X-Men #187 - Reviews and Spoilers

[Bubba]

Well, since I'm newer to the community, I figured I should contribute a bit!

I got the new issue a couple of days ago, the first of my subscription, and I wasn't all that impressed. It was actually a pretty boring issue. Maybe its because its a transition book from the Apocalypse story to the Carey/Bachalo stories coming in #188, but they could have done it a little better.

Sunfire basically talks Gambit into joining him (which I thought would be a little more difficult) and then the two of them attack the mansion to get Polaris back (who seems to have gotten her magnetic powers back, since she used them while in a coma like state). The regular X-men (Havok, Beast, Iceman, and Rogue) are unable to stop Gambit and Sunfire, and at one point Gambit actually tries to kill Rogue, but Gus stops him. The only way they were stopped was by Lorna who woke up from her coma and blasted them away from her, while she proclaimed she didn't belong to anybody.

In the end, Gambit and Sunfire run off, and Lorna decides to leave the mansion to be on her own. The final few frames shows Mr. Sinister talking to Gambit and Sunfire, but he doesn't reveal anything to them. Just that if they join him they will be powerful kind of thing.

That's pretty much it, kind of a let down for my first issue back (subscription-wise, I bought the last few issues to get the Apocalypse story) after quite a few years of not reading comics.

If there is something I didn't do right, or if you want some more info, let me know and I'll try to get it for you. I wrote this review from memory since I'm at work, and I read the comic a few days ago, so I might be a little fuzzy on the details!

Bubba

[Nobbel]

What happens with the Pulse character, anything on him?

[Bubba]

What happens with the Pulse character, anything on him?

Is that this Gus guy? Sorry, I'm recently new to the X-men universe again! :) If you do mean Gus, he tries to start a deeper romance with Rogue early in the book, and she seems to be responding well, but she pushes Gus away a bit because he tries to take their relationship to the next level, like right after Gambit tried to kill her. So she's a little screwed up on her feelings at the moment.

[Nobbel]

Is that this Gus guy? Sorry, I'm recently new to the X-men universe again! :) If you do mean Gus, he tries to start a deeper romance with Rogue early in the book, and she seems to be responding well, but she pushes Gus away a bit because he tries to take their relationship to the next level, like right after Gambit tried to kill her. So she's a little screwed up on her feelings at the moment.


Yeah Gus (Augustus) is the real name of Pulse. So it seems he will be sticking around a bit longer that most of us (incl. me) expected.... and I like it!

[Affinity]

Didn't we already do a thread on this?

Thanks though, Bubba. Welcome to the boards!

[Bubba]

Didn't we already do a thread on this?

Thanks though, Bubba. Welcome to the boards!


Doh! Sorry about that. I did a search and a quick scan of the last 5 pages of posts and didn't see one, so I thought there wasn't one.

[Sentinel K]

Didn't we already do a thread on this?

Thanks though, Bubba. Welcome to the boards!

Probably not seeing as though it doesn't come out till Wednesday.

Or Thursday for me. Stupid Atlantic Ocean! :mad:

[Bubba]

Probably not seeing as though it doesn't come out till Wednesday.

Or Thursday for me. Stupid Atlantic Ocean! :mad:

Yeah, I was a little suprised when I saw it in my mailbox on Saturday. Especially since New X-men which I also started subscribing to came a week after it was in stores. I was kind of ticked off about that.

[Affinity]

Probably not seeing as though it doesn't come out till Wednesday.

Or Thursday for me. Stupid Atlantic Ocean! :mad:
Really? Must have been the Spoilers thread...I could have sworn I remember the Gambit going with Sunfire thing.

[Fatguy]

Probably not seeing as though it doesn't come out till Wednesday.

Or Thursday for me. Stupid Atlantic Ocean! :mad:

/spit @ the atlantic

I didnt follow this last storyarc as my subscription starts with the new teams, but I have to say the fact that Sunfire has been turned into a horseman saddens me a lot :( I never cared for Gambit, so thats fine, but I always kinda hoped somebody would come along and make a place in the X-Men for Sunfire.

[Sentinel K]

Really? Must have been the Spoilers thread...I could have sworn I remember the Gambit going with Sunfire thing.

Now that you mention it, it does sound familiar.


But wotchoogunnadooabowtit?

[Beast]

Yeah, it's in the Spoiler thread. And Brian will probably move this thread there also, as the rules state there's no discussion of issues before the day they're released.

[Bubba]

Yeah, it's in the Spoiler thread. And Brian will probably move this thread there also, as the rules state there's no discussion of issues before the day they're released.


Crap! Sorry about that guys. I read the rule thread, but the "don't post before it's released" thing just didn't click with me! I figured that having "spoiler" in the title was good enough.

But yeah, if you need to move it into the spoiler thread please do so, and now I'll know for the future!

[Affinity]

...that's so strangely amazing.

[Faded]

I like Pulse but he's an insensitive jerk! :mad:

Oh and I read on other spoilers that Lorna got different powers. How did she get her powers back? :confused:

[Leaper Queen]

Leaper Queen loves the new guy on the block named Pulse too. She hopes he stays

[rilokyle]

Hey, I have a question: was there any Polaris/Havok interaction?? Oh, and I'm glad she got her magnetic powers back, and not some other powers. I mean, she can't really be called "Polaris" if she doesn't have magnetic powers. Man, I was really hoping for some sort of closure on the Polaris/Havok/Iceman triangle, ie. a kiss between Lorna and Alex, but at least they seem to be together in the previews for Uncanny X-Men.

Oh, and thank you for the spoilers! I hate waiting. :)

[Callisto]

I like Pulse but he's an insensitive jerk! :mad:

Oh and I read on other spoilers that Lorna got different powers. How did she get her powers back? :confused:

what i'm more curious about is what kind of powers lorna has gained.

