The Punisher returns in a gritty new Marvel Knights tale that sets the stage for a dark future. This first issue, “Marvel Knights: Punisher (2025) #1”, titled “The World to Come,” takes us back 25 years before the main event, showing us a pivotal and brutal chapter in Frank Castle’s war on crime—one that ends not with a victory, but with his capture. Here is the full page-by-page breakdown of the story.
Creative Team: Jimmy Palmiotti (Writer), Dan Panosian (Artist)
Release: 2025
The Manifesto
The issue opens with a chilling internal monologue from Frank Castle. He addresses the reader (and his enemies), declaring that he hasn’t retired or faded away. He describes the world as “starving” and corrupted by greed—from the rich clinging to empires to the poor drowning in desperation. He embraces his role as the “monster” in their bedtime stories, stating he is the cure for the madness. His mission isn’t for justice or peace anymore; it’s because he refuses to let the world rot while he’s still breathing.
The Hunt for Molerro
Long Island City, Queens (25 Years Before “The World to Come”) Frank is in the middle of a violent interrogation. He is dismantling the operation of Armando Molerro, a powerful cartel leader. After “questioning” Molerro’s men, he extracts a key location: a penthouse at 387 Park Avenue.
The Trap is Set
Lower East Side, Manhattan We cut to Juan Lopez, an associate of the Molerro cartel. Two women arrive at his door, claiming to be “gifts” from Armando for a job well done. Juan calls Armando to verify. Armando confirms the gifts but warns Juan not to fall for them. However, as soon as Juan hangs up, the women attack him. It reveals that Juan was a loose end (“You were a very bad boy, Juan”). They drug him and signal that their ride is ready. Armando is planning to “erase” the Punisher and has called in a specialist to do it.
The Investigation
Frank hits the penthouse but finds he is too late for direct answers. The occupant is practically catatonic, under the influence of a new synthetic drug called “Zombie” (or “Z”). Frank tosses the place and finds call logs leading to the Red Hook area. He realizes Molerro’s men are pushing this drug, which has already caused over 300 overdose deaths. He heads to Red Hook to shut it down.
The FBI & The Mole
FBI Headquarters, Washington, D.C. Agent K receives bad news: their informant in Molerro’s gang has died by suicide (likely the work of Molerro’s cleaners). The team is frustrated; Molerro has fled the country to Mexico with his wife and his enforcer, “El Zombie.” Crucially, Agent K reveals that Molerro has a high-level mole feeding him information. He suspects someone on the inside. He asks another agent, Howard, if he heard the news about Juan. Howard plays it cool, but the tension suggests he might be the leak.
Ambush at Red Hook
Frank arrives at the Red Hook dockyard, infiltrating a shipment operation. He engages the crew with lethal efficiency, but the tide turns when El Zombie enters the fray. This isn’t a normal thug; he is a hulking, unstoppable force who calls himself “Death.” Frank tries to fight him, but he is hit by blowgun darts. The drugs in the darts—likely a concentrated version of “Z”—cause him to lose focus and consciousness. The Punisher is defeated.
The Torture Begins
5.9 Miles above Casa Molerro, Sinaloa, Mexico Frank wakes up in captivity. A doctor reveals that Frank’s wounds should have been fatal, but he was kept alive on Armando’s orders. Armando and his wife, Fernanda Molerro, enter. They are not just angry about business; this is personal. Frank killed their son, Manny Molerro. Armando wants Frank to suffer a fate worse than death. What follows is a grueling montage of torture spanning months:
- Day 21: Frank is drugged and asked, “Who am I to you?” He refuses to break.
- Day 84 – 156: The torture continues. Frank mocks them, calling El Zombie “vermin.”
- Armando eventually has to leave for business, warning his wife not to kill Frank yet. But Fernanda, consumed by grief for her son, decides she wants her own “pound of flesh” while her husband is away. She enters Frank’s cell, ready to exact her revenge.
The Cliffhanger
The Home of Howard Perez, 3 days later We cut to a domestic scene at the home of Howard Perez (the FBI agent seen earlier). He is having a lovely dinner with his wife, Aida, and their children. They are eating Cochina Pibil, and the mood is light. Suddenly, the scene is shattered. The text “I AM DEATH. I AM EL ZOMBIE” interrupts the peace, implying that Molerro’s monster has come to tie up loose ends—or perhaps punish the mole. The story ends on a terrifying note for the family.
