PC POST #356: It's official! The Punisher will use the War Machine armor!

The upcoming "Legacy" brand of Marvel will make some changes to a few Marvel characters and guess what, Frank Castle aka the Punisher will be one of them.

Last week Marvel teased us with a fantastic cover by Tim Bradstreet when we see War Machine wearing the Punisher skull in his chest, it wasn't difficult to guess that this guy should be Frank Castle and not the original War Machine, James Rhodes.

When i thought this could be some sort of tribute to Iron Man #282, today, Marvel leaked on the web the list of the upcoming books under the Legacy brand that will start in September and there is the name on the list: The Punisher #218, Frank Castle: War Machine.

All the Punisher ongoing runs were renumbered and Marvel will do what they did in the past. At least it will make us feel that this is part of the continuity from the old runs.

Cover by Tim Bradstreet

Personally i'm excited for this new change, even if it's just for a few issues or just an ongoing. On the other hand this can be a two sided blade for the writer of picks up this book.

This will be part of the main Marvel Universe, the Punisher will have a "boost" in terms of firepower, the writer has to respect and be faithful to what the character represents, Frank Castle has to damage or at least shake the Marvel Universe with this new "power". Maybe i'm asking too much and deep down i don't believe he is going to kill a main villain but i don't see any other alternative.

If this was going to be in an alternative universe it should be an easy task, being the main Marvel Universe i have no doubt that this will be one of the most difficult tasks a writer had to do with the character. Being faithful and know how to manage the character with this new power.

 Posted by Ivo Santos (@ivomgs)

PC POST #355: Worst than being Franken-Castle or an avenging Angel is being a Hydra Punisher Agent.

(This article contain spoilers from Secret Empire #3)

Yesterday, once again Marvel shocked most of the comic book readers and non-readers. The Punisher appeared in the last page as a Hydra agent. Apparently he picked up the side of Steve Rogers instead of being part of the resistance.

There are many things that might still happened to Frank to explain such behavior. He might be a double agent, he might be acting solo with the purpose to destroy Hydra from the inside and kill Cap or the Cosmic Cube might also be responsible for this Hydra Punisher, the same treatment they gave to Captain America.

One thing is clear, we still have to read it to understand what happened. Marvel is playing it "right" for them, as long there is people mad like me writing about it, the more they will sell and promote their comics. But at what cost? At the cost of betraying everything that each character represents to himself and to the Marvel Universe and then erase it all and start all over. It's been this way Marvel does and deals with bad decisions in the last couple of years.

I'm going to be honest, this is worst than Franken-Castle, Angel Punisher or black Punisher. This i have no doubt. Franken-Castle or Angel Punisher were bad decisions that lead to awful writing but at least he was always himself, going after bad guys and kill them. This is what he is.

Working for a terrorist organization like Hydra is another example of lack of creativity and a way to play with the fandom. 

And no. The Punisher isn't Captain America's fanboy. He sided with him in Civil War because Stark was recruiting villains to his team, and joining Rogers side would be a good way to fight them. Of course he respects Captain America, he is a symbol. But that's it. 

If ever any hero crosses the line, he will be there to punish. Don't know how many times i read something like this in Punisher comics.

We have no other way than to read it and understand his reasons to side with HYDRA. 

I remember that not too long ago he wanted the Omega Drive to destroy these terrorist organizations. HYDRA, A.I.M., etc...

Let's hope Marvel explains this really well and stop making the fandom angry about their decisions. At least take a good example of DC... Oh wait... They are selling better than you, right?

Posted by Ivo Santos (@ivomgs)