I am a long time Punisher fan, and have been impressed with the newer Max series. This trade paperback is no exception.

In this volume, Frank Castle happens upon a plot based in corporate corruption, that will cost many lives. Of course, being the Punisher, he dives in headfirst. What really sets this book apart from the others is the main villain. Barracuda is a huge guy with gold teeth, who does what very few have done: go toe to toe with the Punisher and really give him a run for his money. Barracuda has been hired by the heads of the corrupt corporation to prevent the Punisher from defeating their plot. Barracuda is one seriously bad dude, and a cannibal by his own admission. He kills a rattlesnake with his bare hands, gets his fingers chopped off, has his head crushed with a wrench, is stabbed through the eye and still manages to keep on slugging.

Another great character is Alice, the trophy wife of the corrupt company's CEO. She is about the raunchiest woman I have ever seen in comics.

So, what we have here is a great continuation of the Punisher Max series. This isn't a book for the kids, but it was never meant to be. The Max series is the old Punisher attitude, made for old fans who are now grownups. As such, it doesn't disappoint.

Recommended: Yes