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The Punisher (2000/2001) (Collected Editions) #1-2
Marvel Knights. Punisher, Tom 1
Pierwszy tom mrocznej i krwawej opowieści o Punisherze spod szyldu Marvel Knights – imprintu Marvel Comics.
Punisher powraca! Jako niepowstrzymany samotny mściciel Frank Castle znów wypowiada brutalną wojnę przestępcom – ku przerażeniu Mateczki Gnucci i całej jej rodziny mafijnej. Na drodze stają mu również były generał trzymający w szachu całe Stany Zjednoczone, przerażający olbrzym zwany Ruskiem, a także… pełni zapału naśladowcy, którzy postanowili oczyścić Nowy Jork ze zbrodniarzy i grzeszników. Czy zdołają namówić Punishera do współpracy? I co się stanie, gdy do gry włączą się Daredevil oraz Spider-Man?
Autorami tej historii są Garth Ennis i Steve Dillon, mistrzowie komiksu znani z tak kultowych tytułów jak „Kaznodzieja”, „Punisher Max” czy „Hellblazer”. Album zawiera materiały opublikowane pierwotnie w zeszytach „Punisher” (2000) #1–12, „Punisher” (2001) #1–5 oraz „Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe”. Komiks tylko dla dorosłych.
Punisher powraca! Jako niepowstrzymany samotny mściciel Frank Castle znów wypowiada brutalną wojnę przestępcom – ku przerażeniu Mateczki Gnucci i całej jej rodziny mafijnej. Na drodze stają mu również były generał trzymający w szachu całe Stany Zjednoczone, przerażający olbrzym zwany Ruskiem, a także… pełni zapału naśladowcy, którzy postanowili oczyścić Nowy Jork ze zbrodniarzy i grzeszników. Czy zdołają namówić Punishera do współpracy? I co się stanie, gdy do gry włączą się Daredevil oraz Spider-Man?
Autorami tej historii są Garth Ennis i Steve Dillon, mistrzowie komiksu znani z tak kultowych tytułów jak „Kaznodzieja”, „Punisher Max” czy „Hellblazer”. Album zawiera materiały opublikowane pierwotnie w zeszytach „Punisher” (2000) #1–12, „Punisher” (2001) #1–5 oraz „Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe”. Komiks tylko dla dorosłych.
456 pages, Hardcover
Published September 29, 2021
37 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Garth Ennis
2,628 books3,182 followersEnnis began his comic-writing career in 1989 with the series Troubled Souls. Appearing in the short-lived but critically-acclaimed British anthology Crisis and illustrated by McCrea, it told the story of a young, apolitical Protestant man caught up by fate in the violence of the Irish 'Troubles'. It spawned a sequel, For a Few Troubles More, a broad Belfast-based comedy featuring two supporting characters from Troubled Souls, Dougie and Ivor, who would later get their own American comics series, Dicks, from Caliber in 1997, and several follow-ups from Avatar.
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 2, 2019
The beginning of the best run in the Punisher's history. Ennis and Dillon knock it out of the park, especially in the first arc, Welcome Back, Frank. The team that brought you Preacher brings the same crude, dark humor and ultra-violence to the Punisher. Frank Castle's war with Ma Gnucci fires on all cylinders. It's the one story I'd hand to anyone who has never read a Punisher story. Then in the 2nd arc, Ennis and Dillon give us the best Spider-Man / Punisher team-up anyone could ask for. It makes me smile everytime I think about it.
The only reason this gets four stars instead of five is that it also includes Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe. The whole thing feels very contrived and forced. Of course, it would have to be for the Punisher to defeat characters like Dr. Doom. It's just not very good.
The only reason this gets four stars instead of five is that it also includes Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe. The whole thing feels very contrived and forced. Of course, it would have to be for the Punisher to defeat characters like Dr. Doom. It's just not very good.
October 27, 2019
This complete collection is superb (save for the end, but more on that later).
