REVIEW: ‘Punisher vs Spider-Man’ Issue 1

Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Dan Abnett, art by Matteo Della Fonte, colors by Rachelle Rosenberg and letters by Joe Caramagna.

In Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1, Spider-Man and Punisher work together on a mission, and they start to recognize the tragedy in each other’s lives. This opening issue doesn’t like to take its time, instantly bringing the two heroes together in a joint adventure. And unlike what the title suggests, Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 is amicable and potentially even friendly.

The soldier and the spider set out to confront a single foe, working together to bring him down. The pacing is brilliant, with both the conversations and the action having a similar speed and energy that makes Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 instantly inviting.

There is a recognition of the history that characters have, one of violence, misunderstanding and aggravation. The timing of this comic seems unconnected to any form or continuity, which makes it easy to pick up and read. As the first battle wraps up, the comic’s emotional aspect becomes apparent. It provides Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 with emotional weight worth investing in, as it seems Spider-Man is being led down a dark path by Castle.

The dialogue and characters in Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 are fantastic, as they explore the dynamic with incredible depth. At first, the conversations are funny and fascinating, as the duo meet on a rooftop in New York. Punisher is grumpy, and Spider-Man’s quips are aggravating him, but he’s not trying to be avoidant or aggressive. He’s more annoyed. He actually invited Spider-Man to join the mission, which is more welcoming than the Punisher usually is.

The narration is conveyed through the medium of Punisher’s War Journal, a famous feature detailing Castle’s adventures. And in it, Abnett reveals the Punisher’s incredible intelligence. He’s able to psychoanalyze Spider-Man’s humor, understanding why he does it even if he doesn’t like it. There’s a silent admiration for the web-slinger, and that starts to go the other way. And as Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 progresses, they begin to recognize the trauma that both men have experienced.

The men have seen their families destroyed, loved ones taken in front of their eyes and fought crime on the streets for years. The slight differences in how the heroes speak to each other make the dialogue so intriguing. As Spider-Man digs deeper into the history of the Punisher, he becomes not only sympathetic to his plight but also admiring it, too. Even when others around him strongly warn against it, the Punisher is becoming a begrudging friend to Peter Parker.

The art brilliantly references the connection the hero and antihero have had for decades. The Punisher may be best known for his clashes with Daredevil, but his origin is in a Spider-Man comic. The first page is a direct home to the cover of that original comic, as is the flashback that soon follows. There’s a terrific contrast between the two figures. Punisher is often secluded in darkness, with his eyes hidden in shadows. He’s dangerous and stoic.

Spider-Man is much more emotive, even when we can’t see his face either. The way he reacts so dramatically provides just as much comedy as his dialogue. When The Punisher’s eyes are revealed, it’s when he’s opening fire. His eyes are wide, and he looks wild. The action is exceptionally illustrated by the artist. Spider-Man’s movement and fighting are very different from how The Punisher wades in.

Castle starts very static, firing his multitude of firearms, but then switches to fighting with much more brutality than Spider-Man does. Every super character that appears looks natural in their movements, from how they swing to how they sit.

The colors are terrific. Many of the panels use a background that has singular shades, often with a primary or secondary shade. This can be purple, yellow or other tones. This helps the powerful tones of the character’s costumes and their dialogue stand out. But it also connects to the prominent yellow that appears on the Punisher’s very first cover.

These monotone colors are seen in the flashback, too, which gives this segment of the book a classic look. The lettering uses signature fonts, such as in the narration boxes. And like the coloring, it shifts during the flashback in dramatic fashion.

Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 is a brilliant opportunity to investigate a connection. There have been a lot of Spider-Man and Punisher comics in the run-up to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. At least three new series have begun, with a Spider-Man and Hulk series also on the way. So, as a concept, it seemed tiresome and tedious. But this opening chapter is refreshing, engaging and new.

There’s a unique chemistry between Spider-Man and Punisher, one that is friendlier and less antagonistic. It seeks to find the similarities and sympathies between the two men, who have both endured so much trauma. That may change later in the series, but that devotion to dialogue between the protagonists feels fresh and enjoyable.

Punisher vs Spider-Man Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.