COMIC BOOK REVIEW - The Punisher: World War Frank

I never quite got round to watching the Punisher series on Netflix, although was told that it was quite a good watch. Despite my being a fan of vigilantes in the comic book world, I’m not sure why Frank Castle never really appealed to me. However, I thought it was time to review the first novel in the Punisher series for Marvel’s Fresh Start.

‘World War Frank’ is set after the events of the Captain America Hydra Agent storyline. Frank Castle, aka ‘the Punisher’ decides to go up against Baron Zemo, the leader of the fictional nation of Bagalia. Frank starts with killing the Mandarin, the official spokesperson for Bagalia at the UN. This puts him in the crosshairs of Hydra who put a bounty on his head. Along with this, several heroes living in New York also get caught up in trying to bring the Punisher down.

I have to say that there were some aspects of this novel that I didn’t enjoy. Though it may sound a little silly, I felt like in certain parts, it was far more violent than it needed to be. I also wasn’t sure why the Punisher was doing all of this. Saying that I thought that the inclusion of so many different characters made me like this novel in one way.

The artwork was quite appropriate for the character in the sense that it felt quite gritty and dark. The covers were also quite good, and I liked many of them. Overall, it was more enjoyable than I expected.

Favourite Panel:

Imagine these guys being sent to take you down. I mean damn.

Favourite Character:

It should be the Punisher. But I have to say I really enjoyed the (very little) exposure we got to Iron Fist and Luke Cage.

Rating:

• Story Arc: ★★★

• Character Development: ★★

• Artwork: ★★½

• Enjoyability: ★★★

• Re-readability: ★★½

Level: Intermediate