Hot Off The Comics Press: Picks Of The Week 3 August

It's time to get back to work cleaning the streets of the Marvel Universe. Metaphorically of course, as Frank Castle returns in Punisher #1 written by Eisner-winner Greg Rucka, with art by Marco Checchetto. This new chapter in the Punisher's life is a great place for new readers to join in on the vigilante action, as the biggest gun of all returns to deliver his own brand of justice which will leave blood on his hands and running through the streets. Getting back to what he does best (taking out the trash), this new series will also provide bonus pages with content focusing on the new ensemble of characters in Franks' life.

A lot of the hype at the DCU is being generated by the images of Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Returns being filtered online, including the daunting new images of Tom Hardy's Bane. How well do you know Bane? Well here is a chance for you to find out in Secret Six #36, out this week and written by Gail Simone. Bane takes the forefront with an ambitious plan putting the Secret Six in a rather perilous position; will they ever be the same again?

If you are looking for an indie alternative and have never given Hack Slash a try, then you have been looking in all the wrong places. This may be Hack Slash #6, but it is a new chapter with 'Fame Monster' Part One, as it finds the character of Cassie dreaming of murders, only to awake to find they actually happened. This has been a strong title for a while and there is no reason it should stop now.

Also a quick mention to Joe Hills' The Cape #1 (of 4); after the original one-shot received mass critical approval, take a chance to see where this new 4-part series goes as you 'explore your dark side'.