Punisher is back in an ongoing after a year-long gap, and with Tombstone and Kingpin out of the way, Jigsaw is after some old-fashioned revenge. The problem is, Frank Castle’s brain has been seriously messed up, which leaves Punisher #2 the chance to rectify that, or die trying.
Punisher #2 is a bridge issue if I ever saw one, effectively moving along plot threads, but never delivering its own conflict and resolution within its pages. That isn’t to say it’s bad, but it’s doing the heavy lifting to ensure the pieces are in place for a showdown between Punisher, Jigsaw, and probably, Tombstone.
That isn’t to say there aren’t shocking and interesting moments. José Luis Soares Pinto’s hyper-detailed style suits the gritty nature of Punisher, be it Micro’s losing it as Frank’s new puppet, or Frank disrobing to reveal intense scars for a doctor. The lack of violence does leave you wanting, but the grotesque way Jigsaw tears off his disguises never gets old.
The problem with the plotting starts with the first scene, which lasts four pages. It picks up where we left off, as Micro agrees to help Frank, but can’t walk. Micro mostly speaks to Frank, and a decision is made to get Punisher a doctor, or Micro dies. Soon, they are at a hospital, and Punisher is using violent force to get the treatment he needs. If these events sound mundane, it’s because they are, and that’s five pages of comic.
A doctor’s visit is a big plot point in this issue.
Credit: Marvel
Outside of Punisher, the newswoman continues to get closer to Jigsaw’s activities. Again, in four pages, she gets a clue. That’s it, and while the creative team goes for a creepy horror vibe in the scene, the look doesn’t quite work.
The rest of the issue features Punisher seeking a doctor’s help with little success, the newswoman progressing her lede, and Jigsaw moving toward a plan. There’s a clue or two in there that will pay off later, but frankly, there isn’t a lot to sink your teeth into. Surely, there isn’t much violence or action. It’s a surprise to be sure, since Punisher: Red Band was so relentless with a couple of bits of action or plot progression in every issue.
Call it a sophomore slump, but Punisher #2 is a lethargic step back. It does the necessary work of moving pieces into place, but it rarely feels urgent or rewarding in the moment. The issue leans heavily on setup, stretching simple beats across too many pages while holding back the kind of intensity fans expect from the character. There are glimpses of something stronger ahead, especially with Jigsaw circling and Frank’s condition in flux, but this chapter reads more like connective tissue than a story that stands on its own.
You must be logged in to post a comment.