Marvel To Reconsider Imagery As ‘Punisher’ Logo Appears On Police Uniforms During Protests

As protests take place across the country continue to take place, there have essentially been all hands on deck calls for police officers to ensure that things don’t get out of hand. Some officers have been seen wearing some interesting patches on their uniforms. 

On Tuesday, pictures came to light on Twitter of two Detroit police officers with the Punisher logo from Marvel comics on their uniforms. The badges were allegedly special operations badges, but looked vaguely similar to that of the Punisher logo.

For context, the Punisher skull is inspired by the totenkopf used by the German empire, most notably the Nazis wore them during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Punisher writer Gary Conway said back in January 2019 that Marvel and Disney should have police officers stop using the Punisher logo. “The vigilante anti-hero is fundamentally a critique of the justice system, an example of social failure, so when cops put Punisher skulls on their cars or members of the military wear Punisher skull patches, they’re basically sides with an enemy of the system They are embracing an outlaw mentality,” he said. “Whether you think the Punisher is justified or not, whether you admire his code of ethics, he is an outlaw. He is a criminal. Police should not be embracing a criminal as their symbol.”

In response, Disney pledged to donate $5 million in support of non-profit organizations, including a $2 million donation to the NAACP. 

The Detroit Police Department has yet to comment on the two officers wearing the skull badges.