Punisher

Punisher 31-36

Barracuda.  It’s amazing how charismatic Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov make this reprehensible character.  Between Ennis’ hilarious words and Parlov’s amazing character acting, this dude is fun to follow.  

Parlov is a master of facial expression.

The story itself is a nice departure from the Punisher’s usual fare.  He takes on an Enron-type company.  The corporate suits are all the standard reprehensible scum, but the standout is the trophy wife/Lady MacBeth lady whose resemblance to MJ Watson cannot be a coincidence.

Really hard not to see MJ.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good

Punisher Presents: Barracuda 1-5

So apparently Barracuda survives the previous story.  (It’s along the lines of “Somehow Palpatine returned.”)  He returns for a solo adventure in some fictional Central American country that accentuates his likeability and cold intelligence, but is otherwise standard Ennis ridiculousness.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Pretty good

Punisher 37-42

Back to the really good stuff.  The Punisher goes out of his way to save Kathryn O’Brien, all part of a trap laid by Rawlins and the Man of Stone.  Glorious mayhem ensues.  The chemistry between Castle and O’Brien is electric, no matter how much he denies it.  So of course Ennis kills her off just before things can get really good.  It’s not like Frank was ever going to find happiness, but there’s a real sense of something missed here.  

Ah, the number of people who've said too much in front of the Punisher.

Thusly are classic romances born.

The best response ever.

All their moments come after explosions...

...including this one, unfortunately.

Frank, of course, deals with it the only way he knows how.  It’s fitting that it lines up exactly with what O’Brien wanted. 

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Really good