Forearm (comics)

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Forearm
Michael McCain (Earth-616) from S.W.O.R.D. Vol 2 5 001.jpg
Forearm as depicted in S.W.O.R.D. (vol. 2) #5 (April 2021). Art by Valerio Schiti (penciler/inker) and Marte Garcia (colorist).
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance The New Mutants #86 (Feb. 1990)
Created by Louise Simonson
Rob Liefeld
In-story information
Full nameMichael McCain
Species Human mutant
Team affiliations Mutant Liberation Front
S.W.O.R.D.
Krakoan Dark Riders
Notable aliasesMichael McBride
AbilitiesTwo additional arms,
Superhuman strength, stamina and physical resistance

Forearm (Michael McCain) is a fictional mutant villain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. As a member of the Mutant Liberation Front, Forearm has always been a mainstay on the terrorist group's roster, even staying through leader changes and incarceration.

Contents

Publication history

Forearm has a minor cameo appearance (nothing but his two right arms are seen, and only in one panel) as a member of the Mutant Liberation Front in The New Mutants #86, as Rob Liefeld took over as the penciller of the series. This was immediately followed by his first full appearance in The New Mutants #87.

Fictional character biography

Forearm is a founding member of the Mutant Liberation Front (MLF), a mutant terrorist organization. One of the group's first missions under the leadership of Stryfe is to liberate incarcerated New Mutants members Rusty Collins and Skids, who join the MLF out of confusion and are kept in the group via neural implants that influence their minds. [1]

Following the "X-Cutioner's Song" event, Reignfire forms a new incarnation of the MLF which consists of Forearm, Reaper, Wildside, Tempo, and new members Locus and Danielle Moonstar. [2] It is later revealed that Moonstar was an undercover agent working for S.H.I.E.L.D. Feeling betrayed, Forearm leaves the MLF. [3]

Forearm later appears as a participant in Bloodsport, a fighting championship in Madripoor. He is killed during a fight with Serpent Society member Anaconda, who breaks his neck. [4] Forearm later appears alive as a member of the MLF, with no explanation as to how he survived. [5]

During the Krakoan Age, Forearm joins the Security Team of S.W.O.R.D. and Magik's Dark Riders. [6] [7]

Powers and abilities

Forearm has an extra set of arms that extend from beneath his first set, giving him four arms. He also possesses increased strength, resistance to injury, and stamina.

Other versions

An alternate universe variant of Forearm from Earth-21993 appears in What If #47 as a member of the Mutant Liberation Front before being killed in an explosion. [8]

In other media

Forearm makes non-speaking cameo appearances in X-Men: The Animated Series . This version is an inhabitant of Skull Mesa and member of Magneto's army.

References

  1. Simonson, Louise  ( w ), Liefeld, Rob  ( p ), Wiacek, Bob  ( i ),Rockwitz, Mike ( col )."A Show of Power!" The New Mutants ,vol. 1,no. 87(March 1990).Marvel Comics.
  2. Nicieza, Fabian  ( w ),Broome, Mat ( p ),LaRosa, Bud ( i ), Roussos, George  ( col )."Liberation Through Subjugation" X-Force ,vol. 1,no. 27(October 1993).Marvel Comics.
  3. Moore, John Francis  ( w ), Pollina, Adam  ( p ),Morales, Mark ( i ),Team Bucce ( col )."Stand-Off" X-Force ,vol. 1,no. 67(June 1997).Marvel Comics.
  4. Tieri, Frank  ( w ), Fraga, Dan  ( p ), Rapmund, Norm  ( i ),Lee, Raymund ( col )."Blood Sport Part 1" Wolverine ,vol. 2,no. 167(October 2001).Marvel Comics.
  5. Nicieza, Fabian  ( w ), Liefeld, Rob  ( p ),Liefeld, Rob ( i ),Yackey, Matt ( col )."The Enemies of My Enemies.." X-Force ,vol. 2,no. 4(January 2005).Marvel Comics.
  6. Ewing, Al  ( w ),Schiti, Valerio ( p ),Schiti, Valerio ( i ),Garcia, Marte ( col )."Giallo" S.W.O.R.D. ,vol. 2,no. 5(June 2021).Marvel Comics.
  7. Orlando, Steve  ( w ),Broccardo, Andrea ( p ),Broccardo, Andrea ( i ),Guru-eFX ( col )."Devils and Dark Rooms"X-Men: Curse of the Man-Thing,vol. 1,no. 1(July 2021).Marvel Comics.
  8. Busiek, Kurt  ( w ),Smith, Tod ( p ), Akin, Ian  ( i ), Vincent, Tom  ( col )."What If... Magneto Took Over The USA?" What If ,vol. 2,no. 47(March 1993).Marvel Comics.