10 Things Marvel Wants You To Forget About The Punisher

1. That He's Pretty Dull Without Other Heroes To Play Off

Here's the thing about the Punisher: he's not all that interesting on his own.

Granted, the new Netflix show looks set to refute that, but it's equally true that the character is infinitely more interesting when he has other superheroes to play off. We saw as much in Daredevil Season 2, and indeed, the Punisher episodes there were some of the best comic book TV we've ever gotten.

It's the same with the comics, with the aforementioned Matt Murdock having served as Frank Castle's greatest costumed sparring-partner for a while now. The two have a spectacular relationship on the page - one that's been explored by the likes of Ennis, Miller et al. - and there are other heroes out there too that have given Frank plenty to think about.

Castle's attachment to Captain America is, for instance, a major talking point in the comics. Everything the murderous vigilante wishes he was, Frank looks up to and respects the star spangled man with a plan in a manner unheard of with other heroes. Much of that can be owed to Cap's military service, but it's telling that it's a dynamic keep returning to time and time again.

Of course there've been plenty of brilliant Punisher stories, but he's always worked best when he's had other heroes to mess with, both on the page and off it.

Learn anything new about the Punisher? What are your thoughts on Franken-Castle? Be sure to let us know in the comments below and, before you do, be sure to hop on over to the WhatCulture Comics YouTube channel for more frank takes on beloved heroes old and new.