It seems like every writer other than Matt Fraction is trying to emulate Garth Ennis’ MAX formula for Frank Castle. In it, the Punisher is almost an afterthought — a malignant force moving through the criminal’s lives before snuffing them out.

Duane Swierczynski has written a One-Shot MAX issue that follows this to the letter — there’s very little overt Punisher action going on, instead Castle sets up the criminals and deals with the outcome.

The setup is good, but the best thing about this book is the Castle-as-Ahab cover. It works on many levels, and Frank is as close to the mariner as any character in modern media, I think.

If you like the Punisher, pick this up. This issue won’t make you a fan if you aren’t already, though.