Trivia / Punisher (2022)

• Disowned Adaptation: Chuck Dixon, a veteran writer for the Punisher, has openly criticized the 2022 series, for its treatment of Frank Castle. He has also claimed that Marvel are embarrassed by both the character and his fans, and that they have been trying to get to get rid of the character for a while.
• Franchise Killer: Invoked on Marvel's part, as they created this comic as a way of discontinuing the Punisher once and for all, as mentioned down below. Although it appears that Marvel have changed their minds, as they have ultimately decided to continue the series but with a new character becoming the Punisher. Whether this is because they realized that they would lose customers by getting rid of the Punisher, or if it was actually ever their intention to discontinue the series in the first place or not is unclear or now.
• Torch the Franchise and Run: An example that seems to have the publisher's backing as well as the writer's. Some elements of the Punisher's fandom have been viewed as problematic, uncritically seeing his murderous Vigilante Man approach as heroic. This has included press coverage of elements such as Punisher skulls worn by Real Life police. Several creators have previously commented on this. The 2022 series thoroughly deconstructs Frank's war on crime, with his wife Maria's resurrection (and outright rejection of his crusade in his family's name) undercutting his motive, and positioning it as more of an excuse. By the end of the series, Maria's still alive but has left him, Frank's wealth and assets have been split between Maria and charitable causes, Frank's certainty in his cause has been shaken and he's Put on a Bus to another world, abandoning his Punisher identity.
  • This is subverted, however, as a new follow up series was started in 2023, with a new character by the name of Joe Garrison adopting the Punisher identity.