She may be underrated, but this street-level hero almost became an official member of the Avengers. This fall, a new Punisher arrives in the Marvel Universe, and incoming writer David Pepose gives some insight into this incarnation of the iconic vigilante, revealing that one incarnation of the character nearly made it onto an Avengers team.
In an interview with Dave Richards of CBR, Pepose discusses Joe Garrison — the new Punisher — and his motivations. Pepose is also asked what characters might take an interest in a new Punisher and Frank Castle’s legacy:
There are certainly a few names that spring to mind that I’d love to tackle down the road if the story is right. … Rachel Cole-Alves is another character who I adore, down to me pitching her as a potential character back in Savage Avengers.
Pepose was the writer on the second volume of Savage Avengers, a team of some of Marvel’s darkest, most extreme characters; at one point, Frank Castle was associated with the team.
Rachel Cole-Alves Almost Made it to the Avengers
While Castle may be the best known version of the Punisher, there have been others — such as Jake Gallows, the Punisher of 2099, as well as Rachel Cole-Alves. Rachel, much like Castle, is a former U.S. Marine, and she watched helplessly as her family and friends were gunned down on her wedding day. Taking a vow similar to Frank’s, Rachel embarked on a war against crime. Rachel has made a handful of appearances in recent years, most notably during Devil’s Reign. She is every bit as lethal and scary as Frank Castle and is one of Marvel’s most underrated street heroes.
The Rachel Cole-Alves incarnation of the Punisher would have been a perfect fit for Savage Avengers. The book, initially created as a vehicle for Conan the Barbarian, includes an ensemble of anti-heroes, including Venom, Elektra, Wolverine and the Punisher. The book’s first run was a smash hit with fans, who loved its dark and brutal take on Avengers-style action. The title returned for a second run written by Pepose. While Frank Castle is not present in Pepose’s run, the Punisher of 2099, Jake Gallows, is featured prominently, helping the Savage Avengers in their fight against a bleak future. According to this interview, Pepose wanted to bring Rachel onto the team as well, but it did not work out at the time — which is unfortunate, as her presence would have added sparks to an already volatile team.
Rachel Cole-Alves’ Punisher Deserves a Comeback
Currently, there is no Savage Avengers title — or any comparable team — so Rachel may have to wait for her turn in the Avengers spotlight. However, that should not stop the character from returning. Rachel is just as deadly as Castle, and exploring the trauma that gives birth to someone like the Punisher from a woman’s perspective would make for some truly compelling stories. David Pepose did not rule out Rachel appearing in his upcoming Punisher title, which could be the perfect place to reintroduce her to the Marvel Universe. Rachel Cole-Alves was nearly an Avenger, and while teams may not be in her future, she is still worthy of a comeback.
The Punisher #1 is on sale November 8th from Marvel Comics!
