Punisher War Journal 13 - Acts of Vengeance

For some reason this issue lacks an "Acts of Vengeance" banner on the cover. Perhaps this is another sign of the series's original publication schedule which would have seen this issue come out either on the same day as the climax of the crossover or even a week later. But the issue, written by Carl Potts and drawn by David Ross at the start of a three-issue fill-in run (perhaps coinciding with Jim Lee doing a three-issue run on Uncanny X-Men), is definitely a part of the crossover, concluding the story of Bushwhacker being sent to take down the Punisher by the Kingpin as part of his ongoing squabble with Doctor Doom.

Punisher War Journal #13

Story: Carl Potts
Pencils: David Ross
Inks: Russ Heath
Letters: Jim Novak
Colours: Gregory Wright
Assistant Editor: Rob Tokar
Editor: Don Daley
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

The comparisons and contrasts continue, to the point that Bushwhacker's wife declares "You're both hypocrites -- so righteous in your roles -- you're two peas in a pod!" Bushwhacker certainly proves one of the toughest solo foes the Punisher has had to deal with so far, made worse by the latter having been caught off guard and he finds himself trapped in a part of a warehouse with only a spring-loaded ballistic knife. Bushwhacker isn't a simple killer though. He regards killing as an art and is obsessed with confession, a hangover from his days a priest. Thus he finds himself unable to simply kill the Punisher when he has him at his mercy. Ego repeatedly proves critical as Bushwhacker becomes determined to demonstrate his superiority. It's a trait shared somewhat with Doctor Doom and the Kingpin, still engaged in taunting one another over whether or not it's easy to take down the Punisher, whilst the mysterious stranger merely relays messages and watches.

Much of the issue is all action based as the Punisher and Bushwhacker fight first at the former's warehouse and then at the latter's home, before a final road chase with a twist. Both men are driven and both have an unusual conversation with their wives - in the Punisher's case it's with her spirit as he lies close to death. Each man uses both cunning tactics and raw ballistic strength in their attack, making for a strong showdown. As a foe from another series, Bushwhacker's fate is left in typical comic book ambiguity but on all signs here he would make a good recurring foe for the Punisher.

This is an example of "Acts of Vengeance" at its best, pitching a hero against an existing villain who's a good match for them both physically and as a character. It's a fast-paced action piece that works its themes well, helped by the dark art.

Punisher War Journal #13 has been reprinted in:

• Acts of Vengeance Crossovers Omnibus (2011)
• Punisher War Journal by Carl Potts & Jim Lee (2016)