2 out of 5

This was always my least favorite Ennis contribution to his Punisher works.  In terms of his generally masterful MAX run, it’s entirely unnecessary; it’s particularly unpleasant – in a manner lacking in any levels worthy of contemplation – it’s contradictory to something I believe he elsewise established in his Pun issues, and it goes against most of the concepts concerning Frank Castle Garth had layered on.  Plot-wise, it reads like what any given writer might think up for The Punisher for the R-rated Marvel imprint, though Garth does enliven things by flipping the p.o.v. to the bad guys – Castle plays sort of a cameo role here – and doesn’t indulge in violence where most would’ve.  But it’s still an issue I like to exclude from consideration from his MAX stuff.

Frank Castle gets himself arrested, and five protected wiseguys in the prison soon realize he’s likely plotting to get them.

Spoiler: he is.  There is an explanation as to why they’re singled out, and that’s where I feel the book betrays not only some actual info we’d been told previously, but also Garth’s overall approach to Frank.  A scene where said wiseguys exchange worst-deeds-done is Ennis at his worst; the shock writing of Boys and moments of Preacher.

Lewis LaRosa, inker / finisher Scott Koblish, and colorist Raúl Treviño match the tone: the art is dark and muddy and ugly as sin, in the sense that there’s no light, and no joy.  It’s good art, but it is ugly to look at.  You’ll read this out of curiosity, but if you can skip it, do so.