Punisher #8 Review – More Deadpool Than Punisher

Punisher #8 (Marvel, 9/9/26): Writer Benjamin Percy & artists José Luis Soares and Jonas Trindade send the Punisher on a race against Deadpool to infiltrate a SHIELD facility with a dangerous weapon. More Deadpool than Punisher, Percy’s script gets the job done, even if the wrong character is in the driver’s seat. Verdict: May appeal more to Deadpool fans.

• Writer: Benjamin Percy
• Artist: José Luis Soares, Jonas Trindade
• Colorist: Frank D’Armata
• Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
• Cover Artist: David Marquez, GURU-eFX (cover A)
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Release Date: September 9, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Punisher #8:

First Impressions:

At the very least, Punisher #8 has the right main character on the cover. Technically, Frank Castle is in the issue, and he does what he does best, but Deadpool has a way of hogging the limelight.

Recap:

The Punisher had been hunting Deadpool for a series of innocent deaths, only to discover that discarded pieces of Wade had grown into murderous creatures called Badpools and were responsible for the carnage. Meanwhile, Deadpool had taken a job breaking into a former S.H.I.E.L.D. facility to test a dangerous weapon, bringing his new Merc Mobile along as his rolling headquarters. Unfortunately, the vehicle’s audacious signage had made him easy for the Punisher to track, and Frank had arrived ready to make Wade pay.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

In Punisher #8, Frank Castle kills a swarm of Badpools generated from Deadpool’s damaged body. Before Frank can unleash a grenade to obliterate Deadpool, he’s ambushed by Blind Al and captured. In the Merc Mobile, Blind Al interrogates Frank, presuming he was hired as competition to steal the SHIELD weapon for himself. Frank escapes when Blind Al doesn’t see him cut his bonds with a concealed knife.

Meanwhile, Deadpool infiltrates the SHIELD facility. He non-lethally puts down the guards to get to the weapons vault, but Frank quickly catches up and delivers a brutal headshot to put Deadpool down for a little while. Frank enters the vault and finds a Time Gun, a weapon that can shoot targets through time.

When Deadpool wakes up, he’s chained to a pipe. Without the key, he chews off his hand to escape. The missing appendage turns into a group of Badpools, who run amok in the SHIELD base and discover the Punisher’s former War Machine armor.

How is the story in Punisher #8?

Benjamin Percy’s script makes for a solid actioner, starring Deadpool. Therein lies the rub. If you’re picking up a Punisher comic, you’d expect to read a Punisher story. Here, you get a Deadpool story guest-starring the Punisher, so the balance of focus feels off. That said, Percy has a strong handle on Deadpool’s characterization, and the shoot-em-up violence works for both characters.

In short, Punisher #8 reads like a Deadpool comic that serves as an excuse to explain how Frank got his hands on a unique weapon.

How is the art in Punisher #8?

The art is excellent. José Luis Soares, Jonas Trindade, and Frank D’Armata pack every panel with interesting camera angles, super-clean linework, just the right amount of bloody gore in vibrant colors, and great use of shadows to give the story mood and atmosphere. Regardless of the script, the artwork is first-rate.

Characters

Punisher should be the main character in this issue, but he doesn’t say more than three words the entire issue, opting to either shoot or scowl whenever he appears. Deadpool is the focal point, and admittedly, Percy strikes the right balance of quirk and substance for the Merc with the Mouth. Some writers either go too dark or too jokey, but Percy finds a spot for Deadpool that’s engaging without being insufferable.

Originality & Concept Execution

Deadpool has a weird affliction, and Punisher finds a new toy. That about sums it up in Punisher #8. Individually, those two developments are unique and have future potential. However, neither is explored with any depth in this issue, so the execution falls short.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Fantastic action art
• Percy nails Deadpool’s voice
• The ending has intriguing potential

Room for Improvement

• This is a Deadpool comic, not a Punisher comic
• Punisher barely says or accomplishes anything
• Blind Al’s contributions are silly

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 2.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2

Final Thoughts:

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Punisher #8 sends Deadpool into a SHIELD facility to steal a special weapon as a test, and the Punisher comes along for the ride. Benjamin Percy’s script leans almost entirely on Deadpool as an excuse to get Frank a new weapon, which feels like a bait-and-switch if you want a Punisher story. That said, the art team more than makes up for the gap with phenomenal art.

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