WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Punisher #1, on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Punisher #1 — by writer Jason Aaron and artists Jesús Saiz and Paul Azaceta — brings Frank Castle’s wife, Maria, back to life.
Lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, Punisher #1 opens with a flashback to the death of Castle’s family, which is what led to him becoming a vigilante. From there, the issue jumps around through time, with a specific focus on how Castle began working with the Hand. That organization of mystical ninja believes Castle is part of “a long line of the most exalted slayers from around the globe” called the “Fist of the Beast.”
Just what that means in this context isn’t totally clear, but working with the Hand will supposedly unlock the “Power of the Beast” within Castle. As the book explains that potential new power, Punisher #1 wraps up with Castle getting into bed with Maria, who is very much alive and still covered in scars from where she was shot. Punisher #1 provides no further details on how Maria returned to life. Additionally, solicitations for future issues of Punisher do not provide any hints about Maria’s resurrection or the fate of the rest of the Castle family.
This isn’t the first time Marvel has toyed with resurrecting Maria. In 2009, writer Rick Remender, artist Tan Eng Huat, colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Joe Caramagna’s “Dead End” storyline in the pages of Punisher #10 saw Parker Robbins/The Hood seemingly bring back Castle’s family. However, Castle almost immediately used Gary Gilbert/Firebrand to immolate them, refusing to accept his family’s apparent resurrection.
Created by Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru, Castle first appeared in 1974’s Amazing Spider-Man #129. Despite not having any explicit powers, Castle is a well-trained soldier and veteran who uses his skills to wage a war on crime. The Punisher’s adventures have been adapted to film and TV on numerous occasions, where he’s been played by such actors as Dolph Lundgren, Thomas Jane, Ray Stevenson and Jon Bernthal.
Punisher #1 is on sale now. The book features a main cover from Saiz and variants from Alex Ross; Benjamin Su; Ernanda Souza; Goran Parlov and Giada Marchisio; Jen Bartel; John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson and Dave Stewart. The next issue of the series, Punisher #2, goes on sale April 13.
Source: Marvel Comics
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