Uncanny X-Men #468: Grey's End (3 of 3)

[Will.S]

Don't particularly have the urge to type out an entire synopsis since I'm sure all of you will read the issue eventually but it's a really good conclusion to the arc with interesting implications on Rachel's end.

You get a big kickass fight scene between Rachel and the Shi'ar Death Commando's with her team mates of both Uncanny and Astonishing teams finally able to help her out. The X-Men also have Sentinel backup but Reyes diffuses the situation and there's an emotional moment between Rachel and her grandmother before she kicks the bucket, leaving Rachel to be the only Grey left. Cyclops mourns the losses of the Grey's (grandma in-law in particular) and starts crying like a bitch. Anyway it was great to see Cannonball kick some ass, I've come to enjoy his new look more since it's his most reasonably yet after his X-Treme leather costume.

The designs for all the commando's were very weird and quirky in Chris Bachalo's usual sort of way but well rendered nonetheless and his action scenes have been unconfusing and kicking ass as of late. All in all highly enjoyed the arc since it's among the darkest arcs I think Chris has done and I'm interested to see how Rachel will become developed without the Phoenix it seems.

8/10

[fishtaco]

I loved it. Cannonball rocked. Did Rachel kill all of those people? The Jean cameo was cool. Bad art of course, but it wasnt as hard to follow as other issues by him. I'm dissapointed that Rachel didn't become Phoenix. I'm hoping that that last line is foreshadowing of it. I don't think that Rachel is complete without the Phoenix. I'm still very, very dissapointed in Claremont leaving the book. That just isn't right.

[Sentinel K]

A good end to the arc. Its been emotional, and you have to feel sorry for Rachel after what her grandma said to her. I'm looking forward to were CC is gonna take her now.

Bachalo's artwork rocked!

[TinMan]

Well, overall I give this issue an "eh" followed by an "ugh".

Bachelo's art was crap. The only panel I REALLY liked was the pencil of Jean, and it wasn't even that great. Cannonball and Colossus looked terrible as well as most of the so called "commandos". Its like the guy was more interested in drawing the F'd up aliens than any of the main characters of the book, which is completely unacceptable.

The story was good, though I'm tired of the whole "I'm Rachael Grey...." narative, its been basically the same for the last three issues; talk about beating a dead horse. In itself though the stories not bad, there was some interesting characterization (especially w/ Scott and Rachael) so I very much enjoyed those sequences. I'm interested to see what CC has in store for our merry mutants now.

[Keith_Martineau]

I'm dissapointed that Rachel didn't become Phoenix. I'm hoping that that last line is foreshadowing of it.

::coughs::
Pretty sure I've been saying she won't become Phoenix.

And how exactly can "I'm not Phoenix." and "Once I'm through, they'll wish I was." be foreshadowing that she'll become Phoenix?
When she went dark, she did not manifest the brand on her eye, and I'm virtually POSITIVE that that was not an artistic mistake. Rachel will not be Phoenix anymore.

Back to my earlier chant...

Phoenix related, but not Phoenix.
Phoenix related, but not Phoenix.
Phoenix related, but not Phoenix.
Phoenix related, but not Phoenix.
Phoenix related, but not Phoenix.

*******MEGA-EDIT OF DOOM!!!*******

I suppose I should actually talk about the issue.
Good issue, good arc. I wish Rachel woulda cut loose a bit more here, but I guess we can look forward to that in the next arc. Bachalo and his armada of inkers, in my opinion, WEREN'T as good this issue as some past ones. I thought it was fairly confusing artwise with Cannonball getting through the force field.
ALSO lame that the death-squad got detained by the Sentinel Squad. That was a severe killjoy on my hope to see Rachel AND Cyke cut loose on'm.
Poor Rachel. Denounced by the last living member of her family, only to lose her immediately thereafter. Strained relationship with her father...she's all alone now. A girl out of time, with no real family...just her friends.

[X-Men Forever]

The story was good, though I'm tired of the whole "I'm Rachael Grey...." narative, its been basically the same for the last three issues; talk about beating a dead horse.

This is standard Claremont, so it should not bother you if you have been reading his stuff over the years as a fan. And if you are not a fan of his writing, STOP BUYING HIS STUFF! :D

[Brian M.]

