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Character

Punisher comics

Punisher first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #129, cover-dated February 1974, from Marvel Comics, created by Gerry Conway, Ross Andru and John Romita Sr..

First appearance
The Amazing Spider-Man #129
Cover date
February 1974
Publisher
Marvel Comics
Creators
Gerry Conway, Ross Andru and John Romita Sr.

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Punisher guides

First appearance, key issues and what drives the prices.

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  • Characters

    What is the first appearance of the Punisher?

    The Punisher first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #129, cover-dated February 1974, created by writer Gerry Conway with artists Ross Andru and John Romita Sr., who designed the skull costume. The issue also introduced the Jackal. Hired to kill Spider-Man, the Punisher was intended as a one-off antagonist and became one of Marvel's most popular characters.

    Updated Sep 14, 2026

  • Key issues

    Why is Amazing Spider-Man #129 a key issue?

    Amazing Spider-Man #129 (February 1974) is the first appearance of the Punisher and of the Jackal, the villain behind the original Clone Saga. Gerry Conway wrote it, Ross Andru drew it and John Romita Sr. designed the Punisher's skull costume. It is one of the three headline Bronze Age keys with Incredible Hulk #181 and Giant-Size X-Men #1.

    Updated Sep 14, 2026