Punisher War Zone #5 Review

I was very pumped for the release of this issue due to it being Ruckas' last Punisher issue. I am very happy to say that I was not disappointed in the slightest. Although this mini series was nowhere near as good as the ongoing that Rucka was involved in, it still had the great feel that he brought to the character. I was hoping that he would finish it all off on a high note, and I am very happy that that is exactly what has happened here.

This issue focused on what this mini has been leading up to the whole time; the battle between Frank and the Avengers. I really enjoyed it, and I am happy with the outcome. All these superheroes against one man could only really end in one way, and I am glad it ended how it should have done. Frank put up one hell of a fight, and his reasons for standing up to fight them have to be admired. He may be a total badass, but he still has a heart and that is why we love him so much.
The panel in which he gave up in was also very impressive. The man had done what he was meant to do, and he had realised he could go no further; it was great.

The ending of this book was something that I kind of expected in relation to Cole-Alves, but it is still something that I was happy to see included. I am hoping very much that some time in the very near future, some writer will pick up the plot points from where Rucka has left them, as I would love to see more of Cole-Alves for sure. She is pretty much a female version of the Punisher now, but she has been so well written; I just think that I cant take this being the end of her story.

I have read two issues of the new Thunderbolts series and decided that it was not for me, so Frank Castle is not really in my life much now. The letters column in this issue gave the impression that Frank will be returning sometime soon, and I for one hope that this happens sooner rather than later. He has quite a bit of momentum behind him at the moment thanks to Rucka, and I just hope that Marvel have the sense to capitalise on that.
Some of you may be reading this review after missing Rucka's fantastic run; or you may have even just caught the end of it all. Well, I strongly recommend that if this is the case for some of you then you get buying the rest of the run. It will be money well spent I assure you. This is how Frank was meant to be written.

Rating: 9 / 10

Punisher War Zone #1 Review

After the fantastic conclusion of the Punisher series we now step right into this mini without missing a beat. The premise I believe is that the Avengers are not too happy with what Frank Castle has been accused of, so are taking it upon themselves to hand out their own kind of justice.

This issue sees Spider man confront the Punisher in order to let him know how he feels about how he carries out his business. What I really enjoyed was that it was Spider Man who got to be the first to show his displeasure. As we all are aware, in recent times he has been used for light relief in regards to his Avengers appearances, so it was nice to see him be more serious for a change. What he said to Frank was heartfelt, and it was clear to see just how Franks' action affected him on a personal level as they go against all his beliefs. They had a brief fight during this encounter, and I really enjoyed how Frank got away from it. It was clever and it really needed to be considering Spidey has superpowers and he has none.

Spider Man then approaches the Avengers with the idea to take Frank down. This was met with complete disinterest from the whole group. Going back to Spidey being light relief, this reaction from the group made perfect sense for me. However he ended up striking a nerve with Captain America, which of course led to the whole team then getting involved. 

The question that remains is just how is Frank supposed to fight a war that he knows nothing about? Well that is where Wolverine steps up. The encounter of theirs only lasted a few panels, but the mutual respect they shared was clear to see. They both believe in violence, as well as having no limits set for themselves. I do not know much about the history between them, but this scene for me completely made sense and was great to read through.

Although I believe the artist is different from Rucka's Punisher run, it still has the same feel to it that that series had. There are a lot of panels without any dialogue in this issue, but they really do not need them. The art speaks for itself. I know that is pretty cliché but it really does. By looking at these panels you can tell exactly what Frank Castle is thinking without him even having to open his mouth.

To be honest I was expecting this mini series to just tie up any loose ends from the ongoing which has just finished. I could not have been more wrong. Instead it is carrying the story on, while also acting as an explanation for Frank Castle's situation when Marvel NOW! comes a long. Or thats what I believe anyway. We will have to wait and see. I am definitely picking up the next issue as well as the rest of the series. If you are a fan of the Punisher or Greg Rucka then I suggest you do the same.

Rating: 9 / 10