Space: Punisher #1

Yep, this book is exactly as it's title implies; Punisher. In. Space. And it's awesome! When I first heard the announcement for this, I just rolled my eyes. I thought "Here we go again, just over saturating the market with more pointless Punisher junk again like back in the '90's." Now don't get me wrong, I love the Punisher. I have every appearance of his. Every one-shot, on-going, mini-series. Everything. But there comes a time when sometimes I buy the books to finish my collection, not because it's a good read. This was not one of those occasions. This is most definitely a worthy book. The over-the-top wanton destruction is magnified by the fact that it takes place in an area that has no limits. And no, I don't mean space, I mean non-continuity. Sometimes that is the best place for the Punisher to exist. No rules, no limits, no mercy. Only vengeance. Glorious, violent vengeance.

Frank Tieri is a true pro at crafting hardcore, action-packed books. I have no clue why he's not on more monthly titles. If it's not by his choosing, then some companies have some 'splaining to do. Frank does an excellent job with this first issue of not hampering us with a bogged down origin of the Punisher. By now, if you don't know what turned Frank Castle into an unstoppable killing machine, then why are you even reading anything with the name "Punisher" on it? We, as readers, already know why the Punisher does what he does. In this instance, just add "space" and you're done. Presto! Instant bringer of pain.
Anyways, the story is pretty much straight forward. The Punisher is looking for all of the men, or in this case, aliens, that are responsible for the murders of his wife and children. There are six heads of mob families that he is hunting. Each of the mob bosses are an alien version of well-known Marvel villains. And not all are ones you'd expect the Punisher to cross paths with. Tieri does a great job in delivering the action and the requisite attitude you'd expect in a summer blockbuster style of action movie. Don't expect for Shakespeare, expect Stallone.

Mark Texeira is no stranger to the Punisher. He can draw Castle with an intensity few artists ever have been able to. Now with basically no restrictions, his art is even more alive. The explosive scenes of destruction are true masterpieces. Seeing the Punisher take on a hive of symbiote infused Brood is a sight not to be missed. I cannot wait to see his designs for the remaining mob bosses.

This is a very creative series. One that most people wouldn't think would be possible with the character involved and the environment it takes place in. If you're looking for a fun read, this is it by far. The only thing that could've made it better was if it was released under Marvel's adults-only MAX imprint. I think the creative team would've destroyed our eyeballs with awesomeness!!