[Stagier]

she lost her powers after m day and pocy gave her poison powers, at least that's what he said. we really didn't see her do anything besides "upload" viruses into her own body.

i think those are the powers people are talking about. but we all know that by the time brubaker is on, she's flying around bending metal again.

[We R. Venom]

Thank you for nothing Milligan, absolutely nothing. Bobby/Alex/Lorna accomplished noting, and you managed to get rid of gambit and roguem what are you writing a damn soap opera? good riddance. :mad: I officially cant stand you. Bring on Carey.:D

[Syzygy]

I like Pulse but he's an insensitive jerk! :mad:

Oh and I read on other spoilers that Lorna got different powers. How did she get her powers back? :confused:

Even if she has her magnetic powers back, shouldn't she be a carrier for every major disease on Earth?

I'll be disappointed if this is retconned away. It could be interesting. Here's this hot chick, she's got groovy green hair and all, but...well, let's just say you'd better practice safe sex, if you dare at all! :D:D:

Peace,
Syzygy

[UncannyAsianGirl]

But aren't ya an Iceman fan Venom? He did manage to make it so Bobby wasn't always stuck in his ice form. :p

I don't like what I hear about the earlier Rogue/Pulse bits, with them getting comfy and all, and her line after Remy tries to kill her is also somewhat depressing.

"The love of my life just looked into my eyes and told me he wanted to KILL me. So I don't wanna hear one word of romance! I doubt if I ever will again."

I guess that answers the question of whether or not she's gonna be paired off in the future, at least.

[f4faith]

I guess that answers the question of whether or not she's gonna be paired off in the future, at least.

And Pulse walks away so no I don't think he will be sticking around (he was an idiot/loser anyway in this issue and others). Carey has also stated he's not using the character so I wouldn't expect to ever see him again. Yet another useless convenient for the story character I'm glad to see gone. Sunfire and Gambit are completely destroyed in this arc (heck Gambit doesn't look, act or even have the same power so he's not even Gambit at all).

[Bubba]

I like Pulse but he's an insensitive jerk! :mad:

Oh and I read on other spoilers that Lorna got different powers. How did she get her powers back? :confused:

They really don't say how she got her powers back, she just comes out of her "coma" and has them again. And it's not like they say she's bending metal or anything that makes it sound like its her magnetic powers, but it looks like her original powers.

Hey, I have a question: was there any Polaris/Havok interaction??

There wasn't a whole lot of interaction between Polaris and Havok. They showed both Bobby and Havok being concerned about her, and Bobby thanking Havok for risking his life to save her, but most of the issue had Polaris in her coma and once she came out, she basically told them she was leaving.

Bubba

[We R. Venom]

They really don't say how she got her powers back, she just comes out of her "coma" and has them again. And it's not like they say she's bending metal or anything that makes it sound like its her magnetic powers, but it looks like her original powers.



There wasn't a whole lot of interaction between Polaris and Havok. They showed both Bobby and Havok being concerned about her, and Bobby thanking Havok for risking his life to save her, but most of the issue had Polaris in her coma and once she came out, she basically told them she was leaving.

Bubba
Thats rediculous, i was hoping Bobby and Alex would at least talk...about something, jesus. anyway, its useless talking about this for me.

[Brian M.]

Even if she has her magnetic powers back, shouldn't she be a carrier for every major disease on Earth?

I'll be disappointed if this is retconned away. It could be interesting. Here's this hot chick, she's got groovy green hair and all, but...well, let's just say you'd better practice safe sex, if you dare at all! :D:D:

Peace,
Syzygy

That's Emma Frost. That's why Cyclops is knocked out in Astonishing, her VD's kicked his ass.

[Red Lotus]

This was just bad. But again everything Milligan did in his run was bad. I'm just glad that this was the last issue and I hope I never have to read anything he writes again.

One more thing the part after Sunfire broke the ice was that the White Queen who says is any one hurt and why was her hair white.

[Hiromi]

This whole thing read like bad slash fanfiction. *shudders*

[Callisto]

Even if she has her magnetic powers back, shouldn't she be a carrier for every major disease on Earth?

I'll be disappointed if this is retconned away. It could be interesting. Here's this hot chick, she's got groovy green hair and all, but...well, let's just say you'd better practice safe sex, if you dare at all! :D:D:

Peace,
Syzygy



theres already a villan like that by the name of "the host" hopefully this new power lorna receives is atleast somewhat unique.

[Mr. Jip]

theres already a villan like that by the name of "the host" hopefully this new power lorna receives is atleast somewhat unique.


In Mystique's miniseries, right?
And she had GREEN HAIR as well~!!!
Oh Gawd Poor Lawna!!

[Faded]

I just read this and...

I'll be the first (and maybe only) to say that I really, REALLY liked it!

The only thing is I wonder if all this will be followed up on, especially since the team is basically breaking up come next issue.

Pulse didn't actually leave, so I hope he shows somewhere or at least later down the line (and not dead)!

Will Gambit and Sunfire still play a role in this title?

Will Polaris' new independent state (finally!) be followed up on?

I just loved almost everything about this. Well...I'm still not feeling Sal's art. :D

[Valmore]

And Milligan's run ends as it started and stayed - sucking.

"Gambit... we must kill everyone we were close to because Apocalypse made us Horsemen! Even though Wolverine and Warren were successfully brought back to the X-Men!"

"Okay mon ami! TIME TO DIE MAH CHERIE!"

"Well I didn't mean it figuratively. Oh well. Let's kidnap Polaris!"

"I don't want to go with you. I want to be alone. Again!"