It collects the wonderful Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion run of Punisher. It is at once dark and violent, yet humorous as well. It is dry and sardonic humor and it meshes well with this story. The first part introduces us to some great characters like Ma Gnucci, Det. Soap and a trio of killers who model themselves on the Punisher. This volume collects the entire Punisher war against Ma Gnucci, as well as the arc about the Russian and the trio of killers.
The often zany events serve as a nice break from the over the top violence. But this is Punisher at his finest. Now, what about the end did I not like? The inane "Punisher kills the Marvel Universe". It's stupid. It didn't even really need inclusion in this otherwise masterful collection. Still, you can ignore it. I did.
Any Punisher fan or a Punisher newbie will appreciate the Ennis run of Punisher. It's funny, it's violent and has some of the best Punisher moments. Also, if it helps, Spiderman and Daredevil make an appearance as well.
It collects the wonderful Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion run of Punisher. It is at once dark and violent, yet humorous as well. It is dry and sardonic humor and it meshes well with this story. The first part introduces us to some great characters like Ma Gnucci, Det. Soap and a trio of killers who model themselves on the Punisher. This volume collects the entire Punisher war against Ma Gnucci, as well as the arc about the Russian and the trio of killers.
The often zany events serve as a nice break from the over the top violence. But this is Punisher at his finest. Now, what about the end did I not like? The inane "Punisher kills the Marvel Universe". It's stupid. It didn't even really need inclusion in this otherwise masterful collection. Still, you can ignore it. I did.
Any Punisher fan or a Punisher newbie will appreciate the Ennis run of Punisher. It's funny, it's violent and has some of the best Punisher moments. Also, if it helps, Spiderman and Daredevil make an appearance as well.
June 13, 2019
Garth Ennis - writer
Steve Dillon - illustrator
Dough Braithwaite - illustrator
When I chanced upon this book on the shelves at my library I was psyched! I have fond memories of reading the first arc in this book way back in 2001 when it was released as a tpb titled "Welcome Back Frank." A lot of the material from that arc was used as inspiration for the 2004 Punisher film starring Thomas Jane, which I absolutely love.
Sadly, I cannot say the same for this book. I still found the first arc enjoyable (perhaps due to my nostalgia for the fun, over-the-top action film it inspired), but it goes downhill fast after that. Pretty much everything - the art, the writing, the jokes, the taste level - takes a steep decline after the end of the first arc.
2/5, not recommended
Steve Dillon - illustrator
Dough Braithwaite - illustrator
When I chanced upon this book on the shelves at my library I was psyched! I have fond memories of reading the first arc in this book way back in 2001 when it was released as a tpb titled "Welcome Back Frank." A lot of the material from that arc was used as inspiration for the 2004 Punisher film starring Thomas Jane, which I absolutely love.
Sadly, I cannot say the same for this book. I still found the first arc enjoyable (perhaps due to my nostalgia for the fun, over-the-top action film it inspired), but it goes downhill fast after that. Pretty much everything - the art, the writing, the jokes, the taste level - takes a steep decline after the end of the first arc.
2/5, not recommended
January 30, 2026
Three and a half stars
February 20, 2023
Sick... Fun....
April 23, 2025
This is where everything Punisher comes from and it’s better than everything that imitates it. Pitch black, hysterical satire, and foundational writing for the comics of the era (AND movies). When you can’t find anything else rated A to read, Garth’s the go-to. You know exactly what you’re getting at minimum and sometimes end up getting even better.
4.8/5.
4.8/5.
April 8, 2019
I read this as 12 single issues in electronic format on ComiXology, as a starting point on the Ennis/Dillon run on the Punisher.
The 12 episodes of this book read very quickly, and the graphical style of Dillon as well as Ennis's style work really well with the Punisher. The action is well paced, and all the characters are stupid, mean, and quite low specimens of human beings as you would expect in a Garth Ennis story. The 'guided view' frame-by-frame system is well-suited for this kind of action-driven comics, so you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride. All in all, I did enjoy the ride, just like I had enjoyed other Ennis/Dillon titles, almost in a junk food kind of way. Good action and plot, cruel jokes, and a good hour of (mindless) fun reading.
