Morlocks are a group of
mutant
In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
characters appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The characters are usually depicted as being associated with the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
in the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
. Created by writer
Chris Claremont
Christopher S. Claremont (; born November 25, 1950) is an English-born American comic book writer and novelist. Claremont is best known for his 16-year stint on ''Uncanny X-Men'' from 1975 to 1991, far longer than that of any other writer,Clarem ...
and artist
Paul Smith Paul Smith is the name of:
Music
* Paul Smith (composer) (1906–1985), American film music composer
* Paul Smith (pianist) (1922–2013), Los Angeles jazz pianist
* Paul Smith (English singer) (born 1979), vocalist and songwriter of British in ...
, they were named after the
subterranean race of the same name in
H. G. Wells
Herbert George Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer, prolific in many genres. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, hist ...
' novel ''
The Time Machine
''The Time Machine'' is an 1895 dystopian post-apocalyptic science fiction novella by H. G. Wells about a Victorian scientist known as the Time Traveller who travels to the year 802,701. The work is generally credited with the popularizati ...
'', but unlike in the Wells book, they are not a faceless, threatening mass of villains. They first appeared as a group in ''
The Uncanny X-Men
''Uncanny X-Men'', originally published as ''The X-Men'', is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics since 1963, and is the longest-running series in the List of X-Men comics, X-Men comics franchise. It features a team of super ...
'' #169 (May 1983).
Caliban
Caliban ( ), the subhuman son of the sea witch Sycorax, is an important character in William Shakespeare's play ''The Tempest''.
His character is one of the few Shakespearean figures to take on a life of its own "outside" Shakespeare's own w ...
appeared prior to that, but he was not yet a member of the Morlocks.
The Morlocks were depicted as an underground society (both
literally and
figuratively) of
outcast mutants living as
tunnel dwellers in the sewers, abandoned tunnels, and
abandoned subway lines beneath
New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
. The Morlocks were composed of mutant misfits, especially those mutants who, because of physical mutations or other conspicuous manifestations of their mutant genetics, were unable to pass as human in normal society. Subjected to hate, fear, and disgust from human society due to their "deformed" appearances, dangerous mutations, or otherwise
outcast or misfit statuses, most of the Morlocks viewed humans (and even other more mainstream mutants such as the X-Men) with distrust and anger, and they occasionally committed criminal or antisocial acts upon the above-ground human society.
Due to a series of tragedies, the original Morlocks no longer resided in subterranean New York City (except
Marrow, who was one of the original Morlocks as a child). However, a violent splinter cell,
Gene Nation, and a comparable group, called Those Who Live in Darkness, emerged in their absence. Similar groups, referred to as Morlocks by both readers and the X-Men, have appeared beneath
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
and
London
London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
. In the post-
Krakoan Age
The Krakoan Age was a series of ''X-Men'' storylines published by Marvel Comics from 2019 to 2024. The Krakoan Age began with the Jonathan Hickman limited series ''House of X'' and ''Powers of X'' (July – October 2019) and it consists of fo ...
, the Morlocks have returned to New York City, reclaiming their place in the underground tunnels.
Fictional group history
According to
Callisto
CALLISTO (''Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation in Stage Toss-back Operations'') is a reusable VTVL Prototype, demonstrator propelled by a small 40 kN Japanese LOX-LH2 rocket engine. It is being developed jointly by the CNES, French ...
, she formed the Morlocks by first recruiting
Caliban
Caliban ( ), the subhuman son of the sea witch Sycorax, is an important character in William Shakespeare's play ''The Tempest''.
His character is one of the few Shakespearean figures to take on a life of its own "outside" Shakespeare's own w ...
. She then used his power to track down other mutants who were unable to integrate into normal society. The Morlocks initially
squatted
Squatting is the action of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied area of land or a building (usually residential) that the squatter does not own, rent or otherwise have lawful permission to use. The United Nations estimated in 2003 that there wer ...
in a network of abandoned, interconnected tunnels beneath
Manhattan
Manhattan ( ) is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the Boroughs of New York City, five boroughs of New York City. Coextensive with New York County, Manhattan is the County statistics of the United States#Smallest, larg ...
, which had originally been built as
Cold War
The Cold War was a period of global Geopolitics, geopolitical rivalry between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) and their respective allies, the capitalist Western Bloc and communist Eastern Bloc, which lasted from 1947 unt ...
bomb shelter
A bomb shelter is a structure designed to provide protection against the effects of a bomb.
Types of shelter
Different kinds of bomb Shelter (building), shelters are configured to protect against different kinds of attack and strengths of host ...
s and then forgotten, before expanding into sewers and abandoned subways. The Morlocks occasionally emerged to rob humans in Manhattan and would sometimes kidnap certain mutant children.
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #170 (June 1983). Marvel Comics.]
The X-Men were alerted to the existence of the Morlocks when their leader Callisto kidnapped
Angel
An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
and intended to make him her mate.
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #169. Marvel Comics.] This brought
Storm
A storm is any disturbed state of the natural environment or the atmosphere of an astronomical body. It may be marked by significant disruptions to normal conditions such as strong wind, tornadoes, hail, thunder and lightning (a thunderstor ...
to challenge Callisto to a duel for leadership of the Morlocks. Victorious, Storm orders an end to their attacks on normal humans,
but she does not assume leadership of the Morlocks full-time. Against her wishes, several Morlocks later kidnap the child superheroes
Power Pack
Power Pack is a superhero team consisting of four young siblings appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Louise Simonson and artist June Brigman, they first appeared in their own series in 1984, which las ...
so that they could be raised by the Morlock Annalee, who had lost her own children. When Callisto discovers what was going on, she forces Annalee to let them go. They promise to return in the future to keep her company.
A majority of the Morlocks are killed by
Mister Sinister
Mister Sinister (Dr. Nathaniel Essex) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Marc Silvestri, the character was first mentioned as the employer behind the team ...
's
Marauders in the "
Mutant Massacre
"Mutant Massacre" was a 1986 Marvel Comics crossover storyline. It primarily involved the superhero teams the X-Men and X-Factor. The solo hero Thor, the New Mutants, Power Pack, and Daredevil crossed over for an issue each in their own comic b ...
". Most of the survivors join
Gene Nation, having lived in a
pocket dimension led by
Mikhail Rasputin
Mikhail Nikolaievitch Rasputin is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the older brother of Colossus of the X-Men and Magik of the New Mutants and first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men'' #285 (February 1992) ...
.
Leech
Leeches are segmented parasitism, parasitic or Predation, predatory worms that comprise the Class (biology), subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the Oligochaeta, oligochaetes, which include the earthwor ...
instead becomes a ward of
Generation X
Generation X (often shortened to Gen X) is the Demography, demographic Cohort (statistics), cohort following the Baby Boomers and preceding Millennials. Researchers and popular media often use the mid-1960s as its starting birth years and the ...
