PC POST #406: -REVIEW- THE PUNISHER #226

The Punisher decided to attack HYDRA Nation head-on seeking for some sort of redemption due to the events of Secret Empire. But what lies ahead? What kind of threats did Zemo prepared for Frank? 

Matthew Rosenberg continues to treat the Punisher like a living mowing machine when it comes to dealing with crime. This issue is action packed and very entertaining. It's always good to see the Punisher destroying HYDRA goons and he does it with art.

Rosenberg wrote a fast-paced story, a thrilling ride that reaches his peak when Frank Castle meets Zemo, who is expecting him with a team of heavy hitters bad to the bone.

And at this moment, it's the only time I felt that was a bit of a "step back" when the Punisher with the armor just took the best out of a good amount of heroes in the last issue.

During the fight with these villains, I felt that he didn't enough to put them down, I don't mean to kill them (because they are BIG in the Marvel Universe) but at least to hurt them much and to instill fear into them. There is some unexpected appearance from some heroes who intervene directly from the fight, sadly it wasn't the way I wanted.

This isn't a major thing, it doesn't ruin the run or the character, it was just a slight let down who didn't satisfy my inner fanboy.

The cover artwork by Clayton Crain is self-explanatory, not always a cover is what is going to happen in the comic but this time it gives us some signs of the content. Great cover by Crain who didn't disappoint in his covers and he is getting better and better. 

The art of Stefano Landini was really good and remember me a lot in certain parts with the art of Laurence Campbell but with a bit more detail. I really like the dynamic he imprinted to this comic, the action scenes are very fluid and the colors Loughridge did set the tone right for this comic book.

I still think Matthew Rosenberg is doing a superb job handling the Punisher and his run. He's becoming my favorite Punisher writer of the past decade hands down. I'm excited to see what comes next and especially for the penultimate issue of this run!

OVERALL RATE: 7.5 / 10

Next month:

The Punisher #227
July, 11


Synopsis

ROAD TRIP TO HELL!

• The Punisher and Black Widow go off the grid on a secret mission of revenge!

• Frank and Natasha are now Most Wanted by heroes and villains alike!

• The War Machine armor is busted, and with the forces coming down on our heroes, they’re going to need every bit of firepower they can get.

review by: Ivo Santos

PC POST #355: Worst than being Franken-Castle or an avenging Angel is being a Hydra Punisher Agent.

(This article contain spoilers from Secret Empire #3)

Yesterday, once again Marvel shocked most of the comic book readers and non-readers. The Punisher appeared in the last page as a Hydra agent. Apparently he picked up the side of Steve Rogers instead of being part of the resistance.

There are many things that might still happened to Frank to explain such behavior. He might be a double agent, he might be acting solo with the purpose to destroy Hydra from the inside and kill Cap or the Cosmic Cube might also be responsible for this Hydra Punisher, the same treatment they gave to Captain America.

One thing is clear, we still have to read it to understand what happened. Marvel is playing it "right" for them, as long there is people mad like me writing about it, the more they will sell and promote their comics. But at what cost? At the cost of betraying everything that each character represents to himself and to the Marvel Universe and then erase it all and start all over. It's been this way Marvel does and deals with bad decisions in the last couple of years.

I'm going to be honest, this is worst than Franken-Castle, Angel Punisher or black Punisher. This i have no doubt. Franken-Castle or Angel Punisher were bad decisions that lead to awful writing but at least he was always himself, going after bad guys and kill them. This is what he is.

Working for a terrorist organization like Hydra is another example of lack of creativity and a way to play with the fandom. 

And no. The Punisher isn't Captain America's fanboy. He sided with him in Civil War because Stark was recruiting villains to his team, and joining Rogers side would be a good way to fight them. Of course he respects Captain America, he is a symbol. But that's it. 

If ever any hero crosses the line, he will be there to punish. Don't know how many times i read something like this in Punisher comics.

We have no other way than to read it and understand his reasons to side with HYDRA. 

I remember that not too long ago he wanted the Omega Drive to destroy these terrorist organizations. HYDRA, A.I.M., etc...

Let's hope Marvel explains this really well and stop making the fandom angry about their decisions. At least take a good example of DC... Oh wait... They are selling better than you, right?

Posted by Ivo Santos (@ivomgs)