Nexus was a comic book series created by writer Mike Baron and penciler Steve Rude in 1981.
The series was a combination of the super-hero and science fiction genres. The lead character Horatio Hellpop received his powers as Nexus from an alien entity called the Merk. As payment, the Merk required Nexus to seek out and kill a certain quantity of mass murderers per "cycle." He was effectively forced by the strong headaches and anguished dreams Nexus would receive until he did his duty. He was reluctant to act as the Merk's tool but continued seeking out mass murderers to maintain his power for other important uses.
Nexus would often find himself in the painful position of assassinating someone who had repented their former days of infamy, and desired only to be left alone with their guilt.
Other characters in the series included the wise Dave, a Thune (an intelligent ape-like race), Dave's brash son Judah Maccabee a.k.a. The Hammer, and the sexy Sundra Peale, a spy who eventually became his lover.
The series ran for three black and white issues and eighty color issues followed by seven almost-yearly small mini-series.
Baron and Rude have discussed plans to revive the series and/or release a movie or possibley animated version.