. Other survivors include
Erg
The erg is a unit of energy equal to 10−7joules (100Nano-, nJ). It is not an SI unit, instead originating from the centimetre–gram–second system of units (CGS). Its name is derived from (), a Greek language, Greek word meaning 'work' or ' ...
and
Beautiful Dreamer
"Beautiful Dreamer" is a parlor song by American songwriter Stephen Foster. It was published posthumously in March 1864, by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of New York. The first edition states on its title page that it is "the last song ever written by Steph ...
(whose whereabouts were unknown until "
Decimation"),
Thornn, (who would join
X-Corporation
The X-Corporation (X-Corp) is a fictional institution appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men comics. This organization was created to ensure the protection of Mutant (Marvel Comics), m ...
), and Caliban.
It is later revealed that many of the Morlocks were actually failed experiments of the
Dark Beast, although he made certain that they didn’t remember being tampered with, which is why Mister Sinister sought to destroy them.
A new group called the Tunnel Rats which also calls itself "Those Who Live in Darkness" have inhabited the sewer tunnels just below the surface of Mutant Town/
District X
District X, also known as Mutant Town or the Middle East Side, is a fictional location that appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It is described as a neighborhood based in New York City primarily populated by mutants, first ...
. ''District X'' writer
David Hine
David Hine (born 1956) is an English comic book writer and artist, known for his work on '' Silent War'' and ''The Bulletproof Coffin''.
Career
David Hine has been working in comics since the early 1980s. For ''Crisis'', he drew the series ''St ...
claims to never have intended this group to have any ties to the original Morlocks.
During the "
Decimation" storyline, some of the remaining powered Morlocks sought out asylum at the X-Mansion. There were some Morlocks that remained underground under Marrow's protection.
During the "
Endangered Species
An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, inv ...
" storyline,
Masque
The masque was a form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th- and early 17th-century Europe, though it was developed earlier in Italy, in forms including the intermedio (a public version of the masque was the pageant). A mas ...
and the Morlocks with him began their search for Magneto where they had some future-telling diaries with them where one of them states that Magneto is still a mutant in light of M-Day.
At the time when the Terrigen Cloud was loose on Earth infecting mutants with M-Pox since the "
Infinity
Infinity is something which is boundless, endless, or larger than any natural number. It is denoted by \infty, called the infinity symbol.
From the time of the Ancient Greek mathematics, ancient Greeks, the Infinity (philosophy), philosophic ...
" storyline, the number of mutants that are living underground had increased. In addition to these mutants, Callisto showed sympathy towards the humans who sought out refuge from the global landscape. As a way to live out the dream of Professor X, this unified society of humans and mutants lived together as the New Morlocks. The Morlock are further decimated by the Mauraders, but Cyclops helps the Chechnyan government expel rebels in exchange for a Morlock sanctuary.
When
Krakoa
Krakoa is a fictional living island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in '' Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 and was created by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum. While often depicted as an antagonist, Krakoa later fe ...
was established as a mutant paradise, the known Morlocks that resided there were Callisto, Caliban,
[''X-Force'' vol. 6 #1. Marvel Comics.] Cybelle,
[''Hellions'' #1. Marvel Comics.] Erg,
a revived Healer,
Leech, Masque,
[''House of X'' #5. Marvel Comics.] Marrow,
Mole,
[''Sabretooth'' Vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.] a revived Piper,
Skids, and a revived Tommy.
During the "
Dawn of X
"Dawn of X" is a 2019 relaunch of the ''X-Men'' line of comic books published by Marvel Comics in the wake of the twin miniseries ''House of X'' and ''Powers of X'' and is the first phase of the Krakoan Age. This initiative culminated in the cro ...
" and "
Reign of X
"Reign of X" is a 2020 relaunch of the ''X-Men'' line of comic books published by Marvel Comics. It is the sequel to the "Dawn of X" publishing initiative and second phase of the Krakoan Age, which culminated in the limited series "Inferno" and wa ...
" storylines, instead of relocating to Krakoa, some Morlocks went to a retirement and golf community in
Rio Verde, Arizona
Rio Verde is a master-planned community east of Scottsdale in Arizona. It is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States located in the far northeast area of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The population was 2,210 ...
(paid for by the
Hellfire Trading Company) while others went to Lowtown in
Madripoor
The Principality of Madripoor or Madripoor is a fictional island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The island is depicted as being located in maritime Southeast Asia, and has appeared mostly associated with stories fro ...
. During the "
Fall of X
"Fall of X" is a 2023 relaunch of the X-Men line of American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It is the sequel to the " Destiny of X" publishing initiative, and is the final initiative in the Krakoan Age of the X-Men. The phase started with ...
" storyline, following the "global attack on Krakoa" by
Orchis
''Orchis'' is a genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), occurring mainly in Europe and Maghreb, Northwest Africa, and ranging as far as Tibet, Mongolia, and Xinjiang. The name is from the Ancient Greek ὄρχις ''orchis'', meaning "testicl ...
, "the X-Men used the Morlock Tunnels as a temporary base".
In the post-
Krakoan Age
The Krakoan Age was a series of ''X-Men'' storylines published by Marvel Comics from 2019 to 2024. The Krakoan Age began with the Jonathan Hickman limited series ''House of X'' and ''Powers of X'' (July – October 2019) and it consists of fo ...
, the Morlocks have returned to New York City and maintain many Krakoan cultural practices while incorporating new practices, such as funerals. During the "
From the Ashes" publishing initiative, Caliban attempts to persuade
Anole
Dactyloidae are a family of lizards commonly known as anoles (singular anole ) and native to warmer parts of the Americas, ranging from southeastern United States to Paraguay. Instead of treating it as a family, some authorities prefer to treat ...
to join the Morlocks.
Membership
Founding members
Debuting along with the rest of the Morlocks
(with the exception of Caliban)
it was revealed that Masque, Caliban, Callisto and Sunder founded the Morlocks under the streets of Manhattan.
*
Caliban
Caliban ( ), the subhuman son of the sea witch Sycorax, is an important character in William Shakespeare's play ''The Tempest''.
His character is one of the few Shakespearean figures to take on a life of its own "outside" Shakespeare's own w ...
- Caliban became Death, and later Pestilence
- Served on
X-Force
X-Force is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team first appeared in ''New Mutants'' #100 (April 1991 ...
for a time. Joined the X-Men after "Decimation". He was killed by the
Purifiers saving
James Proudstar, but later resurrected on Krakoa.
