Morlock 2001 #2
Published and © by Atlas (Seaboard), April 1975
Title: “Morlock Must Be Destroyed!”
Synopsis: Morlock flees from dystopic authorities and a greedy mob, turns a rail gang into fungus, then eats a couple people.
Writer: Michael Fleisher
Penciler: Al Milgrom
Inker: Jack Abel
Review: This series continues to be an odd brew of pop-culture influences (see review of Morlock 2001 #1), with writer Michael Fleisher adding a little “A Clockwork Orange” into the mix. His story is ultimately undermined by several convenient coincidences, including a chance encounter with a molecular botanist who just happens to be working on plant men similar to Morlock. Fleisher’s trademark violence also looms large; even an innocent, blind child isn’t safe from his horrors. Al Milgrom continues to deliver some strong storytelling here. Morlock 2001 isn’t quite ready for the A list, but there’s definitely something interesting here.
Grade: B
Cool factor: You never know what to expect when turning the page on this one.
Not-so-cool factor: Oh, that poor little blind girl.
Character quotable: “Don’t worry, Mr. Morlock! Even though I’m blind and can’t see you, I can tell you’re good and kind and gentle!” – Karen, sweet blind girl (AKA plant food)
Editor’s note: This review was written July 11, 2020.
