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Punisher War Journal (2006) (Collected Editions)
Punisher War Journal, Vol. 3: Hunter/Hunted
With World War Hulk in full swing and New York shut off from the outside world, who's left to protect those left behind? Frank @#$%!@!* Castle, that's who - and he's none too thrilled. As the insatiable Mung the Unconveivable rampages alone through lower Manhattan, Frank and Clarke help a small band of refugees hold back his relentless onslaught. The Punisher? World War Hulk? Alien Invasion, Manhatten in ruins? This is the book Ariel Olivetti was born to draw! Collects Punisher War Journal #12-17.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2008
About the author
Matt Fraction
1,241 books1,880 followers"How he got started in comics: In 1983, when Fraction was 7 years old and growing up in Kansas City, Mo., he became fascinated by the U.S. invasion of Grenada and created his own newspaper to explain the event. "I've always been story-driven, telling stories with pictures and words," he said.
Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.
"My mother was not happy about that," he said.
But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."
Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.
Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.
Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."
Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.
- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.
Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.
"My mother was not happy about that," he said.
But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."
Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.
Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.
Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."
Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.
- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 27, 2018
Still not my Punisher.
I don't know where Fraction wants to go with the character. Now he plays Evil Dead against aliens, makes punchlines and saves kittens. Damn right, he does save kittens, too.
So what can I say? It might actually be ok with another character but it fells flat because it's the Punisher. Out of wits, out of place.
One issue is above the lot though. The one with the Survivors of the Punisher, sharing their stories in AA-like meetings. Exploring the physical and psychic consequences of The Punisher's actions from the pov of his victims, this one's deliciously bittersweet.
Ariel Olivetti illustrates the WW Hulk tie-in before a breather comes in, namely Scott Wegener followed by Howard Chaykin.
I don't know where Fraction wants to go with the character. Now he plays Evil Dead against aliens, makes punchlines and saves kittens. Damn right, he does save kittens, too.
So what can I say? It might actually be ok with another character but it fells flat because it's the Punisher. Out of wits, out of place.
One issue is above the lot though. The one with the Survivors of the Punisher, sharing their stories in AA-like meetings. Exploring the physical and psychic consequences of The Punisher's actions from the pov of his victims, this one's deliciously bittersweet.
Ariel Olivetti illustrates the WW Hulk tie-in before a breather comes in, namely Scott Wegener followed by Howard Chaykin.
August 16, 2021
Two decent one-shots, but the value of the volume is shite, since the majority of it is Punisher vs Superhero garbage, rather than fulfilling his sworn purpose of venging on the mob and murderers.
February 11, 2014
Fanboy alert.
I really like when things in comics change. When characters change and things happen. I'm not big on status quo. I may, MAY be the only fan of Kyle Rayner who ever existed.
But this Punisher...it just doesn't do it for me.
It's not that there's anything wrong with the writing. I just don't like a Punisher who says things like, "Tonight's gonna suck" and "Hey, weapon. Bonus."
It has to be sort of boring to write the stoic, angry killing machine. Christ, you get the impression sometimes that you could do the whole series free of dialogue altogether.
And I really do like funny characters. You know, the ones who take their work seriously and don't take themselves seriously. Your quipsters like Spider-Man, lovable slackers like Scott Pilgrim.
I think I really just enjoyed the Punisher as the scary bogeyman.
This book has strong moments. In particular, when the Punisher is embroiled in a fight between two ridiculously-powered villains, a fire guy and a guy who controls bees, and comments on how much he hates super powers. It's funny, and it's also part of the crux of that character that makes him interesting, I think. The Punisher could exist in the real world. But he doesn't. He exists in a world of Captain America and Beta Ray Bill. But that's what makes it interesting, right? They can throw in a Daredevil if they want to.
Ultimately, though, I like that Punisher exists in that world, but not when he participates in it. When you put the Venom symbiote on Punisher, he's not the Punisher anymore. He's not my Punisher, anyway. With the added yuks, he's not really the Punisher anymore either. Not for me.
I'm not saying there's no room in the world for this Punisher. I'm sure people dig it. It's just not for me. This fanboy has to reconcile the fact that what he wants isn't always what's right, and what's right isn't so just because it's the way it's always been. Sounds like a no-brainer, but ask any comics nerd, this is hard-won thinking at work here.
