the vynsane asylum

With the climactic "Valley Forge, Valley Forge" arc being literally drawn to a rapid close, fans are quite understandably asking who could possibly dare to follow such an illustrious tenure on the now-classic title?

Marvel has an answer: no one. Try three.

Gregg Hurwitz, Duane Swierczynski and Victor Gischler are three writers known to Marvel fans for their work across the publisher's line -- and to even larger audiences as crime novelists, each with their own unique spin on the genre - and series editor Axel Alonso's betting they're more than capable of administering the proper dosage of Frank Castle vengeance to Punisher's loyal fans.

"I had so many good candidates, I figured why pick one?" Alonso told CBR News. "Gregg, Duane and Victor are original voices in crime fiction -- in the case of Duane and Victor, their books straddle genres. And while none of them have Garth's profile in the comics market, each of these writers is a damned good and came up with a killer hook for their story. That's what matters most."

Beginning in August's issue #60 and continuing for fifteen months, these three writers will in turn assume command of the MAX flagship, producing three self-contained five-issue story arcs. "These three stories maintain the overall flavor of Ennis's run -- fast-paced, ultra-violent, and gritty," Alonso said. "Frank Castle is still your best option in a compassionless world - but each story also displays the unique skills of each writer."

And while fans are all lamenting Ennis' departure, there is one ray of light on the horizon. Ennis may be leaving Punisher MAX, but he hasn't quite delivered his last hurrah with the character. At SDCC today, Marvel revealed a new mini-series called Punisher: War Zone. This book will be a true return to Ennis' roots, as it serves as a direct sequel to Welcome Back, Frank. Luckily, frequent partner Steve Dillon is also returning to the characters he helped make famous.

Naturally, we had many questions swirling in our minds when we heard about the announcement. We were lucky enough to catch a few minutes of Ennis' time so he could reveal some juicy tidbits about the project.

First things first – Punisher: War Zone will be a six-issue mini-series under the Marvel Knights imprint, with the first issue due to hip in November. Surprisingly, the series will ship weekly. If you're wondering how Ennis and Dillon can mange to keep up with such a tight schedule, the truth is they don't need to. Ennis said, "I wrote this story about three years ago. The scripts have been finished for some time." Ennis was also quick to point out that the placement of the series after the conclusion of his MAX run was " nothing more than coincidence." To date, Punisher MAX #60 will still be his final Punisher story.

Readers will wonder just where this interpretation of Frank Castle falls. Is this a return to the over-the-top, almost cartoonish violence of the older Marvel Knights stories, or is this Frank more in line with the MAX version? Ennis said that this is very much "The Marvel Knights version, if slightly darker in tone." He indicated that, by the nature of the Marvel Knights imprint, this version has to be a little less dark and gory than his MAX stories.

Another major question is just how and why Ma Gnucci is making her return. She wasn't looking too well when last we saw her. Ennis remained mum on that topic, saying, "I can't tell you taht without giving away a big chunk of the plot." He revealed that Gnucci's return was largely Joe Quesada's idea. "Joe thought people would like to see her. I wasn't that keen at first, but my brain has a habit of serving me stories regardless."

As for other characters from Welcome Back, Frank that might appear, Ennis was more forthcoming. "You'll see Elite back again - he was one of the would-be vigilantes operating during the original Ma Gnucci affair- as well as Molly Von Richtofen, NYPD detective, ex-partner of the wretched Soap." No word on an appearance by The Russian, but we're keeping our finger crossed.

This project allows Ennis the opportunity to reunite with his frequent collaborator, Steve Dillon, whose energy has mainly been devoted to books like Wolverine: Origins in recent years. Ennis remarked, "We're a good fit. There's a certain odd creative telepathy at work, the comic book equivalent of finishing each other's sentences."

Rollo Tomassi wrote:Good news. Not great, because it's six issues WEEKLY. But good.