Family man turned crime-fighting vigilante, Frank Castle embodies the persona of the Punisher to avenge personal tragedy and ensure all criminals receive the justice they deserve.
Piety to Purgatory
Born in Queens, New York to Sicilian immigrant parents, Frank Castiglione—later Castle—was on a path to priesthood and piety. Disillusioned by the amount of evil he bore witness to in the world, he left the seminary with the acceptance that there could be no forgiveness without punishment. Determined to make his mark on the world, he joined the U.S. Marines and Navy Seals. After four tours of duty, Castle received numerous awards for his sacrifice and dedication to his country. Finally, Frank was able to settle down and enjoy time with his wife Maria, daughter Lisa and son Frank Jr. But, their lives were forever changed when tragedy struck during a picnic in Manhattan’s Central Park.
Stumbling upon a mafia deal gone wrong and witnessing a murder, the Castles were shot down by mobsters so as not to leave any witnesses of the scene. Miraculously surviving his wounds, but realizing he had lost his family, Castle memorized the faces of those responsible and set out to avenge the deaths of his innocent loved ones.
After the police investigation regarding his family’s death was infiltrated by the same criminals who committed the horrific act, Castle realized that not all who do evil receive the reprimanding they undoubtedly deserve. Frank made the decision to pursue not only the criminals who had a hand in the slaying of his family, but also those who try to escape from the law and righteousness. Vengeful of the deaths of his loved ones, Castle set his sights on ensuring that every criminal be punished for their wrong-doings as a vigilante called the Punisher.