Punisher News

This post relates to: Punisher

Yes we are all a little upset that Thomas Jane has pulled out of being the Punisher again.  But I am going to give the next movie a chance.  This downloadable interview was sent to me by Factory Magazine.  They have an exclusive interview with Lexi Alexander in their first online editon of their magazine.  

You can check out the site and download the interview into your iTunes here: www.factory-publishing.com/lexi-alexander.html

Here's some more infomation about the online magazine.  They have lots of other good stuff up too.

Factory: the film industry magazine celebrates its fifth birthday with the launch of a radical, online edition at www.factory-publishing.com packed with world-exclusives and free iPod downloads. Punisher fans are in for a
real treat with an exclusive photoset and podcast with director, Lexi Alexander, direct from the set of Punisher: Warzone.

The new Factory online edition provides movie fans with an exclusive glimpse of one of Hollywood’s best kept and very British secrets – Factory: the film industry magazine. For five years Factory Publishing Ltd has been producing a title that regularly impacts the top 10,000 names in the movie and TV industry in LA and NY from its base in London. Factory is now opening up its archive of world-firsts to movie fans all over the world through its online edition at www.factory-publishing.com.

Fans of Lord of the Rings and X-Men can download an original photoshoot and podcast interview with the legendary Sir Ian McKellen. Fans of Battlestar Galatica can view a unique photoset and mini-movie downloads with its star, Jamie Bamber. Wrestling and US Dancing with the Stars fans will be able to access a special Factory photoset and podcast interview with Stacey Keibler. Plus if you are waiting to see the new 10,000 BC from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich you can view a rare Factory photoset and iPod mini-movie photoset download with its star, Camilla Belle.

Factory’s new online edition also features a number of unique, world-first fan downloads. These include an exclusive tap dancing mash-up promo from Tom Chambers, one of the rising stars of UK television’s Holby City, and a special music promo from Steve Hart, who has sold over 10,000,000 albums in Europe alone with his band Worlds Apart. Howard Webster, Factory’s publisher and principal photographer, has also released at www.factory-publishing.com a series of rare photosets of Oscar nominee, Terrence Howard and Trainspotting star, Jonny Lee Miller as exclusives for fans.

The site even includes an archive podcast and photoshoot with Amy Smart and others. Fans will also be able to see and download unpublished magazine covers, wallpapers and exclusive behind the scenes photosets featuring the legendary John Hurt and Terry Gilliam.

Factory’'s creator, Howard Webster, says, “Factory has built a unique reputation for creativity and talent spotting in the entertainment industry yet still managed to maintain its credibility and independence. I am personally very proud of the careers it has helped to launch. Factory has been a truly underground and uniquely British voice at the heart of Hollywood championing talent sometimes years before mainstream titles become aware of it; the title has pushed boundaries, always been at the vanguard creatively and the new online edition continues that tradition.

This post relates to: Punisher, Spider-Man, Rhino, Matt Fraction, Cory Walker

Kraven?!?  Isn't he dead?  Are we getting yet someone else calling themselves Kraven?  It'll be nice to see Spidey and Frank side by side again.   After all, Frank did save Spidey in the sewers during Civil War.  I really enjoy this series.  Matt Fraction is great.  I got sooo tired of the Punisher in the 90s.  And looks like the Rhino is getting owned again by Frank. 

When your friendly neighborhood is infested with super-villains, who ya gonna call? As Punisher War Journal #13 reveals, it’s the dream team of Punisher and Spider-Man who specialize in cleaning up the villains scattered throughout Manhattan after a botched bank robbery! Acclaimed writer Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, The Order) and fan favorite artist Cory Walker (The Irredeemable Ant-Man, Invincible) begin a new three-part arc reintroducing the classic—and brutal—villain known as Kraven the Hunter! So, the Punisher has a unique way of dealing with criminals, a mindset that calls for explosions, violence and a tasty dessert after. Fortunately, Spider-Man is a bit more sane and guest stars, hoping to keep the terrified Rhino alive long enough to be put in jail—but the Punisher and a dozen missiles have something to say about that!

