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The Punisher by Greg Rucka
The Punisher, Vol. 3
The streets run red in the aftermath of Spider-Man, Daredevil and Punisher's search for the Omega Drive. The Omega Effect has reshuffled the deck, and now Frank Castle lays down the law. Rachel Cole is not going to like what she hears, but even punishment has a code. A friend switches sides, Cole becomes the hunted, and the Punisher takes on the NYPD...it's a situation that nobody can win. As Cole surrenders to becoming a Punisher, she and Frank reach a shared conclusion. Prepare for the War Zone.
Collecting: The Punisher 11-16
Collecting: The Punisher 11-16
136 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2013
9 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Greg Rucka
1,496 books1,926 followersGreg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 2, 2020
"Wait, that's it?"
"Yep."
"He just shot him dead?"
"A-yep."
"He didn't even WANT to hear what Black Talon - Barone - was saying? He didn't want to find out WHY he was doing this?"
"I don't think the Punisher cared, Detective."
This is exactly what I like about Castle. ANYWAY.
Zombies attack. It's very strange. Not really what I'm looking for from Punisher.
Punisher is framed for murdering innocents, blah blah blah the usual.
TL;DR Pretty good.
"Yep."
"He just shot him dead?"
"A-yep."
"He didn't even WANT to hear what Black Talon - Barone - was saying? He didn't want to find out WHY he was doing this?"
"I don't think the Punisher cared, Detective."
This is exactly what I like about Castle. ANYWAY.
Zombies attack. It's very strange. Not really what I'm looking for from Punisher.
Punisher is framed for murdering innocents, blah blah blah the usual.
TL;DR Pretty good.
December 15, 2018
I've not liked very much this Punisher's reboot, and Frank shooting dead Black Talon and his army of zombies while all NY heroes (and snipers...) were on vacation was just ridiculous, but the end of Rachel Cole
Not bad at all, but I think it could have been far better.
January 14, 2018
It Wasn’t consistently Good! But all 3 trades together made for 1 good written story! Bravo.
July 4, 2019
This run ends kind of...decent but I was hoping for more.
So after all the horrible events that happened, Frank pushes Cole to her limit. Forcing her to choose a life of revenge or to go back to living a normal one. After that whole thing Frank and Cole go after the one who caused her so much pain. Does it go well? Well fuck no, this is the Punisher after all. The last issue ends the whole Cole/Frank thing.
This isn't bad at all. Highly entertaining, brutal moments, and some great character development for Cole. It's just very predictable and I felt, up until now, the series wasn't. I am eager to read Warzones next but this was a great run that ended good, not great. A 3-3.5 out of 5.
So after all the horrible events that happened, Frank pushes Cole to her limit. Forcing her to choose a life of revenge or to go back to living a normal one. After that whole thing Frank and Cole go after the one who caused her so much pain. Does it go well? Well fuck no, this is the Punisher after all. The last issue ends the whole Cole/Frank thing.
This isn't bad at all. Highly entertaining, brutal moments, and some great character development for Cole. It's just very predictable and I felt, up until now, the series wasn't. I am eager to read Warzones next but this was a great run that ended good, not great. A 3-3.5 out of 5.
April 26, 2016
The end of Rucka's run before War Zone, which makes more sense now.
The showdown with the Exchange comes, and the crossfire takes down innocents, due to Alves, and the cost becomes real.
Frank makes her commit fully, but it doesn't sink in until it's too late.
Once again, a Punisher series ends with Frank's humanity and heart on display, saving Alves from herself.
This makes everything in War Zone make more sense (the Avengers come after Frank after he puts it on the line).
The showdown with the Exchange comes, and the crossfire takes down innocents, due to Alves, and the cost becomes real.
Frank makes her commit fully, but it doesn't sink in until it's too late.
Once again, a Punisher series ends with Frank's humanity and heart on display, saving Alves from herself.
This makes everything in War Zone make more sense (the Avengers come after Frank after he puts it on the line).
October 8, 2014
This is the darkest volume, and that's saying something. Rachel Cole-Alves really has to count the cost of her mission to punish criminals. Castle doesn't take it easy on her. He treats her like the soldier she is. Lays it out on the line for her. The storyline building up from the first books culminates in a way that is very intense. I can't say anything more without spoiling it.
