Random Happenstance

I've read a ton of Punisher lately, but somehow missed any from this series. Although, I'm glad I didn't get the issue where Frank is shooting pictures instead of pistols. From 2009, Punisher #3, "Living in Darkness, part 3" Written by Rick Remender, art by Jerome Opeña.

This series was set during Dark Reign, as noted by the trade dress on the cover; and featured Frank trying to bring down Norman Osborn and his Cabal. Frank's latest crusade had almost been a non-starter, since he didn't have enough gun to take down Osborn's bodyguard, the Sentry; but his new hacker support Henry suggested something different: fighting in the arena of public opinion, with photographic proof of some of Osborn's criminal enterprises. In response, the Hood is put on the job, a process that begins with a lot of cleaning house, as in, eliminating his men that had already failed. The Hood also has a chess-playing advisor, a pudgy figure that seems to know a lot about Frank. (I'm pretty sure I know who that was, presumably brought back from the dead by the Hood's magic.)

Passing on a potential target as so-tempting-it-had-to-be-a-trap; Frank's next target is an organ-harvesting operation. The "Shaolin Scientist Squad" would probably not be a big problem for him, but a SWAT team is on the scene almost too quickly. On the run, Frank is barely a step ahead with Henry's guidance, but the hacker realizes too late this wasn't SWAT, but the Hood's men! They open fire in the cliffhanger; how will Frank get out of this one? Best guess, shot in the Kelvar a bunch, then has to fight his way out. I don't think anybody was charging in to Frank's aid anytime soon this series. May be a while before I see if I'm right, though.