The Punisher has had one of the most chaotic turns at Marvel Comics in the last few years, from becoming a demon to an entirely new character taking over the mantle. Now Frank Castle is back, and Benjamin Percy, a writer with a proclivity for violent-tinged horror comics, is taking up the reins with artist Julius Ohta. Together, they sent shivers down our spines with Hellverine, and now it’s time to return Frank Castle to the Marvel Universe in his rightful place. That is, if he can survive the first few pages.
Upping the ante, this comic is part of Marvel’s Red Band line, promising more gore than is typical in their comics. Given the first few pages, it doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking for gore. Not only is Punisher covered in blood, but there are dead people all around him with their brains exposed. The gore feels boundary-pushing and perfectly suited to the Red Band line. While other Red Band titles have felt tame, this issue leans into the horror of terrible monsters like Kingpin and Tombstone doing graphic work. It makes the gore have purpose and feel scary.
The kicker is that Frank has no idea who he is or how he got there. Only his base instincts tell him he killed them, but he has no idea why. It’s a pickle that sets in motion a different course for Punisher from the start. Because of this, this issue reclaims Punisher’s place in Marvel as a truly terrifying, must-read force.
Once past the cold open, the issue takes us into the hearts and minds of Kingpin and then Tombstone. This is a book steeped in mafia life, as told through the stories of these leaders and how they conduct business. They come across as scary and capable, with perfect pacing throughout these scenes. The connecting element circling them into the same story is the loss of drugs, which Frank seems to have had a hand in at the start. Meanwhile, Kingpin wants to maintain control over his city and keep it within his grasp. Both are very capable of torturing and maiming, and Ohta goes off on these scenes. It’s some gruesome stuff that casts these men as vile and disturbed.
Wipe your face, Frank.
Credit: Marvel
Also set up here is an interesting character that helps Frank. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers, but it’s a dynamic that feels fresh, even if it’s a bit hard to believe someone like an old lady would help Frank. Perhaps she has a hidden identity we’re not aware of, or maybe she’s just a nice old lady who can sense Frank isn’t all bad. Bottom line: it’s unexpected, and it’ll be interesting to see if she’s carried through Punisher’s adventure going forward.
Ohta does a fantastic job with the art, with Yen Nitro’s colors adding depth to the blood-thick scenes. Ohta draws Kingpin in his hulking giant form, customary of some of his best stories. Tombstone also looks great, with a more horror vibe than he has been depicted in Amazing Spider-Man lately. The opening scene is stellar thanks to the gripping visuals that draw you in, with a fire on a boat entirely illuminating the dark. There’s a lot of wow-factor in this opening that’ll please most fans.
Punisher: Red Band #1 is a searing, unforgettable return for Frank Castle, pairing Benjamin Percy’s unflinching storytelling with Julius Ohta and Yen Nitro’s brutal yet beautiful visuals. With Red Band gore that shocks in just the right way, mafia intrigue that layers in tension, and a surprising new ally, this debut reintroduces Punisher, and it reclaims him as one of Marvel’s most dangerous icons.
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