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The Punisher (2016) (Collected Editions)
The Punisher, Vol. 3: King of the New York Streets
The Punisher is back in the Big Apple: Start spreading the bullets! He's coming today! He wants to destroy the crime of it... New York, New York! And when a blackout hits the big city, the dark brings out some of the worst that its mean streets have to offer. The NY subway can be full of horrible people on a good day, but for Frank Castle... this won't be a good day. Manspreaders, proselytisers and mariachi bands are all in a day's commute, but a gang of murderous criminals? And they aren't the only scary things lurking underground. Frank has them in his sights. Expect some slight delays.
Collecting Punisher Vol. 11 #13-17
Collecting Punisher Vol. 11 #13-17
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2018
11 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Becky Cloonan
525 books395 followersBecky Cloonan is an American comic book creator, known for work published by Tokyopop and Vertigo. In 2012 she became the first female artist to draw the main Batman title for DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 12, 2019
Frank’s back in New York to chew bubblegum and shoot punks – well, he never really chewed bubblegum!
Becky Cloonan’s third and final Punisher book is actually kinda decent. You don’t really need to have read the previous two to pick this one up as it’s basically just a collection of standalone stories.
Frank goes looking for one of his stolen guns; he foils a robbery during a citywide blackout; he murderizes a Hamburglar-lookalike who’s pushing people in front of subway trains; and he fights a monster at a movie premiere.
None of them are especially memorable or that standout but, for done-in-one stories (though the monster movie premiere story is a two-parter), they’re entertaining enough with some amusingly OTT scenes.
The book is more violent and graphic than I’d expected (it doesn’t have a MAX label) so that was a pleasant surprise – violent and graphic is how the Punisher should be presented! And I think artists Kris Anka and Matt Horak did well to fill in for the recently deceased and definitive Punisher artist Steve Dillon (RIP), though if you weren’t aware of Dillon’s passing, you wouldn’t notice it in the art as the pages don’t look rushed. And the Declan Shalvey/Jordie Bellaire covers are incredible.
They’re not brilliant stories, so don’t get your hopes too high, but King of the New York Streets is a collection of perfectly fine Punisher shorts.
Becky Cloonan’s third and final Punisher book is actually kinda decent. You don’t really need to have read the previous two to pick this one up as it’s basically just a collection of standalone stories.
Frank goes looking for one of his stolen guns; he foils a robbery during a citywide blackout; he murderizes a Hamburglar-lookalike who’s pushing people in front of subway trains; and he fights a monster at a movie premiere.
None of them are especially memorable or that standout but, for done-in-one stories (though the monster movie premiere story is a two-parter), they’re entertaining enough with some amusingly OTT scenes.
The book is more violent and graphic than I’d expected (it doesn’t have a MAX label) so that was a pleasant surprise – violent and graphic is how the Punisher should be presented! And I think artists Kris Anka and Matt Horak did well to fill in for the recently deceased and definitive Punisher artist Steve Dillon (RIP), though if you weren’t aware of Dillon’s passing, you wouldn’t notice it in the art as the pages don’t look rushed. And the Declan Shalvey/Jordie Bellaire covers are incredible.
They’re not brilliant stories, so don’t get your hopes too high, but King of the New York Streets is a collection of perfectly fine Punisher shorts.
February 21, 2021
The Punisher returns to New York for some one-off stories before a final faceoff with Face, literally. I liked the one-off stories. The Face story was too over the top, turning Face into an unkillable terminator type was stupid. I did like the fight through the movie premiere though.
March 3, 2018
Very enjoyable and brutal as fuck!
December 21, 2017
Even though I didn't like Face as a character and towards the end it had gotten stupid enough with him.. (it's the case "I want Punisher to be realistic and fight just normal gangster mob mafia human beings) I overall liked Cloonan's run. And I definitely wanted more of her on Punisher.
