The Terminator franchise has introduced its most horrifying creation yet, making the T-800 into a Nazi soldier – a dark and deadly concept that fans have immediately declared needs to be adapted into a live-action movie. This version of the Terminator amplifies the terror of the robotic hunter-killer to an extreme, almost uncomfortable degree.

On X, author Declan Shalvey (@declanshalvey) shared his cover art for Terminator #7 – which features interior art by David O'Sullivan – offering a hint of what to expect when the issue hits shelves in April.

The image shows a Terminator embedded as a soldier in the German Army, presumably during World War II. While there's no outward indication, Shalvey and colorist Colin Craker's use of black and grey for the uniform, instead of the Wehrmacht's traditional green-grey, suggests this T-800 was a member of the Waffen-SS, the armed wing of the Nazi party. In other words, this T-800 was a Nazi.

Author Declan Shalvey Has Achieved Peak Terror With The "Nazi Terminator"

Terminator #7 – Written By Declan Shalvey; Art By David O'Sullivan; Color By Colin Craker; Lettering By Jeff Eckleberry

The Nazis were a terrifying force during World War II, but adding a Terminator to their most violent unit would unleash a nightmarish scenario that's almost unfathomable. The combination of these two forces would be catastrophic. On one hand, the Terminator is a nearly indestructible, overpowered, and unstoppable force of malevolence. It would ruthlessly eliminate anything that stands in its way, driven solely by its programming. On the other hand, the Nazi regime was infamous for its unimaginable violence, advocacy of brutality, and the atrocities it committed throughout history.

The convergence of these two entities would amplify the horror and destruction beyond what most people can comprehend. Combining this with the terrifying technological precision and single-minded focus of the Terminator’s mechanized killing would create a force of evil few could rival in of the fear it inspires and the death and destruction it would likely unleash to complete its mission. Notably, while Terminators in other situations must operate alone, this T-800 – assuming its target is part of a group the Nazis would also persecute – would likely receive from its human commanders and squad mates.

For Skynet And Its Time-Traveling Terminator – All Of History Is It's Latest Battleground

Where Will Shalvey's Terminator Go Next?

This sinister mixture of dark forces arises from Shalvey's inventive take on a central tenet of the Terminator saga – namely, Skynet sending its soldiers back in time to extinguish its greatest threat, John Connor, before he becomes dangerous. Under Shalvey's reimagining, with Skynet having mastered time travel,rather than focusing solely on killing a younger Connor or his mother Sarah, it can target Connor's entire ancestral line, successfully eliminating any one of his forebears, to prevent, or drastically alter, his future birth. In this case, Skynet appears to be hunting for a vulnerable target during the Second World War.

Featuring...intense action and suspense...along with a deeper exploration of the moral dilemmas and ethical questions surrounding unchecked technological innovation, [Terminator] has all the elements needed to become the best Terminator story ever told.

Despite its horror elements, Shalvey’s portrayal of a Terminator T-800 embedded within a Nazi armed unit during World War II offers a compelling blend of science fiction and history, creating a fascinating storytelling opportunity — especially within the action-packed Terminator film franchise. Until that film becomes a reality, fans can look forward to best Terminator story ever told.

Sources: @declanshalvey

The Terminator #7 is scheduled for publication by Dynamic Comics in April 2025.