For nearly a decade, Garth Ennis worked to build, define and grow the world of Frank Castle largely apart and away from the superheroes of the 616 Marvel Comic Universe. It was a struggle that not even canonical accuracy could maintain (see Civil War Files #1 (2006) for the 616 Universe referencing events from the MAX Universe). In that same time, Marvel has also felt that struggle. No matter how well Frank sold during those superhero-free years, no matter how well readers received its characters and against regard for its strong, mature storytelling, Marvel always felt the desire to pull him back into the larger universe and away from his street level activities. The results have been turbulent in the past few years, to say the least. The push and pull of reader’s reactions have led to compromise and stagnation, a punishment limbo of sorts.
Writer Matt Fraction brought Frank far too much in contact with the fantastical elements of the Marvel Universe, losing the spirit, grit, tone and voice of the character. Writer Nathan Edmondson took Frank on a journey to battle corrupt corporate and political villains, only to conclude on the note that Frank didn’t belong there at all. Returning to a street crime approach, writer Becky Cloonan reduced The Punisher to caricature and overt simplicity, illogically preserving the light reading of the more fantastic runs in a grounded context that called for depth and detail. As they sailed for uncharted waters beyond Garth Ennis’s realm, each writer struggled with balancing the tone of The Punisher along with their individual influences, styles and original characters. The more we saw of each writer’s world, the less we saw of the Frank we once knew. With dwindling comic sales and consistent reboots, runs were cut early and failed to build on to the next. And Frank Castle had deadened, flaccid impact in the 616 and wasted, inconsistent characterization…until Matthew Rosenberg.
Matthew Rosenberg’s run should not have worked. Rosenberg donned Frank in War Machine’s armor and sent him against foreign warlords and the majority of Marvel’s superheroes after Secret Empire (a disastrous event series that begged for a return to normalcy), yet somehow made it feel like 90s Frank with his headband, .45 and Uzi tearing up the streets of New York. A talking, sarcastic suit of armor somehow became the best “guy in the chair” since 80s/90s Micro. Multiple panels. Each issue feeling like a journey, rather than a few moments. To put it shortly, the man got The Punisher…the voice, the mannerisms, the spirit, the action and the dark humor. Against the odds of the disastrous “Hydra Punisher” storyline, Rosenberg successfully ran with the concept, rather than from it and has now written 11 issues dealing with Frank’s “situation”.
That run was a promise, that things were planned and would be handled accurately and respectfully, even given Secret Empire. With The Punisher #1, Rosenberg has extended the terms of that promise with a monumental first issue that has changed Frank Castle and his role in the Marvel Comic Universe forever.
The Punisher #1 deals with Frank, back to basics and after his initial target during the “War Machine Punisher” run, Baron Zemo, who is now allied with The Mandarin in a quest to obtain UN recognition of the villainous nation of Bagalia. There’s all manner of badassery: a car chase, a motorcycle chase, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular collisions, a tank (yep!), laser-melted baddies, FRANK DUEL-WIELDING UZIS, death montages, electromagnetic explosions, fried seagulls and some small Marvel hero cameos (emphasis on cameo). It’s the same great Rosenberg work. But, the action is besides the point. This issue is less about the content and more about its ending statement: Frank Castle is now a valid threat to EVERYONE in the Marvel Universe. No more cowering Jackal’s behind bulletproof windows. No more jammed rifles with Wilson Fisk in sight. Frank Castle has killed
XXXXXXXX
The Mandarin
and ANYBODY can be next.
Rosenberg delivers a massive moment that Punisher fans have been waiting on for years and the fact that Marvel lets him get away with it, speaks volumes on things to come.
Szymon Kudranski, who I have a love/hate relationship with, does some of his best work in this issue. Having always possessed a hyper-realistic skill for scale, architecture and objects, Kudranski fills the issue with great and beautiful action sequences, lit and colored by the very capable Antonio Fabela. We get full splash page explosions, multi-panel kill montages, beautiful facial close-ups, unique angles and spotlights on weaponry. Kudranski’s weaknesses in depicting faces at certain angles and characters stance and fingers in natural motion (see Daredevil vs. The Punisher: Seventh Circle) are not as apparent in this issue, though he can always use work there. His depiction of Frank is unique, taking cues from John Romita Jr., Tim Bradstreet and Lewis Larosa into a blend all his own. Despite Frank looking a bit “squished” and odd facially, Frank’s awesome appearance in a splash page midway through as well as the overall art gives me great hope that Kudranski will leave his mark on The Punisher. I hope it wouldn’t be too much to ask for a bit more gore and detailed gibbing either.