However, a few things bugged me : First, some of Ennis's dark sense of humor and morbid ideas made me increasingly uneasy as the story was progressing, especially some very graphic violence, to the point of being almost sadistic in some parts. At some point(s) I felt that the Punisher's rampage on the bad guys was an excuse for some unnecessary violence, with dismemberments, beheadings and suffocations like there was no tomorrow. Having read quite a few Ennis/Dillon books (e.g. Preacher or Ennis's Crossed), I am used to their nihilistic morbid ideas and cruel jokes, but in this case I felt many scenes were unjustified. Another aspect that I found disappointing in this (short) book, was the lack of depth in Frank Castle's character, I guess that was not the point, but still, the character felt kind of 'empty', to the point of not being very interesting (I liked some of the other characters better). I realize that it was a first arc in the run, so this may evolve in future books.
So, all in all — A good starting point in the Ennis/Dillon run in their typical dark style. Not my favorite Punisher story, but a fairly cool (and short) read... just not for everyone.
The 12 episodes of this book read very quickly, and the graphical style of Dillon as well as Ennis's style work really well with the Punisher. The action is well paced, and all the characters are stupid, mean, and quite low specimens of human beings as you would expect in a Garth Ennis story. The 'guided view' frame-by-frame system is well-suited for this kind of action-driven comics, so you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride. All in all, I did enjoy the ride, just like I had enjoyed other Ennis/Dillon titles, almost in a junk food kind of way. Good action and plot, cruel jokes, and a good hour of (mindless) fun reading.
However, a few things bugged me : First, some of Ennis's dark sense of humor and morbid ideas made me increasingly uneasy as the story was progressing, especially some very graphic violence, to the point of being almost sadistic in some parts. At some point(s) I felt that the Punisher's rampage on the bad guys was an excuse for some unnecessary violence, with dismemberments, beheadings and suffocations like there was no tomorrow. Having read quite a few Ennis/Dillon books (e.g. Preacher or Ennis's Crossed), I am used to their nihilistic morbid ideas and cruel jokes, but in this case I felt many scenes were unjustified. Another aspect that I found disappointing in this (short) book, was the lack of depth in Frank Castle's character, I guess that was not the point, but still, the character felt kind of 'empty', to the point of not being very interesting (I liked some of the other characters better). I realize that it was a first arc in the run, so this may evolve in future books.
So, all in all — A good starting point in the Ennis/Dillon run in their typical dark style. Not my favorite Punisher story, but a fairly cool (and short) read... just not for everyone.
April 25, 2023
Before Ennis' seminal run on the Punisher for the Marvel MAX line, he did a substantial stint on Marvel during the Marvel Knights era. Not nearly as memorable, but some fun stuff was being done. This volume collects the twelve issue limited series "Welcome Back, Frank", the first five issues of the 2001 ongoing series, and the one-shot "Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe".
Of these, "Welcome Back, Frank" is the most well developed story, with Frank Castle returning to New York to establish dominance amongst the criminal element. His major target is the Gnucci crime family, led by Isabella Carmela Magdalena "Ma" Gnucci. Meanwhile, the NYPD has opened a task force to investigate the Punisher, but it's composed of Soap, a below average detective, Molly, a spunky police lieutenant who isn't trusted because she got the previous commissioner fired, and Bud Plugg, a mousy behavioral psychologist. A lot of the story is framed from the perspective of the investigating task force who end up mythologizing the Punisher which is rather clever framing for this kind of story. Over the course of the twelve issues, Castle dismantles both Ma Gnucci and her syndicate, while weaving in and out of the task force's crosshairs. We also meet a lot of Castle's neighbors, and they end up becoming fast friends that are threatened when Ma Gnucci calls in outside help in the form of The Russian, a formidable, hulking killer. If this sounds familiar, it's because this story is one of the biggest influences on the '04 Punisher film.