“Punisher War Journal continues to be one of Marvel’s strongest and most consistent titles,” said Kevin Powers of SilverBulletComicBooks.Com. “With Punisher War Journal, The Order and Immortal Iron Fist, Matt Fraction is quickly becoming one of the top creators in the industry.”

And did we mention this is the only comic featuring a living, breathing super-human zoo? It’s Kraven, Rhino, Spider-Man and Punisher, as Frank Castle declares war on anyone who gets in his way in Punisher War Journal #13!


PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #13 (SEP072222)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils by CORY WALKER
Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
RATED T+ ...$2.99
FOC—10/25/07, On-Sale—10/14/07

This post relates to: Runaways, New Avengers, Punisher

Zombie Month continues and we get lots of cool variants.  They have absolutely nothing to do with the issues themselves but I still say, you can't get enough.  At least I can't.  I still crack a smile at seeing the Marvel characters zombified.  I do wonder how accessible they will be.  I know a lot of comic stores will grab all the variante before they can reach the shelves and jack up the price.  I get what they're doing, especially with the "dealer incentive" covers (where they get a variant copy for ordering "x" number of copies of the regular issue).  I persoanlly like the 50/50 covers, like with Spider-Man: One More Day.  Give me a choice in covers.  Sure if the price has been jacked up, you still have the "choice" to shell out more money for it.  It's just lame for the readers.  But we need our comic stores to stay in business so I won't cry about it anymore.  (At least for now).

We do have a new issue of New Avengers.  I want more on the Skrull thing but looks like we have to wait until the "Secret Invasion" story hits.  We're in the middle of the symbiote attack and more with the Hood.  I'm sure it will still be as good as always.  Linked to this is the Punisher War Journal World War Hulk crossover.   From the preview, it looks like Frank gets a hold a symbiote himself.  First a variation of Cap's costume, now a variation of Venom's.  C'mon Frank, just be yourself.  Don't give into the peer pressure!  Love the zombie cover, though.

And finally, a new issue of Runaways!!!  I won't go into how if feels soooo long in between issues.  I still love the series.  Not sure what it is.  And to think I dismissed the comic when it first came out because I thought it was just another teen team book dealing with teen angst and puberty stuff.  Just goes to show you what excellent writing can do.  This is a way better week for Marvel than last week.

Comics On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #13
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #13 ZOMBIE VARIANT
CIVIL WAR CHRONICLES #4
FANTASTIC FOUR #550
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #24 (OMD)
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #24 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT (OMD)
GHOST RIDER #16
HEROES FOR HIRE #14 (WWH)
MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #4
MARVEL ZOMBIES: THE BOOK OF ANGELS, DEMONS & VARIOUS MONSTROSITIES
NEW AVENGERS #35
NEW AVENGERS/TRANSFORMERS #4
NEW WARRIORS #5 (CWI)
NOVA #7
PUNISHER #51
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #12 (WWH)
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #12 ZOMBIE VARIANT (WWH)
RUNAWAYS #28
RUNAWAYS #28 ZOMBIE VARIANT
SPIDER-MAN/RED SONJA #3
WOLVERINE #58
WOLVERINE #58 ZOMBIE VARIANT
WORLD WAR HULK: FRONT LINE #5
X-FACTOR #24
X-MEN: DIE BY THE SWORD #1


Collections On-Sale:

FALLEN SON: THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA PREMIERE HC
MAGICIAN APPRENTICE VOL. 1 TPB
MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN VOL. 1: HEART OF STEEL DIGEST
MS. MARVEL VOL. 3: OPERATION LIGHTNING STORM PREMIERE HC
POWERS VOL. 10: COSMIC TPB
SPIDER-MAN AND THE FANTASTIC FOUR: SILVER RAGE TPB
SPIDER-MAN: BACK IN BLACK HC
X-FACTOR VISIONARIES: PETER DAVID VOL. 3 TPB

This post relates to: Punisher, Hulk, Warbound, Matt Fraction, Ariel Olivetti

Ha ha.  This oughta be good.  Frank was priceless is Civil War.  Can't wait to see him in World War Hulk.  I'm actually enjoying this Punisher series.  I love Matt Fraction's writing.  It's been so long since I've been compelled to even pick up an issue.  Ariel Olvietti's art is pretty sweet too. 

