The Punisher #3
Matthew David Clarke
Recap
Commuting is hell, especially on the 7 train and that’s without an army of ninjas trying to chop you to pieces.
Daredevil objects to Frank’s guns, but as the stick wielder jumps onto the roof he’s left with little alternative.
The vigilante and the dual-class lawyer/vigilante deal with the henchmen pretty much how you would expect them to.
Now fighting back to back Daredevil disarms Castle and insists on his no guns policy, but apparently knives are fine and using two trains as a makeshift guillotine is also fair game.
In another break in the action Daredevil again tries to arrest Frank (presumably a citizen’s arrest) before they’re distracted by a literal giant of a henchman who Frank eventually subdues and then explodes in cold blood.
Incensed Daredevil fakes a heart attack and Frank is captured by the police. At the station the Sergeant and arresting officers discuss the practicalities and relative merits of holding The Punisher, who in the background subdues his three cell-mates.
Nick Fury arrives to take Frank off their hands, but one of his guards isn’t what he seems…
*Additional content by Brian Derbidge
Review
This issue sets out its stall in the first panel, it’s a team-up book and frankly, The Punisher benefits from those more than any character I can think of. In the review of the first issue I wrote that Punisher books are almost unavoidably concerned with the morality of vigilantism. In the eyes of the law, Frank Castle is a serial killer– those are just the facts of the case. To balance this notion, it’s helpful to have a genuine hero alongside him. This means that we have a much firmer ethical footing than in the problematic previous issue. The clash of personalities is well executed here and it’s also good to have a straight man to complement Frank’s dark humour.
As with previous issues Szymon Kudranski’s art is the real star. The action scenes are so physical and impactful that I was again swearing out loud: “$#!4, man, Jesus!” This is not one for the bus.
Final Thoughts
This series is entertainingly violent and in other news, the sky is blue and water is wet.
The Punisher #3: I Devil Dare You Not To Use That Gun
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 6/106/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8.5/108.5/10
