This book has really improved since issue #1. Paul Jenkins and David Finch have turned a story that seemed like a carbon copy of Scott Snyder's Batman and moved it along to something interesting. The Flash makes an appearance in this issue as he and Bruce try to track down a new villain, The White Rabbit.
Finch's art is really good this time out. It helps that it is supported by a more focused plot. I think I'll continue to give this book a shot on my pull list.
Punisher Max: Frank
Following the events of his battle with Bullseye Frank Castle is severely wounded and taken into police custody. Confided to a prison hospital bed it's simply a matter of time before the prisoners work up the courage to extract their revenge. Most of this story is a flashback to the time right after Frank returned home from Vietnam. What makes this look at his pre-Punisher life different is that it wasn't as rosey as other writers usual tell it. In fact it was down right awful.
Jason Aaron paints a picture of a man lost in life. He knows that he doesn't fit in with normal society. He can't relate to his children. He is cold to his wife. He works shitty, low key jobs as a meat packer and a dishwasher to stay away from trouble. He knows full well that once he gets another taste of war there will be no going back. Nick Fury makes an appearance in this story as he tries to recruit Castle to be part of S.H.I.E.L.D. and there is also a new spin on why Frank and his family are gunned down in the park. These new details about Frank's connection Fury and the Mafia make his descent into his role as The Punisher all the more tragic. The Castle family's trip to the park also has a purpose. The final conversation between Frank and his wife is sad in ways that I never could have imagined.
Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon have surpassed the work that Ennis and Dillon did a decade ago. I can honestly say that this is the most well executed version of the Punisher I've ever had the pleasure to read. Once I finished reading this I wanted to start reading it all over again. It's addictive.-$
Panel of the Week: Franks final moments with his family as he realizes this is all his fault.
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