With The Punisher #1, Rosenberg reminds us that he knows how to handle Frank in all contexts and brutally delivers on his promise of impact and trajectory for the character. It’s the “Infinity War” to what will be the “Avengers 4” to come and and where Rosenberg goes from here should be the metric by which he is measured. There’s still a lot that has to be resolved given Frank’s complicity in “Hydra Nation”, character-wise and message-wise and the ending is a hell of a teaser on things to come. With no inner Punisher monologue, it will be a mighty task for Rosenberg to wrap up what those themes are. Having great action and writing Frank well will NOT be enough to erase the specter of Secret Empire or excuse an unnatural story plotted more by “cool moments” rather than by informed, organic writing, but I’m going along with Rosenberg’s “promise” for now. “World War Frank” is uncharted waters on a scale “hitherto undreamt of” (to borrow a phrase from Dr. Strange) and I’m both excited and scared to see what comes next.
Punisher Central 
Excellent review. Putting this issue in the context of previews portrayals of The Punisher was a clever idea. Well done! Well wriiten!
LikeLike
This issue was not the dark Knight of punisher stories. You don’t not need to post about every good run of frank in comparison. You guys get blown away of the most smallest of stuff. Frank was barely in this issue. At all. And besides killing did nothing and established nothing. You guys acting like rosenberg just completed the marvel knights run. Hopefully in the next issue frank will remember he can speak. This is the same shit as the war machine run. All action. No real substance, story, or real reason to pick up the next issue. minus the Mandarin getting killed and iron man and widow possibly going after frank AGAIN. Nice seeing him be the boogy man again. But other than that, same shit. As long as people die tho right. the punisher is officially just a body count. He used to be a lot more. And seems like his fanbase is too naive to see what’s wrong with that. This is embarrassing.
LikeLike
I’m less critical of this comic on my second reading. i will say this however, this is a great first issue. but before we start acting like Rosenberg is among some of the best, we need to see where this run goes. so far we’ve established frank is the boogyman again. even among supervillains. it’s a great start. it’s viscious. heavenly at moments. but we’ve seen plenty of runs start great. Especially when trying something new and then begins to lose steam or just be more of the same. Edmonson’s run is a great example. The first issue was great. but you stated the what happened better than i can and this is covering the exact same mandate. Just with an added grudge for frank fucking up in the first place. The comic states Cap “Deceived” Frank into hydra. Funny that’s not what i read. I remember Him saying cap promised him his family back and in war machine was stated as frank “Followed cap into civil war so he followed him into hydra as cap is his icon”. This run is so garbage it keeps changing hoping the viewer will forget this crap. I was never won over with the whole war machine fiasco and it seems because the reviewer was, he’s quick to fall in love with this. But in my view how Rosenberg plans to navigate frank in this area and for how long are gonna be big factors. It’s great seeing Rosenberg made Frank take punishment to the supers. but eventually Im going to ask when frank is going to realize his war with hydra is not going to end. Hydra will be here after Zemo and evil cap if he’s even still alive. Also, when he’ll realize he’s punishing others for a decision that he made himself. No one put a gun to his head. To me that negates seeing him as any real punisher to get behind. he’s just butthurt he was deadass wrong and lashing out to make up for it. At the end of the day he should always feel like someone to get behind. Thats his whole point. We all can relate to that rage given his tragedy. This “Rebooted” punisher is just a guy who’s mad he actually joined the one thing he hates so he’s making everyone else’s life difficult. He’s not just acting out of character, he’s acting like a child. One thing is for certain tho. Rosenberg has found away to make a solid first issue for what he’s writing.
LikeLike
I see it the same way. Rosenberg will ultimately be measured by where he takes the series and how he wraps it up. It’s a common trope to bring a hero down to the very bottom, to make their ascension that much more powerful. I’m not sure the “joining Hydra” angle was the best way to do that and Frank has said zilch/we haven’t had enough insight into his mindset to understand how he is processing all of that. It has been “childlike” as you say.