This is a riveting read. I love this series, even when it's hard to read.
This is a riveting read. I love this series, even when it's hard to read.
June 25, 2014
I like how Rucka very much writes this as a crime comic, because it's what he knows and is good at, and the Punisher works well in the genre. And because he's trying to keep it to as 'true' crime as possible, they're not always overly violent, which they can't be anyway because this isn't the MAX title. The inner monologue of the War Journal is missing (even though there is a panel of Frank writing in it), and instead Rucka allows for a very visual form of telling the story. Instead of telling you what the characters are thinking through captions (which is something I do like in comics. Ed Brubaker is particularly good at it), it's good art with detailed facial expressions and body language.
All 3 volumes of Ruckas Punisher are excellent, and it'll make a nice omnibus someday.
All 3 volumes of Ruckas Punisher are excellent, and it'll make a nice omnibus someday.
Read
February 2, 2021Some very good character work here, even if the story is predictable and decompressed. Frank's sorta kinda mentoring of Rachel continues. She's forced to make tough decisions which lead to a deadly mistake. Rucka's writing remains strong, with standout scenes for Frank, Rachel, and the detectives. He really gets to the core of Frank Castle as a soldier, but not someone who should be idolized or imitated.
March 5, 2017
And the Punisher Vol.9 ends with a Bang!
Castle and Rachel finally go against the Exchange and blood will be spilled. Lots of.
Rachel will learn that vengeance comes with a price and Castle will show a more humane side of his personality-like a good officer should be- even if he is not much more talkative. Walter, Ozzie and Norah will also be swallowed in the last stand of this army of two and not all of them will escape unhurt.
The plot to punish the Exchange is classical but well handled by Rucka and Checcetto (the latter getting better with each issue): Cleansing of Rachel's earthly attachments, final preparations and all-out action, followed by a somber and rather sad ending that perfectly close this run before the final conclusion in Punisher : War Zone.
Castle and Rachel finally go against the Exchange and blood will be spilled. Lots of.
Rachel will learn that vengeance comes with a price and Castle will show a more humane side of his personality-like a good officer should be- even if he is not much more talkative. Walter, Ozzie and Norah will also be swallowed in the last stand of this army of two and not all of them will escape unhurt.
The plot to punish the Exchange is classical but well handled by Rucka and Checcetto (the latter getting better with each issue): Cleansing of Rachel's earthly attachments, final preparations and all-out action, followed by a somber and rather sad ending that perfectly close this run before the final conclusion in Punisher : War Zone.
March 11, 2013
I don't know much about comics, but I do know literature, and from a complete literary standpoint, Volume Three of Greg Rucka's The Punisher did it for me.
I've refrained from writing about the previous volumes because I simply felt I did not have a proper grasp on anything good in the comic. As a whole, they were entertaining--Rucka's writing and Checchetto's art (I'll get to the art in a sec) make for a solid, vivid series that, after midterms, was exactly what I wanted. I wanted to sit back and enjoy something purely for face value.
Now, I understand that it's not quite over (the fourth and final volume comes out in June), but the ending of Volume Three is probably my favorite part in the story to that point. The reader is exposed to Cole-Alves' crumbling mentality as contrasted with Castle's cold, inhuman one. In an interesting turn of events, Castle is suddenly less black-and-white.
It's a moment of character development that we see glimpses of throughout the story in times where he is forced to compromise (The Omega Effect, namely) and when we see Castle alone (i.e. with the kid, when he's journaling), but it only comes to a head here.
Anyway, not only have I been entertained by The Punisher these past two days, but my love for his character has deepened significantly. (Unfortunately for my homework, I have also asked to borrow The Avenging Spiderman from a friend, which I am thoroughly looking forward to.)
I've refrained from writing about the previous volumes because I simply felt I did not have a proper grasp on anything good in the comic. As a whole, they were entertaining--Rucka's writing and Checchetto's art (I'll get to the art in a sec) make for a solid, vivid series that, after midterms, was exactly what I wanted. I wanted to sit back and enjoy something purely for face value.
