The Punisher Magazine #1

In *The Punisher Magazine #1* (1989), the Punisher finds himself behind bars, facing off against the cunning Jigsaw in a tense prison standoff. When a violent breakout threatens to unleash a wave of chaos, the Punisher stops the escape—but not before the warden, secretly tied to the shadowy Trust, offers him a deal: freedom in exchange for becoming their weapon. Written by Steven Grant and illustrated with gritty precision by Mike Zeck, with inks by John Beatty and lettering by Ken Bruzenak, this first chapter of "Circle of Blood" sets a brutal, high-stakes tone. The cover, also by Mike Zeck, captures the intensity of the Punisher’s grim resolve.