However, as crime increased nationally throughout the decade, Marvel responded by testing the market for such a character and then publishing, though not initially promoting, a miniseries that debuted in January 1986.

[1] Staying true to its gritty premise, The Punisher featured several uncommon occurrences in Marvel Comics during the mid-1980s, including a suicide, the tragic death of an innocent child, and explicit scenes of the main character engaging in sexual activity.

In issue #3, Marcus Coriander, a small-time numbers runner used as a proxy crime boss by the Kingpin, accidentally kills an innocent girl while exchanging gunfire with the Punisher.

The splash page of issue #5 has a caption stating, "Special thanks to true pros Mike Vosburg (pencils), Jo Duffy (script), and Big John Beatty (inks)."

A man named Alaric leads a group that dons uniforms reminiscent of the Punisher's attire and is responsible for eliminating criminals.

After being rescued by Angela, an operative of the Trust, the Punisher falsely tells Ben Urich that he has killed the Kingpin, who actually staged his own death.

Frank shoots the jeep's grill, forcing Angela off the road, precariously situated on the railing of bridge.