Punisher Creator Says Symbol Can Be Reclaimed, But Hero Needs a Reboot
Legendary writer Gerry Conway believes the Punisher should be rebooted into something new, while Marvel can reclaim his iconic skull logo from far-right extremists. In an interview, the antihero's co-creator admitted that it's probably time for the Punisher to evolve into something different, as he offered his opinion on what he'd like to see the character transform into. However, when it comes to Frank Castle's logo, he wants to see it reclaimed from its current use as a symbol of real-world hatred and division. Marvel's handling of the symbol has come under renewed focus after its use at 2021's attack on the Capitol in Washington.
The Punisher is one of Marvel's most notable characters, having become a fan-favorite of many comic readers since debuting in Amazing Spider-Man #129. Co-created by Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr., and Ross Andru, the Punisher is a former marine who — after the murder of his family during a mob shootout — abandons his moral code and the law to wage a lethal war against all those he sees as responsible. Punisher's lethal, lawless approach hasn't stopped his symbol being unofficially invoked by military and law enforcement personnel, and the skull logo has become increasingly linked to far-right politics. Conway has attempted to reclaim the Punisher's logo in the past with his «Skulls of Justice» campaign, which redesigned the logo with all proceeds going to Black Lives Matter. Now, Marvel is altering the logo for a much-publicized upcoming story, and the symbol's future is unclear.
Related: What The Punisher's New Logo Is Actually Supposed to Mean
Conway recently appeared on the Endless Thread podcast's 'The Punisher Skull' episode (with a transcript available from 99% Invisible), where he
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