PC POST #368: MARVEL'S THE PUNISHER teaser in detail plus Easter Eggs!

Last Friday all of us were surprised by the latest Punisher teaser, exactly in the same day Defenders were released.

Check out the trailer:

"All the things that I'd done...
Memories... They never hurt me.

But the past... it's more than memories.

It's the devil you sold your soul to.
He's coming...

He's coming to collect."

This teaser as everyone seen it is based in Frank's past and present. Looks like we will go back and forth through his memories and his darkest past in the military. Through most of this teaser, we see Frank slamming a hammer into the concrete and makes the skull.

The Family

During this teaser, we see some flashbacks of his family. In one of the scenes, we see someone (might be Frank) holding a picture of his family and we see him and his two kids visiting New York.

It's curious to see that, Frank's family was recast for the Punisher season 1.

The Military:

In most of this teaser, we see Frank's background as a Marine. We were presented with a very dark teaser. As a matter of fact, it wasn't a surprise due to what Blacksmith said about his "dark" past in Daredevil season 2.

This particular scene we have seen at the end of Daredevil season 2 when Frank punches this picture and gets the CD that says "Micro".

We get to see this fighting scene when Frank wastes two guys with synchronizing fighting style.

In this scene we see someone targeting "Maria Castle" and shoot her in the head. This seems to be some sort of dream or hallucination because she died in Central Park.

It's quite hard to figure it out who is being tortured but from the looks of it, it seems to be Frank's squad. For moments I thought of Billy Russo, but the image isn't clear.

On these scenes we see Frank assaulting some guy and he looks like he got his eye injured. And guess who is it?

RAWLINS!

Yeah, Rawlins was a good choice as a character to be in the series. He was a CIA covert agent who did a lot of wet works for CIA and for "himself". It's a bit different from the MAX story but Frank Castle did take his eye out while torturing him.

I still think that Cleve Gorman from "Return of Big Nothing" would be a better choice due to his story with Castle during his early days in the Marine Corp.

Netflix/Marvel will retcon some details about Frank's war origin, aside from being an originally a Vietnam to Afghanistan veteran like was revealed in Daredevil season 2. 

It was revealed in Daredevil season 2 that Frank wasn't a saint during his days in the Marines. Col. Schoonover ( Blacksmith).
In this picture, we see some sort of covert operation with a small squad that probably is Frank's squad.

Don't know exactly what is this image but it looks like a "farewell". Or something he did that he will know he will regret it in the future. It's probably related to the next image.

I'd totally miss this one if Shaun Griffin didn't warn me. But why would Frank burn his vest? 

Homage to Punisher MAX: BORN

"It's the devil you sold your soul to."

Don't know if this was just an homage to this specific story just for the teaser or that will be mentioned in the series. I really hope not. I hope they stay away from supernatural elements like "pacts with the devil" and stay grounded to reality.
This specific scene the "sacrifice" that cost this pact was the only thing i didn't like from "BORN".

Either way, I'm really pumped up for this series and finally, we got this teaser from Defenders. Now we can have the release date and the actual trailer! 

Ivo Santos (FB/Twitter)

PC POST #365: [Spoilers SE#7] Why the Punisher joined HYDRA explained with SCANS.

[This article contains spoilers for Secret Empire #7]

"WHY"? 

This was the question many Punisher fans did when they saw the Punisher saying "Hail Hydra" for the first time.

Today that question was answered in the most "dumbest" way possible.

When Black Widow was ready to assassinate Steve Rogers, the Punisher intercepted her and both started fighting each other. For those who are going to read it's a great set of panels with both characters changing fists, kicks among other things. Great action.

Here comes the trouble, I don't believe for a moment that the Punisher would want his family back and see him in what he's become. And I wouldn't believe that after the Cube setting things up, Frank Castle would settle down, put the skull in the closet and living happily with his family for the rest of their lives.

No.

I would've preferred on seeing Frank brainwashed (again!), or this being an impostor, then seeing such bad writing. 

