Aquila

History

The eponymous protagonist of the 2000 AD strip Aquila was a former slave turned gladiator crucified in 71 BC following the failed revolt of the legendary Spartacus. Crying out for vengeance as he died a slow and painful death, he was saved by Ammit the Devourer, who took his soul but granted him invulnerability in return for sending her the souls of evil men by killing them. More than 130 years later, Aquila discovered he was neither the first nor the only man chosen to serve the Devourer in this way when he encountered and battled the man known only as the Spartan.

Aquila is responsible for the dominant god in Rome becoming the "carpenter god" rather than a deified Emperor Nero (see Carnifex in 2000 AD progs 1890 to 1899). Nero wanted Aquila to act as his 'carnifex' or butcher by collecting the heads of seven Roman deities, the material the psychotic emperor needed for his apotheosis, but Aquila had other plans (which were, however, no less sanguinary).

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Invulnerability; no locks, binds or fetters can hold him (which apparently includes the power to break down any door).

Abilities

Fighting skills.

Strength level

Strong enough to smash a huge golem into pebbles using only a sledgehammer (2000 AD prog 1892).

Paraphernalia

Weapons

Sword.

Notes

Aquila is thematically (and physically) very similar (read: almost identical) to the earlier Black-Hawk, which is apparently not entirely coincidental.

Links and References

• Appearances of Aquila
• Minor Appearances of Aquila
• Media Aquila was Mentioned in
• Images featuring Aquila
• Quotations by or about Aquila
• Character Gallery: Aquila

Footnotes