The joke for this comic comes straight out of the conversation we had during Monday’s recording of The Triple Feature movie podcast. It’s my line, though. So no one is getting ripped off. The more I started thinking about these reports about Ray Stevenson’s performance, the more fun I thought I could have with it in comic form. So, there you have it.

Punisher: War Zone comes out this weekend and I guess the third time is the charm? Kind of weird there have been as many Punisher movies as there has been Spider-Man films, don’t you think?

Truthfully, I don’t understand how the first two movies could have failed. The Punisher is a revenge archetype. The only made – what? – a dozen or so Death Wish movies with Charles Bronson, right? Just crib a few plays from them.

I liked Thomas Jane as The Punisher in the last movie, so it’s a shame they couldn’t bring him back. Too bad they decided to transplant Frank Castle to Miami for no good reason in that one. I’m glad they’re bringing things back to New York for Punisher: War Zone. And Ray Stevenson has the look down cold.

I have no doubt in my mind that this movie will by a hyper-violent turd burger. But I’m still psyched to see it because I’m curious how close they can get to doing it right. The teasers and the production photos are on the right track – even if Dominic West as the villain Jigsaw looks stupid. I’m also kind of encouraged by the fact that the most violent, bare-knuckle, no-holds-barred Punisher movie was directed by a woman – Lexi Alexander. Incidentally, she used to be a World Karate and Kickboxing Champion. How bad-ass is that? Her and semi-pro boxer Uwe Boll should have a chat.

So, yeah. Even though the movie will most likely be completely without a plot, over-the-top with a nu-metal, ‘roid rage sensibility… I’m looking forward to it. They’re using a lot of visual references from the comics – Specifically the work of Tim Bradstreet – and they’ve got Wayne Knight as The Punisher’s weapons supplier and intel guy Microchip! If you read any Punisher stories from the 90’s, you know what a great character that guy was.
Anyway, I’ll give you the rundown of the movie next week.

In the meantime, check out this interactive comic book for Punisher: War Zone that the studio – Lionsgate – produced in promotion with the film. The comic establishes the Punisher’s background and the final chapter is a teaser for the film. It’s good, pulpy fun.

That’s it for me! Have a great Wednesday!

Oh… and if you didn’t visit the site yesterday, I posted the strip that was intended to go live on Monday but was delayed due to a broken scanner. Don’t forget to check that out as well!

Thanks!