Obsessively putting our comics in chronological order since 1985.
| 1990-05-01 00:09:10 |
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Punisher, Kingdom Gone
Issue(s): Punisher, Kingdom Gone
Cover Date: Aug 90
Title: "Kingdom gone"
Credits:
Chuck Dixon - Writer
Jorge Zaffino - Artist
Marc McLaurin - Managing Editor
Carl Potts - Editor
Review/plot:
Unofficially, this is Marvel Graphic Novel #64.
Of the three (!) Punisher graphic novels to come out in 1990, this one is the most like any random issue of the Punisher. The other two stories both feature tie-ins to the larger Marvel universe. If there's anything that distinguishes this issue from a story from a regular Punisher comic (besides its length), it's the distinctive art of Jorge Zaffino. Zaffino was the artist on a previous Punisher graphic novel, Assassin's Guild, which, at this point at least, is the only other Marvel credit appearing in my project. Zaffino's art is down the path of Klaus Janson and Mark Texeira, moody and shadow heavy.
He also has a way of rendering faces that kind of makes everyone look like a madman, which, given that this is a Punisher story, isn't necessarily a bad thing.
The story has the Punisher pursuing a money launderer for the mob (and general white collar crimelord) around the world.
The Punisher first goes after the guy, Hamilton "Bo" Greaves, in Atlanta but Greaves gets away. The majority of the story takes place in an island nation called Puerto Salvaje, which is said to be near the Florida Keys. Greaves buys his way into the government there, driving out the local ruler. The ruler goes to the US government for help. The government isn't interested until the deposed ruler slyly notes that Greaves is expanding the airport runways, knowing that the government will think that Greaves is making room for Cuban bombers (which isn't the case; Greaves has done some business with the Cubans, but there's no alliance).
So the US military shows up at Puerto Salvaje, making it difficult for the Punisher to operate. He bullies a former Vietnam contact, now a low level marijuana smuggler, into flying him to the island, and then disguises himself as an army commander and commandeers a few marines to invade Greaves' compound.
But Greaves manages to stay away from the Punisher and he turns himself in to the army.
Back in the US, Greaves turns evidence on other drug dealers in return for being sent to a country club prison. However, the Punisher infiltrates the prison bus taking Greaves to jail and finally kills him.
Quality Rating: C+
Historical Significance Rating: 1
Chronological Placement Considerations: The MCP has this between Punisher #34-35. As far as i can see, there's no specific reason to put it there and also no reason not to put it there. So i've put it there.
References: N/A
Crossover: N/A
Continuity Insert? N
My Reprint: N/A
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Comments
This was a fun graphic novel. Dixon and Zaffino also collaborated on their Winterworld independent book. The IDW hardcover reprint also includes their sequel to it which had not been published before.
Unfortunately, Jorge Zaffino died in the early 2000s and I don't believe he did any further Marvel work after this GN.
Yet another story where one of Frank's old army buddies is some sort of criminal. If you went by Punisher comics, you'd assume that 99% of Vietnam vets became criminals.
Graphic Novels at this point really go down hill. Marvel gave up trying to make them important or well done to justify the format. They are glorified annuals at this point.
Punisher fatigue was also setting in. He was just way over-exposed.
Jorge Zaffino also illustrated the Terror Inc series written by D.G. Chichester.
Loved this graphic novel hard when I was a wee lad and I think the art lends itself to MADNESS... will have to pick this up at the next Con I'm signing at... good work dude