"Oh Rogue, the love of your life tried to kill you. Let's get naked!"

"No way! I'm giving up on everyone! Even though we've been together the past few weeks and I had seemingly forgotten all about Gambit while you were around!"

About the only cool thing could be Gambit and Sunfire working with Sinister. Thankfully, they might be under the hands of a capable writer, and not a guy who shouldn't even be a janitor for Marvel.

The next writer can't be any worse than this. It's just not possible.

[Volk1]

They really don't say how she got her powers back, she just comes out of her "coma" and has them again. And it's not like they say she's bending metal or anything that makes it sound like its her magnetic powers, but it looks like her original powers. Well, Emma kinda explains it. Lorna's no longer a mutant but still has powers that copying her old ones, thanks to Poccy. Hopefully, we'll get more insight in the next couple of Uncanny's.

Pulse didn't actually leave, so I hope he shows somewhere or at least later down the line (and not dead)!I am so glad that Pulse didn't die! I liked how he left on bad terms with Mystique too. And to me it didn't even seem like he left the Institute, I thought he was just going back for Rogue but since the new rosters aren't going to include him, I'd assume he will leave. I'd just love it if he kept popping up in the background panels from time to time at the institute lol.
Oh well - this sets up the Pulse/Fantomex mini series!

I don't care what anyone says - Sunfire pwned!:) Moreso than Gambit in this issue. I really liked the way Shiro was trying to form a bond between him and Remy and Lorna. But I think the way it played out with Lorna was the right way - she really doesn't fit in with them. Sunfire's seems more powerful than from any time that I can remember - and deservedly so. I just don't understand why he's not a part of any of the upcoming books. I love this character and I admit I am very intrigued with what wil lgo down between him, Remy, and Sinister!

[SincereAgape]

This issue was very dissapointing. Milligan and Marvel have officially turned the Gambit character into crap. His powers are a joke, him turning bad and attacking Rogue is terrible, and the whole explanation that Big-A finally gave Gambt the strength to leave the X-men was also below par.

I would have prefered Gambit to simply stay Gambit and have him leave the team as a hero. At least the character deserved some sort of respectful sending off rather than this.

[Keith_Martineau]

Hackneyed in every way.

I may infact look upon Milligan's run on X-Men with greater disdain than any other run in it's history. With Joe Casey and Chuck Austen, sure, there were parts I didn't like, even hated. But there were parts I liked.

In the end, I liked NOTHING about Milligan's. Not a single bit. Some things had decent ideas and had potential---but all of it squandered.

Okay, Sunfire (now in his less-cool original costume) and Gambit are together, and with Mr. Sinister. Okay. Thats a good idea, and I'm NOTHING but happy that Milligan won't be handling it. I hope. But that small pleasure PALES in comparison to what was done to Gambit in the first place. I wonder if people felt this way when Archangel was made into Death. I can only hope it leads to good stories, but as it stands, it's terrible, and wish it hadn't been done.

And the handling of Rogue was as everyone says. Utterly terrible. If comics can be bi-polar, then Milligan's X-Men was that.

Bring on Mike Carey. At least he's displaying some ambition with his cast, and demosntrations of Rogue and Icemans powers.

[drwho]

Thank God this is over. I'm just glad polaris is acting sane again. Pulse is so lousy send him away please.

[Callisto]

In Mystique's miniseries, right?
And she had GREEN HAIR as well~!!!
Oh Gawd Poor Lawna!!


indeed but if it makes you feel better, lornas powers seem to currently be that of mere energy wielding.Having just read this dreadful issue i am more pleased then ever that milligan will be taken off this comic. His treatment of gambit is beyond disgusting, i mean giving gambit "bad gas" powers is not an improvement nor is making lorna no longer a mutant an improvement either! The storylines have no at all improved the x-franchise infact they feel like those old 90's issues i use to read where everything is rehashed to the point where the storylines feel like there literally being cramped down your throat! Hopefully milligan will never be allowed to touch an x-book again unless its x-statix.

[Beast]

Maybe Gambit will finally be interesting again when he eventually returns, instead of just playing the 'Rogue's Swamp Rat Boyfriend' role he's played for the last few years. A new 'Marauders' with Gambit, Sunfire, etc. under Mr. Sinister could be a good start for a new villain group also.

[Valmore]

Maybe Gambit will finally be interesting again when he eventually returns, instead of just playing the 'Rogue's Swamp Rat Boyfriend' role he's played for the last few years. A new 'Marauders' with Gambit, Sunfire, etc. under Mr. Sinister could be a good start for a new villain group also.

I think I'll start typing his name as "Gambbt" to mark how much like a drow he resembles. One can only hope he becomes a cool villian or anti-hero or whatever... so long as it isn't Milligan writing it.

[rilokyle]

Maybe Gambit will finally be interesting again when he eventually returns, instead of just playing the 'Rogue's Swamp Rat Boyfriend' role he's played for the last few years. A new 'Marauders' with Gambit, Sunfire, etc. under Mr. Sinister could be a good start for a new villain group also.
Ooooh, I like the sound of a new Marauders team. They were pretty bad-ass back in the day and truly were arch-rivals to the X-Men in the late 80s. I feel that the X-Men are lacking interesting/really powerful villain teams, and a new Marauders team could fill that void. But who knows? Maybe Mike Carey's new villains, the Children, will turn out to be a great new villain team.

[Bobster777]

At best, I would give this issue an average. However, I did love the appearance of Mr. Sinister. He's always been one of my favorite villains.

[Chango]

Gambit has always been a fav so Im not too thrilled with his dramatic change of appearance.

With so many Xbooks Im wondering why none of them relate to each other, they all seem like "another time" events. At least this arc was interesting enough and free of Civil Nonsense.

