u/ComicAcolyte

Credit to u/wrench-6942 for making the image

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Thoughts on Punisher 1989:

- neat opening sequence & score. Very 80s but gets the point across. This is a vigilante action movie & its not here to play around

- interesting to see an adaptation before he got most solo comics. This was a very formative Punisher but they did a decent job outside a couple things like making Frank a cop/not wearing the symbol

- the news reports that Dolphisher killed 125 mobsters over 5 years before the movie starts

- this version was very Classic Punisher: throwing knives, martial arts, infiltration, quips/dark humor, even a torture scene

- the "Come on God, Where is Justice?" Monologue is forever epic

- Louis Gossett Jr's Detective Berkowitz is prescient to many cop characters from later Punisher Comics. The war against Lady Tanaka is reminiscent of later comics like Shadowmasters. The Shake character reminded me of the McTeer character from the later Year One. Punisher also rides a motorcycle years before he later would in the War Zone comic. In this sense this film was influential over later Punisher comics

- really like Lundgrens voice, delivery, body language, & overall tone. His performance is underrated IMO, he speaks in a really deep, dead tone with a deliberate delivery. He imposes & glowers without being overly emotional. This version is a stoic & determined killer like the comics. Also liked seeing him prep to hit the gambling den. Dolph is also jacked & huge which always helps.

- I respect this movies commitment to violence. Theres a lot of killing/action throughout which is inherent to any good Punisher project

- mag dumping an M-60 (w/ an underbarrel grenade launcher) into Yakuza bar & slot machines was AURA

- Frank being sweet to/saving the Mafia kids was great

- Criticisms: at 85 minutes the movie is short. It could've used an extra 30+ minutes. The villains are also a bit generic, w/ Lady Tanaka being the only interesting one. Detective Leary also doesnt really have an arc or ending. She just disappears.

- 7/10

The Mustard Yellow Vinyl is funny. Apparently only 3,000 copies of this pressed.

MAFEX Punisher Review

- BOX: Is compact & sleek, w/ clear comic-style window/text/pictures.

- Figure: This figure is my first Mafex, a Classic-style Punisher modeled after Mike Zeck's Punisher specifically (some people don't seem to realize this?) Anyway this 6" figure looks great visually. The white gloves/boots/belt/holsters really pop & deliver that "Classic" feel. Its pose-ability is great for the most part. Specifically the shoulders & arm joints & rest of upper body. The big criticism here is the legs could've used a swivel so they can turn individually. I had some concern about proportions but it actually looks great from any angle.

- Face/Head: This figure has A LOT of personality which is due to the Zeck-style heads & facial expressions. He's got 2 heads, one A Grim Determination & the other a Spooky Smirk. Both look good but I prefer the former to the latter. I'm a little disappointed they didnt include a Screaming Head, since Zeck's Punisher screamed on a lot of covers. Recreating those Zeck covers with this figure is awesome.

- Accessories: The figure comes with 3 holsters, lots of extra hands, 2 heads, 2 1911's, 2 modified 1911's, an Uzi, & a giant scoped .44 magnum. These were clearly picked to replicate the Zeck covers, & the color/detail on the weapons is nice. However, for the price I would've liked a Rifle or an M-16. its only 5 pistols & an Uzi. The included base/stand is also appreciated.

- Value: This figure was quite expensive, especially w/ tariffs & shipping, so that brings my score down a bit. Its very detailed & nice but for the price feels like there should be more accessories + a 3rd head.

Final Thoughts: Despite its high price, this is still one of the Best Punisher Figures Ive ever owned. Especially for those who weren't able to grab the Walgreens Exclusive Punisher from years back (see comparison pic), this is the next best option for a Classic Punisher (at least for under $100 MSRP).

Rating: 7/10