Strikeforce: Morituri – A Sisyphean Struggle in Forgotten Comics
In ancient Greek mythology, Sisyphus was a mortal who defied Zeus and suffered an eternal punishment. Sent to the underworld, he was condemned to push a massive boulder up a steep incline—only for it to roll back down just before he reached the summit. Doomed to repeat this futile task for eternity, Sisyphus became the ultimate symbol of unrelenting effort in the face of inevitable failure.
The term Sisyphean now represents an unwinnable struggle, one that demands immense effort while guaranteeing no success. This word perfectly encapsulates the tragic and poignant storyline of the forgotten comic book epic Strikeforce: Morituri.
A Battle Against Fate – The Premise of Strikeforce: Morituri
Strikeforce: Morituri tells the story of Earth’s desperate fight against a brutal alien force known as the Horde—a race of conquerors who pillage resources, enslave humans, and publicly execute captives to instill terror. Their reign of destruction seems unstoppable, pushing humanity to the brink of annihilation.
In a last attempt to turn the tide, scientist Dr. Kimmo Tuolema develops the Morituri Process—a revolutionary procedure that grants ordinary humans superpowers to combat the Horde. However, there is a devastating catch: those who undergo the transformation will perish within a year.
A Forgotten Marvel Gem
Released by Marvel Comics in 1986, Strikeforce: Morituri ran for 31 issues, weaving military sci-fi, space opera, and deep existential themes into a gripping narrative. Despite its bold storytelling, it remains largely unknown in modern comic book discourse. The series unfolds in an alternate universe labeled Earth-1287, where the year 2069 marks the beginning of humanity’s war for survival.
For three years, the Horde crushes Earth under its tyranny, seemingly unstoppable. Then, in 2072, the Morituri Process emerges, offering hope—but at a staggering cost. Those selected endure genetic hyper-evolution, enhancing their abilities beyond human limits. However, their bodies cannot sustain this power indefinitely.
The Morituri Process – Power at a Price
The Morituri Process carries severe limitations:
- Less than 5% of the population possesses the genetic compatibility required for it.
- The ideal candidates are between the ages of 18 and 21.
- Within twelve months, all who undergo the procedure succumb to the Morituri Effect, a fatal, uncontrollable breakdown of their bodies, much like a young star burning too bright before supernova collapse.
The Latin phrase Morituri, meaning “We Who Are About to Die,” appears prominently on the logo of every issue, reinforcing the grim reality of this heroic sacrifice.
The Black Watch – Soldiers Destined for Death
The chosen warriors, known as The Black Watch, endure rigorous training at a facility called The Garden before heading into battle. Some perish during the transformation, while others die in combat, overwhelmed by the relentless march of the Morituri Effect.
Over the course of the series, eight generations of Black Watch soldiers rise and fall, sacrificing their fleeting lives to protect humanity. Even those who triumph against the Horde will never live to celebrate their victory. Their fate is sealed from the moment they accept their powers, rendering their battle against the alien invaders truly Sisyphean.
The Ultimate Tragedy
The Strikeforce: Morituri narrative is a haunting exploration of sacrifice, destiny, and the price of heroism. With every new wave of fighters, the cost remains the same—a fleeting existence dedicated to an unwinnable war.
Like Sisyphus, the Black Watch push against fate, knowing full well their efforts will never lead to personal salvation. They fight because they must, not because they will prevail.
A true comic book epic, Strikeforce: Morituri is a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its depth, tragedy, and powerful storytelling.
Strikeforce: Morituri Omnibus
Writer Peter B. Gillis and artist Brent Anderson are the creators of the original run. Some issues feature additional writing by James Hudnall and fill-in art by a young Whilce Portacio, a comics legend.
This 1,080-page hardcover collects the original 31 issues and the 1989 five-issue limited series, Strikeforce: Morituri – Electric Undertow, together for the first time. Pre-order the July 1, 2025, release of this hardcover for $125 now at Amazon.
I have been writing this column for many years, and I have made many recommendations for you to read. But if you have ever bought a comic due to my recommendations, I implore you to buy the Strikeforce: Morituri Omnibus by Brent Anderson on Amazon.
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The post Forgotten Comic Book Epics: Strikeforce: Morituri appeared first on Personal Finance Advice.
