Deron Generally
Deron Generally
The Punisher #218
Marvel Comics
Written by Matthew Rosenberg
Art by Guiu Vilanova
Colors by Lee Loughridge
Letters by VC’s Cory Petit
Punisher: War Machine Part 1
What’s possibly the worse thing anyone could possibly do to make Frank Castle more lethal? Give him a suit of armor. In Brooklyn, a highly lucrative arms deal is about to go down and Frank is on the scene to make sure it doesn’t. After taking out both sides, Frank goes back to his van to discover that he has an unwanted guest in the form of Nick Fury. After taking Frank to a local restaurant, Fury offers Punisher something he would not have expected, a job.
Fury explains to him that the dealers he took down are part of a larger plot involving a coup in a country neighboring Latveria and how Fury’s assets on the ground have been compromised. He tells Frank that he’s going to need some special equipment and that the disbanding of S.H.I.E.L.D caused the government to divide up the agency’s assets. Frank has to break into a secure Air Force facility to steal the asset that Frank needs. Can Frank make it into the facility without killing anyone? Can Nick Fury be trusted after everyone else has betrayed him? The biggest question is; If he gets what he’s after, will he bring it back?
It’s a welcome change to see Frank in a situation where he is in control rather than events controlling his actions. The fact that Nick Fury needs Frank gives Castle the advantage and he presses that advantage to great resolve. Rosenberg does some impressive plotting in this issue and the dynamic between Fury and Frank is written really well. There is a tension between the two of them that is fun to witness. Vilinova’s art is great and it gives a clean look to things without sacrificing detail and action. It should be interesting to see what Frank does in the next issue with power he’s never had before.
