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

I remember the first time I read Ghost Rider. It was in the 90s and I had heard a few comic book store owners talk about the different runs the character has had over the years. They all sounded exciting to me. I came to know the character from his new host, Danny Ketch. The detractors around our local comic book store, were more than happy to pronounce their disdain. Their resistance was their love for what came before, unwilling to try something new.

The negativity did not last though. The creative team not only made Ketch indelible but created a masterful story arc. Much like that transition and change, in the debut issue of Punisher, a new man has taken the mantle, in the absence of Frank Castle, but for what purpose?

We’re taken to the scene of what appears to be an arson. It’s clear this wasn’t an accident and the family was targeted, as the police find an undetonated bomb. While it seems the entire family has been murdered, one body is missing, that of the father, Joe Garrison. Thus kicks off the mysterious origin of a new man who will be given the mantle of Punisher. The issue delivers the expected action as moments later, at a bar full of assassins, we see the new Punisher in action as he begins his mission of revenge.

Overall, Punisher #1 features an excellent and intriguing new protagonist to take on a familiar mantle. The story by Pepose is exciting. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that shows why everyone loves this complicated antihero, no matter who dons the skull.

Story: David Pepose Art: Dave Wachter
Color: Dan Brown Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle