Skull: Marvel authorises more merch with the Punisher’s controversial skull design

Was I surprised to see Marvel had signed off on a merch deal that includes The Punisher’s Skull symbol?

I’m really not sure! I wasn’t surprised to get an email from EMP because, wow, buy from them once and they do try hard to email you deals you can’t resist.

A recent 85 years of Marvel promo had the Punisher skull front and centre. EMP’s email read;

Eighty-five years – an instant in cosmic history, yet a monumental voyage in our realm. Since 1939, Marvel has crafted tales where the extraordinary intersects with the everyday, forging legends that mirror our deepest anxieties and greatest aspirations. What began as ink and imagination has evolved into a rich tapestry of contemporary heroes and mythic figures.

The Punisher skull has become controversial on clothes due to its appropriation by various groups, often with ideologies that clash with the character’s original intent.

• Association with violence & vigilantism: The Punisher is a violent anti-hero, and his skull symbol can be seen as endorsing such actions. This is particularly concerning when adopted by groups advocating for violent solutions or who engage in vigilantism.

• Adoption by law enforcement & military: The Punisher’s symbol has been embraced by some police and military personnel despite the character’s criticism of authority figures and his willingness to operate outside the law. This has led to concerns about blurring the lines between legitimate law enforcement and vigilante justice.

• Use by extremist groups: The skull symbol has also been co-opted by certain extremist groups, further fueling controversy. Its association with such groups can taint the symbol and alienate those who see it as representing hate and violence.

Essentially, the Punisher skull’s association with violence and its adoption by groups with potentially harmful agendas has made it a controversial symbol, particularly when displayed on clothing. It can be interpreted as a sign of aggression, support for extrajudicial action, or even alignment with extremist ideologies.

I’m not sure what to make of EMP’s choice of model, either. I guess he’s very much in line with the goth/rock/counterculture EMP pushes into the mainstream culture.

EMP describes the shirt as fan merch, and it is that. It’s also getting good reviews, and you can machine wash it. Handy.

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• EMP: The Punisher