But looking at these images, WTF is up with Frank's Punisher/Cap costume?  He gave the regular one to Winter Soldier.  Obviously this isn't the same one he was wearing during the Hate-Monger arc.  I'm not too sure I like how that's looking.  Reminds me of that messed up time that Frank was dead and had demon powers or whatever that was about.   But I'm gonna trust Mr. Fraction.

The epic World War Hulk has come to Manhattan and this doesn’t make Frank Castle, AKA The Punisher, a very happy man! In the extra-sized (jammed with even more story!) Punisher War Journal #12, from the acclaimed creative team of writer Matt Fraction and artist Ariel Olivetti, it’s time for Frank to protect those left behind in the wake of Hulk’s rage. But this is no ordinary man and this is no ordinary battle, so Frank will don something we can only call…the Venom Suit! Armed with his new costume, two chainsaws and a gun that shoots swords, it’s time for the action story you demanded!

Critics continue to hail Punisher War Journal as one of Marvel’s most exciting new series. “Matt Fraction has done an amazing job during his tenure on Punisher War Journal,” said Kevin Powers of SilverBulletComicBooks.Com. “Matt Fraction continues to write an outstanding series… I can’t wait to see who and what he brings in next.”

As Mung The Inconceivable, a member of Hulk’s Warbound, rampages through Manhattan, the Punisher and his allies put the alien in their crosshairs. But if the combined might of Marvel’s Mightiest Heroes couldn’t triumph over Hulk’s allies, does the Punisher stand any chance? His new arsenal provides the answer in Punisher War Journal #12, the book that Olivetti was born to draw!

PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #12 (AUG072230)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—9/20/07, On-Sale—10/10/07

This post relates to: Punisher, Bucky Barnes, Matt Fraction, Ariel Olivetti, Leandro Fernandez

It seemed we couldn't go a day without news about World War Hulk.  Now it's all about Captain America.  Hmmm...does that mean something is going to happen soon?  Probably not.  They're doing a good job with all these back stories dealing with the aftermath of his death.  I can sit tight until they figure out (if they haven't already) a way to bring him back.  I'm enjoying these stories.  Ed Brubaker's CAP has been great.  I've also been enjoying Matt Fraction's take on the Punisher.  Here's a preview for issue 11.

It’s time for the Punisher to pay the price for wearing the mask of Captain America in Punisher War Journal #11! Red hot scribe Matt Fraction and special guest artist Leandro Fernandez bring you the confrontation you demanded—Winter Soldier (formerly Cap’s sidekick Bucky) versus Frank Castle, whose Cap inspired threads have not gone unnoticed! While these two heroes battle, G.W Bridge’s fate is decided by Iron Man and Ian, Fake Cop Hero of Times Square, makes a fateful decision that will come to haunt the Punisher!

Critics and fans alike continue to praise Punisher War Journal, as the series approaches its one year anniversary! “In the end, this is a great book,” said Steven Saunders of SilverBulletComicBooks.Com of Punisher War Journal. “This is solid Punisher, with Matt Fraction treating the character of Frank Castle with the love and respect he deserves.”

It’s the battle for Captain America and there can only be one to carry on the mantle…but will it be either of these men? And the last page shocker you never saw coming—only in Punisher War Journal #11! And don’t miss Punisher War Journal Vol.1: Civil War TPB, collecting the first four issues of the series, showing just how Frank Castle deals with Civil War!


PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #11 (JUL072186)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils by LEANDRO FERNANDEZ
Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—8/23/07, On-Sale—9/12/07


PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL VOL. 1: CIVIL WAR TPB (JUL072232)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Rated T+ …$14.99
On-Sale—9/5/07

This post relates to: Jigsaw, Punisher

I liked the first Punisher movie (heck no, I'm not talking about the Dolph Lundgren one!).  At first I really wasn't sure about Thomas Jane, since I had only seen him in Stephen King's Dreamcatcher.  It wasn't the manliest of roles.  When the movie came out, I didn't even go see it right away.  It wasn't until I was away at a conference that I watched it on my PSP (of all places).  But I did like it.  Yes, like most of you, I cringed at the way his origin was changed but movies will never be 100% true to the comics.  I also don't think they should be.    (Just please don't change things too much).  So when the word came out that despite the lackluster box office receipts, a sequel was going to be made, I was pleased.  Then the news hit that Thomas Jane was bolting from the movie.  I'm even more reluctant about the new guy cast as Frank.

But anyways, (if you haven't heard already)  the title for the sequel has been announced.  At first I wondered, is this news legit?  I stopped reading anything Punisher related some time ago and it wasn't until Matt Fraction's Punisher War Journal relaunched that I came back around.  The title is...(are you ready for this?)...The Punisher: Welcome Back Frank.  

Sing it with me, "Welcome back, welcome back...welcome back..."

If, unlike me, you have been keeping up with old Frank, you recognize the meaning behind the title.  Here's the source:

Now, Punisher fans will immediately recognise that name as the title of Belfast-born genius writer Garth Ennis’ first arc on The Punisher comic book, which revitalised the character a few years ago and lent many story elements – including the battle with The Russian that was arguably the first movie’s standout – to the Jonathan Hensleigh/Thomas Jane original.

But there were other untapped elements in Welcome Back Frank – including a police hunt for The Punisher, and the forming of an organisation of crackpot vigilantes who took their cue from Frank Castle’s antics – that could be deployed in the new Punisher movie, about which only this is so far known: it will be set in New York, it will see Castle, his skull T-shirt and array of powerful firearms go up against a mobster (who will probably be longtime Punisher nemesis, Jigsaw), and after Jane bowed out, it will star Brit actor Ray Stevenson (Rome) in the title role.

And that maybe, just maybe, this will be third time lucky for Marvel in terms of getting one of their darkest characters right on the big screen.
www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp

Let's hope they're right.  I'd love for a real kick ass Punisher movie.  I think we deserve it now.

This post relates to: Matt Fraction, Ariel Olivetti, Punisher

Here's the preview for issue #10.  I've been enjoying Matt Fraction's and Ariel Olivetti's take on the Punisher.

Matt Fraction and Ariel Olivetti’s “Blood and Sand” comes to a stunning conclusion, as the Punisher continues to wage war upon the Hate-Monger and his militant army of white-supremacists. In the wake of Captain America's tragic death, Frank donned a new costume to pay homage to the star-spangled-Avenger. After infiltrating Hate-Monger's White Power militia, Frank was beaten within inches of his life. Luckily, the indomitable G.W. Bridge interfered just in time to save Frank from death at the hands of The Hate-Monger. Now, as all the events of “Blood and Sand” come to a head, PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #10 promises an action-packed battle that Punisher fans won’t soon forget.

“Fraction and Olivetti are delivering a fast-paced, high octane action book that addresses actual hotbed issues that are going on in America as we speak,” says Troy Brownfield of Newsarama.com.

Kevin Powers, of SilverBulletcComicbooks.com, calls Matt Fraction “brilliant” and says Ariel Olivetti’s art “continues to shine.” Going on to say, Fraction and Olivetti are “capturing a level of action and excitement true to the Punisher.”

“Blood and Sand” comes to a close with everybody trying to kill each other! It’s Frank vs. Bridge vs. the Hate Monger! With that kind of action, PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #10 is truly a comic you won’t want to miss.

PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #10 (JUN072180)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils and Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Rated T+… $2.99
FOC—7/19/07, On Sale—8/8/07

This post relates to: Punisher, Foolkiller, Garth Ennis, Terror Inc, Hellstorm, The Hood

Good news for MAX fans (or fans named Max).

