The Punisher, Vol. 1: Welcome Back, Frank

A white skull on a field of black. In the Marvel Universe, no symbol inspires fear in the hearts of criminals like the stark calling card of the Punisher. His wife and children killed in a mob shootout, former serviceman Frank Castle wages a one-man war on crime, and he won't stop until he's won no matter how many bullets it takes. Originally a character who rose to popularity in the law and order Reagan 1980s, The Punisher has made a spectacular and astonishing return to the top of the comic book charts. Reinterpreted through the eyes of visionary creators Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon the masterminds behind DC's Preacher this ultra violent urban vigilante is taken over the top in stylish, Tarantino-esque fashion. This time around, the mountains of ammunition are heavily sprinkled with black humor and stinging social commentary that Ennis and Dillon have become famous for. The story is pure mythic archetype, with a several post-modern twists. After a long absence, the Punisher has returned to the streets of Manhattan, and a criminal elite that has grown over that time is set on guard. In particular, Ma Gnucchi and her crime family have been targeted by Castle. Can one man take down an entire criminal organization with heavy armament alone? Includes the limited series Punisher (2000) #1-12.