PC POST #248: -PREVIEW- Battleworld #1 feat. Dr. Punisher!

When the Marvel Universe and the Ultimate Universe collide, there is only…Battleworld!

• Featuring the fights, battles and blow-ups that are just TOO BIG for Secret Wars!

• When a Dr. Strange-possessed Punisher goes on the run, only Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk and Ghost Rider can track him down!

Next Monday we will have the first issue of Battleworld that will be featuring Dr. Punisher and some rogue Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine and Ghost Rider.

This is somewhat related with the What If: Wolverine was Lord of the Vampires, when Dr. Strange possessed the Punisher but both Wolverine and Dr. Punisher died, so i guess Marvel don't care for continuity anymore.

I don't know what we will see in this issue since it's going to be divided in two, Dr. Punisher story and M.O.D.O.K. 

Well i'm looking for the bright side of this and i'm not taken too serious, i can't compare with Angel Punisher or Franken-Castle because this isn't directly related to the canon Punisher. Dr. Punisher is a brand "new" character and an alternate version of the Punisher from other alternate universe.

But i understand those who don't like these kind of  "Punisher" versions, the Punisher is supposed to stay away out of supernatural elements but this isn't the real Punisher, it's the only way i can tolerate something like this, and since i liked a lot the What if story, this worth a shot.

Not to mention the artwork by Mike Henderson, it's simply amazing!

Prepare yoursefls for weirdness because Battleworld IS the weirdness incarnated.

posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #247: -REVIEW- PUNISHER #18 + Secret Wars #1 (Punisher Cameo)

-REVIEW- 

PUNISHER #18  (SPOILERS)

In this issue Edmondson present us a Frank with his motives very sharp and very focused in his mission and what he has to do to keep going the war.

This issue began really good with fast pacing issue and a nice touch by Mitch Gerads and Brent Schoonover on the plate of the SUV that Frank was driving (ASM-129).This issue marks one of the best issues of Mitch Gerads artwork, very clean and sharp. Personally i think he can do better work portraying daylight scenes than night time.

Seeing Frank executing Hector Dos Soles in public was kind of awkward but it didn't shock me but it was a shame it was "censored" when in the last pages he was shooting bad guys in the head. Either way, i like it, it was one of the few cool things in this issue.

One of the things we learned in this last issue was the mask Frank used, wasn't to conceal his identity but it was just part of a cool gear he uses. The mask was growing on me and it was very cool, but in the end it doesn't make any sense, since he takes off the mask in front of cameras. 

One thing that turned out to be funny was seeing how the media changed opinion when Frank executed Hector in public. Seconds before he was public enemy #1 and after shooting Hector he was almost national hero. Don't know if shooting a ganglord in front of national tv would help Frank get his image clean. I was always expected that Falcon America would give the recorder to the press of something but no, it wasn't needed he just shoot Hector in the head and he was clean as water. I don't buy this but i can live with it.

It was cool seeing the Howling Commandos again while seeing Frank executing Hector on tv and Thomas (his weapons supplier) too.

What ruined this issue was the last pages. The former officer Stone appears and she seems not knowing that Frank is now a hero ( for killing a gang lord in front of the world) and she blames him for everything that happened in L.A. suddently she stabs him Loot, Frank didn't fight back not even for the honor of his friend. Frank is losing too much blood and Loot i doubt he will survive this and both characters are together most likely in the last moments of Loot.

Didn't like what Edmondson done in here. Once again, he lost in his own comic. Once again he was owned by a nobody. And i don't remember in 20 years of reading Punisher comics that a stab could stop Frank. Specially after his companion was injured by Sam Stone that calls herself now "Memento".

Don't know if there is somewhat a tie-in in issue #19 because of Memento's actions but i'm expecting some payback, it would be really bad if it doesn't happen anything.

Pros:

• The Punisher executing Hector dos Soles;

• And cool fighting/shooting sequences with some criminals in the last pages;

• I loved the tribute of ASM 129;

• Great artwork by Mitch Gerads and Brent Schoonover, these two make quite a team.   

Cons:

• Once again Frank lost in his own comic and didn't fight back to help his friend Loot. 

OVERALL RATE : 5 / 10

Secret Wars #1 ( Punisher Cameo)

There isn't too much to talk here, because there is only two panels with the Punisher but it was quite worth it.

It seems that Frank intercept an email sent by Kingpin to some supervillains to watching live to the downfall of the heroes while they fail to save the world.

When everyone is celebrating, Frank appears with an automatic weapon lock and load to fill everyone a new set of holes in their bodies.

Here goes the two panels:

Jonathan Hickman did something really good that some writers forget, the Punisher punishes. And it's obvious that in his last minutes of life he would do what he does best, killing criminals. Great touch and i didn't expect for seeing the character in this comic, specially in Secret Wars the main book of this event. Glad he did it.

posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #246: -PREVIEW- PUNISHER #18

(W) Nathan Edmondson / (A) Mitch Gerads & Brent Schoonover

Frank’s long quest for vengeance over the massacre of a small Mexican village reaches its end.

What will happen to those Frank has left in his wake? 

On sale next Wednesday 6th of May.

PC POST #245: Punisher solicitation July 2015 - PUNISHER #20

NATHAN EDMONDSON (w)
MITCH GERADS (a/C)
THE LAST DAY
• With a bang, not with a whimper

Last issue by Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads, can´t wait to see how they will wrap up this series...

posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #244:-PREVIEW- Battleworld #1 Doc Punisher!

Secret Wars is almost knocking on our doors and some madness will be featuring in Battleworld! I'm quite curious to see how this will sorted out and i'm open minded to enjoy this series written by Joshua Williamson and Ed Brisson.

Enter the Doc Punisher!

On sale 20th of May

posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #243:-REVIEW- Punisher #17

Finally we have some payoff and it took several issues for us to see Frank getting in the right direction!

First things first, this issue got a great attraction... The duel between the Punisher and Captain "Falcon" America.

Wilson was more aggressive in this fight and he clearly wanted to put Frank down. Falcon got a slightly advantage because of his wings and soon Frank realize that and took out his wings with a blast of a grenade. Frank could've finished the job but he doesn't kill heroes, Frank main objective was giving the recorder to Falcon with his little chat with the Secretary to frame him.

Edmondson did a great job in this issue, when i had lost all hope for this run it seems that the Frank i care, is still in there. 

Edmondson didn't fall in the "trap" of making Falcon overcome the Punisher regarding combat skills, just because he is the current Captain America and an Avenger. In my opinion both characters have been respected and the final result was flawless. 

We got a good fight, Frank was slightly superior and he could prove his innocence.

Edmodson gave Frank his sense of direction and purpose back, after so many issues getting beaten and arrested without some payoff, Frank is back in the game.

Gerads did a wonderful job with the fight choreography and with the background scenes. Credits for Brent Schoonover with his artwork too.

The only con I can remember was the word "outmatched", I still got some problems with this lack of trust in himself, specially regarding Falcon.

Great job of this creative team, we are getting close to the " Last Days" and i'm expecting some kick ass Frank before Marvel Universe goes to kingdom come.

Overall Rate: 8.5 out of 10.

Posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #242: -PREVIEW- PUNISHER #17

PREVIEW

PUNISHER #17

THE PUNISHER VERSUS CAPTAIN AMERICA IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL!

• The Punisher sees justice done, but his vigilantism won't be ignored anymore.
• Has Frank finally come up against a force he can't match?

It's on sale next week, Wednesday 1st of April.

posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #241 -REVIEW- PUNISHER #16

-REVIEW-

PUNISHER #16

Another issue out, and unfortunately another disappointment.

This issue could marked a turn of events regarding the Punisher and all this conspiracy but it turned out to be otherwise he didn't accomplish nothing.

Overall Edmondson built a good plot, personally i like some conspiracy stories but the execution of the main character was very poor through most of this series.

The other problem are the supporting cast, last issue Frank get on Sidewinder's mind and out of the blue he make him believe in him. Sidewinder's was the most strong minded and the leader of the Howling Commandos, by far he would be the most difficult to convince. 

And now in this issue we have Sam Stone, she was supporting the Punisher actions since day 1, now she's on the loose and heard news that the Punisher is responsible from the actual riots in L.A. She change her opinion about him? She wants to get him? 

It's not the first time that Edmondson presents us a Punisher with dillemmas and some inability to found out by himself what is his mission. And this time there is no Rachel Alves to pull him out of it.
And worst than this, Frank is unable to do what he does best... punish the wicked. When he get his hand on the "Secretary" he let him go, after all the lifes his actions cost in Mexico and in the current riots in L.A. 

I know what Edmondson is trying to built here and it's interesting but it's not the Punisher. The Punisher doesn't have moral code dillemas, he just do what needs to be done, plain and simple.
He might ask himself about some actions, i get it, but at least he should be able to execute them like he always does. But as it seems not in this run.

Mitch Gerads presents us a great graphic quality, very clean and detailed. The colors suit very well in every panel.

His covers are amazing and so far it was the most consistent item on this series. Next cover will be another fine piece by this great artist. 

Pros:

• Great cover and great artwork by Mitch Gerads.

Cons:

• The Punisher is out of character;
•  Unconsistent supporting cast ( Sam Stone).

Final note: I tried to defend this series but it's getting more and more difficult to justify some actions. Reading this issue in trade is better but it won't give me the Punisher i want. This Punisher is unable to win or accomplish anything. If he will accomplish something in the upcoming issues, i don't know but it's a bit late for that when it's been already 16 issues.

OVERALL RATE: 6 out of 10

posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #240: -PREVIEW- PUNISHER #16

posted by @ivomgs

MR. CASTLE GOES TO WASHINGTON!

• Frank follows the trail of corruption all the way to the nation’s capital!

