Summary
With the upcomingCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3capping off a trilogy-spanning narrative of campaigns, fans already have lots of reasons to get invested in the release. Most of the already revealed promotional material for the game concern its singleplayer narrative, and the presence of classicCoDvillain Vladimir Makarov takes center stage.
The infamy of Makarov precedes him, and his role inCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3will be an explosive one, but he has received his very own reveal trailer to give fans more information. In the trailer, Makarov is shown in a Russian prison, with an extreme focus being placed on his numerous prison tattoos. Some of these tattoos are shown in great detail, and offer some fascinating early insight into the motivations and beliefs of the title’s antagonist.
RELATED:Cosmetics Should Not Be The Only MW2 Content That Carries Over To Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Modern Warfare 3’s Makarov’s Prison Tattoos
Whereas the originalModern Warfaretrilogy essentially had the full breadth of its storyto develop Makarov as aMWvillain, fans of the new trilogy will be introduced to the figure for just the final game. This means players are likely to get an large dose of the fanatical terrorist inModern Warfare 3, who will presumably escape captivity to become involved in the game’s global conflict.
A lot of this missed backstory can be inferred from the litany of tattoos that Makarov has, especially within the context of Russian prisons. Tattoos among Russian inmates are a kind of service record for the individual; each one has deep meaning and says a lot about the bearer’s history.
The sheer amount of tattoos that Makarov has is a dead giveaway for his feared reputation and criminal standing, which is only reinforced by the clear fear other prisoners feel towards him in the trailer. With this reveal trailer zoning in on a few tattoos in particular, a lot ofMakarov’s backstory inModern Warfare 3is seemingly told through his skin.
Modern Warfare 3: The Symbolism Behind Makarov’s Tattoos
The first tattoo that the trailer focuses on is on Makarov’s right arm, which is a large grim reaper wrapped in barbed wire and wielding a scythe and skull. While this does not have an overt meaning in Russian prison culture, it bears clear connotations of Makarov as the harbinger of death, with barbed wire only reinforcing the severity of his claim. Makarov masterminded the originalModern Warfare 2’s infamous “No Russian” terrorist attack, so this tattoo is not to be taken lightly.
Skulls baring their teeth appear all over Makarov’s body, which is a sign of resentment for authority in Russian prison circles. This iconography is more overtly stated with Makarov’s snarling wolf on his back; this kind of tattoo is called an Oskal, meaning “big grin” in Russian. Makarov also bears the two-headed Russian eagle, which is a longstanding symbol against the communist regime, reinforcingMakarov’s ideas of fanatical revolution in his homeland.
Makarov is also shown to have stars on his back, which are a symbol of great power for a Russian prisoner. This is reinforced by Makarov’s Kremlin back piece, with the many spires in his tattoo indicating that he has served many sentences. From what has been shown of Makarov’s tattoos, it is clear that the figure is already a feared and hardened criminal. With a clear resentment for government and authority, it is easy to see why Makarov is being tipped as a seriousforce to be reckoned with inModern Warfare 3.
