There are quite a few terrific Civil War tie-ins. This is one of them.
In this case, the event is used to launch a new series that firmly puts Frank Castle in the center of Earth 616.
In my view, Garth Ennis’ darker, non-superhero take on Punisher marked the rebirth of Marvel after the terrible ’90s. Since then, he’s really been the only one doing Punisher stories because it’s pretty impossible to do better than him. (A few folks tried and…Failed.)
But now indie upstart Matt Fraction signs to Marvel and takes the character into Earth 616. And in the very first issue, he kills three villains: Stilt Man, Jester, and Jack O Lantern.
Stilt-Man is in the opening sequence.
Wilbur Day is working for the government, but that doesn’t stop Punisher.
The other two victims are trying to work for Captain America.
But, again, Punisher never makes deals with villains. Killing two of Daredevil’s best rogues is a lot for readers to handle, but at least only Stilt-Man is the original. Both Jester and Jack O’ Lantern are legacy versions of the original villains.
He kills them because they’re beating up Spider-Man, who is pretty wounded by the time Punisher rescues him.
After killing Jester and Jack, Punisher takes Spider-Man to Cap’s Secret Avengers base. It’s there that we get the famous “Cap vs Punisher” scene that for many of us was the best part of Civil War. Why do they fight? Because Punisher won’t allow Cap to ally himself with villains.
It’s a good fight.
That’s pretty much all three issues. There’s some plotting to set up for the next story arc, though. Oh, and there’s an exception to the “no deals with villains” rule…
After fighting off Tinkerer’s baby Iron Man army, Punisher uses the character as an armorer for his war against crime, and lets him live. so I guess he does make deals with criminals…?
After making that deal, Pun is on his own and beats the snot out of Rhino–but doesn’t kill him–using new weaponry.
Punisher is back in Earth 616.
I very much disagree with this take. Although I only say this with the benefit of hindsight I feel like Matt Fraction’s feels like a turning point for the Punisher, where it’s turned into a superhero book and it’s identity is really lost. I think in comparison to Ostrander’s run which is also dealing with larger parts of the marvel universe punisher turning into a love letter to the silver age and goofy wackiness is werid. It’s not even bad in small doses, but this direction sorta becomes baked into the punisher long term and it’s so jarring.
Punisher is like one of the only non-superhero marvel publishes in 616. Max should’ve been the wake up call that this character isn’t living up to his potential in 616 and that you can say more about the punisher using a more grounded tone. This is something Rucka does much later on
I appreciate you sharing your opinion!