In probably typical Rucka fashion the book opens with a small event which is part of a bigger
story. Arms trade. We later learn that the young detective who is assigned to
work with a veteran investogator on this case in fact received his
promotion by taking the credit for an assault the Punisher mounted on some
criminals (not to mention that this detective somehow works with the The
Punisher, Why? I want to find out!). I liked this very much. I enjoy
flawed characters that aren’t necessarily easy to like. The opening
scene was a huge bloody violent mess. As a reader I wasn’t sure who
was killing who as everything was chaotic. It made sense to me to do
it that way. The intent was to convey the bedlam of a massacre.

I also really liked the establishing shots of the city. I love those
silent passages. One thing that appeals to me about stories is the
mood and ambiance of the story world and the silent action sequences as
well as the transitionary scenes successfully evoked a tone that I
found engrossing.

Again later, the chaotic violence of the scene revealing The
Punisher for the first time in the book was crackling with an energy I
found entertaining. This scene was particularly interesting in that The
Punisher does something I didn’t expect. He tracks down the criminal
in question and with the gun under his chin, grins and releases the
fiend. I was figured we get something unexpected but not that. I
immediately want to know what Punisher’s plan is. Why did he do this?
What happens next?

The fictional interview that followed was cool too. It really felt
like it came from a cop show. Not only that it revealed a lot about the
plot and the newly promoted detective. What’s great about it is that
the first part was a very satisfying condensed action story but the
interview fleshes out the scenario in which Rucka has put the Punisher.

The pencils didn’t amaze me but were solidly serviceable and
entirely enjoyable. I caught glimpses of Maleev in the cityscapes and
hints of Leinil Yu in the characters’ faces. The colors are probably a
little weaker than the pencils. Moody in dark blueish tints but again,
serviceable.

As for the violence and death. Frankly, if you bought a Punisher
comic expecting something else you probably weren’t interested in The
Punisher. Personally, I was thrilled this was bloody. I was concerned it
would restrained because this isn’t a MAX title. I’ve read a little
bit of Marvel U Punisher (civil war and war journal) and it wasn’t my
cup. I don’t know how this story I just read could possibly fit in the
616 but so far so good. Which brings me to my only concern.

This is indeed set in the Marvel U. And I expect it will adversely
affect the book. I’m really hoping this stays street level and doesn’t
get tied in to anything. I have doubts I’d be as enthusiastic about the
book if Thor showed up all of the sudden.