The Most Sinister T-800 in Terminator: Why It Deserves Its Own Movie Now

Author Declan Shalvey (@declanshalvey) recently unveiled the cover art for Terminator #7, featuring stunning interior illustrations by David O’Sullivan. This new comic is set to be released in April, enticing fans with a glimpse of what lies ahead.

My cover for TERMINATOR #7, written by myself, art by @DaveOSull, colours by @TheMarvelousMrC letters by @JeffEckleberry Out in April pic.twitter.com/JF8ZD6iiLJ — Declan Shalvey: OLD DOG/THUNDER CAT (@declanshalvey) January 16, 2025

The compelling cover portrays a Terminator as a soldier in the German Army, apparently during World War II. Although the uniform lacks overt indicators, the choice of black and grey tones—differing from the Wehrmacht’s typical green-grey—implies that this T-800 could belong to the Waffen-SS, the military branch of the Nazi party. Essentially, this iteration of the Terminator represents a dystopian embodiment of evil.

Declan Shalvey’s “Nazi Terminator”: A New Standard of Dread

The fusion of these two powerful figures creates a uniquely terrifying scenario. On one side, we have the Terminator—an almost invulnerable, relentless force designed for destruction. Opposing this is the notorious Nazi regime, known for its historical brutality and egregious acts of violence. When combined, this pairing promises a dark narrative steeped in horror and devastation that surpasses conventional understanding.

Unlike standard portrayals where Terminators might operate independently, this particular T-800 is likely to receive backing from human allies within the Nazi ranks, intensifying the threats it poses.

For Skynet, Time Is an Endless Battlefield

Speculating on Shalvey’s Terminator’s Future Destinations

Various Terminator comic book covers including settings from the Vietnam War, submarines, and outer space.

This unsettling alliance stems from Shalvey’s creative adaptation of a foundational element from the Terminator storyline: Skynet’s quest to eliminate its arch-nemesis, John Connor, before he poses a threat. In this narrative twist, Skynet has effectively harnessed time travel technology, allowing it to target not only Connor but also his lineage, aiming to eradicate any ancestor to significantly disrupt his eventual existence. In this instance, the focus is set on seeking vulnerable individuals during the Second World War.

The upcoming installment of Terminator is not only poised to deliver intense action sequences but promises to delve into deeper thematic explorations of the ethical dilemmas surrounding unchecked technological advancement, elevating it potentially to one of the finest narratives within the franchise.

Shalvey’s depiction of a T-800 involved with a Nazi unit offers a fascinating confluence of horror, science fiction, and historical elements. This unique angle provides an engaging storytelling avenue, especially for dedicated Terminator enthusiasts. As the release approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the gripping action and moral quandaries that Shalvey’s work is sure to evoke.

For those interested, Terminator #7 is being published by Dynamic Comics, with its official launch slated for April 2025.

Sources: @declanshalvey

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