The Xmansion is starting to seem a bit crowded, so Mystique, what is it ya do here?

[f4faith]

I think I'll start typing his name as "Gambbt" to mark how much like a drow he resembles. One can only hope he becomes a cool villian or anti-hero or whatever... so long as it isn't Milligan writing it.

I have no interest in Gambit the villain - he's already just been made into Apocalypse's idiot, then in one issue Sunfire's lackey and now leading to Sinister's. A character that if Gambit remembers anything about his past, he would not ever work for or with unconditionally again - no matter how much he's been turned into something else. They've completely wiped everything (including his powers and skills )that made Gambit, Gambit off the map and I could care less about this dark skinned looser.

[Schmakt]

This is too bad, really. Peter Milligan can be a brilliant writer. Human Target was a really great series. And, while I've enjoyed some of this X-Men run, this is was bad. It was kind of a chore to finish reading it, and I just wanted to be done.

I'm not too interested in the next X-team (although I like both creators). Just glad this is done so I can drop X-Men now. *Whew.*

[Hi-Fi]

Ah...the taste of Rogue's freedom! Goodbye, Gambit! Don't ever come back!

[Sentinel K]

Ah...the taste of Rogue's freedom! Goodbye, Gambit! Don't ever come back!


.....unless someone can actually write you well.

Cos you rock when written well.

[protege]

i thought Sunfire was going to be reconfigured into his "Age of Apocalypse" version. He looks pretty much the same to me. And what's with Gambit's blue skin? What happened to him, anyway?

[Hi-Fi]

.....unless someone can actually write you well.

Cos you rock when written well.

But I think you're already ruined. As in beyond repair...



...unless you shave your read and start over at some book like thunderbolts.

[Sentinel K]

But I think you're already ruined. As in beyond repair...




I don't think so. Things can be salvaged from a train wreck.




Sometimes.

[jade_nova]

Since Polaris is going to be in Uncanny is any of this story going to be mentioned.

[Beast]

Since Polaris is going to be in Uncanny is any of this story going to be mentioned.
Well, she's not with the X-Men in the first issue, from the previews we've seen of Brubaker's first issue of Uncanny. And she seems sane, another gift from Apocalypse. :)

[f4faith]

Since Polaris is going to be in Uncanny is any of this story going to be mentioned.

I'm sure it will be used as a starting point - I mean she conveniently was able to shake off what Apocalypse did her so she can still be on a team unlike Gambit so I'm sure they'll explain it in some way. Also her power probably is a little different so they can use that as a plot point for her.

But I think you're already ruined. As in beyond repair...

No character is ruined beyond repair - if that was the case, Iceman should have been dumped into oblivion ages ago and even so I really wouldn't care if he still was.

[drwho]

Mr. Sinister could always make Gambit back to normal with his technology.

[Valmore]

Ah...the taste of Rogue's freedom! Goodbye, Gambit! Don't ever come back!

Sha, right. Like that'll last.

[Faded]

Regardless of Gambit being repairable, I'm just glad they're broken up.

*sighs of relief*

[We R. Venom]

But aren't ya an Iceman fan Venom? He did manage to make it so Bobby wasn't always stuck in his ice form. :p

I don't like what I hear about the earlier Rogue/Pulse bits, with them getting comfy and all, and her line after Remy tries to kill her is also somewhat depressing.

"The love of my life just looked into my eyes and told me he wanted to KILL me. So I don't wanna hear one word of romance! I doubt if I ever will again."

I guess that answers the question of whether or not she's gonna be paired off in the future, at least.

Yeah...true I suppose that was good. But I wasnlooking for more i guess. Carey will have to take it. Milligan's Iceman was horrible, he was too stuck in the past, its time for some change, and Carey is the one for me I know it. And to answer your question, yes, We R. Iceman just as much as We R. Venom! Pulse is about the worst character I have ever seen. I hope Gambit kills him, if he really is evil now. I hate that. Id rather see gambit with Rogue but thats me. Ive actually accepted Bobby not being with Lorna as long as Bobby has moved on. It looks like he is going to. I dont know how Havok is gonna follow Lorna, im waiting to see sicn ethey are both in Uncanny. What is it, two eeks or so? Hell I might be buying all the x-titles now...maybe.

[buckeye9167]

I don't think so. Things can be salvaged from a train wreck.

Sometimes.

It's been a long time since Gambit worked. The Gambit/Roguey relationship was worse for her than him, but it never did really suit him to be tied down. He got some good moments with the Mutant Massacre Reveal, de-coupled from Rogue during the Revolution, and then wound up in a semi-believable relationship with Rogue towards the tail end of XXM.

But like Rogue, he works better under Claremont than most writers.

This version has drifted so far from the original that if he's going to be around at all, Claremont would just pluck an alternate universe one into the Exiles.

[buckeye9167]

Yeah...true I suppose that was good. But I wasnlooking for more i guess. Carey will have to take it. Milligan's Iceman was horrible, he was too stuck in the past, its time for some change, and Carey is the one for me I know it. And to answer your question, yes, We R. Iceman just as much as We R. Venom! Pulse is about the worst character I have ever seen.

Milligan jumped the shark on this one. I doubt that he's suited for this type of comic. But complicating things is the state of the book he inherited:

The childish love triangle, which in the early books wasn't as bad because theey were revealed to be under the power of ... uh, something...
A clearly wacko Lorna-- at least he managed to reel her in
A recently-altered Rogue and dysfunctional relationship with Gambit (at least he managed to uncouple them, although his transformation of Gambit was too over the top)

I'll remember this run as a slightly better extension of the end of the Austen run that preceeded it.

Hopefully, with a revamped line-up and a purpose beyond 'a team for people who are in the X-mansion but aren't on other teams'.

