To close this out I'll say the Punisher is one of my favorite Marvel characters and it's great to see him handled well. Moving forward I can't wait to see what this creative team puts out. As always, do yourself a favor and buy this book. Read Full Review

Frank Castle is back, baby, and he's in good hands. Becky Cloonan has a great handle on the character, and Steve Dillon's artwork truly brings him to life in exciting ways. Keep this one in your pull list"it's gonna be a wild ride. Read Full Review

I was excited about this new debut issue, but now, I'm just straight-up terrified of Cloonan, Dillon and Martin's Punisher. Read Full Review

So it's a strong start for the series, loaded with potential and lots of blood and guts. Not to mention brutal death and destruction. And terrific art. Read Full Review

To close this out I'll say the Punisher is one of my favorite Marvel characters and it's great to see him handled well. Moving forward I can't wait to see what this creative team puts out. As always, do yourself a favor and buy this book. Read Full Review

This new version ofThe Punisheris off to a solid start, thanks to Becky Cloonan's story and Steve Dillon's art. The focus seems to be on a darker and more mature audience, but it completely makes sense based on the character. Plus, this version of Frank Castle actually works well as an extension ofDaredevil'sversion on Netflix. While the story isn't exactly made for kids or teenagers,The Punisher #1is still a comic worth checking out, especially if you grew up a fan of the vigilante. Just remember that it might be best to read this issue before eating. Read Full Review

4.3 Slayed Thugs. There is no Frank Castle. There is only The Punisher, and The Punisher doesn't play pattie-cake; he smashes you with a cinder block. Read Full Review

Matt Dillon's art is strong for this book. Overall, Becky Cloonan has pulled off a considerable feat in giving an interesting angle for the Punisher, as well as dragging me back to Marvel. I'm looking forward to what comes next. Read Full Review

Punisher #1 is a promising start. While simple in plot, the action and characters are strong, and the exploration into Frank Castle's humanity could make an interesting theme if explored properly. It's a solid read and highly recommended for fans of the character and new readers alike. Read Full Review

After a few months away, Frank Castle returns wonderfully. Don't go into this comic expecting anything drastically different, but if you're already a fan of the character then this story will definitely have you gripped. This could well be a memorable run for The Punisher. Read Full Review

This was a great return forThe Punisher, with a tight and intriguing opening issue with great action. As forces rally themselves against Frank Castle that action is only going to intensify, and I can't wait to see how far the book pushes or where Cloonan takes him. Pick this up at your local comic book shop or digitally. Read Full Review

Frank Castle is in fine form after taking a few months away from the spotlight. This new series doesn't do anything dramatically different with the franchise (not yet, at least), but it does feature a hands-off approach to the lead character and introduce some intriguing new villains to the mix. The series also proves that Steve Dillon isn't simply content to rest on his laurels after so many Punisher projects. This is a solid start to what may become a very memorable Punisher run. Read Full Review

Anyway this doesn't take away the entertainment of this comic, which was great and delightful seeing Frank getting rid of crooks with his own brutality. But Punisher fans like perfection to the "minor" details. That's what separate him from the super guys. He has to protect himself because he is flesh and bone and with one bullet could be the end of him. Read Full Review

The Punisher #1 is a faithful and refreshing return for the Marvel Universe's most violent crusader. Cloonan's smooth and characteristic dialogue captures the essence of the most well-respected Punisher stories, and Dillon's art is as dour and brutally satisfying as ever. Despite the frustrations of the issue's censorship, it's not enough to detract from what is clearly a promising new direction for Frank Castle. Read Full Review

If you haven't checked in on Matthew Rosenberg's run on Punisher, you're definitely missing out. The book has evolved from its initial "Punisher plus War Machine armor" pitch by placing Frank Castle in the crosshairs of the Marvel Universe as he seeks some sort of reconciliation for his role in Secret Empire. Read Full Review

The creative team definitely shows a lot of talent and imagination. Although this issue has a few inconsistencies, it is definitely well-done. The issue re-introduces the Punisher without changing him, but putting him in some new circumstances. Any The Punisher fan should definitely check this out. I think this series is going to be well worth the read. Read Full Review

Punisher #1 is a fast paced, pull no punches, cordite-fueled heart-punch that will make Frank Castle fans very happy. Read Full Review

Overall, The Punisher #1 is solid, but not amazing. Like Jaws, it has enough to catch your attention and keep you locked in during the initial phase of the story, but so much more is lurking under the water, teasing fans to stay tuned. I cannot wait for Cloonan and Dillon to deliver. Read Full Review

There's absolutely room to grow and improve here. While you have to admire some of the dialog, as cliche it might be in some places, it might go over the head of some readers who are uninitiated with what exactly a Walsh Trophy is (it's a Marine Pistol Championship badge), even though it's that level of attention to Castle's other life that makes this feel so tangible. Cloonan, Dillon and Martin have given Castle another day to punish those who have it coming. It will be interesting to see how long Punisher is treated as this silent killer. A man void of heavy narration or guilt, but calculating and precise in how he chooses to end his victims. It's a bold choice that I'm sure the art team will get a lot of milage out of. Read Full Review

The Punisher has had some amazing runs in the history of the character and some stinkers. This first issue is intriguing, fun, and brutal. It has an immense amount of potential just by how Cloonan writes Punisher and everything being introduced here. The book is straightforward, and there's no funny-business, and that's what you want from a series like this. The opening of the book was a bit slow, but it's a double-edged sword as it's important information and character introduction. This was a very solid opening issue and I'm pumped to see what Cloonan, Dillon, and Martin have in store next. Read Full Review

