Ever since his family was murdered, retired S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Joe Garrison has turned New York City upside down in his bloody search for answers. But now he’s finally put all the pieces together… and what he’s found could lead to all-out war. Alone and outgunned, Joe must push his deadly set of skills to their limit to stop the clandestine terror group known as JIGSAW – but even if he survives, can this all-new Punisher finally come to terms with his role as the Marvel Universe’s most dangerous hero? Punisher #4 wraps up the first arc of this new Punisher’s journey, but will Joe Garrison accept his new role?
Written by David Pepose, Punisher #4 is an interesting comic. There’s a lot to like and a lot that has potential. It also delivers a nice arc to Joe Garrison’s first journey as “the Punisher.” But, all that comes with an issue that feels like it’s missing about a half issue more. There’s a lot packed in, which means there’s a lot to be left out too, resulting in an issue that’s stronger as part of the whole than it is on its own.
Who, or what, is Jigsaw? We kind of get an answer to that. The issue delivers their mission and a little bit more about the organization but beyond that, it’s a nebulous group so far that has potential to be a really cool addition and player to the Marvel Universe. What’s stated and what’s done, delivers a new organization that could be the next Hydra or at least the anti-S.H.I.E.L.D. There’s hints that Jigsaw runs far deeper than what’s shown, and hopefully Pepose is given an opportunity to flesh out a nice addition to the Punisher’s rogue gallery.
But, there’s also a rushed aspect to the comic. There’s a few things that happen off-page you need to role with and Jigsaw’s motivations you just accept. Adding a few more pages might have allowed for some more monologuing by Jigsaw as to the why of their actions, beyond “hurst profits,” and also the Punisher preparing for his assault.
But, Pepose delivers some solid action as the battle rages between Garrison and so many people. There’s a fun, over the top cinematic quality to it all and Garrison takes as hard as he gives.
Part of the fun of it all is Dave Wachter‘s art. The action is what you’d want and expect from the Punisher with fighting that’s entertaining and silly at the same time, as you’d want and expect from an action “film” of this nature. There’s some solid brutal moments to it all too as Wachter focuses on Garrison’s brutish approach to his assault. There’s no subtlety here. The color by Dan Brown and Cory Petit adds to it all enhancing the enjoyment.
The team most importantly delivers the finale of Garrison’s journey to becoming the Punisher. This is a man on a mission he was forced into, one of revenge. A label was put on him, one he didn’t ask for but by the end, a label and mantle he becomes. The story, the art, brings out Garrison’s rage and also pivots his mission to what comes next. Hopefully, we get a lot more, as Garrison has a lot of potential to deliver an interesting new take on a legacy.
Story: David Pepose Art: Dave Wachter
Color: Dan Brown Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
