You May Not Agree With the Punisher, But One Dark Scene Converted Most Marvel Haters

Marvel Comics’ Punisher tales are usually darkish, however one well-known arc took a very grim flip, in what quantities to Frank Castle’s greatest acts of brutality. Pushing all the bounds of excellent style, the “Up is Down and Black is White” story featured some of the stunning moments in Marvel Comics historical past, kicking off a darkish journey which resulted in spectacularly violent trend.

“Up is Down and Black is White” – written by Garth Ennis with artwork by Leandro Fernández – initially appeared in The Punisher (Vol. 7) #19-24, the first ongoing Marvel MAX series starring Frank Citadel. It informed the story of mobster Nicky Cavella, who decides to get the Punisher’s consideration in a really… unconventional trend.

Cavella data himself digging up the bones of Frank Citadel’s household, which he proceeds to alleviate himself on at their gravesite. The footage is infamous sufficient to air on the native information, which Citadel sees whereas grabbing dinner at a diner – setting off a violent chain of occasions.

Frank Citadel’s Most Intense Second As The Punisher, Defined

Punisher (Vol. 7) #19-24, “Up Is Down and Black Is White” – Written By Garth Ennis; Artwork By Leandro Fernández

The look on Frank Citadel’s face says all of it when he sees the footage of Cavella desecrating his household’s gravesite. Artist Leandro Fernández really shines, because the barely-controlled rage is etched into each line of Citadel’s face. Taking a look at Fernández’ illustration of Citadel’s expression, readers know that Nicky Cavella goes to satisfy a very violent finish. The mobster needs to solidify his energy by luring the Punisher out within the open and taking him out, however Cavella’s actions as an alternative indicators his personal loss of life warrant, and the in-over-his-head gangster finds out what occurs if you mess with the Punisher.

Citadel instantly goes gunning for Cavella, however the mobster’s ploy appears to work at first. CIA agent Kathryn O’Brien winds up patching Frank up after one violent encounter with Cavella’s goons, despite the fact that she was particularly assigned to seize the Punisher. O’Brien winds up serving to Frank tackle Cavella, a part of her progressing towards being a recurring character all through the Punisher MAX sequence, together with growing an on-again/off-again relationship with Citadel. After killing waves of Cavella’s employed weapons, Citadel finally will get his arms on Cavella, and enacts his vengeance in the way in which solely the Punisher can.

Garth Ennis’ Punisher MAX Run Was Notorious For Crafting The Character’s Darkest Tales

Frank Citadel’s Level Of No Return

Citadel drives Cavella deep into the wooden of New Jersey, earlier than taking pictures him within the intestine and explaining in grotesque anatomical element how he’ll finally die of blood poisoning. Citadel has actually discovered extra inventive methods to off evil-doers, however the brutally-efficient method of Cavella’s loss of life reveals how cold-blooded Frank Castle can be. Nicky Cavella discovered the arduous manner what occurs if you problem Frank Citadel instantly, and the brutal story that adopted is likely one of the darkest Punisher tales on the market.

Associated

“It’s Not Important”: Celebrated Punisher Writer Says Marvel Can Easily Retire Skull Symbol Without Hurting the Character

There’s been loads of debate concerning the Punisher’s use of his cranium image. Now iconic author Garth Ennis is stepping in to present his two cents.

TV Present

My Favourite TV Exhibits
My Watchlist

The Punisher stars Jon Bernthal as Frank Citadel/The Punisher, who first appeared on Netflix’s Daredevil. Frank is a United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper veteran who is very expert in martial arts, stealth techniques, guerrilla warfare, and is aware of the best way to use a wide range of weapons. The loss of life of his spouse and two youngsters led him to take issues into his personal arms, and he has been killing criminals indiscriminately ever since. Regardless of being beloved by followers, The Punisher was canceled in early 2019. Fortunately for followers of Bernthal’s character, it was introduced in 2023 that he could be becoming a member of the MCU by showing in Daredevil: Born Once more, starring Charlie Cox.