Ennis' take on the Punisher is somewhat evident of how little he cares about glorifying the character. When asked by his neighbor Joan about why he kills criminals, Frank answers simply: "I hate them". It's succinct and sheds no pretense about why the Punisher is who he is. This could be considered general fascist behavior, or the glorification of violence, but I take it simply to be who the Punisher has generally always been. This no nonsense approach works pretty well for the most part.
It took no time at all for Marvel to grant Ennis the keys to the Punisher as he takes on the 2001 ongoing title, starting with the opening arc, "The Scoop". Familiar faces from the "Welcome Back, Frank" arc return, such as Detective Soap and The Russian, and it quickly becomes a high flying action adventure story about Punisher taking on a rogue mercenary group that are in possession of an atomic bomb. It's quite corny at times, but still an entertaining read.
Steve Dillon serves as the artist to both the 2000 limited series and the first couple dozen issues of the 2001 ongoing run. I've never been the biggest fan of Dillon's work, though I do respect his sharp sense of panel composition and layouts. Faces always look quite uncanny to me, and perhaps it works well for the ridiculous gonzo style of Ennis' Marvel Knights Punisher run enough for me to not feel too distracted by it.
The one-shot "Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe" by Garth Ennis and Doug Braithwaite is more over the top nonsense that is mildly enjoyable but mostly mind-numbing. Basically, the Avengers and the X-Men inadvertently kill his family as part of collateral damage when fighting the Brood/Skrulls, and now Frank Castle, family man, becomes Frank Castle, the Punisher. It's basically a What If? issue dressed up with a more explosive title to it. Not the biggest fan of Braithwaite's artwork, so I think that also diminished my interest in this comic.
Of these, "Welcome Back, Frank" is the most well developed story, with Frank Castle returning to New York to establish dominance amongst the criminal element. His major target is the Gnucci crime family, led by Isabella Carmela Magdalena "Ma" Gnucci. Meanwhile, the NYPD has opened a task force to investigate the Punisher, but it's composed of Soap, a below average detective, Molly, a spunky police lieutenant who isn't trusted because she got the previous commissioner fired, and Bud Plugg, a mousy behavioral psychologist. A lot of the story is framed from the perspective of the investigating task force who end up mythologizing the Punisher which is rather clever framing for this kind of story. Over the course of the twelve issues, Castle dismantles both Ma Gnucci and her syndicate, while weaving in and out of the task force's crosshairs. We also meet a lot of Castle's neighbors, and they end up becoming fast friends that are threatened when Ma Gnucci calls in outside help in the form of The Russian, a formidable, hulking killer. If this sounds familiar, it's because this story is one of the biggest influences on the '04 Punisher film.
Ennis' take on the Punisher is somewhat evident of how little he cares about glorifying the character. When asked by his neighbor Joan about why he kills criminals, Frank answers simply: "I hate them". It's succinct and sheds no pretense about why the Punisher is who he is. This could be considered general fascist behavior, or the glorification of violence, but I take it simply to be who the Punisher has generally always been. This no nonsense approach works pretty well for the most part.
It took no time at all for Marvel to grant Ennis the keys to the Punisher as he takes on the 2001 ongoing title, starting with the opening arc, "The Scoop". Familiar faces from the "Welcome Back, Frank" arc return, such as Detective Soap and The Russian, and it quickly becomes a high flying action adventure story about Punisher taking on a rogue mercenary group that are in possession of an atomic bomb. It's quite corny at times, but still an entertaining read.
Steve Dillon serves as the artist to both the 2000 limited series and the first couple dozen issues of the 2001 ongoing run. I've never been the biggest fan of Dillon's work, though I do respect his sharp sense of panel composition and layouts. Faces always look quite uncanny to me, and perhaps it works well for the ridiculous gonzo style of Ennis' Marvel Knights Punisher run enough for me to not feel too distracted by it.
