Daredevil: Born Again Episode 2: [Spoiler]’s New Logo Explained

Viewers are eager to know why Daredevil: Born Again altered Punisher’s logo and why it’s now associated with the corrupt cops. At the end of Episode 2, titled “Optics,” a major clue is revealed during a fight between Matt Murdock and Powell over Nicky, the only witness in Hector Ayala’s case. During their struggle, Powell pins Matt against the wall, exposing a modified version of the Punisher’s tattoo. This has sparked speculation about why the studio chose to replace the original skull symbol with a different design. Here’s what we know so far.

Why does the Punisher have a different logo in Daredevil: Born Again?

The altered version of the Punisher logo, adapted by dirty NYPD officers, likely suggests their misguided sense of justice and their corrupt ideologies. Ditching the original symbol, the new logo incorporates an American flag element on the forehead. It possibly appears to be similar to the “Blue Lives Matter” movement’s symbolism. This social movement was started to support police and first responders.

Although the Punisher hasn’t appeared in the ongoing storyline yet, his modified logo subtly hints at his presence in future episodes. The original Punisher emblem is well-known—it symbolizes his mission to punish criminals. However, the altered version used by corrupt cops might carry a similar meaning but with a troubling twist.

The dirty cops enforce a distorted sense of justice. Instead of targeting real criminals, they abuse their power and punish innocent people. For example, Hector Ayala was merely defending Nicky, yet the corrupt officers intervened. Then, they framed him for killing an NYPD cop. While the real Punisher operates outside the law, the violent actions of these officers may not align with his ideals. This is especially since their twisted use of his symbol goes against what it originally represented.

Daredevil: Born Again showcases how this newly modified Punisher logo is deeply inspired by reality. Real-life officers seem to have to use a similar logo in several instances, per a study by Swinburne University of Technology. For example, in 2011, they donned the symbol during a patrol. This made the police academy supervisor regard them as “brutal and abusive.”