Punisher (Earth-1610)

The Punisher, born Frank Castle, is an American vigilante antihero and former police officer in New York City. He is currently imprisoned in Ryker's Island.

Biography

Origin

Frank Castle was an officer in the New York Police Department at the turn of the 21st century, and virtually the only one who was committed to resisting the corruption that permeated the department at the time. His partner was Detective Bruce Greenwood, who himself was a part of the corruption. Other officers—especially Artie Jillette, who was at the forefront of the department's shady dealings—were concerned that the righteous Castle would report them to Internal Affairs, costing them their careers and reputations. Jillette and three other officers organized to have him killed and make it look like a gang shooting. They showed up in a park where Castle was having a peaceful day with his wife, son, and daughter, and opened fire, killing all but Frank and injuring him terribly. When Castle recovered, he sought revenge; he became a vigilante called the Punisher, and killed one of the officers responsible. He was arrested and imprisoned at Ryker's Island, where he became known for repeatedly killing some of the more vile inmates and being put into solitary confinement.

2001-2002

The Punisher escaped from Ryker's Island in late 2001 and wasted no time in killing the second officer responsible for the deaths of his family. He also quickly tracked down Greenwood himself, who while not directly involved was privy to Artie Jillette's plan. Greenwood was meeting with his attorney Matt Murdock when Punisher shot and killed him through the window from an adjacent building. Murdock quickly left his office and suited up as his vigilante alterego Daredevil to find Castle. The two confronted each other on the rooftops, Punisher pulling a gun on Daredevil.

Daredevil had heard Punisher's story from Greenwood, and pleaded with him to stop his violent quest for revenge. Punisher didn't heed his request, firing his gun to cause a distraction and escaping. He went to Artie Jillette's apartment and brought him to the rooftop to execute him, but was stopped by Daredevil. Daredevil again pleaded with him to do things the right way, and seemed to be getting through to him before Spider-Man swung by and took Punisher down. He had apparently seen a man pointing at a gun at defenseless person on a rooftop and instinctively sprung into action. Daredevil scolded Spider-Man as Jillette ran off in the confusion. Daredevil ordered Spider-Man to take the unconscious Punisher and his gun to the police while he chased Jillette. Punisher was indeed arrested and processed, and given his recent history would've been destined for long-term solitary confinement if not for an unnamed lawyer, ostensibly Murdock, pleading his case. Daredevil had also apparently succeeded in his pursuit, as Punisher was housed in a cell at Ryker's with Jillette.