Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Marvel Universe vs. Punisher #1Punisher vs The Marvel Universe #1 of 4
Marvel Comics
Maberry, Parlov & Loughridge

Punisher meets 28 Days Later in the land of I Am Legend is the best way to summarize the premise of the latest Punisher mini series. Essentially the world is falling apart and the Punisher is left to deal with the masses, good or bad. The idea, in theory, sounds like it would be for a niche audience or a completist. However, the story is actually very entertaining and worth checking out if you like stories set in wasteland futures. This isn't just another Marvel Zombie story. And thankfully it doesn't contain vampires. Not yet anyway.

The opening of the comic book is outstanding. Frank aka the Punisher is hunting Deadpool in a broken down New York City. He eventually kills him and after cutting him up begins to bury pieces of him throughout the city. As he is walking around he is narrating the events that led him to this point as seen as an entry in his war journal. The opening is fun because of how the characters are written. It has the feel as if the current Marvel universe were to continue for another decade, capturing the tired and bored attitudes those characters would most likely have with each other after years of covering the same ground.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsFrank explains exactly how the rest of the world came to a screeching halt and the fallout from it. This includes many battles with other super heroes, some of which are a little heartbreaking. The story is a good one but does leave the possibility of innocents still being alive instead of the cannibal psychos that currently are running around. Frank's self appointed purpose is to eliminate the psychos and save any civilians.

The writing is terrific. It captures everything about Frank that makes him great. Whether you like the hunting aspect, the detective aspect or just the straight killing aspect you will find it here. This issue definitely captures the man on a solo mission obsession that makes the character so great over the years.

The artwork has a rough feel to it which is perfect for the destroyed future portrayed in the book. There are some elements of gore and some tough images that are made easier because the line work leaves some of the details to the imagination. Frank has the appearance of an older man but still has a menacing presence which is probably how the character might actually age.

This mini series has appealing idea and the first issue proves that it has an entertaining story to tell. Frank has a mission to save potential innocents. There are other super powered heroes left and presumably villains as well. With many of his allies already taken out there are still some interesting possibilities for face-offs for the next three issues. This is a good start to this mini series. I know I will be checking out the rest of the series and I recommend any one else interested in the creators, character or genre to as well.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles