Punisher Kill Crew #1 by Gerry Duggan and Juan Ferreyra from Marvel Comics is the start of a great new five-issue mini-series.
Punisher Kill Krew #1
Written by: Gerry Duggan
Art by: Juan Ferreyra
Letters by: Corey Petit
Cover by: Tony Moore
ONE MAN. TEN REALMS. TOTAL WAR. During the War of the Realms, Frank Castle made a promise of vengeance, and Frank Castle keeps his promises. A van full of orphans is about to make that promise a lot more complicated. How does a man kill gods and monsters?
Writing
Gerry Duggan is quickly becoming one of the most fun writers to read in comics. Punisher Kill Krew is a prime example. It’s a lighter take on The Punisher, sure, but it’s not out of character. Castle is STILL a killer, he just happens to be killing trolls and tree gods instead of criminals. Oh, and at one point he wears a horned helmet. And did I mention the magic goat? And that’s the thing, the plot is so nuts you can’t help but embrace it (things like that are one of the reason’s War of The Realms is such a great crossover). Dr. Strange shows up, which is always welcome. Duggan also adds a man seeking vengeance and a group of war orphans (great concept. War of The Realms orphans.) to add some weight to the story. But the overall tone here is more light and fun, and that’s what makes the book unique.
Art
Juan Ferreyra illustrates the hell out of this book. These are some truly beautiful pages. The figures and faces are all full of expression and emotion. The linework is thick and heavy but it doesn’t slow or weigh things down. It makes the images explode, adding to the relentless narrative. The colors and palette are muted and matte and together they create a texture you can almost feel. It’s refreshingly non-glossy.
The panel shapes and layouts are very inventive. Some pages are beautifully balanced and others are filled with jagged, off-center energy. But everything works together to great a truly breathtaking book to absorb and take in.
Last but not least is the gorgeous cover by Tony Moore that is ready for any wall as a piece of art.
Conclusion
Punisher Kill Crew #1 by Gerry Duggan and Juan Ferreyra is fun, exciting, filled with some truly “oh sh*t” moments and beautifully drawn. It’s one of this week’s best books and available at your local comic shop.