To me, the problem with Marvel’s new Punisher series is that, whilst it’s very well written and very well illustrated, it is destined to fall into the same pitfalls as its predecessors. What I mean by that – and it’s been said before on numerous occasions – is, as good a story as I believe Rick Remender is telling, as much as I’m enjoying the fluidity of the artwork and the cool set-piece action sequences, how long can the series last without becoming monotonous? Whilst it’s great to have Frank Castle dealing with villains like Norman Osborn and The Hood, obviously he isn’t actually going to kill either one of these guys, which I can only presume means this current storyline is going to involve Castle coming close to eliminating his target but ultimately failing, and in the process he’ll take out a dozen or more nameless thugs and perhaps be backstabbed and betrayed along the way.

Remender is a good writer, his previous and concurrent work proves this, and I’m sure there will be plenty of twists along the way, but really, if the Marvel Universe Punisher isn’t able to prove his mettle  by eliminating a significant target, there’s only so long I’ll be willing to part with my $2.99 each month. Don’t get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying this current arc and I will continue to purchase each issue, but eventually I’ll want to feel like the Punisher is actually accomplishing something as he goes about his mission. Cool as it is to see the Punisher take out nameless bad guys each month, that on its own is not worth my $2.99.

The current arc, revolving around Castle and his new accomplice Henry as they attempt to bring down Norman Osborn, is entertaining, it’s exciting, and Opena’s art perfectly matches the tone of the book. It’s been said in other reviews, but The Punisher really does feel like an action blockbuster – but admittedly, it does lack a little depth, and it does run the risk of becoming inconsequential in the grand scheme of the Marvel Universe. Still, Remender is a great writer, and despite my worries I have faith in his ability to make the Punisher relevant and finally challenge the MAX title for “Punisher supremacy.”