Real Name: Frank Castle | Universe: Marvel | Rating: 84 OVR (Lethal Tactician)
"You know what I am. I'm the end of the line."
Writer/Artist: Garth Ennis & Steve Dillon | Format: Graphic Novel
Frank Castle returns to New York to dismantle the Gnucci crime family with darkly hilarious, over-the-top tactics.
Why Start Here: The storyline that saved the Punisher character and inspired Thomas Jane's movie.
Writer/Artist: Garth Ennis & Darick Robertson | Format: Trade Paperback
Captain Frank Castle defends Firebase Valley Forge during his final tour in Vietnam, forging his pact with death.
Why Start Here: Deep psychological exploration of why Frank Castle was born to wage endless war.
Writer/Artist: Steven Grant & Mike Zeck | Format: Deluxe Paperback
The very first solo Punisher miniseries where Frank escapes prison and wages a multi-sided gang war in New York.
Why Start Here: The classic miniseries that proved Punisher could carry his own franchise.
Documented Weakness: Standard mortal biology, no superhuman regeneration, self-destructive mission.