Salutes and Stripes
The rapid-fire conclusion of the trilogy is a bit of a stretch, since it tries to fit a lot of violence into the ending of both Cap and Punisher's investigation and their latest kidnapping-rescue fiasco. The violence (and the language) is off-putting - I know it's a "Punisher" story, but it is unexpected and bizarre considering the first two parts of the story. Then, suddenly, a South American incarnation of Death shows up and that doesn't make much sense at all. This final part is perhaps the best example of why this truncated series could have used another installment or two. Somehow the two guys figure out who is behind everything and track everyone down and save the day in about ten pages. It's nice resolution, but it's all too quick and easy, which shouldn't be the case considering, again, it is a Punisher story, one involving an unusually introspective Captain America. The best part of the issue is the interaction between Punisher and Captain America. Those scenes have salvaged the entire somewhat o'erhasty series. The final confrontation of the two may seem forced, but considering Punisher's ability to dissuade Cap from becoming like himself, enjoining Cap to stay pure and unstained, it's a very good ending scene. Punisher's own willingness to keep Cap unlike himself is a great moment, even if it is reminiscent of several action movie scenes - because it is the Punisher saying these things to Captain America, the gravitas of it all is rather palpable. Fine ending to a could-have-been-better trilogy.