Customer Reviews

Punisher: River of Blood (Punisher (Unnumbered))

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Chuck Dixon is about the only writer in the late 80's/early 90's that really got the Punisher, and the only writer of that era who didn't write pure trite with Marvel's vigilante. River of Blood finds Dixon teaming up with industry legend Joe Kubert as Frank Castle has a run in with the Russian mafia. In the midst of all this, we all see a glimpse of the war torn land that Frank finds himself in, with a little bit of reflection to boot. While Dixon certainly knows how to weave an action tale, the overall story in River of Blood is, well, kind of boring. There's a nice amount of cheesy moments and overdone attempts at being gritty, which hardly works well. What saves River of Blood is the excellent art by the legendary Joe Kubert (father of Adam and Andy) whose renderings of the Punisher are some of the gruffiest and absolute best that the character has ever received. Besides Kubert's awesome art, there's little else here to recommend. Still though, River of Blood is worth a look for Punisher fans, but you're still better off with any of the material penned by Garth Ennis.

Russian sort of counterpart.


The Punisher is after two hard to get rid of Russian drug dealers trying to set up a buy, and is having a few problems as they are pretty good at what they do. He gets himself into a heap of trouble and ends up being bailed out by a huge Russian sort of version criminal exterminator type like himself.

Much globe trotting and gunplay to be had. Russian story, end not too happy.

well what can i say ????? two comic book legends come together for a timely run (it was 94"!!) on the better of the then punishers books...... dixon the writer has done loads of the vigilante punisher storys before so he should have more of an edge on the character! with saying that the story of the punisher encountering the russian mob and his vigilante oppsite number a russian ex solider is all well and good, following the trail to war torn kosovo is a worthy one too its just that the story gets a bit bogged down in the plight of the war at the expanse of the action(lets face it, that is what pun man fans love!!!) kurbets art is well..... what can i say GREAT!! good to see the punisher drawen like a real person and not a muscle bond oaf!!! all in all not a bad tale but could have been better!!!

THE PUNISHER
RIVER OF BLOOD

I have always been a big fan of the Punisher; there is just something about a regular guy in this universe of super heroes that goes all out with no powers. Of course my brother is The Punisher's biggest fan but even still I have always loved him. Same can be said for this story here even though from what I have seen most people like this story just not as much as me. To me this seems like one of the most realistic stories that Frank Castle has been in.

Written by Chuck Dixon and illustrated by Joe Kubert the "River of Blood" story from the "Punisher: War Zone" comics is still a favorite of mine even still. It follows Frank from his home turf all the way to Russia, why Russia you may ask? Two arms [and well anything they can sell] dealers are making connections in New York and The Punisher isn't haven't it. After taking these guys on and learning more every minute he realizes he may be traveling abroad. So Frank is after the Russian Mob and surprisingly he may have help in doing so. It seems there is another man out there that wants these guys dead. In fact he just may be The Russian version of our dear Frank Castle.

Now everyone seems to be all about Joe Kubert's drawings here and rightfully so, he did an excellent job here. This is one of the most realistic takes on the character. Very raw look to every character and landscape make this a great comic to look at. His take on Frank and Dragunov are what stick out the most to me. Then of course we have the story that was given to us by Chuck Dixon, and personally I love it. I have read other reviews that say the story was lagging here or there or even over all but I disagree. I absolutely loved the fact that Frank had to travel to Russia, and the ways he got there was great.

There are two sides here to this story, the New York one and the Russia one. Some people have said that the second half was where they lost interest but I loved it. We will start with New York even still since it comes first. To me this played out like a great action flick with a somewhat Noir feel to it. The action of course because it is a Punisher comic but the detective work and chasing that Frank has to do here is what brings in that Noir feel. Of course once Dragunov enters there is a touch of that shoot em up style that westerns are known for. I know what you are thinking, "a Punisher comic is always shoot em up". Well not here my friends since the style of the writer and artist add a certain element to it, a little western flair where two outlaws come together for some kind of greater good.

Of course the second half takes place in Russia during war, Frank is right at home. To me the second half is just as strong and just as interesting. It is here where we learn even more about Dragunov and why he is who he is. We also get to see his people and that is what really makes the second half for me. These people are being torn by the war going on in their country. Some too afraid to do anything and some willing to fight, including a kid ready and willing at any time. This is one of the few times The Punisher has a lot of help form people. This second half carries over the feel of the first but adds to it by introducing these people. It adds an element of a war drama which worked really well with the look of the book.

This TPB collects "The Punisher: War Zone 31-36" and is very much worth the price of admission in my opinion. This may not be the best Punisher story but it is a really good one that fits into the underworld setting he lives in. Personally I found this to be a very great read and would recommend it to any comic fan out there. If you have yet to read it give it a chance, it just may be for you.