"Reading Deathlok Changed My Life": Marvel's Officially Returning Response to the Terminator in 50th Anniversary Special
Marvel's interpretation of the Terminator, Deathlok, makes a reappearance in an all-new 50th anniversary special. Marvel released several vibrant characters in the 1970s, but none more so than maybe Deathlok. Deathlok caught the dreams of fans all around, especially artist Denys Cowan—a Cyborg from the future. Drawing what might be the definitive Deathlok run, Cowan will be among many artists helping to create the Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special.
Justina Ireland and Christopher Priest will author the Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special; Cowan, Dale Eaglesham, Matthew Waite, and Luke Ross will illustrate it. Marvel withheld any specifics on the plot of the book. Cowan said of working on the book: "There were a couple comics I read when I was growing up that really affected my younger self. Hero for Hire Luke Cage; Jungle Action with Black Panther; Tales to Astonish include Deathlok. Though all those novels were excellent, Deathlok caught my imagination with all the ideas discussed and the superb work and writing! To be honest, reading Deathlok fundamentally altered my life and inspired me to pursue a career in comic book drawing. I reasoned that if I could just catch a bit of what Buckler and Klaus Janson accomplished, I might make a decent comic book artist.
Especially for his time, Deathlok was a unique marvel character.
Marvel history has seen several Deathloks. Luther Manning comes first, and maybe most importantly. Designed by Rich Buckler, the character appeared in Astonishing Tales #25. From the then future year 1990, Deathlok battled over a dismal, post-nuclear terrain. Once a distinguished soldier, Manning rebuilt as the cyborg warrior known as Deathlok. At first kept apart from the rest of the Marvel Universe, Deathlok would finally come across other heroes. Later Deathloks that would show up in Marvel Comics would find influence in Manning.
Deathlok traded in vibrant superheroes for a terrifying future in which anarchy followed society's breakdown. Deathlok has been a fan favorite character since his debut; he even makes appearances in the MCU as part of the Agents of SHIELD television show. When Deathlok first debuted, no other hero quite like him existed. Deathlok traded the vibrant superheroes for a terrifying future in which anarchy followed society's downfall. The future Deathlok battled was not unlike the one shown in The Terminator series of movies, where technology had gone wild. Marvel was releasing other publications, but this was a clear divergence from those others, which connected with readers.
Deathlok is as pertinent today as he was in 1974.
Celebrating this special legacy is the Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special Inspired by Deathlok, Denys Cowan decided to become a comic artist and would be lucky enough to sketch the exploits of the character. Cowan will now be joined in celebration of Deathlok's 50th anniversary by Dale Eaglesham and a host of other writers and artists. Deathlok is a fascinating character in his own right, one who has inspired generations of authors, far from Marvel's version of the Terminator. The Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special is the ideal homage.
On Deathlok Cowan made a significant impression. Editor Mark Paniccia acknowledged Cowan's contributions to Deathlok's legacy and remarked, "His run was unique and dynamic. For us, it was crucial that he join in commemorating an anniversary as special as this." Cowan will also be designing the Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special's cover. Frank Miller and Nick Bradshaw will create alternative covers.
Cowan's Involvement
Cowan's career has revolved on his unique flair. Apart from great appreciation, his work has had a long-lasting influence on the comics business. He has become a legend among comic book creators as his artistic perspective is so distinctive. His creations are something his admirers should value.
Cowan claimed he is really happy about this anniversary celebration. For a long period, fans have been anticipating for this Deathlok edition. His work and the help of other artists to the project probably will make this a successful special.