*
Callisto
CALLISTO (''Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation in Stage Toss-back Operations'') is a reusable VTVL Prototype, demonstrator propelled by a small 40 kN Japanese LOX-LH2 rocket engine. It is being developed jointly by the CNES, French ...
- The former leader of the Morlocks.
She was depowered on M-Day, but regained her powers through The Crucible and Krakoan resurrection protocols.
*
Dark Beast - An alternate universe variant of Beast from the "
Age of Apocalypse
"Age of Apocalypse" is a 1995 comic book crossover storyline mostly published in the X-Men franchise of books by Marvel Comics. The ''Age of Apocalypse'' briefly replaced the universe of Earth-616 and had ramifications in the main Marvel Comic ...
" timeline. Although not classed as a Morlock, he sees himself as their creator and has been called the "first one" by members of
Gene Nation. He was recruited by
Norman Osborn
Norman Virgil Osborn is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he first appeared in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #14 (July 1964) as the first and best-known incarnation of th ...
as scientist and member of
Dark X-Men. Dark Beast later gains control over
Clan Akkaba and returns to his own dimension.
*
Masque
The masque was a form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th- and early 17th-century Europe, though it was developed earlier in Italy, in forms including the intermedio (a public version of the masque was the pageant). A mas ...
- The former leader of the Morlocks following the "
Mutant Massacre
"Mutant Massacre" was a 1986 Marvel Comics crossover storyline. It primarily involved the superhero teams the X-Men and X-Factor. The solo hero Thor, the New Mutants, Power Pack, and Daredevil crossed over for an issue each in their own comic b ...
", Masque possesses the ability to transform others via physical contact. For a time, he led a splinter group called
The Tunnelers.
*
Sunder - Joined the impromptu Muir Island "X-Men" team. Killed by
Pretty Boy of the
Reavers.
Pre-Mutant Massacre
*
Annalee[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #193. Marvel Comics.] - A Morlock and Leech's adoptive mother who can manipulate emotions.
She is killed by
Scalphunter in "Mutant Massacre".
*
Ape
Apes (collectively Hominoidea ) are a superfamily of Old World simians native to sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia (though they were more widespread in Africa, most of Asia, and Europe in prehistory, and counting humans are found global ...
- A Morlock who possesses an ape-like appearance and shapeshifting abilities. In ''
Weapon X
Weapon X is a fictional government genetic research facility project appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were conducted by Department K, which turned willing and unwilling beings into living weapons to carry out c ...
'', Ape is captured and killed by Weapon X.
[''Weapon X'' (vol. 2) #5 (March 2003)]
*
Beautiful Dreamer
"Beautiful Dreamer" is a parlor song by American songwriter Stephen Foster. It was published posthumously in March 1864, by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of New York. The first edition states on its title page that it is "the last song ever written by Steph ...
- Altered memories of those "recruited" as Morlocks. Believed killed in "Mutant Massacre", but listed as alive and powered after "
M-Day". Was later infused with the
Legacy Virus
The Legacy Virus is a fictional plague appearing in American comic books featuring the X-Men published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in an eponymous storyline in Marvel Comics titles, from 1993 to 2001, during which it swept through the mut ...
by the
Purifiers and died from the virus's effects.
*
Healer
Healer may refer to:
Conventional medicine
*Doctor of Medicine
*Health professional
Alternative medicine
* Faith healer
* Folk healer
* Healer (alternative medicine), someone who purports to aid recovery from ill health
* Spiritual healer
F ...
- A mutant whose healing powers only work on mutants. He burned himself out to heal and restore Callisto.
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #291 (August 1992)] Healer was later revived when Krakoa was established as a mutant nation.
*
Erg
The erg is a unit of energy equal to 10−7joules (100Nano-, nJ). It is not an SI unit, instead originating from the centimetre–gram–second system of units (CGS). Its name is derived from (), a Greek language, Greek word meaning 'work' or ' ...
- A Morlock who can absorb and redirect energy. Erg was a painter before becoming a Morlock. He was one of the 198. He later resurfaced as part of the mutant community on the living island
Krakoa
Krakoa is a fictional living island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in '' Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 and was created by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum. While often depicted as an antagonist, Krakoa later fe ...
.
* Jo
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #179. Marvel Comics.] - Only appearance as a Morlock was her debut issue as
Kitty Pryde
Katherine Anne "Kitty" Pryde is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. The character First appearance, first appeared in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #129 (January 1980) and was ...
's bridesmaid. Current whereabouts unknown.
*
Leech
Leeches are segmented parasitism, parasitic or Predation, predatory worms that comprise the Class (biology), subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the Oligochaeta, oligochaetes, which include the earthwor ...
- A young Morlock who can negate superpowers. He is currently a member of
Future Foundation
The Future Foundation is a fictional organization appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Jonathan Hickman, the team first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' #579 (July 2010) and stars in the series ''FF,'' wri ...
.
* Piper
- Controlled animals using music. Killed by the
Marauders.
Years later, Piper is resurrected and becomes a resident of Krakoa.
*
Plague - Became
Pestilence, one of the
Horsemen of Apocalypse
The Horsemen of Apocalypse are a team of supervillain characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Led by Apocalypse (character), Apocalypse, they are loosely based on the Biblical Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse fr ...
. Died after falling off her flying horse.
*
Skids - Resented because she was seen as the prettiest of the Morlocks (her force field protected her from scars and Masque's powers). She left them and became a ward of
X-Factor
''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for '' Pop Idol'' (2001–200 ...
. After "M-Day", she became a follower of
Apocalypse
Apocalypse () is a literary genre originating in Judaism in the centuries following the Babylonian exile (597–587 BCE) but persisting in Christianity and Islam. In apocalypse, a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a ...
and is friends with
Scalphunter. Was part of Masque's new group of Morlock Extremists, as a spy for
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism government agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this agency first appeared in ''Strange Tal ...
*
Storm
A storm is any disturbed state of the natural environment or the atmosphere of an astronomical body. It may be marked by significant disruptions to normal conditions such as strong wind, tornadoes, hail, thunder and lightning (a thunderstor ...
- X-Man who defeated
Callisto
CALLISTO (''Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation in Stage Toss-back Operations'') is a reusable VTVL Prototype, demonstrator propelled by a small 40 kN Japanese LOX-LH2 rocket engine. It is being developed jointly by the CNES, French ...
in a duel to become the Morlocks' leader, although not classified as a Morlock. Former
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
member and former Queen of
Wakanda
Wakanda (), officially the Kingdom of Wakanda, is a fictional country appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the country first appeared in ''Fantastic Four (comic book), Fantastic Four'' ...
. Currently a member of the X-Men.
*
Tar Baby
The Tar-Baby is the second of the Uncle Remus stories published in 1881; it is about a doll made of tar and turpentine used by the villainous Br'er Fox to entrap Br'er Rabbit. The more that Br'er Rabbit fights the Tar-Baby, the more entangl ...
