Oh boy, it’s here! The Marvel Legends Punisher and Bushwacker 2-Pack just dropped, and the internet is buzzing with excitement. This set, first announced in Latest Toy News, is the latest offering in Hasbro’s ever-expanding Marvel Legends Series. As a long-time toy restorer and collector, I can’t help but get a little giddy when I see something new – especially when it involves characters as iconic (and underrated) as these two.
This 2-pack features Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher, and the lesser-known but no-less-badass villain, Bushwacker. Released on August 22nd, this set has collectors talking. While The Punisher has been a consistent presence in the Marvel Legends line, Bushwacker finally gets his due with this beautifully crafted figure that hits all the right notes for comic book accuracy. Before we dive too deeply into the figures, let’s chat a bit about Bushwacker’s comic book origins and why this is a big deal.
Who Is Bushwacker?
Bushwacker first appeared in Daredevil #248 back in 1987. Created by Ann Nocenti and Rick Leonardi, Bushwacker (real name Carl Burbank) is a former priest-turned-CIA assassin. (Yeah, quite the career pivot!) He gets cybernetic enhancements, including a bionic arm that can morph into a gun, which he uses to take out mutants. He eventually becomes a thorn in the side of Daredevil, Wolverine, and of course, The Punisher.
Despite being a secondary character in the Marvel Universe, Bushwacker is compelling, partly because of his tragic backstory and partly because of his sheer tenacity. He’s a relentless villain who, despite his failures, keeps coming back for more punishment (pun intended). And that makes him a perfect foe for Frank Castle.
The Figures – First Look at the Marvel Legends Bushwacker & Punisher 2-Pack
So, how do these figures stack up? Based on the early photos, this Marvel Legends set looks like a must-have. The sculpting on both figures is top-notch, with enough attention to detail to make hardcore collectors happy. Bushwacker comes with interchangeable hand/arm attachments to represent his firearm transformation, which looks pretty slick and accurate to the comics .
The Punisher figure is designed with the brutal, gritty look that reflects his War Journal comic run. The accessories include various firearms, which should be no surprise. I love the inclusion of both modern tactical elements and the classic Punisher skull design. The articulation appears solid, giving these figures plenty of posing possibilities for collectors who love to stage action scenes (guilty as charged).
The 2-pack is retailing for $52.99, which is pretty standard for these kinds of releases . And for what you’re getting – especially with Bushwacker finally making his Marvel Legends debut – it feels like a fair price.
Bushwacker and Punisher – A Match Made in Action Figure Heaven
Honestly, I’m pumped. As a long-time fan of the Marvel Legends line, this is the kind of release that speaks to both comic nostalgia and modern action figure aesthetics. I’ve always had a soft spot for figures that give us characters who don’t typically get the spotlight. Sure, everyone loves Spider-Man and Iron Man, but it’s the gritty underdogs like Bushwacker that make this hobby fun.
In terms of the figures themselves, Bushwacker’s arm cannon feature is the clear standout. It’s dynamic and lends itself to tons of display opportunities. The Punisher figure looks like a nice evolution from previous releases, with updated accessories and a more menacing sculpt.
Comparing to Other Recent Releases
If you’ve been following the latest from Marvel Legends, you might have seen the recent Doctor Strange, Wong, and Bats multipack I covered not too long ago. While that set leaned more into mystical aesthetics, this Bushwacker & Punisher pack is a celebration of pure, unadulterated grit. You can also check out the more tech-infused Fighting Armor Punisher I reviewed recently if you’re into heavily stylized versions of the character.
The Verdict
If you’re a Marvel fan, this 2-pack is an essential addition to your collection. From a restoration and customization standpoint, there’s not much I’d change – these figures look to be pretty on point out of the box. Bushwacker is particularly exciting since it’s not often we see villains like him brought to life in this level of detail.
For collectors, restorers, and Punisher fans, this set feels like a win. I can already picture the intense standoff poses you could create with these two facing off. So, what do you think? Will you be adding this Punisher and Bushwacker duo to your collection, or are you saving your space for more Star Wars figures? (See what I did there?)