"Reading Deathlok Changed My Life": Marvel's Answer to the Terminator Officially Returns in 50th Anniversary Special (2025)

Deathlok, Marvel’s version of the Terminator, returns in an all-new 50th anniversary special. Marvel unleashed a number of dynamic characters in the 1970s, but none more so than perhaps Deathlok. A cyborg from the future, Deathlok captured the imaginations of fans the world over–including artist Denys Cowan. Cowan, who drew what might be the definitive Deathlok run, will be one of many creators contributing to the Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special.

The Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special will be written by Justina Ireland and Christopher Priest, and will be drawn by Cowan, Dale Eaglesham, Matthew Waite and Luke Ross. Marvel did not reveal any details surrounding the book’s story. Cowan had this to say about working on the book:

There were a few comics that I read when I was growing up that had a big impact on my younger self. Luke Cage, Hero for Hire; Jungle Action with Black Panther, and Tales to Astonish featuring Deathlok. All those books were great, but Deathlok captured my imagination with all the concepts explored and the great art and writing! I can honestly say that reading Deathlok definitely changed my life and made me want to draw comics for a living. I thought if I could capture a little bit of what Buckler and Klaus Janson did I might become a good comic book artist.

Cowan left a huge mark of his own on Deathlok. Editor Mark Paniccia, speaking on Cowan's contributions to Deathlok’s lore, said:

His run was unique and dynamic. It was important to us that he be part of celebrating an anniversary as special as this.

Cowan will also provide a variant cover for the Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special.

There will be additional variant covers by Nick Bradshaw and Frank Miller.

Deathlok Was a Unique Marvel Character, Especially For His Time

Deathlok Inspired Generations of Creators

There have been multiple Deathloks throughout Marvel history. The first, and perhaps best known, is Luther Manning. Created by Rich Buckler, the character debuted in Astonishing Tales #25. Hailing from the (then) future year of 1990, Deathlok fought his way across a dystopian, post-nuclear landscape. Manning, who had once been a decorated soldier, was rebuilt as the cyborg warrior known as Deathlok. Initially kept separate from the rest of the Marvel Universe, Deathlok would eventually encounter other heroes. Manning would become the inspiration for the other Deathloks that would later appear in Marvel Comics.

Since his introduction, Deathlok has been a fan favorite character, even appearing in the MCU as part of the Agents of SHIELD television program. There was no other hero quite like Deathlok when he debuted. Deathlok traded in colorful superheroes for a nightmarish future, one where society collapsed and chaos ensued. The future Deathlok fought in was not unlike the one depicted in The Terminator series of films, where technology has run amok. This was a marked departure from the other books Marvel was publishing, and as a result, resonated with fans.

Deathlok Is Just as Relevant Today As He Was in 1974

Deathlok is Not Just Marvel's Version of the Terminator

The Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special celebrates this unique legacy. Denys Cowan, who was inspired by Deathlok to become a comic artist, would be fortunate enough to draw the character’s adventures. Now Cowan will be joined by Dale Eaglesham and a host of other writers and artists, all coming together to celebrate Deathlok’s 50th anniversary. Far from being Marvel’s version of the Terminator, Deathlok is a compelling character in his own right, one who has influenced generations of creators, and the Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special is the perfect tribute.

Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special #1 is on sale September 18 from Marvel Comics!

Deathlok 50th Anniversary Special #1 (2024)
	Writer: Justina Ireland & Christopher Priest Artist: Denys Cowan, Dale Eaglesham, Matthew Waite & Luke Ross Cover Artist: Ken Lashley