CBR

  • The Punisher has been a controversial symbol ever since he debuted. Is he a hero or villain? 1 / 11

  • Upon the release of his hit miniseries in 1985, the Punisher was suddenly a major character. 2 / 11

  • His subsequent ongoing series became one of Marvel's most popular books. 3 / 11

  • Soon into the book's run, it was clear that the character was a hit with servicemen. 4 / 11

  • During the Iraq War, Chris Kyle and others spread the Punisher symbol throughout the military. 5 / 11

  • In recent years, the Punisher has become a symbol of the "Blue Lives Matter" movement. 6 / 11

  • And even more recently, it has become a political symbol associated with Donald Trump. 7 / 11

  • Punisher creator, Gerry Conway, though, does not believe authority figures should use the Punisher symbol. 8 / 11

  • In a recent Punisher issue, the Punisher himself addressed the issue. 9 / 11

  • He tore up his logo being used by a pair of police officers. 10 / 11

  • He chastised them and told them to find a better symbol to follow, like Captain America. 11 / 11