2020 has seen the world swept up in a massive wave of social change for black people and people of color, and Marvel is no exception. Marvel has stated its stance on the Black Lives Matter movement, demonstrating its support. Other creators have also taken donations and created artwork to stand in solidarity.
Punisher co-creator Gerry Conway has taken his own stand by trying to reclaim the character’s iconic skull from police departments and alt-right groups who have adopted the character’s strategy and attitude. According to Forbes magazine, the use of the logo by police departments and alt-right fringe groups embarrasses Conway. The writer has been vocal about this on twitter, and has struck back working with young artists of color to design shirts featuring the logo and spotlighting the black lives matter movement. Conway shared that police departments adopting the logo has confused him.
The Punisher is representative of the failure of law and order to address the concerns of people who feel abandoned by the legal system. It always struck me as stupid and ironic that members of the police are embracing what is fundamentally an outlaw symbol.
Conway’s Skulls for Justice is working with custom ink to produce a line of shirts drawn by brand new artists of color as well as famous Punisher artists. Skulls for Justice latest design features the #SayHerName hashtag as well as the colors of the trans flag representing the transgender community.
These limited edition shirts will be available until July 1rst with all proceeds going to Black Lives Matter. You can check out their website here, as well as follow @gerryconway on twitter for more information on the project. For fans of the Punisher who embrace his vigilance standing against a broken system these shirts are a must purchase. Add in the profits going to Black Lives Matter to support the sweeping social change across the nation and they’re a must buy. The movement to reclaim the iconic skull is just beginning, but this is a fantastic start.
Which shirt do you like the best? Share your favorites with us in the comments below!