| Forearm | |
|---|---|
 Forearm as depicted in S.W.O.R.D. (vol. 2) #5 (April 2021). Art by Valerio Schiti (penciler/inker) and Marte Garcia (colorist). | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | The New Mutants #86 (Feb. 1990) |
| Created by | Louise Simonson Rob Liefeld |
| In-story information | |
| Full name | Michael McCain |
| Species | Human mutant |
| Team affiliations | Mutant Liberation Front S.W.O.R.D. Krakoan Dark Riders |
| Notable aliases | Michael McBride |
| Abilities | Two additional arms Superhuman strength, stamina and physical resistance |
Forearm (Michael McCain) is a fictional mutant villain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. As a member of the Mutant Liberation Front, Forearm has always been a mainstay on the terrorist group's roster, even staying through leader changes and incarceration.
Publication history
Forearm first made a minor cameo appearance as a member of the Mutant Liberation Front in The New Mutants #86 (February 1990). He first fully appeared in the following issue, The New Mutants #87.
Fictional character biography
Forearm is a founding member of the Mutant Liberation Front (MLF), a mutant terrorist organization. One of the group's first missions under the leadership of Stryfe is to liberate incarcerated New Mutants members Rusty Collins and Skids, who join the MLF out of confusion and are kept in the group via neural implants that influence their minds.1
Forearm and the MLF approach Mister Sinister and propose a trade, taking the captive Cyclops and Jean Grey in exchange for Sinister taking the Legacy Virus from Stryfe.2 The MLF are later defeated by the X-Men and taken into custody.
Following the events of "X-Cutioner's Song", Reignfire forms a new incarnation of the MLF which consists of Forearm, Reaper, Wildside, Tempo, and new members Locus and Danielle Moonstar.3 Forearm forms a close friendship with Moonstar, but eventually discovers that she was an undercover agent working for S.H.I.E.L.D. Feeling betrayed, Forearm leaves the MLF.4
Forearm later appears as a participant in Bloodsport, a fighting championship in Madripoor, in which Serpent Society member Anaconda breaks his neck.5 Forearm later appears as a member of the MLF.6
During the Krakoan Age, Forearm joins the Security Team of S.W.O.R.D. and Magik's Dark Riders.78
Forearm later appeared as the drummer for the fake heavy metal band Deep Void.9
Powers and abilities
Forearm has an additional pair of arms that extend from beneath his primary arms, giving him four in total. He also possesses increased strength, resistance to injury, and stamina.
In other media
Forearm makes non-speaking appearances in X-Men: The Animated Series. This version is an inhabitant of Skull Mesa and member of Magneto's army.
Reception
Forearm has been noted as an underwhelming villain.10
References
References
- Simonson, Louise (w), Liefeld, Rob (p), Wiacek, Bob (i), Rockwitz, Mike (col). "A Show of Power!" The New Mutants, vol. 1, no. 87 (March 1990). Marvel Comics.
- Nicieza, Fabian (w), Capullo, Greg (p), Candelario, Harry (i), Rosas, Joe (col). "X-Cutioner's Song Part 4: Jacklighting" X-Force, vol. 1, no. 16 (November 1992). Marvel Comics.
- Nicieza, Fabian (w), Broome, Mat (p), LaRosa, Bud (i), Roussos, George (col). "Liberation Through Subjugation" X-Force, vol. 1, no. 27 (October 1993). Marvel Comics.
- Moore, John Francis (w), Pollina, Adam (p), Morales, Mark (i), Team Bucce (col). "Stand-Off" X-Force, vol. 1, no. 67 (June 1997). Marvel Comics.
- Tieri, Frank (w), Fraga, Dan (p), Rapmund, Norm (i), Lee, Raymund (col). "Blood Sport Part 1" Wolverine, vol. 2, no. 167 (October 2001). Marvel Comics.
- Nicieza, Fabian (w), Liefeld, Rob (p), Liefeld, Rob (i), Yackey, Matt (col). "The Enemies of My Enemies.." X-Force, vol. 2, no. 4 (January 2005). Marvel Comics.
- Ewing, Al (w), Schiti, Valerio (p), Schiti, Valerio (i), Garcia, Marte (col). "Giallo" S.W.O.R.D., vol. 2, no. 5 (June 2021). Marvel Comics.
- Orlando, Steve (w), Broccardo, Andrea (p), Broccardo, Andrea (i), Guru-eFX (col). "Devils and Dark Rooms" X-Men: Curse of the Man-Thing, vol. 1, no. 1 (July 2021). Marvel Comics.
- Loo, Jason (w), Loureiro, Rafael; Coleman, Ruairi (p), Loureiro, Rafael; Coleman, Ruairi (i), Nitro, Yen; Sifuentes-Sujo, Fer (col). Concert of Champions, vol. 1, no. 1 (June 2025). Marvel Comics.
- Casey, Dan. "The 8 Best Worst X-MEN Villains of All Time". nerdist.com. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2026.