However you feel about the new direction Marvel is taking with Punisher, there’s no denying that change can be a good thing. The new series by Jason Aaron, Paul Azaceta, and Jesus Saiz has introduced Punisher as the leader of the Hand. Enter writer Torunn Grønbekk and artist Lan Medina’s Punisher War Journal: Blitz, which aims to flesh out Punisher’s mission during these new and strange times. Punisher may be the leader of a known evil organization, but that doesn’t mean he can’t bring a little justice to the world.
As the Punisher War Journal: Blitz #1 preview shows, this tale is tied to past events. A war-ravaged town that deserved peace was massacred. Cut to today, and Punisher is a lot more armed as he has an army of the Hand at his back. As a spoiler-free review it’s difficult to get into the nitty-gritty of the story, but know Grønbekk is doing some interesting things to remind us Punisher hasn’t changed — he just has an army to back him up now.
He’s not just some general ordering the Hand to fight, though, but right there with them on the front line. While it’s handy to have his soldiers take a few bullets, he’s usually striking down at least a few of the enemies as we see in an opening montage. Essentially, Frank Castle can do more of his type of “good” thanks to the resources of the Hand.
Grønbekk definitely brings the classic vibes of Punisher War Journal, but there’s some superhero stuff in there too. If the Hand wasn’t enough for you, you’ll delight in a surprise twist of a weapon. There’s also an old WWII sort of vibe in regards to the battle depicted in the preview. There’s a tactical element taking place that suits Punisher as a general of sorts with his army of Hand soldiers.
Shooter!
Credit: Marvel
If there was a message in this issue it’s that Punisher can’t be stopped nor does he ever forget. He may lose an advantage, but he will keep coming. In that way, he comes off as a force of nature in parts of this issue.
Art by Lan Median with inks by Antonio Fabela suit the “War Journal” legacy. There’s a dreamlike quality to the art that montages things well. It’s a little lacking in details or dynamic panels here and there, but it works to capture the flashbacks and relentlessly violent vibe.
The biggest takeaway Punisher fans will have with Punisher: War Journal Blitz is that it feels very akin to classic Punisher storytelling. The main series leans into the supernatural a lot more than a traditional Punisher book while this could be plucked out of the ’80s and feel right at home.
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