DAREDEVIL/PUNISHER: THE DEVIL’S TRIGGER – Connections

Creative Team – Jimmy Palmiotti, Tommaso Bianchi, Gabriel Guzman, Bryan Valenza, VC’s Joe Sabino

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Daredevil/Punisher: The Devil’s Trigger #2!

This comic is reviewed by both Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast and Matt from the Hops “Geek” News podcast!

The Story

Matt – Jimmy is writing an incredible story in which we see Matt being tested at every panel, both morally and physically. Frank is a one-man wrecking crew who will stop at nothing to kill those who do wrong, even if it means almost killing an undercover cop. Palmiotti is perfectly painting the morals of both men and capturing the core of who they are as they have the same goal with different endings and ideas of how to achieve it. The moments that stand out most are Matt’s moments of desperation, such as asking Misty for help in setting up a meeting with Frank. You can feel with every word and panel that is lettered excellently by Sabino, how desperate Matt grows. It feels as though this story has been put into a pressure cooker and set on high, and it is only a matter of time before it explodes.

Megan – Through all the chaos that’s happening around New York, Daredevil continues to stick to his morals. Even if that means he has to go toe to toe with Frank Castle again. The issue is that Daredevil and Frank, AKA Punisher, are going after the same villains and both have different plans of justice. The Punisher thinks putting a permanent end to their madness is the way to go while Daredevil believes in working with the justice system. Both ways are proving to be problematic. After some searching, Daredevil comes into contact with someone that can help, it turns out this person is working with the cops, which isn’t at all helpful. It also put the person at risk because Punisher shoots first and asks questions later. The only way things are going to get on the right track is if Daredevil and the Punisher join forces, but that’s seeming like a hopeless dream.

Jimmy Palmiotti is able to brings so much action and thrill to the story, that each issue gets better and better. What I appreciate is that we’re able to see both Daredevil and Frank’s perspectives so you’re able to emphasize with both sides. But it also makes you see that each side’s way of thinking is flawed. I’m very excited to see what happens in the next meet up between Frank and Daredevil, and if it’s anything like this issue, it’ll be explosive!

The Art

Matt – The art team delivers excellent close-up shots of Daredevil’s face where, despite his eyes being colored in red, you can just feel what he is feeling in those moments. It is that ability to bring expression out through his mask that stands out to me amongst the high-flying, intense action sequences. Frank’s punches and headbutts feel heavy and damaging, leaving me wincing at times.

Megan – The artwork is nothing short of spectacular with the artists putting you right in the middle of all the action. The action between the Punisher and Daredevil have been top notch throughout the series, and the third issue is so exception. With the fantastic drawings, you also have the colorings that perfectly achieve the street level energy between the two powerhouses. Where I think the artists truly showcase their talents is when it comes to Daredevil’s look. The deep red is classic for the hero, and the aerodynamic panels make him pop off the page.

Final Thoughts

Matt – 9.5/10. This run is a narrative masterpiece as Frank and Matt are on two very opposite ends of the moral spectrum. There are heart-pounding moments of action mixed with wonderful storytelling, keeping us engaged in this gritty world the team has created.

Megan – 9.5/10. This comic run needs to be on everyone’s pull list. It’s so compelling with artwork that’s as spectacular as the story itself.

Overall Grade -9.5/10

Let us know what you thought of Daredevil/Punisher: The Devil’s Trigger #3!