The Losers is a comic book series written by Andy Diggle and illustrated by Jock, and published by the Vertigo imprint of DC Comics. It ran for 32 issues from August 2003 to March 2006. The idea was very loosely based on the original The Losers for DC Comics, a group of World War II soldiers, although Diggle maintains he has never read a single issue of the original series. The series was adapted into a film of the same name that was released in 2010. Publication history Andy Diggle has talked about the development of the concept, which developed from conversations with editor Will Dennis about doing an original title at Vertigo: He originally thought about returning to the original and doing a war comic: The ongoing monthly comic concluded in 2006 after 32 issues, but it was never cancelled. According to Diggle, "everyone always thinks it got cancelled—it was always intended to be two or three years long". Plot The Losers' reimagining was set against events surrounding and including the War on Terror. Originally a Special Forces team integrated with the Central Intelligence Agency. In the 90s, the Losers were betrayed by their handler, Max, and left for dead following the conclusion of their operation. Eager for revenge and the opportunity to remove their names from a secret CIA death list, the Losers regroup and conduct covert operations against the CIA and its interests, uncovering startling operations spearheaded by the enigmatic Max, whose influence within the CIA and U.S. government is unparalleled. Characters Lt. Col. Franklin Clay – The Leader, easily identified by a consistent use of black suits without ties. A meticulous planner, initiative-taker and an excellent leader, Clay harbors the largest grudge against Max, at times appearing visibly angry at the mere mention of his name. He is possibly the grandson of Sarge Clay from the original Losers comic book series, as he told his old commanding general: "My grandfather died fighting an Axis that was 'just following orders'". Cpt. William Roque – The second-in-command, easily identified by the large, vertical scar down the right side of his face and icy demeanor. His ruthless thirst for money motivates a majority of his actions, including the serial betrayal of the Losers and many of his underlings. He is known for having a collection of daggers and knives, which he fights with when not using a gun. Cpt.