Simply because everything she writes, even when it's not something REALLY GOOD or something special, it's ALWAYS a FUN read.
If you like Punisher you'll like it! Got a lot of nice one-issue stories and also the main story all around with Punisher hunting down this one guy since the beginning of the series!
I liked the development of the villain and all, but I didn't like him as a character or even his dialogue, that was super cringy at the end.
Anyway, all in all it was ok and the standalone issues were nice and fun to read, artwork was nice!
Simply because everything she writes, even when it's not something REALLY GOOD or something special, it's ALWAYS a FUN read.
If you like Punisher you'll like it! Got a lot of nice one-issue stories and also the main story all around with Punisher hunting down this one guy since the beginning of the series!
I liked the development of the villain and all, but I didn't like him as a character or even his dialogue, that was super cringy at the end.
Anyway, all in all it was ok and the standalone issues were nice and fun to read, artwork was nice!
April 23, 2018
The stories were pretty good. I felt like Cloonan was trying to do something on par with Ellis's 'Moon Knight' when it came to this volume. A different story each issue. That being said, Cloonan needs to work on her dialogue. I had to roll my eyes several times during this book. Other than that, this was a solid read
September 14, 2018
I enjoyed the first two arcs more, but this was a satisfying conclusion to Becky Cloonan’s Punisher run. There’s three short stories here, and then the last two issues wrap up the Face storyline. Face felt a little more comical this time around, but I still enjoyed seeing Frank kick his ass. The art’s good, but boy do I miss Steve Dillon. RIP.
July 4, 2018
In my review of vol.2 I said that I didn't think Cloonan was a bad writer but she should write her own stories instead of trying to copy Ennis' style.
Brother, I've never been so wrong in my life.
This volume sucked so much I had tears in my eyes. Inept scripts, inept characterization, inept dialogues, lousy art.
Three calamitous single issues where Frank lectures teens, plays "Night at the museum" and tag teams with a hobo to stop a pusher. I just couldn't believe what I had just read.
But the ordeal was not over. A two-parter concludes the run with a final confrontation with the Face. Ridiculous bordering pathetic. The Face is grotesque. So is the plot. Cloonan's attempt at criticism of movie people is as subtle as dogshit on your doormat. I could let pass the absurdities of some scenes- Becky, do you really think a single shotgun blast can cut an aerial tramway steel cable?- but I won't.
Took me half an hour to read this book. Shoud have been counting beans instead.
Brother, I've never been so wrong in my life.
This volume sucked so much I had tears in my eyes. Inept scripts, inept characterization, inept dialogues, lousy art.
Three calamitous single issues where Frank lectures teens, plays "Night at the museum" and tag teams with a hobo to stop a pusher. I just couldn't believe what I had just read.
But the ordeal was not over. A two-parter concludes the run with a final confrontation with the Face. Ridiculous bordering pathetic. The Face is grotesque. So is the plot. Cloonan's attempt at criticism of movie people is as subtle as dogshit on your doormat. I could let pass the absurdities of some scenes- Becky, do you really think a single shotgun blast can cut an aerial tramway steel cable?- but I won't.
Took me half an hour to read this book. Shoud have been counting beans instead.
November 5, 2017
Unfortunately, this is the ending series for Becky Cloonan's run. The volume itself isnt that bad but doesnt keep to a single arc the whole volume. The first 3 issues tell single issue stories which by themselves are pretty decent and bloody as all hell. The final two issues give us an official ending to Face, one of the main protagonists from the first two arcs. It could have been a bit better but I wasnt totally let down with the final battle.
I just want to commend Becky Cloonan for her run. She obviously had big shoes to fill but her work is worthy of being read and shared. Next up, Marvel Legacy!
I just want to commend Becky Cloonan for her run. She obviously had big shoes to fill but her work is worthy of being read and shared. Next up, Marvel Legacy!
March 19, 2019
Frank is back in NYC. Last run from Cloonan and Horak ( who picked up after the late Steve Dillon). Great volume.
