'Punisher': Through the years

Steady and ready

The Crime: The Punisher has become a steady seller, retaining a solid readership of hardcore fans even as he moves back into the Marvel mainstream. He also remains the most iconic pure action hero in comics, inspiring video games, rap lyrics and even fan films such as “First Round,” in which the Punisher faces off against Wolverine. The third feature film attempt, “Punisher: War Zone,” looks to be the most faithful adaptation yet, starring Ray Stevenson (“Rome”) as Frank Castle, Dominic West (“The Wire”) as Jigsaw and “Seinfeld” alumnus Wayne Knight as Microchip.

The Punishment: Fans are on edge about the new film, which has been plagued by rumors of turmoil. Director Lexi Alexander even used her blog to dispute rumors she had been fired. Come Dec. 5, moviegoers will be able to pass judgment on whether to terminate the Punisher’s movie career or let him live to film another day.