Two of Marvel's Bloodiest Killers Collide in Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow

Frank Castle, the Punisher, is a ruthless enforcer who operates independently within the Marvel Universe. However, sometimes it's intriguing to observe his interactions with other top Marvel characters, such as Black Widow, Wolverine, and the Winter Soldier. Punisher Showdowns is a series of one-shot specials that feature Frank in clashes with these formidable adversaries. IGN has the exclusive privilege to present a preview of Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow #1.

This ongoing series is being penned by Tom Waltz, known for TMNT: The Last Ronin, and Greg Land, a talented artist from Uncanny X-Men, is drawing the Punisher Showdowns pages. The colorist Rachelle Rosenberg from Astonishing X-Men is lending her artistic touch to the Black Widow chapter.

The official synopsis from Marvel sets the stage for the first Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow issue. Frank Castle is sent on a mission to Las Vegas by the Black Widow, who has crucial intel on a Wolf Spider operative. The Punisher and Black Widow are thrown together in a high-octane, gun-slinging showdown. Will their mutual need for vengeance and justice lead to mutual understanding or a bloodbath?

Subsequent issues of the series will pit Frank against other notable Marvel characters. Punisher Showdowns: Wolverine #1 will be written by Tom Waltz and illustrated by Bruno Büll, while Punisher Showdowns: Winter Soldier #1 will be handled by Waltz and Edgar Salazar. Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow #1 is scheduled for release on October 21, and pre-orders can be placed at local comic shops.

For more news, check out the exclusive interview about the finale of Star Trek: The Last Starship and a preview of The Amazing Spider-Man #1000. You can follow IGN staffer Jesse on BlueSky at @jschedeen.