There are two components to this issue that really drew me in. First was the artwork. From the cover to the last panel on the last page, Marco Checchetto's work is second to none. Second is the leading up to the confrontation between Frank Castle and Rachel Cole-Alves. This meeting lives up to the hype and it leads to a very satisfying conclusion. Read Full Review

This chapter also sees the welcome return of Marco Checchetto, who brings his detailed, gritty style back to the streets of New York. Checchetto seems to have kicked it up a notch in his facial work since The Omega Effect, particularly in the scenes featuring Norah Winters. He depicts her playful demeanor that's working so hard to cover up a lie to great effect, lending her scenes believability. The shining moment of the series comes in the multi-page throw-down between Frank and Rachel, rendered with fantastic panel-to-panel storytelling and brutality. The great colors of Matt Hollingsworth can't go unmentioned either, as it's his cold, desolate work that completes the book's visual tone. Read Full Review

A solid issue that works on many levels, Punisher #12 is the sort of comic that you can return to several times and be completely satisfied each time. Another masterclass in decompressed writing. Hats off to Rucka and co.! Read Full Review

Granted, following up the whole "Franken-Castle" thing would have presented a challenge to any artist, but I can't quite shake the feeling that this may be another case of Marvel trying to shape a character for maximum movie adaptation opportunities. Still, that's a pretty small point: Rucka's Punisher continues to do a fine job of telling crime-comic stories in a superhero universe. Read Full Review