Credit: Marvel Studios
The Punisher is one of the most divisive characters in all of Marvel Comics. Within the setting itself, other costumed crimefighters cannot agree if he is any different than the criminals he seeks to kill. However, the new Disney+ special devoted to Frank Castle makes a subtle change that makes him a better fit for the MCU ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The Punisher: One Last Kill finds Frank Castle in a bad place, even for him. Escaped from the custody of The Kingpin after Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Frank has been trying to live a quiet life in Little Sicily. At the same time, he’s been tormented by visions of his family and fellow Marines. However, when Frank becomes the target of a hit, he returns to his murderous ways amid a neighborhood-wide riot. This triggers an unexpected change for the better. Not only for Frank’s emotional well-being, but also for how he is presented in the MCU.
One Last Kill makes The Punisher more heroic
As he’s fighting, Frank Castle sees Ma Gnucci, the mob matron who put out the hit on him, observing the chaos. At the same time, he overhears criminals attacking a local coffee shop. Torn between revenge and helping a family that was kind to him, Frank elects to save lives rather than seek vengeance.
Photo Credit: Disney+
His only reward for this is a pressed flower, given to him by the coffee shop owner’s daughter. Frank later places this on his daughter’s grave and elects to continue being The Punisher. This time, however, he kills as a defender of the innocent rather than out of revenge.
The Disney+ special reflects both of the ways The Punisher has been characterized over the years. Some writers portray Frank Castle as a wounded warrior out to make sure nobody else suffers as he had. Others present Frank Castle as a serial killer who targets criminals, little better than his prey despite his code.
(Image Source: Marvel / Ross Andru)
Frank Castle’s portrayal in the Marvel Netflix shows and the first half of One Last Kill generally took the latter stance. However, the second half of One Last Kill changes The Punisher. By protecting people and later helping an unhoused veteran get justice, Frank takes a new path.
He is still an anti-hero, whose willingness to kill puts him at odds with heroes like Spider-Man and Daredevil. However, he is coming at his vigilantism from a better place, with a higher goal than vengeance. This serves to make Frank Castle more like he was when he was introduced in Amazing Spider-Man. It also makes him into a more palatable character, whom Spider-Man and Jean Grey might reasonably work with in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie.
The Punisher: One Last Kill is now streaming on Disney+.