The Punisher wouldn't have joined HYDRA and betray what he represents to all crime, especially this super powered criminal organization.

Even if it was asked by Steve Rogers.

posted by Ivo Santos (FB/Twitter)

PC POST #350: Alternate Assassination: Punisher's Most Killed Villain

The Punisher got one problem, he can't kill major Marvel villains too often. But sometimes, when the world is ending or when he is in alternate universes the creative teams take the liberty to tell Frank's story without chains and let him be himself and do his job.

Although there is a certain character that is more "killed" than others and that man does not even belong to the Punisher's rogue gallery but made his appearance in Punisher comics several times, his name is...

WILSON FISK AKA THE KINGPIN!

The Kingpin is the most feared crime lord of the Marvel Universe, so it doesn't need a rocket scientist to figure it out that one way or another he would cross paths with the Punisher.
Both have fought hand-to-hand a few times.

In the first time Frank took a beating during Punisher Vol. 2 #15-#18.

Story: Mike Baron / Art: Whilce Portaccio

And in the most recent Civil War II: Kingpin #3, there was a more balanced fight between Frank and Fisk. Another spectacular fight with no winner.

Story by Matthew Rosenberg / Art by Ricardo Ortiz & Hayden Sherman

 But things changes in alternate universes when anything goes so let's start the list of the many deaths of Kingpin by the Punisher...

What If... Vol.2 #026 The Punisher had Killed Daredevil 

After accidentally kill Daredevil, most of the street level heroes went after Frank to bring him in and Fisk took advantage of it while all attentions were to Frank to rise up.
After a brutal fight between the Punisher and Peter Parker (injured and out of his mind) and without any chance but to kill Parker he went after Kingpin. Injured and without weapons he tried his luck, without any chance he died at the ends of Kingpin...but, he had a surprise.

Story by Kurt Busiek / Art :Luke McDonnel

Secret Wars #1 (2015)

The final days of universe 616 are almost over, with Kingpin inviting some super villains to celebrate the defeat of worlds mightiest heroes, during the party they don't expect a visitor... The Punisher with a huge amount of bullets fulfilling his mission until the end of his life and the main Marvel universe. 

This was the only time he killed Kingpin and other villains in the main Marvel universe.

In Punisher #19 (2014) by Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads we can clearly see Frank getting out of the bar in flames.

Story by Jonathan Hickman / Art: Esad Ribic

Artwork by Mitch Gerads

Marvel Zombies vs Army of Darkness #02

Ash Williams lost his Necromicon book and wants to recover it to reverse what happened to Marvel Universe and it's heroes and villains, most of them are zombies. It's a battle of survival and Ash cross paths with Frank Castle with zero priorities in recovering the book his only mission is to terminate all crime.

He visits Kingpin and Hammerhead to deliver the final punishment.

Story by John Layman / Art: Fabiano Neves

What if Vol. 2 #044 Venom had possessed the Punisher

In this alternate universe the Punisher got possessed by the Venom symbiote and of course he wages his war on crime. After destroying most of criminal world he looks for Kingpin and not even Typhoid Mary or Daredevil could stop him from killing Kingpin.

Story by Kurt Busiek / Art by Luke McDonnel

The Punisher vs Marvel Universe

The Punisher was responsible to infect the earth with a virus that turned people into cannibals. Frank Castle is immune to it for being exposed to that virus. Along the way of his war he found non infected people and ends up being caught by Kingpin's tribe with a little help from Deadpool he could get rid of the ropes and ends Kingpin's life along with his tribe.

Story by Jonathan Maberry / Art by Goran Parlov

The Punisher Kills Marvel Universe

Definitely one of the most entertaining stories from an alternate Universe, this time his family was killed during a fight between heroes and skrulls and Frank wage is war on heroes and villains. Kingpin is just another guy that deserves to be dead.