[Faded]

I think Pulse rocked. :cool: I wonder if there was anything else Milligan had planned for him. I had a feeling reading the last issue that his parentage might've been an issue (the whole my 'mom used to say' thing)

Still as much as I liked this, I am looking forward to Carey's run so much.

A kick ass Rogue, undangling Northstar, hopefully a boyfriend for Bobby, family issues, and leaving the mansion I think I heard.

[drwho]

Bobby does'nt need a boyfriend.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:evilsmile I think Marvel has its fair share of gay comic characters.

[Bobster777]

It's been a long time since Gambit worked. The Gambit/Roguey relationship was worse for her than him, but it never did really suit him to be tied down. He got some good moments with the Mutant Massacre Reveal, de-coupled from Rogue during the Revolution, and then wound up in a semi-believable relationship with Rogue towards the tail end of XXM.

But like Rogue, he works better under Claremont than most writers.

This version has drifted so far from the original that if he's going to be around at all, Claremont would just pluck an alternate universe one into the Exiles.

Yeah, I agree. It just doesn't seem like Gambit to stick with anyone for a long time. Maybe it would have been cool to have the Rogue/Gambit thing for a little while. It should have ended quickly though.

[f4faith]

Yeah, I agree. It just doesn't seem like Gambit to stick with anyone for a long time. Maybe it would have been cool to have the Rogue/Gambit thing for a little while. It should have ended quickly though.

I thought it was fine until Marvel started pulling it's couples can't last because we can't think of anything new to do with them because all we know how to write is the beginning of a relationship so let's rinse and repeat the same old problems over and over and that's not just been Gambit and Rogue - that was Scott and Jean, Havok and Polaris, etc etc.

It wasn't Gambit that caused Marvel focus on Rogue not being able to touch for years - it was Marvel's writers who had no imagination at all. They still focused on that when he wasn't around after 350. The personalities in her head have been ripe for picking for a decade but Marvel has been so devoid of an original take on anything that it never happen. More a fight with personalities would have only been enhanced by how it affected those who care about her. And I would state that Gambit has been just as handicaped by this attitude as Rogue. More he's the one that has been dumped into oblivion more often because of it (as he is now) because of it. Gambit's a thief and why the X-Men have completely been unable to use those skills since the late mid 90s is just flat out unimaginative writing and a inability to write a team not one character and really should have nothing to do with their personal lives.

That said if a break up for awhile (or split onto two different teams) was done well to focus back on skills, it would be fine but this has been garbage making everyone on the team look like idiots.

One of the things that I think makes Gambit so conflicted is his desire for a family and stability so no I don't think it's all that absurd that he would stick around with someone eventually. He's not 18 anymore. Characters actually should grow. He was with Belle for a long time but the outside influences of family killed it. The real issue is that he shouldn't fall in love easily or give up easily and Rogue comes across as just as fickle under certain writers. Both have been written as charming, spunky and fun but Marvel is so hooked on angst as a life style they don't remember what fun in a comic is like.

[rilokyle]

So I picked this issue up today, and I gotta say, I agree with Faded: I liked it. Of course, I actually liked most of Milligan's run for the most part, and this served as a good epilogue as far as I'm concerned. I nearly wet my pants when Lorna was like "I won't be controlled anymore." Awww, my girl is back in business. I'm a little sad she decided to leave on her own, but I think its good that she do a little soul-searching; this also proves that she is an independant woman who can take care of herself. Yes! Girl Power!

I'm a little intrigued by her new powers. It seems that they're her old ones, but instead of being a product of the x-gene, their machine-made by Apocalypse. I hope this dangler is resolved, or just forgotten about in Brubaker's run, cos I'd like her to still technically be a mutant.

I also liked the little Bobby/Alex exhange: it kinda resolved their differences, although you could tell that Bobby had second thoughts when Alex said that Bobby would have saved Lorna too had he been there. I guess Bobby has realized that maybe his feelings aren't as deep as Alex's are towards Lorna.

Oh, and I hope we get some following up this new subplot with Mr. Sinister, Gambit, and Sunfire. Perhaps, a new Maraurders is in the works?

[Loestal]

Oh, and I hope we get some following up this new subplot with Mr. Sinister, Gambit, and Sunfire. Perhaps, a new Maraurders is in the works?


That would be fine, as long as Milligan is NEVER again allowed to touch an X-book. Hell, even a comic book in general, he needs to get out of the business entirely. That Blood of Apocalypse thing was hands down the worst thing I've ever read, and Marvel needs to send Larroca (sp) on a vacation..the guy needs time to get away so he can draw good again.

But yes, a new Sinister arc would be ideal...especially since Carrey has Sabretooth in his X-men team and he is takin that book over.

[Affinity]

Man, ANY other writer would have taken Sunfire's words another way. When he said that they need to take Lorna or whatever, I thought it would be to do the fire cleansing trick Sunfire used earlier (but didn't work apparently) on Lorna, and astonish everyone and save the day. I GUESS NOT. Silly me for expecting so much.

Totally weird how Gambit (who looks cool!) and Sunfire just WALKED RIGHT IN.

Interesting enough issue. BRING ON JULY!

[Ramona Juanita]

And what's with Gambit's blue skin? What happened to him, anyway?

I thought he looked like a drow elf!

Maybe it is blue...

[Affinity]

Looks black to me.

[protege]

I thought he looked like a drow elf!

Maybe it is blue...
We already have Nightcrawler and Archangel- what's with all the blue heroes?

[Christopher O]

We already have Nightcrawler and Archangel- what's with all the blue heroes?
And Beast and Mystique and Nocturne, and that's just blue X-Men...

