Compared with the classic characters in the Marvel Universe, Punisher undoubtedly represents an anomaly. Frank castle does not have any specific power, (except for a perfect knowledge of the most advanced combat techniques and a physique chiseled by a constant and obsessive training), but he also denies most of the ethical-moral qualities characterizing the figure of the hero: his thirst for revenge, although caused by the brutal murder of his family, and the murderous violence that marks his actions, in fact, notably clash with the principles that guide the deeds of Thor or, above all, Captain America. And yet, the figure of the fearless executioner, driven by the primitive law of eye for eye, tooth for tooth (so dear also to a specific cinematographic current), has always aroused a remarkable appeal on the public and, as time goes by, Castle has become a further showpiece in the large group of heroes of the American publishing house. Quite a few Bowen statues are dedicated to this character, but the most sought after by collectors (at least judging by the impressive market prices) is certainly the Modern Statue, digitally sculpted by Khurram Alavi and released in 2011 in only 390 pieces. Punisher stands in erect pose on a simple circular platform, fully armed, with a threatening expression and his eyes looking sideways, as to point a possible target. The details and the overall quality of this piece are well above the average. The physique is lean but very muscular, masterfully sculpted on both the naked arms and the shirt, exhibiting the famous logo (a stylized skull), which has become the true emblem of the hero. The realism of pants is incredible, due to the many folds and flaps along both legs and the perfect shade from the dark black (on waist and quadriceps) to a lighter and dirty tone shade on the far end, as to simulate the jeans of a real “macho”, used to hang out at the darkest and dangerous alleys chasing criminals! The sculpt of this piece is superb: look at the powerful automatic weapon the hero lifts with the right arm, the huge machine gun that almost completely covers the left flank, the adherence and folds of gloves with short fingers (with both indexes just positioned on triggers!), the metal buckle and the numerous pouches of the belt, the contours of guns and holsters on both sides, the perfect color shades pointing out biceps and triceps. The face is made and colored to perfection, with drawn somatic traits, wrinkled eyebrows and the hair, perfectly wavy, slicked back and ending at the nape with a quite high cut, in a typical military style. Unfortunately (as already said), the prices of the Punisher Modern are always very high and its availability on the international market is among the lowest ever, so that, de facto it represents one of the rarest pieces of the entire Bowen catalogue.