“And then I wake up and see that I’m still in Hell.”

All of my comics this week we’re solid. Not perfect or terrible, all around four’s this week. This issue of Punisher MAX is no different. Then why is this my pick of the week? Simple reason: Even if this isnt fully perfect; Swierczynski’s inner voice of Frank Castle is.

The end of this arc, and of the creative teams run is now over. I’ve been saying it every issue, but I think this is the perfect team for Punisher MAX. Duane S. has the perfect voice for Castle. Stuff like the quote I provided above is more then enough for me to let him write Punisher full time. Everything comes to fruition, people die and punishment is dished out. For once a writer doesnt go full out on the gore in a Punisher issue. Sure people get shot up, burned to death, or get their neck snapped by someone’s leg squeezing them….But it isnt bloody. In fact the last punishment Castle dishes out is a nice twist and it’s nonviolent! The reason I dont give the story a five is that some characters arent fully realized in the end. Especially the Vietnam vet who just bites the dust without a proper send off.

Lacombe’s pencils and Staple’s coloring has been perfect for all five issues. Incredible detail in the backgrounds and characters faces. Also, the panel layouts are pretty well done, especially the fight scenes. What I havent mentioned is the beautiful covers Dave Johnson has provided threw out this and Hurwitz’s run. I would love to see posters of some of these covers by Johnson. This one in particular would make a great film poster.

I’m sadden to see this team go. Sure the prospects of Jason Aaron and Steve Dillion taking over makes me giddy like a girl. But Swierczysnki/Lacombe/Staples are the next best thing from the new creative team. As for now, this arc shows why Punisher can be handled perfectly without the words ‘Garth Ennis’ being mentioned on the credits page. Maybe in the future this team could do a comic about the city of Philadelphia. Just a great look inside the most depressing and violent city in America. As Castle stated:

‘One night in this fucking city is enough’