The Extremist (comics)

The Extremist was a four issue miniseries, written by Peter Milligan with art by Ted McKeever and was published by DC comics through their Vertigo comics imprint from September to December 1993.

Described by its writer as an “erotic thriller”, it is the story of its eponymous protagonist: an enforcer/assassin for a shadowy secret society and the people who take on its role.

Part 1: December Nineteen Ninety-Three We are introduced to Judy Tanner, a woman who has taken been the Extremist for several months in order to discover who murdered her husband Jack. She is very much in the thrall of Patrick, the master of ceremonies for a group called “The Order”, of which little is revealed.

Part 2: June Nineteen Ninety-Three Jack himself is introduced, who had been the previous Extremist. It is suggested he has played the role for some time and is becoming disillusioned. As Patrick pushes for him to sever his ties with his old life, the Jack finds himself unable to do so, which ultimately leads to his death.

Part 3: July, Nineteen Ninety-Three Judy discovers Jack’s secret life, as she takes on the role of the Extremist and she is slowly corrupted/ liberated by Patrick.

Part 4: January, Nineteen Ninety-Four We follow Tony, Jack neighbour who we have slowly been introduced to over the previous issues as previous events are shown from his perspective and he tries to discover the fate of Judy.