Marco (Animorphs)
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Marco is a fictional character from the sci-fi book series, Animorphs. His last name is never mentioned.
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[edit] Biography
Marco is an Animorph, often referred to as the comedian of the group. He is Hispanic. He coined the name "Animorphs." His methods can be ruthless, but he is good with strategy and security. He is slightly conceited and has dubbed himself the "cute" Animorph. He and Jake have been best friends since they were little.
Marco's dad is Peter, who lost interest in life for two years after the supposed death of Marco's mother, Eva. In reality, she was infested by Visser One, and her death in a boating accident was faked as a way to get her off the planet. Throughout most of the series, Marco battles with himself about her fate—should he kill her or try to set her free?—and comes very close to killing her in many of the books, until he finally frees her in The Revelation. Marco's father was uninformed until that same book, when he is finally told the truth and is the first of the Animorphs' relatives to join the war effort.
Marco is initially reluctant to fight because his father would not be able to handle his death. He also argues that they are simply kids and that this is not their battle. When he coins the phrase "Animorphs," he describes the group as "kids with a death wish." However, he also has a strong sense of loyalty, and says that he will fight to free Jake's brother, Tom. He announces that he is quitting in #5, but when he sees his mother, he vows to continue on fighting until she is free.
Like Rachel, Marco has a bit of a dark side, which shows up in his (at times) very cold and ruthless schemes. Marco is often focused on the "big picture" (winning the war), sometimes at the cost of the little things (his mother, for example). He also struggles between the dream of his mother coming back alive and moving on. This conflict is revealed in The Proposal. He isn't entirely comfortable with this aspect of himself, but has embraced it. In #10: The Android, he develops a lust for gruesome revenge against the Yeerks, and admits to enjoying being violent (for example, he worries Ax when he tries to kill a beetle in spider morph), even though he constantly derides Rachel's violent habits.
Marco prides himself on an ability to see from A to Z - to chart a plan without thought for morals or values. This is not to say he is immoral, as he is able to factor in these values and alter the plan accordingly - but he does have the ability to see what needs to be done to achieve goals. In this way, he is extremely valuable strategically.
At the end of the series, Marco is one of the few Animorphs with a flourishing post-war life; specifically, he becomes a celebrity, starring in TV shows, giving interviews, and becoming the unofficial spokesperson for the Animorphs. He deeply enjoys the playboy lifestyle.
Marco is also the only Animorph in the series without a main love interest, though not for lack of trying. It is hinted that he may have a bit of a crush on Rachel, and the two do date in an alternate reality in Megamorphs #4: Back to Before.
[edit] Marco's Morphs
Gorilla (Big Jim), Osprey, Wolf, Trout, Dolphin, Seagull, Lobster, Ant, Cockroach, Housefly, Mouse, Termite, Great Horned Owl, Skunk, Irish Setter, Wolf Spider, Bat, Spider Monkey (can't use, can't remember he acquired), Jaguar (can't use, can't remember he acquired), Llama, Racehorse, Parrot, Hammerhead Shark, Mole, Mosquito, Leeran, Tyrannosaurus rex (can't use), King Cobra (Spawn), Flea, Rhinoceros, Anteater, Seal, Polar Bear (Nanook), Giant Squid, Chimpanzee, Eel, Human (Mr. Grant), Mountain Goat, Squirrel, Cockatiel, Poodle (Euclid), Orca (Swoosh), Cheetah, Honeybee, Hork-Bajir, Beaver, German Shepherd (Champ), Mallard, Human (State Governor).
Marco's favored battle morph is the gorilla. His favored aerial morph is the osprey.
[edit] Books
- The Predator
- The Android
- The Escape
- The Discovery
- The Extreme
- The Reunion
- The Proposal
- The Other
- The Revelation
- The Absolute
[edit] Toys
In 1999, four different Transformers toys of Marco were made. Two of the larger ones that were sold in stores turned into a Gorilla and a Fire Beetle, while the third was one piece of the Tyrannosaurus Rex made up of Jake, Cassie, and Marco figures. The smaller transformer was part of a Taco Bell children's meal promotion and turned into a hammer head shark.[1]
