Warning: contains potential spoilers for Spider-Man: Long Way Home #1!
Marvel has officially revealed a new origin for the Punisher’s codename. The Punisher has been a fixture of the “street level” side of the Marvel Universe for over 50 years. He began his career as a Spider-Man villain, so it is only appropriate that the Punisher appear in the Wall Crawler’s next film, the upcoming Brand New Day, which releases in theaters this summer.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be the fourth film starring Peter Parker set in the MCU, and the first to team him up with the Punisher. The movie also marks the big-screen debut of Jon Berenthal’s’ take on the character, who previously appeared on the Daredevil television show, as well as a program of his own. These shows originally aired on Netflix, and while supposedly set in the MCU, they kept their distance from the goings-on in the movies. Later, Marvel began incorporating characters from the Netflix shows into the mainline MCU, including the Punisher.
In a bit of synergy with the MCU, Marvel is releasing Spider-Man: Long Way Home. This miniseries spotlights the three main stars of Brand New Day: Spider-Man, the Hulk and the Punisher. The three mismatched heroes are thrown together to stop AIM from unleashing the Cosmic Cube on Earth, and along the way, new insight into the Punisher’s name is revealed.
The Punisher’s Code Name Has a Dark Origin
In a preview for Spider-Man: Long Way Home #1, written by Jonathan Hickman and drawn by Adam Kubert, fans learn the Punisher’s code name originated from his time in the Marines. The events of the preview are set long before Frank’s family were gunned down by criminals, and it is set on a mission into the jungles of South America. Frank’s squad has been sent on a mission to find AIM, who are creating their own Cosmic Cube.
The preview introduces readers to the other soldiers sent into battle alongside Frank. They are tough and hardened by years of combat. Each member of the team has a nickname, and Frank’s is “the Punisher.” The preview does not specify where, or how, Frank got the nickname. Fans see the Punisher in action as the preview draws to a close.
The Punisher’s Military Service Deeply Impacted Him, and This Preview Shows One Way How
When and Where the Punisher Served Has Changed
The Punisher’s time in the military was crucial to his character. While just how much his time in the service impacted his career as the Punisher has changed throughout the years, it still laid the foundation for it. During his time in the Marines, the Punisher learned how to use a variety of weapons as well as many different fighting techniques. He learned the art of combat, which he then applied years later to his war on crime.
Frank’s tenure in the Marines has been scrutinized thoroughly by successive generations of writers and artists.
Frank’s tenure in the Marines has been scrutinized thoroughly by successive generations of writers and artists. A pre-Punisher Frank Castle made a few appearances in The ‘Nam, a Marvel book set during the Vietnam War. Garth Ennis’ acclaimed run on The Punisher and Punisher MAX further explored the trauma the military inflicted upon Frank Castle. Where and when Frank served has also changed, but regardless, he saw things that warped him, and no doubt influenced his becoming the Punisher.
50 Years Later, Marvel Fans Still Don’t Get What Punisher’s Logo Is All About
The Punisher was never meant to be idolized as a hero. Frank Castle, Marvel, and the Punisher’s creator all agree, so why has its meaning changed?
Now, for the first time, Marvel is linking Frank’s military career with the codename he would not adopt for some time to come. It is important to note that Long Way Home’s continuity status is ambiguous, meaning these revelations about the Punisher’s codename may not apply to the 616 version of the character. Regardless, linking the Punisher’s nickname to his military service is a stroke of genius, one that cuts deep into the character.
Spider-Man: Long Way Home #1 is on sale June 17 from Marvel Comics!