Marvel Noise

Even if this was an issue of The Punisher with Frank Castle going up against a wise guy, a drug dealer, or a pimp; our hero would probably not solve the problem over tea and crumpets. Can you imagine the outcome when he faces Barracuda? To say it’s a good thing this is a MAX title is an understatement.

This is the fifth and final part of Long Cold Dark. In the last four issues Frank has found out that it takes more than some sharks to get rid of Barracuda. Frank also found out that he has a child. Problem is, Barracuda knows this as well. So we’ve had some cat and mouse and along the way there has been a lot of bandages used. It all comes to a head this issue.

It’s been a wild ride these past few issues. It’s always interesting to see how Frank Castle will punish his enemies. This time, the stakes are a little higher. There’s a child to worry about. And you have to wonder if Barracuda is stopped or not, will the baby be safe?

Garth Ennis continues to write The Punisher in a way that makes you care about the character. That might not be easy to pull off after seven years. There was a little bit of a twist with this arc, but still, Ennis is the reason I want to buy this title every month. Goran Parlov’s art never misses a beat. There are scenes in this issue that were a little hard to take. And I mean that as a compliment. These two creators work very, very well together and Long Cold Dark is a testament to that.

This was a fantastic issue and puts a hell of a cap on an amazing arc.

Recommended (for mature readers only*)

Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Goran Parlov
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letters: Cory Petit
Editor: Axel Alonso
Cover: Tim Bradstreet

* MAX titles contain EXPLICIT CONTENT and are intended for MATURE READERS