Warning! Spoilers for Punisher #2 by Marvel Comics
The Punisher is getting some first-hand training from the Hand and despite his struggles, Marvel Comics just confirmed he's the greatest killer in the world. In a brand new preview for Punisher #2, Frank Castle's struggles with the sword are overlooked by the Archpriestess of the ninja organization. She tells him she doesn't need him to be a ninja but instead is nature's perfect killing machine and the finest murdered who has ever lived.
Since debuting in The Amazing Spider-Man #181 by Gerry Conway, John Romita Jr., and Ross Andru, the Punisher has become one of the deadliest antiheroes in the Marvel Universe. After his family was murdered, Frank Castle became a vigilante known for his brutality, as he killed anyone he deemed needed final judgment. However, recently, the Punisher got a brand new redesign after his iconic skull logo was adopted as a symbol of hatred by white supremacists and other bad actors, leading Marvel Comics to reboot the hero with a new look.
In a brand new preview for Punisher #2 by Jason Aaron, Jesus Saiz, Paul Azaceta, Dave Stewart, and VC's Cory Petit, the Punisher's new role with the Hand is further explored. In previous issues, Marvel Comics revealed Frank Castle agreed to work alongside the Hand and become the potential Fist of the Beast in exchange for the resurrection of his dead wife. The new preview shows a young Frank Castle being asked what he wants to be when he grows up, while juxtaposed against the Punisher's frustration training with the Hand.
The Archpriestess of the Hand doesn't mince her words when describing Punisher's sword skills but says he's not like any of the other recruits for the ninja organization. Instead, she refers to him as "Lord Punisher" and says he's been training since he was a child - but not to be a ninja, but as someone everyone could aspire to be: nature's perfect killing machine and the "finest murderer who has ever lived."
The Hand doesn't want the Punisher to be another Shinobi and isn't worried that his sword skills aren't on their ninja's usual levels. Instead, they recognize him as one of the greatest killers in the Marvel Universe. Referring to him as the "finest murderer who has ever lived" is quite the admission, as the Hand has been around for thousands of years. The organization has big plans for the antihero as his adventures are likely to get even bloodier. Punisher #2 by Marvel Comics is in stores and online retailers on Wednesday.