April 8, 2018
The Punisher returns to New York in a series of vignettes. Tracking down a stolen gun, foiling a museum robbery, putting an end to a subway killer, and finally wrapping up the story that began in Volume one in spectacular, and uber-violent fashion.
Once again, not a series for the squeamish.
Once again, not a series for the squeamish.
June 3, 2018
This is far from being one of the better comics series. Not Cloonan's best work and not the best run of Punisher. It's mostly predictable, short, and in many key instances does not follow the realism principles generally in place in Punisher books. (E.g., in numerous instances in the series, I was annoyed at how easily villains in the middle of one-on-one combat with Punisher were able to procure a delicate vial of red powder and set themselves up for a bump of its performance-enhancing effects; and in other scenes, the same drug central to this whole series appeared to be gelatinous. Those are problems of incongruity between writing and art.)
The most important thing about Cloonan's whole run of Punisher is the perspective. It is told as a horror comic with Frank/Punisher as the slasher. He says very little, and most of the story focuses on his victims-in-waiting.
Probably the stupidest moment in this series is when Frank's smartest opponent and former commanding officer has Punisher drugged and captive, and then decides to cut him free for the sake of a melee brawl with other, obviously inferior, mercenaries. Anyone with the personal insight of Punisher's history and the military tactical skills this guy had should have just put multiple bullets in his head and heart from a distance. A decent sniper could take out the Punisher a dozen times, but for the sake of action, he is instead pitted against up-close cannon fodder who incessantly utter cliche phrases like "Kill...You!..."
The most important thing about Cloonan's whole run of Punisher is the perspective. It is told as a horror comic with Frank/Punisher as the slasher. He says very little, and most of the story focuses on his victims-in-waiting.
Probably the stupidest moment in this series is when Frank's smartest opponent and former commanding officer has Punisher drugged and captive, and then decides to cut him free for the sake of a melee brawl with other, obviously inferior, mercenaries. Anyone with the personal insight of Punisher's history and the military tactical skills this guy had should have just put multiple bullets in his head and heart from a distance. A decent sniper could take out the Punisher a dozen times, but for the sake of action, he is instead pitted against up-close cannon fodder who incessantly utter cliche phrases like "Kill...You!..."
October 1, 2019
This highlights just how good the Punisher is, Becky Cloonan’s run has been phenomenal but all good things must come to an end.
For the majority of this it’s just one off issues, showing us what Frank has to deal with on a daily basis. He deals with thieves, rapists and murders among other things. Even though it’s episodic in nature, it never feels like filler in fact I was always excited for what’ll come next.
Becky’s version of the Punisher is probably my favourite so far, he’s not just some silent type taking people out. He’s actually got a personality and can empathise with people, he sees a kid in a rough spot he’ll buy her ice cream. It’s not just kids he’s good with either, he can actually talk to people normally, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t ruin criminals, no he messes them up. I liked the fact that this ties into the other 2 volumes as well .
All in all I’m very happy with this run, I’m intrigued to see what Matthew Rosenberg will do to follow this up. I just hope that Frank gets to keep his personality, it’s a much needed change of pace.
For the majority of this it’s just one off issues, showing us what Frank has to deal with on a daily basis. He deals with thieves, rapists and murders among other things. Even though it’s episodic in nature, it never feels like filler in fact I was always excited for what’ll come next.
Becky’s version of the Punisher is probably my favourite so far, he’s not just some silent type taking people out. He’s actually got a personality and can empathise with people, he sees a kid in a rough spot he’ll buy her ice cream. It’s not just kids he’s good with either, he can actually talk to people normally, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t ruin criminals, no he messes them up. I liked the fact that this ties into the other 2 volumes as well .
All in all I’m very happy with this run, I’m intrigued to see what Matthew Rosenberg will do to follow this up. I just hope that Frank gets to keep his personality, it’s a much needed change of pace.
