Forcing Frank To Show Mercy In The Punisher #7
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Jigsaw, while masquerading as the Punisher on behalf of Baron Zemo, has been slaughtering people across Bagalia. Hydra agents finally “apprehend” Jigsaw/Punisher to cover for Nick Fury handing Frank over to Zemo. Meanwhile, the real Frank Castle is already in Zemo’s prison and has met with a nun calling herself Sister Mercy. She’s already met Frank, and she explains when and how. She tells Frank that he can’t go on like he has, as Zemo is punishing other prisoners for Frank’s antics. Frank doesn’t listen at first, but, as things get worse for the other inmates, Frank slowly comes over to Mercy’s side.
The Punisher #7 finds Frank Castle being forced to consider changing his tactics–at least, for now. The Punisher has been tearing through any Hydra prison guard he can get his hands on, but it’s only making conditions in the prison worse.
Sister Mercy is familiar with what happens around the Punisher and may be able to actually get through to Frank, which is definitely a change of pace for Frank.
There is a lot less action than recent issues of this series, and Frank’s situation doesn’t actually change very much. However, things are recontextualized for Frank, and he’s going to have to change his tactics if he’s going to escape Bagalia.
Szymon Kudranski continues to provide an interesting 3-D style that gives the visuals an almost unnerving touch in certain scenes. The carved-Punisher logo on Frank’s chest doesn’t look quite as cool as I’d hoped, but that’s forgivable. Kudranski continues to be a boon for the book, and Antonio Fabela’s color work is well-contrasted and strong.
The Punisher #7 is a slower issue, but it’s still a solid one. Frank Castle is forced to reckon with some of the consequences of his actions, and he may have a new ally in his war against Hydra. It’s a solid read and worth a recommendation. Feel free to pick it up.
The Punisher #7 comes to us from writer Matthew Rosenberg, artist Szymon Kudranski, color artist Antonio Fabela, letterer VC’s Cory Petit, and cover artist Greg Smallwood.