I love this arc. I think it's the best he's done in years. It's certainly the best IMO that he has had since Reload.

[fishtaco]

::coughs::
Pretty sure I've been saying she won't become Phoenix.

And how exactly can "I'm not Phoenix." and "Once I'm through, they'll wish I was." be foreshadowing that she'll become Phoenix?
When she went dark, she did not manifest the brand on her eye, and I'm virtually POSITIVE that that was not an artistic mistake. Rachel will not be Phoenix anymore.All I said was that I hope she becomes Phoenix. Why do you spend so much time denouncing this? If she doesn't then I will be dissapointed. That is all. :evilangry

[Keith_Martineau]

No, you and DDM have been saying for awhile that she WILL. Not that you hope. That she will.

And I've just been saying that she won't, and to not get yer hopes up.

And besides, I think it'd be boring if she did anyway, we've been there, done that, how about something else?

[Bart Simpson]

Maybe Wandering Star is literal just like End of Greys. Maybe she'll just wander into a star and die? One can hope...

As for the issue itself, the best part was a certain cameo by a certain Phoenix. :D

[bfrank]

Rachel mad a freakin' black hole on her own...why does she need Phoenix....let's explore that last line: "I'm not Phoenix, but by the time I'm finished they'll wish I was", or some such....let her be her own person...Jean is Phoenix, Phoenix is Jean, and leave it at that....Ray could possibly be worse....and I like that....

[fishtaco]

And besides, I think it'd be boring if she did anyway, we've been there, done that, how about something else?Rachel became Phoenix once. Who should become Phoenix next? Emma? Wolverine? :rolleyes:

[bfrank]

Rachel became Phoenix once. Who should become Phoenix next? Emma? Wolverine? :rolleyes:
no one...just jean...

the better question is: why do you not want rachel to be her own person?

[Will.S]

Yeah, I dunno I'd rather Rachel develop her own type of powers outside the Phoenix force. Different is fun, just look at Young Avengers.

By killing off her "bloodline" I thought it made her grow as a character and I loved her monologue, she's gonna beat some ass.

[Steven F.]

Yeah, I loved that Rachel pointed out that she is NOT Phoenix, since there are about two people on this board that were stating as fact she is. I will always remember the comment...."Why would Rachel call herself Marvel Girl is she isn't Phoenix"?. Wtf does that even mean? Haha.

Anyway, story was great, art sucked. Simply horrible in every kind of way.

[ibrakeforchinwe]

I loved this issue 1000%.

That is all.

Oh and Rachel kicks ass.

[SpaceDog]

I am glad Claremont at least addressed the issue of Cable not being attacked by the Shi'ar. Even if he didn't really explain it. Any theories on that?

Maybe Madylene was a close enough copy of Jean for Cable to essentially have the same powers as Rachel, but Maddie wasn't so perfect a copy that she was a potential Phoenix host? So Cable would not have inherited that "thing" that marked Jean's family for death, whatever it was?

Another question: Seems like this arc takes place immediately following the first arc of New Excalibur, right? So isn't the alt-Jean from that book in custody somewhere? Wouldn't the Shi'ar have detected/gone after her also?

Maybe they're working from a paper list rather than the results of some planetary gene-scan.

[Daithi]

the better question is: why do you not want rachel to be her own person?

Making Rachel Phoenix doesn't make her a different person. Just more cosmic. However as she explicitly states that she isn't Phoenix it's a moot point really.

[TinMan]

This is standard Claremont, so it should not bother you if you have been reading his stuff over the years as a fan. And if you are not a fan of his writing, STOP BUYING HIS STUFF! :D

WOW! You're quite the master of the obvious! :p

I've read a lot of CC and yes I know that he does it all the time, but after 30 FRIGGIN YEARS it can get a bit annoying. The man tells good stories, but a lot of his narratives are redundant.

[bfrank]

Making Rachel Phoenix doesn't make her a different person. Just more cosmic. However as she explicitly states that she isn't Phoenix it's a moot point really.
I never said anything about her being a different person....just her own person....(I'm not big on the Marvel Girl title either)....