Now, I understand that it's not quite over (the fourth and final volume comes out in June), but the ending of Volume Three is probably my favorite part in the story to that point. The reader is exposed to Cole-Alves' crumbling mentality as contrasted with Castle's cold, inhuman one. In an interesting turn of events, Castle is suddenly less black-and-white.
It's a moment of character development that we see glimpses of throughout the story in times where he is forced to compromise (The Omega Effect, namely) and when we see Castle alone (i.e. with the kid, when he's journaling), but it only comes to a head here.
Anyway, not only have I been entertained by The Punisher these past two days, but my love for his character has deepened significantly. (Unfortunately for my homework, I have also asked to borrow The Avenging Spiderman from a friend, which I am thoroughly looking forward to.)
August 19, 2013
I liked each volume of Rucka's Punisher better than the one that came before. This is a terrific ending. That starts off with some great character issues. Rucka does the action-adventure and espionage of the rest of the issues quite well, but it's the character studies that make this volume really stand out.
February 26, 2021
It was me.
Frank Castle and Sergeant Alves are back. Now the question is ... who’s pulling the strings?
March 26, 2020
The art is good, the story is good enough. I like the Punisher and I like Greg Rucka. This doesn't stand out, but that is because Rucka's work is so consistently good.
October 8, 2017
The last volume of Rucka's main Punisher series. There's still the followup War Zone trade, but I don't know yet how much of this storyline it will follow. In the end, I liked this series but didn't love it. The art was overall great (with a couple exceptions, Mico Suayan's art was terrible). I really like Marco Checcetto's figure work and faces and compositions. The primary problem, and it happened often throughout the whole series but only became a big problem near the end, was a lot of wordless panels that were very hard to understand what was happening. Fight scenes especially, but that's not usually a big deal to figure out, confusing fight scenes happen in comics plenty often. Two large examples are thus: in #6, there are two vials of chemicals that get used by the Punisher. They are shown in closeup panels with written labels. I did not have a hard time telling what they were, but it did seem like someone could easily be confused about it. This was borne out by reading in the letters page, they actually addressed this issue seemingly to make sure no one was confused. Much worse was later, in issue #14. We see the Punisher take apart some stuff, including a watch, some ball bearings, and an adamantium arm of Dr. Octopus'. Then much later in the issue we see that arm and everyone assumes it's been booby trapped or something, but I'm not sure if it actually was? And a character makes a big show of her window being super-bulletproof, then later the Punisher shoots through it. My only guess is that he somehow made an adamantium bullet out of the ball bearings? But that's just a guess, it is not told or shown well enough if that is the case. And if its something else then it is even worse explained. These sorts of holes are frustrating, especially as they happened often during the climactic issues. It was occasionally hard to get into the emotional moments when I was confused about the logic of events.
However, as with other Punisher books I've read so far, there was one particular scene that really stood out to me. In it, Frank Castle explains to Sergeant Cole-Alves how he is the way he is. (She's been on a mission to kill the gang who murdered her husband and everyone else at their wedding) He first has her "turn out her pockets", and she dumps many things on the table, including a gun, ammo, knife, phone, headphones, matches, and assorted stuff. Frank separates out the weapons from everything else, and says: "You haven't figured it out yet. You still think that when the Exchange murdered everyone you love, they spared you. You're wrong. You're dead, too." He points at the pile of weapons, next to the pile of everyday objects. "These are your tools. The rest are the luxuries of the living. The dead don't get music. The dead don't get beauty. The dead don't get flavor, or color, or warmth, or friendship. Because the dead don't feel. The dead get purpose. The dead get a mission. That's all we get."
Whereas in Becky Cloonan's Punisher books my favorite moments were the ones that showed Frank's humanity by having him interact with a little girl and then an old lady, Rucka's best Punisher moment was having him explain his inhumanity to someone on the fence, someone close to the edge that he walks. It was very poignant. Well written, well drawn, well staged. Good comics.
