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The Punisher
MAKE THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME.
FBI agent Frank Castle’s final case ends with a literal bang, when a wannabe weapons smuggler is gunned down during a sting operation. But the dead man isn’t just any punk. He’s the son of Howard Saint, the powerful Florida tycoon whose hot-spot nightclub has made him famous, and whose multimillion-dollar money-laundering business has made him as rich—and as ruthless—as any of his gangster clients.
Saint wants payback—with interest—for his boy’s death. And he gets it, by orchestrating a massacre that claims the lives of Frank Castle’s beloved wife and son—and almost kills Castle. But almost doesn’t count. Now Frank Castle—ex–FBI agent, ex–Special Forces commando, ex-husband and father—is canceling his retirement and starting a new career. One that begins with teaching Howard Saint the ultimate No evil deed goes unpunished.
FBI agent Frank Castle’s final case ends with a literal bang, when a wannabe weapons smuggler is gunned down during a sting operation. But the dead man isn’t just any punk. He’s the son of Howard Saint, the powerful Florida tycoon whose hot-spot nightclub has made him famous, and whose multimillion-dollar money-laundering business has made him as rich—and as ruthless—as any of his gangster clients.
Saint wants payback—with interest—for his boy’s death. And he gets it, by orchestrating a massacre that claims the lives of Frank Castle’s beloved wife and son—and almost kills Castle. But almost doesn’t count. Now Frank Castle—ex–FBI agent, ex–Special Forces commando, ex-husband and father—is canceling his retirement and starting a new career. One that begins with teaching Howard Saint the ultimate No evil deed goes unpunished.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
9 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 6, 2010
When I saw this available, I just had to get it. I am a big fan of the series and had been collecting as many of the title since he came on the scene. I was intrigued that the graphic novel was tied into the movie and was interested to see if it came close to it. I read it quickly and I would say that it exceeded the movie in my estimation. The graphic novel is well designed, being broken up into three different parts. Part one has the movie, part two is an old comic book, and part three is the newer version of The Punisher.
The first segment of the graphic novel is the movie adaptation. I have seen the movie, was not wowed by it. It had its flaws. The spirit of the origin story though came through on the written page much better and the artwork complimented it so much; I felt it was much better done. The emotion, the pain he was suffering was tangible. The story was shorter to read, not having as much detail in some regards as the movie, but it works none the less.
Part two is Amazing Spider-man #129 The Punisher’s historic first appearance. The art work took me back to yesteryear and made me chuckle. The innocence of it, the softer lines, and the colors used. The storyline was the usual one they used with everyone thinking that Spiderman was a bad guy, The Punisher just the same, all so misunderstood. It was nice to revisit the old days.
Part three is Punisher number one, I quote from the afterward of the graphic novel: “With his mind once more focused and his goals again clear, the Punisher went back to basics, returning to what he does best: killing criminals. No more high-tech weaponry, tricked-out Battle Vans, assistants to partners. Just the Punisher and his gun against the criminal scum plaguing the city streets. His philosophy has been summed up by Castle himself: He has not dedicated his life to a war on crime to protect the innocent, but because he hates criminals and wants them dead- every single one of them.” What is your favorite Punisher comic book? Which movie do you enjoy more?
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook and Shelfari. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page; also look for our posts on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and the Bucks County Library System. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
The first segment of the graphic novel is the movie adaptation. I have seen the movie, was not wowed by it. It had its flaws. The spirit of the origin story though came through on the written page much better and the artwork complimented it so much; I felt it was much better done. The emotion, the pain he was suffering was tangible. The story was shorter to read, not having as much detail in some regards as the movie, but it works none the less.
Part two is Amazing Spider-man #129 The Punisher’s historic first appearance. The art work took me back to yesteryear and made me chuckle. The innocence of it, the softer lines, and the colors used. The storyline was the usual one they used with everyone thinking that Spiderman was a bad guy, The Punisher just the same, all so misunderstood. It was nice to revisit the old days.
Part three is Punisher number one, I quote from the afterward of the graphic novel: “With his mind once more focused and his goals again clear, the Punisher went back to basics, returning to what he does best: killing criminals. No more high-tech weaponry, tricked-out Battle Vans, assistants to partners. Just the Punisher and his gun against the criminal scum plaguing the city streets. His philosophy has been summed up by Castle himself: He has not dedicated his life to a war on crime to protect the innocent, but because he hates criminals and wants them dead- every single one of them.” What is your favorite Punisher comic book? Which movie do you enjoy more?
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook and Shelfari. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page; also look for our posts on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and the Bucks County Library System. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
May 23, 2019
So this book is the definition of why I actively seek out novelizations. No one really just wants a written version of the movie, especially and adaptation of an adaptation, that’s silly. What I’m looking for is something that adds context. Additional internal dialogue, additional scenes, additional angles.
You definitely get that with this book and that would’ve given it 5 stars easily. Especially considering I’m a comic book nerd and love the Punisher, and thought this movie did the character justice.
I’ll tell you why I docked it an entire star though.
Geography.
I live in Tampa. This story takes place in Tampa. But the author doesn’t so any homework as to where other notable places in Florida are in relation to Tampa. This guy says “down to Orlando.” Nope. This guy implies that Joan moves upwards in the state from Ft. Lauderdale (accurate), to Daytona... finally landing in Tampa. Daytona Beach is 2 and a half hours northeast of Tampa. And while he could easily mean she backtracked, he makes no effort to get that point across and it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Orlando is an hour and half northeast of Tampa. Neither would be below our setting on a map. The author and any editor should’ve caught this.
Now I realize it’s kind of a picky thing to dock an entire star for but it feels like easy homework and a mistake that could’ve been avoided.
You definitely get that with this book and that would’ve given it 5 stars easily. Especially considering I’m a comic book nerd and love the Punisher, and thought this movie did the character justice.
I’ll tell you why I docked it an entire star though.
Geography.
I live in Tampa. This story takes place in Tampa. But the author doesn’t so any homework as to where other notable places in Florida are in relation to Tampa. This guy says “down to Orlando.” Nope. This guy implies that Joan moves upwards in the state from Ft. Lauderdale (accurate), to Daytona... finally landing in Tampa. Daytona Beach is 2 and a half hours northeast of Tampa. And while he could easily mean she backtracked, he makes no effort to get that point across and it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Orlando is an hour and half northeast of Tampa. Neither would be below our setting on a map. The author and any editor should’ve caught this.
Now I realize it’s kind of a picky thing to dock an entire star for but it feels like easy homework and a mistake that could’ve been avoided.
January 14, 2024
Novelisations of one's favourite movies can be hit and miss, but here we have a hit. Plenty of extra threads and angles that were cut from the final release film, but work well in written form.
Could have done with more depth to the action though, as we are dealing with the Punisher here after all...
Could have done with more depth to the action though, as we are dealing with the Punisher here after all...
February 2, 2021
This is one of those novelization that give novelizations a bad name. It bland and does little to improve the overall story. Granted the movie isn’t amazing so there’s only so much the author can work with but still pretty blah.
March 31, 2021
Corn city. Frank didn't really come off as being badass, like he kept saying, but like the edgy emo boys I'd encounter in high school.
Howard Saint is an asshole, who got what he deserved though.
Howard Saint is an asshole, who got what he deserved though.
November 22, 2021
For once, i actually think the movie is better than the book. Not a totally terrible read, but not great one either. If you have the choice, go watch Thomas Jane.
April 25, 2023
Good novelization. Nice exposition that isn't available in the film.
January 21, 2023
The Punisher in novel form doesn't quite work as well as his predecessor, The Executioner, but it still hits hard and creates a different and in some ways better version of the movie.
March 18, 2016
PLOT OR PREMISE:
Frank Castle is ready move to London. He's worked undercover for years for the DEA, now he's ready to take a desk job and spend time with his family. But his last case goes a bit sour and an unknown newbie to crime gets killed along with Castle. But then the newbie turns out to be the son of a big-time gangster who wants revenge on the agent responsible for his dead son. And the agent's family. And anyone who ever loved the agent. So, he exacts revenge but fails to kill the agent. Now the agent, Castle, wants revenge from beyond the grave.
.
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the premise, and as this is a novelization based on the film, a lot of the description is very visual. The pace moves along well and there is little time to worry about not enough stuff happening.
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
Neither the writing nor the story is first-rate. It moves along, from cliché to cliché and there are lots of reasons en route to just stop reading. I didn't and I kind of regret that as I don't think this is a series I'll follow. Love the character of Castle, hate this version.
.
BOTTOM-LINE:
Punishment for the reader
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him on social media.
Frank Castle is ready move to London. He's worked undercover for years for the DEA, now he's ready to take a desk job and spend time with his family. But his last case goes a bit sour and an unknown newbie to crime gets killed along with Castle. But then the newbie turns out to be the son of a big-time gangster who wants revenge on the agent responsible for his dead son. And the agent's family. And anyone who ever loved the agent. So, he exacts revenge but fails to kill the agent. Now the agent, Castle, wants revenge from beyond the grave.
.
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the premise, and as this is a novelization based on the film, a lot of the description is very visual. The pace moves along well and there is little time to worry about not enough stuff happening.
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
Neither the writing nor the story is first-rate. It moves along, from cliché to cliché and there are lots of reasons en route to just stop reading. I didn't and I kind of regret that as I don't think this is a series I'll follow. Love the character of Castle, hate this version.
.
BOTTOM-LINE:
Punishment for the reader
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him on social media.
Read
November 10, 2011When I started to read the book.I thought it was not gonna be a really good book.More and more into the book. Intrestings things happen.I will only say 2 things since the book is just so great.One is that this a guy named Frank castle retires from the FBI and his family is having a family renuion.
On that day of the renuion Frank's family and him die that very day.Oh forgot to mention all his other sibilings.DEAD! Then late on that day he and his family are rushed to the hosiptal and only Frank's live is saved.T reason why all of his other family mambers are not alive is when he quit the FBI.SOme reason this guy named Saint's and a couple of j=his buds.Kill them..
Later o in the book its talking about Frank joining back in the FBI and getting his revenge on Saints of what he Done.Franks not alons he is with his dad former FBI agent himself.
On that day of the renuion Frank's family and him die that very day.Oh forgot to mention all his other sibilings.DEAD! Then late on that day he and his family are rushed to the hosiptal and only Frank's live is saved.T reason why all of his other family mambers are not alive is when he quit the FBI.SOme reason this guy named Saint's and a couple of j=his buds.Kill them..
Later o in the book its talking about Frank joining back in the FBI and getting his revenge on Saints of what he Done.Franks not alons he is with his dad former FBI agent himself.
February 28, 2013
This is a fairly faithful adaptation of the movie - with details and back stories thrown in. The story starts very slowly and I had to struggle to continue reading. In fact, I put this book down a couple of times to read other books. But, towards the middle, the story picked up and I finally got to finish this.
Now, I'm sure this wasn't the fault of the author - as he was just following the pace of the screenplay, but I would have appreciated some editing insofar as to reduce the lag and get right onto the action.
Now, I'm sure this wasn't the fault of the author - as he was just following the pace of the screenplay, but I would have appreciated some editing insofar as to reduce the lag and get right onto the action.
November 6, 2014
A very good read. Without a doubt this was a director's cut that I've heard about whenever a novelization is made.
I like the extra scenes particularly Frank's friend Weeks. Plus the whole telling of the story is really good thanks to the thoughts and ideas that one reads in this book. Without a doubt the journal works like it always does in the comic. I'm still not so sure about the origin story of The Punisher, I'm almost sure its different from what was shown in the movie.
But I do love the story and the acting better than I did the original movie with Dolph Lundgren. B
I like the extra scenes particularly Frank's friend Weeks. Plus the whole telling of the story is really good thanks to the thoughts and ideas that one reads in this book. Without a doubt the journal works like it always does in the comic. I'm still not so sure about the origin story of The Punisher, I'm almost sure its different from what was shown in the movie.
But I do love the story and the acting better than I did the original movie with Dolph Lundgren. B
January 18, 2010
I thought the book was an excellent portrayal of the storyline, especially when compared to the disappointing movie that came out not too many years ago. I did not quite give it five stars because I have not been able to compare it to the comic series.
September 24, 2015
It changed the whole writing style on the last fourth of the book. Did he get tired of working on it? Weird.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews