Tonioght’s the last round of Friday Night Fights: Ka-Pow!, and with the emphasis on sound effects, I’ve been looking for the loudest fight I can find. But since I’ve already used the all-splash issue of Walt Simonson’s Thor where he fights the Midgard Serpent, it’s time to go with a Modern Classic!
From Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s classic Welcome Back, Frank
I hate when that happens.
That only works in comic form. Try it in “real life,” like in the movie, and it looks stupid. And even dumber, that was the only comic-looking bit in the whole movie. Seriously…Frank moving fire hydrants? Dubya Tee Eff?!?
See, I dislike the Punisher enough to watch him get whacked by a toilet, especially by someone so cheerful.
Since a lot of my most formative comic reading was done in the late 80s and early 90s, I do have a nostalgic fondness for the Punisher character, but I would totally actually buy his book if he got whannged by a toilet every issue.
Then again, there are a lot of characters I could say that about, I suppose. Except Superman. That just wouldn’t be right.
I think what made the fight not work in the movie is they tried to make it comedy in a movie that wasn’t really supposed to have laughs. They were serious, serious, serious . . . and then the bit with the Russian takes a turn for the Looney Tunes and it’s all over.
The “ECW” chant was a nice touch. I could totally see New Jack clocking someone upside the head with a toilet. :)
Except Superman. That just wouldn’t be right.
You’re right. Superman needs to be super-swirlied.
This was an awesome scene, but the best Punisher moment for me will always be the one with ‘Boob’ Russian and Spider-man.
“We had a team-up. You were great.”
Reminds me of that bit in Miller’s Crossing, except this time with more cartoon physics, less hurt feelings.
The fact that the place where people go pee-pee made the sound “wang” when it hit Frank in the face amused me to no end.
One point for my thirteen-year-old appreciation for dick-and-fart jokes, and another point for literal toilet humor.
Too goofy.
My favorite Castle stories will always be from the Potts/Lee run in War Journal and the Baron/Reinhold run in the regular title.
I just saw “The Wrestler” last night. The parallels are both frightening and compelling.
When did the Punisher become Sylvester Stallone?
I don’t care what any of you say. That was my favourite part of the movie by far. The music and cooking made it perfect.
My favorite Castle stories will always be from the Potts/Lee run in War Journal and the Baron/Reinhold run in the regular title.
Ah yes, the run that includes the Punisher going to a ninja training camp in Kansas where he fights Tanto the Ninja Dog. You’re right, the Ennis run IS a little goofy when you compare it to that.
I try to avoid the whole ninja saga as much as I try to avoid the “angel gunz” thing through Frank’s tenure.
Sims? I believe the story you’re referencing was a Baron/Larsen tale. Not Baron/Reinhold or Potts/Lee.
Could be mistaken as I haven’t read that one in ages…
But anyway…
Paraplegic mob queens, punching zoo animals, “teaming up” with Spider-Man, sons having sex with their mothers, etc? Not to mention Spackle Dave and The Russian?
Yeah, again, Ennis is simply TOO goofy for Frank Castle. In my view. And I don’t like it.
However, clearly Ennis’ take on the character has its fans. Including you.
Which is cool.
Nah, you’re right, it’s Larsen. But Baron’s whole run is like that, with its Ersatz Charlie Mansons and its fights with the Kingpin and Doctor Doom and, you know, this.
Harlock, everything you mentioned just reeks of awesomeness to me when I think of the Punisher and everything Ennis has done for him. Sure Frank is put in crazy situations, but what’s great is that Frank keeps his head straight through all of them.
To me, Ennis saw the censorship restrictions of the Marvel Knights line and the route most entertaining and edgy. He was able to shed that when he went to MAX, so maybe that’s more up you alley (I enjoy that series as well). But if you think Ennis made Punisher goofy, then I suggest you see what previous writers did for him. There’s a comic where he pretends to be a spirit of death to Hawaain mercernaries, and an After School Special where he kills murderous Gwar imitators during one of their rock concerts. Say what you will of Ennis, but at least he gave Frank a consistent grounding in the Marvel Universe.
Hmm, the Russian really knows how to one-up a man.
my toilet goes “DOOOSH!!” when I hit people with it.