Punisher: Out of His Weight Class

By Tim Stevens In the Marvel Universe, very few can say they've tangled with the Punisher and survived. He has the reputation of being efficient, pitiless, and perhaps the most dangerous vigilante in New York City. Despite that, writer Rick Remender thinks Frank Castle might just be biting off more than he can chew this time in PUNISHER #3, on shelves on March 18 with art by Jerome Opena, when he takes on the Hood. "The Hood is not only the general of the most powerful army on Earth, Dormammu powers him," Remender reminds. "Frank Castle is a soldier with a wonderful armory, but in the end, he's up against an opponent unlike anything he's ever faced before. [David] versus Goliath comes to mind." Things become more difficult for the Punisher when he does not initially grasp the full scale of the Hood's reach, but he will quickly learn. "I think by the end of PUNISHER #4, Frank knows the scope of who he's up against," notes the writer. "The Hood's reach and power is well beyond what the Kingpin ever held. Not only has he unionized the super villains he's powered by one of the most

Preview art by
Jerome Opena

powerful beings in the [Marvel Universe]. He's also on the streets getting his hands dirty with his mob. This earns him a different kind of respect and makes him more of a personal threat." That being said, the writer hardly expects Frank to go quietly. "Frank is naturally the guy to send against the big crime boss," Remender explains. "[He] will have to devise a very clever plan to kill The Hood, and he's got a few in mind." The Hood shares Remender's healthy respect for the Punisher and therefore takes no chances when he realizes he has come into Frank's crosshairs. "The Hood brings in an expert on Frank Castle to aid in his take down, a familiar face," he reveals. "Once he's geared up he's going to hit Frank hard. We see this begin in issue #3. Who is this Punisher expert? There are only a few living candidates, [but] I doubt anyone will guess who the Hood [chooses]. It's a nice reveal that will give Punisher readers something to talk about and will also serve to change the Hood's game in a fairly big way.

Preview art by
Jerome Opena

"Frank is waging a new kind of war and The Hood is adapting to it. Again, the game is changed because the Hood is willing to get in the mix himself should the need arise. It gives us more places to take their conflict. The stuff we've got coming up all revolves around a very simple dynamic emerging between Frank and the Hood and it ends in a lot of great comic books." In the coming months, Frank's problems do not stop with the Hood either. "I won't go into it but there is a wonderful fight between Frank Castle and Mister Hyde coming up." Remender teases. "There are a few other choice gems but I'd be killing the reveals. By the end of issue #5, you see Frank's new rogues gallery emerge." What that does that mean for the Punisher? "The next year won't be an easy one for Frank Castle." Frank Castle and the Hood begin their private war in PUNISHER #3, on sale March 18. You can get up to speed with the Punisher Saga for free on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited. Check out the official Marvel Shop for your favorite Marvel Heroes! Download episodes of "X-Men: Evolution" now on iTunes!

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