Recent release in the 'Dark Reign' series from Marvel shows good guys don't always win

November 5, 9:30 AMRichmond Comic Books ExaminerBeth Brown

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The latest addition to The Punisher saga is 'Dark Reign: The List - Punisher #1', released October 28, 2009.  Fans of Marvel's vengeful Frank Castle were shocked to see the character facing what is arguably his toughest battle yet.  The outcome is a far cry from what readers expected from this superhero tale.

The story begins with Frank Castle (The Punisher) crippling the criminal organization of enemy Norman Osborne and making a failed assasination attempt on his life.  Osborne retaliates by sending an attack team to finish Castle while he is weak and recovering from previous wounds.  Upon Castle's escape, Osborne assigns Daken, the evil and twisted son of Wolverine, to settle the score.

Artist John Romita, Jr. spares no violence or bloodshed in his staggering visual adaptation of the script.  The battle between Daken and The Punisher is a gory, multi-page struggle ending with Frank Castle in a precarious position and readers on the edges of their seats.

For an in-depth reader assessment of this issue and a sneak-peek at what future lies ahead for The Punisher, check out the video review by G-Man at ComicVine.com.