[Beast]

We already have Nightcrawler and Archangel- what's with all the blue heroes?
Archangel isn't blue anymore. And Gambit's black skinned now. And he's not really a hero anymore either. ;)

[Beyond The Beyonder]

{{{That would be fine, as long as Milligan is NEVER again allowed to touch an X-book. Hell, even a comic book in general, he needs to get out of the business entirely. That Blood of Apocalypse thing was hands down the worst thing I've ever read}}}

C'mon man, everybody makes mistakes. This story arc was terrible, and I can't believe how terrible Milligan's been on X-Men overall, but it's really a total shock. Everything else he's written has been wonderful; check out Veritgo's ENIGMA for one of the most wildly inventive storylines ever to touch the comics page. And then there's X-Force/X-Statix, which I'm sure some people hated because it wasn't what they were used to, but if you took it on its own merit and could get past the fact that they weren't your favorite old New Mutants, that was a brilliant and remarkably relevant book.

So why'd his X-Men suck so much? Man, I dunno. Maybe he just can't do straightahead superhero books. Maybe he needs a twist, and if he doesn't have one, he invents one, and screws up some beloved characters... although let's be realistic, is there anyone on this particular lineup that HASN'T been already pretty screwed over the years? Ok, maybe Iceman. And Gus. :-)

[buckeye9167]

It wasn't Gambit that caused Marvel focus on Rogue not being able to touch for years - it was Marvel's writers who had no imagination at all. They still focused on that when he wasn't around after 350. The personalities in her head have been ripe for picking for a decade but Marvel has been so devoid of an original take on anything that it never happen. More a fight with personalities would have only been enhanced by how it affected those who care about her.
[QUOTE]
Agreed. Rogue has not been herself since Claremont's first run. She has gone from conflicted-yet-spunky to whiny and stayed that way for years. Writing the multiple personalities thing really suits Claremont's interests in mind control, etc. Technically, this story was out of the pic after the Ms. Marvel persona was killed off in the 200s of UXM, but I had figured that absorbing Sunfire might have paved the way for more of these stories. NADA.

[QUOTE=f4faith]
One of the things that I think makes Gambit so conflicted is his desire for a family and stability so no I don't think it's all that absurd that he would stick around with stability

But this would require an arc in which they evolve, and possibly into characters who don't belong in the spotlight of a comic book-- much as Cyclops and Madelyne Prior approaching X-men 200. I liked Claremont's handling of Gambit and Rogue in XXM, where we finally got beyond Mr. unable-to-commit and Ms. Unable-to-touch. Frankly, I'd wished that they'd left things there.

At least they're apart for the time being, however unconvincing Gambit's changes are. I just hope there isn't a nausea-inducing 'power of love helps him to transform' storyline coming up.

[f4faith]

Agreed. Rogue has not been herself since Claremont's first run.

I thought she was ok for a few years into the 90s. It wasn't a problem that they focused on her not touching for awhile being that it is a little absurd that it wouldn't be an issue with her some esp. when she got into a relationship finally. I thought CC ignored it a bit too much but then later writers dwelled on it completely (and movie Rogue has no other purpose - just proving that given the writer Gambit doesn't have to be anywhere around. Movie Rogue with movie Bobby is without a doubt the whinest lamest Rogue ever.)

She has gone from conflicted-yet-spunky to whiny and stayed that way for years.

Certainly with the exception of X-Treme and a few fleeting moments, she has been since the late 90s.

Writing the multiple personalities thing really suits Claremont's interests in mind control, etc. Technically, this story was out of the pic after the Ms. Marvel persona was killed off in the 200s of UXM,

There was always the residuals which Claremont showed could be an issue in X-Treme just when she used other's powers and then they always could have had her absorb someone else - as you note could have been done with the Sunfire absorption. I was always hoping for a villainess to show up unexpectedly now and again being that it makes sense Rogue over time would absorbed more villains than heros.

Frankly, I'd wished that they'd left things there.

Me too. At least as far as the relationship went for awhile. I thought Jean was proably at her best in comics after her return in X-Factor, those early years in the 90s when she and Scott were together but on separate teams. People can say what they will but I thought the early 90s with Lee and Lobdell and Fabian while they had their low points did actually progress things forward in reasonable ways. It was the mid and later 90s when things really got out of controland touched on new characters and new ideas which CC had gotten a little long in the tooth over. The fact that he wanted to spend a huge arc on Wolverine when the character had his own book really made me think he needed a break.

I just hope there isn't a nausea-inducing 'power of love helps him to transform' storyline coming up.

I hope not too. I want Gambit to do it himself and cunningly too.

[Loestal]

C'mon man, everybody makes mistakes. This story arc was terrible, and I can't believe how terrible Milligan's been on X-Men overall, but it's really a total shock. Everything else he's written has been wonderful; check out Veritgo's ENIGMA for one of the most wildly inventive storylines ever to touch the comics page. And then there's X-Force/X-Statix, which I'm sure some people hated because it wasn't what they were used to, but if you took it on its own merit and could get past the fact that they weren't your favorite old New Mutants, that was a brilliant and remarkably relevant book.

So why'd his X-Men suck so much? Man, I dunno. Maybe he just can't do straightahead superhero books. Maybe he needs a twist, and if he doesn't have one, he invents one, and screws up some beloved characters... although let's be realistic, is there anyone on this particular lineup that HASN'T been already pretty screwed over the years? Ok, maybe Iceman. And Gus. :-)

I have no remorse or sympathy for Milligan. Marvel gave him an opportunity to bring a former good villain back to glory and he TOTALLY botched it. It seems like he stopped trying after issue 2 of BoA. But not even counting that, the whole Decimation stuff he wrote....my god, so boring. All I can honestly remember for like 4 months straight is this...Sentinals in the yard, and them bitching.

