- "There's an army out there. On the streets, in bars like this. And they all feel the same as you and me. All they ever do is tell us we're the problem, we're the ones that need to change. Maybe we're not the problem. Maybe it's the bullshit we came back to."
- ―Jake Nelson to Billy Russo[src]
Jake Nelson is a former United States Army veteran and a former member of Curtis Hoyle's New York Veteran Support Group. Displeased with civilian life, Nelson bonded with Billy Russo and joined his crew with other veterans and planned to participate in a bank robbery. However, his drug addiction made him a liability and resulted in him being captured by the Punisher who forced the intel on Russo out of Nelson.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Discharged Soldier[]
Jake Nelson enlisted the United States Army, but eventually was discharged and returned to New York City. However, Nelson was unable to adapt to civilian life which resulted in his drug addiction. To overcome his difficulties as a US veteran, Nelson started to attend the group sessions for veterans with Curtis Hoyle, as well as drinking at McFeeney's.[1]
Struggle to Cope[]
Therapy with Dr. Dumont[]
- "No one cares about being on time or keeping their desks neat or anything. Nothing matters. It's all bullshit people, one bullshit day after the next."
"I understand that. Compared to the military, real life can be sloppy, in its way." - ―Jake Nelson and Krista Dumont[src]
Later, Nelson attended the private therapy sessions with Krista Dumont at her apartment. While Dumont was listening, Nelson expressed his displeasure towards the civilian life what Dumont understood, noting that real life can be sloppier, compared to the United States Army. Nelson then told her about his difficulties as a civilian, comparing to a monster inside of him that killing him from the inside. Dumont noticed Nelson's state and asked him if he was still drinking, so Nelson replied that McFeeney's is the only place where he is welcomed.
To change the topic, Nelson asked Dumont about the sculptures with the snakes and Dumont told him the story of Asclepius and the snake is thought to represent the rebirth of healing. Nelson asked can he transform as well, to which Dumont replied that he needs to accept the painful and world-shattering change in his life which is not easy. Dumont asked Nelson about his support group and assured Nelson that he is not the only person dealing with this.[1]
Interrupted Meeting[]
Nelson at the group session for veterans
- "I want to know what the tourist is doing here. I mean, you're obviously a civilian, right? You serve?"
"Not in the military, no."
"On some sort of research trip, honey?" - ―Jake Nelson and Dinah Madani[src]
During one of the sessions, Nelson saw Dinah Madani at the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church among them, and noticed that she is a civilian. As Jimbo finished talking, Nelson confronted Madani, asking what a civilian doing with the veterans. Hoyle tried to calm down Nelson, saying that he asked Madani to be here, but Madani said that she can speak for herself. Madani admitted that she did not serve within the military; however, she claimed that she fought the wars as well and described what she expressed. Nelson understood his mistake and sincerely apologized to Madani, to Hoyle's amusement.[1]
Jigsaw's Crew[]
Meeting Russo[]
Nelson went straight to the bar after the meeting and got a beer. A man with a scarred face then walked up and sat next to him. Nelson immediately recognized him as the wanted fugitive, Billy Russo; however, he did not say anything. Russo asked if Nelson bought his army suit at a store or if he earned it. Nelson replied that he earned it then asked if Russo earned the scars. They then drank together.
They talked for a while about their troubles. Russo claimed that he missed it all and missed the boys. Nelson then brought out some cocaine, asking if Russo wanted any, but he refused. Nelson then brought up the fact that he knew who Russo was, immediately putting Russo on edge. However, Nelson said that he respected Russo, so they shook hands.[1]
Nightly Mischief[]
Nelson went out to the bar with Billy Russo once again, but this time with his buddies Bobby, José, and Jimbo. Suddenly, Jimbo saw his car getting towed away. The group ran out, but were too late. Russo insisted that this was not the case and ordered Bobby and José to chase it while he, Nelson, and Jimbo cut it off. They got to the truck and ambushed it. Russo grabbed the driver and beat him up, telling Jimbo to drive away and get out of town. As the group walked back, Nelson was very excited, believing it to be fun. Bobby then suggested that they should do something crazier like rob a bank.[2]
The crew spent the next couple of days practicing the bank heist. However, Nelson stood in the bank, having trouble being off his meth. He complained how cold it was and asked if he could go home. However, Russo said that they needed to stay, angering Nelson. When everyone was asleep, Nelson sneaked out.[3]
Interrogated[]
- "You were in the army, took your SERE course, ain't gonna say shit. The bad news is I took it, too. It ain't gonna work. Not today."
- ―Frank Castle to Jake Nelson[src]
As soon as he tried a dealer, Nelson encountered Frank Castle and was abducted and taken to a vacant apartment. Nelson found himself tied to a chair while Curtis Hoyle, Dinah Madani, and Castle demanded to know about the whereabouts of Billy Russo. Repeatedly, Nelson held back from revealing what he knew, enduring multiple punches from Castle until Madani ordered for him to stop. He, with Castle and Madani outside the room, questioned why Hoyle was a part of the interrogation. Hoyle explained that serving in Covert Operations with Russo and Castle made them all closer than blood brothers, until Russo killed Castle's entire family and shot Hoyle for getting in the way.
As he tended to Nelson's wound, Hoyle tried to reason with him, telling him Russo would no longer have a use for him once he was done and begged Nelson to not get in between Russo and Castle. After consideration, Nelson confessed the crew's plans when Castle returned. He said they would hit the ReadyQuick check cashing spot, and were staying at an empty warehouse on 12th.[3] Nelson was still tied up when the Punisher returned, immediately punching Nelson in the face and beating him to a pulp. Nelson's face was swollen and bruised by the time that Hoyle arrived to get Castle to stop. Hoyle then apologized to Nelson.[4]
Personality[]
- "Look at you. You're strong, Jake. You're proud. You're a soldier. You're not gonna give up your brother. I get that. I get it."
- ―Frank Castle to Jake Nelson[src]
To be added
Abilities[]
- "I know who you are."
"That means you know how this goes, one way or the other."
"Cut me loose. Let's see what happens then." - ―Jake Nelson and Frank Castle[src]
- Expert Combatant: As a former United States Army veteran, Nelson is trained in combat, as well as survival, evasion, resistance and escape, though he was no match for Frank Castle.
- Expert Marksman: As a former United States Army veteran, Nelson is trained in using firearms.
Equipment[]
Weapons[]
- Knife: During his interrogation, Frank Castle provided Nelson the opportunity to attack him with his knife after he cut him loose from his restraints. Nelson swiftly took the knife as he charged at Castle, only to be intercepted and have the back of his hand pierced by the latter. After Curtis Hoyle ameliorated his wound, Castle held the knife to Nelson's throat to retrieve information regarding to Billy Russo's whereabouts.
- Micro Uzi: Nelson carried this submachine gun while he and the rest of Jigsaw's Crew practiced for their first robbery.
Relationships[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Appearances[]
In chronological order:
The Punisher | Episode 2.05: One-Eyed Jacks- The Punisher | Episode 2.06: Nakazat
- The Punisher | Episode 2.07: One Bad Day
- The Punisher | Episode 2.08: My Brother's Keeper
- The Punisher | Episode 2.09: Flustercluck (mentioned)
Behind the Scenes[]
- In One-Eyed Jacks, Nelson was credited as Jake Campbell.
- Chad Crumley was a stunt double for Jordan Dean in the role of Jake Nelson.