- A Morlock who can generate a tar-like adhesive. In ''
Weapon X
Weapon X is a fictional government genetic research facility project appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were conducted by Department K, which turned willing and unwilling beings into living weapons to carry out c ...
'', Tar Baby is captured and executed by Weapon X.
* Annalee's four children - Shot by
Scalphunter.
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #211 (November 1986)]
Mutant Massacre
The "
Mutant Massacre
"Mutant Massacre" was a 1986 Marvel Comics crossover storyline. It primarily involved the superhero teams the X-Men and X-Factor. The solo hero Thor, the New Mutants, Power Pack, and Daredevil crossed over for an issue each in their own comic b ...
" was one of Marvel's annual crossover events, centering on the Morlocks. The event resulted in the
Marauders killing many of the Morlocks under orders of
Mister Sinister
Mister Sinister (Dr. Nathaniel Essex) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Marc Silvestri, the character was first mentioned as the employer behind the team ...
. Only a few survived, with the protection of the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
,
X-Factor
''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for '' Pop Idol'' (2001–200 ...
,
Power Pack
Power Pack is a superhero team consisting of four young siblings appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Louise Simonson and artist June Brigman, they first appeared in their own series in 1984, which las ...
, and
Thor
Thor (from ) is a prominent list of thunder gods, god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding æsir, god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology, sacred g ...
. Many new Morlocks debuted, although many were killed in their first appearance.
*
Berzerker - An electric mutant who was formerly part of Masque's splinter group, The Tunnelers. Killed by electrocuting himself with his own powers.
* Blowhard
- A wind-exhaling mutant who was formerly part of Masque's splinter group The Tunnelers. Shot by the Savage Wolf Gang leader.
*
Cybelle - Acid-secreting Tunneler. Killed by
Harpoon
A harpoon is a long, spear-like projectile used in fishing, whaling, sealing, and other hunting to shoot, kill, and capture large fish or marine mammals such as seals, sea cows, and whales. It impales the target and secures it with barb or ...
.
Years later, Cybelle is resurrected on Krakoa.
*
Scaleface[''X-Factor'' #11. Marvel Comics.] - A former member of the Tunnelers who can transform into a reptilian creature. She was killed by the police.
*
Tommy[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #210. Marvel Comics.] - A young girl capable of adopting a
two-dimensional
A two-dimensional space is a mathematical space with two dimensions, meaning points have two degrees of freedom: their locations can be locally described with two coordinates or they can move in two independent directions. Common two-dimension ...
form. She is killed by
Scalphunter after accidentally leading the Marauders to the entrance to the Morlocks' home.
Tommy resurfaced years later as one of the many resurrected mutants on Krakoa.
* Zeek
[''X-Factor'' #10. Marvel Comics.] - Killed by
Harpoon
A harpoon is a long, spear-like projectile used in fishing, whaling, sealing, and other hunting to shoot, kill, and capture large fish or marine mammals such as seals, sea cows, and whales. It impales the target and secures it with barb or ...
.
Post-Mutant Massacre
Most of the surviving Morlocks relocated themselves throughout New York City after the massacre. Few, however, returned to the Alley, their original home. There,
Masque
The masque was a form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th- and early 17th-century Europe, though it was developed earlier in Italy, in forms including the intermedio (a public version of the masque was the pageant). A mas ...
assumed leadership. Many new surviving Morlocks were introduced when
Sabretooth decided to finish his original task.
[''X-Factor'' #51. Marvel Comics.] He is stopped by a newly "upgraded"
Caliban
Caliban ( ), the subhuman son of the sea witch Sycorax, is an important character in William Shakespeare's play ''The Tempest''.
His character is one of the few Shakespearean figures to take on a life of its own "outside" Shakespeare's own w ...
.
Later, a splinter group of the Morlocks is introduced. This group, led by
Pixie
A pixie (also called pisky, pixy, pixi, pizkie, piskie, or pigsie in parts of Cornwall and Devon) is a mythical creature of British folklore. Pixies are speculated to be particularly concentrated in the high moorland areas around Devon and Cor ...
, attempts to escape Masque.
* Alex
- Alex is an amorphous, blob-like creature, able to engulf and smother others. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Bertram
- Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Bliss
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #261. Marvel Comics.] - Has the power of a poisonous bite. Was a part of Masque's new group of Morlock Extremists.
* Bouncer
- Mass teleporter. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Brute
- A green-skinned mutant with super-strength. Shot by
Cable
Cable may refer to:
Mechanical
* Nautical cable, an assembly of three or more ropes woven against the weave of the ropes, rendering it virtually waterproof
* Wire rope, a type of rope that consists of several strands of metal wire laid into a hel ...
, but survived.
* Chickenwings
- A mutant with bird-like features. Killed by Sabretooth.
* Ent
- Superhuman strength. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
*
Feral
A feral (; ) animal or plant is one that lives in the wild but is descended from domesticated individuals. As with an introduced species, the introduction of feral animals or plants to non-native regions may disrupt ecosystems and has, in som ...
- Left the Morlocks. She was depowered as a result of "
Decimation" but she regained her physical mutation, only to be killed by Sabretooth. Feral is later resurrected on Krakoa.
* Hump
- Brute's brother with a similar appearance and super-strength. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Lightning Bug
- Killed in the "Mutant Massacre". Lightning Bug's spirit survived and sought a new body, but later died.
*
Mole
Mole (or Molé) may refer to:
Animals
* Mole (animal) or "true mole"
* Golden mole, southern African mammals
* Marsupial mole
Marsupial moles, the Notoryctidae family, are two species of highly specialized marsupial mammals that are found i ...
- Could tunnel through solid matter. It is strongly implied that Mole was killed by Sabretooth. However, he survived by digging to safety and laid low until Krakoa was established as a mutant nation.
* Mother Inferior
- Could communicate with rats, cockroaches, and other vermin. Crushed by falling debris.
* Pester
[''Web of Spider-Man'' #77. Marvel Comics.] - Daughter-in-law of Mother Inferior. Possesses superhuman speed and fangs. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Pixie
- Led a splinter group of Morlocks on the run from Masque. Murdered by
Blackout.
* Samson
- A mutant with super-strength and infrared vision. Killed by Sabretooth.
*
Thornn - Left the Morlocks after the Great Flood.
Depowered as a result of "
Decimation", but she regained her physical mutation.
