Marvel Knights: The Punisher #1 – Frank Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before

The Essentials:

• What is Frank Castle’s Mission?
• What’s happening to The Punisher?

THE PUNISHER #1:

As a journalist with years of experience under my belt, I’m wise enough to know the difference between not liking an actual storyline and not liking what’s happening to a character in a really original storyline. Most die-hard Punisher fans like myself are NOT going to like the events of The Punisher #1, but that should NOT mean we don’t like the book.

The contrary, in fact, because when a book makes you feel something so visceral like this one does, you should appreciate it that much more, because that’s the definition of incredible art. And I hate what’s happening to Frank Castle here in Marvel Knights.

Let me explain further as we dive into “The World to Come.”

Creative Team:

Creators: Jimmy Palmiotti and Dan Panosian

Cover: Dan Panosian

Letters: Richard Starkings & COMICRAFT’S Tyler Smith

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

The Art:

The art here is as crazy, violent and impactful as Castle has been the last 30 years in Marvel Comics.

We open this Marvel Knights tale with a splash page of the Punisher doing what he does best, putting the smackdown on drugs dealers and murderers, specifically those who work for the Molerro Cartel.

The art mirrors a gritty, violent epic like Sicario, as nothing is left to the imagination here. The Punisher’s suit is tactical and so are his weapons of chaos.

It’s a bloody, beautiful mess and as always, Panosian has done a masterful job. Wait till you see the close up expressions during really intense scenes here, they are demented in the best way possible.

READ: The Punisher #1 – What Exactly is Frank Castle’s Mission?

The Writing:

This is where s**t gets real. In his classic unstoppable nature, Frank is caught off guard somewhere along in this first, explosive issue and we are shown a side of Frank we’ve never seen before.

This is a side of him that should and will carry on for some issues and a side that I mentioned earlier not loving, but that’s the beauty of this book. I hate what’s happening to our favorite anti-hero, but I’m supposed to feel that way and that’s the definition of impact. I feel it in my bones.

Castle’s toughness and ability to adapt will be tested like never before. Aside from how this book makes the reader feel, it’s about as close to a cartel epic as you’ll get in Marvel Comics.

It’s such a unique storyline, where Marvel, Panosian and Palmiotti have the cuffs removed and are able to just create something so off the beaten path that it feels like one of the most original comics I’ve read in years.

Overall Grade: 9.8/10

When you read this book and read this book you must, pay close attention to your rage, your anger and your fear for the future of this iconic Marvel character. Because if you feel something that brings those emotions to the surface like this comic was able to do for me, then that’s the point and guess what – we’re only just getting started!