[AnthonyJ]

I am glad Claremont at least addressed the issue of Cable not being attacked by the Shi'ar. Even if he didn't really explain it. Any theories on that?

Editorial wouldn't let him use Cable? Also, he burned out most of his powers and got regenerated from a baby recently, so they might think he's dead.

[Daithi]

I never said anything about her being a different person....just her own person....(I'm not big on the Marvel Girl title either)....

It's a title, a role and it grants the owner certain powers. White Queen Courtney Ross isn't her own person either than.

[Keith_Martineau]

Rachel became Phoenix once. Who should become Phoenix next? Emma? Wolverine? :rolleyes:

Jean is Phoenix! This is what I keep saying. Marvel is stamping Jean permanently as Phoenix, they are one and the same, and Phoenix isn't something that can just jump from one person to another anymore, even if it's mother/daughter.

I know it contradicts whats come before, but that is still what they are doing.

[bfrank]

It's a title, a role and it grants the owner certain powers. White Queen Courtney Ross isn't her own person either than.

there's a huge difference between the title of white queen, and the title of phoenix....phoenix is not just a code name....

that being said, Amanda as Magik chaps my hide as well....

[Henry T.]

And as shown in this very issue, Jean Grey (while in the White Hot Room) is still the Phoenix as she is shown wearing the Phoenix costume and manifesting the phoenix effect.

Of course we know that when she is in the WHR she is the White Phoenix of the Crown.

So that is why Rachel Cannot become Phoenix. Thats why Rachel is Marvel Girl. She is the daughter of Jean Grey who is Phoenix and thats why she is sometimes called Starchilde.

[punisher_ryu]

All I said was that I hope she becomes Phoenix. Why do you spend so much time denouncing this? If she doesn't then I will be dissapointed. That is all. :evilangry

phoenix=character killler/crappy characterization(i.e.- jean, she would have been a much better character without the phoenix).

[X-Men Forever]

WOW! You're quite the master of the obvious! :p

I've read a lot of CC and yes I know that he does it all the time, but after 30 FRIGGIN YEARS it can get a bit annoying. The man tells good stories, but a lot of his narratives are redundant.

Well he will be gone shortly anyways, but it seems crazy to expect him to change his style of writing just because you expect him to cater to you, a person he does not know or care to know.

[tunasammiches]

I loved it. Cannonball rocked. Did Rachel kill all of those people? The Jean cameo was cool. Bad art of course, but it wasnt as hard to follow as other issues by him. I'm dissapointed that Rachel didn't become Phoenix. I'm hoping that that last line is foreshadowing of it. I don't think that Rachel is complete without the Phoenix. I'm still very, very dissapointed in Claremont leaving the book. That just isn't right.

Chris Claremont specifically wrote her saying "I'm not Phoenix". It's just not going to happen. And with Brubaker taking over the book, I don't think he wants to take her there either, seeing as he says he likes the character, but is sick of writers telling her backstory.

[Doom Hammer]

Good issue, good arc. Very dark and sad, especially Rachel's "gramma's" comments. Ouch. I personally like Bachalo's art, but he's an acquired taste.

Cyclops had a cool moment there where he almost lost it. The teamwork element was displayed without beating us over the head with it. Bachalo's darker art complimented the story in a way that Alan Davis and Billy Tan wouldn't have been able to pull off as well, in my opinion.

There were some nifty power feats that were described without being overly-technical. None of this "I'm using my telekineses to keep SeGa off his feet, while speeding up the air molecules around his head to render him blah blah blah blah blah" crap that Claremont occasionally falls into.

It was a very strong arc, and displayed What is, in my opinion, the best Claremont has to offer on Uncanny X-Men. Very cool stuff.

Minor gripes:

Rachel was waaaay too contained. She should've been either going crazy with grief and guilt, or icy and calculating and repressing her feelings. What we have here is a middle ground, in which she reacts to the Shi'ar assasins as one would if one's pudding was stolen by the aliens, but not as one would after watching their entire familt slaughtered.

On the cover, Rachel's tattoo looks more than a little bit phallic.

[Chiasm]

I'm hoping Rachel moves to Excalibur with Claremont. No other writer has ever done her justice and I love the ending of her promising revenge on the Shiar.

