Marvel's Punisher Problem
Jon Bernthal in Netflix's 'The Punisher.'
Netflix
Marvel has a popularity problem with one of its B-list characters: the Punisher, aka Frank Castle, a troubled ex-Marine turned vigilante who metes out lethal justice to the corrupt and criminal ("The people I kill need killing"). Right now he's too popular with the wrong people.
Among the MAGA hats, Don't Tread on Me Flags and Trump 2024 banners on display during the January 6 invasion of the Capitol, were also logos and images belonging to various comic book characters. One of the most popular was the Punisher's signature white on black skull emblem, which cropped up on patches, shirts and flags. Some were on officially licensed Marvel merchandise, some on copyright-infringing knock-offs. While the symbol has long been popular with people eager–either seriously or in jest–to project a bad-ass image, its public appropriation by a pro-Trump mob, touched a nerve.