Editor's Note: Punisher #2 arrives in stores tomorrow, February 4.

With the Punisher firmly re-established in the mainstream Marvel Universe and Garth Ennis gone from the MAX series (which, despite Ennis' absence, is still pretty darn good), Rick Remender has taken the helm of the latest Punisher series. Remender, who wrote the last few issues or so of War Journal with Matt Fraction, has thrown Frank Castle head first into "Dark Reign." The first issue saw the Punisher attempt to assassinate Norman Osborn, which led to an intense confrontation with the Sentry and Frank Castle running for his life, only to be rescued by a mysterious new ally.

I've said numerous times that the Punisher is a very one dimensional character and what really makes him successful is the supporting cast. During his Punisher run, Ennis masterfully assembled a supporting cast for Frank, and Fraction also did an excellent job by including Marvel B-listers G.W. Bridge, the Six Pack and the Punisher's "sidekick" Stuart. I really think that in order to make the Punisher truly successful there have to be supporting characters to be developed and affect the Punisher.

Not much of what happened in Garth Ennis’ MAX run carried over back into the mainstream universe. However, one element that made its way into the MAX imprint was a story-arc involving Frank's former "sidekick" and operations man, Microchip. Microchip was presumed dead until he re-appeared during Garth Ennis' run only to be killed off for good when the Punisher took off his head with a point blank shotgun blast. I always thought Microchip was a solid concept and a plausible ally to Frank Castle's crusade. But the way in which Ennis killed him off was memorable. Rather than ignore the MAX imprint and bringing Microchip back, Remender brings a new version of the character into the fold.

Remender sets up the character perfectly; we learn what he does and what he knows but not why. This character named Henry, who I will be referring to as Microchip, is absolutely perfect for this series not only because of what he can do, but because he seems to inspire Frank. With "Dark Reign" as a thematic backdrop, Remender brilliantly uses the new Microchip to give a fresh direction to not only this title, but the Punisher character as well.

What I really like about this new character is the way Remender really only teases the details. It's obvious that he's a hacker, but he claims that there is a price on his head and that he's had access to S.H.I.E.L.D. files. I wouldn't doubt that he's a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent ousted by Osborn's H.A.M.M.E.R., which would explain a vendetta against Osborn, but the great thing is that Remender leaves everything vague. The system that Microchip has set up is modern and effective, especially for the Punisher's purposes. Adding to my speculation that Microchip is former S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fantastic scene where the Punisher raids a pawn shop. Remender highlights the difference in operating methods the two men use: the Punisher adapting to his situation and Microchip going for a more tactical approach. And while the Punisher has been back in the mainstream Marvel Universe since "Civil War," Remender is really on to something exciting and new in these first two issues. The Punisher is heavily reliant on alien technology, and it works extremely well in the context of the story.

Microchip also initiates a new battle in the Punisher's war against Osborn: the war of words. When it comes to the Punisher, the last thing you would expect him to do is try and grab public support. We've seen the Punisher set up intricate ambushes, we've seen him run and gun, but what we don't see very often is the Punisher playing a propaganda war. And we still don’t see it; Remender cleverly uses Microchip to motivate Frank to utilize such a strategy. This is very wise on Remender's part because the Punisher can maintain his status quo while he has someone who is less about the guns handling everything else. And Remender also shows us the immediate effect the reality of the Punisher's war on crime has on Microchip.

Jerome Opena's artwork is solid and fits the overall style and tone of this series fairly well. As I mentioned in my review of the first issue, keeping this title stylistically different than the MAX book but in the same vain as Moon Knight, Ghost Rider and even Daredevil and Iron Fist, really brings the classic "Marvel Knights" feel to the book. Still no complaints about the artwork from me.

Rick Remender has definitely hit the right chord in this series by introducing a new Microchip. The classic concept, new era, and mysterious past provide an interesting alternative to the Puninsher's straight-forward "I kill bad guys." Once again, I hope Remender stays on this course and can keep the book interesting with Microchip and perhaps other characters surrounding the Punisher. He's got solid momentum and the reveal at the end of this issue only builds on that momentum.

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