Warning: contains potential spoilers for X-Men #8!
Despite his considerable power and fantastic mental abilities, M.O.D.O.K. has become the laughing stock of the Marvel Universe, but in a special preview for X-Men #8, on sale in print and digital this February, Marvel’s mutants are about to learn he is no laughing matter. The issue is written by Gerry Duggan with art by Javier Pina.
One of the most unique-looking villains in comic history, M.O.D.O.K. (short for Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) first appeared in 1967’s Tales of Suspense #94, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Born George Tarleton, M.O.D.O.K, received his powers and appearance thanks to an experiment conducted by his superiors at AIM (Advanced Idea Mechanics) who sought to turn him into a living computer. However, he rebelled and took control of the organization. Primarily a Captain America villain, M.O.D.O.K has become a cult favorite—but also something of a joke, thanks to his ridiculous appearance. Recently, the character made the jump to television, appearing in his own animated show on Hulu from comedian and comic book fan Patton Oswalt. The series leaned heavily into M.O.D.O.K’s goofy nature, but the comics have not forgotten that M.O.D.O.K. is a cold-blooded killer and now he has set his sights on the X-Men.
A tease on Marvel’s website offered additional hints regarding the upcoming issue, as well as a look at the book’s regular and variant covers. Plot details were scarce, but Marvel is teasing that AIM will be involved, and the X-Men must stop them. The announcement also stressed that this story will emphasize M.O.D.O.K.’s killer nature. The issue’s main cover, by Pepe Larraz, shows the villain holding Jean Grey’s mask, a look of pure evil on his face. The variant cover, by Pete Woods, shows the team at M.O.D.O.K’s mercy, as he laughs maniacally. Have a look at them below:
M.O.D.O.K’s silly appearance often leads to stories that downplay the character’s darkest aspects, if not ignoring them altogether. As originally envisioned by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, M.O.D.O.K was no laughing matter—slaughtering AIM agents with no discretion. After taking control of AIM, he solidified their reputation as techno-terrorists, often coming into conflict with Captain America and the Avengers. M.O.D.O.K. has never shown an interest in the X-Men until now—what has put them on his radar? Is he interested in taking Krakoa’s technology for himself? Or something even more sinister? Only time will tell.
The new X-Men title pits the team against some of Marvel’s greatest villains, and in issue eight, M.O.D.O.K. comes gunning for them. And while Marvel’s mutants may be tempted to laugh at M.O.D.O.K, they will soon find the joke is on them.
