You Won’t Believe the Dark Secret Behind This 80s Comic’s Deadly Superpowers!

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For this week’s special edition of “Toxic Masculinity Tuesday,” I’d like to suggest diving into a late-80’s Marvel Comics series titled “Strikeforce: Morituri.” This comic serves as an antidote to the unhealthy, world-domination ideologies often stemming from toxicity. Let’s immerse ourselves in this captivating tale instead!

Over the course of many years, my buddy Mike has persistently encouraged me to dive into a particular comic book series. In casual conversations at the bar, following some drinks and discussions about global matters, he’d always find a way to champion the merits of “Strikeforce: Morituri“. He even went as far as drawing connections between the comics and contemporary issues we face today.

After some hesitation, I dove into the entire series and let me tell you, Mike really hit the mark with Strikeforce: Moritur. It’s exactly the kind of comic series that American comics need today. There is no greater sacrifice than giving your life for others, as Jesus taught us…

I want you all to show affection for each other just as I’ve shown it to you. There is no greater love than the one who sacrifices himself for his friends.”

In this version, the commandment is emphasized by using “I want,” making it more conversational and easier to understand. Additionally, the second part of the verse highlights the importance of sacrifice in showing love for others, which is made clearer with the use of “sacrifices himself” instead of “lay down his life.

Let’s combat that negativity using the “Strikeforce: Morituri” by examining instances of his selfless act!

Plot:

Developed by Peter B. Gillis and artist Brent Anderson, the concept behind Strikeforce: Morituri is quite straightforward. A powerful extraterrestrial species known as the Horde has identified Earth’s wealth and launched an attack on the weak human forces protecting it. The fight isn’t going favorably for humans, as the aliens are cruel, malicious, and equipped with superior weaponry compared to the humans.

In an attempt to level the battlefield against invaders, scientist Dr. Kimmo Tuolema comes up with a method to awaken dormant superhuman powers in select individuals. However, there’s a caveat: those undergoing the Morituri procedure have only one year left to live.

The title “Morituri” originates from the well-known Latin phrase, “‘Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant’“, meaning “‘Hail Caesar, we who are about to die salute you’“. This sentiment serves as the foundation for the gripping narrative of Strikeforce: Morituri, a story brimming with the raw human experience and indomitable spirit of mankind.

The story opens with a human squad known as the Black Watch, who manage to strike an extraterrestrial Horde base in South Africa for the first time. This action marks our species’ initial retaliation against the invaders, but it turns out to be a Pyrrhic victory. In the course of the attack, one member of the Black Watch perishes, and the other two undergo the Morituri process, ultimately exploding as they flee.

It’s important to note that the Morituri process is prone to instability. The individuals involved can’t predict exactly when it will occur, but they are certain that it will take place within the next twelve months.

This is a fantastic premise for a sci-fi comic series!

You’ll subsequently meet the initial group of Morituri, consisting of Vyking, Snapdragon, Adept, Blackthorn, and Radian. Each one has unique, although relatively fundamental powers. Their rigorous training in ‘The Garden’, much like the X-Men’s Danger Room, refines their skills to an exceptional level of proficiency.

However, it’s important to note that despite its peaceful appearance, The Garden is not without risk. Trainees can still perish within it, much like they would when confronting the Horde in actual combat.

The Morituri choose to undergo hazardous training, not for their own benefit, but to gain the opportunity to battle and ultimately sacrifice themselves defending mankind against lethal extraterrestrial threats.

Why You Should Read:

As a devoted film buff, let me share my thoughts on “Strikeforce: Morituri.” While it can be quite poignant and melancholic, there’s an underlying sense of inspiration that keeps you engaged. Despite being just thirty-one issues, it spans generations of Morituri. The brilliant writer, Peter B. Gillis, masterfully crafts characters that you grow fond of, only to witness their selfless sacrifices for the greater good or tragic demise due to the Morituri process at inopportune moments.

In my opinion, my buddy Mike wasn’t pulling a fast one on me. The deaths in Strikeforce: Morituri truly took me aback, striking a poignant chord that left me feeling a mix of sorrow and shock. What sets these deaths apart is their authenticity; they don’t feel like cheap ploys for drama or box office sales, but rather, a genuine progression of the narrative. At times, it’s tough not to be affected.

Director Peter did an impressive job by populating his Morituri volunteers with a diverse array of characters – each with their unique personalities, values, and political beliefs. As a viewer, you find yourself empathizing with some more than others. Some are devout religious individuals, while others identify as atheist humanists. Some are cold-blooded killers, while others are selfless heroes willing to give up their lives for their comrades. It’s this intricate tapestry of characters that makes the film both engaging and thought-provoking.

The human struggle is what truly makes “Strikeforce: Morituri ” an engaging read. Some of the volunteers accept their impending deaths, while others discover love among the group and regret their initial decision to participate. Certain characters transition from heroes to villains in search of a cure for the Morituri process, while some former villains recall their original motivations for volunteering.

Reading Strikeforce: Morituri is highly recommended for those seeking genuine heroism reminiscent of today’s era. It offers harsh, yet valuable lessons about duty, love, friendship, and sacrifice that are seldom found in contemporary comics. Unlike many modern creators who tend to create anti-heroes or deconstruct the concept of heroism, Strikeforce: Morituri harks back to a more straightforward time. A time when heroes prioritized others over themselves.

As a dedicated comic book aficionado, I’d like to share that this intriguing series, while it ran for only 31 issues, exists independently from the primary Marvel Universe. Yet, if you’re keen on exploring its captivating tales, you can easily find a compiled edition of issues 1-13 on Amazon!

Discover my action-packed superhero book titled “Fiasco of Adventures” right here or here, and don’t forget to visit my website at TheMegacosm.com!

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2025-04-15 23:15