The Punisher

The Punisher (real name Frank Castle) is a fictional character of Marvel comic books. As a lead character, he is unusual in that he has no superpowers and actually uses lethal force. He is generally considered an anti-hero.

Frank Castle 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 and ever since that time Frank Castle has devoted his life to destroying organized crime, 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.

The first appearance of the Punisher was in Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974). The story was written by Gerry Conway, who originally conceived the character as a one-issue antagonist (the story involved the Punisher stalking Spider-Man, who he mistakenly believed to be a murderer). The character was 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, The Punisher, in the mid-1980s.

A film adaptation starring Dolph Lundgren was released in 1989. Another film adaptation, starring Thomas Jane as the Punisher and John Travolta as the main villain, is due for release in April 2004. See The Punisher (movie).

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Vital Statistics

• Name: Frank Castle
• Occupation: Vigilante
• Height: 6'
• Weight: 200 lbs.
• Eyes: Blue
• Hair: Black
  • Intelligence Level: Above Normal
  • Strength Level: Peak Human
  • Endurance Level: Peak Human
    • (enhanced by hidden body armor)
  • Stamina Level: Peak Human
  • Speed Level: Normal
  • Agility Level: Athlete
  • Reflexes: Peak Human

Special Skills, Abilities, Paraphenelia: The Punisher has at his disposal all manner of conventional and state of the art weaponry. He has connections to many technology experts and weapons designers who support his activities. Frank Castle is a master of many forms of unarmed combat, armed combat, and is a ridiculously good marksman. He is about as well trained in warfare as a person can be. Though he possesses no superhuman abilities, Frank Castle is able to psychology tune-out physical pain and his arsenal and resourcefulness have made him infamous to organized crime. The Punisher is typically armed with an assault rifle and various handguns and knives.