The Hill
With
Masque
The masque was a form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th- and early 17th-century Europe, though it was developed earlier in Italy, in forms including the intermedio (a public version of the masque was the pageant). A mas ...
presumed killed, an insane
Mikhail Rasputin
Mikhail Nikolaievitch Rasputin is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the older brother of Colossus of the X-Men and Magik of the New Mutants and first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men'' #285 (February 1992) ...
takes over as leader of the Morlocks in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #293. He floods the tunnels, attempting to destroy the remaining Morlocks. It is revealed later that he actually transported the Morlocks to another dimension dubbed the Hill, whose timeline moved faster than the
main
Main may refer to:
Geography
*Main River (disambiguation), multiple rivers with the same name
*Ma'in, an ancient kingdom in modern-day Yemen
* Main, Iran, a village in Fars Province
*Spanish Main, the Caribbean coasts of mainland Spanish territ ...
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
. There, he set himself up as their king and forced them to fight for the right to live.
* Brain Cell
- A mutant with telepathy. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Marilou
- Killed by Mikhail Rasputin who also destroyed her face.
*
Marrow - One of the Morlocks who were transported to the Hill dimension by Mikhail Rasputin. Returned to lead a terrorist faction known as
Gene Nation. Seemingly killed by Storm. Revealed to have survived with the help of a second heart.
Formerly of the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
,
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism government agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this agency first appeared in ''Strange Tal ...
, X-Cell and the
Weapon X
Weapon X is a fictional government genetic research facility project appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were conducted by Department K, which turned willing and unwilling beings into living weapons to carry out c ...
program. Only Gene Nation member who was a real Morlock (not being born in The Hill). Depowered.
* MeMe
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #292. Marvel Comics.] - Mind shut down by
Jean Grey
Jean Elaine Grey-Summers is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men, The X-Men'' #1 ...
to rescue humans he absorbed with his lifeform fusion ability.
* Monte
- A mutant with bio-electric blasts. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Mikhail Rasputin
- Former leader of the Morlocks. Transported them to the Hill dimension. Banished himself to Kapalan.
* Sack - A mutant with possession ability.
Africa/Gene Nation
With the Morlocks presumed dead from the floods caused by
Mikhail Rasputin
Mikhail Nikolaievitch Rasputin is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the older brother of Colossus of the X-Men and Magik of the New Mutants and first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men'' #285 (February 1992) ...
, some of the remaining Morlocks were relocated to
Selima Oasis
Selima Oasis is an oasis in the Sudan located west of the Third Cataract of the Nile and the ancient site of Amara West. It lies along the Darb al-Arbaʿīn (Forty Days' Road), a desert track linking Kordofan with Egypt. Just to the north of Seli ...
in
North Africa
North Africa (sometimes Northern Africa) is a region encompassing the northern portion of the African continent. There is no singularly accepted scope for the region. However, it is sometimes defined as stretching from the Atlantic shores of t ...
. When attacked by
Humanity's Last Stand
Humanity's Last Stand is a fictional radical anti-mutant fringe group appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The characters are depicted as enemies of the X-Men. The group's first appearance was in ''Uncanny X-Men Annual 19 ...
, an emotional backlash caused
D'Gard to assume control over Storm, who relinquished her leadership role. In ''X-Men: Prime'' many of the Hill Morlocks returned to found
Gene Nation. As the new group, they attacked the human oppressors of the past Morlocks under the leadership of
Marrow. It is unknown whether the remaining Morlocks of Africa stayed there or relocated to New York. A few have been seen there since, as well as a few Morlocks who chose to remain in
New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
despite previous attempts on their lives.
* Boost
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' Annual '97. Marvel Comics.] - One of the surviving Morlocks with power amplification abilities. Helped the
Brotherhood of Mutants
The Brotherhood of Mutants (originally known as the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants) is a fictional group of mutants appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Brotherhood are among the chief adversaries of the X-Men. While the ...
escape in exchange for being relocated to North Africa.
Depowered.
* Carver
[''Wolverine'' vol. 2 #157. Marvel Comics.] - Leader of a splinter group of five Morlocks with super-strength and osteokinesis. He survived the Massacre and the Flood and who still followed the old Morlock rules.
* D'Gard
- An empathic mutant who became leader of the Morlocks while in North Africa when he made Storm relinquish her leadership. Killed by
Marrow as a sign of loyalty to the new
Weapon X
Weapon X is a fictional government genetic research facility project appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were conducted by Department K, which turned willing and unwilling beings into living weapons to carry out c ...
program.
*
Fever Pitch - A mutant whose body is composed of organic flames.
* Fugue
- An animalistic member of the splinter group of five with sharp claws and sharp teeth who still follow the old Morlocks rule.
* Revelation - Revealed to have been in suspended animation around the time of Storm's becoming the Morlock leader as a result of her death-powers. Killed by a Wolverine Skrull and died in the
Punisher
The Punisher (Francis "Frank" Castle, born Castiglione) is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru. The Punisher ma ...
's arms.
* Soteira - A mutant with unrevealed powers. Revealed to be around at the time
Storm
A storm is any disturbed state of the natural environment or the atmosphere of an astronomical body. It may be marked by significant disruptions to normal conditions such as strong wind, tornadoes, hail, thunder and lightning (a thunderstor ...
became Morlock leader. Was the scientist that put Revelation in suspended animation. Appeared as a
hologram
Holography is a technique that allows a wavefront to be recorded and later reconstructed. It is best known as a method of generating three-dimensional images, and has a wide range of other uses, including data storage, microscopy, and interf ...
telling the
Wolverine
The wolverine ( , ; ''Gulo gulo''), also called the carcajou or quickhatch (from East Cree, ''kwiihkwahaacheew''), is the largest land-dwelling species, member of the family Mustelidae. It is a muscular carnivore and a solitary animal. The w ...
Skrull and the
Punisher
The Punisher (Francis "Frank" Castle, born Castiglione) is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru. The Punisher ma ...
she will die as a result of prolonged exposure to Revelation's powers.
* Tether
- A reptilian mutant with an electrified tail who is one of the surviving Morlocks. Helped the
Brotherhood of Mutants
The Brotherhood of Mutants (originally known as the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants) is a fictional group of mutants appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Brotherhood are among the chief adversaries of the X-Men. While the ...
escape in exchange for being relocated to North Africa.
Depowered.
* Ever - Member of Gene Nation and later member of Havok's Brotherhood. His body was composed of brain matter, granting him telepathic abilities.
* Reverb - Member of Gene Nation. Can focus his mental powers psychometrically, conducting clairvoyance and psychic bursts through the walls and floor of his surroundings. Killed by Storm.
* Membrain - Member of Gene Nation. Composed of mucous membrane, allowing him to liquify himself and flow at will, mucous has psychic properties that allow him to view distant places and stun his opponents.
* Vessel - Member of Gene Nation. Can drain the physical and psychic residue released from the recently deceased, increasing his physical size, strength, endurance, and resistance to injury. Killed by Agent Zero.
