“Hunter/Hunted” (part 3)

I was heavily entertained by Punisher: War Journal #14. In fact, I have loved every page of this “Hunter/Hunted” story arc pitting the Punisher against the new Kraven. Sadly, this arc must come to an end, but now that Matt Fraction has free reign over where to go with this series without big events, I really hope we get more great storylines like this one. This story-arc has differentiated Fraction’s Punisher from Ennis’s Punisher. While Ennis completely did away with costumed villains, Fraction embraces them and uses them to his advantage, keeping them serious, silly and effective.

Fraction does two things very well in this issue. He runs the Punisher through the obscure character gauntlet while at the same time maintaining some excellent narration. Fraction has done phenomenal work capturing the “toned down” voice of Frank Castle compared to what is seen from Garth Ennis in the MAX series. The way the action is depicted and the way the action is narrated through Frank Castle’s eyes is exceptional especially given the theme of this story-arc. The idea of the hunt is utilized and highlighted extremely well with the Punisher’s narration because it’s all about survival. While he may be on a ship with a bunch of animal themed villains, his narration really gives the feeling that he is actually out in the wilderness, adapting and understanding his surroundings. Fraction provides a direct comparison with Kraven’s narration that is much more about dominance over the wild. The Punisher represents the hunter that adapts, while Kraven represents the hunter that dominates.

There’s a great deal of subtle humor throughout this issue as well when the Punisher, and even Kraven, comes into contact with some very obscure characters. However, the way they both dispose of the villains plays right into their roles as hunters. Kraven goes for the quick kill, while the Punisher studies his prey, looking for a weakness, an opportunity to strike. I really can’t say enough about the way Fraction has crafted this story. Of course, being a Punisher comic there’s plenty of bloodshed and a body count. Primarily, it’s all about survival and in one particular scene the Punisher gives his true mantra as a survivor. It’s a nice moment where the Punisher acknowledges he wants to go out guns blazing, not blinding a guy dressed as a baboon.

The final fight between the Punisher and Kraven brings the dominant hunter and adapted hunter out in force. Kraven remains the dominant hunter, but in the true spirit of such a predator, he ignores his surroundings and this is what leads to his ultimate downfall in this battle. More importantly he forgets the other hunters in the wild. The dominant hunter, Kraven, becomes too focused on his one kill and forgets about the Rhino in the wild. And this is where Kraven’s gimmick comes into play. He’s got some kind of teleportation device that also works as a type of simulator. I’d love to see this developed further as it could prove to be a major plot device for other characters such as Spider-Man and even Moon Knight.

I also just want to briefly comment on the final scene of this issue between Rhino and Punisher. It’s an extremely powerful moment and very well done. I was curious as to how Fraction was going to write Rhino out of getting killed by the Punisher, and the end result is superb, a defining moment for the Punisher.

Scott Wegener’s artwork is once again fantastic. The cartoon-like style fits this storyline perfectly and Wegener’s style is very distinct. He does a great job showing off his style as well as capturing some great action throughout the story. One of my favorite scenes involves possibly the most underrated and underused character in all of Marvel, Silver Sable. It was only a matter of time before G.W. Bridge recruited her for the new Six Pack and Fraction and Wegener deliver a great reintroduction to her character.

Punisher: War Journal keeps getting better and better. Matt Fraction has done an unbelievable job bringing the Punisher back into the mainstream Marvel universe. This story-arc has been the best so far in a series that has delivered hit after hit and gets better with each story-arc. I can’t wait to see the Punisher’s confrontation with the new Six Pack and I really can’t wait to see where Matt Fraction goes next with the title.

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