Over the last six years, the Marvel MAX imprint has changed the way people see mature readers comics—and things are about to get even more exciting! With the 50th issue of the critically acclaimed Punisher and gripping new series such as Terror Inc and Foolkiller arriving this fall, not to mention collections of recent high profile projects such as Wisdom, MAX boldly goes where other comics dare not tread!


In the special extra sized anniversary issue of Punisher #50, by Garth Ennis & Howard Chaykin, Frank Castle confronts the lethal Barracuda…who has a surprise that will rock the vigilante to his very core! You’ve seen the Punisher angry, you’ve seen him violent, but trust us True Believer, you’ve never seen him like this! Punisher continues to earn acclaim from all corners, with Kevin Powers of SilverBulletComicBooks.Com gushing, “Garth Ennis reminds readers why he is the definitive Punisher scribe while at the same time putting on a clinic of how to develop a character.”


Fear has a new face…and any other body parts you can imagine in Terror, Inc #1 (of 5), arriving this August from acclaimed creators David Lapham (of Stray Bullets fame) and Patrick Zircher. After fifteen and a half centuries on Earth, you learn a few things about life and Mr. Terror has decided to put that knowledge to good use—like his own personal profit! After his high stakes private investigation agency is duped into murdering a major government official, Terror has to clear his name and he’ll do it with a vengeance!


Fan favorite Pete Wisdom hits bookshelves in the Wisdom: Rudiments of Wisdom TPB, written by Paul Cornell (BBC’s Doctor Who and Robin Hood) and featuring the art of superstar Trevor Hairsine. With a bad attitude, questionable relationships and an addiction to smoking, Pete Wisdom isn’t your typical hero, but he may just be the kind of champion that England needs to combat threats from other dimensions. Paul O’Brien of TheXAxis.Com declared that Wisdom is “Pretty darned good… it's enormously good fun” and this August, fans will be able to read the entire six issue limited series in one must-have volume.


This fall sees the release of Foolkiller, featuring a new vigilante unlike one you’ve ever seen by L.A Times bestselling novelist Gregg Hurwitz. In the old days, it was the fool who was allowed to insult the King, keeping our ruler in touch with the needs and desires of the common man. In modern times it is once again the fool who shines his light on the truth, as Foolkiller dispenses justice equal to that of the crimes committed by his victims. You may not like the truth he shows you, or the methods he uses to unearth it, but know this—if you are guilty, you will experience the Foolkiller’s wrath!


The first six years of MAX revolutionized mature readers comics and re-envisioned classic character such as the Punisher and the next six years will…well, let’s just say, there are no limits at Marvel MAX! To celebrate these exciting new titles from MAX, October will see the release of a new MAX Sampler, featuring previews of upcoming titles such as Zombie II, Dead Of Night, and even more…for only a dollar!


Please note that MAX titles are intended for mature readers only and are not suitable for all audiences.


PUNISHER #50 (JUN072201)
Written by GARTH ENNIS
Penciled by HOWARD CHAYKIN
Cover by TIM BRADSTREET
Explicit Content …$3.99
FOC—7/12/07, On-Sale—8/01/07

WISDOM: RUDIMENTS OF WISDOM TPB (JUN072228)
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Penciled by TREVOR HAIRSINE & MANUEL GARCIA
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Explicit Content …$21.99
FOC—7/05/07, On-Sale—8/01/07

TERROR, INC. #1 (of 5) (JUN072202)
Written by DAVID LAPHAM
Penciled by PATRICK ZIRCHER
Cover by JELENA DJURDJEVIC
Explicit Content …$3.99
FOC—7/26/07, On-Sale—8/15/07

PUNISHER MAX VOL. 8: WIDOWMAKER TPB (JUL072242)
Written by GARTH ENNIS
Penciled by LAN MEDINA
Cover by TIM BRADSTREET
Explicit Content …$17.99
FOC—8/09/07, On-Sale—9/05/07

PUNISHER MAX VOL. 3 HC (MAR072142)
Written by GARTH ENNIS
Penciled by LEANDRO FERNANDEZ & GORAN PARLOV
Cover by TIM BRADSTREET
Explicit Content …$29.99
On-Sale—NOW!


