Its a testament to a writers ability when they can create stellar stories containing a character who constantly murders criminals, while still managing to keep it somewhat safe for readers under eighteen. But when the writer is given no boundaries and can have Frank interrogate a sex trafficker by keeping him alive with drugs while stringing his intestines around tree branches, everything is just that little bit sweeter. The violence knows no bounds, the content is extremely adult and characters are allowed to swear like a sailor with Tourettes. Welcome to the MAX line. This is a world in which the colourful heroes who resemble an eight years olds vomit after eating an entire pack of Skittles are non-existent. The Punisher has been active for the last 30 years and has killed over 2, 000 people. Hes a force of nature. Think of the most badass grandpa in the world; this Frank is that badass grandpas badass grandpa. Garth Ennis is a military brat and its with this version of character that his knowledge of military history is truly allowed to shine. The CIA, KGB, SIS, SAS and IRA are just some of the organizations featured and the plots utilize aspects of the Cold War, as well as corporate fraud, sexual slavery and the War on Terror. The grey world of politics slams up against the black and white finality of Frank and the result is glorious. And violent. Oh, so violent. In a series where the Punisher is almost an antagonist, the villains need to have just as much dick as they do dastardly. Wait, that didnt sound right. Ennis creates some of the most vile, venomous assholes to ever grace the page of a comic book and the satisfaction that you get when Frank eventually gets his hands on them is so intense that you need a cigarette once its over. Special attention should be paid to the almighty Barracuda, a man who may even rival the Punisher in toughness. Jason Aaron picked up where Garth left off and had this version of Frank pit himself against the MAX editions of Bullseye, Elektra and the Kingpin, the latter managing to break Frank down as far as a broken man can go. This is Frank Castle in his purest form. A cold, calculating force who eats, sleeps and breathes his mission. Hes the Punisher. He punishes. Hits: There are so many hits with the MAX version of the Punisher that you WILL be a beaten and bloody pulp by the end of it. And youll beg for more. Pervert.
