"The End" Week: Strikeforce Morituri #31!

Almost three years into the series, and by this point the original writer and artist were gone, the original cast gone, even the original bad guys were gone. So, what was left? Um...from 1989, Strikeforce Morituri #31, "The Bitter End" Written by James D. Hudnall, art by John Calimee Mark Bagley (it's mis-credited in the issue!) and inks by Carlos Garzon.

We checked out the first issue a couple of years back, from Peter B. Gillis and Brent Anderson, with an uncredited bit by Whilce Portacio. The invading alien Horde are picking earth to pieces, until a scientist invents the Morituri Process, which can give a human super-powers...but will kill them within a year. So by issue #31, the original cast was long dead, but apparently defeated the Horde; as a new alien narrates their plan proceeding. And it seems a bit overly complicated a plan: after Andre Lamont came to power by having the previous leader assassinated, the aliens use a clone to sex him up and implant a psychic command to blame the assassination on the Morituri agents. One of whom actually was the killer, while two others are seeking revenge for botched genetic engineering that was going to kill them. The non-conspiratorial Morituri heroes are trying to stop the killer and expose Lamont, which they do; but it's all part of the alien's larger plan...

The alien seems to imply having an employer, which would be at least the third separate alien race in the series with sinister designs on earth. If you watch the TV show Falling Skies, it tends to do the same: introduce new aliens every season finale...

Strikeforce: Morituri would continue, since these heroes were able to use a cure that kept them from exploding like their predecessors, in a "prestige format" limited, Electric Undertow. Haven't read that one, but every couple of years it seems like there's a rumor of either the book being revived or optioned for TV. Hasn't happened yet, but maybe someday: I suspect there are TV producers who wouldn't mind being able to replace cast members every year.