I really like when things in comics change. When characters change and things happen. I'm not big on status quo. I may, MAY be the only fan of Kyle Rayner who ever existed.
But this Punisher...it just doesn't do it for me.
It's not that there's anything wrong with the writing. I just don't like a Punisher who says things like, "Tonight's gonna suck" and "Hey, weapon. Bonus."
It has to be sort of boring to write the stoic, angry killing machine. Christ, you get the impression sometimes that you could do the whole series free of dialogue altogether.
And I really do like funny characters. You know, the ones who take their work seriously and don't take themselves seriously. Your quipsters like Spider-Man, lovable slackers like Scott Pilgrim.
I think I really just enjoyed the Punisher as the scary bogeyman.
This book has strong moments. In particular, when the Punisher is embroiled in a fight between two ridiculously-powered villains, a fire guy and a guy who controls bees, and comments on how much he hates super powers. It's funny, and it's also part of the crux of that character that makes him interesting, I think. The Punisher could exist in the real world. But he doesn't. He exists in a world of Captain America and Beta Ray Bill. But that's what makes it interesting, right? They can throw in a Daredevil if they want to.
Ultimately, though, I like that Punisher exists in that world, but not when he participates in it. When you put the Venom symbiote on Punisher, he's not the Punisher anymore. He's not my Punisher, anyway. With the added yuks, he's not really the Punisher anymore either. Not for me.
I'm not saying there's no room in the world for this Punisher. I'm sure people dig it. It's just not for me. This fanboy has to reconcile the fact that what he wants isn't always what's right, and what's right isn't so just because it's the way it's always been. Sounds like a no-brainer, but ask any comics nerd, this is hard-won thinking at work here.
April 4, 2025
No es la gran cosa, pero funciona y entretiene. Creo que va demasiado rápido de un enfoque a otro y existe esta tendencia a las historias de Punisher en donde parece ocurrir algo sin relación con Castle para que al final aparezca y mate a quien tenga que matar.
Lindo dibujo, en su mayoría, hubo otro que no me convenció por su sobriedad y realismo. Me agradó argumentalmente por momentos, fue interesante ver a Frank siendo casi un héroe para supervillanos en busca de contrarrestar a alguien peor.
Rebuscada y con muchos secundarios que no aportan demasiado fuera de ser rescatados de las páginas del olvido de Marvel, al menos la subtrama parece construir algo interesante.
Lindo dibujo, en su mayoría, hubo otro que no me convenció por su sobriedad y realismo. Me agradó argumentalmente por momentos, fue interesante ver a Frank siendo casi un héroe para supervillanos en busca de contrarrestar a alguien peor.
Rebuscada y con muchos secundarios que no aportan demasiado fuera de ser rescatados de las páginas del olvido de Marvel, al menos la subtrama parece construir algo interesante.
February 8, 2022
This is where it gets REALLY silly. Having Punisher in World War Hulk using a "synthetic" symbiote suit.
But the central conceit that Frank Castle isn't insane; that he's the straight man in an insane Universe of Marvels, is pretty fun.
But the central conceit that Frank Castle isn't insane; that he's the straight man in an insane Universe of Marvels, is pretty fun.
December 19, 2017
Pretty hilarious actually, kraven abducting super villains, a super villan support group for survivors of Frank's bar bombing from the last volume, and other assorted tomfoolery.
December 31, 2017
The Punisher faces off with a crazed Kraven who is imprisoning super-villains as his pets.
December 31, 2017
What is this mess? I love Fraction's other stuff but this just feels off.
January 5, 2018
the art was good. Matt fraction's writing was good but Marvel's decision to put this out as a trade was walk. the main story was bookended by filler stories.
August 10, 2020
The art in this isn’t my favorite and the story is weak.
October 28, 2016
As always fantastic artwork from Marvel & the Punisher's rumination on violence.
