The Punisher is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru, he first appeared in 1974. The character, whose real name is Frank Castle, is a vigilante known for his brutal methods of fighting crime. After the murder of his family by the mob, he takes on the persona of the Punisher, using military tactics and weaponry to eliminate criminals. The Punisher has appeared in various media, including films, television series, and video games. Notable adaptations include the 2004 film starring Thomas Jane and the Netflix series featuring Jon Bernthal as the character. The Punisher's story often explores themes of justice, revenge, and morality, making him a complex figure in the Marvel universe.