Comic Grab Bag #7: Marvel Knights Vol.2 Issue #2 Featuring the Punisher


Marvel Knights Vol. 2 Issue #2



I've recently finished the second season of The Dardevil on Netflix and have been thoroughly pleased with the direction the show is taking. This a bit of a relief because season 1 had me interested, but the acting had me worried. I have to admit that the show definitely needs a bit of a warm up period before getting into but the character development and the grittiness really hook you in.

In the second season they introduce a new anti-hero, The Punisher. The Punishers actual name is Frank Castle. His family was murdered right after he came back from dep[loyment in the crossfire of a gang war. After witnessing this tragedy, he swears vengeance on not only gangs but on anyone who commits a crime. The Punisher is a unique character because he has absolutely no problems killing criminals instead of just subduing them. This makes him an outcast in the legion of all other superheroes.  From what I've watched I believe they were able to faithfully recreate the character straight from the comics (based on this one I read).


The Punisher (almost like Batman) has a his own sense of  justice that branches away from normal law enforcement. The Punisher has a twisted version of what a bad guy is and how he should be punished. Once you get on the Punisher's bad side, he will hunt you down like a force of nature. The Punisher's tolerance for pain is superhuman which matches his blood-thirst for taking down criminals. I feel like this is why Frank Castle is such an engaging and enthralling character. He's the super hero all super heroes dream to be.



So the comic, well it begins with what we all know and love. The Punisher being the Punisher. He narrates himself like he is on a mission: "Punisher's War Journal..." is how he starts.  This narration is then succeeded by a panel of him blowing up a gang of soldiers with a bazooka! Afterwards, the panels move on to show the main villain, The Tuner, killing a man who survived the Punisher's onslaught. Apparently, the Tuner wants to capture him and sets up a trap for the Punisher. The Punisher unabashedly falls into but the Tuner somehow let's him live (after break a few bones). I was unsure why, but that's how the story ends.


There are other character arcs in this issue which I really like. It makes Hell's Kitchen seem alive. Black Widow and Daredevil make cameos in this comic trying to also figure out about The Tuner's plans. The Daredevil doesn't want anyone encroaching on his turf and does some sleuthing around the city eventually meeting up with the Punisher. The Black Widow has a detective helping her track down the same man as well. Eventually the female duo meet up with the Daredevil and the Punisher to debrief on the situation. They all begrudgingly agree to team to up to stop the Tuner.


Besides some of the pages of art in this issue, I really dig it. The Punisher's monologues are fun to read and his actions are so bombastic that it makes the panels fun to look at.. The volatility of the Punisher's mind is engaging to read. If I had the time, I'd probably read more into series to see how Mister Tune's plans unfold and ultimately unravel. It seems like there is a pretty good setup coming up. Too bad I just don't have the rest of the issues to find out.

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