The one-shot "Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe" by Garth Ennis and Doug Braithwaite is more over the top nonsense that is mildly enjoyable but mostly mind-numbing. Basically, the Avengers and the X-Men inadvertently kill his family as part of collateral damage when fighting the Brood/Skrulls, and now Frank Castle, family man, becomes Frank Castle, the Punisher. It's basically a What If? issue dressed up with a more explosive title to it. Not the biggest fan of Braithwaite's artwork, so I think that also diminished my interest in this comic.
April 7, 2024
I have started this book so many times over the last year but finally finished it omg its so savage and real and dangerous and what a thrilling read it was and has to be the greatest punisher run ever, the first story itself is so brutal and this volume covers Frank's character so well and his mission and all that and it doesn't hold back lol, the art is so good too, really doesn't hold anything back and the combination of both made this such a good read.
The first story arc "Welcome home Frank" remains one of my fav stories ever with Frank and his neighbors in the building like Dave, Bumpo and all are fun and then him vs Ma Gnucci and her soldiers and how a coop is stuck in the middle of it and the origins of other vigilantes like the holy, elite and mr payback and how they are so crazy too and their stories are so well built and when they cross paths with Punisher in the end, it makes for a fun face-off but it also establishes who Frank really is and his mission statement and wow what happens to people he takes out is so wild to read.. seriously ennis went so far with them.
Then there is the russian whose such a crazy character and his fan club line about Daredevil is so cool lol and my god him vs Punisher were some of my fav moments in the book, this is one of those villains whose so crazy and strong and the appearance of which just makes it fun to read like how will Frank take them out and yeah.. cool story and even in the 2nd one where he is fighting Kreigkoff and his soliders on that island.. oh god lol talk about mass casualties and an unhinged maniac and Frank's quest for.. whatever.. but seriously I loved that, its brutal and yeah the exposition can be a lot at times but it was one heck of a read.
I loved how in the end you see this what-of story about Frank vs the marvel universe and yeah some of it felt easy the way he takes them out but the end moment vs Daredevil was really the high point of it and its dark lol. And even in the main volume, when he teams up with Daredevil and Spider-man those are some iconic moments lol, seriously shows why he stands out in the marvel universe and what makes him different than the other heroes.. that he is not a hero.
Seriously, one of the best Marvel stories ever, its just lethal and crazy and captures the essence of the title really well.
The first story arc "Welcome home Frank" remains one of my fav stories ever with Frank and his neighbors in the building like Dave, Bumpo and all are fun and then him vs Ma Gnucci and her soldiers and how a coop is stuck in the middle of it and the origins of other vigilantes like the holy, elite and mr payback and how they are so crazy too and their stories are so well built and when they cross paths with Punisher in the end, it makes for a fun face-off but it also establishes who Frank really is and his mission statement and wow what happens to people he takes out is so wild to read.. seriously ennis went so far with them.
Then there is the russian whose such a crazy character and his fan club line about Daredevil is so cool lol and my god him vs Punisher were some of my fav moments in the book, this is one of those villains whose so crazy and strong and the appearance of which just makes it fun to read like how will Frank take them out and yeah.. cool story and even in the 2nd one where he is fighting Kreigkoff and his soliders on that island.. oh god lol talk about mass casualties and an unhinged maniac and Frank's quest for.. whatever.. but seriously I loved that, its brutal and yeah the exposition can be a lot at times but it was one heck of a read.
I loved how in the end you see this what-of story about Frank vs the marvel universe and yeah some of it felt easy the way he takes them out but the end moment vs Daredevil was really the high point of it and its dark lol. And even in the main volume, when he teams up with Daredevil and Spider-man those are some iconic moments lol, seriously shows why he stands out in the marvel universe and what makes him different than the other heroes.. that he is not a hero.
Seriously, one of the best Marvel stories ever, its just lethal and crazy and captures the essence of the title really well.
