Have gun, will travel, to be a total dick.

Somewhat obscure mercenary character Paladin was recently shown in a Marvel Legends reveal, in a somewhat simplified costume. Or a more modern costume: his old one had a sort of padded look, like riot gear, and a lot of purple. As seen in today's book! From 1990, Punisher: No Escape, written by Gregory Wright, pencils by Tod Smith, inks by Danny Bulanadi.

Paladin was usually portrayed as the merc with a heart of gold, who used a stun-gun and super strength and didn't kill; more of a good guy than someone like Deadpool. He's also a bit more money-grubbing, as shown this issue, when a ten million dollar bounty on the Punisher from the Maggia seems to override his ethics. Moreover, the Commission on Superhuman Activities may also be (at least partially) in the mob's pocket, as they set the USAgent on the Punisher as well.

This was during the period after John Walker's parents had been killed but he was in complete denial about it: he was still trying to be a good hero, and shows a little remorse when he accidentally beats a thug to death. After Paladin kidnaps Microchip as bait, USAgent fights the mercenary while the Punisher takes care of the mobsters. The former fight is a bit of a short one, even though Paladin thinks he's as strong as the Agent; he's probably not. USAgent (apparently) breaks both of Paladin's legs with a shield toss, although he still somehow escapes. The Punisher saves Micro, and takes the opportunity to fake his death so he can ditch the Agent, who catches an earful from his bosses for not bringing the Punisher in.

Aside from this issue, I think I've only seen Paladin in his Amazing Spider-Man appearance: I thought he was one of Deadpool's Mercs for Money squads, but I guess not. I think he was picked for an action figure because they could reuse some parts; rather than a character that might need more sculpting and tooling like Stingray...although I'd think Solo or Terror could be more easily made and maybe just slightly better known.