The Punisher (Frank Castle) is a Marvel Comics anti-hero. Created by Gerry Conway, he first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974). Although sometimes considered a hero, the Punisher is a savage and ruthless vigilante who considers killing and torture acceptable crime-fighting tactics. Driven by the murder of his family, Castle wages a one-man war on organized crime using all manner of weaponry. The Punisher is a master of close combat and a skilled marksman. Easily recognizable by the white skull icon on his chest, the Punisher is feared by all criminals.