March 15, 2018
The Garth Ennis run on the Punisher is hands down my favorite and is largely responsible for every version of Frank Castle you have seen since. Foul, brutal, and funny, that run summed up the fun that the character can have in the Marvel Universe.
Prior to that everyone else handled the Punisher much, much more seriously. Dark and brooding, the tone used to be much more Batman than Deadpool. Becky Cloonan seems to be trying to find the balance between the two. In the story realm, she is doing a good job. She keeps a crisp pace, keeps the angst from keeping in, and has some entertaining encounters for the character but something about her dialogue isn't coming off the page correctly for me, and I really am not sure why. Either way, she did a good enough job for me to giver her another chance with the character.
Prior to that everyone else handled the Punisher much, much more seriously. Dark and brooding, the tone used to be much more Batman than Deadpool. Becky Cloonan seems to be trying to find the balance between the two. In the story realm, she is doing a good job. She keeps a crisp pace, keeps the angst from keeping in, and has some entertaining encounters for the character but something about her dialogue isn't coming off the page correctly for me, and I really am not sure why. Either way, she did a good enough job for me to giver her another chance with the character.
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August 21, 2021A surprising turnaround for Cloonan’s Punisher. This opens with three standalones that are great examples of economical storytelling. Just enough dialogue to convey the story, appropriate use of silent panels, kinetic action, and even some humor. They’re quick little statements of crime and violence. Cloonan does a really nice job here, while Kris Anka and Matt Horak improve on the art front. I especially like issue 15 about the subway killer.
The last two issues bring Face back in the picture for a final battle with Frank. Entertaining enough, even though Face is reduced to a generic nut job.
So, it’s certainly not groundbreaking, but I enjoyed this final volume. I wish Cloonan’s run went on longer because she was just starting to do interesting things. Oh well. Also, the covers by Jordie Bellaire and Declan Shalvey are outstanding. Every one of ‘em.
The last two issues bring Face back in the picture for a final battle with Frank. Entertaining enough, even though Face is reduced to a generic nut job.
So, it’s certainly not groundbreaking, but I enjoyed this final volume. I wish Cloonan’s run went on longer because she was just starting to do interesting things. Oh well. Also, the covers by Jordie Bellaire and Declan Shalvey are outstanding. Every one of ‘em.
November 13, 2017
A fun way to close out the series. It can be hard when a legend is a big part of your book and he dies, but continue is what Becky Cloonan did and with the help of the wonderful Matt Hoark they close this chapter of Frank Castle with a hell of a lot of fun.
Most of the issues in this are one and done stories, but the last two issues finish of the main story-line. Becky and Matt got into a groove here telling some fun, fast Punisher stories that had some heart and humour in them that I wouldn't often expect from a Punisher book. Becky may have been channelling some early Ennis Punisher and thats always a good thing.
A fun ride to be had here, but probably more for Punisher fans. Recommended.
Most of the issues in this are one and done stories, but the last two issues finish of the main story-line. Becky and Matt got into a groove here telling some fun, fast Punisher stories that had some heart and humour in them that I wouldn't often expect from a Punisher book. Becky may have been channelling some early Ennis Punisher and thats always a good thing.
A fun ride to be had here, but probably more for Punisher fans. Recommended.
June 23, 2018
Embarrassingly bad dialogue - can you imagine Ennis' Punisher asking a hobo if he wants to go on an adventure? The combat drug the bad guys are trying to pedal seems pretty useless, since Frank still tears through anyone who takes it without any challenge. If they had to have a drug storyline they should've either gone all-out and had EMC turn people into super-soldiers instead of useless zombies, or stuck to something more grounded like heroin or coke.
November 13, 2018
My first Punisher graphic novel.
Frank goes about doing his usual thing around New York City: killing a wife beater, styling a heist, bringing justice against a serial killer who pushes people off subway platforms.
