Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #4 of 4
Marvel Comics
Maberry, Parlov & Loughridge
With the conclusion of this futuristic, alternate timeline story we get an epic ending. The comic book starts off fast and doesn't let up for a second. If for some reason you had reservations about this being just another mini series set in the future you are wrong. This is on the same level as Future Imperfect in my opinion or even a more concise version of something more recent like Old Man Logan. This is the perfect example of having an idea, keeping the story moving and bringing the story to a conclusion that seems likely for the character and keeps the reader guessing or surprised by the outcome. I was very glad I gave this series a try.
The issue starts off with Frank captured and in trouble. Eventually he gets strung up and tortured. While this is going on, the human he went in to rescue, Mary Jane, makes a futile attempt to rescue him by threatening to kill herself.
This is interesting because she is pregnant. It's not entirely clear why she wasn't threatening this prior to Frank showing up or if she was, then why she felt the threat would work this time around. This might be the only hole I found in the series. I just couldn't get a handle on what Mary Jane was doing (or acting out) while with the rival tribe. Was she really a prisoner?
What it comes down to in this issue is what happens to Frank. A couple of folks try to rescue him and eventually he gets his hands on some weapons to make for an explosive finish.
If I had to guess at the ending of this series I would have guessed that either Frank kills himself (long shot but a means to end everything) or that he creates an army or Punishers. I would have been dead wrong on both guesses. This was a very abrupt and excellent ending.
I loved the artwork in the finale. The portrayal of Mary Jane as a savage, damsel in distress was nothing short of brilliant. The explosions, death and raw violence kept this comic book at the height of its entertainment value. Perhaps my favorite image was Frank with the Punisher logo carved into his chest. The book simply has a lot of memorable images.
Obviously you probably need to generally like future timeline stories to get into this one. However, I do think Punisher fans and those that like depressing stories are going to love this one. The Punisher remains in character throughout this book and never compromises his basic philosophy for the sake of anything thrown his way. This gets my highest recommendation.
5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
