The Punisher made his comic book debut in The Amazing Spider-Man No. 129 back in 1974, and his popularity hasn’t slowed down since. It could be his willingness to kill or how he survives fights amongst superpowered people while he’s just a man. Regardless of the reason, people love Frank Castle.
If you’re new to Marvel Comics, you may want to get into the character (especially now that Jon Bernthal's version is now a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to Daredevil: Born Again), but not have the time to read all of his stories. So this article will give you five starting points that best represent the character.
Writer's note: While the entire Garth Ennis Punisher Max run is worthy, some of the stories like The Slavers and Barracuda my not be suitable for everyone.
A vigilante is born
- Comic book: Punisher: Born
- Writer: Garth Ennis
- Artist: Darick Robertson
- Colors: Paul Mounts
Punisher: Born is a story about how Frank Castle becomes the Punisher. However, the tale isn’t told from his perspective. Instead, it’s through the eyes of one of the soldiers in his squad, named Stevie Goodwin. He speaks highly of Frank’s leadership during Vietnam, but says he’ll never fall in love with war like Captain Castle.
There’s another voice narrating this story. A darker one that speaks to Frank and offers him a never-ending war. The events leading to the deal and why he accepts the terms are something that every Punisher fan should know.
Revenge
- Comic book: The Punisher: The Cell
- Writer: Garth Ennis
- Artists: Lewis LaRosa
- Colors: Raul Trevino
Have you ever wondered what happened to the people who killed Frank’s family or why he never went after them? Look no further than this comic. You’ll witness Frank get revenge for his wife and kids and the lengths he’ll go to get it.
The Punisher: The Cell is a violent story that highlights Frank's ability to take pain, his creativity, and his determination.
Punisher abroad
- Comic book: Punisher: Mother Russia
- Writer: Garth Ennis
- Artist: Doug Braithwaite
- Colors: Raul Trevino
There are a lot of Punisher stories, but this is one of the best. Here you see that Frank’s skills extend further than the streets. He can do damage anywhere around the world, and when his back is against the wall, he’s more dangerous. You’ll also see a side of him that rarely comes up: The part that cares for kids.
One of the most important parts of Garth Ennis’ Punisher Max run starts here, when you’re introduced to some of the most deplorable people in comic book history. What’s worse is that they get away with their heinous crimes because they're protected by the U.S. Government.
He’s back!
- Comic book: Punisher: Welcome Back, Frank
- Writer: Garth Ennis
- Artist: Steve Dillon
- Colors: Chris Sotomayor
After being a soldier for the Angels of Heaven, Frank goes back to New York to punish the worst of the worst. Along the way, you’ll see him fight dangerous villains and defeat them in creative ways.
This may be Punisher’s most famous story, and for good reason. It is the epitome of everything people love about the character. It's so good that elements from this series were used in Netflix’s Daredevil and The Punisher.
Frank vs The Ten Realms
- Comic books: War of the Realms, War of the Realms Strikeforce: The Dark Elf Realm, and Punisher: Kill Krew
- Writer: Gerry Duggan
- Artist: Juan Ferreyra
- Colors: Juan Ferreyra
Thor may have saved the day during the Marvel Comics event War of the Realms, but Frank Castle was the MVP. He caused more damage than most superheroes in this series, and he doesn’t have superpowers. His skills were so valuable that Frigga enlisted him onto her crew.
After the war was over, Frank came across kids whose parents were killed by beasts of the Ten Realms. This leads him to lands he normally wouldn’t venture into to get vengeance. And it isn’t just punishment. There are a lot of funny moments thanks to Juggernaut and Foggy Nelson.
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