues of early 90s classic Tank Girl. With its anarchic post-punk, new wave, art school spirit, Tank Girl was one of those books that seemed to transcend comics when I was a kid and became one of those characters (along with Death from the Sandman) that managed to appeal to comic fans and non-comic fans alike – especially amongst the gothy/emo teenage girls in my high school. Creator Jamie Hewlett would go on to greater commerical success with Gorillaz, his pop band team-up with Blur’s Damon Albarn, but for those in the know he was always the creator of Tank Girl first and foremost.

With its surreal and quirky pop art visuals and take no shit main character it was very much a comic of its time, so how does it stand up to the test of time? It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 25 years since TG first hit the pages of Deadline magazine, but the pages feel as fresh and vibrant as ever. In the cleaned up world of digital comics, they retain their gritty fanzine feel, but at the same time the artwork is clear and crisp and you can zoom in to really check out all the fine detail in every panel.

Even in these early stories there is still so much texture and excitement in every page that it’s great to be able to enjoy these books on such a clear screen as the iPad. However in the process it loses none of it’s attitude and free spirit – this isn’t like listening to a digitally tidied up version of Sex Pistols! If you’re already a fan then you may end up seeing some details that you never noticed before, but if this is your first time checking out Tank Girl then prepare yourself to be immersed in a hyper-kinetic world of riot girls, super tanks and randy kangaroos that is unlike anything else before or since.

Tank Girl #1-5 is available on ComiXology for £1.99 per issue