Marvel-Comics - Marvel Unleashes a Blockbuster Celebration: 50 Years of Deathlok in Explosive Anniversary Special

By Mulder, 10 june 2024

Marvel Comics is gearing up for a spectacular celebration of one of its most distinctive characters. This September, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Deathlok, an all-star team of writers and artists will bring fans a new chapter in the cyborg hero’s storied history with the release of "Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special #1."

Created in 1974 and first appearing in Astonishing Tales #25, Deathlok has captivated readers with his unique blend of science fiction, horror, and war. The character was originally conceived as an amalgam of reanimated flesh and computer circuitry, a tragic figure who represents the dark side of technological advancement. Col. Luther Manning, a former military strategist, is transformed into a cyborg soldier, stripped of his humanity and family. Manning becomes Deathlok the Demolisher, a living weapon caught in a perpetual state of war, programmed solely for destruction. This unique origin story has cemented Deathlok as one of Marvel’s most offbeat and enduring characters.

The upcoming one-shot will delve into the character's rich legacy, featuring contributions from acclaimed writers Christopher Priest and Justina Ireland. Priest, known for his groundbreaking work on titles such as Black Panther and Deathstroke, brings a deep understanding of complex characters and intricate narratives. Ireland, a New York Times bestselling author celebrated for her work on Star Wars: Sana Starros and Amazing Spider-Man: Blood Hunt, adds her unique voice to the mix, promising a fresh and compelling take on Deathlok.

The narrative promises an action-packed journey through a dystopian Manhattan, packed with explosive adventures, deadly villains, and a storyline that pushes the boundaries of futuristic horror. Fans will travel back to the ruins of Manhattan for an action-packed, laser-blasting, building-smashing adventure, uncovering secrets of a world that will excite both new and longtime fans. The story will explore the emotional core of what makes Deathlok so unique, delving into his tragic past and his struggle to retain his humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.

The special will be illustrated by a star-studded lineup of artists, each bringing their unique style to the project. Dale Eaglesham, known for his dynamic and detailed artwork on titles such as Fantastic Four and Justice Society of America, will be contributing his talents to the special. Matthew Waite and Luke Ross, both acclaimed for their work on various Marvel titles, will also be lending their skills to the project. Additionally, the special will mark the grand return of Denys Cowan, a definitive Deathlok artist who reinvented the character in the early ‘90s. Cowan’s work on Deathlok is considered iconic, and his return to the character is highly anticipated by fans.

The main cover by Ken Lashley sets the tone for the special, capturing the essence of Deathlok’s tragic and heroic nature. Lashley’s detailed and dynamic art style is perfectly suited to the character, and his cover is sure to be a standout. Additional variant covers by Nick Bradshaw, Frank Miller, and Denys Cowan tease the future of Deathlok and offer fans a variety of artistic interpretations of the character. Each cover adds a unique perspective on Deathlok, showcasing the diverse talents of the artists involved.

Justina Ireland expressed her excitement about the project, noting, "I'm always excited and humbled to write anything in the Marvel universe, but Deathlok as a character is especially important to me because as a U.S. Army veteran, his origin story really resonates in a horrifying way. So I'm excited to dig into the emotional core of what makes Deathlok so unique, while also having some fun." Ireland’s personal connection to the character adds a layer of authenticity and depth to her writing, promising a story that is both emotionally resonant and thrilling.

Editor Mark Paniccia added, “When Deathlok debuted, he truly was one of Marvel’s most offbeat characters—the kind that nearly everyone at Marvel wanted to play with! Heck, Frank Miller even wanted to do a variant for this special. It’s almost impossible not to find a writer or artist that wasn’t inspired by Deathlok in some way.” Paniccia’s enthusiasm highlights the character’s enduring appeal and the excitement surrounding this anniversary special.

Fans are encouraged to preorder the special issue at their local comic shops and stay tuned for more updates on Marvel.com. This milestone edition is set to be a memorable addition to Deathlok’s legacy, celebrating 50 years of a character that has continually pushed the boundaries of comic book storytelling. The "Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special #1" is not just a tribute to the past but also a bold step into the future of the character, promising to captivate both longtime fans and new readers alike.

With its star-studded creative team, compelling narrative, and stunning artwork, the "Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special #1" is poised to be one of the standout releases of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the character or a newcomer to his world, this special is not to be missed. For further details and to view the covers, visit Marvel's official website and make sure to secure your copy of this historic issue.

Deathlok 50th anniversary special #1 
Written by Justina Ireland & Christopher Priest 
Art by Dale Eaglesham, Denys Cowan, Matthew Waite & Luke Ross 
Cover by Ken Lashley
Variant Cover by Nick Bradshaw
Variant Cover by Frank Miller
Variant Cover by Denys Cowan
On Sale 9/18

(Source : press release)