The Punisher character faces scrutiny after rioters seen wearing logo amid Capitol invasion

The Punisher character and Marvel are falling under extra scrutiny after rioters were seen wearing the likeness of the character amid their January 6 invasion of the U.S. Capitol, with some fans on social media calling on the comic giant to retire the character or take other aggressive action.

The character’s alter ego is military veteran Frank Castle – who emerges as a violent anti-hero who tortures and murders his rivals – after seeing his family killed.

The symbol of the character, which first debuted in comic books in 1974, is a white skull with long teeth against a black background.

A Twitter user under the handle @CTropes posted a picture of a rioter brandishing the logo on a protective chest device.

‘The seditionists that invaded the Capitol today wore a Punisher logo,’ the user wrote. ‘I say @marvel needs to either aggressively enforce their trademark so it isn’t printed everywhere or abandon the Punisher completely. You can’t allow your characters to be used by terrorists.’

The sentiment drew more than 1,400 likes and plenty of reactions, with some saying fans of the character shouldn’t be deprived because of the actions of others.

‘I love the the punisher logo still triggers people,’ one said. ‘It’s just a symbol for gun rights and taking down bad guys. Relax.’

Another said it would be ‘ridiculous’ to eliminate the the character based on last week’s events.

‘You shouldn’t just remove the punisher because someone did something wearing the characters logo,’ the user added.

Another pointed out, ‘Why would Frank Castle ever stand by actions like these? Captain America is his personal hero and he fought in Vietnam. Imagine him coming home and seeing this s***. The people who invaded the Capitol are likely just as dangerous and corrupt as the people he kills in the comics.’

One user caught the attention of actor Jon Bernthal, who played the character on the Netflix adaptation, with a supportive statement and fan art of the character.

The user wrote, ‘No matter how many nut-jobs steal his logo, I’ll still be a Punisher fan. They don’t understand what it truly symbolizes. If they did, they wouldn’t wear it. And I’m not going to let them take it from me.’

Bernthal replied, ‘I’m with you. Beautiful work. These people are misguided, lost, and afraid. They have nothing to do with what Frank stands for or is about. Big love. J.’