World Famous Comics: Punisher War Journal, Vol. 1: Civil War (v. 1)
Punisher War Journal, Vol. 1: Civil War (v. 1)
By: Matt Fraction Publisher: Marvel Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Marvel Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 144 Publication Date: September 19, 2007
Pretty Decent I love Ariel Olivetti's art, so I picked up Punisher War Journal.
Olivetti's art is great, as always. If you are familiar with his work in Cable, then you'll have some idea what this book is going to look like. Olivetti was an awesome choice for doing the Punisher because he really knows how to draw some beautiful fight scenes.
On the other hand, Matt Fraction's writing (while good) just comes off a bit awkward in this volume. In the first couple issues, Fraction attempts to make the Punisher into a Deadpool-esque character. These issues get bogged down by Frank's narration of the story to the reader, which comes off a little unnatural and ends up distracting from the story. By the end of this volume (and in later issues) Fraction gets a better handle on the pace of the comic and tones down the Deadpool-esque narration.
3/5 Good start to a good series.
Not Great I didn't really like the art for the book. I was glad that The Punisher actually killed a bunch of lame villains that no one really cared about but the book isn't that great. Also instead of carrying a issue the last one is just a black and white reprint. That sucked
Answers questions left open in other Civil War series In the original Civil War issues, The Punisher makes an appearance and it leaves some questions unanswered, this book answers them such as how he found and saved Spiderman, the fight between Captain America and him back at the hideout, etc. Also, it gives some insight into what the villians do in their spare time and mourning over their friends lost in combat. Not the best Civil War book, but it is definetly one of the more darker Civil War books involving the killing of villians, (a lot of villians in fact if you read it till the end), much like the Wolverine edition of Civil War.
Great Book I can see that this version of the Punisher has drawn mixed reactions, but this is a really refreshing take. Who needs another mindless version of the Punisher? The Civil War has given the Punisher new life. Fraction and Olivetti's approach reminds me of Will Eisner's creation the Spirit. Rounded rather than angled - the Punisher War Journal is an admirable effort. The violence may be blunted, but the character and cast are more interesting than ever. Recommended.
Decent book This book wasn't near as good as the rest of the civil war books but it was still a decent read. The art work isn't the typical kind you would see in a comic too but still not bad. Even though I do prefer the usual artwork, there's nothing wrong with changing it up a bit.
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