Marvel executive editor Tom Brevoort gave high praise to March's upcoming Punisher series, comparing it in a recent interview to "Born Again," one of the most pivotal Daredevil stories of all time.
"The best way I've been able to describe it to people so that they can understand what it is, we set out to craft a story that was to Frank Castle sort of what 'Born Again' was to Daredevil," Brevoort told Forbidden Planet TV. "I'm not necessarily saying it's the exact same story... But in the same way that 'Born Again' was a transformative experience for Matt Murdock and for Daredevil as a series; this Punisher run will serve to redefine and change Frank Castle in very meaningful ways."
Brevoort went on to describe the 12-issue series as full of "just amazing, bloody and ridiculous pages" drawn by artist Jesus Saiz. He added that it would also explore concepts at the very core of the Punisher, and go beyond simply reiterating his desire to avenge his slain family.
"It delves very deeply into Frank Castle's youth and upbringing and history as we learn the various forces throughout his life that guided him to becoming the Punisher, even before the deaths of his family in that Central Park shooting," Brevoort said. "And we're really trying to make something that is an enormous touchstone for the character, like I say, like 'Born Again.' It's too early for me to really make that comparison, because 'Born Again' is clearly 'Born Again' and a lot of people have tried to do stories like that and haven't managed it, but that is our goal and that is our intention here with the series."
"Born Again," written by Frank Miller and illustrated by Dave Mazzucchelli, was originally published in 1986 and encompasses Daredevil issues #227-233. The story arc delves into the Kingpin's efforts to destroy Matt Murdock both physically and psychologically after learning of his secret vigilante identity. Matt's apartment is firebombed, his friends desert him and he is left destitute and paranoid on the streets of New York City before he finally rises up despite his hardships and recommits to his fight for justice.
Punisher, written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Saiz and Paul Azaceta, promises to investigate Frank Castle's goals after he becomes the head of the Hand, the deadliest clan of assassins in the Marvel Universe -- and ironically, a group that has long tangled with Daredevil. Issue #1 goes on sale March 9.
Source: YouTube