[Babylon23]

I'm hoping Rachel moves to Excalibur with Claremont. No other writer has ever done her justice and I love the ending of her promising revenge on the Shiar.

I agree. I'd like to see Nightcrawler and Psylocke go with her.

As for the issue itself. I loved it. This has been the best storyline since Reload. I can't wait to see the resolution of all of the Jamie Braddock storyline.

[Chiasm]

I agree. I'd like to see Nightcrawler and Psylocke go with her.

As for the issue itself. I loved it. This has been the best storyline since Reload. I can't wait to see the resolution of all of the Jamie Braddock storyline.

Agreed and agreed. Those two characters should go too and it would make sense for them to go as well.

[Babylon23]

Agreed and agreed. Those two characters should go too and it would make sense for them to go as well.

True, but I doubt Nightcrawler will go. I get the feeling Brubaker might like to keep Kurt around.

[tunasammiches]

I hope Brubaker keeps Rachel around too. So far, I have no problems on how he's writing her in Deadly Genesis. She's a good character with a rich history, so writers should have a field day with her without having to kill her off.

[Karl J. Barnes]

As much as I enjoyed elements of this arc, I thought that Scott's grief and Emma's comforting of him was a sadly sweet moment for the whole issue.

[d newton]

Chris Claremont specifically wrote her saying "I'm not Phoenix".
Where has Chris said this comment? :confused:

[bfrank]

in the issue.... :eek:

[Chiasm]

I just reread this issue. And now I'm very sad. Its been so so so long since I put down an X-comic feeling the tingle of anticipation about what comes next. But I'm sad because Claremont is leaving and its doubtful there will be any fruition to this plot unless Rachel does go to Excalibur. :(

[AnthonyJ]

I just reread this issue. And now I'm very sad. Its been so so so long since I put down an X-comic feeling the tingle of anticipation about what comes next. But I'm sad because Claremont is leaving and its doubtful there will be any fruition to this plot unless Rachel does go to Excalibur. :(

Hm? You mean, other than "Wandering Star", which is the next story arc and is a direct followup to this plot?

[Chiasm]

Hm? You mean, other than "Wandering Star", which is the next story arc and is a direct followup to this plot?

If your right then I'm a happy camper. I was under the impression that the rest of Claremont's Uncanny run would be wrapping up the Jaime Braddock storyline - something I also look forward to even if the bad guy is wearing a diaper. :confused:

[Daithi]

If your right then I'm a happy camper. I was under the impression that the rest of Claremont's Uncanny run would be wrapping up the Jaime Braddock storyline - something I also look forward to even if the bad guy is wearing a diaper. :confused:

Nope, Wandr'ing Star is a three issue arc apparently dealing with the aftermath of Grey's End.

[steve2275]

artistically the last 5 pages were the best

[ibrakeforchinwe]

I hope Brubaker keeps Rachel around too. So far, I have no problems on how he's writing her in Deadly Genesis. She's a good character with a rich history, so writers should have a field day with her without having to kill her off.

Well, she did call her mother "Jean" and her dad "Scott." Which is odd since DG takes place after EOG and seemingly after Wandring Star also.

Other than that it was ok.

If your right then I'm a happy camper. I was under the impression that the rest of Claremont's Uncanny run would be wrapping up the Jaime Braddock storyline - something I also look forward to even if the bad guy is wearing a diaper. :confused:

He wears a THONG. Theres a difference. Its always been a thong. Wandring Star is the next arc and then the Psylocke Ressurection arc with the conclusion of the Jamie plot.

Where has Chris said this comment? :confused:

In the issue......he said that Chris wrote RACHEL saying. Chris didnt write himself saying it...

[TinMan]

Well he will be gone shortly anyways, but it seems crazy to expect him to change his style of writing just because you expect him to cater to you, a person he does not know or care to know.

Dude, are you mentally handicapped? I never once said "Chris Claremont should change his writing style because I don't like it". Don't put words in my mouth. I said I don't like those narratives, that is all. Get over it, its my opinion. Just because I don't worship in "The Church of Claremont" w/ you and fishtaco doesn't mean I don't like the man's writing (which obviously you didn't read in my last post), I just don't like the redundant narratives he obsessively uses.

