After The Punisher’s disastrous 1998 mini-series, “Purgatory” ended, Marvel enlists Garth Ennis to pen a 12-part mini-series of The Punisher back to his grounded approach without relying on his sidekick, Mircochip and no supernatural elements from Purgatory. Just Frank Castle going on a one-man mission to eliminate scum and villainy. All 12 issues of “The Punisher: Welcome, Back Frank” officially published in 2000-2001 under the Marvel Knights imprint. This mini-series earned praise from critics, fans and readers alike. Elements from Welcome, Back Frank were incorporated in Thomas Jane’s 2004 film and Jon Bernthal’s interpretation in the MCU.
Anyway, I have three legitimate reasons why I wanna review this 12-part mini-series featuring one of my favorite Marvel characters.
- Jon Bernthal reprise his role as Frank Castle in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Coming in July 31st, 2026
- Jon & Tom Holland will co-star in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated Greek action-adventure fantasy epic, “The Odyssey.” It’ll be released two weeks before Brand New Day.
- Jon will also appear in The Punisher Special streaming this Summer on Disney Plus.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Right & Wrong Aspects
Right: Garth Ennis wrote all 12 issues coordinating every plot point.
Random Thought: Every time I read a Punisher comic, I hear Jon Bernthal’s voice in my head.
Action Sequences are brutal. Frank doesn’t need back-up. He’s taking down every single low life all by himself.
Pacing for each issue felt natural.
The Russian makes his first appearance in issue #8. Kevin Nash played him in the 2004 film.
Besides Russian, interesting villains including mob boss, Ma Gnucci, three murders, Elite, Mr. Payback & The Holy. Unlike Frank, they’re bloodthirsty psychopaths.
Daredevil appears in the third issue going one-on-one with Frank. Their ideologies whether to spare or kill criminals clash. That element was carried in Daredevil’s second season.
Supporting Cast are memorable such as a pair of detectives who name drop movies.
Without giving too much away, the 12th and final issue is satisfying.
Wrong: Remember the cover art for each issue as grimy and gritty? The actual art by Steve Dillon looks nothing like it. A little bit cartoony like a cross between Mike Judge & “Ren and Stimpy.”
Although a realistic depiction of The Punisher, slapstick feels outta left field. For instance, Frank shoves a fat guy on an enemy as some sort of fatality.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BENEVOLENT!
Even though it’s cartoony and wacky, The Punisher: Welcome Back, Frank is a great 12-part mini-series. If it weren’t for the silly moments like punching a Polar Bear, I would’ve given it my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. I’m not saying it’s bad, it’s a decent storyline. If you’re gearing up for Spider-Man Brand New Day, buy a physical copy Welcome Back, Frank under “Marvel Premier Collection” or subscribe digitally to Marvel Unlimited. The choice is yours.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 