Warning: SPOILERS for Force Works 2020 #2
With rogue A.I.s causing chaos around the world as part of a robot revolution, Force Works 2020 #2 sees the team forced to turn to an unusual expert for help. Having just fought an army of bloodthirsty Deathlok's, the team could just all the help they can get. Still, how will they adjust to having MODOK on the team?
After Tony Stark's duplicitous brother Arno Stark institutes sweeping artificial intelligence regulations, advanced machines all over the world rebel. Force Works is charged with hunting down radicalized robots. The team soon found themselves up against cyborg Deathlok's hoping to use them for "spare parts", with one planning to make War Machine's name literal. Fortunately, Rhodey is saved at the last minute by a surprise assist from the supervillain MODOK, who says he is excited to add some "brainpower... as the newest member of Force Works!".
MODOK first appeared in Tales of Suspense #93 and #94 in 1967. His name is an acronym, standing for "Mechanized Organism Designed Only For Killing". AIM technician George Tarleton was mutated by his colleagues into becoming a highly-intelligent super-computer, but the newly-dubbed MODOK killed his creators to pursue his own agenda. Since then, he has tangled with almost every major Marvel hero or team at one point. During the "Hulked Out Heroes" storyline, he was reverted back to George Tarleton, though this has apparently changed given his re-appearance in Force Works.
When MODOK rescues War Machine, he is very clear altruism is the last thing on his mind. As always, it is clear MODOK is apparently pursuing his own agenda, just as he has always done since his very first appearance. Still, he does seem (perhaps overly) excited to share his vast knowledge with new teammates. It's unlikely his teammates will accept his offer with open arms, however, seeing as how the team includes seasoned operatives like Mockingbird and US Agent.
While it seems unlikely MODOK's true motivations are heroic, this reappearance could serve to point the character in a new direction. Could his relatively recent transformation back into George Tarleton have rekindled some humanity in the character? Again, it seems like a remote possibility, and even MODOK himself is clear he has his own agenda. Still, MODOK has long remained a fan-favorite character - he's currently slated to star in his own Hulu TV series, voiced by Patton Oswalt. Though MODOK will probably never shed his villainous roots, it would be interesting to see him as a sinister hero, or more likely, an anti-hero.
Force Works #2 by Matthew Rosenberg, Juanan Ramirez, and Roberto Di Salvo is on sale now.