The Punisher #1 REVIEW
Guess Who’s Back, Back Again?!
Frank Castle makes his return to the crime-ridden streets of New York City. In The Punisher #1, Frank has some catching up to do in what’s driving him to be in the city of lucrative criminal activities. Searching for his answer, Frank travels the city doing what he does best of all. He’s serving up vigilante justice indiscriminately. However, Frank has a condition from his previous manipulation as a controlled hitman. Suffering from a form of amnesia, Frank tries to piece together his broken memory. Little does he know someone is preparing to take him out, along with the Kingpin. Someone Frank thought long dead.
Written by Benjamin Percy (Hellverine, Logan: Black, White & Blood), The Punisher #1 begins with a new chapter that progresses the life and constant struggle of everyone’s favorite arsenal-crazed vigilante hero. This time, Frank is trying to find his way after returning from possibly the most altering aspect of his personality. This makes for a good story as it grounds readers in understanding that Frank Castle is just a man. As a man, he’s as vulnerable as the rest of every human in the Marvel universe. This lets readers feel more attached to him at the beginning of this new series. He’s broken, but not out of the game, as readers can see how he brutalizes perpetrators throughout the comic book. Percy has devised a mechanism that will bring about a domino effect, and readers must jump in here.
Excellently crafted, José Luis Soares (Spirits of Vengeance, Mike Morgue: Evilution) illustrates the gritty world of The Punisher #1 with outstanding detail. Every angle felt meaningful. The beginning panels outlined what readers may have been thinking, and at the same time, enhanced the overall reintroduction to the hero altogether. Seemingly, Soares’s work emphasizes the current state Frank has found himself in as being lost within the mind, but in the body, right at home. This complement coincides with the coloring work of the comic book.
Inking for the homecoming of Punisher, Oren Junior (1776, Daredevil) fleshes out the atmosphere with his wonderful contribution in inking the comic book. Junior’s inking expertise increases the value of the visual experience for readers to understand the grim reality of the world Frank lives in. It sure is a dark and desolate place, according to the inks of Junior in this new series.
Rejuvenating readers boldly with coloring, Frank D’Armata (Iron Man, Venom) amplifies the illustrative work provided by Soares. The Punisher #1 benefits from D’Armata’s impressive contribution of coloring to the comic book. D’Armata produces a sense of inclusion as the coloring invites readers into the comic book. It is almost as if readers are tagging beside Frank every step of the way.
When it comes to the lettering of the comic book, Corey Petit (X-Men: Age of Revelation) accomplishes solid positioning and delivery of the lettering. From the beginning of the first page to the last page, Petit allows readers to not only digest the pacing of the story but also the impact of what’s happening within it.
Delivering a vigorous cover art, David Marquez (The End 2099, Ultimate Endgame) and Guru-Ex (X-Men, Iron Man) deliver the core center of who Punisher is for The Punisher #1. A great cover by excellent artists.
As it stands, The Punisher #1 is a comic book readers should jump on right now. With a surprise lingering over New York City, this new chapter will most likely add more depth to Frank Castle in the Marvel Universe. If readers aren’t convinced to read this, then they’ll be scurrying to find the beginning to understand what’s going on later. Be sure to pick this comic book at your local comic book store or where comics are sold online. A wild ride is on its way for The Punisher, and he’s not even aware of it.
Comic Details
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Artist: José Luis Soares
Inker: Oren Junior
Color Artist: Frank D’Armata
Letterer: VC’s Corey Petit
Cover Artists: David Marquez, Guru-Ex
Editor: Devin Lewis
Release Date: February 25, 2026
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics & manga. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he is a seasoned gamer with an appreciation of quality storytelling. As he is always on the hunt for rare collectibles, he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandoms. Follow along for new discoveries and changes in the world of entertainment.
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