The latest addition to the Marvel Premier Collection showcases an all-time classic Punisher story in Welcome Back, Frank. The Punisher makes his return by eliminating the ruthless Ma Gnucci’s crime family — pursued by the NYPD’s two-detective Punisher Task Force, crazed contract killer the Russian and superhero Daredevil… and emulated by three copycat killers who want to join forces with him. The over-the-top action builds toward a showdown in the apartment building Frank shares with his colourful fellow residents. Castle must survive to finish his vendetta, making sure his neighbours aren’t caught in the crossfire while evil is punished.
Welcome Back, Frank stands as a landmark Punisher story. Part of the initial lineup of titles in the Marvel Knights imprint, the series was Garth Ennis first mainline Punisher work and it’s safe to say he left an undeniable mark on the character. He would continue to work on the character in various series and forms across the next three decades to the point where he is now regarded as the definitive Punisher writer.
With Frank Castle making his grand return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe last year in Daredevil: Born Again along with his upcoming appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and his own Disney+ special inspired by this very comic, now is the perfect time to revisit one of Ennis’ best-known stories. This edition also includes a foreword by Punisher actor Jon Bernthal and a brand-new introduction by Garth Ennis.
The story is a very much back to basics approach to The Punisher who had been somewhat overexposed in the 90s to play to the demand for stylish action books that were rife at the time. Ennis made a conscious effort to strip the character down to his core traits (the Battle Van and Microchip – his man in the chair – were quietly retired). This leaves the character to get back to what he does best, violently disposing of criminals. Being that this is a Garth Ennis book, there’s plenty of black humour splashed in to play off Frank’s no-nonsense approach to crime fighting with Ma Gnucci’s rather grizzly fate being a high point. The series also features one of The Punisher’s most memorable clashes with Daredevil which would be a big influence in how the characters would interact in the MCU.
Welcome Back, Frank would also mark the beginning of the late great artist Steve Dillon’s long association with the character. Having worked previously with Ennis on both Hellblazer and Preacher at DC, the pair had a strong creative chemistry that spread across all their works. But they were a particularly good fit on the Punisher with Dillon’s ability to blend violence with humour in his art and his iconic depiction of Frank Castle being essential in bringing Ennis’ over-the-top stories to life.
This is an all-time classic Punisher story that all Marvel fans need to read and this new premier collection edition is a perfect introduction to the character.
Punisher: Welcome Back, Frank (Marvel Premier Collection) is out now from Marvel (9781302969325, p/b, £13.99)
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