Sunday, January 14, 2018

PC POST #391: -REVIEW- THE PUNISHER #220







Another great issue of this Punisher series delivered almost flawlessly by Matthew Rosenberg with an engaging story and top-notch action. Guiu's art is polished and fit perfectly into this story.

This issue starts almost like the last one with Frank saving an innocent man from Petrov's troops and while doing that acquiring intel about his whereabouts and waging war to the headquarters of Petrov's but he got the attention of someone with special gear.

Matthew Rosenberg doesn't stop impressing me with his good writing in every issue that it's released. The bar is already high and Rosenberg doesn't seem that is writing is running out of steam.
For every reader, this issue gives us TONS of action with Frank obliterating Petrov's troops and obviously a gorgeous artwork by Vilanova.
The story is compelling and simple. So far, there are no major twists and easy to follow up.
Rosenberg knows how to entertain and this issue gives us that. Entertainment.

The big premise of this arc so far, was seeing Frank against those rogue ex-agents of SHIELD. Energy blasts, flying maneuvers and even simple methods Frank used to try to take down those highly trained rogue agents.
Frank can easily use the suit to obliterate common troops, send vehicles through the air to stop tanks, etc... but when he faces some guys highly trained in their SHIELD armors things change a little bit.
What I'm liking so far is that Frank doesn't control the War Machine armor just yet. He didn't have the time to master it, he's in process of learning how to use it in the proper way.
This "weakness" is what I like about stories of the Punisher, the ability he has to overcome those weaknesses. This process of evolution is what I expect from this run. I have no doubt this process of learning how to master the War Machine armor will lead to something epic.

The art of Vilanova is astonishing. Vilanova is getting used to drawing the War Machine armor, and it's getting better in every issue that it's released. The armor is very well designed and detailed and especially the skull. The skull painted in the armor has a very aggressive look.
The action panels were amazing and dynamic artwork among panels.

Lee Loughridge did a better job on coloring this issue in my humble opinion. Despite some "brownish"colors in some panels overall he did a good job on coloring most of it. During the night scene Loughridge colors just shined.






OVERALL RATE: 9 / 10

Review by Ivo Santos









Wednesday, January 10, 2018

PC POST #390: -REVIEW- THE PUNISHER #219






Matthew Rosenberg continues to impress with this solid story he pulls zero punches when it comes to make the Punisher a bad ass character. Guiu Villanova art keeps improving a lot showing us a more polished War Machine armor on this second issue.


Frank Castle arrived in Chernaya saved an old man named Vakha from being killed by the troops of Petrov's. 
Vakha was a great supporting character, a bit cliché though, but it was great seeing these veterans interacting with each other. For moments I imagined Frank Castle decades before he finishes his "war" (like something like that was possible). But don't know why Vakha reminds me of Frank.


The action of this story was great, most of the action of this comics was the Punisher defending the land of old Vakha from the incursion of Petrov's troops, the funny thing is that Frank doesn't control 100% the armor and he's still learning and improving how to dominate it after a few mistakes especially when Frank is fighting a tank.
A curious fact is the A.I of the armor it's programmed for the previous user and not for Frank it clearly needs some reprogramming for Frank's by the modus operandi. It's hilarious the rant between Frank and the A.I.


The art of Guiu's is getting polished by the issue. The designed of the armor is much better when we compare with the last issue. His drawings are very dynamic and the action scenes very well made. I liked how Guiu focused in what matters while drawing the action scenes, you don't get distracted by the background. Great work Guiu!



About the colors, I'm not a big fan of Loughridge's tone he set for this issue, I didn't like this "brownish" color all over the issue.

The scenario when everything happens had something to do with it but this is the only thing I didn't like so far.


Can't wait to read today's issue THE PUNISHER #220, don't forget to seize your comic book stores!


OVERALL RATE: 8.5 / 10

Review by Ivo Santos

























Tuesday, January 9, 2018

PC POST #389: -REVIEW- PUNISHER: THE PLATOON #3


First of all, I want apologize for the lack of time and updates to the page. It was a very busy December and finally, I can give you full reviews of the past Punisher issues. Platoon #3 and #4 and The Punisher: War Machine #219.

Let's get into business!





Garth Ennis is a genius when he sets the reader into historic events. He told us great stories in BORN, FURY MAX and now THE PLATOON. We have to take off the hat to him because he really does his homework.

In this issue, Frank Castle's Platoon will face a new obstacle that once again will test Frank Castle leadership skills.
Ennis like in the previous issues shows us a Frank Castle committed to the job like he used to show us while being the Punisher. He's willing to take risks for the safety of his Platoon, even if he has to do something illegal and this is pretty much the premise of this issue.
While reading pages we get to know that Frank Castle deeds on previous issues are well known for some US bases on Vietnam. He's a popular marine among the higher ranks.


One thing to that needs to be said is that there is a lack of action. It's in the same vein as issue #1 where Ennis dedicated the pages of this issue to the storytelling. But it was well worth it.




The art of Goran Parlov continues to present us an extreme quality. All the scenes, the background and especially the background are very well designed. With the amazing storytelling and the talented artist such as Parlov, everything goes smooth and pleasant. 


The colors of Jordie Bellaire are in perfect sync with Parlov's art. The tone of this issue overall is great not too colorful but with the perfect dose of color. 

The cover is great showing Frank Castle leading his Platoon ready for action. One thing that I didn't mention is the Punisher skull.The skull designed by Parlov is becoming one of my top 3 of all time.




OVERALL RATE: 8.5 / 10


Review by Ivo Santos