Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Álvaro López
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters: Cory Petit
Punisher vs. The Amazing Spider-Man #2 is another fun buddy cop story. I think Punisher and Spider-Man are written well again. I really enjoy the continued discussion over the effectiveness of superheroes. The discourse is always incredibly fascinating to me in real life or in comics. Abnett does a good job of not losing that discourse over character moments between Punisher and Spider-Man, and moving the plot along. I wish he let the action be a little more fluid. The book always seems to start or end during a battle. Punisher and Spider-Man are still arguing over their methods, but that doesn’t mean they still don’t argue over trivial things like how much Spider-Man talks. My only expectation for this issue was to see Punisher and Spider-Man’s chemistry evolve, and that is evident in this book.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Is There A Right Way To Crimefighting?
The biggest hurdle Punisher and Spider-Man have to get through is their differing methods of being superheroes. Last issue, we saw Spider-Man learn about what created the Punisher. Now we are seeing their methods clash. Spider-Man gives people the chance to change. Not only that, but he knows that he is not above the law. He leaves that up to the system. The system doesn’t always work. That’s where Punisher comes into play. He sees crime in black and white, just like his suit lol. He's seen what the system has done, and as a result, takes justice into his own hands. Ironically, Punisher “needs to HARNESS [Spider-Man’s] wild talents in a way that will REALLY serve the cause”. The Punisher, the guy who goes on a slew of rampages throughout New York City, is talking about controlling someone.
The “No Kill” Rule
What is so fascinating to me about the continued discourse of superheroes is that Peter goes to talk to a retired detective. Det. Laviano has a problem with masked heroes. He even tells Peter, “Those suckers caused so many problems for us. Taking the law into their own hands. Especially that Spider-Man”. Sure, Spider-Man is hated by law enforcement. That is nothing new. It’s when the conversation switches to Punisher where things get interesting. Laviano recalls the events that day Frank’s family died. He was there at the crime scene. He doesn’t have a problem with the Punisher because he can’t blame him for what he does.
Now, Laviano seems like a grizzled old man. We do not know why he is retired. That said, any self-respecting detective would challenge the Punisher and his methods. They certainly wouldn’t support him for “taking the law into his own hands” when that is the same reason they hate Spider-Man. Laviano even says the Punisher does what they couldn’t. I can’t help but wonder that Punisher is doing what law enforcement wouldn’t. It makes me wonder if we will get more superhero discourse next issue, this time centered around masked heroes.
Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire
The biggest moment of this issue is when Punisher finally lets Spider-Man in on his intel. He brings Spider-Man to a meeting with Smokeshow so he can see how things work, seeing as they are teaming up now. Of course, like any hero coming into Punisher’s world, there is a difference in methods. While Smokeshow was the one to tell Frank about working with Spider-Man, she does not mince words about how that work gets done. She goes as far as calling Spider-Man naive for thinking there is one “right” way to crimefighting. Punisher and Spider-Man are truly in the thick of it now. They both have the intel. They both know the mission. Now, ain’t nothing to it but to do it. But can they get on the same page?
The Art
López and Rachelle do a great job together. The characters all look good. López draws Spider-Man in an amazing (pun intended) way. His expressions are so animated in his mask and body language. Rosenberg’s colors make that suit pop on every panel it’s on. I love the vintage look López has for Punisher. That slicked-back hair with the skull tights is so refreshing to see in today’s comics.
A scene I want to talk about is Punisher and Spider-Man in Smokshow’s office, when she is talking about what she does. Nothing major is said, but Spider-Man is drawn to be wondrous and animated. It is a beautiful contrast to Punisher’s demeanor. The colors add to that contrast too. In a room of yellows, reds, and pinks, Punisher’s all-black-and-white getup makes him stick out like a sore thumb. It makes me smile knowing how much the color of a book can play into the overall vibe.
Final Thoughts
Punisher vs The Amazing Spider-Man #2 continues to ramp up the banter between the titular characters as well as the ongoing discussion over superhero effectiveness. The action sequences are good for showcasing the differences between these characters, as well as anticipation for the next issue. That said, the book could benefit from letting the action breathe instead of starting or ending the book in the middle of a fight. The art is good too. López creates a very nice look at this world, and Rosenberg makes it beautiful with her colors.