Punisher

The Punisher (real name Frank Castle) is a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. The character was set upart, at least upon his introduction, by his tendency to employ lethal force in his quest for justice. Since that time many other characters have been created who employ violence similarly, but he was one of the first. He is sometimes considered an anti-hero. He is not endowed with super powers like most Marvel characters and instead relies upon his experience as a professional soldier.

History

The Punisher first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974). The story was written by Gerry Conway, who originally conceived the character as a one-issue antagonist for Spider-Man (the story involved the Punisher stalking Spider-Man, whom Castle mistakenly believed to be a murderer). The character proved immediately popular, and made appearances in other series (usually clashing with the hero of the piece over his methods) and eventually gaining a series of his own in the mid-1980s.

The Punisher's origin begins in Vietnam where, as Frank Castle, he was a U.S. Marine who served in the Vietnam War in a special forces unit. After his tour of duty was over he came back to the United States and started a family. His family was killed in a gangland cross-fire. Since then, Frank has devoted his life to destroying organized crime, using the nom de guerre The Punisher, and using whatever resources and means necessary to do so. The Punisher has a criminal record due to his activities, and law enforcement is aware of his existence.

Television & Movies

A film adaptation, The Punisher, starring Dolph Lundgren, was released in 1989. A second film adaptation, starring Thomas Jane as the Punisher and John Travolta as the main villain, is scheduled for release in April 2004.

Vital Statistics

• Name: Frank Castle
• Occupation: Vigilante
• Hieght: 6'
• Wieght: 200 lbs.
• Eyes: Blue
• Hair: Black
  • Intelligence Level: Above Normal
  • Strength Level: Peak Human
  • Endurance Level: Peak Human
    • (sometimes enhanced by body armor)
  • Stamina Level: Peak Human
  • Speed Level: Athlete or Greater
  • Agility Level: Athlete or Greater
  • Reflexes: Peak Human
• Special Skills, Abilities, Paraphenelia: The Punisher has at his disposal all manner of conventional and state of the art weaponry. Frank Castle is a master of many forms of unarmed combat, armed combat, and is a phenomenal marksman. The Punisher's arsenal and resourcefulness have made him infamous to organized crime.