Marvel's Punisher has seen his share of controversy in recent years. The violent vigilante is known for murdering his enemies - a practice usually frowned upon in both Marvel and DC Comics - and his status among right-wing supporters in America, especially among the members and supporters of the police. Now after years of controversy, Frank Castle is finally leaving his skull logo behind, starting a new series of adventures for the character.
The Punisher first debuted in Marvel Comics in the Spider-Man series, namely The Amazing Spider-Man #129. Peter Parker met Frank Castle as the latter was hired by the villain Jackal to kill the webslinger. Still reeling from the death of Gwen Stacy, Peter escapes the Punisher, who is depicted as an uncompromising assassin, but still retaining a code of honor or sorts. Over the years, Punisher's stories have varied in terms of just how dark Marvel was willing to portray the character, but recent stories have apparently gone quite far - and Marvel is changing Frank Castle forever.
A new cover released by Marvel by artist Goran Parlov shows just how drastic a change is in store for the Punisher. Frank Castle is set to star in a 13-issue limited series and chronicle the antihero's past, present and future via flashbacks drawn by different artists. The story ends the Punisher's drought; the character has gone an entire year without a solo series. But that ends in 2022, along with the Punisher's classic skull logo.
The Punisher's symbol stood for vengeance and retribution, but it also stands for violence on the part of fringe alt-right groups. In particular, multiple police officers have used the Punisher's skull logo to imply they wish to commit excessive violence against criminals (or against anyone who challenges their authority). Frank Castle famous detests cops who support him and display his logo; he believes the police should embody Captain America rather than himself. For this and other reasons, the Punisher's skull is falling by the wayside, being replaced with a Punisher version of the Hand organization logo.
This will no doubt anger Punisher's fans (in addition to those who support the character's uncompromising ways). But this change will ultimately be for the best. Note that Frank Castle's character isn't changing; he still kills the vast majority of his enemies, and this is the trait that makes him the Punisher. In a world where most superheroes never kill a soul, the Punisher chooses to walk down a dark path - but sharply chastises anyone who wishes to follow him.