THE PUNISHER #3 (MARVEL COMICS)

As Frank continues to struggle with pain after he commits acts of violence which slow down his work as the Punisher. Jigsaw continues to seize control of the underworld and take out any rivals that get in his way. Can Frank snap out of this funk before it’s too late?

The Punisher: #3 - Written By Benjamin Percy - Art By José Luis Soares – Inks By Oren Junior & Jonas Trindade - Colors By Frank D’Armata - Edited By Devin Lewis - Published By Marvel Comics

Credit: Marvel Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Frank and Micro go to the hospital to get help for Frank’s ailments. But when they get there, they discover a dying boy who isn’t being helped because there is an active shooter in the hospital. Even though it makes Frank hurt immensely, Frank kills the shooter to save the people in the hospital. Unfortunately, the boy dies, but Frank gets some volume which helps him enough so that he can continue his work. Meanwhile, Jigsaw calls together a bunch of the leaders of the underworld of New York and murders them as they prepare to eat. Micro reveals a secret to Frank in hopes that maybe the Punisher can return to take out the bad guys of the city once again.

WRITING:

This issue brings a lot of violence and a lot of heart. Ben Percy taps into not just the savagery of the Punisher, but also the pure intentions that actually drive Frank Castle. The amounts of violence Frank achieves in this issue, let alone what Jigsaw produces, is a welcome sight for any gore junkie out there. The action overflows in this issue and that’s a great thing. But where this issue really shines is the heart that it shows. Percy taps into the motivations that move Frank Castle and how important they are in this world. This is highlighted by the observation and monologue from Micro in the final pages of this issue. This deep dive into what makes the Punisher tick is a welcome addition to this issue and series. But don’t worry Percy also gives the reader what they want and expect from our favorite vigilante.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue captures everything the story is portraying and then some. José Luis Soares does an awesome job of showing the carnage and violence in this issue. The gory and grizzly details are not left to the readers’ imagination but are front and center on the pages of this issue. This book isn’t for the squeamish and is definitely for mature audiences. However, just like the story, Soares does an awesome job of showing the softer side if you will of Frank Castle, showing us what drives Frank to do what he does. This really makes this issue stand out as one of the most special ones in the history of the character.

Check Out My Review of THE PUNISHER #1

Final Thoughts:

The Punisher #3 takes some big swings with the character and they payoff big time. The violence, gore, and action that we are all accustomed to are front and center. But what makes this issue special is the focus on the why and what makes the Punisher tick. His importance to the world and more specifically the city. This run of The Punisher has started off with the promise of being one of the greatest runs of all time. You definitely don’t want to miss this one, so add it to your Pull List ASAP!

FINAL GRADE: 9.8/10

Let me know your thoughts on The Punisher #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!