Writer Nathan Edmondson has a tough gig: bringing Punisher back after the exceptional run from Greg Rucka, who not only reinvigorated the character, but also redefined him. Instead of a one-dimensional killing machine, Rucka humanized both the Punisher and his mission. Post-Rucka, Punisher was stuck on a team book in which he did not belong, but thanks to Marvel Now, Frank Castle is back to take out the slime of the Marvel Universe.
Punisher #1 introduces a team that will become Castle’s main source of aggravation in the coming months. Who they are is a nice surprise, one that might actually be able to give Punisher a run for his money. Outside of that, this is pretty much a business-as-usual issue. Punisher is after some drug kingpins, and he uses his standard over-the-top violence to execute his goal. Cops are chasing down Castle, though a decent amount of them are rooting for him. Edmondson sets up his characters in this issue – from the cops the story will focus on to the ones being summoned to take him out.
It’s hard to tell if this is going to be a great run or just another standard one. In this jumping off point, there are a couple of things that are troublesome. The most glaring problem is how Edmondson is writing Punisher. He’s entirely too chatty, almost friendly. There’s a laid back attitude that doesn’t jive with Frank Castle, especially after the Rucka run. I understand that Edmondson wants to create his own version of Punisher, but what happens in this issue feels off. He has the violence down, but the approach to Castle’s personality tips more towards Captain America, if Cap was trying to be a bad ass.
The second problem is a minor one, but still feeds into the overall problem with the issue. Now, whenever the Punisher executes a scene of destruction, he leaves a calling card. Really? That doesn’t seem like a Punisher move. I’m not saying he does anything in secret, but to leave a something behind as a memento is a detail that the Punisher wouldn’t think to bother with. I’m not sure how this will ultimately tie into the series, but for right now, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
One thing that does work is the art from Mitch Gerads. It’s always exciting when an artist with a unique style is showcased in a major book. It’s especially cool when those pencils are not what you’d expect for said book. Gerads work is delicate, but dark and filled with a shadowy element that adds real tension to the story. While obviously not the same, Gerads’ work has a lot in common with Steve Epting. A kinetic energy makes each panel virtually alive with movement. Gerads also uses some wonderful color to give the Punisher’s world a sheen of reality, almost like a comic book snuff film.
If the story begins to click with the visuals, Marvel Now’s Punisher could be the book to beat in 2014.
(5 Art, 3 Story)
