So far in Insomniac Games’Marvel’s Spider-Manuniverse, the studio has demonstrated a deep understanding and love for Spidey and his history. With a direct numerical sequel seemingly a forgone conclusion followingMiles Morales' powerful adventure, fans are eager to see whichSpider-Mancharactersthe studio introduces next. Having likely earned the trust of Sony and Marvel through the first twoSpider-Manadaptations, its list of available candidates is probably extensive.
With an array of iconic villains including the likes of Venom, The Lizard, and even Morbius, all teased to potentially appear inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, the two Spider-Men could do with some unexpected assistance. What better way to mirror the duality of the superheroes than through the introduction of occasional adversary and uneasy ally The Punisher. Having been historically tied to Peter Parker, the classic antihero would make for a perfect inclusion.
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The Punisher’s Spider-Man Connections
Having made his debut appearance inThe Amazing Spider-Manissue 129 in 1974,Francis ‘Frank’ Castle’s Punisher alter egohas always been entwined with Peter Parker’s secret identity. In a lot of ways the pair can be considered different sides of the same coin, with their respective modes of operating being a recurring theme that separates comparable crusades against injustice. With a penchant for dispensing vigilante justice and a tactical arsenal that allows for murder, kidnapping, and torture, The Punisher’s way of going about things is often in opposition to Spider-Man’s moral compass.
Considering the ways in whichInsomniac Games challenged Peter’s ideals and humanityin its first outing, it isn’t hard to envision the studio utilizing the antihero to ratchet things up to new heights. The pair’s connections aren’t just ideological, with their historical physical clashes being a theme Insomniac Games could play upon as well. In Marvel’s main 616 comic book universe, Frank Castle donned The Punisher persona following the tragic murder of his wife and two children in New York’s Central Park at the hands of the local mob. Instead of being inspired with responsibility to make the world brighter, Frank’s journey sent him to an understandably dark place.
It’s from this footing that the pair originally found themselves facing off, with The Punisher having been hired by the villainous Jackalto torment Spider-Man. While no match for the hero when it comes to superpowers, being a veteran of the US Marine Corps ensures Castle is often depicted as an expert hand-to-hand combatant, proficient with a wide array of firearms and guerrilla warfare. That combination would make for a unique encounter in the theoreticalMarvel’s Spider-Man 2,as it’s not hard to envision the antihero being a random encounter on the map who could pop up and test the player unexpectedly.
Insomniac’s Spider-Man Universe
In each of theMarvel’s Spider-Maninstallments, the studio hasn’t been afraid to subvert expectations by putting new twists on iconic characters.From grounding Miles Moralesin the same universe as Peter to the seemingly Oscorp-influenced Venom, fans have learned to expect twists. If The Punisher does eventually show up in a sequel, it’s likely this philosophy will create a recognizable yet new version of the antihero.
Tweaking his origin story slightly seems like the first call that Insomniac will make. With Peter having dealt with the Kingpin during the opening ofMarvel’s Spider-Man, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that this action might have directly contributed to The Punisher’s existence due to the power vacuum left behind. Building a direct personal connection between the pair would add greater stakes to any potential encounters, and would challengeSpider-Man’s perpetual burden of responsibility.
When the comic book incarnations of the pair first met nearly 50 years ago, The Punisher was driven by Spider-Man’s supposed role in the apparent murder of Norman Osborn. Considering Insomniac’s version of that character has yet to don his infamous Green Goblin persona and is seemingly involved with Venom, it’s unlikely Grimes will be used as a similar source of motivation. Instead, Insomniac could have New York attribute the actions ofthose shape-changing Symbiotesto Peter and Miles, and subsequently unleash the antihero on them.
One key aspect of The Punisher, like all troubled Marvel creations, is his sympathetic story and potential to be redeemed. On numerous occasions in other media, the soul-searching that Frank Castle has undergone was often facilitated directly by hisinteractions with Peter Parker. Insomniac hasn’t struggled to bring characters to life, so even if The Punisher has to be toned down in terms of violence, it’s easy to imagine a similarly progressive arc being employed - likely just in time for the legendary antihero to assist in taking down whoever ends up beingMarvel’s Spider-Man 2’s main antagonist.
Marvel’s Spider-Manis available now on PS4 and PS5.
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