That being said, I don’t think anybody expected Mandarin to get capped and the potential of this action is HUGE. This storyline is entitled “World War Frank”, no doubt a reference to “World War Hulk”, which was a monumental storyline for that character of significant issue length. I previously stated in the article that this issue is NOT about the action. It’s about Rosenberg showing that he is taking Frank to places never seen before that are still in line with the character. That doesn’t necessarily signal clear skies, but the point of the article was that I was banking on Rosenberg having a plan due to his understanding of how to write a Punisher comic.
He’s not responsible for Secret Empire and on a grander level, he has to work with material, legacy and story that other authors have left in his wake. He’s making good use of the building blocks he’s been left so far. I actually didn’t want to grade this issue. I felt an ‘8’ was a neutral, it was good but we’ll see type of score.
LikeLike
“That being said, I don’t think anybody expected Mandarin to get capped and the potential of this action is HUGE” – “I previously stated in the article that this issue is NOT about the action.” –
See the contradiction? The only positive thing you can say about this run IS the action. It’s the only thing present. We’re 25 plus issues in in total from the almighty Rosenberg and we have no clue “where his head is at”. “It’s a common trope to bring a hero down to the very bottom, to make their ascension that much more powerful. I’m not sure the “joining Hydra” angle was the best way to do that” that’s a VERY mild way of putting that. Also Matthew Rosenberg may have to deal with the fallout of secret empire. But Garth had zero problem following up the trash that was demon Hunter punisher before he relaunched marvel knights with ma gnucci and the like am I correct?
LikeLike
That’s no contradiction. The potential of Frank taking down someone outside of his reach is huge. The potential of “this” action, referring to the takedown of the Mandarin specifically…or did you neglect to read my review where I stated literally everything else that happened in the issue and said that those events were not the point of the issue?
Your last sentence in the above comment says it all. You expect Ennis in Rosenberg, but he’s a different writer and different man. Garth simply ignored everything before him in his run. He dismissed Angel Punisher in a single panel. With Secret Empire being a linewide event, I doubt Rosenberg has the same luxury. Again, he is using the pieces of the puzzle he has.
Also, Frank’s not going to have a monologue in this run. Rosenberg stated that he is taking the Frank as a background force approach that Cloonan and Rucka utilized.
LikeLike
Also, it’s been 12 issues in, including #1. War Machine was its own special event, leading here. My review says my thoughts on both the positives and negatives of this issue and again, Rosenberg will be measured by where he goes with it. My points stand.
LikeLike
Dont be so naive. I don’t want Ennis in Rosenberg. I want The Punisher in comics. I’m sorry you may not be able to see the difference in what I just said. You settle for less. I dont. Also there were connections to the angel run in his opening monologue of welcome back frank “I caught a glimpse of heaven once”
(Referencing Angels showing him his family)
The fact is The Punisher generally uses thought bubbles and black humor from his pov to tell his side of things. He also generally has some sort of supporting cast and or a storyline. Momentarily forgetting the trash your praising and willing to get salty over (come on dude. This run is NOT that good. Get over it) there are great runs BEFORE Ennis’ run that to my credit which show Rosenberg is seriously lacking in anything disregard to action. Potential? We’re arguing over potential? Not actual proof of greatness. Potential. For the love of god stop bringing up war machine. Now that says everything. Some Punisher fans can see the shit that run truly is so it means absolutely nothing. This is the run that Rosenberg should prove himself in. Also frank killed the Mandarin. He’s like D level at best and hasn’t been used for years not counting the abysmal iron man 3. Calm your tits. Let’s see frank kill Baron zemo crossbones AND actual villains that can create an impact in the modern comics world before you start touching yourself to all the death ok?
LikeLike
Hey Cam, again I never insulted you once and am answering you as best I can. I would appreciate it if you actually read everything I wrote and in your response, answer those opinions with integrity instead of selectively quoting pieces. That’s for the news media.
Scenario A:
i. My Review: There’s still a lot that has to be resolved given Frank’s complicity in “Hydra Nation”, character-wise and message-wise and the ending is a hell of a teaser on things to come. With no inner Punisher monologue, it will be a mighty task for Rosenberg to wrap up what those themes are. Having great action and writing Frank well will NOT be enough to erase the specter of Secret Empire or excuse an unnatural story plotted more by “cool moments” rather than by informed, organic writing, but I’m going along with Rosenberg’s “promise” for now.”
