The Essentials:
- What is Frank Castle’s Mission?
- What’s happening to The Punisher?
THE PUNISHER #2:
When we last saw Frank Castle, the drug cartel that he was investigating was able to turn him into a mindless killer only answering to those he one hunted.
But turning Frank into a mindless slave took an enormous amount of effort and the drug Z. Frank is a stubborn one and if he has anything to say about things, this cartel won’t be controlling him for long.
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 feels like a fever dream, which perfectly matches this zombie world the cartel has created. The eyes of those they control are empty and soulless and their only desire is to follow orders.
Panosian has also made Frank the scariest I’ve seen him in some time. This is 1990’s Frank Castle, tough unrelenting and unstoppable. This character is why I fell in love with comics in the first place.
From the scene setting to open the issue to the inevitable conflict and action that occurs almost through the book, this is one wild ride and the art is an absolute perfect match to the writing.
READ: The Punisher #1 – What Exactly is Frank Castle’s Mission?
The Writing:
There are a few additions to this covert thriller, some characters we’ve known and loved for quite some time, that I did not see coming.
But the story is better for it. With a cartel heavy hitter like Molero and Frank on the ropes being controlled by this nasty, powerful street drug, the good guys are going to need all the help they can get.
This books reads more like a movie like “Sicario” than a comic book and because of that, it’s captivating in ways that are hard to describe through words.
No detail is left to the imagination and would you want it any other way when it comes to the Punisher! And that ending! The twists and turns never stop.
Overall Grade: 10/10
This book is an Opus thus far. I would be hard pressed to find a better Punisher book out right now and there are some great ones. The inter-workings, the relationships and the violence all ring true to this iconic, dangerous and damaged character. Palmiotti and Panosian have crafted something truly special here.