[Ryan K]

What a way to rebound from the mediocre (IMO) House of M arc. Great stuff all around.

[Zero Hunter]

Man all I can hope for is the the Shiar get a major asskicking in the near future. They seem to just treat Earth like they own the place with no real consquences. I would love to see Rachel go after Liandra herself for the grief she caused. There is no way the X-men could justify ever helping the Shiar again after this massacre on innocent women and children and men. I really hope CC follows this up sometime down the road.

[wader0069]

I am so pissed. The store I get my comics at is way behind on UXM. I don't even have #467 yet.....grrrrrrr :mad:

[ibrakeforchinwe]

I am so pissed. The store I get my comics at is way behind on UXM. I don't even have #467 yet.....grrrrrrr :mad:

Um try a different store? Its obviously not run well. Get a subscription?

[wader0069]

Um try a different store? Its obviously not run well. Get a subscription?

I have thought about that, but I am bad with budgeting money. It's easier for me at least to go to a store and buy it, than budget it in every month to my checking account. Also I am out of a car right now. I have a new one, but it's my mom's, so as soon as she gets her money from her accident, I have a car again. She is buying a new one, and giving me hers. Which is brand new...... :D

[Holland]

Wow, what an AMAZING issue! This is probably the BEST arc Claremont has done since his departure in 1991!

I'm not that big a fan of Claremont. I enjoy his work, I respect who he is and what hes done for the X-Men but hes not my favourite writer or anything. But he really hit a home run with this arc. And I've never even cared for Summers/Grey family before either!
It was perfect. It all made sense, the dialogue was spot on and it looked so beautiful.

See, THIS is what happens when Claremont is given free reins to do/write whatever he pleases. None of this "incorporate House of M into the story" or "you can't use Gambit in that panel! he's... (not) being used by Milligan right now!"

Highlights:


Bachelo's art The second issue might have looked murky and slightly confusing but I can forgive that cause the tone of the issue was death and destruction. Rachel had a "don't fuck with me" look to her but still managed to look... cute. Innocent is a better word I guess.
Psylockes workout It was too cool.
Cecelia Reyes being mentioned Yay!
Rachel's character throughout This arc made me notice her. Lets hope Claremont continues what he did here. I've always seen her as Jean Grey-lite.
The Shi'ar Death Commandos They may have been villains of the month, but I liked them.
Rachel didn't get a happy ending with her Grandma Harsh... but unexpected. Great twist.
Rogue fighting alongside Colossus fighting alongside Bishop The X-Men appeared! Even though most of them did just stand around it was nice to see the team.
Jean Great moment.
The End Had me wanting more.

[The Fury]

This was simply an excellent issue. The story was well writen and well plotted with art that suited it perfectly. Showinng emotions where it needed and protraying character's excellently.

What else to say?...oh good to see a few more cast as well. I hope all books will keep using other X-men while they still focus on a a books main cast.

10/10 Easy.

[Crimson]

So who else things "WAND'RING STAR" star is going to be about Rachel going commando to take out the Shi'ar Death Squad?

They kept calling her "Star Child" so I think it's about here. With Claremont going soon he'll want to right the end... plus this isn't one of those stories you can put off for my dramatic purposes. It makes sense and is even more dramatic if Rachel leaves straight away to kick their asses.

It was a great arc. One of the better ones from Claremont's run and actually got me to care for Rachel. I don't hate the character but before this I could take her or leave her

Top Stuff!

[ibrakeforchinwe]

Starchilde.

[goldenarms]

I hope wandering star is about rachels revenge, but I wouldn't be suprised if it wasn't. It could be a literal meaning with rachel searching internally or aimlessly for her purpose and direction.

[Fede]

Wow, what an AMAZING issue! This is probably the BEST arc Claremont has done since his departure in 1991!

