Punisher: Welcome Back, Frank - Marvel Comics Graphic Novel | Superhero Action, Crime Thriller | Perfect for Marvel Fans & Comic Book Collectors | Great for Gifts, Reading, and Display

What can I say? It's Garth Ennis and the late, great Steve Dillon's now legendary first run on the freakin' Punisher! Having read much of Ennis's later Punisher work before reading this in full, it's clear that the author was getting his foothold in the character's world more than anything else. The plot is noticeably basic and thin for a twelve-issue arc, without the clever twists and turns and intrigue I've come to expect from Ennis at the top of his game - Frank Castle is back in the business of Punishing, he sets his sights on the utter destruction of the Gnucci crime family, they try over and over to kill him while he lays waste to them, 'til things play out to their logical, predictable conclusion. The subplot of the three copycat vigilantes is funny and interesting, but really more of an afterthought. Ennis might have done better to hold off and give that storyline it's own arc. What keeps this afloat Ennis's bonkers, over-the-top sense of humor, and the flourishes of details that flesh out the narrative (The sort-of relationships Frank forms with his quirky neighbors and the unlucky detectives assigned to bring him to justice; his run-ins with other, more morally upright superheroes, most memorably Daredevil; the now-infamous madcap action scenes like the chase through the zoo and the fight with the Russion). Ennis likes to embrace and even revel in the very basic, inherently static nature of Frank Castle as a character, yet somehow, with Dillon's help, he manages to make the character feel fully realized and alive, never one-note or dull. Having read much of Ennis's later Marvel Max work with the character (and Ennis and Dillon's unrestrained work together on their masterpiece Preacher), it does stick out here where his natural inclinations are hampered by censorship constraints (such as cartoonish profanity-substitutes and restrained gore effects) which can take one out of the otherwise-believable hard-boiled urban atmosphere. If it sounds like I have more complaints than the five-star rating would suggest, it's because the overall package is somehow more than the sum of its parts, absolutely enjoyable and memorable, leaving you thirsty for more in the best way.In the late 80's and early 90's, the Punisher became an overused character. Marvel saturated the market with several titles a month and eventually readers lost interest. At some point after that, Marvel decided to make Frank Castle an avenging angel of the heavens, believe it or not, hunting demons. When Garth Ennis resurrected Frank from that unfortunate fate, he smartly decided to simplify the Punisher and bring him back to his grittier roots. No fancy gadgets, no Punisher Van, just a man on a mission against the New York underworld. This series contains some laugh out loud moments, thanks to the wit and dark humor of Mr. Ennis. Ennis is perfectly paired with Steve Dillon who provides the art and is smartly inked by Jimmy Palmotti. This was a refreshing read and is a good starting point for any one interested in seeing how the Punisher can be written in an interesting and exciting manner. This ran under the Marvel Knights banner, so, while violent, it is a cut below the MAX line in that regard.I was hoping for am R rated Punisher story. This is very readable and I enjoy it but its not as gritty as I was hoping for. Don't get me wrong , for the price its a slam dunk but its not nearly as "adult" as it's made out to be. I would recommend to any fan or anyone who wants to get a first look at the Punisher. If your looking for graphic violence this is not it.This is the first of Ennis' experimentation with the Punisher, before his larger run. He takes the Punisher back to basics, fighting normal gangsters with guns and knives, not superheroes with mechs. From here, Ennis is given full reign of the Punisher for another five years or so.I read this book after Ennis' Punisher run, and this book pale's in comparison to those other storylines. The villains are cartoonish when they're not completely idiotic, and the civilians are effete and equally moronic. Even if you just want to read mindless violence done to flat criminals, this book only occasionally satisfies. You'll spend more time following said criminals or detectives talking about their plans than actually following Frank. I suppose if you've been inundated with Frank fighting space criminals this might be refreshing to you, but I would recommend the first part of Ennis' larger run. This book is not necessary to understanding his other work.I actually enjoyed this a lot more than Max Punisher because of the dark humor that is present in the comic. If you're a fan of Ennis or The Punisher you'll definitely enjoy this one. Only giving it four stars cause it came bent in the upper corner but I could live with it. Other than that the quality of the pages is pretty good.The artwork ruins this title. Why this guy gets to work on the beloved Punisher series is a mystery.Ennis has a decent story that I could honestly read for another hundred pages, but that cartoony-stiff-sloppy art is terrible. Really takes you out of the story! The action is not depicted well at all. The facial expressions are not understandable. It's as if the Punisher were drawn to be some nightmarish Precious Moments character.The worst crime Ennis commits is having bad guys scream for their mommies. Not funny at all.I'd say only buy this if you are a big Punisher fan. Don't buy it as a gift. It's hard to read because of the childish amateur Precious Moments artwork.Garth Ennis is of course one of the best Punisher writers and he definitely shows it here, the art helps it feel a little more light hearted, while the story adds grit, and has a dark sense of humor at points, which all mix together to tell a very good and entertaining story.If you just watched Daredevil season 2 and want to get your Frank Castle fix, look no further than the definitive Punisher story. A dark, gritty, and hilarious read, Welcome Back, Frank is by far Garth Ennis's most famous and probably memorable romp with Big Frank with gorgeous and gruesome art by Steve Dillon. Must read for any comic fan.Fantastic comic and a great way to acquaint yourself with The Punisher. Welcome Back Frank really focusses on the "coolness factor" in comics with countless ridiculous action sequences that had me chortling out loud. The artwork, too, is some of the best artwork that The Punisher's ever been shown with. I'd highly recommend this, even as a standalone comic for those looking to broaden out their collectionReally good punisher story. Only thing for me is I really never get on with Steve Dillon's artwork. He's obviously very successful and I'm sure for good reason, but personally I don't like it. I much prefer the artwork from the Punisher max series. But story wise this is one of the best punisher stories I've read!Excellent, brilliant story with amazing artwork. A brilliant place to start any Punisher collection. Not for children. Searched on the internet of where to start my collection and this was the top reccommendation, so like a sheep followed that advice and was not dissappointed. Since reading have started to grow my Garth Ennis Punisher collection and eagerly anticipate every new one I buy.Bought as a christmas gift, husband very happy as he likes Garth Ennis, easy gift to buyPure Garth Ennis action and language