Friday, August 16, 2013

“Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant”

 
Strikeforce: Morituri is a comic book series published by Marvel Comics from 1986 to 1989. The series was created by writer Peter B. Gillis and artist Brent Anderson.

The premise is that aliens have invaded Earth and nearly succeeded in conquering it and stripping it of its resources. A scientist discovers a process which can provide humans with superhuman powers, effectively creating a group of defending superheroes. However, the process would also ensure that the empowered humans would die within a year of being empowered. The series thus focused on the heroism of the main characters in fighting the invaders, while living with the knowledge that their fates were sealed regardless of whether or not they prevailed.

The title comes from the Latin phrase "Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant" ("Hail Caesar, those who are about to die salute you"), a salute that according to popular legend (although not academically agreed) was uttered by Roman gladiators before battle in the arena. The subtitle of the comic was "We who are about to die".


 

 
 

 
The series however was not finished. That would be accomplished in Strikeforce Morituri - Electric Undertow. I remember this series so well because it had more pages and sturdy cardboard covers. They were special and I thought worth the five bucks a month to get. Like going to a 3D movie, I am happy to have this deluxe mini-series in my collection - along with the entire run of Strikeforce Morituri, which would make a kickass series on something like AMC. Very futuristic but very human. You would never know when a character would die as their powers burned out their bodies. Someone smart could make the whole thing compelling because the concept is strong. 
 
 
 
 


 
"We who are about to die, salute you."
 

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