Amonst a string of various cancellations from Marvel recently, the February 2011 solicits have revealed that Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon’s PunisherMAX is coming to an end with issue #22.
The interesting thing about it is that there appears to be a conflict of reports as to whether or not this was supposed to be the end. On the one hand, Aaron told Newsarama at SDCC this year that the book was meant to be one long story, and that it was slowly moving towards its finale. On the other hand, Aaron told CBR in August that this arc, which began at issue #17, is the culmination of his Kinpin vs. Frank story, although not his last story on the book.
However, last night Aaron took to Twitter to say that the book is ending as he had intended, and it was not cancelled, so on some level it seems up in the air as to what is going to happen with PunisherMAX after issue #22, or if Aaron really does have further plans for the character beyond this point. (Aaron can be quoted in the CBR article as saying, “There are definitely plans in place after this next arc, but I can’t talk about them without spoiling what’s coming up.”)
Perhaps an ElektraMAX book, then? Or the release of that FuryMAX book Garth Ennis talked about at C2E2?
Either way, PunisherMAX has wound up being a rather decisive and definitive take on the character in the same vein that Ennis’ epic MAX run with Dillon is and was, and for those that picked up the book two years ago it has been a treat reading along the new old adventures of Frank Castle. Here’s looking forward to what Aaron has up his sleeve next.
Update: Check after the cut for the press release from Marvel.
(via source)
This February, prepare for the Punisher story you never thought you would read as Jason Aaron & Steve Dillon bring their epic run on PunisherMAX to an end with PunisherMAX #22. Frank Castle has been through it all and just when you think you know what’s coming in the series finale, think again.
“It’s been a big sick bloody thrill working on this series and a right honor following in the footsteps of Garth Ennis,” explained Aaron. “I must say, I’m as proud of this series as anything I’ve ever done at Marvel, in large part because of the amazing art team of Dave Johnson, Matt Hollingsworth and of course Steve Dillon. This was always intended to be one big story, with a very specific beginning, middle and a slam-bang mother of an end. I’m afraid I can’t say any more about the ending than that….other than that it gave me chills, just getting to write it.
“I’ve drawn a lot of Frank Castle over the last dozen or so years and I’ve been lucky enough to work with some really good writers while doing so,” said Dillon. “Jason has really delivered on this one, so much so that I wait for the script to arrive in my inbox like a fan waiting for the book to hit the shelves in the store. He’s taken some great characters, like the Kingpin and Bullseye, and given them his own MAX twist. He’s also taken Frank on a tortuous, personal journey and it’s all been great fun to draw.”
To ensure retailers have enough copies to meet demand, Marvel will be going back to press on PunisherMAX #17 and PunisherMAX #18. The chapters kicking off “Homeless,” the name of Aaron and Dillon’s final arc, are only a taste of what’s in store for Frank Castle and Marvel wants to make sure no fan misses the beginning of the end.
“The day has come. You always knew the Punisher’s one-man war against organized crime would end bad, but you never knew how bad,” added Marvel Editor In Chief, Axel Alonso. “With PunisherMAX #22 Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon bring the tragedy of Frank Castle’s life to a boil and their epic run to a bloody climax that will haunt readers for years to come.”
Continued belowRetailers should check the Marvel Mailer and Diamond Retailer Site for information on ordering PunisherMAX #17 Second Printing Variant & PunisherMAX #18 Second Printing Variant. Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all remaining issues of PunisherMAX (including a new on-sale date for PunisherMAX #20) as this series continues to garner acclaim and buzz.
PUNISHERMAX #17 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (OCT118104)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils by STEVE DILLON
FOC — 12/5/11, ON SALE — 12/28/11
PUNISHERMAX #18 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (OCT118105)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils by STEVE DILLON
FOC — 12/5/11, ON SALE — 12/28/11
PUNISHERMAX #19 (OCT110693)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils by STEVE DILLON
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
ON SALE NOW!
PUNISHERMAX #20 (OCT110693)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils by STEVE DILLON
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
FOC — 11/28/11. ON SALE — 12/21/11
PUNISHERMAX #21 (NOV110590)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils by STEVE DILLON
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
FOC — 12/12/11, ON SALE — 1/11/12
PUNISHERMAX #22 (DEC110690)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils by STEVE DILLON
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
ON SALE FEBRUARY!
