The Punisher is one of the breakout stars of Marvel Comics. Since debuting as a Spider-Man foe, his tragic and rugged appeal has spawned a comic career all his own. He was originally a family man and war vet named Frank Castle, but a gangland shooting resulted in his wife and children's deaths. Now, he prowls the streets and wages a one-man war on crime, gunning down those he deems worthy of punishment. Not only is Castle's personal journey intriguing in its pathos, but it's cathartic to see karma come to crooks who believe themselves untouchable.