• With the Punisher on a government hit list, has Frank walked into the lion’s den?

• Can the Punisher find the man pulling the strings?

On sale tomorrow!

PC POST #239: MARVEL 1872 feat. The Punisher

posted by @ivomgs

MARVEL 1872

 

 Apparently Marvel will launch these series during Secret Wars event, more or less like the classic Marvel 1602. Only a few characters are confirmed like Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Punisher, Nick Fury and Kingpin. This will be a Western story but we are waiting for more news regarding these series, until now we don't know if this will be a limited series or a bit more but i will update this post as soon as Marvel is going to release more news. This series will be written by Gerry Dugan and the artist Doc Shaner.

Regarding the Punisher we don't know if this version is related to "A Man Named Frank" one-shot written by Chuck Dixon and on pencils John Buscema that was released almost 2 decades ago but it would be amazing if it was tied with that book.  

Here goes some artwork of Doc Shaner for these series:

PC POST #238: -PREVIEW- PUNISHER #15

Tomorrow another issue will be out... It's Punisher day! And it will be review by Neil Byce.

posted by Ivo Santos

PC POST #237: Punisher vs Batman by Dana Obera

Punisher vs Batman 

by Dana Obera

Here i am to cover a fan work and this time by Dana Obera. He make a tribute to Chuck Dixon's and John Romita Jr. Punisher/Batman: Deadly Knights, but he gave a little touch and change the scenery to New York city instead of Gotham City... Here goes the 6 page story of his take on both characters, after this i will review it.

Punisher vs Batman (better quality)

I don't know how to express such enthusiasm by reading this short story... Two of my favorite characters together (again) in a different city and fighting for their own ideals Dana delivered a simple plot but very direct and straight forward he show us that besides he is an artist he can be a good writer too.

I really dug the artwork of Dana's, specially the Punisher suit, it looks like an armor but it's really cool and solid! We can find some traces in his artwork that reminds me of manga but in no way it's bad.. for the contrary it's a nice touch.

The action is very solid and more important he respected both characters, we could see a Frank Castle very skilled at hand-to-hand combat (which he is.) against the master of 127 styles. Batman is slightly more skilled than Frank but i can't perceive a huge gap between them in this short comic.

One of the best things we have is in the final page when the Punisher questions Batman about his ways of dealing with the Joker. It's priceless.

The only problem is just for the only 6 pages!

Dana make a great tribute to Deadly Knights, i can't wait to see more of his work and who knows if his future comes to a big company, i hope he can make it! Thank you for this great comic!

OVERALL RATING: 9 / 10

You can reach him on the following social networks:

Twitter: @oberaman75 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Oberacadabra 

posted by Ivo Santos - @ivomgs

PC POST #236: -REVIEW- PUNISHER #14

-REVIEW- PUNISHER #14

by @Ivo Santos

Another issue is out and one of the most expected issues of this run due to the eminent clash of the Punisher vs Howling Commandos turned out to be a disappointment at least from what i and most of the fans expected.

Overal this issue wasn't no different from the quality that Nathan Edmondson has been showing us through 14 issues which is good in my standards. But i was expecting some kind of payoff between Frank and the Howling Commandos, i was expecting a Frank ready to face these uber special task force since he knows they exist since the end of the first arc. I can handle with the first "defeat" in the end of the first arc but this time not really.

On the other side i believe that Frank has a plan and everything that happened in this issue was for a reason and he is controlling the situation, personally i don't want the Punisher to be decreased in skills just for the sake of a possible "twist", i would rather prefer that Frank could beat the Howling Commandos and take the intel of the threat off their mouths by force and he didn't had to kill them... i can foresee a possible twist and i support this theory thanks to the page 12 of this issue when he asks himself who is the man pulling the strings to everything that happened in this story since issue 1.

I don't have to complaint about the action scenes, there are a few cool moments like Frank throwing a grenade to a guy while he was falling from the building or seeing the Punisher and the HC blowing some thugs invading the hotel. Thumbs up for Nathan and Gerads for the well built scenes.

About the artwork it felt a bit rushed, i'm a fan of Gerads but this issue doesn't seem so good like issue #12. Although like i said before, the well built scenes and how he connects each character to a specific scene is very good he knows how to do it. How he draws the gear of every character is real treat to the eye. The cover is definetely the best to date in this series. If a comic could sell by the covers this definetely should be a bestseller!

Schoonover did a decent artwork in his pages.

My complaint since the beggining is the lack of the "wow" factor in this series. I'm always expecting to see a Punisher that can excel the other characters using his skills and natural talent for waging war. Frank is a genious in the battlefield and a brilliant tactician and until now i haven't seen any of these arguments but i'm hoping to see it, even if it is in the end of this run.

OVERALL RATING: 7 / 10

PC POST #235: -PREVIEW- PUNISHER #14

Brace yourselfs everyone, the wait was long but it's finally here! Don't forget to pick your copy today!

Later today or tomorrow i will be reviewing this issue.

posted by @Ivo