Guide Note

The Punisher is a fictional anti-hero and star of several comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Punisher is notable for being one of Marvel's most violent heroes; while many of Marvel's heroes have a strict code against killing, The Punisher does the opposite, killing any criminals who cross his path. The Punisher is one of Marvel's more popular characters, appearing in cartoons and comic books. There have been two feature films made about The Punisher, starring Dolph Lundgren and Thomas Jane as the title character.

Fast Facts

1. Created by: Gerry Conway, Ross Andru, and John Romita
2. First appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974)
3. Alter Ego: Frank Castle

Ex-Marine Frank Castle was enjoying a picnic in New York's Central Park with his wife and children when the family witnessed an execution relating to organized crime. The Costa Crime Family could not have any witnesses, so they attempted to slay the hapless family. Frank Castle survived, but the rest of his family did not. Since the killers were tied to a powerful criminal syndicate, the police could do nothing to bring the killers to justice. That is when Castle chose to start a one-man war on crime, and stop any criminals that were beyond the reach of the law. He quickly dispatched the killers of his family, but continued his campaign against crime as the merciless Punisher.