What has been one of the most refreshing titles to come out in recent times has been the reintegration of the Punisher into the Marvel Universe with the relaunch of the Punisher: War Journal title. Much tamer than the explicit rating his normal comic receives, this title appeals to a much broader and younger audience with just enough of the crazy badass ex-marine with a skull on his chest that we all have come to love so much. They even gave him a sidekick in the former technovillian Stuart Clarke, better known to some as Rampage. They did a great one-shot detailing his background some in the last issue in case you need a memory jog. With the relaunch of the title, they have finally begun to reincorporate some of his best known villains as well, including finally, Jigsaw. Hinted at several issues ago, Jigsaw has come to the forefront with some plan involving him and his henchmen dressing in white jumpsuits with black skulls on their chests as they go around killing crooked cops. Similar, but still different to our man in black and the full plan has not been revealed as of just yet. Also in this issue, in case you did not remember, they make sure to show the obsession Jigsaw has with the Punisher as Jigsaw was one of the few that got away from the Punisher, but not before having his face mashed in again and again, turning him into the raving, Punisher obsessed, lunatic that he is today, wondering why Punisher never finished the job.
Overall, a solid foundation for the six issue story arc that is starting now. If you’re just getting into the Punisher and his brand of justice or thinking about it, this would be the time to jump in because you’re most likely to see him at his best in the coming issues. The only drawback I have with this issue is the artwork. Normally, I do not comment on artwork because I know how difficult it can be because of my own lack of drawing ability, but this is a rare occurrence that I have to just come out and say that the drawing for this issue was an abomination. Howard Chaykin is the artist for this issue and I have to say that I remember his style from the recently short-lived Blade: Takes One to Know One series and it sucked then and it sucks now. All the men look exactly the same to the point that it is almost impossible to differentiate between characters and the concept of a solid line seems to escape him. The artwork done up to now on the series has been exquisite and I have to say that it is a great disappointment to see Chaykin still have a job. Don’t let the artwork take away from your enjoyment of this issue too much, but it definitely keeps it from being a full blown great recommendation. If you’re a Punisher fan or want to become one, jump on now as we prepare for the new Jigsaw 6-part story arc. It should not disappoint and if it does, you’ll hear it from me in 5 months.
-Ray Carsillo
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