[Affinity]

Milligan is really fun with X-Statix, Dr. Strange, that kind of quirky strangeness. Otherwise, he's best left out of the mainstream books.

[streator]

was anything mentioned about gambit and sinister along the lines of what cc did in the x-men: the end (i'm hoping not)?

[Mariah]

was anything mentioned about gambit and sinister along the lines of what cc did in the x-men: the end (i'm hoping not)?
No. I'm just glad that it was Milligan's last issue, so he can't taint Sinister like he tainted Apocalypse.

[Beast]

was anything mentioned about gambit and sinister along the lines of what cc did in the x-men: the end (i'm hoping not)?
Not yet. But Apocalypse did allude to Gambit's 'bloodline' during the BoA storyline. And given Mike Marts comments about that aspect being dealt with in canon eventually, it's only a matter of time.

[SpartanX]

I wonder when will this storyline be taken...cuz Bru's is about Vulcan and the Shi'ars and Mike Carey's is about a new race of somethings.

[streator]

Not yet. But Apocalypse did allude to Gambit's 'bloodline' during the BoA storyline. And given Mike Marts comments about that aspect being dealt with in canon eventually, it's only a matter of time.
is your marts reference from a 'monday with marts' thing?
i don't read those all of the time and i don't remember seeing that anywhere else (it being addressed eventually).

[Yoel]

I didn't really like this issue much and i'm glad this run is over.
The little bit with Sinister at the end was interesting, but that was about it.
Looking forward to the new creative team!

[We R. Venom]

Milligan jumped the shark on this one. I doubt that he's suited for this type of comic. But complicating things is the state of the book he inherited:

The childish love triangle, which in the early books wasn't as bad because theey were revealed to be under the power of ... uh, something...
A clearly wacko Lorna-- at least he managed to reel her in
A recently-altered Rogue and dysfunctional relationship with Gambit (at least he managed to uncouple them, although his transformation of Gambit was too over the top)

I'll remember this run as a slightly better extension of the end of the Austen run that preceeded it.

Hopefully, with a revamped line-up and a purpose beyond 'a team for people who are in the X-mansion but aren't on other teams'.


No lie man, how did we forget Austen? Oh thats right, I had him mindwiped from my brain. Anyway, I guess its not fair to place all the blame on Milligan. I am really really glad Bobby is getting over Lorna, I hope to god he does. After thinking a bit, ill give the run a 5, half was good for me, half was bad. Thansk for trying Milligan!

[Stagier]

how long can we blame austin?

let's face facts, we all cheered at the announcement of Milligan taking over, keeping the team mostly intact, minus Northstar.
He could have completely changed things, and didn't have to work with previously established story lines, or maybe he HAD to.

Maybe we just had set out hopes too high. or like someone said, Milligan is more suited for whacky, and not this type of book.

Now again we are looking forward to Carey....i would not want to be a x-writer ever. we on the boards are like pariah.

[Faded]

Milligan's run wasn't that bad to me. Other than this issue, the last couple ones have been a little boring, but I enjoyed Bizarre Love Triangle and Golgotha a lot. :) Plus, I really like Pulse, liked Gazer and Bling, the randomness that was Daap and What Lorna Saw, and I ESPECIALLY liked his final issue.

[rilokyle]

Milligan's run wasn't that bad to me. Other than this issue, the last couple ones have been a little boring, but I enjoyed Bizarre Love Triangle and Golgotha a lot. :) Plus, I really like Pulse, liked Gazer and Bling, the randomness that was Daap and What Lorna Saw, and I ESPECIALLY liked his final issue.
I agree 100% with this comment. I especially enjoyed his characterization of Emma in the book. He wrote her very well, and I loved all her scenes with "Alexander." All in all, I thought it was pretty decent run. :)

[f4faith]

Milligan's run wasn't that bad to me. Other than this issue, the last couple ones have been a little boring, but I enjoyed Bizarre Love Triangle and Golgotha a lot. :) Plus, I really like Pulse, liked Gazer and Bling, the randomness that was Daap and What Lorna Saw, and I ESPECIALLY liked his final issue.

It was that bad to me. Only Draco of Austen's run was as bad and that at least all the Nightcrawler fans can pretend to ignore because at least Kurt wasn't changed at the end. Golgotha and BLT did have decent starts if they had actually accomplished anything but they didn't move one character forward in a positive way. Not one. Pulse was one of the lamest characters of convenience I've ever read, I hope never to see him grace a comic page ever again. Gazer and Bling while they had potential never lived up to close to it.

I will forever hate Milligan's X-Men run for two reasons: the inclusion of Mystique into the roster for the most completely inane (in both the actions and thoughts of most of the X-Men) reasons ever and the complete and utter destruction of Gambit's character in this one arc - and both because it seems Milligan couldn't be bothered to actually read past characterization of either character and their history to come up with decent reasons for the sudden and stupid ending he wanted. There is no excuse for that no matter if the editors wanted a certain ending or that he inherited specific characters and either had to keep them or decided too. It is not Austen's fault that Milligan's run was a complete mess and it is not the fans fault that he couldn't be bothered to even keep up with the recent history of any of these characters and focused on old issues that had already been put to bed except Austen keeping Alex and Lorna apart (which actually predated Austen). Every one of his arc endings weren't ending or anything close and seemed to limp off into the desert confused. And that has nothing to do with his good work on X-Force/X-Statix. One does not invalidate/or validate the other.

[Dr Ray Palmer]

I may infact look upon Milligan's run on X-Men with greater disdain than any other run in it's history. With Joe Casey and Chuck Austen, sure, there were parts I didn't like, even hated. But there were parts I liked.

