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Punisher: Year One

1 rating: 4.0
Four part series by Marvel

Punisher War Journal, Page One: We've known for years about the deaths of Frank Castle's wife and children, but now we see Castle himself mere hours later, when his grief and rage were at their freshest. To the police, he's a lead. To … see full wiki

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It's not about vengeance. It's about Punishment.

  • Feb 29, 2012
Exclusive to the Lunch Network
Rating:
+4
While trying to rest off his drunken episode on a park bunch, a reporter by the name of McTeer wakes up to loud sounds he thinks to be firecrackers. He soon walks on to a grisly murder scene. Among the victims is US Marine Frank Castle and his family who apparently had been shot to death. It appears they had stumbled onto a mob hit. Frank survives the attack and is taken to the hospital. But is he really safe there? -summary

Frank Castle aka The Punisher, who made his debut in Marvel Comics back in 1974 was and still is among Marvel's greatest creations ever. He's my favorite anti-hero in comics, and yeah, I'll come straight out and say it's because he kills his enemies; dead, shot, murdered, stabbed. If the Punisher had been born in Gotham City, there's a damn good chance The Joker would have died a long time ago. This is a man who believes justice only comes from the barrel of a smoking gun.

Written in 1994 by the writing team of Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Punisher Year One is a four part origin story, that depicts the events hours after his family was gunned down. This story is a good example of simplicity. Outside of the theme that notes the imperfection in the justice system; this is just a straight up comic book about a man who gave into his emotions. For the most part, it doesn't feel like a superhero story, instead more like a thriller since Frank Castle doesn't actually suit up and become the Punisher until the end.

The writing is very well paced while it juggles the subplots and various characters; with the exception of how determined the villains are to shut Frank up, there are actually only three characters developed. The reader will get to understand the drive behind McTeer, and love him or hate him for being selfish with intentions on making a name off the tragedy, his way of thinking is actually quite human. Frank's development seems to merely be brushed upon, it may even feel rushed to some. Still for the most part, his hurt can be felt and this is what sets things in motion.

The plot flows rather quick, and the reader gets a full understanding on how the Punisher came to be, as Frank quickly loses faith in not only the justice system, but also the good people he thought he could trust. Towards the ending of the mini-series, the reader gets an inside look on how the combat ready Punisher takes the fight to the mobsters, in a carefully, strategically, planned assault. If I have any issues with the story, then it would be the appearances of characters such as Peter Parker and Miles Warren. The Punisher is classified as a superhero, but he's not really a part of their world, and I think the appearances of those two characters dampens the gritty feel of the narrative.

The artwork is pretty good with a nice character design for the heavily built Punisher. He's drawn like someone who spends a lot of time in the gym, which is a good thing when considering he doesn't have any special powers. Plus he looks very menacing when he gears himself up for battle. The action panels are entertaining with some good brutal moments, such as criminals being blasted through doors and put face first through glass. Unfortunately, it does have problems, but it mainly lies in the background colors. The coloring really didn't seem to match with the content as it gives off too much of a bright feel. I believe the artwork and the coloring should have been more on the atmospheric side, and trying to say something with the art. When compared to lets say The Dark Knight Returns or Daredevil: The Man Without Fear, the backgrounds really didn't speak to me.

Punisher Year One is a solid enough origin story, far away from being a masterpiece though. I'm happy the narrative wasn't overly dialog heavy, and attempted to get all psychological. However, the artwork should have been a lot stronger to add a bit more depth. In any case, recommended to fans of the character and it just might be fine for casual readers.

Pros:
-Well paced, likeable main character

Cons:
-Unnecessary appearances, some shallow artwork at times

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March 02, 2012
"If the Punisher had been born in Gotham City, there's a damn good chance The Joker would have died a long time ago."


That line had me cracking up!! I could just imagine the Punisher saying "Fuck this" when he comes into contact with the Joker and blowing a hole right through him with a shotgun. After I tackle some of the comics I got a few months back, I really gotta get my hands on this puppy.
March 03, 2012
He definitely would, a monster like Joker I couldn't imagine Punisher keeping alive at all. Although this is a good book and the action is pretty sick when you get there, but for you, I highly recommend the Punisher MAX books. Those are far more up your alley, since it removes him from the superhero world into a more realistic one. The Punisher: Born, would be a great start for you.
March 03, 2012
I've heard lots of good things about Punisher MAX and Born, so I'll heed your advice on one of those once I'm able to work more.
March 04, 2012
Yeah man, those are some damn good books. The Marvel MAX line has rarely disappointed me and I been around.
March 04, 2012
remember the Punisher/Batman one shot (Wayne met Castle after Castle had met Az-Bats), Castle got the Joker and was ready to shoot him in the head. Bats intervened and so Joker escaped. Castle punched him; Wayne let him have a shot since he thought that he did deserve it. It was nice how Romita did the art too, very dirty and edgy--more Punisher than Batman.
March 04, 2012
I see read where I was coming from. Punisher would have wasted him a long time ago.
March 04, 2012
In a way Az-Bats was more Punisher than Batman.
March 05, 2012
I don't know. Punisher has some type of drive. Az-Bats was practically crazy.
 
March 01, 2012
"If the Punisher had been born in Gotham City, there's a damn good chance The Joker would have died a long time ago.", that is great man I never even thought of that. Any way this is another good one.
March 01, 2012
It is true though. Batman probably wouldn't have a rogue's gallery left. I might review some of the MAX line in a little bit.
 
February 29, 2012
Yeah, this was good. Loved your observations with the art. Hey, did you ever read the MAX line "Fury"? I was curious if you've reviewed those. Ok, now you are inspiring me to go into comic books again while I am tending to my anime fix.
February 29, 2012
Thanks. And man, Fury was bad ass, I mean seriously and I was never that heavy a fan of Nick Fury. Plus I enjoyed damn near all of MAX Punisher.

Solet me guess, you want a review on that huh?

And I find it easy sometimes to juggle between comics, anime, and games.
March 02, 2012
FURY was awesome. If you review it, I will follow.

yep! you know me too well.

after Saturday (I am doing one new release) I am hitting up on anime and Asian films! this may last until the whole of next week.
March 03, 2012
I might review Fury. But I have several already lined up to do. It's crazy though, I had in mind to do a bunch of anime titles, but the comic bug just bit me, and when that happens it's usually a done deal.
 
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"It's not about vengeance. It's about Punishment."
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