What’s Black and White and Red all Over?
Enter Punisher War Journal #18. I have to admit once upon a time, I did read a few issues of Punisher War Journal, and it doesn’t look like much has changed since I got bored with the series before. I see that Frank Castle is still over-the-top in his ultra-violent approach. I still see that the editorial and writing staff seem to still insist on revolving every plot around the whole “you’re a good man/bad man, Frank Castle,” debacle. *Sigh* The lack of revitalization of the series since I stopped reading years ago saddens me. If you’re into morbid, dramatic, and mostly violent comics, than Punisher War Journal is for you. If you’re into just plain strange, morbid, and mostly violent comics, then you might like Emily the Strange. See my review of the book here: http://www.comicbookjournal.net/the-strange-world-of-emily/ Anyway, onto the review. As for as writing skills go I suppose Fraction has a good command of the medium, his plotting, and pacing techniques seem well-developed. The art is sparse, yet detailed, and atmospheric setting an unsettling tone for the storyline. I think Cory Walker is the right artist for the series. I also think that Matt Fraction is an appropriate writer for the book. So what’s my gripe? My gripe is with the originality of the overall story arc. I’m not seeing nothing new in this revamp of Frank Castle that I haven’t seen before. So out of ten, I’d give this book a five. This is a solid book, technically speaking, but it didn’t excite me or make me want to continue the series. However, if you’re a die-hard Punisher fan, there may be something you like here.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
I was never a big fan of Punisher, but I’ve been buying it for my daughter’s boyfriend, who’s stationed in Alaska. Of course I read it before I send it. I got quite a few chuckles out of it. I liked the quips between Spidey, Rhino, and Punisher.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
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