August 26, 2019
A very strong four. Hell it'd be a five if they'd included only Marvel Knights Punisher stuff. More on that later.
Holy hell is this entertaining. Best way I can describe it. It's almost like watching somebody play a videogame on godmode.
At this point in time the Punisher has been gone and doing unholy things from what I understand. But he's come back to New York to continue his killing spree. That's exactly how he sees it, and he does it for no other reason then because he hates criminals and killers. He comes back to New York by throwing some guy off the Empire State building then proceeds to slaughter his way through the Gnucci crime family, which leads him to an island of mercenaries with no state to belong to other than this island. And it's gory, pulpy fun.
The collection has Punisher (2000-2001) 1-12, Punisher (2001-2003) 1-5, and unfortunately Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe.
Why unfortunately? Well Garth Ennis has no love of superheroes so it isn't the disdain of superheroes that gets me. It's that it isn't entertaining nor does it seemingly have anything to offer other than getting to watch superheroes lose.
And that's the primary reason for four stars. Because the main series is fantastic but the alternate story? Nah.
Writing by Ennis is strong, pencils by Dillion are as lovely as ever. Inks by Jimmy Palmiotti are done well even if not as well as the inks for Preacher (comparison made for Steve Dillions art there vs here.). And the colors are reserved by Chris Sotomayor but come out exactly when they need to.
Overall I really loved this and am excited for the next volume. Except the Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe which killed some of my interest and is the weakest part of this collection.
4 stars.
Holy hell is this entertaining. Best way I can describe it. It's almost like watching somebody play a videogame on godmode.
At this point in time the Punisher has been gone and doing unholy things from what I understand. But he's come back to New York to continue his killing spree. That's exactly how he sees it, and he does it for no other reason then because he hates criminals and killers. He comes back to New York by throwing some guy off the Empire State building then proceeds to slaughter his way through the Gnucci crime family, which leads him to an island of mercenaries with no state to belong to other than this island. And it's gory, pulpy fun.
The collection has Punisher (2000-2001) 1-12, Punisher (2001-2003) 1-5, and unfortunately Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe.
Why unfortunately? Well Garth Ennis has no love of superheroes so it isn't the disdain of superheroes that gets me. It's that it isn't entertaining nor does it seemingly have anything to offer other than getting to watch superheroes lose.
And that's the primary reason for four stars. Because the main series is fantastic but the alternate story? Nah.
Writing by Ennis is strong, pencils by Dillion are as lovely as ever. Inks by Jimmy Palmiotti are done well even if not as well as the inks for Preacher (comparison made for Steve Dillions art there vs here.). And the colors are reserved by Chris Sotomayor but come out exactly when they need to.
Overall I really loved this and am excited for the next volume. Except the Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe which killed some of my interest and is the weakest part of this collection.
4 stars.
November 30, 2021
Jednak trochę rozczarowanie. Zapewne dlatego, że najpierw przeczytałem serię "Punisher MAX". Również była mroczna i brutalna, do tego przedstawiała konsekwentną i realistyczną origin story Franka Castle jako Punishera. Gorzką i smutną.
W serii Marvel Knights mamy znowu Gartha Ennisa, więc nie było już niespodzianek. Ani zaskoczeń. Frank Castle jest w tych historiach nieco "lżejszy", pozbawiony tego całego gorzkiego dziedzictwa, które ciągnął za sobą w serii MAX. Tu jest po prostu maszyną do zabijania złych ludzi.
Bywa dowcipnie, bywa także charakterystycznie dla Ennisa: brutalne, komiksowe przerysowanie (Rusek, czy Mateczka Gnucci). Ale znowu - to już było. Nie schodzi poniżej poziomu, ale w pierwszym tomie jest to po prostu mocna, komiksowa historia. Fajnie i luzacko robi się, kiedy łomot dostaje Spiderman, czy Daredevil. Albo - jak w odrębnej historii - kiedy Punisher morduje całe uniwersum Marvela. :) Jednak jeśli tak ma być w kolejnych częściach to trochę za mało, jeśli chodzi o mnie.
