26 Years Ago Today, The Punisher’s Most Iconic Story Began (And It Would Change Him Forever)

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Not long ago, Marvel Comics released a highly acclaimed series featuring the Punisher. Most people are familiar with Frank Castle’s story – a former soldier and family man who suffered a terrible loss. After his family was tragically killed, Frank dedicated his life to eliminating crime. This quest has led him through some dark and unusual situations. Towards the end of the 20th century, the Punisher was even portrayed as a force of divine retribution.

The Punisher comic book had a short-lived supernatural phase in 1998, briefly giving Frank Castle enhanced strength and superpowers. That storyline only lasted four issues. Soon after, a new Punisher series began, crafted by the talented duo of Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. This version became a highly acclaimed and impactful interpretation of the character, and even after almost thirty years, it’s worth revisiting what made it so successful.

“Welcome Back, Frank” Was the Story the Punisher Needed

Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon’s The Punisher #1, with contributions from Jimmy Palmiotti, Chris Sotomayor, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott, opens with Frank Castle dismantling a drug operation run by ‘Sticky’ Eddie Gnucci, completely destroying the warehouse. He then returns to his simple, unassuming apartment, rented under the alias John Smith. Frank reflects that after relying on advanced technology, help from allies like Micro, and even supernatural forces, he’s back to a bare-bones approach: just himself, whatever weapons he can find, and the criminals who cross his path. Currently, his target is the entire Gnucci crime family.

Despite Eddie’s death, the cycle of violence continues when his brother, Bobby, discovers the body and vows revenge. However, Frank Castle – the Punisher – arrives at the morgue before Bobby can even mourn, quickly taking down Bobby’s associates in a fierce gunfight. Ultimately, everyone working for Bobby, including Bobby himself, is killed. This leaves Carlo, the oldest brother, as the last remaining target.

The Punisher finds Carlo at the Empire State Building, where Carlo is on a date. Frank quickly defeats Carlo’s bodyguards and then takes Carlo to the observation deck. There, Frank thinks about turning down an offer to become an enforcer in heaven and how he was sent back to Earth – a world full of criminals – as a consequence. But Frank realizes he doesn’t see this world as punishment; it’s where he’s meant to be. He throws Carlo off the building, sending a clear message to New York City: the Punisher has returned.

Ennis’ The Punisher Recognizes How Frank Castle Works Best

The title of this first issue in Garth Ennis’s long run on The Punisher, “Welcome Back, Frank,” is perfectly fitting. It arrived after a strange period in the 1990s where Marvel took the Punisher in some very unusual directions, even briefly turning him into an angelic figure. This issue, with art by Dillon, stripped all that away and returned Frank to his roots: the gritty streets of New York City, relentlessly hunting down criminals with extreme violence. It was a successful approach, as this version of The Punisher remains highly regarded today.

The series proved incredibly popular, leading to Garth Ennis writing many more Punisher stories, including the acclaimed Punisher MAX. He also created fantastic spin-offs, such as The Punisher: Born, which explores Frank Castle’s experiences in the Vietnam War. Though Ennis is known for his critical views on superheroes, as seen in works like The Boys, he clearly excelled while writing Punisher. His work remains so influential that it continues to inspire new Punisher projects, including the upcoming Marvel Studios special.

“Welcome Back, Frank” revitalized the Punisher character. It moved away from unnecessary additions and focused on the core of what drives Frank Castle. Instead of prioritizing action, the story delved into Frank’s motivations and personality, giving readers a deeper understanding of who he is. Considering this run began 25 years ago, and how much the Punisher has evolved since then, it’s a good time to revisit and appreciate its impact on the character.

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2026-02-09 20:42