Punisher #4: Picking Up the Pieces

The establishment of legacy characters and their origin stories can be a tricky tightrope in the modern landscape. On one hand, there’s a toxicity of fans screaming about ridiculous behind-the-scenes motives while on the other, these characters are seen as cash grabs for the inevitable adaptations in various forms of media. While column B is sometimes a bit more realistic, if nothing else than a grim reflection of the work-for-hire market, oftentimes neither is the case and a new character is just an attempt at moving the universe forward. 

To borrow a sentiment expressed by creators like Grant Morrison, these characters and ideas are an expression of modern mythology. Just like mythology, there is a fluid state of existence, as legends get told and details change. The Roman hero Hercules is the legacy of the Grecian hero Heracles, representing roughly the same person but with distinctive twists and different cultural touchstones. Even if the alter egos of these heroes differ, at their essence they share a spark that makes them fitting of their mantle. 

Punisher #4 – written by David Pepose with art by Dave Wachter, colors by Dan Brown, and letters by VC’s Cory Petit – brings the origin story for the new version of the vigilante to a close with the establishment of a new Jigsaw. Rather than it being Billy Russo or a singular person, the antagonist morphed into a collective to match Joe Garrison’s history as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. The Jigsaw group (which if there is any note, is not a fun, insane acronym the Marvel universe is known for) is manipulating political events and wants to pit Symkaria and Bagalia into an endless war that will destabilize the region, and then ultimately the world. 

Using Fearmaster’s gas from the previous issue, they inspire rage and fear in the diplomats at the peace summons while Triple A is forced to watch, a hostage intended to keep Garrison away. The surviving NYPD detective investigating Garrison for the murder of the Gravedigger’s family follows a tip and rescues Triple-A. Meanwhile, Garrison makes his appearance at the accords, crashing the party and subduing the dignitaries. A tense fight with the Jigsaw leader follows that ends with Garrison assuming the mantle of Punisher. The issue wraps up with a clear direction for the character going forward, establishing his place in the wider Marvel tapestry. 

Pepose leaves a lot to conclude and set up in this last issue of the mini and expertly brings the various plotlines to a close while teasing more. There’s an overt acceptance of the Punisher mantle, the establishment of a core supporting cast, and the affirmation of Garrison’s mission. To balance these beats with the propulsive action expected for this series and quieter moments is nothing less than a miniseries miracle. That fact puts Pepose’s journeyman craft on display, allowing for a simplicity that is refreshing and necessary for a spy/vigilante book like this. 

It’s fitting that Watcher provided the art for this series, as his linework matches many of those elements that Pepose’s writing style employs. The panel layouts are concise and straightforward, always centered on delivering the most consistent action without sacrificing clarity. The art in these action beats has a stylistic flourish, like the massive spray of glass and kinetic slide of Garrison’s motorcycle. However, these feel like additions that work to elevate the art rather than offer a quick flash that leaves just as quickly. The result is a well-paced, plot-driven story that works both moment to moment and in terms of the larger sequential story. 

That moment-to-moment idea is just as evident in Pepose’s script, utilizing the various elements of the issue to create a distinct flow between action, character, and plot. The audience learns plenty as Jigsaw monologues and Triple-A plan her escape, using the typical villain speech to also indicate the competency of both characters. The pivot to Garrison showcases his non-lethal side, establishing the sense of a moral code that feels distinct from Frank Castle’s methods. All of this is revealed in between frantic action moments or big plot reveals, yet remains compelling on its own. 

Much of the issue’s consistency results from Watcher’s art meshing well with Brown’s coloring, creating the distinct palettes seen in this issue. The book takes on a more muted set of tones in the issue that give a dark shadow as Jigsaw enacts their plans. The flipside to that foundation is Garrison’s appearance cutting through and delivering a (literal) shock with his stunchucks. Bright blue flashes across the page, clashing with the hazy reds of Fearmaster’s gas to give a combative atmosphere to the issue. These touches go a long way to keep the book with one foot in the past of the Punisher while still moving it into a new world. 

A striking part of this issue, in terms of both writing and design, is just how natural the revitalized interpretation of the Punisher feels. Pepose adds the more complex web of superspy intrigue to the straightforward revenge tale, and with it comes an interesting establishment of the Punisher/Jigsaw dichotomy. Rather than it being two individuals, it becomes about groups of people, or systems, represented by these two central figures. 

Garrison is the byproduct of a previous time and tries to be a loner, undercut by his supporting team. Meanwhile, Jigsaw is firm in its anonymity, thriving as a collective built around a philosophy rather than a singular person driven by one desire (revenge). That remix makes for an interesting tension that is teased here but makes clear there is still plenty to explore in the future (especially in a world where a vacuum from S.H.I.E.L.D.’s fall continues).