However, as with other Punisher books I've read so far, there was one particular scene that really stood out to me. In it, Frank Castle explains to Sergeant Cole-Alves how he is the way he is. (She's been on a mission to kill the gang who murdered her husband and everyone else at their wedding) He first has her "turn out her pockets", and she dumps many things on the table, including a gun, ammo, knife, phone, headphones, matches, and assorted stuff. Frank separates out the weapons from everything else, and says: "You haven't figured it out yet. You still think that when the Exchange murdered everyone you love, they spared you. You're wrong. You're dead, too." He points at the pile of weapons, next to the pile of everyday objects. "These are your tools. The rest are the luxuries of the living. The dead don't get music. The dead don't get beauty. The dead don't get flavor, or color, or warmth, or friendship. Because the dead don't feel. The dead get purpose. The dead get a mission. That's all we get."
Whereas in Becky Cloonan's Punisher books my favorite moments were the ones that showed Frank's humanity by having him interact with a little girl and then an old lady, Rucka's best Punisher moment was having him explain his inhumanity to someone on the fence, someone close to the edge that he walks. It was very poignant. Well written, well drawn, well staged. Good comics.
December 13, 2025
Note: This review is for the entirety of Greg Rucka's Punisher Run collected in 3 volumes.
Breaded, eyepatch Punisher is the best. There is something about bearded versions of cleanshaven heroes that is just epic. In all seriousness, this was a very compelling story. I liked the supporting characters, especially Rachel and Detective Clemons. Plus, the Daredevil and Spider-Man crossover was fun and beautifully worked with both Frank and Matt's story seamlessly.
Obviously, the standout of this arc is the character work, particularly Rachel Cole-Alves. She experiences an origin similar to Punisher and has a similar means of coping with her trauma: namely punishing bad guys. But unlike Frank, Rachel still has a chance at readjusting to civilian life and isn't too far gone. Thus her story is one of constantly toting the line between justice and vengeance. She was awesome and I'm both surprised and relieved she isn't used more: surprised because of the high potential for her character and relieved because her arc was perfectly wrapped up in this story. In all honesty, this was Rachel's story. Frank was merely a guest.
Clemons was another standout simply because he is Morgan Freeman from Se7en. That is all I need to say. The issues with Clemons' partner being investigated for his "work" with the Punisher were also some great highlights that reminded me of the glorious cop dramas of the GCPD. If you're a police character that can easily fit in Gotham, you instantly have my seal of approval as a character.
We also got a fun crossover with Daredevil and Spider-Man, which was easily the most light hearted part of the whole story. Having previously read Waid's Daredevil run, which also includes this story, I am utterly astounded at how Waid and Rucka were able to collaborate on a story that was important to both of their runs and fit in both runs like a glove.
In short, this was a fun Punisher run worthy of a film adaptation.
Breaded, eyepatch Punisher is the best. There is something about bearded versions of cleanshaven heroes that is just epic. In all seriousness, this was a very compelling story. I liked the supporting characters, especially Rachel and Detective Clemons. Plus, the Daredevil and Spider-Man crossover was fun and beautifully worked with both Frank and Matt's story seamlessly.
Obviously, the standout of this arc is the character work, particularly Rachel Cole-Alves. She experiences an origin similar to Punisher and has a similar means of coping with her trauma: namely punishing bad guys. But unlike Frank, Rachel still has a chance at readjusting to civilian life and isn't too far gone. Thus her story is one of constantly toting the line between justice and vengeance. She was awesome and I'm both surprised and relieved she isn't used more: surprised because of the high potential for her character and relieved because her arc was perfectly wrapped up in this story. In all honesty, this was Rachel's story. Frank was merely a guest.
Clemons was another standout simply because he is Morgan Freeman from Se7en. That is all I need to say. The issues with Clemons' partner being investigated for his "work" with the Punisher were also some great highlights that reminded me of the glorious cop dramas of the GCPD. If you're a police character that can easily fit in Gotham, you instantly have my seal of approval as a character.
We also got a fun crossover with Daredevil and Spider-Man, which was easily the most light hearted part of the whole story. Having previously read Waid's Daredevil run, which also includes this story, I am utterly astounded at how Waid and Rucka were able to collaborate on a story that was important to both of their runs and fit in both runs like a glove.
In short, this was a fun Punisher run worthy of a film adaptation.