He also has an epic battle against a former friend, "Face", that ends at movie premier.
I think I might enjoy this character. I know I liked his no nonsense quality in Daredevil (the tv show).
Frank goes about doing his usual thing around New York City: killing a wife beater, styling a heist, bringing justice against a serial killer who pushes people off subway platforms.
He also has an epic battle against a former friend, "Face", that ends at movie premier.
I think I might enjoy this character. I know I liked his no nonsense quality in Daredevil (the tv show).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2020
They just kind of finish off this villain that's been hanging around for a while. And then another story about how more violence solves a problem of violence. It's all fine, but I think I just don't like the Punisher. I don't like that much grimness and gore. And the "one-shot" nature of guns is bad for storytelling, especially storytelling driven by action and violence, when there's not incredible gimmickry or an endless row of thugs to mow down.
January 22, 2022
After the long story arc of the previous two volumes, we get some one-and-done issues. The Punisher returns to New York, to find that someone has taken something from his safehouse. He deals with a museum heist and a man pushing people in front of subway trains. Then we get a final over-the-top confrontation with Face, the guy from the previous arc.
The stories are quick and not well thought-through. The art is subpar, but tells the story.
The stories are quick and not well thought-through. The art is subpar, but tells the story.
March 19, 2024
This. This is Frank Castle. You'd think Marvel would protect the Punisher but recently they have made him cease to exist, at least the Frank we know and love to read about. Recently a writer who has admitted he hates the character was given the task of writing his book. Frank's wife is now alive and hates him, he has given up guns, etc. In short the Punisher has basically disappeared but then I discovered this volume. Great read, great action, Great Caesar's Ghost - it's the Punisher!
December 30, 2017
This was a collection of mostly one shot, old school Punisher stories which have always been some of my favorites. There was the return of an old villain from the series, but mostly these were one and done. The art sometimes didn't quite fit the story, but it wasn't bad art. Overall an entertaining read and if you're a Punisher fan I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.
May 14, 2018
Some pretty sweet one-shots featuring Frank killing all sorts of horrible people, culminating in the return of the OD’d-on-EMC Face. Cloonan had a pretty good run of Punisher stories that I actually enjoyed a fair amount. The Punisher is a comic that is best enjoyed when it has a stark black and white morality that doesn’t make you second-guess Frank’s actions, and Cloonan did that very well.
November 5, 2025
The stories are short and anything but impactful. I dare say the whole volume is skippable.
Frank is back in New York. He recovers a gun from a kid who pawned it. It ends up with a woman with an abusive husband. Frank foils a robbery at a museum. He doles out some karma to a subway killer. And faces the Face again.
Frank is back in New York. He recovers a gun from a kid who pawned it. It ends up with a woman with an abusive husband. Frank foils a robbery at a museum. He doles out some karma to a subway killer. And faces the Face again.
June 2, 2022
turns out i don't automatically like everything that has frank castle in and i do have opinions on some of the writing when it comes to punisher comics but this gets at least 2 stars bc it only took 5 mins to read and i got to see frank all suited up
November 5, 2024
Collection of Punisher stories. Like Batman, Hawkeye or other street-focused heroes, just with much more killing. In this incarnation, he’s not as grim as he can so sometimes be. There’s dry black humour and some moments of kindness along the vigilante gunplay.
January 26, 2018
The stories weren't bad, but Cloonan's dialogue needs some work.
February 26, 2018
Varying quality single shot tales from Punisher's life.
I do find myself liking this version of the punisher over others!
I do find myself liking this version of the punisher over others!
March 12, 2018
I liked reading more punisher. I think this is my favourite one of the Punisher stories I have read.
August 25, 2018
The worst comic book i have ever read.No story,poor artwork and a punisher who chatty like a teenager-a recipe for disaster.I would have given it 0.5 if it were possible...
January 9, 2020
Just incredible - great tale!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews