Comic Review: The Punisher (2018-) #2

The Punisher (2018-) #2

Marvel Comics

Writer: Matt Rosenberg

Artist: Szymon Kudranski

I’ve followed The Punisher around a lot. His comics are usually pretty good, and he is always a man you can root for. I think a lot of people can resonate with him: the bullied, the parents, the mothers, and fathers. Frank Castle represents our anger with the world and with individuals who tear us down and do us wrong. He gives us the fantasy of what it would feel like to have nothing left to lose and exact revenge on our own demons and enemies. Because of this connection, The Punisher has always been a staple for me. Like Batman, Frank Castle is just a guy looking for revenge. He is not a superhero and he wouldn’t want to be called one…so we call him The Punisher.

This new run picks up after Secret Empire where Frank donned the War Machine suit. Now, he has shed the suit and relies on weapons and tactics. In the previous issue, Frank assassinated The Mandarin on the floor of the U.N. Thus beginning the war of Baron Zemo and Hydra versus The Punisher. This comic book is not letting up. This issue gives us more carnage as Frank is looking to squeeze information from Hydra personnel about Baron Zemo. Zemo is trying to fight Castle without hurting the Hydra brand since he is trying to get Bagalia recognized as it’s own independent nation. Like in the previous issue, Roxxon has a lot to do with this and Zemo is working closely with Roxxon executive, Dario Agger. In New York City, Fury is looking for Frank and sends The Defenders to bring him in, which is the highlight of this already great issue.

Matt Rosenberg is no stranger to Frank Castle, and he has hit this book with a vengeance. This is one of the best opening arcs The Punisher has ever had. Rosenberg is not giving us any time to breathe, he is moving the story along so well and still managing to pack in the action that is synonymous with The Punisher label. I can’t sing this man’s praises enough for these first two issues.

Szymon Kudranski. Know the name? Maybe you don’t, but you’ve seen his work. This Polish artist has been over all the shelves of your local comic shop. I’m thrilled he landing on this series because I enjoy every panel he does. Like most Punisher books, this one is gritty and violent, and Kudranski does this exceptionally. His characters and their abilities are all done well and are lovely to look at on every page.

This review doesn’t do the book justice, but all I can do is encourage you all to go out and pick it up. I can’t imagine you all not being pleased with where this series is going. The Punisher is back. Frank Castle is back. Rejoice in his return and pick this one up immediately.