Status Updates From Punisher Epic Collection, V...

Did not read issues #46-48 + Annual #4.

I had some intentions to read the annual but realised I didn’t want to read two other annuals (Daredevil and Captain America’s).

I did see the short A Public Service Message and liked the art.

Interestingly, this also talked about the unpublished Punisher/Nick Fury GN - Rules of the Game!

Issue #45 -
Another ish with a different creative team.

I liked this one much better, it was a bit of a different story for Frank.

He goes undercover as a cab driver while also pursuing a kid killer.

My only complaint is how was the cab killer so far gone they didn’t recognise the danger of trying to make Frank their next vic?

Especially after witnessing that high speed chase (and crash!)?!

Did not read issue #44.

The Prize -
The continuity for this is a tad confusing.

The whole reason there was a mystery was because Stane International lost assets when they took over Stark Industries.
But that was ages ago!

Then it makes it seem like Frank hasn't been.... close to anyone since his wife (which we know is NOT true).

I mean, the reveal was cool but it took me a bit to actually get into the story.

Did not read issues #41-43.

Issue #40 -
This story was a lot more about the Rev than Jigsaw!

There was no real suspense either. The drug that would 'sterilise' humanity wasn't even close to being distributed at any point.

Besides the whole 'Satan' sub-plot, this felt like any other Punisher story.

And Jigsaw WAS a little dumb...

I liked Mike Baron's comment about 'Satan'... and how it clarified who it really was.

Issue #39 -
Every ish makes Jigsaw look different! (At least this one has the excuse of a different artist).

Speaking of, after Jigsaw’s attack and an old native man (who somehow knows English) stitched up his face, Frank looks like… Jigsaw!

Rev fails to convince Joy to be one of his ‘chosen’ and Jigsaw demands to be healed.

Punisher arrives first and shoots Jigsy!

Then Rev summons his lord...

Issue #38 -
For someone who can’t get past the death of his family, Frank sure likes to sleep around!

Also, I understand getting freaked out but is anyone going to worry more about a scratch on their face over survival??

Anyway, after failing to get a real partnership with Diego, Jigsaw does Punisher’s work for him.
With a Bazooka!

Which knocks out Frank, leaving J free to stab(?) him and steal Joy away.

Issue #37 -
What was the point of having those goons at Microchips warehouse?
Who were they? Why were they just hanging around??

Anyway, Frank takes the car/plane all the way to Venezuela!

He finds a friend, Joy, at Club Maracca who shows him where the Pena flower grows...
But none are there!

Enter; Jigsaw!!

Issue #36 -
Not sure that getting some of the gang members of two warring factions to kill each other is the best way to stop a gang war...

Jigsaw felt very thrown into the mix. Like, what was the point of his presence besides leading Punisher to that area.

Anyway, Rev is NOT happy with Jigsaw but he's still taking him to Venezuela. Because he knows Punisher will follow...

Issue #35 -
I like this change between Punisher and Microchip.

Micro wants a life outside of Frank's ‘never-ending war’.
Frank knows he’s relied too much on Micro.

I don’t remember if I read about Jigsaw in the past but his behaviour was a little more immature than I expected.

Rev. Sammy Smith makes a comeback and wants to sterilize people??
When he’s not massacring innocents.

No Escape
Just the same sort of Punisher story with Paladin and U.S.Agent thrown into the mix.

There was nothing wrong with it and it was pretty easy to get through.
It just didn't really feel like anything different.

I am curious to know where in continuity this is set and if we ever get answers as to why the Commission wanted Punisher...