You know whats more badass than a guy who wears a shirt with a skull on it while he shoots criminals in the face? A guy with a f**king beard who wears a shirt with a skull on it while he shoots criminals in the face. The most recent of the Punisher solo series set in the regular Marvel Universe, writer Greg Rucka adopts a less is more approach to the character. In a clear case of showing versus telling, Rucka avoids using internal dialogue for the Punisher. This results in a Punisher story where the title character rarely speaks and although that may seem off-putting, its a fresh dynamic. Although Frank in no way attempts to justify why he does what he does, taking away the insight into his mind forces the reader to scrutinize his methods. He is truly a man of action. So youve got this stoic, silent, deadly, broccoli fart of a vigilante who has a beautifully drawn, brutal hand-to-hand battle with the vicious, animalistic version of the Vulture. The Punisher barely wins with his eye and, in a display of vulnerability, needs time to recover. And then it happens. Without warning, without provocation, it happens. Beard. When a wedding of two marines results in a massacre, the sole survivor, bride Rachel Cole finds herself fighting for revenge alongside the Punisher, who has subsequently turned the badass dial up to eleven with his new, Snake Plissken look (complete with an eye bandage). This sets up a curious relationship in which the Punisher tests whether or not Cole is truly capable of committing to the mission. Rucka also answers a question that has plagued many readers; what happens when the Avengers try to take in Frank Castle? When Frank is framed for a grisly bloodbath, Captain America turns his attention towards him and decides he cannot be ignored. Seeing how heroes react differently to Franks black/white disposition makes for an interesting read as each Avenger is granted an individual confrontation with Castle. The Punisher is a character who challenges the reader; why wouldnt he challenge the characters he comes into contact with? Hits Beard. Thor, of all the Avengers, takes the diplomatic approach with Frank Castle. Instead of bringing the hammer down, he opted to offer the Punisher a drink instead, seeing within him a fellow warrior. Its a nice change of pace; unexpected, yet completely in character. The journey of Rachel Cole is both heartbreaking and satisfying. Seriously, the f**king beard.