May 26, 2023
This was a really solid conclusion to the Alves (aka "Punisherette", as Spider-Man calls her) storyline, and Rucka's run on the title.
There's no real ambiguity. We see all the hero characters taking responsibility for their questionable decisions, and while there's still some story left for what happens to Alves, we get a definitive ending point for her character. If there's more of her, awesome. If not, I feel satisfied.
I probably wouldn't have reread this if it hadn't tied into the Omega Drive storyline in Daredevil but I'm really glad I did. And I highly recommend it for people who aren't sure they're into Punisher. It's only three volumes long, and it's one of the best stories in the character's history.
There's no real ambiguity. We see all the hero characters taking responsibility for their questionable decisions, and while there's still some story left for what happens to Alves, we get a definitive ending point for her character. If there's more of her, awesome. If not, I feel satisfied.
I probably wouldn't have reread this if it hadn't tied into the Omega Drive storyline in Daredevil but I'm really glad I did. And I highly recommend it for people who aren't sure they're into Punisher. It's only three volumes long, and it's one of the best stories in the character's history.
March 13, 2021
Not Bad
OVERALL RATING: 3.5 stars
Art: 4.25 stars
Prose: 3 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
Pacing: 4 stars
Character Development: 3 stars
World Building: 2 stars
Not as strong as the previous installment but was still a decent story. Leads in and sets up War Zone quite well.
OVERALL RATING: 3.5 stars
Art: 4.25 stars
Prose: 3 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
Pacing: 4 stars
Character Development: 3 stars
World Building: 2 stars
Not as strong as the previous installment but was still a decent story. Leads in and sets up War Zone quite well.
September 28, 2021
The three volumes were a good story in general, the art was great, punisher being the toughest guy like always. It had moments that i would understand why the rating is a bit lower, but is still entertaining and cool.
October 4, 2021
My only problem is that the Rucka Punisher run was too short. Loved the Cole-Alves character, need more of her.
January 13, 2023
Satisfying end to this arc. Still enjoy how this feels closer to the rest of the Marvel universe than other Punisher runs. That issue with him just taking care of the zombie outbreak was great.
March 7, 2025
rounded up 3.5
i <3 frank castle
i <3 frank castle
March 18, 2025
Great finish to the series
Great finish to a great series. Solid story telling and great artistry. Definitely recommended for anyone who's a fan of the Punisher.
Great finish to a great series. Solid story telling and great artistry. Definitely recommended for anyone who's a fan of the Punisher.
April 24, 2018
Well, this didn't really turn out to be anything. Rachel Cole is a good character and I hope she sticks around in the Marvel universe, but this whole series never felt like it had a mission. Too bad.
April 26, 2016
The Punisher by Greg Rucka Volume 3 is an average Punisher story with some interesting twists. Greg Rucka is an excellent writer whose prose is always on target. That tradition for fine authorial craft is evident in this volume. Every issue is solidly written and constructed with each adding to the cumulative impact of the narrative. The art, while suffering from the modern Marvel Comics curse of too many artists in the kitchen, is universally well-done. The illustrated panels fit the dark and somber mood of the story. However, nothing is particularly memorable. It is a good thriller that fades from memory as you put it down. Additionally, the character of the Punisher feels too tame. Rucka emphasizes Frank Castle's background as a soldier, but does little to elaborate on the darker aspects of his psyche and motivations. I would recommend this volume but it is not a must read.
May 22, 2013
Thoroughly enjoying the way Frank's world and Rachel's are intertwining; so much of this could be one-note but isn't; it's satisfyingly complex and I'm genuinely interested in the outcome. Still think the art makes Frank too Hollywood-handsome, but that's a minor infraction with a story this engaging, and I've no other complaints.
September 3, 2025
4.5 Stars
April 28, 2013
Great story with a perfect balance of dialogue and action and really lush artwork. There's no way not to like this.
July 8, 2013
Another Mind-Blowing Graphic Novel of The Punisher. The way he has brought to life by these amazing writers is truly unbelievable. A must read for all Punisher fans! Go Punish!
August 30, 2015
Beautiful conclusion to an amazing 16 issue run. Super well orchestrated throughout. Highly recommended.
April 18, 2014
Individual issues on marvel unlimited
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews