Review: Punisher War Journal #13

Punisher War Journal #13
Hunter/Hunter Part 1

Matt Fraction – Writer
Cory Walker – Artist

Synopsis:

The Rhino, having suffered many a defeat recently in the Marvel Universe, has allowed himself to be suckered into an exceptionally small band of criminals planning a bank heist. His task is simple, run thru the bank create both a large distraction and easy access to the loot. No problem for the Rhino, except, an aging Security Guard gets in the way and is cast aside receiving fatal injuries.

This catches the attention of Frank Castle, the Punisher. He effortlessly takes out the petty thieves and prepares to take down the Rhino, once and for all. However, Spider-man, swinging nearby is alerted, thanks to his “Spidey-sense,” and saves the Rhino from the Punisher’s final firepower.

This makes the Punisher none too happy; he’s even more disturbed when Spider-man webs him up to a wall while he disables the beast man without “killing” him. Then suddenly, Kraven the Hunter attacks taking Spider-man by surprise with a tranquilizer dart. As the Punisher watches, Kraven makes off with the unconscious Rhino.

Later, the Rhino awakens in a cage. He finds the Vulture in the cell next to him. “Kraven’s been on the hunt,” the Vulture shares. “For guys like us, all of us.”

The Rhino looks around an finds many other animal-like villains also captures and caged. “I never thought I’d say this, but…” gasps the Rhino, “… I hope to God the Punisher comes and finds me.”

Review:

This story reads more like the Punisher of the Seventies and early Eighties long before he got his “edge.” It’s a little more lighthearted and whimsical. Some may not care for this type of Punisher story, but it suites me just fine; in fact, I prefer it. This was great. I was smiling every page. Matt Fraction has a great handle on the main characters: Punisher, Spider-man, and the Rhino. Good stuff.

The art by Cory Walker fits the story and he illustrates the action well. His pacing is fast and his style is light and energetic. If this wasn’t set more in the Spider-man slanted vision of the universe, it might not get the Punisher himself quite right. But it is, and the reactions he gives Castle are fantastic.

The only character that doesn’t quite feel right is Kraven. He doesn’t look or sound quite like the last time(s) he has appeared. But, I’ll give the creative team the benefit of the doubt for now, as Kraven’s involvement is more a mystery at this point.

Give this a try if you need some fun put back in your comics. It’s a gas.

Rating:
3 out of 5

Review: Captain America 32

Captain America 32
The Death of Captain America Act 2
The Burden of Dreams: Part Two

Ed Brubaker – Writer
Steve Epting – Artist
Butch Guice - Inker

Synopsis:

As the title suggest, the story continues the ramifications of the death of Captain America. Dr Faustus has Bucky and Sharon in his clutches, as he continues to work on breaking the Winter Soldier’s will. Part two begin with Bucky fighting the Doctor’s commands to shot Sharon by firing at Faustus himself. However, the gun is loaded with blanks.

Meanwhile the Black Widow and the Falcon recovering from Sharon’s treacherous trap last issue, follow her trail into the sewers and to a secret but guarded entrance to an A.I.M hideout.

On board a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, Tony Stark learns that Agent 13’s pregnancy. In response, he all electronic records deleted, all hard copies destroyed and no word of this to be spoken to anyone.

Bucky manages to escape as the Black Widow and the Falcon attach the base in search for Sharon Carter. Mistaken that Sharon will join him in his attempt, Bucky is instead apprehended by Agent 13 and returned to Dr. Faustus’ control; however, during Faustus’ retreat Sharon tosses Bucky out of their plane to keep the Falcon from continuing his pursuit.

Review:

As you can see from the synopsis, Ed Brubaker has crammed a lot into the story and it reads at a brisk pace, engrossing the reader in every page and in every player. Even though Captain America is nowhere in the story, and hasn’t been since issue 25, his present permeates every panel – it’s all about Steve Rogers and his legacy.

Rarely can a writer capture so many strong personalities in a single issue and maintain a focus on each individual’s plight. Even supporting characters, such as Tony Stark, are gifted with a richness that even their own series may not afford. This is comic writing at its best.

The art by Steve Epting and Butch Guice is fantastic, striking just the right mode and hitting all the right marks in its action. Not as flashy as more high-profile artists, Epting’s art is at his personal best. The pacing is fantastic and he captures all the right mode to accent the story.

This is a modern classic. If you’re not reading Captain America, you should be.

Rating:
4.5 out of 5

Incredible Hulk #111

The Incredible Hulk #111
Warbound – Part VI

Greg Pak & Jeff Parker – Writer
Leonard Kirk – Artist
Paguluayan, Huet and McCaig – Cover Artist

Synopsis:

As World War Hulk rages throughout New York City, the Renegades – Amadaus Cho, Hercules, Angel, Namora – scramble to save the city from the continued threat of Zom.

After the defeat of the Zom-possessed Dr. Strange by the Hulk, the Renegades team up with Strange’s right hand man, Wong, who is chasing after Zom’s now free spirit. They find the spirit residing in Iron Man’s Hulkbuster Armor.

As World War Hulk continues to explode around them – the Hulk and the Sentry fly by in the heat of battle, Amadaus Cho directs the team to corner the beast and outsmarts him allowing Wong to trap him in the Amphora. “It’s been ensorcelled to retrieve Zom’s spirit,” ensures Wong.

The story ends with Hercules consoling Cho after they witness the horrifying end to World War Hulk.

Review:

While it is interesting to see what was going during the events of World War Hulk, it is increasingly disappointing to have an issue of the Incredible Hulk without the Hulk actually starring within. That being said, Cho and the Renegades are an engaging bunch, only the Angel seems out of place. The interaction between Hercules and Cho, and later Hercules and Namora, are well played. Given that the next issue is called “The Incredible Herc” is indication this will continue on for the time being. I’m not sure how I feel about this. Hercules hasn’t been a favorite of mine over the years and none of the Hulk’s tried and true supporting characters are around. It feels – odd.

The artwork by Leonard Kirk is strong and solid. Some pages work much better than others. When he is characterizing Hercules and Namora together as they struggle to keep Manhattan from collapsing, the pencils truly shine. Oddly, whenever the Hulk appears, they pages feel rushed.


Rating:
2.5 out of 5