* Integer - Member of Dark Beast's Gene Nation. Exists in a conceptual mathematical state, making him intangible and capable of scrambling the thought patterns of others.
* Opsidian - Member of Dark Beast's Gene Nation. Exists in a state of pure darkforce, which makes him intangible, invisible while in shadow, able to stretch in light, and allows him to cast a negative empathic effect over others.
After M-Day
After M-Day, some former Morlocks who lost their powers were Angel Dust, Boost, Callisto, Delphi, Irving, Marrow,
Postman
A mail carrier, also referred to as a mailman, mailwoman, mailperson, postal carrier, postman, postwoman, postperson, person of post, letter carrier (in American English), or colloquially postie (in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Unite ...
, Qwerty, Shatter, Tether and the probability of
Feral
A feral (; ) animal or plant is one that lives in the wild but is descended from domesticated individuals. As with an introduced species, the introduction of feral animals or plants to non-native regions may disrupt ecosystems and has, in som ...
and
Thornn. However, Feral and Thornn were later seen re-powered; but this was later to be revealed in ''Wolverine'' vol. 3 #54-55 that only their physical mutations were restored, not their mutant powers, which led to Feral being killed by
Sabretooth.
In one of
Generation M's "Ex-Mutants' Diaries", Sally interviews Marrow about the Morlocks. Marrow reports that 80% of the remaining Morlocks (which was most likely already very small) are depowered now and look like humans. She states that most of them are still afraid about going out of the tunnels.
Currently, Marrow works as a watchman of the Morlocks, as she is called by the remaining ones when problems occur. She explained this status in the aftermath of thirteen depowered Morlocks murdered by
Ghoul
In folklore, a ghoul (from , ') is a demon-like being or monstrous humanoid, often associated with graveyards and the consumption of human flesh. In the legends or tales in which they appear, a ghoul is far more ill-mannered and foul than go ...
.
One character commented that, post-M-Day, the chance of meeting a Morlock in the tunnels under New York is now harder than meeting an alligator in the Floridian sewers.
Some former Morlocks who actually kept their powers sought refuge at
Xavier's Institute and became known as the
198
__NOTOC__
Year 198 (CXCVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Sergius and Gallus (or, less frequently, year 951 ''Ab urbe condita''). The denomination 198 fo ...
. They are Beautiful Dreamer, Caliban, Erg, Leech, and Skids.
Dark Beast and Mikhail Rasputin are also still powered, though Mikhail is in Kapalan.
The Extremists
During
Ed Brubaker
Ed Brubaker (; born November 17, 1966) is an American comic book writer, cartoonist and screenwriter who works primarily in the crime fiction genre. He began his career with the semi-autobiographical series '' Lowlife'' and a number of serials i ...
's "The Extremists" arc, the Morlocks reappear under the leadership of Masque and now consisting of Bliss, Erg, Litterbug, Skids and a recently captured Leech. Later in this story, it was revealed Skids only joined the Morlocks to spy on them on behalf of
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism government agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this agency first appeared in ''Strange Tal ...
Morlocks Appearing During the Decimation Era
Powered:
* Beautiful Dreamer - Killed by the
Purifiers using the
Legacy Virus
The Legacy Virus is a fictional plague appearing in American comic books featuring the X-Men published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in an eponymous storyline in Marvel Comics titles, from 1993 to 2001, during which it swept through the mut ...
.
* Bliss - A resident of
Utopia
A utopia ( ) typically describes an imagined community or society that possesses highly desirable or near-perfect qualities for its members. It was coined by Sir Thomas More for his 1516 book ''Utopia (book), Utopia'', which describes a fictiona ...
.
* Joe Bugs - An insect-like mutant who was shown only in flashback. Killed by a clone of
Kraven the Hunter
Kraven the Hunter (Sergei Nikolaevich Kravinoff; Russian: Сергей Николаевич Кравинов) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, th ...
called
Xraven.
* Caliban - Killed by the
Reavers during the events of ''
Messiah Complex
The messiah complex is a mental state in which a person believes they are a messiah or prophet and will save or redeem people in a religious endeavour. The term can also refer to a state of mind in which an individual believes that they are respo ...
''
* Erg - A resident of Utopia.
* Feral - Originally depowered on M-Day; her physical mutations were restored by
Romulus
Romulus (, ) was the legendary founder and first king of Rome. Various traditions attribute the establishment of many of Rome's oldest legal, political, religious, and social institutions to Romulus and his contemporaries. Although many of th ...
for unknown reasons before she was killed by
Sabretooth
* Fever Pitch - Killed by the
Purifiers using the Legacy Virus.
* Leech - A member of the
Future Foundation
The Future Foundation is a fictional organization appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Jonathan Hickman, the team first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' #579 (July 2010) and stars in the series ''FF,'' wri ...
.
* Litterbug - A resident of Utopia.
* Masque - Whereabouts are unknown.
* Sack - Formerly a resident of Utopia; killed by a
Nimrod Sentinel during the events of "
Second Coming
The Second Coming (sometimes called the Second Advent or the Parousia) is the Christianity, Christian and Islam, Islamic belief that Jesus, Jesus Christ will return to Earth after his Ascension of Jesus, ascension to Heaven (Christianity), Heav ...
"
* Skids - An agent of
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism government agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this agency first appeared in ''Strange Tal ...
Depowered:
* Callisto - In the tunnels
* Marrow - A member of X-Force. She has had a simulacrum of her powers reactivated through technological means.
* Thornn - Her physical mutations were restored by
Romulus
Romulus (, ) was the legendary founder and first king of Rome. Various traditions attribute the establishment of many of Rome's oldest legal, political, religious, and social institutions to Romulus and his contemporaries. Although many of th ...
for unknown reasons; whereabouts are unknown.
Former leaders not involved with group:
* Dark Beast - The leader of
Clan Akkaba.
* Mikhail Rasputin - Banished himself to Kapalan.
* Storm - Affiliated with the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
and the
Jean Grey School of Higher Learning and
Uncanny X-Force
''Uncanny X-Force'' was a comic book ongoing series published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Rick Remender and artist Jerome Opeña, the first volume of the series continued the story of Wolverine (character), Wolverine and his X-Force team f ...
.
Other groups
There are other groups that are related to the main Morlocks group:
Chicago Morlocks
In June 2002,
Marvel
Marvel may refer to:
Business
* Marvel Entertainment, an American entertainment company
** Marvel Comics, the primary imprint of Marvel Entertainment
** Marvel Universe, a fictional shared universe
** Marvel Music, an imprint of Marvel Comics ...
released a four-part limited series, ''Morlocks''. In it, a small group of mutants living in the sewers of
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
help each other to fulfill their one last wish on the surface while trying to escape the mutant-hunting
Sentinels.
