Punisher #1 Is a Welcome Reintroduction of a Fan-Favorite (Review)

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The Punisher‘s popularity is a bit of a surprise. Originally appearing as an enemy of Spider-Man, the character evolved into a unique and violent vigilante, becoming a huge hit in the 1980s. Over the years, there have been many different kinds of Punisher stories, ranging from dark and gritty to over-the-top superhero adventures. While his popularity has fluctuated, and publishers often seem hesitant to fully commit to the character, a recent successful relaunch has led to a new ongoing series – something fans have been waiting a long time for.

Okay, so I just read Punisher #1, and honestly, Benjamin Percy and Jose Luis Soares really nailed it. The Punisher’s been around for ages, and it’s tough to find a fresh angle, you know? But this issue felt perfectly classic Punisher without just retreading old ground. They found that sweet spot – familiar, but not a copy. It was a great start!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros Cons
Feels like a classic Punisher story It hits all the right notes, but can feel a bit too cliche and hard-boiled
Sets up a cool story to pull readers in Diehard Punisher fans may want something more substantial from their fave
Great art that feels like the best Punisher art of the past

Percy Builds a Cool Story to Bring the Punisher Back to Prominence

Benjamin Percy is known for writing Marvel’s grittier, more violent characters. He’s penned stories featuring Wolverine, Ghost Rider, and X-Force, all within the recent Krakoa era of the X-Men (2020-2025). He excels at portraying heroes who aren’t afraid to kill, and he’s currently working on both Hellverine and Wade Wilson: Deadpool. This makes him a perfect fit for this new title; he understands how to capture the darkness and intensity of characters like Frank Castle, and the first issue successfully sets the right mood, despite a few minor flaws.

This book follows up on Percy’s previous ‘Red Band’ mini-series, but it’s perfectly fine if you haven’t read it. Essentially, some intense events happened, and Frank Castle, the Punisher, is back in action, though he’s struggling. He’s mechanically going through the motions, eliminating threats, while a new enemy plots his downfall. This take on the Punisher is different – he’s subdued and emotionally distant. Don’t expect the wisecracking, one-liner-delivering Frank of classic action films. This story focuses on his attempt to rebuild himself, and it works well. While it hits many familiar Punisher tropes and could arguably feature other street-level heroes, it’s not a bad thing – it’s a proven formula. It successfully brings back a beloved character and sets up a compelling new direction for the series.

The Punisher #1’s Art Is Vintage Punisher Goodness

The Punisher has benefited from many talented artists, and Jose Luis Soares looks poised to become one of them. His style reminds me of Darick Robertson’s work on the title, but with a unique approach. Like Robertson, Soares excels at building a strong atmosphere and depicting the gritty, violent world of the Punisher. His New York City feels dark, ominous, and like something straight out of a classic 1980s crime film, which perfectly complements the story.

The artwork is exceptional, particularly the detailed character designs. Soares makes The Punisher feel truly imposing and threatening in every panel. He perfectly captures the character’s atmosphere and enhances the script’s overall mood. The script demanded an artist who could blend brutality with thoughtful moments, and Soares delivers flawlessly. This is a visually stunning Punisher story, and it’s definitely worth following to see how Soares continues to develop his artistic vision.

Overall, Punisher #1 is a fantastic relaunch of the character. It perfectly captures the feel of classic Punisher stories, reminiscent of the old Marvel Knights series, especially in its art style. It’s a solid, back-to-basics comic that delivers exactly what it promises. If you’ve been eager to see Marvel’s most brutal hero return, you won’t be disappointed.

Punisher #1 is on sale now.

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2026-02-25 19:42