Flashback Friday: The Punisher

Welcome to Flashback Friday where I discuss pops from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Anything pop related to the MCU is up for discussion including films and television series. Let’s jump right in with this week’s discussion which was chosen by Brady who was last week’s trivia winner. The Punisher from the Daredevil set is Brady’s choice.

Discussion: Marvel has setup their Netflix universe very nicely. It kicked off with Daredevil season 1, followed by Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron First, Daredevil season 2, The Defenders, and The Punisher. I really enjoyed the introduction of The Punisher in season 2 of Daredevil. Each character had their own reasoning for what they did and why they didn’t agree with each other. The interactions were stellar and when they let The Punisher loose man it was a sight to see. Jon Bernthal just killed it (no pun intended) as the character and I thought he was a perfect casting choice given what I’ve seen from him in The Walking Dead and the various films he’s done since his time on the popular zombie show. His own series really delved into his background and history which allowed them to really develop the struggle that Frank deals with every day.

Funko was kind enough to add The Punisher to the season 2 lineup along with Daredevil and Elektra. However, they really knocked it out of the park by giving us the Chase version of The Punisher holding Daredevil’s mask. I think this is one of the coolest looking Marvel Pops that’s been released. Unfortunately, I do not own the chase but I’m hopeful one day I will. I think this is the perfect opportunity to share a pretty cool story.

In 2017, I was at San Diego Comic Con and I got really lucky that my brother won a ticket for a Jon Bernthal signing. I got him into the Defenders panel in Hall H so he gave me the ticket. While he was watching the pilot episode of The Defenders in a room with 6,000 people I was scrambling around trying to find something cool to get signed when it hit me. I need to find a Punisher Pop. All of the Chase variants I found were upwards of $70.00 (overpriced vendors at SDCC) so I settled on the $20.00 normal one. I rushed back to get in line in time for the signing with my new Punisher Pop and a hard protective case. We chatted for a couple of minutes and he told me he was super nervous about the show and he really hoped that the fans would enjoy it. I told him I’m sure it will be great and I’m looking forward to watching it. He thanked me for my support and signed the Punisher Pop and a poster they provided. Apologies for rambling on but I thought it was a cool story to bring up during this column.

Anyways, both of The Punisher Pops are fantastically awesome and if you’re a fan they should be in your collection. Amazon, eBay, and our Facebook group are your best options for finding these pops. Both were released in early 2017 and I know a ton of people that were after the chase variant. You should be looking to pay normal retail for The Punisher and around $30.00 for the chase. I feel like as time passes the chase is only going to increase in value. Picking one up sooner rather than later is definitely the way to go.

Fun Facts: In this section I’ll post an interesting fact or two from the chosen film or television series.

Jon Bernthal portrayed Frank Castle/The Punisher in Season 2. This will mark the second time an alum from the AMC series The Walking Dead (2010) (also based off a comic book) will portray the character. Previously, Norman Reedus provided the voice of Castle in the Marvel Anime film Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013).

Trivia: Welcome to our weekly trivia where you have a chance of choosing the pop for the next column. Be the first to comment with the correct answers to both questions and win. If you become the weekly champion you must choose a Pop within the MCU that has not been featured in the Flashback Friday series. This week’s questions will come from Daredevil.

Q1: What MCU actor made audition tapes with Jon Bernthal for the role of The Punisher?

Q2: What is the name of Matt Murdock’s close friend and law partner?

I hope you enjoyed this week’s column. Please check back next week for a brand new Flashback Friday. Excelsior!!