Punisher #5 takes a semi-break from the main plot to show readers how Frank Castle matured in school with a chance at living a normal life until tragedy and circumstance put him on a darker path. The dramatic writing is well done, and the bits of information we get in the present is intriguing, but the flashbacks (which take up most of the issue) don't do much for the present story. Read Full Review

It's a genuinely strange take on the character and one that continues to fumble even its most intriguing elements and all the artistic merit presenting the story. Read Full Review

still good

While some aren't too keen on this having a larger focus on the flashbacks, but I really enjoyed it. The story with Frank, Steadman, and Maria was very interesting to read and I thought it was the strongest part of this issue. Frank slashing the Archpriestess at the beginning was a cool way to follow up the previous issue's ending, but the return to the present after the longer flashback didn't do too much for me. However, the final page where Ares is wearing the old Punisher logo was an intriguing moment that generates interest for the issues to come.

The art remains gorgeous, in both sections, and the script is decently put together. The latest plot developments snap in like Lego; not particularly surprising, but making plenty of sense.

Oddly, I found that the words and art teamed up better in the flashback than in the present scenes. Those "unholy scripture of the Beast" red boxes get kinda annoying (not least because it's too easy to mix up scripture, omniscient narration, and the Archpriestess's inner monologue).

Art: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 7/10

I found it to be decent. It has some good parts. I personally didn't mind the flashback in this issue as much. It just feels like it could be more.

I wasn't really happy with this issue. More than half the issue was a flashback. I don't care about Frank Castle's childhood. The flashback has crappier art and again, I just don't care - it won't have any impact on the present storyline. I was shocked that the woman was a creature and that she could not be killed. Ares showing up was fun. I'm not sure why we have to have a flashback at all. Just tell the damn story.

Disappointing issue. Probably the worst that was released since issue 1. Nothing new happened, it felt like a filler issue. Lots of retcon's to Frank's childhood,. probably manipulated or not. At this point the reader doesn't know what is true or not.
This looks like Jason Aaron is merging his Punisher max run with Punisher 616, with a lot of elements from his own run.

The artwork was great.