Deep in the heart of New York City, the crime lord known as the Offer trades in every currency on the planet. Barricaded within his fortified tower, he is defended by an army of guards, the latest in cutting-edge security and a team of stone-cold super villains capable of slaughtering a battalion. With the limitless resources at his disposal, the Offer thinks he is untouchable. He’s about to learn that no one escapes the Punisher. Punisher #2 shows the man is on a mission and wants answers as to who killed his family.

Written by David Pepose, it’s kind of hard to say why Punisher #2 is good without ruining the surprise. But, like the first issue, the comic keeps things focused and simple and pulls it off so well. With his family dead, Joe Garrison wants answers as to who killed them and why it all happened. For that, he seeks out the Offer resulting in a “boss level” battle to get to the final level and final cinematic.

That easy concept is partially what makes the comic so good. It’s a formula we’ve seen before but it’s done in a fun way with creative aspects throughout. Our “hero” needs to get to some place and has to go through villains to do that. Each villain presents a unique challenge that hero has to overcome. It’s not some new concept, much like Punisher’s overall concept of revenge, it’s one that has existed for quite some time. But, Pepose makes each of those encounters entertaining and how each ends unique and creative.

Then we get to the end and let’s just go with the encounter with the Offer doesn’t go or end as expected.

All of this entertainment is boosted by the art of Dave Wachter who is joined on color by Dan Brown and lettering by Cory Petit. The battles are solid, the action good, the fights brutal but not over the top so. Punisher #2 continues a style kicked off with the first issue where things feel rough but not to the point to suspend disbelief that Garrison is walking away. Wachter and the team do a solid job of making him come off as beat and bruised and feeling things but also the punches not to a point where you wonder how he even survived. There’s also a little of dry humor in it all evoking action films of the past. It’s a great combo to fantastic effect.

Punisher #2 is a hell of a second issue that changes up the character enough to make Joe Garrison stand apart from all of the others who have worn the skull. It also keeps the mystery going as to who was behind the murders making it all the more exciting to see who will next to be punished.

Story: David Pepose Art: Dave Wachter
Color: Dan Brown Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle