Deathlok - the Most Underrated Comic Book Character?

When it comes to comic book characters, everyone knows about the heavies like Spider-Man, Batman, Superman and the incredible Hulk, to name a few. Those slightly better acquainted with the medium might be able to name a few more obscure characters; say, Green Lantern, The Punisher, maybe even Deadpool.

However, it takes a true comic fan to know who Deathlok is.

Deathlok, created in 1974 by Rick Buckler and Doug Moench, was a character ahead of his time by nearly a decade. Though various individuals have used the name since, the original Deathlok was a soldier in a post-apocalyptic future by the name of Luther Manning. Manning was killed, only to later reawaken with his mind placed into the hideous cyborg body known as "Deathlok," a killing machine that Manning had no control over. Eventually, he managed to break free of his computer's programming. Horrified at what he had become, Deathlok would spend his adventures striking out against the evil corporations that have taken over the country and turned it into a broken down, cannibal-infested wasteland.

Does the basic plot sound familiar? It should - most people have seen Terminator, Robocop and other movies with similar themes. There's an important thing to remember here, though and that's that Deathlok entered the scene in 1974, whereas Terminator and Robocop weren't released until the 80's. In other words, Deathlok was first.

What is it, then, that has kept Deathlok on the sidelines for so long?

It isn't an issue of quality. Deathlok's stories have always been interesting, well-written and often thought provoking. It isn't a problem with the protagonist, either, as both Luther Manning and Michael Collins are fascinating character studies. A good writer could easily take either one and craft an endless array of stories from them. So what is it? Why is Deathlok so underrated?

Part of it might just be the very thing that makes the character's universe so interesting, which is how downbeat it all is. The tale of Deathlok is a grim, depressing one, the kind of story that could never have a happy ending. Iron Man might have heart problems and be an alcoholic but at least he has that cool armor. Superman is the last of his kind, sure but he has those god-like powers, not to mention a wife like Lois Lane. Even the Punisher's stories can function as an escapist revenge fantasy. Deathlok's life, on the other hand, has little hope for salvation, especially in the case of Luther Manning. Deathlok has to grapple with recovering what little humanity he has left, despite knowing that he'll never be truly human again. His family has deserted him. The world he lives in, the world he's fighting to save has already gone down the toilet, so there's no sense of fantasy, so sense of satisfaction to be had in his adventures. As if that weren't enough, even if he did give up on it all, he can't kill himself; he's already tried, only to find out that the computer hardwired to his brain won't let him.

Possibly the other difficulty Deathlok has had in achieving the success he warrants is that, simply enough, he's not the prettiest character out there. It'd be a little difficult to market him; really, can you ever picture this guy, with his gray, half-robotic mutilated face, ever showing up on lunchboxes or promotional posters? The fact he doesn't look "cool," though, actually enhances the effect. Deathlok is a hideous, unnatural combination of man and machine, which his costume design reflects very accurately.

Deathlok, despite the inspiration he may have had on the movies, is a character that is barred from mainstream popularity by the very dark, depressing nature that makes him stand out. However, this shouldn't be a reason to look down on this cyborg anti-hero from the future. Deathlok is one of the most interesting figures to ever emerge from a comic book and maybe someday, against all the odds, will finally get the recognition that he deserves.