In its next “Punisher” series, Marvel has officially altered Frank Castle’s skull logo [above] to look different than the original logo [below], with two stylized horns and a different jawline. As one recent article explained:
Set to launch in March, the series will feature 13 oversized issues that run monthly, placing the finale out in April 2023. Saiz is set to draw the present-day journey of the character while Azaceta’s line art will be focused in the flashbacks. The series is also changing Castle’s iconic brand after its involvement in real-world controversies over the past few years.
Smith, however, does not seem to believe the logo shift is permanent, sharing the following thoughts with his podcast listeners:
“This character has been insanely popular for decades. He’s recognizable by the skull on his chest. Apparently, the skull on his chest became problematic because it’s been co-opted by some folks that Marvel doesn’t want to be associated with. So, this seems like their fix. Also, maybe the character has come under fire in recent years for all the gun use and stuff.”
Smith went on to share that he views the alteration as something of a ploy for Marvel to be able to “sell a bajillion copies” of whichever comic issue sees the original logo return — which, as we previously established, is something he feels in an inevitably:
“It’s a character that sometimes, based on the culture, has butted up against the culture. So, Marvel has tried to find ways to still keep a beloved character viable while not being associated with whatever they don’t want to be associated with. This is yet another example of that. So, if you’re like ‘Oh, I can’t stand what they’re doing!’ Take it from an old comic book fan, just wait 10 minutes, nothing is forever kids. You think that skull is gone from The Punisher’s chest forever? No. And when they put it back on his chest, they will sell a bajillion copies.”
You can listen to Smith’s entire Punisher podcast episode, which also includes his thoughts about Star Wars’ latest series, The Book of Boba Fett, below:
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Credit: ABC