I express doubt over the future of Rosenberg’s series, but remain cautiously optimistic regarding the takedown of the Mandarin as a sign of greater things to come. I end up giving the issue an 8/10.
ii. Your Response: “This issue was not the dark Knight of punisher stories. You don’t not need to post about every good run of frank in comparison. You guys get blown away of the most smallest of stuff. Frank was barely in this issue. At all. And besides killing did nothing and established nothing. You guys acting like rosenberg just completed the marvel knights run. Hopefully in the next issue frank will remember he can speak. This is the same shit as the war machine run. All action. No real substance, story, or real reason to pick up the next issue. minus the Mandarin getting killed and iron man and widow possibly going after frank AGAIN. Nice seeing him be the boogy man again. But other than that, same shit. As long as people die tho right. the punisher is officially just a body count. He used to be a lot more. And seems like his fanbase is too naive to see what’s wrong with that. This is embarrassing.”
Your technique utilized: Sensationalism
You somehow express that we are just worshiping the ground that Rosenberg walks on, when I clearly voiced concern in the article.
Also, Black Widow helped Frank escape in the “War Machine” run along with Bucky Barnes…twice. She is clearly a supporter and behind what he is doing. The chips have moved.
Scenario B:
i: Your Comment: “Also Matthew Rosenberg may have to deal with the fallout of secret empire. But Garth had zero problem following up the trash that was demon Hunter punisher before he relaunched marvel knights with ma gnucci and the like am I correct?”
ii: My Response: “He’s not responsible for Secret Empire and on a grander level, he has to work with material, legacy and story that other authors have left in his wake. He’s making good use of the building blocks he’s been left so far.”
“Garth simply ignored everything before him in his run. He dismissed Angel Punisher in a single panel. With Secret Empire being a linewide event, I doubt Rosenberg has the same luxury. Again, he is using the pieces of the puzzle he has.”
iii: Your 2nd Response: “Also there were connections to the angel run in his opening monologue of welcome back frank “I caught a glimpse of heaven once” (Referencing Angels showing him his family)”
Your Technique: Ignoring the Argument
– I already addressed what advantages Ennis had in contrast to Rosenberg. Ennis was able to dismiss all events with a single panel vs. Rosenberg having to deal with a linewide event such as Secret Empire.
– You respond back as if I was not aware or didn’t already mention how Ennis resolved the issue.
Scenario C:
Your Comment: ““That being said, I don’t think anybody expected Mandarin to get capped and the potential of this action is HUGE” – “I previously stated in the article that this issue is NOT about the action.” – See the contradiction? The only positive thing you can say about this run IS the action. It’s the only thing present. We’re 25 plus issues in in total from the almighty Rosenberg and we have no clue “where his head is at”.”
My Comment: “That’s no contradiction. The potential of Frank taking down someone outside of his reach is huge. The potential of “this” action, referring to the takedown of the Mandarin specifically…or did you neglect to read my review where I stated literally everything else that happened in the issue and said that those events were not the point of the issue?”
Your Technique: Ignoring Context/Selective Reading
– I shared your doubts and I laid my argument out clearly.
The kicker to all this…
Your chain of arguments kicked off from me AGREEING with your opinion and you doing the same with my review!
i. Start with your comment: “I’m less critical of this comic on my second reading. i will say this however, this is a great first issue. but before we start acting like Rosenberg is among some of the best, we need to see where this run goes.,,” (Short quoted her for length, feel free to read the whole thing.)
ii. My literal next response: “I see it the same way. Rosenberg will ultimately be measured by where he takes the series and how he wraps it up. It’s a common trope to bring a hero down to the very bottom, to make their ascension that much more powerful. I’m not sure the “joining Hydra” angle was the best way to do that and Frank has said zilch/we haven’t had enough insight into his mindset to understand how he is processing all of that. It has been “childlike” as you say.
That being said, I don’t think anybody expected Mandarin to get capped and the potential of this action is HUGE. This storyline is entitled “World War Frank”, no doubt a reference to “World War Hulk”, which was a monumental storyline for that character of significant issue length. I previously stated in the article that this issue is NOT about the action. It’s about Rosenberg showing that he is taking Frank to places never seen before that are still in line with the character. That doesn’t necessarily signal clear skies, but the point of the article was that I was banking on Rosenberg having a plan due to his understanding of how to write a Punisher comic.”