I'm not that big a fan of Claremont. I enjoy his work, I respect who he is and what hes done for the X-Men but hes not my favourite writer or anything. But he really hit a home run with this arc. And I've never even cared for Summers/Grey family before either!
It was perfect. It all made sense, the dialogue was spot on and it looked so beautiful.


lol i completely agree with you. i loved the entire issue! the art was great, i really liked jean's appearance, even if it was just a panel :D
it was perfectly written too, it even made me like rachel lol

10/10

[d newton]

In the issue......he said that Chris wrote RACHEL saying it. Chris didn't write himself saying it...
Hasn't Rachel displayed the Phoenix symbol over her right eye in issues prior to this one? ;)

[sschroeder]

Maybe someone can help me understand something. Near the beginning of the issue Rachel escapes an enemy's clutches with Kitty's help, relieves him of his spear and apparently kills him with it. Then it seemed to me like this same character was up and around threatening her again shortly thereafter. Am I missing something? Were those two different characters? If so, which ones? Or was he just not injured at all by that?

[AnthonyJ]

We never really saw him dead, we just saw Rachel slamming a spear into him. Presumably she didn't do enough damage to keep him down.

[chicainery]

What did Rachel do to the War-Skrull when it was threatening her grandma?

I didn't get it.

[The Fury]

What did Rachel do to the War-Skrull when it was threatening her grandma?

I didn't get it.
She made him fly through the wall. Not really much to it. TKers can do that easy.

Although he was threatening Psylocke.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Not a bad issue at all. Although, once again, Bachalo's art kinda left gaps, around and about.

Can somebody explain to me why, out of the blue, Jean's face and a Phoenix Flare appear out of nowhere, seemingly unnoticed to anybody? And since when has Racvhel had the ability to see the dead passing on? Most confusing....

Is it just me, or are those words about the Shi'ar having forgotten about Cable a hint at a return for the man himself to the ranks of the X-Men? :rolleyes:

[The Fury]

Can somebody explain to me why, out of the blue, Jean's face and a Phoenix Flare appear out of nowhere, seemingly unnoticed to anybody? And since when has Rachel had the ability to see the dead passing on? Most confusing....
I didn't think it was. To me it was most symbolic then actually happening. The way the family all died, left to were reunited with Jean.


Also, Jean and Xavier were able to witness the psychic mind of Moira pass to the next world as well.

[chicainery]

She made him fly through the wall. Not really much to it. TKers can do that easy.

Although he was threatening Psylocke.


I couldn't really tell by the art. Thanks.

[mattbib]

Claremont's best story arc in years. This arc felt like an instant classic. It just completely resonated with me. A prime example showing that he hasn't lost it at all.

A lot of repercussions can and should be felt because of this story. I hope they're followed up on. But with Chris moving off the title the likelihood is they won't be. At least not for another 8-10 years when he comes back to Uncanny. ;)

[X-Men Forever]

At least not for another 8-10 years when he comes back to Uncanny. ;)

Think he will still be alive?

[Babylon23]

Claremont's best story arc in years. This arc felt like an instant classic. It just completely resonated with me. A prime example showing that he hasn't lost it at all.

A lot of repercussions can and should be felt because of this story. I hope they're followed up on. But with Chris moving off the title the likelihood is they won't be. At least not for another 8-10 years when he comes back to Uncanny. ;)

Brubaker has shown a decent respect for continuity in the past, so you never know, he may actually continue Marvel Girl's development along these lines.

[mattbib]

Think he will still be alive?Probably. He's only 55.

[X-Men Forever]

Probably. He's only 55.

Are you sure about this? He looks more like he's 65.

[mattbib]

Are you sure about this? He looks more like he's 65.Ever reference I've ever seen says he was born in 1950.

[Colossal Spoons]

Well, overall I give this issue an "eh" followed by an "ugh".

Bachelo's art was crap. The only panel I REALLY liked was the pencil of Jean, and it wasn't even that great. Cannonball and Colossus looked terrible as well as most of the so called "commandos". Its like the guy was more interested in drawing the F'd up aliens than any of the main characters of the book, which is completely unacceptable.

The story was good, though I'm tired of the whole "I'm Rachael Grey...." narative, its been basically the same for the last three issues; talk about beating a dead horse. In itself though the stories not bad, there was some interesting characterization (especially w/ Scott and Rachael) so I very much enjoyed those sequences. I'm interested to see what CC has in store for our merry mutants now.

Surprise surprise.

