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Characters & first appearances

What is the first appearance of the Punisher?

Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Short answerThe 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.

The issue

Conway wrote the Punisher as a vigilante manipulated by the Jackal into targeting Spider-Man; the two fight to a draw and the Punisher leaves suspecting he was used. Romita's skull design and Andru's action carried it. The character returned in #134–135, #161–162 and #174–175, then in Daredevil under Frank Miller, and finally in his own limited series in 1986.

Collecting Amazing Spider-Man #129

One of the three headline Bronze Age keys with Incredible Hulk #181 and Giant-Size X-Men #1. Points to check:

  • Marvel Value Stamp — the issue contains one, and many copies have it cut out; see What are Marvel Value Stamps?.
  • Reprints — Marvel has reissued it several times, including as a facsimile.
  • Grade — 9.8 copies command a very large premium over 9.4s.

A CBCS 8.5 copy is in the store. See the Punisher character page and Why is Amazing Spider-Man #129 a key?.

Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.

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