Again, you don’t believe in Rosenberg and I’m willing to give him a chance. I’m willing to see his potential based on how he’s handled the action and how he’s given us a moment where Frank has knocked off The Mandarin, Iron Man’s “Jigsaw” so to speak. Something even you didn’t see happening:
Your Comments on the #228 Review: “Also I hate to be the bearer of bad news but frank isn’t gonna be running around killing other heroes rogues galleries. So if you didn’t like edmonsons run I guess you haven’t realized they went wrong putting him against villains HE COULDNT EVEN KILL! What do you think gonna happen different this time? Exactly.”
You say I’m getting salty when these are your previous comments:
“And you defending this run is more sickening than the run itself. As long as you see a skull and a body count you’re fine.”
“As long as people die tho right. the punisher is officially just a body count. He used to be a lot more. And seems like his fanbase is too naive to see what’s wrong with that. This is embarrassing.”
“Calm your tits. Let’s see frank kill Baron zemo crossbones AND actual villains that can create an impact in the modern comics world before you start touching yourself to all the death ok?”
Combined with your argument techniques, how much more civil can I be? Am I free to have my own opinion without being insulted…without being you? Your options are open: make a petition, write to Marvel, become a great writer and take over writing Punisher comics, make your own site.
LikeLike
Look guy. I’ve read everything you’ve posted on this site from comments to actual posts. I’m not selectively reading anything. I’m just pointing out the errors/contradictions in your explanations. And where you do contradict yourself. You say that this run isn’t about action but I operate a punisher group with over 2,000 punisher fans and they all agree it’s the unique methods of murder that kept the reading the war machine run and as someone who has eyes I can clearly see it was the only “cool” thing about the run. It was all about the “cool moments” frank had killing people. So sure you’re free to have your opinions and yeah I agree with SOME of your of them. And You’re being very civil btw. And also very detailed in your responses. You also did express SOME concern. But you threw A LOT MORE praise in Rosenberg’s direction. And whether he deserves it REMAINS TO BE SEEN. Something you wouldnt even admit to UNTIL I COMMENTED. Meanwhile you keeo constantly stating “This Run Is Not About Action” yet everytime you do, a few lines later you state that the potential for action is huge. (The Mandarin being specifically what you’re talking about is obvious. Action is action. It’s the only thing of note in this first issue) You’re cautiously optimistic huh? Doesnt read like it. I’m sure you know that. I mean where the fuck is an 8 outta 10 a neutral grade anyway? That’s a very high passing one. But I’ll dead all of this right now by asking you this one question. Take away action in this book would you read/enjoy it? Youre talking about the end setting up stuff.?”Let’s go to war then castle” says zemo after a few shots of some dorks from the last run. Woo. I’m shitting myself in anticipation. I’m not gonna sit over here and go word for word on what you said because I have a life to get back to. We all gotta draw the line somewhere (Frank does too) But I will say this I’ve read war machine. I know that black widow and Bucky were helping frank. I also don’t get why they would nor do I see the point why they did. There is NOTHING you can tell about war machine not burned into my brain in too much time trying to enjoy it. It’s too crappy for me. Probably cuz I don’t settle. Something you already stated on a previous post THAT YOU DO. if that offends you or insults you, you probably shouldn’t settle. Don’t get mad at me cuz I don’t. I had faith in Rosenberg. Thats PAST TENSE. Cuz he’s idea cross deal with the Hydra arc was to do something else just as dumb. Frank stealing that suit. Then he wrote this yarn. He could’ve oh I don’t know, refocused him where he belongs? Or not written this shit at all. But since he took the job he’s getting my critiques. Don’t think it’s just you. I go in on him on Twitter call the time. And she responds for the most part. So don’t tell me what I know and don’t know or what I’ve read. You’ll embarrass yourself. That’s not a question you want to throw in my direction. I’ve had men 3x my age that I’ve schooled. That said my last option is to keep on doing what I’m doing. You want me to stop commenting then you better pray to whoever you believe in that Rosenberg can make a punisher story worth a damn. Otherwise I’m gonna voice my opinion. I could care less if it aligns with yours or not. It’d be nice if it did tho. If not. 🤷
LikeLike
Again, dude. How can I speak for this new run when it’s only the first issue? I said this issue itself is NOT about the action and I’m talking about the potential of the action/act of Mandarin getting popped signifying that the story can go places we haven’t seen yet. I’ve repeated that point twice now and you’ve chosen to ignore what I’ve said.