* Angel Dust
- She ran away from home upon discovering she was a mutant, to protect her family from possible Sentinel attacks. Adrenaline gives her bursts of super-strength. Confirmed to be depowered by
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism government agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this agency first appeared in ''Strange Tal ...
* Cell
- Robber and gang member whose body transformed into a giant,
single-celled
A unicellular organism, also known as a single-celled organism, is an organism that consists of a single cell (biology), cell, unlike a multicellular organism that consists of multiple cells. Organisms fall into two general categories: prokaryotic ...
body capable of extending
pseudopods and engulfing objects which then are digested. Executed by the Sentinels.
* Electric Eve
- Former
heroin
Heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine and diamorphine among other names, is a morphinan opioid substance synthesized from the Opium, dried latex of the Papaver somniferum, opium poppy; it is mainly used as a recreational drug for its eupho ...
addict and
prostitute
Prostitution is a type of sex work that involves engaging in sexual activity in exchange for payment. The definition of "sexual activity" varies, and is often defined as an activity requiring physical contact (e.g., sexual intercourse, non-pe ...
whose body produces massive amounts of electrical energy that can be extended outward in bolts of electricity. As a side-effect of her powers, the
synapse
In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that allows a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or a target effector cell. Synapses can be classified as either chemical or electrical, depending o ...
s in her brain short-out from time to time, incapacitating her for several minutes. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Litterbug
- Former soldier who went
AWOL
Desertion is the abandonment of a military duty or post without permission (a pass, liberty or leave) and is done with the intention of not returning. This contrasts with unauthorized absence (UA) or absence without leave (AWOL ), which ...
upon his transformation into a giant, cockroach-like creature with massive strength, invulnerability, and a keen burrowing ability. He is a member of the recent incarnation of New York Morlocks.
* Postman
- Leader of the Chicago Morlocks. Can telepathically erase specific memories from targets (such as an event) or complex and deeply rooted facts or knowledge. Depowered.
* Shatter
- His body is composed of crystal that can regenerate lost body parts over time, and also can crystallize liquids upon contact. Depowered.
* Trader
- Former
stockbroker
A stockbroker is an individual or company that buys and sells stocks and other investments for a financial market participant in return for a commission, markup, or fee. In most countries they are regulated as a broker or broker-dealer and ...
who has a chameleon-like ability to camouflage into his surroundings. Killed taking a bullet meant for Electric Eve.
London Tunnel Dwellers
In ''The
Uncanny X-Men
''Uncanny X-Men'', originally published as ''The X-Men'', is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics since 1963, and is the longest-running series in the List of X-Men comics, X-Men comics franchise. It features a team of super ...
'' #397–398, parts 3 and 4 of the ''Poptopia'' story, a group of Morlocks living in the tunnels of
London
London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
are introduced. They were being pursued by an agent of the
Church of Humanity
Church of Humanity was a Positivism#Comte's positivism, positivist church in England influenced and inspired by Auguste Comte's Religion of Humanity in France. It also had a branch or variant in New York City, Brazil and other locations. Rich ...
named Mr. Clean, a genetically engineered human who was stalking and killing mutants. This was their only appearance. It is unknown whether or not they survived the persecution of the Church of Humanity.
* Burning Puddle
[''The Uncanny X-Men'' #395. Marvel Comics.] - Son of Miss Saccharine. Sweats acid. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Carla
- A
mole
Mole (or Molé) may refer to:
Animals
* Mole (animal) or "true mole"
* Golden mole, southern African mammals
* Marsupial mole
Marsupial moles, the Notoryctidae family, are two species of highly specialized marsupial mammals that are found i ...
-like woman. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Cyclops
- A one-eyed mutant with super-strength who is not to be confused with the
X-Men member of the same name. He died buying his fellow London Tunnel Dwellers some time to get away from Mr. Clean.
* Double Helix
- A two-headed man. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Harmony
- Mother of Hope who has gills. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Hope - Harmony's newborn baby. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
* Miss Saccharine
- Elderly woman and mother of Burning Puddle whose sweat is a sugar-like substance. Current whereabouts and status unknown.
Other versions
Age of Apocalypse
An alternate universe incarnation of the Morlocks from Earth-295 appear in ''
Age of Apocalypse
"Age of Apocalypse" is a 1995 comic book crossover storyline mostly published in the X-Men franchise of books by Marvel Comics. The ''Age of Apocalypse'' briefly replaced the universe of Earth-616 and had ramifications in the main Marvel Comic ...
'' (2005), consisting of
Feral
A feral (; ) animal or plant is one that lives in the wild but is descended from domesticated individuals. As with an introduced species, the introduction of feral animals or plants to non-native regions may disrupt ecosystems and has, in som ...
,
Leech
Leeches are segmented parasitism, parasitic or Predation, predatory worms that comprise the Class (biology), subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the Oligochaeta, oligochaetes, which include the earthwor ...
,
Marrow,
Skids,
Thornn, and
Artemis
In ancient Greek religion and Greek mythology, mythology, Artemis (; ) is the goddess of the hunting, hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, transitions, nature, vegetation, childbirth, Kourotrophos, care of children, and chastity. In later tim ...
.
Ultimate Marvel
An alternate universe incarnation of the Morlocks from Earth-1610 appear in the
Ultimate Marvel
Ultimate Marvel, later known as Ultimate Comics, was an imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring reimagined and modernized versions of the company's superhero characters from the Ultimate Marvel Universe, later known as the ...
imprint, consisting of
Sunder,
Caliban
Caliban ( ), the subhuman son of the sea witch Sycorax, is an important character in William Shakespeare's play ''The Tempest''.
His character is one of the few Shakespearean figures to take on a life of its own "outside" Shakespeare's own w ...
,
Callisto
CALLISTO (''Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation in Stage Toss-back Operations'') is a reusable VTVL Prototype, demonstrator propelled by a small 40 kN Japanese LOX-LH2 rocket engine. It is being developed jointly by the CNES, French ...
, Sparks,
Leech
Leeches are segmented parasitism, parasitic or Predation, predatory worms that comprise the Class (biology), subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the Oligochaeta, oligochaetes, which include the earthwor ...
,
Angel
An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
, and
Nightcrawler.
In other media
Television
* The Morlocks appear in ''
X-Men: The Animated Series'', initially led by
Callisto
CALLISTO (''Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation in Stage Toss-back Operations'') is a reusable VTVL Prototype, demonstrator propelled by a small 40 kN Japanese LOX-LH2 rocket engine. It is being developed jointly by the CNES, French ...
and consisting of Annalee,
Ape
Apes (collectively Hominoidea ) are a superfamily of Old World simians native to sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia (though they were more widespread in Africa, most of Asia, and Europe in prehistory, and counting humans are found global ...
