Skip to main content

REVIEW: 'Punisher' #1 by David Pepose, Dave Wachter, and Dan Brown

 

PUNISHER #1

Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Dave Wachter
Colors by Dan Brown
Letters by Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: November 8, 2023
Cover Price: $5.99

Is this the return of Frank Castle - or the start of something else? Frank Castle has disappeared, but evil will always need to be punished. With all-new threats rising to claim innocent victims, criminals will need to beware of a dangerous vigilante hunting them from the shadows. Who is the new Punisher? What put him on his path of vengeance? And when the smoke clears, will he even make it out alive? It's John Wick meets The Fugitive in this action-packed new saga from Ringo Award-winning writer David Pepose (SAVAGE AVENGERS, MOON KNIGHT: CITY OF THE DEAD) and Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated artist Dave Wachter (PLANET OF THE APES, X-MEN LEGENDS), as the Marvel Universe meets the next generation of punishment!

Rated T+

Score:
★★★1/2 (3.5/5)

QUICK REVIEW: Meet the new Punisher, same as the old Punisher. Well, not quite. David Pepose, Dave Wachter, and Dan Brown usher in a new era of punishment without Frank Castle in the comic simply titled 'Punisher.' It's not a complete reinvention of the deadly vigilante as Pepose offers some new wrinkles in the form of Joe Garrison whose backstory isn't too far off from Frank's and his focus on tearing through the criminal underworld hits that sweet spot for longtime fans who've seen this before. Joe does have some backup so he's not a loner and as ex-S.H.I.E.L.D., he can handle himself even against some surprising opponents. Pepose's story construction makes Joe's introduction easy and quick to follow while establishing everything we need to know. The action and requisite violence are all handled with deft execution by Wachter's precise and energetic fight scenes that provide the type of chaotic verve you'd want from a Punisher book. Brown's mix of dark and bright colors adds some dynamic touches to this gritty setting while highlighting the contrasting old-school action with the newer use of technology in the story. 'Punisher' doesn't revolutionize the character's mythos but relishes in the comfort of basic primal ass-kicking. Perhaps, a tad too familiar and well-traveled but it's too early to write off the 'Punisher' just yet. If you're a fan who misses the old Punisher, then let the new 'Punisher' remind you what made him so great to begin with. 


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW: 'Little Monsters' #1 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen

  LITTLE MONSTERS #1 Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Dustin Nguyen Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: March 9, 2022 Cover Price: $3.99 They are the last children on Earth... who also happen to be vampires. For longer than they can remember, these child vampires have lived a life of eternal wonder amongst the ruins of humanity. But shocking events fracture the group and set them on a path of discovery that will shatter their innocence forever. Score: ★★★★1/2 (4.5/5) There are certain comic book creators whose books I'll pick up without hesitation. One of those creators is Jeff Lemire. He instills confidence knowing that his stories will be thoughtful and engaging. You add a talented artist like Dustin Nguyen on another collaborative effort and well, 'Little Monsters,' is a must-buy. I know, shocking.   They team up again with an intriguing post-apocalyptic vampire tale featuring "the last children on Earth" who've been left to their own devices among the ruin...
Post a Comment
Read more

PREVIEW: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Omnibus, Vol. 1

Explore never-before-seen adventures of the hit Paramount+ show in this graphic novel omnibus! Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Omnibus, Vol. 1 Writers: Mike Johnson, Kristen Beyer, Ryan Parrot Artists: Megan Levens, Angel Hernandez Publisher: IDW Publishing Trade Paperback: August 20, 2025, $24.99 First, in The Illyrian Enigma, set between seasons one and two, Una is accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet and Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove her innocence. But when Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise get caught in the Pryllia colony, home to the elusive Illyrians, the mission objective quickly shifts from gathering evidence to exonerate Una to…breaking out. Then, in The Scorpius Run, set course with Captain Pike and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to the Scorpius Constellation as they become the first Federation vessel to explore this uncharted region of space! In this romp across the stars, the Enterprise crew learn what i...
Post a Comment
Read more

Aliens & Humans Make Forbidden Contact In Graphic Novel STAR-CROSSED

 First Contact Evolves Into An Interstellar Romance In An Epic Sci-Fi Adventure This February 2024 Internationally renowned publisher Humanoids announced today STAR-CROSSED , a brand new original sci-fi graphic novel from highly acclaimed writer Jerry Frissen and artist Roberto Zaghi, about an impossible interstellar romance set in the near future where humanity has made contact with an alien civilization. Landing in stores February 2024.  The dawn of a new era for humanity has arrived. First contact has been made with an advanced alien species known as the Eo’Tarx, and the two civilizations begin the path toward understanding. CIA linguist Danko Orton is dispatched, tasked with studying communication with the Eo’Tarx alongside his alien counterpart No’mi.  But their work is quickly disrupted when it becomes clear that the two are attracted to one another, despite all barriers and obstacles. Will No’mi and Danko’s blossoming love compromise everything they’ve...
Post a Comment
Read more