Story by Garth Ennis / Art by Dougie Braithwaite

PUNISHERMAX #21

After failing to assassinate Frank by hiring assassins such as Bullseye and Elektra, Kingpin decides to kill Frank with his own hand. After a violent fight between both characters only one of the two was the last man standing. It was Frank Castle. Frank died from the injuries a few moments before. 

Story by Jason Aaron / Art by Steve Dillon

Kingpin might not belong originally to the Punisher rogues gallery but he sure could be his nemesis. More than Jigsaw or any other.

I hope you liked to see this list, share with your friends and increase your Punisher knowledge.

Article by Ivo Santos (@ivomgs)

Check out: The Unspoken Decade: 90's Comic Book Blog Extraordinaire

PC POST #255: -ARTICLE- Essential Punisher & Daredevil

After the great feedback all over the web about the casting of Jon Bernthal as the next Punisher, i remembered to do an article that could help all the fans of the show, know a little bit more about their relationship.

To me the upcoming books are essential to know about this two characters, what are their motivations and what separate them, specially about how they deal with crime.

CHILD'S PLAY

Daredevil #182-#184

This books marks the first time these two characters met each other. By the writer Frank Miller and the artist Klaus Janson this classic story marks one of the best written between these two character.
And it could fit perfectly in the upcoming season 2 of Daredevil.

Both characters are tracking down who is poisoning the kids with a new drug called "Angel Dust", Frank Miller not only explores the motivations of these two characters as he show us how different they are when it comes to fighting crime.

THE CREEP/ THE BULLY

Punisher #10 / Daredevil #257

Another great story written by Mike Baron ( Punisher) and Ann Nocenti ( Daredevil).

These books explores the two points of view of both characters in their book. Again both Baron and Nocenti explored flawlessly the differences between these characters and their morals when they are fighting crime.

The story is about an ex-employee of a pharmaceutical laboratory that is killing people with an aspiryn produced by his last firm. His nickname was "Aspirin Killer".

Another great arc that could fit the Daredevil tv series and it's a must have for fans of both characters. 

The funny thing is that this story was covered decades after by Greg Rucka in his Punisher run.

Artwork by John Romita Jr. (1988)

Artwork by Marco Chechetto (2012)

DAREDEVIL VS PUNISHER: MEANS AND ENDS

Daredevil vs Punisher: Means and Ends #1-#6 (2005)

Another great example of the stories that could be imported to Daredevil netflix series, this one is one of my favorites almost at the same level as the Frank Miller story. This one was written, drawed and colored by David Lapham.

Means and Ends is so good because of the great plot and how it mixes other characters from Marvel Universe into this storyline like the Hammerhead, The Jackal and Bushwacker.

Hammerhead and Jackal took over the New York criminal empire while Kingpin is in jail. While Daredevil is trying to gather evidences to put these characters in jail, on the otherside is the Punisher trying to destroy them and put them down for good.
Another great arc the show us the contrast between these two characters and an epic fight at the end of this issue that is nothing less than LEGENDARY.

MARVEL KNIGHTS

Marvel Knights 1-15 (2000)

Now for change a little bit this is a good example how they can work together when it's needed... If Frank can "work" in a team, this one makes sense.
The Punisher was always the wildcard but it worked and Chuck Dixon make everything work like a swiss watch.

Great stories written by Chuck Dixon that gave us a gritty and realistic tone within the Marvel Universe.

I would like to see a tv series based in Marvel Knights.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Omega Effect 3 part event: Avenging Spider-Man #6 / Punisher #10 and Daredevil #11

This arc was really good, it was a three part event that both characters wanted to defend the Omega Drive from terrorist organizations in Marvel Universe.

The Punisher wanted to keep it, because this device has vital information from the top criminal empire operating in marvel universe like HYDRA and A.I.M. The Punisher with this kind of intel would put these organizations down for good. 

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TEAM UP #09-10

Another great story that we see both Daredevil and Punisher working very well in a common objective. This storyline isn't the Spider-Man we all know, it's Doctor Octopus that possessed his mind and has control of his body.

