Editor's Note: Punisher #10 arrives in stores tomorrow, October 28.

"Dead End"

I'll admit upfront that I was losing interest in this storyline. The villains weren't very well-defined and it felt as though Remender was spinning his wheels a bit. The whole conflict between Frank and The Hood felt forced and lacked a real sense of danger. I mean, Frank can't kill The Hood and The Hood can't kill Frank, right? The villains were dead before the story started, so their deaths are expected and don't have a lot of impact.

So how does Remender and Huat do with their final issue together?

Well, this issue may be one of the most brutal Frank Castle stories I've read that didn't have a MAX label on it.

It turns out there was something at stake. All that Remender had to do was pull a plot twist that I didn't expect. It's not that it came out of the blue, but I just really didn't think he'd go there.

But he did.

Not only did he go there, but Frank's reaction to the moment in question is horrifying. It's one of the most chilling moments in Punisher history, I'd say.

And it leads directly into Dark Reign: The List – Punisher, which then leads directly into the next issue of Punisher and what may be one of the most daring and disturbing Punisher stories ever, or could be one of the worst. Remender hasn't really let me down yet, so I'm hoping for the former.

Either way, it's going to be something to see.

And it starts here.

Sure, this is the last chapter of this story, but it's still a good place to jump on-board if you haven't been reading this title. Then do yourself a favor and go pick up the previous issues. We're only 10 in, so it shouldn't be too costly.

Tan Eng Huat's art continues to be an acquired taste. If you're like me, and enjoy his work, then you won't be disappointed with this issue. The expressions on the characters' faces are pitch-perfect, capturing the horror of the climactic moment and the desperation of everyone afterward. The visual pacing works nicely, building the tension steadily until Microchip picks up a gun and makes a deadly choice.

I was shocked by the end of this comic (and Dark Reign: The List – Punisher) and can't wait to see where Remender takes Frank next. Particularly with Tony Moore providing the art beginning with the next issue.

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