[fishtaco]

Brubaker has shown a decent respect for continuity in the past, so you never know, he may actually continue Marvel Girl's development along these lines.Actually, I dislike Brubaker's attitude about Rachel. In a post he made here, he said that the way she is usually written is based on her horrifying past. He wants to write her differently. I don't much like that at all. Are you sure about this? He looks more like he's 65.Chris Claremont was born in 1950. His birthday is sometime in January, according to his profile at X-fan. So by now he's either 55 or 56.

I think it's rather silly when people say it's time to retire. He still has another 8 or 9 years before that.

[Nick Kal]

Actually, I dislike Brubaker's attitude about Rachel. In a post he made here, he said that the way she is usually written is based on her horrifying past. He wants to write her differently. I don't much like that at all. Chris Claremont was born in 1950. His birthday is sometime in January, according to his profile at X-fan. So by now he's either 55 or 56.

Um.. what I remember is he said that is all anyone ever brings up about her and he wants to do something different... also known as, character development.

[G.O.K.I.]

I must admit though, great story by Claremont. I give it an A+ :D

As far as seeing the people as they die. I thought Jean Grey had a similar experience that sent her off the deep end, like her mind was linked to a friend of hers and she died and she experience death through the other girl's mind as a sort of traumatic experience for her. I just figured it was Rachel doing the same thing on a larger scope. I also felt that in that moment she connected with Jean as Jean was connected to the people that were dying.

Anyone else think that Rachel might be receiving that Phoenix Boost from Jean again?

[Brian M.]

Um.. what I remember is he said that is all anyone ever brings up about her and he wants to do something different... also known as, character development.

But don't you understand only Chris Claremont is allowed to develop his creations b/c only he understands them. I think I should have put half my post in bold sorry.

[jarrod]

Anyone else think that Rachel might be receiving that Phoenix Boost from Jean again?
No thanks. Should Rachel ever fullfill here genetic heritage and elevate to the status of Phoenix again, it should be an internal metmorphisis rather than just psychotic shards of Jean floating around and catching a ride.

[Jessica Drew]

Very powerful story, and it made me feel sorry for Rachel in a way that didn't make her seem whiny or pathetic.

[xmanson]

Claremont's best story arc in years. This arc felt like an instant classic. It just completely resonated with me. A prime example showing that he hasn't lost it at all.

A lot of repercussions can and should be felt because of this story. I hope they're followed up on. But with Chris moving off the title the likelihood is they won't be. At least not for another 8-10 years when he comes back to Uncanny. ;)


He already said he will be following the plots with rachel that Claremont is developing.

And I think he really likes her character, otherwise she would just be kicked out, since she's not that iconic or anything.

One thing - the Phoenix brings nothing good to the X-men - just pain and death. Why people want it to be part of the books I have no idea, since we get stuck in a cycle with it.

So, i'm glad Rachel is giving it up and doing her own thing when killing those Shiar fuckers.

[david r]

A lot of repercussions can and should be felt because of this story. I hope they're followed up on. But with Chris moving off the title the likelihood is they won't be. At least not for another 8-10 years when he comes back to Uncanny. ;)

Sadly, I seriously doubt Chris Claremont will ever be invited back to the core X-Men books. Ever. Including the book he made famous, Uncanny X-Men.

It seems that Marvel has simply gotten too many negative reactions to Claremont's recent work on UXM. Look over the message boards and they are littered with people despising his current work, and vocally expressing joy with his removal.

I think the best Claremont could get now is another periphereal book like X-Treme X-Men. And the many minis and one-shots he is currently penning. The fans seem to want "new, fresh blood" on the X-titles. And if it is anything like the 1990s, I hope they get what they deserve.

[The Dosadi Experiment]

It seems that Marvel has simply gotten too many negative reactions to Claremont's recent work on UXM. Look over the message boards and they are littered with people despising his current work, and vocally expressing joy with his removal.

Actually save for the usual bitchfests people have been in general been pretty neutral to his work. Newsrama despises everything and is crowded with the most bitter of fanboys, Millarworld is populated by sycophants who hate everything unless it's done by the edgy new writer who is currently seen and described as hot.

