It was an exciting announcement for Punisher fans when it was revealed the character would be featured in a brand new comic book series. The new 13-issue Punisher series is said to reintroduce the beloved character, and this will also include a new logo in place of his iconic skull. While it’s still quite similar, the new logo resembles more of a Samurai mask. As such, some Marvel fans are now calling out the company, claiming that the new Punisher skull logo is an example of cultural appropriation – while others are just upset over the skull logo being changed.
It’s quite ironic, considering that the previous skull logo has been a topic of controversy as well. Many groups have used the previous Punisher skull logo to represent their own agendas, something which those involved with the comics have consistently frowned upon. In fact, many fans complained about that as well. As such, it makes sense that Marvel would want to change the logo up for their new Punisher run. Unfortunately, it looks like allegations of cultural appropriation has already found this new logo controversial as well.
As you can see in some of the below criticisms on Twitter:
Punisher Appropriating another culture. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/tUxz4KhKGZ
— Todd Ace Crawford (Dream Investor) (@sigmacenturion) December 20, 2021
Marvel changed Punisher’s logo to stick it to gun owners, but commit cultural appropriation!
Let me put this in language they’ll understand: YIKES! This isn’t a good look.
Meanwhile, nobody cares. It’s like Matt Furie trying to kill Pepe. Once in culture, it’s not your call. pic.twitter.com/rPIRFvTHxu
— Saeger Ryman (@saegerart) December 20, 2021
Great, now Punisher is culturally appropriating Ninja culture. https://t.co/OmgUyxpplK pic.twitter.com/ywHbibjWWD
— Danny Vapid (@DannyVapid) December 20, 2021
Marvel finally figured out how to stop military and police from using The Punisher logo. They made it lame. pic.twitter.com/xy5jz6wvbc
— Yucky (@YuckyGumComics) December 21, 2021
Congratulations on ruining the Punisher logo for all of us, racists! pic.twitter.com/2UHb7yDQYz
— Cheryl Lynn Eaton (@cheryllynneaton) December 20, 2021
New Punisher logo was just revealed. What a terrible day to have eyeballs. pic.twitter.com/Ttv8gmaIwA
— Dylan (@The_RCBG) December 20, 2021
What I think of the New Punisher logo pic.twitter.com/IdwJhPuEcb
— Gregory Smith cancel Kathleen Kennedy (@Gregory91065541) December 22, 2021
The Punisher got a new logo and I hate it. pic.twitter.com/w1jy7i4fdT
— Nathan Hale 🇺🇸 (@wlfhuntr34) December 20, 2021
Never forget Marvel/Disney sued a family when they put the Spider-Man logo in their dead son’s gravestone. But when racists and bigots co-opted the Punisher logo Marvel decided just to change the logo instead. Coward shit pic.twitter.com/RM7Sx5aRUq
— Travis B. Hill (@travisbhill5) December 20, 2021
Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, began using the new logo after being put in charge of an Japanese assassin group. In that context, it does make sense why the logo would look the way it does. Unfortunately, because Frank Castle was not previously part of Asian culture, it also makes sense why some would complain about appropriation. Only time will tell if Marvel will react to any of these controversies, or keep pushing Punisher forward as planned. With that in mind, some responses have even been positive – and one individual even theorized how it could lead to Frank Castle’s MCU introduction.
Bro samurai punisher with an oni punisher skull
That sounds fucking awesome
Comic book needs are too fucking sensitive “oh sjws changing things will kill marvel “
Bitch Spider-Man made all the money ever this weekend
Calm your tits pic.twitter.com/30Vtnjf2Dn— good buddy juan OFTHEDEAD Ortiz (@ofthedead209) December 20, 2021
I’m calling it now, they’re gonna reintroduce Punisher via the Shang Chi spinoff, and jump straight to him being an enforcer for the Hand (who will probably rival Xialing) before said events make him a solo act and then we get his MCU solo film. pic.twitter.com/fMqs4q1zWt
— 🔴🔱⚫️ Angela’s Son.⚜️⚜️⚜️ (@Tchalla_Fett) December 20, 2021
To everyone bitching about Marvel changing the Punisher logo – this is why pic.twitter.com/oMiIjytkj4
— Jason Alt (@JasonEAlt) December 21, 2021
The new 13-issue series was penned by Jason Aaron and features art from dynamic duo Jesus Saiz and Paul Azaceta. The series will take place both in the past and the present, taking Frank Castle on a completely new adventure while revealing mysteries about his past.