I’d like to start by saying that I didn’t want this book. Even when Ennis was writing, I stayed away from it because I got into comics a bit late, and because Punisher War Journal had earned my loyalty. I’m sure that sounds idiotic to some of you, but I’m alright with that. I simply am not impressed by Garth Ennis.

But I digress. I received this issue because my uncle didn’t want it. Due to it’s rushed release, it was shipped to him with Ennis’s final issue and he would have none of it. So he gave it to me and I gave it a chance.

Wow.

Punisher #61 feels like the beginning of a good story. Hurwitz and Campbell both surpassed my expectations and convinced me to pick up the next issue. I’m a huge Punisher fan, so I’m happy to have a reason to get what I always thought of as the “other” Punisher book. Perhaps it will become THE Punisher book, as Matt Fraction will soon be leaving War Journal.

I would urge anyone to give this issue a try, even if you have to borrow it or download it to avoid potentially wasting your money. Then, if you like it, buy it.

You know you want to.

JL
8/26/08