Daredevil vs. Punisher: Means and Ends

(Marvel, 2005-2006)
™ and © Marvel Characters, Inc.

I did not think I would ever care about a Punisher story again. The character hit his peak during Frank Miller’s Daredevil run but slid quickly into the murky depths. Even Garth Ennis’ run, which has been gross, over the top, and shocking, never reached the principled force of nature to whom Miller introduced readers.

Dave Lapham (Stray Bullets) has captured that complex and sympathetic character in Daredevil vs Punisher: Means and Ends. This Punisher is a moral mass murder. The ethical tug of war between Punisher and Daredevil highlights just how different Punisher is from the conventional hero. Remember when killing the bad guy was wrong and good guys tried to stop it? The art and pacing is beautifully choreographed, with clear homage paid to Miller and Klaus Janson.

Classic questions of right and wrong and the lesser of two evils are explored brilliantly in this first issue. Hammerhead has never been so interesting. The appearance of the Jackal is spooky (no mention of clones). I can’t wait for the next issue!

— Mike Keeney

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