Armed Forces of Villainy

I am fascinated by armies, ancient or modern, real or imagined. I love the uniforms and weapons. I appreciate the parades and maneuvers. I am thrilled by the battles and amazed by the tactics.

My fascination is as a storyteller and artist. My favorite armies are those of the baddies. They should have the most stylish uniforms and the sleekest weapons. Their insignia, badges and banners should look... villainous.

I prefer an efficient army led by competent officers. I do mean for the antagonists. It is well-trained and well-equipped. It generally outfights its enemies but is outmatched by a lone hero or small team of heroes.

An army of female baddies is an exception to my general preference. Women are weaker than men. They are cowardly and witless comparatively. Women cannot be hired for violence. An army of women would be mustered by conscription. They would only attack if they feared their boss... and vastly outnumbered the enemy. Still: for all its innate failings, I prefer an army of female baddies that is well-trained, well-equipped and as effective as such an army could be.

My favorite armies in history are those of the Assyrian Empire, the Confederate States of America and Nazi Germany. I am fascinated by the paramilitary SS and Wagner Group.

My favorite armies in fiction are those of the Amazons in Classical Mythology, the Galactic Empire of Star Wars and the paramilitary Cobra of G.I. Joe.