Marvel Legends Punisher Daredevil: Born Again Figure Review

A character like the Punisher existing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe feels like it shouldn't work, but damn if Jon Bernthal doesn't do his best to make it so. I've been a fan since I saw him on his self-titled Netflix show and was happy to see him come back for Daredevil: Born Again on Disney Plus.

As with all my favorite characters, owning an action figure representation of Punisher is non-negotiable. I've owned Hasbro's first attempt for a while, but the moment they announced a new figure based on his appearance in Daredevil: Born Again, I jumped at the chance at a much-needed upgrade. Let's see if it was worth the price!

Reflecting Frank's new togs from the Disney Plus show, the new Marvel Legends Punisher sports a stripped-down tactical look with no-nonsense military shirt, pants, and bulletproof vest all in black. Compared side-by-side with official promo images, it looks like the figure's design is accurate to the show. He may not be dressed for war, but he's kitted out enough for a battle small-time mooks will lose.

 

The only dashes of color on the figure can be found on the gray pistol magazines stashed on his belt, the reversed U.S. flag on his right shoulder and some sort of military patch on his left, and the ominous skull spray painted on his chest. Even with this monotone getup, there are still lots of fine detail that give Punisher presence on your shelf.

A lot has been said about the head sculpt being so far away from the better-looking preview renders, but in-hand it's not a complete failure. I own the previous Marvel Legends Netflix Punisher, and this new head is a marked improvement, being a better likeness of Jon Bernthal.

But "better" doesn't necessarily mean good. Until now I'm wondering why Hasbro is unable to do 360-degree head scanning technology like Mattel to get their reference straight from the source. Still, I might have a customizer give him angrier eyebrows, which I think is all it needs to push it over the top of acceptable.

Marvel Legends Punisher sports some nifty new articulation like double jointed elbows, butterfly shoulders, and trigger hands with side-to-side hinges for more natural gun holding. Unfortunately, the vest and rigid belt hinder plenty of useful movement. You can try to push the joints as far as they can go, but I'd rather not warp the belt or the vest any more than I have to.

Now for the accessories! Which aren't a lot. Aside from the default right trigger hand and grasping hand, Marvel Legends Punisher comes with a right fist and a left trigger hand. I suppose that's plentiful for a Punisher figure. All he does is hold weapons and shoot bad guys in the head anyway.

Speaking of weapons, Frank here has a paltry loadout. He comes with a combat knife, some sort of tomahawk axe, and a pistol, and that's it. I guess Punisher is on a close-quarters mission today.

The figure can hold the weapons well enough, but they feel too small in his hands as to feel inconsequential. For a walking one-man army, Frank here is criminally underdressed. Even a G.I. Joe Classified army builder comes with more badass guns than Punisher!

Thankfully, I have a stash of 1:12 scale weapons for him to hold. A Punisher wielding guns just feels right.

Despite the wonky head sculpt and a weapons loadout that feels more “light jog in the park” than “relentless vigilante,” the new Marvel Legends Punisher Daredevil: Born Again figure is still a major step up from Hasbro’s older attempt. The proportions, articulation upgrades, and overall presence make him feel like the Jon Bernthal Punisher I’ve been waiting to put on my display for years.

I hope you found this review helpful. Thanks for reading and don't let your preorders drown ya!