Captain America No. 241 Cover by Miller & McLeod

The early Punisher tales had a darkness to them. I thought he was an interesting villain/anti-hero.

This cover shows the weight of his presence. It made him an interesting character. There’re not many characters that demonstrate that level of threat against Cap.

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t last. He’d get bigger like a steroid-munching bodybuilder, the weapons would get bigger to match and the stories more outlandish. It appealed to boys and men that wanted to feel powerful. I thought it read like a bad joke. Then Lobo came along, which was worse.

Colour by me.

As published.

Scan of a grotty photocopy of Miller’s pencils from somewhere on the web..

Original art scan from Heritage Auctions.

Art made production ready.

New colour version.

Re-created trade dress added.