I have no issue with you giving your opinions, but you don’t have to cuss at me and make it like every opinion I have makes me the worst dude ever for disagreeing with you.
You can easily be banned for trash talk, but I believe in free speech.
LikeLike
“Again, dude. How can I speak for this new run when it’s only the first issue? I said this issue itself is NOT about the action and I’m talking about the potential of the action/act of Mandarin getting popped signifying that the story can go places we haven’t seen yet. I’ve repeated that point twice now and you’ve chosen to ignore what I’ve said.”
-Ah, Understood. This was not this clear previously written
I have no issue with you giving your opinions, but you don’t have to cuss at me and make it like every opinion I have makes me the worst dude ever for disagreeing with you.
-Understood
You can easily be banned for trash talk, but I believe in free speech.
-I’d imagine you believe in free speech. Punisher fans tend to. Though the last part is curious. How do you define trash talk? So in the future I won’t break any rules
LikeLike
Also quick question. I meant to ask this earlier.
“With no inner Punisher monologue, it will be a mighty task for Rosenberg to wrap up what those themes are.”
Out of curiosity? What’s the point if this run if not to do that? Where’s the trashy story end. Cuz hydras not going anywhere. Killing zemo does nothing. Damn sure doesn’t absolve frank. Nor give anything to the viewers who what to see an actual penance. I want to point out Rosenberg was responsible for the end of war machine where like 30 (exaggeration) heroes came after frank and told him what he’s doing was wrong but somehow rhodey convinced him. That ending was equal parts weak/logic lacking. Why should I have confidence in his “promise” as a fan. Seriously asking.
LikeLike
I really have no response to this. I felt Rucka had a unique thing with removing the dialogue in his run and making it more about how Frank affects everyone with his actions.
But, I felt that other runs should NOT have followed in those footsteps. I honestly think it was a mistake for Rosenberg to remove the monologue. It’s a great way to have Frank flex his vocab, mindset, humor and tactics and is a key component of the standard Punisher story.
The ultimate direction I see this run going is being comfortable with Frank as more villanous. Think about him capping Micro and wanting to in v2 (MAX, v2). Think about him expressing violent desires beyond the criminal world into civilians (MAX Up is Black, Down is White/MAX v2). Think early Baron and how he got iffy with criminals at times, had a weakspot for females. They’re trying to make him someone intriguing to follow, but not someone to idolize and they’re trying to make him his own man rather than every reader’s revenge fantasy. I can see Frank going the way of Judge Dredd (which itself simultaneously supports and condemns the character). It’s an issue they’ve always had…no one really agrees with The Punisher in the real Marvel writing world. I think there is room for that, the murkiness and grayness but I hope they remember that in his heart, Frank’s a heroic figure with integrity. You gotta have the asshole elements of Frank, but you have to balance it out with the heart. There’s been a bit too much of the former recently.
LikeLike
You know I don’t think I’d really ban anyone unless it just descended to mindless “fuck yous” etc. etc. I would just appreciate more civil disagreement. You have any issues with the comic, lay them out, draw from evidence and old issues, whatever.
And you’ve certainly shown you’re capable of that. You’re a knowledgeable fan, passionate and you’ve seen the trends come and go. Literally, every argument you have is one we share.
The only thing that has gotten responses from you is my hope in Rosenberg. If he goes wrong, you can bet that I’ll make my critiques well known. I’ve taken my shots at previous writers per the review.
Rules: Basically, keep the targeted cussing/insults out of it. Not every counterargument towards the comic/opinions needs to be reverted to a shot towards the writer or site’s character. That’s it.
LikeLike
[…] rising Marvel writer Donny Cates (Venom, Doctor Strange) in the future-set Thanos ongoing. Oh…and he also presumably killed major villain, THE XXXXXXXN earlier this month. It’s a new age of punishment, albeit one of wild experimentation and fandom contention (just […]
LikeLike