Punisher War Journal #4

February 26, 2007

Since the Civil War brought the Punisher back into the “Superhero” Marvel Universe, I started reading Punisher War Journal (I was only reading to see how he would tie into the over all story). So when I picked up my comics and saw that I had another Punisher War Journal (#4), a non Civil War tie in, with all my other books I debated whether or not to continue reading. Only noticing the coffin and the Punisher’s shadow on it I thought why not, it’s only $2.99.

Matt Fraction gave me the kind story that I have come to expect from Brian Michael Bendis. A whole lot of characters sitting around talking, analyzing their superhero (or like in this case their super villain) lives as to where they are going or what affect their other identity has had on their life. And kudos to Fraction because that is the kind of story I love to read, let’s face true believers the days of fist fights and bank robberies are over. This story not only reflects the lives of the villains in the marvel universe but also how comics have changed.

Anyway back to the new war journal, the story is a wake for the Stiltman, slowly I started to see shadows of Captain America #319 and Scourge’s slaughter (Don’t know what I am talking about? Pick up a Marvel Universe Book of the Dead circa 1987, Scourge put more people in the book than anyone else). But this homage if intentional or not had a great story great about villains who are given their opportunity to say goodbye to their fallen comrade and then given a chance to be villains all over again but realize that it’s just not in them anymore (mostly because they are lazy). However this is a Punisher story and past sins must be paid for and in this room there is a lot of sin. So Fraction keep these kinds of stories coming and you’ll get me to keep reading.

Anyone who hasn’t read it yet get PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #4! This story is worth the $2.99. In my opinion it was better than the last issue of the Civil War.


Click here to read the staff review by Mania.