,
Caliban
Caliban ( ), the subhuman son of the sea witch Sycorax, is an important character in William Shakespeare's play ''The Tempest''.
His character is one of the few Shakespearean figures to take on a life of its own "outside" Shakespeare's own w ...
,
Erg
The erg is a unit of energy equal to 10−7joules (100Nano-, nJ). It is not an SI unit, instead originating from the centimetre–gram–second system of units (CGS). Its name is derived from (), a Greek language, Greek word meaning 'work' or ' ...
,
Glowworm
Glowworm or glow-worm is the common name for various groups of insect larvae and adult larviform females that glow through bioluminescence. They include the European common glow-worm and other members of the Lampyridae, but bioluminescence al ...
,
Leech
Leeches are segmented parasitism, parasitic or Predation, predatory worms that comprise the Class (biology), subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the Oligochaeta, oligochaetes, which include the earthwor ...
,
Masque
The masque was a form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th- and early 17th-century Europe, though it was developed earlier in Italy, in forms including the intermedio (a public version of the masque was the pageant). A mas ...
,
Mole
Mole (or Molé) may refer to:
Animals
* Mole (animal) or "true mole"
* Golden mole, southern African mammals
* Marsupial mole
Marsupial moles, the Notoryctidae family, are two species of highly specialized marsupial mammals that are found i ...
, Marianna,
Plague,
Scaleface,
Sunder,
Tar Baby
The Tar-Baby is the second of the Uncle Remus stories published in 1881; it is about a doll made of tar and turpentine used by the villainous Br'er Fox to entrap Br'er Rabbit. The more that Br'er Rabbit fights the Tar-Baby, the more entangl ...
, and
Tommy.
** The Morlocks appear in ''
X-Men '97
''X-Men '97'' is an American animated television series created by Beau DeMayo for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the X-Men. It is a revival of '' X-Men: The Animated Series'' (1992–1997) produced b ...
'', where they relocate to Genosha. In the episode "Remember It", Callisto, Leech, Ape, Erg, and Tommy are killed by the
Wild Sentinel.
* The Morlocks appear in ''
X-Men: Evolution'', led by Callisto and consisting of Caliban, Cybelle, and Scaleface as well as series original characters Façade, a mutant boy with camouflage-based powers; Lucid, who possesses X-ray vision and is voiced by
Lee Tockar
Lee William Tockar (born February 11, 1969) is a Canadian voice actor and visual artist who works for several studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is also a writer of children's literature, a musician, sculptor, illustrator and col ...
; Torpid, a mute girl with a paralyzing touch; and
Spyke
Spyke (Evan Daniels) is a fictional character created by writer Robert N. Skir and artist Steven E. Gordon for the WB animated superhero series '' X-Men: Evolution'', which is based on American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Voiced by ...
, a former member of the X-Men.
* The Morlocks appear in ''
The Gifted'', led by Erg. This version of the group is a neutral faction who wish to live in peace.
Film
The Morlocks serve as loose inspiration for a group called the
Omegas, who appear in ''
X-Men: The Last Stand''. Similarly to the Morlocks, the Omegas are led by Callisto. Additionally, Leech appears as an unaffiliated mutant.
Video games
* The Morlocks and the Gene Nation appear in ''
X-Men Legends
''X-Men Legends'' is an action role-playing video game developed by Raven Software and published by Activision. It was released on the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles in 2004. Barking Lizards Technologies developed the N-Gage port of ...
'', with the latter led by
Marrow and Healer as a prominent member of the former.
* The Morlocks appear in ''
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse'', with the majority appearing as
Apocalypse
Apocalypse () is a literary genre originating in Judaism in the centuries following the Babylonian exile (597–587 BCE) but persisting in Christianity and Islam. In apocalypse, a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a ...
and
Mister Sinister
Mister Sinister (Dr. Nathaniel Essex) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Marc Silvestri, the character was first mentioned as the employer behind the team ...
's brainwashed thralls and Marrow appearing as an ally of
Moira MacTaggert
Dr. Moira MacTaggert, more recently known as Moira X, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She first appeared in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #96 (Dec. 1975) and was created by writer Chris Claremont and ...
.
* The Morlock Tunnels appear in ''
Marvel Heroes''.
* The Morlocks appear as non-playable characters (NPCs) in ''
Marvel's Midnight Suns'' via the "Blood Storm" DLC.
Reception
The Morlocks were ranked #14 on a listing of Marvel Comics' monster characters in 2015 by ''
Den of Geek
''Den of Geek'' is a UK and US-based website covering entertainment with a focus on pop culture. The website also issues a biannual magazine.
History
''Den of Geek'' was founded in 2007 by Simon Brew in London. In 2012, DoG Tech LLC licensed ' ...
''.
Ashley Fields of ''
Screen Rant
''Screen Rant'' is an entertainment website that offers news in the fields of television, films, video games, and comic books. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publications including Comic Book Resources, Collider, MovieWeb and XDA Developers.
...
'' highlighted that the pre-
Krakoan Age
The Krakoan Age was a series of ''X-Men'' storylines published by Marvel Comics from 2019 to 2024. The Krakoan Age began with the Jonathan Hickman limited series ''House of X'' and ''Powers of X'' (July – October 2019) and it consists of fo ...
Morlocks were outcasts with "strange or grotesque mutations", while the X-Men offered a mutant sanctuary that required combat training.
She noted that Krakoa's sanctuary gave mutants a taste of "a different way of life", free from such demands, and in the post-Krakoan Age, it is the Morlocks who "offer a new kind of hope for mutants that the X-Men no longer capture" as it is "impossible" to live normally with the X-Men.
She commented that while the Morlocks are still "the most easily identifiable as 'mutant'", the post-Krakoan Age Morlocks have "a sense of peace and pride that even mutants with less identifiable abilities long for. The group is building and carrying on a culture" that started in Krakoa.
She opined that the Morlocks choose "to walk in the sun and inspire others like them to do the same" and "offer what the X-Men can't: unconditional acceptance and a life lived on every mutant's terms".
References
External links
Morlocksat ''
Marvel.com''
Morlocksat ''
Marvel.com'' (via the
Wayback Machine
The Wayback Machine is a digital archive of the World Wide Web founded by Internet Archive, an American nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California. Launched for public access in 2001, the service allows users to go "back in ...
)
*
Morlocksat Comic Vine
Uncannyxmen.net feature on Morlocks
{{Chris Claremont
Characters created by Chris Claremont
Comics characters introduced in 1983
Fictional secret societies
Marvel Comics mutants
Marvel Comics organizations
Marvel Comics titles
X-Men