More Hit MAX Collections:


ZOMBIE TPB (JAN072447)
Written by MIKE RAICHT
Pencils & Cover by KYLE HOTZ
Explicit Content…$13.99
On-Sale—NOW!

HELLSTORM: SON OF SATAN - EQUINOX TPB (MAR072156)
Written by ALEXANDER IRVINE
Penciled by RUSSELL BRAUN
Cover by ARTHUR SUYDAM
Explicit Content …$17.99
On-Sale—NOW!

THE HOOD PREMIERE HC (MAY072183)
Written by BRIAN K. VAUGHN
Penciled by KYLE HOTZ
Cover by KYLE HOTZ
Explicit Content …$19.99
On-Sale—7/18/07

This post relates to: Punisher, Witchblade

Well I didn't see this one coming.

Sara Pezzini and the Witchblade meet their toughest opponent yet in The Punisher! Urban legend tells of a brutal vigilante on an endless quest to avenge his family, innocent bystanders killed years ago in a mob shootout. The boogie man that criminals warn their troublemaking kids about is called – The Punisher. As a New York City homicide detective, Sara's seen just about everything and she doesn't believe in legends. But when she encounters the myth himself during a prison transport she must ask herself – do the ends justify the means? And will her partner, Patrick Gleason pay the ultimate price for her principles?

The popular creative team behind the monthly Witchblade title, Ron Marz (Ion) and Adriana Melo bring their considerable talents to this tense, action packed crossover one shot. And Top Cow favorite artist Joseph Michael Linsner graces this special cover!

 

(W) Ron Marz                            (A) Adriana Melo                                (Cov) Joseph Michael Linsner

Full Color
32 pages
$3.99

This post relates to: Moon Knight, Charlie Huston, Mico Suayan, Punisher

Revenge is a Dish Served  Bloody.  Man oh man, I cannot get enough of Moon Knight.  I never got the whole comparison to Batman back in the day.  I'm so glad the way this series has been going.  Moon Knight is back with a vengeance.  You don't wanna mess with him.  Charlie Huston has been pure gold on this.  New artist Mico Suayan has jumped without missing a beat.  Now I only hope that the television show due next year will do the character justice.

Marc Spector has been to hell and back over the last year, as his super hero persona Moon Knight made some shocking decisions. But now that he’s seemingly on the road to putting his life back together, rebuilding the body that houses his once broken spirit, tragedy intends to strike in the form of an old friend. Moon Knight #10 continues the gripping “Midnight Son” storyline by noted novelist Charlie Huston and new artist Mico Suayan. And what would a story about revenge be without The Punisher? The two heroes have crossed paths before, but with the fallout from Civil War, both men have been changed irrevocably. Is the city big enough for both of them? We’re going to find out!

The critics continue to rave about this gritty super hero series. “I think Moon Knight is one of the best series out from Marvel Comics right now and I feel anyone who likes a good story should be reading this,” said Timothy Lee of PaperbackReader.Com.

Writer Charlie Huston reflects on his MOON KNIGHT run. "These things are a lot more work than they look like," he says. "I think the popular perception of creating comics is of a bunch of overgrown adolescents bouncing ideas around the Marvel bullpen and pulling out the ones they think are coolest and going to work. The truth is that it's rather more like tweezing the wings from dead flies and transplanting them to disabled flies born without wings. If that makes sense. There's just an enormous amount of detail work involved in crafting a 22 page comic that develops character, moves plot, allows for the requisite amount of action, fits with Marvel continuity, and is, in fact, reasonably cool. It's fun, but it's most certainly work."

For more from Huston, visit www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.1000

Don’t miss a moment as Charlie Huston starts moving the pieces towards the shocking conclusion of his first year on Moon Knight. If you think you know how it’s all going to end, you’re probably wrong!


MOON KNIGHT #10 (FEB072139)
Written by CHARLIE HUSTON
Cover & Pencils by MICO SUAYAN
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC- 4/26/07, On Sale- 5/16/07