New to the game and just needed something clarified for me regarding sideline characters. How restrictive is the ruling on the name keyword required for some characters on the sideline?

For example: I have Punisher of the Strange on the sideline and Venom Punisher on the map. Is it ok for Punisher of the Strange to give Venom Punisher the free action then replace him because he contains "Punisher" as part of his character name? Or Can Punisher of the Strange only replace a character named specifically "Punisher"?

Thanks in advance!

Always make sure to quote the power in question, as that will help everyone answer your question.

"FROM AN ALTERNATE EARTH: If this character is on your sideline, you may give a free action to a friendly character named Dr. Strange or Punisher that's equal or more points. Replace that character with this character on the same click number."

Named means just that. Punisher of the Strange cannot replace Venom Punisher because Venom Punisher's name is not Punisher or Dr. Strange.

There are effects that state "name contains x", and they would work differently.

Thanks for the clarification!