Superior Spider-Man was betrayed in his own "organization" and the Punisher is looking for his custom glyder. Very entertaining story by David Yost and the wonderful artwork by Marco Checchetto. 

posted by @ivomgs

PC POST #252: [UPDATED] -ARTICLE- Punisher Notable Kills In MU 616

It's been awhile since i created an article by myself and here is a good opportunity to do it.

This idea came out after i read this article that says that the Punisher has killed four heroes, one neutral and thirty-four villains.

Personally i don't remember that Frank killed four heroes, he barely kills villains in the current MU. I would love to read some explanations by the site that published that infographic. 

This infographic is wrong in any possible way and the Punisher kills ascend more than what they have count. 

Specially in the "notable kills" section that is what this article is about.

So, let's go for the notable kills. It is featured in this infographic just three but it's more. 

Notable kills to me are established villains that were featured in other books, not common thugs or crime lords that appeared in the Punisher comics.

STILT MAN

PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #01 (2007)

This one was already counted by that infographic.

JESTER AND JACK O'LANTERN

During Civil War, Spider-Man was being hunted down by Jester and Jack O' Lantern, old villains that cut a deal with SHIELD to hunt down those who were against the registration act. 

The Punisher saved Spider-Man. This scene appear in Punisher War Journal #1 and Civil War #5.

GOLDBUG AND PLUNDERER

Another case of ex-villains but this time they wanted to join forces with Captain America.

War Journal #02 and Civil War #06

Z-RATED VILLAINS BAR

There are a lot of villains in this story. These villains are together to mourn Stilt Man, only two survived the explosion.

PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #4

HATE MONGER

He was a villain that first appeared on Fantastic Four issue and he is a clone of Adolph Hitler. Tried to built a small army of nazis but the Punisher destroyed his all organization. And unfortunately this guy built a Hate-Machine that brainwash Frank to kill an innocent. Taty the girlfriend of Stuart Clarke aka Rampage. To me one of the most major flaws in this whole run by Matt Fraction.

War Journal #11

WRAITH

Former Spider-Man villain.

Punisher #7

CYCLONE AND FIREBRAND

Punisher #10

Punisher #10

CHEETAH

Desguised as Beast. Punisher #08

MIND-WAVE

Punisher #08

VULTURE

(James Natale)

Punisher #3

BLACK TALON

Punisher #11

ORESTEZ NATCHIOS

Brother of Elektra and Terrorist.

THUNDERBOLTS #12

ZADKIEL
Angel of Vengeance who sided with Lucifer

Here is a full list of past Punisher villains that were killed:

Alaric, Sniper, Saracen, The Rev, Recoil, Snakebite, Yo Yo Ng, Blackwell, Carbone's Assassins ( Cane, Stilletto, Combat, Tequilla, Garrote and Roc), Bosephus, Killer B, Heathen, Mortician, Mondo Pain.
General Kreigkopf, Lady Gorgon, Johnny Nightmare, The Russian, Ma Gnucci, Jaten and Microchip,

From my count there is 41 kills but i didn't count anyone from the z-rated bar. The math is simple... Not only Frank has more notable kills than mentioned in the article than he has far more than the 34 kills. 

**UPDATE** 

By this time you already know that there is no universe 616, it was destroyed when it collapsed with the Earth 1610 (Ultimate's), but in the last days, the Punisher did what it does best, punish criminals. And he hunted down the major villains of Marvel universe when they were partying while seeing in the TV to their enemies failing to protect the earth.

The Punisher intercepted an email sent by Kingping, inviting other villains for this big party for the End of the World, of course Frank make himself a guest too but only to anticipate their "end of the world".

Secret Wars #1

Punisher #19

Punisher #19

Every villain in this bar was destroyed by the Punisher. Confirmed villains like Kingpin, Sandman, Absorbing Man, Bullseye and Scorpion. Probably there were more but i can't confirm that.

If i make a recount with these deaths, the Punisher increased to 46 Notable Kills in Marvel Universe 616.

Do you agree with this list? Make the comments below!

posted by @ivomgs