This has been one incredible story arc!
Covering Punisher #43-49, this story has been totally kickass. Five widows of mobsters go a-hunting for the Punisher, while a mystery woman hunts the bella mafia. And this story had some incredible characterization, which really pulled me in; everything from the Samuel Jackson-inspired police officer, down to the illiterate moll.
The connection between the Punisher and the mystery woman is one of kindred spirituality. Turns out the woman owes a debt to the Punisher, and he finds in her an emotional anchor that he didn't expect. But the twist at the end ... whoa. Wow. I mean, wow. It really drives home the dark road that the Punisher travels, and the emotional and mental sacrifices that Frank Castle had to make when he donned the big skull.
Now, contrast this book with shite like "Punisher War Journal." I used to believe that the Punisher was at his best chasing costumed criminals - and maybe in the hands of a better writer1, he would be - but this current arc has been terribly handled, with the Punisher donning an ersatz Captain America costume and facing the Hate Monger over what feels like the past 100 issues (which, in actuality, has only been four issues so far, but still feels like it's in the middle of the tale). And while I do look forward to seeing the Punisher facing the Hulk (for his entry in the "World War Hulk" shindig), the MAX series has the mainstream Marvel Universe title beat, hands down.
Punisher MAX series: 2 1/2 count
Punisher MAX: Widowmaker: 3 count
Punisher War Journal: 1 count
1The writer is, conveniently enough, Matt Fraction, as in, "a fraction of the talent needed to write an interesting comic series." Hoo hoo, I'm such a bitch!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Punisher (MAX): Widowmaker
3 comments:
I'm not reading this because I'm sure I've got these books waiting for me at Atomik. Has "The Boys" started back up yet?
Well, I got the TPB, which had 1-6. I saw 7 & 8 at Planet in Anderson. I'm not sure which was the last one you got.
And the original post is spoiler-free, just so you know.
I don't know why I didn't pay more attention to the post. I already have the first three four issues of this arc, so it's not like I didn't have an idea of what was going on anyway.
I don't read War Journal, mainly because it isn't written by The Ennis. I know each writer will put their own spin on a character, but the idea that Frank Castle secretly wants to be Captain America is retarded.
I don't have any of the Boys after #5, so I'm glad to hear the TPB is out and the monthlies are coming. Woo hoo!
Post a Comment