I just picked up the 2025 Facsimile reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man #129, the issue that introduced the Punisher.
I genuinely appreciate the old art and the old school coloring. Seeing it freshly reprinted on quality paper rather than faded in an original old comic really kicks up the effect of the colors.
The heavy use of blue on black with sharp definition rather than modern digital gradients is a great look for the Punisher's costume.
The plot of the issue is simple, the Punisher is hired a Spider-Man villain called the Jackal. The Punisher is told that Spider-Man is a murderer.
Even in this first appearance, most of the core pillars of the Punisher are laid down. He is a marine veteran on a crusade against crime. He has a strong sense of justice which is what ends up putting him at odds with the Jackal when he discovers the setup against Spider-Man.
The below panel has a little bit of the Jackal's body unintentionally poking out of the panel. The book is full of these small imperfections and the panel borders are clearly hand drawn.
A great dynamic panel of which Marvel was famous for.
Another great panel with bold colors and minimal but evocative backgrounds.
Consent is important.
More dynamic Spider-Man posing.
The Punisher shocked that Spider-Man doesn't realize he is smack in the middle of his right goddamn mind.
Can we just take a minute to recognize, as a villain, just how fucked up the Jackal was?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackal_(Marvel_Comics_character)