People have been far less forgiving and far less positive about Milligan's work. Now if you want to see a mans work burned to a smouldering crisp, you need look no further than Milligan, who actually is one of those hot writers, he messed up despite his slavish fanboys.

[Twigglet]

Actually save for the usual bitchfests people have been in general been pretty neutral to his work. Newsrama despises everything and is crowded with the most bitter of fanboys, Millarworld is populated by sycophants who hate everything unless it's done by the edgy new writer who is currently seen and described as hot.

People have been far less forgiving and far less positive about Milligan's work. Now if you want to see a mans work burned to a smouldering crisp, you need look no further than Milligan, who actually is one of those hot writers, he messed up despite his slavish fanboys.

What other sites are you basing reaction to Claremonts work? Liek you said, Newsarama, Millarworld and Jinxworld all had nevgative reaction to his work. Not to mention Paul O Brien at the X-axis and the guys at the Fourth rail. From what I can see, all the major sites apart from some people here and Comixfan liked his work, with a few others on other boards.

[AnthonyJ]

Truth is, Marvel doesn't directly care about the message board reactions (except to the degree they reflect something Marvel does care about). What Marvel cares about are sales, and it appears they think UXM can do better.

They'll invite CC back if they think it will give them a boost.

[cable guy]

Sadly, I seriously doubt Chris Claremont will ever be invited back to the core X-Men books. Ever. Including the book he made famous, Uncanny X-Men.


Would he even come back if they asked him to?

[cable guy]

Claremont's best story arc in years. This arc felt like an instant classic. It just completely resonated with me. A prime example showing that he hasn't lost it at all.

A lot of repercussions can and should be felt because of this story. I hope they're followed up on. But with Chris moving off the title the likelihood is they won't be. At least not for another 8-10 years when he comes back to Uncanny. ;)

It was epic.

And it will be for years to come.

Best of all, I never seen it coming. I don't read spoilers or upcoming prviews anymore. I was just complaining about Claremont, and then he pulls this out.

[fishtaco]

Would he even come back if they asked him to?If he is asked to? Hell freakin yes! The X-Men were defined by Chris Claremont, and in turn the X-Men defined him. Personally, I was shocked when Claremont accepted Bob Harras's offer to return to the titles in 2000. I sure woulda said no. I mean, the one man that Claremont couldn't stand and left the books because ends up begging him for help? I'da laughed at Harras and I would have told him to go to hell. I would have regretted that decision if I were Claremont, but I'm glad he decided to move past his grudge against Harras and continue on. He will come back if he is asked to. That is, if he is asked to. I know that sales come first, but the editors know full well that Chris Claremont is the best X-Men writer of all time, and they know that he is the creator of most of the characters that are being used today, and that he writes these characters like none other. If they notice a large demand for Claremont, they will be pressured to bring him back. There is a chance that he can return to a core book in about a year and a half with Whedon probably leaving after issue 24. If you pressure Marvel enough, who knows what could happen? In the meantime, I'm going to be trying to get as many fans as I possibly can to rally their support for Claremont's return, and I will try to have other fans that either dislike Claremont or don't much care for them to appreciate his work. It takes a long time to appreciate Claremont's work. But it's a wild feeling when you do. Hundreds and hundreds of stories all weaving together in and out into one huge mass of a 45+ year epic is, to me, what cracks the internet in half.

[david r]

Would he even come back if they asked him to?

I'm sure that Claremont would come back. He loves Uncanny X-Men. Plus, writing UXM he will surely get to write core characters like Wolverine, Storm and Nightcrawler, etc. Which he might not get on a peripheral title like New Excalibur.

I also have no doubt that CC planned to stay on UXM as long as possible this time. He had plans for #475 and beyond. There is no way, with his loyalty and love for the X-Men, he would have quit on his own. Marvel showed him the door again. The only saving grace on this is if CC and Larroca reunite on another book.

[fishtaco]

I also have no doubt that CC planned to stay on UXM as long as possible this time. He had plans for #475 and beyond. There is no way, with his loyalty and love for the X-Men, he would have quit on his own. Marvel showed him the door again. The only saving grace on this is if CC and Larroca reunite on another book.Agreed. There is a high demand for more Claremont/Larroca collaboration. I think they can get the books to sell best if they put the two together again.