PUNISHER IN THE BLOOD #1-5 review

Review of Punisher: In The Blood 5 issue mini series from Marvel Comics.

Writer: Rick Remender
Art: Roland Boschi, Bertilorenzi and Dan Brown

Rick Remenders outstanding Punisher run climaxes with this fantastic 5 part story picking up right where Franken-Castle left off with The Punisher returning to the streets of New York 100% human to once again take on the criminal underworld and in particular track down his old partner Microchip, who after being resurrected by The Hood during the Dark Reign had worked with The Hood against The Punisher and played a part in the attempted resurrection of Franks family.

Jigsaw also plays a big part in the story as he attempts to make contact with his estranged son Henry (Frank's new sidekick) and hatches another elaborate plan with the help of Frank's last partner in crime fighting, Stu, to take the Punisher down.

Remenders brilliant writing is backed up by some great artwork from Roland Boschi. The shadowy visuals often illustrated from interesting perspectives really make every scene look like something from a well directed movie and every page oozes atmosphere.

It's dark, it's gripping, it's violent it's exciting and it's a lot better than most of the stories published in the MAX series since Garth Ennis left. Even I was surprised by how far over the edge Frank goes as Jigsaw and Stu's plan to drive him mad goes into action.

For a long time I've lamented the absence of Garth Ennis' almost unparalleled writing talent on The Punisher titles but I've got to tell you Rick. I'm gonna miss you just as much.

SCORE 9/10

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