Punisher Nightmare #3 Review

This limited series continues in this issue to show how comic books can be used in so many different ways. This series has been very very dialogue heavy, and it enjoys to go backwards and forwards in time a lot with everything coming together just before the end of the issue. It sounds like it may be a bit confusing, or maybe even slightly boring. However, it is neither of those things; instead it a very clever series that has a brilliant story to tell.

In this issue we find out just who exactly is after the new character introduced in this series; Niman. It is something that I saw coming after the last issue, but it makes a lot of sense so I am very happy that the series is going the way I imagined it to do.
What is also interesting is the conflict going on in this issue in characters own heads. Niman is starting to become unsure what is right and wrong. He is also starting to get confused about just who the enemy is. This is interesting because I think before this series concludes, he and Frank will definitely come to blows at some point. Speaking of Frank, he is starting to question just who he is. He is still struggling to come to terms with why he didn't end all of this when he could of done at the end of #1.

This particular issue was set "In the shadow of Civil War". Admittedly I have not read Civil War, so I was slightly concerned with how it would fit in this series. It turns out I had nothing to worry about, as it is used very well in order to get across just what Frank stands for; as well as how other people within the superhero community see him. If you are familiar with the Punisher then you may think that this is pretty pointless. However, I thought it fit very well, and acts as a great introduction to the character for people who may have only got into the character due to this series.

Mark Texeiras' art is growing on me with each issue now. At times I do think it can be a little bit confusing; but on the other hand it does fit the book very well. The double pages spreads that have been introduced in the last couple of issues, which are filled full of flashbacks and flash forwards, work very well; and really help to tie everything together that has been explained in the issue.

This series has still got me. With two issues left I am very intrigued to see how this will end. It may be a series that works better as a trade, but I highly recommend people to get involved with it now. It may even make a nice little TV special one day as it would certainly suit that kind of format.

Rating: 8 / 10

Digital Code: TMM23FFN8XKY

Punisher War Zone #3 Review

Greg Rucka Continues his mini series focusing on the aftermath of the events that happened in the recently cancelled ongoing Punisher series. He was made to write this character. Add that opinion of mine to the fact that the Punisher is one of my all time favourite characters, and I think it is quite obvious what I though of this book. That does sound kind of biased, but I think my opinion on this is going to be one that most people share after reading this issue.

The issue starts off like the previous issue. Instead of Natasha running round after Frank, it is Thor this time. This takes up about half of the issue, and I was getting kind of worried as to where the heel this series as a whole may be going. It turns out I had nothing to worry about as it all became clear in the second half of this very issue.
What we saw was a great conversation between Frank and Thor. I say conversation, but it was really more like a lecture from Thor. He could not really grasp what the point was anymore for Frank, and he also informed him that he is leaving collatrral damage in his wake that was surely never his intention.
What I really liked about this scene was how silent Frank was throughout it. Hr drank beer and never argued once against the points that Thor was making. I thought this showed a great deal of respect that Frank has for the God. Of course, Thor is more powerful than him so he probably couldnt do much anyway, but I definietly think that the silence was largely due to respect. Frank has never been too worried about consequences, but you get the feeling that maybe this time he may do what is right and turn himself in. But that is not the way he operates really is it?

Overall, I really really enjoyed this issue. It all felt very samey at first, but then it really blossomed into something very nicely done during the Thor and Frank heart to heart. Running in the background of all of this was the court case for Cole-Alves. The last page also shows that next issue may be make or break time for Frank regarding this case. I really cant wait for the next installment in this mini as it is poised absolutely beautifully. Will Frank finally face up to his actions? Certainly #4 is a must read.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Punisher Nightmare #1 Review

I was very excited when I heard about this book coming out. As some of you may know, Frank Castle is one of my favorite comic characters of all time. I love everything to do with him, yet I will still try to be unbiased in my review of this latest mini series. So, lets jump right into things.

First things first, this book is extremely wordy. I for one, really enjoyed this aspect of the book; but I am aware that it will not be for everyone.  Throughout the issue Frank's internal dialogue dominates, yet we also get blog posts on pages from the new character, Johnny. It will take you a while to get through this issue, which I think ensures that you get your moneys worth. I think the writing throughout is excellent, and I love how strategical Frank seems to be in this series. He also has a bit of a conscience, which is something I also really liked.

The story in general is something that I really like, and it is something that I think is pretty unique. Yes, it has started off slightly similar to Rucka's ongoing series that has just finished; but I do not think that that is a bad point. I am also pretty sure it will go in a different direction; which I am very intrigued about. I am sure in the next 4 weeks we will learn a ton more about Johnny. In this issue we learned quite a bit about his past, now I think it's time to see how he will react to this situation that he is in.

I have briefly touched on Frank's personality already, but something I really liked was how awkward he seems to be with normal human beings. He is fine talking to / beating up bad guys because he needs something from them, and it is his world after all. However, there is a scene in a diner where a little girl approaches him just to say hello. He has no idea how to react, and starts mumbling about random things. I loved that panel because for me it really showed how out of touch he is with other human beings, and how uncomfortable he is in situations like that.

Overall, this is a really solid start to this mini series. However, as stated, I believe your enjoyment of this book will depend on how you like your comic books. If you like wordy ones, then this series looks like it will definitely be for you. The writing is superb, and the art is awesome for the most part (except for a couple of dodgy panels). I can't wait for next week's issue, I just want to know more!


Rating: 8 / 10