Billy Russo (Earth-616)

Billy Russo was a brutal assassin for the Maggia crime family, nicknamed "the Beaut" because of his good looks. He was also a favorite assassin for the Costa crime family. After the execution-style killings that inadvertently led to the deaths of Frank Castle's family, Russo was hired by Bruno Costa to assassinate another assassin who had failed to kill Frank Castle as well. Russo killed all of his targets but Castle, who narrowly avoided death in an explosion. Hours later, Castle returned and tracked down Russo to one of the Maggia's nightclubs. Several criminals were killed, and Russo was thrown through a glass pane head-first. He survives with his face torn to shreds; surgeons stitch it back together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Taking advantage of his now hideous visage, the formerly handsome gangster took on the identity of Jigsaw, and initially attempted to frame the Punisher for murder. However, the plan failed due to the intervention of Spider-Man and Nightcrawler; Spider-Man witnesses one of Jigsaw's murders and one of his victims was an old friend of Nightcrawler.

It is revealed in the first Punisher miniseries that Jigsaw was behind a plan to drug the Punisher, causing his enemy to behave erratically and attack any criminals, even for things as minor as littering. The Punisher confronts and beats him, and later stops Jigsaw from escaping in a prison riot. Later on in the series, Jigsaw is brainwashed by the Trust into serving as a member of a Punisher-style assassination squad. He manages to remember who he is after encountering Castle once again, and attacks the Punisher, but is once again beaten.

Jigsaw becomes involves with a demon worshipper he refers to as 'the Rev'. Based on small healing demonstrations, the Rev convinces Jigsaw to work for him in exchange for healing his face. Jigsaw follows the man on a home invasion/murder spree, and then kills several cops on the way out.[1] This incident warms him to the concept of worshipping Lucifer.

Jigsaw has been a persistent foe of the Punisher's for years. While he still works as an assassin for criminal organizations, his pursuit of the Punisher is relentless, as Jigsaw sees Castle's assassination as an unfinished job. The deranged gangster's vendetta once took a bizarre turn when the Punisher faked his death by appearing to be executed in prison. Furious with rage, Jigsaw briefly became a new Punisher, getting revenge on Castle's apparent killers for denying him the kill he believes to be rightfully his.

In Jigsaw's mid-2000s appearances, he was one of many villains trying to break out of the Raft, a floating prison for supervillains and other high-risk criminals. Jigsaw was among those who were stopped by the New Avengers and presumably returned to confinement.

Jigsaw has been hired by the Hood to take advantage of the split in the superhero community caused by the Superhuman Registration Act.

Jigsaw is unique in that he is one of the Punisher's few recurring foes, as the Punisher tends to use lethal force on his adversaries. Why Jigsaw is continually spared and imprisoned is unknown; it seems to be due to Jigsaw being the most notable Punisher villain who is more of a traditional comic book character, instead of the more naturalistically portrayed villains the Punisher usually faces (mainly it is due to the writers not wanting him to be killed).

Powers and Abilities

Powers

None, but gains superhuman physical attributes whilst donning his armor.

Abilities

Skilled street fighter: Billy has shown advanced combat skills on par with those of the Punisher, and Daredevil, and is one of the best street-fighters in the world.

Marksman and Weapons expert: Jigsaw is incredibly skilled in the use of various forms of firearms, bladed weapons and explosives.

Superior Strategist: Jigsaw is a highly efficient criminal strategist and organizer who is proficient in manipulating both his enemies and allies alike to achieve his goals.

Excellent Physical condition: Jigsaw's physical attributes of strength, speed,stamina, reflexes and durability are at an exceptionally high level, that have allowed him to harm and be harmed by superhuman opponents like Spiderman. His peak-human metabolism protects him from most diseases and allows him to heal from minor injuries in a matter of hours. His lung capacity and resistance to pain are also remarkable

Strength level

Exceptionally strong for a human.

Weaknesses

Panes of glass, for which Jigsaw has a personal phobia for after his disfiguring accident.

Paraphernalia

Equipment

When fighting enemies more powerful than he is, Jigsaw dons a Strength-enhancing Titanium-steel exoskeleton that contains an arsenal of guns and explosives, as well as sharp adamantium wrist blades.

Transportation

Various Motor vehicles, and yachts

Weapons

Various guns, knives, bombs and practically anything he can get his hands on.

Notes

Has led small armies of criminals on several occasions.

Links

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