June 29, 2012
While I have some reservations about Fraction lately, this is a pretty decent volume of The Punisher. He manages to add some humour to the title, whilst at the same to, stick to what the Punisher does best - kill people. It's 616 Punisher, so obviously there are capes and tights running around. The main bulk of the trade is a story were a wannabe Kraven the Hunter hunts down a bunch of animal themed super villains for his 'menagerie' and then sets about hunting them on a ship. At the same time, Punisher is also hunting the hunter (hence the title: Hunter/Hunted). Spider-man also pops up for an issue who Fraction is good at writing because his quips are actually amusing (Note: there's a Sensational Spider-man Annual by Fraction and Larroca which is very good and worth finding).
The trade opens with a World War Hulk tie-in, which is better than you might think. Punisher is trying to protect some civilians in Manhattan whilst the 'war' is going on, and since he has no super powers its not an easy task.
Art wise, you have Ariel Olivetti who I'm not personally a fan of. I just find his art boring to look at, and it doesn't jump off the page enough for me. The last two issues in the trade are drawn by Howard Chaykin, who's style isn't very friendly to casual readers, but he is a creator legend and Fraction gives him some pretty dark stories to draw.
Recommendation: if you're a Punisher fan or fan of Fraction, I think it's worth reading. I wouldn't pay cover price for it though. Either borrow it from a friend, or try and find it cheap at a convention.
The trade opens with a World War Hulk tie-in, which is better than you might think. Punisher is trying to protect some civilians in Manhattan whilst the 'war' is going on, and since he has no super powers its not an easy task.
Art wise, you have Ariel Olivetti who I'm not personally a fan of. I just find his art boring to look at, and it doesn't jump off the page enough for me. The last two issues in the trade are drawn by Howard Chaykin, who's style isn't very friendly to casual readers, but he is a creator legend and Fraction gives him some pretty dark stories to draw.
Recommendation: if you're a Punisher fan or fan of Fraction, I think it's worth reading. I wouldn't pay cover price for it though. Either borrow it from a friend, or try and find it cheap at a convention.
November 18, 2009
This one is just a mess. The "Hunter/Hunted" story arc only takes up three issues out of the six collected here. Why it's the focal point is a mystery. It's a story that could have easily been told in one issue. The son of Kraven styles himself after his old man and kidnaps every animal-themed super villain he can find (e.g., The Rhino, The Vulture), creates a menagerie in the hold of a cargo ship, and halfheartedly hunts The Punisher. That's about it.
The first issue is about The Punisher fighting alien warriors, and the last two barely feature him at all, and are the most interesting in the collection. The fact that the stories are better the less The Punisher is in them should tell you something. Matt Fraction is a decent writer, but he doesn't understand Frank Castle's character.
Also, the decision in the Punisher: War Journal series to return to his original costume (see Amazing Spider Man #129), is a mystifying one to me. Not only are the white boots and gloves ridiculous, they make Frank Castle look too much like an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. I liked the first few issues, but overall this series has been a misfire so far.
The first issue is about The Punisher fighting alien warriors, and the last two barely feature him at all, and are the most interesting in the collection. The fact that the stories are better the less The Punisher is in them should tell you something. Matt Fraction is a decent writer, but he doesn't understand Frank Castle's character.
Also, the decision in the Punisher: War Journal series to return to his original costume (see Amazing Spider Man #129), is a mystifying one to me. Not only are the white boots and gloves ridiculous, they make Frank Castle look too much like an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. I liked the first few issues, but overall this series has been a misfire so far.
June 24, 2014
I enjoy the Punisher, but this collection was just okay for me. The collection in this book includes Punisher War Journal #12-17 written by Matt Fraction; and illustrated by Ariel Olivetti, Cory Walker, Scott Wegener and Howard Chaykin.
The first story was sort of strange. It started with a reference to the Hulk and the focused on Frank battling aliens. It was just sort of strange. The next three were the Hunter/Hunted stories where the Punisher faces Kraven the Hunter, as well as appearances by Spiderman and Rhino. I also found these three stories to be just okay. They just didn't feel like the Punisher I enjoy. The final story hardly had the Punisher in it, and I didn't care for it much at all.
Overall, the look and feel of these stories, along with dialog and characters, just didn't connect with me like many of the other Punisher stories do. It was almost like reading a different character. The Punisher is still one of my favorite characters, but this is just an okay collection of stories.
The first story was sort of strange. It started with a reference to the Hulk and the focused on Frank battling aliens. It was just sort of strange. The next three were the Hunter/Hunted stories where the Punisher faces Kraven the Hunter, as well as appearances by Spiderman and Rhino. I also found these three stories to be just okay. They just didn't feel like the Punisher I enjoy. The final story hardly had the Punisher in it, and I didn't care for it much at all.
Overall, the look and feel of these stories, along with dialog and characters, just didn't connect with me like many of the other Punisher stories do. It was almost like reading a different character. The Punisher is still one of my favorite characters, but this is just an okay collection of stories.
September 7, 2015
So far the best one I've read of this series. 4 different stories in this one. 3 different artists are involved in its entirety and personally I feel the artwork goes from great to ok to pretty average.
The first story is about frank battling aliens in the world war hulk event. Good story, and lots of alien killing.
Second story is the main part of the book. Kraven imprisoning villains that are based of animals e.g. Rhino, vulture, etc. fast moving story, liked this one the best of the lot. Lots of action.
Third story is about villains who have had their careers ended by the punisher and a group they attend (kind of like an aa meeting). Was actually a really good story. Not much action but funny....although the ending could have been better.
The last story is about the punisher so sidekick Clarke and his past coming back to haunt him. He gets backstabbed so gets the punisher to deal with it. Average story, but thankfully it's only 1 issue.
Liked this book, finished it a lot faster than the first two before it. 3.4
The first story is about frank battling aliens in the world war hulk event. Good story, and lots of alien killing.
Second story is the main part of the book. Kraven imprisoning villains that are based of animals e.g. Rhino, vulture, etc. fast moving story, liked this one the best of the lot. Lots of action.
Third story is about villains who have had their careers ended by the punisher and a group they attend (kind of like an aa meeting). Was actually a really good story. Not much action but funny....although the ending could have been better.
The last story is about the punisher so sidekick Clarke and his past coming back to haunt him. He gets backstabbed so gets the punisher to deal with it. Average story, but thankfully it's only 1 issue.
Liked this book, finished it a lot faster than the first two before it. 3.4
August 22, 2009
The World War Hulk is an unessential Punisher-blows-up-stuff tie-in, though he does get a cool gun and supersuit in the issue. (Too bad they never show up again.)
The main story, with The Punisher taking on a "I guess he's alive" Kraven the Hunter is pretty fun. There's a bit with a horse that's great.
The last two character-building stories are okay. Matt Fraction does a great job balancing the levity, humanity and evilness of villains. I don't like the manly style of new artist [[author:Howard Chaykin|2718], though.
The main story, with The Punisher taking on a "I guess he's alive" Kraven the Hunter is pretty fun. There's a bit with a horse that's great.
The last two character-building stories are okay. Matt Fraction does a great job balancing the levity, humanity and evilness of villains. I don't like the manly style of new artist [[author:Howard Chaykin|2718], though.
December 20, 2016
Yeah....this one was just ok. Throwing the Punisher into WWH is an interesting idea, but the execution is kinda tough. He is mostly relegated to fighting the alien version of henchmen. The art is ok for the first half, but punisher looks like a puffed up musclebound doughboy, if that makes sense. Not my favorite version of him. The second story plays more for laughs, and is just ok as well. Anytime the punisher is thrown in with supes it is hit and miss. This makes it a little more fair as the villains are rhino and kraven, both of which are well suited for a brawl with the punisher, ie a hunter and a tank. Still, just so so all around for me.
February 14, 2015
Mixed collection of shorter Punisher stories. Fraction can place beloved anti-hero nicely in the superhero world and only allow short brushes with it. Good stuff with nice art. Even Chaykin makes his work not-so-not-to-my-likely.
September 26, 2015
I usually enjoy the Punisher, but this was painful. The art didn't work, the World War Hulk tie in was poor (don't even get me started on the Venom suit he wears). The actual Hunter/Hunted tale is an improvement, but the remaining tales are weak.
June 16, 2016
Awful. This is not The Punisher I know and love. He's has a partner? He's cracking dad jokes? No thank you. The only thing interesting was the story from issue 16 and that had very little to do with The Punisher. I'm glad I got this on sale because it was a real let down.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews