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Fame Burst

The Internet Has Mixed Feelings About Frank Castle Becoming War Machine

Author

Abigail Rogers

Updated on March 13, 2026

When it comes to Marvel: Legacy, fans better expect to see some changes go down. The new run is set to go live in September, but news about the ambitious story is becoming easier to come by. However, when reports broke earlier about the Punisher's part in Marvel: Legacy, fans were less than impressed.

Well, sort of.

Earlier today, ComicBook reported that Marvel: Legacy would make a stunning change to the Punisher in September. During the Cup O' Joe panel at San Diego Comic Con, we learned from Nick Lowe that Frank Castle will become War Machine when Marvel's new comic run hits shelves.

"Frank Castle is absolutely putting on the War Machine armor, but we can't give any more details," the editor explained.

For fans, their reactions to the reveal have been split if not a bit on the sour side. Frank Castle is currently heading up Steve Rogers' Hydra squads in the Marvel Universe. His on-going search for Black Widow and her Red Room croonies is not faring too well, and readers are not happy to see a Hydra loyalist don War Machine's armor.

Obviously, it's a bit awkward.

You can check out some of the most stunned reaction's to the Marvel: Legacy update below, but be warned! Tempers are running high with the announcement, so there's serious NSFW language flying all around the comic book fandom right now!

KuwabaraTheMan

Me: Hmm, Marvel hasn't done anything stupid in at least two days.

Marvel: Hey guys, Punisher is the new War Machine!

— Tony (@KuwabaraTheMan) July 27, 2017

Publishers like Marvel and DC take a lot of flak for their comics, but do you think the War Machine switch-out ranks as one of the former's most thick moves?

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TheSilkiest

Holy shit that Punisher as War Machine shit is the most tone deaf thing Marvel has done in a long ass time holy shit lmfao

— Silky (@TheSilkiest) July 27, 2017

When in doubt and full of comic book fury, swearing is the only thing that can help sometimes. There's no doubt Frank Castle would approve such a message.

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mvbrat91

Marvel Legacy does look legit great so far. Only thing I disagree with is Punisher taking War Machine. In character yes but it's not right.

— SJWJamesBond (@mvbrat91) July 28, 2017

It's no secret; There's little overlap between War Machine's modus operandi and how the Punisher works, but Marvel may have figured out a compromise.

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hackedmotionart

WOW. THE PUNISHER IS GONNA BE WAR MACHINE BC STRAIGHT UP KILLING MY MAN RHODEY WASNT ENOUGH

— LYDIA @ Sleepcon (@hackedmotionart) July 28, 2017

Clearly, fans are still touchy about Rhodey's fate in the Marvel Universe. War Machine is the man's baby after all. Fans aren't sure they want Frank Castle babysitting.

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More Comic News

You can view the teaser in the gallery, and more information about Marvel: Legacy #1 can be found below.

Since its inception, Marvel has been delivering groundbreaking heroes and explosive stories. Now, prepare to return to the dawn of time, as Marvel introduces you to the first Avengers from 1,000,000 BC – when iconic torch-bearers such as Odin, Iron Fist, Star Brand, Ghost Rider, Phoenix, Agamotto, and Black Panther come together for the startling origin of the Marvel Universe, in MARVEL LEGACY #1!

The acclaimed team of writer Jason Aaron (Mighty Thor) and artist Esad Ribic (Secret Wars) reunite for an all-new 50-page blockbuster one-shot that will take you through time to the current Marvel Universe, showing you how it's truly "all connected." A true homage to Marvel's groundbreaking stories, MARVEL LEGACY brings your favorite characters together for exciting and epic new stories that will culminate in returning to original series numbering for long-running titles.

punisher war machine
(Photo: Marvel Comics )

Marvel: Legacy #1 hits comic stores on September 27, 2017.

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