Ahh, Valentine's Day. That special day when everyone's thoughts turn to love, romance, roses, candy, and ....the Punisher? Hey, Frank Castle has a pretty stressful life, doing all that punishing and killing day after day. Doesn't he deserve a little love and romance from time to time? (He did ask Electra out once, so Punisher has the moves!) Just don't expect him to hand out flowers or imported chocolates.
Frank meets his new sweetie in The Punisher: Bloody Valentine One-Shot from Marvel Comics. This heart-warming tale of vigilante love is written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, with pencils by Paul Gulacy. Palmiotti and Gray have had a few run-ins with Frank before, including 2004's Red X-Mas One-shot. In Red X-Mas, the Punisher found himself the target of assassin-for-hire (and all-around hot chick) Suspiria. Not one to take death threats lightly, Frank gave his would-be killer a smooch and then threw her off a roof to her apparent death. What a sweet first date!
One year of painful physical therapy later, Suspiria finds Mr. Castle crossing her path once again. He is on the trail of a weapons dealer providing high-end equipment to thugs on his turf. She is looking for a kidnapper and blackmailer who took a couple of the wrong kids. Lucky for them, they just happen to be after the same guy. Love is in the air!
Palmiotti and Gray both know a thing or two about tough guys. (If you don't believe me, check out their recent work on Jonah Hex for DC!) Even though this is a Valentine's Day special, they don't let Frank Castle get all sensitive and touchy-feely. The writers have actually found the perfect woman for the Punisher, because Suspiria is every bit as cold and merciless as he is when it comes to punishing the guilty. This book offers readers a great self-contained story, with loads of action, some dark humor and excellent art by Gulacy.
Put on your cleanest t-shirt, grab a dozen roses and a box of those nasty heart-candies, and celebrate Valentine's Day Punisher-style! If you are feelin' the love, stop by Four Color Fantasies and try out this guaranteed Book of the Week. Just don't try throwing that special someone off a roof, that move only works for little Frankie Castle.
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