All in all, this new Punisher arc seems promising. It didn't have much Punisher in it, but when he did show up, he was effective and recognizable and didn't waste time with unnecessary origins or exposition. Steve Dillon's art will keep fans of his classic Punisher MAX run satisfied and introduce newbs to his signature bloody style. This is a strong first entry that seems to be just the beginning of a complex mystery with compelling new characters and villains. Like all great Punisher tales, the streets are watching and the block is hot. Welcome back, Frank. Read Full Review

Cloonan and Dillon's Punisher isn't all about the violence, even though there's a LOT of violence. Cloonan introduces a character from Frank's past that looks as though he'll play an important role in the overall story, but remains a mystery so far. A certain D.E.A agent looks to also have a big role in the book so hopefully the supporting cast will pick up some of the lack of depth in Frank Castle's character as seen in this issue. I'm definitely a fan of this type of Punisher so I'll be back for more, but at the same time I was hoping Becky Cloonan's take on the character would have a unique twist on the character that I haven't seen before. We're only one issue in so I'm not giving up yet, I just hope she's able to hook me with her Punisher before this first arc is over. Read Full Review

Cloonan's Punisher is off to an OK start. But so far she's given us a generic conflict and an unnecessarily removed protagonist. I would like more to sink my teeth into. Read Full Review

I think what we're seeing in this first issue is a classic Punisher, and that's my issue. I expected something more. Instead, we got something we've seen before many times. Read Full Review

The Punisher #1 is a questionable start for the new series, but one that I can quickly see myself falling in love with. Giving us an unique take on the character, the creative team have definitely given us something worth returning for more, even if it's not quite what I want from a Punisher comic. Read Full Review

All that said though, I have to admit — and maybe it's because Dillon is on this book and so synonymous with the character — this felt like a very safe issue. The basics are all here with just little tidbits of story to come. If you are a Punisher fan, you'll get your fix. And while I am going to keep going for a bit to see where it goes, I was hoping for a bit more to push the concept a little bit. Read Full Review

Overall, I'd say I need few issues to really dig into this arc, but the setup is gonna keep me around until then! Read Full Review

Overall, I'd say I need few issues to really dig into this arc, but the setup is gonna keep me around until then! Read Full Review

There is nothing inherently with Cloonan's narrative in The Punisher #1, but I worry that this comic has nothing new to say about Frank Castle or The Punisher. It feels like the book is drowning in its influences. Read Full Review

Cloonan and Dillon's "The Punisher" #1 doesn't raise the bar much, but -- for a character not really known for pushing storytelling boundaries -- that's just fine for anyone needing their Frank Castle fix. Read Full Review

If you can get past the ‘playing it safe' approach tothis first issue, it can actually be a fun read. The creative team is wonderful, so well need to keep an eye on this title. Perhaps future issues will turn things upside down and give us something from Frank that we didnt even know that we needed. Read Full Review

The only real good thing I have to say is that at least Frank isn't a resurrected angelic agent again. While the trench coat with access to celestial weapons was cool, it wasn't what The Punisher is all about. This comic does capture, in the briefest glimpse, of how brutal Frank Castle should be... it just can't cover up the bad story telling. Read Full Review

Solid start to a new Punisher series. The issue introduced an interesting new villain (Face) during a violent drug bust - Classic Punisher stuff.

My only complaint - it needs more Frank; the last series had enough of silent Frank, I hope that this series focuses more on the Punisher instead of the supporting cast. On art duties Dillon is back and always welcome - he draws a mean Frank! Looking forward to next issue.

With Steve Dillon on the art and a similar style of developing the characters and villains around Frank (necessary because Frank is an unchanging character) the first issue rings true to the Punisher Max styled Punisher. The last page has me hopeful that we'll get the over-the-top gratuitous violence of the Max series as well.

Solid start, more actual Punisher would have been better. Dillon's art was great, classic him but has evolved.

the story is not bad, but i don't love the art too much. I gave a point more only for the incredible cover :D

It currently lacks something, but I hope it can find its legs and get better -- but for now, my biggest complaint is that the coloring looks too bright at times. I liked the muddled colors of the Edmondson/Gerards comic a lot more... also, all the swear words censorship feel out of place considering how violent the book is.

Not bad, but not great either.

Neither good nor bad, just okay. I didn't find much meat in the story. Will stick with it for 1 or 2 more issues because of that last page though.

Reads like Ennis without the heart.

Who would make a cover only for adults and censor the adult talk with asteriks. Moreover this one offers nothing other than a violent encounter which is more like a half cooked meat. The ending is however promising looking forward to it.

I typically really like the Punisher as a character, but this book is just ok. Lots of action and blood, but the story feels rushed and underdeveloped. The art is decent in general, but I wish it was more gritty in order to establish a dark/gritty tone that I feel would be appropriate for The Punisher. Also, not the biggest deal, but the censored swear words also detract from the gritty/dark/mature tone of the book. I did really like the last page though, and it shows that the creatives have some decent ideas up their sleeves. I'll at least pick up the next issue or two to see where this goes.

Sadly, this is terrible. I love Cloonan's writing on Southern Cross. Dillon is perfect as always here. But the script for Punisher #1, hoo boy, how did this get past an editor? It reads like bad fan-fic or a B movie script. No story to speak of, just gratuitous violence. Huge disappointment.