W serii Marvel Knights mamy znowu Gartha Ennisa, więc nie było już niespodzianek. Ani zaskoczeń. Frank Castle jest w tych historiach nieco "lżejszy", pozbawiony tego całego gorzkiego dziedzictwa, które ciągnął za sobą w serii MAX. Tu jest po prostu maszyną do zabijania złych ludzi.
Bywa dowcipnie, bywa także charakterystycznie dla Ennisa: brutalne, komiksowe przerysowanie (Rusek, czy Mateczka Gnucci). Ale znowu - to już było. Nie schodzi poniżej poziomu, ale w pierwszym tomie jest to po prostu mocna, komiksowa historia. Fajnie i luzacko robi się, kiedy łomot dostaje Spiderman, czy Daredevil. Albo - jak w odrębnej historii - kiedy Punisher morduje całe uniwersum Marvela. :) Jednak jeśli tak ma być w kolejnych częściach to trochę za mało, jeśli chodzi o mnie.
December 29, 2024
The Punisher arba Baudėjas. Gartho Enniso sukurta šio Marvel veikėjo siužetinė linija laikoma turbūt pačia sėkmingiausia. Čia nebus daug psichologinio kapstymosi, gerai ar blogai, kai nuo Baudėjo rankų žūva blogiečiai (tokie arba panašūs klausimai, beje, ne kartą keliami Betmeno komiksuose)? Akcentas kitas: daug veiksmo, kovos scenų, vietomis tikrai vykusio humoro. Žodžiu, neįpareigojantis greitai besikeičiantis šou.
Komiksą piešė Steve Dillon. Vyrukas, piešia gražiai, bet neatsitiktinai vadinamas vieno veido dailininku. Visi jo personažai tarsi būtų vienos šeimos nariai. Veidai arba vienodi, arba skiriasi labai menkai. Iš esmės komikso tai nesugadina. Pradžioje tik galvoji, ką? Kas čia toks? Kodėl jis panašus į kitus penkis jau buvusius veikėjus? Paskui pripranti ir nebekreipi dėmesio arba tik šypteli su mintimi, o, naujas personažas, bet irgi vienodas.
Komiksą piešė Steve Dillon. Vyrukas, piešia gražiai, bet neatsitiktinai vadinamas vieno veido dailininku. Visi jo personažai tarsi būtų vienos šeimos nariai. Veidai arba vienodi, arba skiriasi labai menkai. Iš esmės komikso tai nesugadina. Pradžioje tik galvoji, ką? Kas čia toks? Kodėl jis panašus į kitus penkis jau buvusius veikėjus? Paskui pripranti ir nebekreipi dėmesio arba tik šypteli su mintimi, o, naujas personažas, bet irgi vienodas.
September 19, 2020
I was so glad to stumble upon so many visual and narrative inspirations of the Netflix’s Daredevil and Punisher series. And I was quite happy to realise that my love for Garth Ennis’ talent exponentially increased with his vision of The Punisher. This is without doubt one of my favourite things that he has done. And kudos for that short Punisher kills the Marvel Universe story because it was perfectly paced and it actually made sense. Both stories are emotionally resonant, bloody and hella fun! Honestly even incredibly cartoonish characters like The Russian end up making an impact, this is a great collected edition and I will without doubt buy the second volume, especially if Ennis signed it as well!
June 11, 2023
This...does not hold up as well as I remember. See, the thing with its author, Garth Ennis, is he's a wonderful writer-- when he can hold himself back, a bit. He's like Mark Millar, only with actual talent. So, half of this is genuinely brilliant and astounding, and the other half is juvenile humour and mean-spiritedness, and it fluctuates throughout like a heart-monitor. Ennis would go on to write exceptionally better Punisher stuff with the Max Imprint, which just so happens to be some of his best work.
January 16, 2019
The beginning of the best run ever
Garth Ennis is one of my favorite comic writers ever. No, i don't like everything he's ever done, but he's given us Preacher, Hit Man, War Stories and his run on punisher, which starts here. This volume is where to start. Ma Gnucci, the Russian, the Russians return and the phenomenal and often imitated (poorly) Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe. So do yourself a favor, and if you're not easily offended - get this.
Garth Ennis is one of my favorite comic writers ever. No, i don't like everything he's ever done, but he's given us Preacher, Hit Man, War Stories and his run on punisher, which starts here. This volume is where to start. Ma Gnucci, the Russian, the Russians return and the phenomenal and often imitated (poorly) Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe. So do yourself a favor, and if you're not easily offended - get this.
May 22, 2022
Welcome Back, Frank is one of the best comic storylines of all time. The other issues are solid, but nothing compared to those initial twelve. The Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe is a fun little bonus in the back of the book, and an interesting preview into what Ennis would eventually achieve with The Boys.
September 25, 2022
Always heard about this legendary run, glad to be starting it properly now. It's not without problems, Ennis' writing often gets too ridiculous and Dillon's art has a stiffness to it that I've never really cared for, but overall this was entertaining as hell. Really hard to put down once you've started it.
June 24, 2024
You know, we talk a lot about Garth Ennis' run on Punisher Max. As we should. It's bloody great. But there's less chatter about his Marvel Knight's take on the character which, while lacking the gore and grimness of Max, is still fantastic and often hilarious.
Wanna see Frank punch a polar bear? You can. That happens. It's wonderful.
Wanna see Frank punch a polar bear? You can. That happens. It's wonderful.
October 12, 2024
Let it be said that Garth Ennis is clearly not for everyone.
With that out of the way, he really hits a chef’s kiss stride of absolute schlock in this Punisher run. Frank punching a bear? Random cyborgs? Spider-Man being hurled into space? It’s all here and then some. It’s a guilty pleasure, but one of the best kinds.
With that out of the way, he really hits a chef’s kiss stride of absolute schlock in this Punisher run. Frank punching a bear? Random cyborgs? Spider-Man being hurled into space? It’s all here and then some. It’s a guilty pleasure, but one of the best kinds.
February 25, 2022
Peak Garth Ennis and for me it's the definitive version of The Punisher. It's excellent throughout, with Ennis' trademark humour and violence allowed to run wild (but not too much).
The one-shot 'Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe' is very silly but that's to be expected.
The one-shot 'Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe' is very silly but that's to be expected.
March 8, 2023
This is my first Punisher book that I got into because of my love for Garth Ennis’s work, which is apparent from the get go with a limbless evil lady and a Russian Dolph Lundgren looking character with huge “knockers”!
Yup, it’s a Garth Ennis story.
Yup, it’s a Garth Ennis story.
February 8, 2024
The first arc was great. The punisher works best without superheroes or super villains. And for most of this book there are very few and this works to it's advantage.
Only thing I didn't like was the Russian character. The rest is top notch
Only thing I didn't like was the Russian character. The rest is top notch
April 16, 2021
Punisher y Garth Ennis junto solo puede significar lo mejor de lo mejor.
May 23, 2021
5 stars for the Russian alone
February 28, 2022
4.5 stars
March 13, 2022
This is arguably the best run on punisher ever and it would never be allowed by marvel today. I relish every issue because the s is exactly how punisher should be written.
August 16, 2022
Only covering issues #1-12
8/10
I loved the first 12 books in the series with the Russian. Ma Gnucci was a fun character and her demise was fun to read.
8/10
I loved the first 12 books in the series with the Russian. Ma Gnucci was a fun character and her demise was fun to read.
January 1, 2024
So over the top. Basically a death per panel. Even corpses get shot.
March 16, 2024
Much of this ages about as well as you think it would, but there’s still a lot to enjoy here if you can get past some of the edgelord humor.
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