Toronto’s subway terminals have been known to have some interesting advertisement to theme around the multitude of stations there. Several weeks back, stealth ads for Stranger Things in the form of Hawkins Power and Light made some headlines around the terminals. Netflix’s returns with their latest stunt on marketing Marvel’s The Punisher series, and this is one that took a golden opportunity and seized it.
Occupying the lesser-known stop Castle Frank, subway commuters may notice a barrage of posters featuring Frank Castle, AKA The Punisher, transforming the station with wanted signs and pictures featuring the likeness of John Bernthal. The terminal is further riddled with finger print samples, skulls adorning the tiles, and even full descriptions of our anti-hero as the suspect.
This marketing pitch was sorted by Stephen Vincent of Toronto, citing the inspiration from comic artist and illustrator Tim Bradstreet.
https://twitter.com/ste__vin/status/930438997708558336
The reception of the stunt took goers of the TTC by great surprise for the clever play on words.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbgjmgdBjYc/
Every ad at Castle Frank station in Toronto is for #Punisher right now! Someone deserves a raise @TTChelps @Netflix_CA @ThePunisher pic.twitter.com/R7jNjYrT6t
— Mark Ross (@markofthedamned) November 14, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbhHqlbBycS/
Early reviews for the show are already at a mixed stage, but many are praising Bernthal’s faithful adaptation to the character. Even Punisher character’s co-creator Gerry Conway spoke positively of him as his favorite interpretation of the skull-crested anti-hero:
“Jon Bernthal gives The Punisher the kind of pathos that’s underneath the tough guy, and I really like that.”
The show’s synopsis: After exacting revenge on those responsible for the death of his wife and children, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) uncovers a conspiracy that runs far deeper than New York’s criminal underworld. Now known throughout the city as The Punisher, he must discover the truth about injustices that affect more than his family alone.
Marvel’s The Punisher is currently streaming on Netflix.