The Punisher is returning to an all-new 13-issue series, with big changes. One change, in particular, is causing huge waves: the Punisher’s iconic yet controversial skull logo is no more. Gone are the elongated teeth and oversized skull that have been featured with the character since his debut in February 1974. Instead, the new look has a decidedly demonic look to it.
The new series, titled simply Punisher, will be written by Jason Aaron with art by Jesus Saiz and Paul Azaceta. The first issue of the new series lands in March 2022, with the series concluding in April 2023. From the announcement, Saiz will be drawing the current-day story art with Azaceta drawing the flashbacks. Aaron said this about the new series: “This story is the destined next step in the dark and tragic evolution of Frank Castle, from a troubled kid to heroic soldier to revenge-driven vigilante . . . to the duly anointed King of Killers.” While that sounds like the story is going to mine the Punisher mythos for its classic elements, Marvel Editor-in-Chief CB Cebulski promises the story will also take the character through significant changes: “The story Jason is telling – a truly epic tale about darkness, violence, and choices – can only be told with the Punisher at its core. This series will build on Frank’s legacy while introducing us to a side of him we’ve never seen before, setting the stage for an evolution that we’ll find was inevitable.”
Within the story, Frank Castle has become a warlord of the Hand—a clan of Japanese assassins. In this role, he now serves the Beast of the Hand—a demon that has been worshiped by the Snakeroot clan of ninjas. Centuries ago, empowered by the Beast’s dark magic, the Snakeroot ninja clan took over leadership of the Hand. Marvel emphasized the Punisher’s relationship with the Beast, saying he “now serves the Beast, a role he’s been fated to fulfill.” The story announcement from Marvel hints at major changes: “Tragedy, war, and rage come together as he takes up his sword and his new armor with the most notorious clan of assassins in the Marvel Universe. Will it mean an end for the Punisher? Or a whole new bloody beginning?” The cover revealed for the first issue shows the Punisher with his back turned, discarding his classic skull logo armor.
In the real world, the Punisher logo has been adopted by various ideological and political groups. The Punisher skull is popular with certain segments of the pro-law enforcement movement, more noticeably in recent years as that group has positioned itself in opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement. The use of the Punisher skull by pro-police groups has been criticized as misaligned as the Punisher ignores the law, brutally enforcing his own justice on those he deems guilty. The co-opting of the Punisher logo is controversial and is now seen by some as equated with police brutality. Clothing, decals, and other goods have popped up amalgamating the logo with Thin Blue Line artwork. Gerry Conway, co-creator of the Punisher, criticized this: “Any ‘cop’ who wears a Punisher logo in his official capacity is identifying law enforcement with an outlaw. These ‘cops’ are a disgrace to serious police officers everywhere. They show an imbecilic level of irresponsibility and should be fired immediately.”
However, the new logo is not without controversy itself. Twitter has also been abuzz with allegations of cultural appropriation. Many commentators are likening the new logo to the Japanese oni mask. Oni are a form of demon or troll in Japanese mythology. Known for their aggressive nature, pictured as massive horned creatures, oni are often murderous. In modern parades, however, marchers wear oni masks to ward off bad luck. Like gargoyles in western Gothic architecture, oni sculptures are sometimes placed on buildings to ensure protection. As the Punisher is now an agent for a Japanese ninja clan, the new logo has an explanation--though, the new one may stay controversial.
According to Marvel, the new prestige limited series will be “oversized to explore the past, present, and future of Frank Castle’s character and reveal where his motivations truly lie.” With this new series, the elongated skull is definitely in the past. The present for the Punisher, in the real world, is mired in controversy. As to the future, it’s anyone’s guess as to how long this new change will last—this could all be temporary to draw attention to the new series. If so, it’s working.