I was one of the few who was underwhelmed by the Oscar-winning film Platoon. The war genre isn't one of my favorites, and Frank Castle, AKA the Punisher, doesn't often appeal to me either. So I wasn't exactly drawn to Born when I first heard about it. The next thing I heard, though, was a name: Garth Ennis. Ennis is behind the few war and Punisher stories I have enjoyed, so ultimately, I decided to give Born a look. I'm glad I did.
It's October 1971 at Firebase Valley Forge in Vietnam. The war has been raging for years, but there are signs that the Americans are getting to pull out. Of course, no one told the Vietcong that, and Capt. Frank Castle is determined to make the most of a pitiful assignment and prevent the enemy from resupplying and preparing for a full-on offensive. Unfortunately, those with higher ranks have different priorities.
Robertson's gritty style is well-suited for the war genre. His detailed linework brings the Vietnamese jungle to life, as well as the roughshod U.S. base of operations at which the future Punisher is stationed. Palmer's inks reinforce the grittier elements in the artwork as well. Again, colorist Paul Mounts makes a significant contribution to the artwork. Just check out the lushness and texture of the jungle, the purple haze of smoke and sunset at the base and the burning energy of the gunfire and tropical heat.
Not surprisingly, Ennis captures a genuine feel for the ugliness and tactics of wartime. While Frank Castle is a chilling figure, he's also intelligent and perceptive. Given the incompetence and ego that surrounds him, the reader can even relate to his anger to a certain degree.
Ennis takes a much different tack on the Punisher here. In the past, he's been portrayed as damaged goods, as a man who was driven to violent obsession by the death of his family. Ennis paints the character in a much darker light here, one in which that suggests that violence is ingrained in the man. Frank Castle is no victim anymore, his story is not one of tragedy. He's something of a monster, albeit one that's focused on doing what he believes is right. It's actually a bit surprising, because the new teaser trailer for next summer's Punisher movie reinforces the notion of the character's loss. Still, Ennis decides that the need for excuses for the Punisher is past, and this far more unforgiving and unforgivable figure stands in his place.