In the end, I liked NOTHING about Milligan's. Not a single bit. Some things had decent ideas and had potential---but all of it squandered.

The thing for me is that Austen's X-run was really bad, but I kind of feel like it was probably pretty much the best he's capable of. I mean, I haven't liked anything I've ever read of Austen's, although there were bits and pieces of his Exiles run that I thought were OK-ish. (I think Austen is much better when he's writing characters who he's created or who are mostly blank slates. It's when he's writing established characters that we have major, major problems).

With Milligan, though, we know he's capable of writing really good stuff, so it was a surprise and a disappointment when his X-Men run turned out to be so, so bad. I actually disliked Milligan's run more than I disliked Austen's, partly because I knew Milligan should've been so much better, but mostly because Austen wasn't writing any characters I cared that much about (apart from Northstar, who I like but don't LOVE), whereas Milligan was writing my favorite Marvel character ever (Rogue) and did a terrible job of it. Yes, yes, I know Rogue was in the last part of Austen's run when he moved over to X-Men, but he never seemed particularly interested in her, and never had her do much, which was actually a relief. On the other hand, Milligan seemed to actually want to use Rogue, and then he wrote her as completely mopey and dopey and pathetic. I spent most of Austen's run rolling my eyes and occasionally laughing out loud (though I was mostly laughing at him and not with him), whereas I spent most of Milligan's run going back and forth between bored and angry.

Rogue has not been herself since Claremont's first run. She has gone from conflicted-yet-spunky to whiny and stayed that way for years.

I agree. Nobody's ever written a Rogue that I really liked other than Chris Claremont. I think I probably would've liked Tony Bedard's take on her, because he seemed to mostly get what makes her a great character, but he only got to write her for six issues and half that time she felt like a supporting character in her own book.

I felt that in the final year of X-Treme, Claremont was finally starting to move Rogue forward as a character again for the first time in at least 10 years, so I was sad and annoyed when she got yanked out of his hands and given to Austen (who didn't know what to do with her), Rodi (who may have the distinction of writing my least favorite Rogue EVER), and then Milligan.

I'm cautiously optimistic about what Carey is going to do with her, because the interviews I've read with him make it sound as if he likes the same things about her that made me fall in love with her way back in the early '80s. She's such a great character with SO much potential. I just imagine how amazing she would be if she were given to a writer like Gail Simone -- imagine how kickass Rogue would be if she were written with the same fire and love and spark that Gail writes Black Canary, Oracle, and Huntress over in Birds of Prey. Now THAT'S a Rogue I would love to read.

[Faded]

Pulse was one of the lamest characters of convenience I've ever read, I hope never to see him grace a comic page ever again.

I enjoyed his presence very much. He charmed me with his personal insecurities and his interaction with Rogue (though honestly I wouldn't want him to be with her either--single Rogue for me please).

More Pulse! :)

[Valmore]

Pulse sucked because he turned out to be an 18-year old skater punk and not the suave, older gentleman he should have been.

[Volk1]

Pulse sucked because he turned out to be an 18-year old skater punk and not the suave, older gentleman he should have been.
You....... are.......... wrong.

"18-year old skater punk"???? When did Augustus ever show that he was into skating, use teenage-slang, and/or pretended that he was uber-cool just because he can say "wicked cool bro" >>>> (weak attempt at skater-lingo!:rolleyes: )

Pulse wasn't an older gentleman, but he was a gentleman. He's just an honest guy who takes his advantage of his mutant power to do something he likes; to make the most out of his gifts and his life. You could see, especially after this last issue, that he was really beginning to fall for Rogue, after at first just going along with the plan because he "owed" Mystique.

Seriously dude, your comment didn't make any sense at all. That's like saying 'Scott Summers isn't cool because he's a 15 year-old goth punk!" You see the connection there? ......Yeah, cause there is none. Just like your comment!

Don't mess with Pulse - I got his back.:evilangry

[Valmore]

You....... are.......... wrong.

"18-year old skater punk"???? When did Augustus ever show that he was into skating, use teenage-slang, and/or pretended that he was uber-cool just because he can say "wicked cool bro" >>>> (weak attempt at skater-lingo!:rolleyes: )

Pulse wasn't an older gentleman, but he was a gentleman. He's just an honest guy who takes his advantage of his mutant power to do something he likes; to make the most out of his gifts and his life. You could see, especially after this last issue, that he was really beginning to fall for Rogue, after at first just going along with the plan because he "owed" Mystique.

Seriously dude, your comment didn't make any sense at all. That's like saying 'Scott Summers isn't cool because he's a 15 year-old goth punk!" You see the connection there? ......Yeah, cause there is none. Just like your comment!

Don't mess with Pulse - I got his back.:evilangry

You did look at the artwork when we finally see his face and see a guy about 10-12 years YOUNGER than Rogue with all the sophistication of an 18-year old skater, right? He's not a gentleman, he's a goofus. "Gee Rogue, now that the Cajun Hunk is out of the picture, what say you and me make out?"

It's poor characterization and design from what we were given when Mystique was speaking with him while he was out stealing. He was initially hinted as being like James Bond, we got Frankie Muniz.

So no, Pulse sucked because he was hyped as one package and turned out to be completely opposite. You can have his back all you like - it doesn't change that Milligan screwed him up as well. Not surprising, though, since he screwed up just about everything on his X-Men run.

[Volk1]

You did look at the artwork when we finally see his face and see a guy about 10-12 years YOUNGER than Rogue with all the sophistication of an 18-year old skater, right? He's not a gentleman, he's a goofus. "Gee Rogue, now that the Cajun Hunk is out of the picture, what say you and me make out?"

It's poor characterization and design from what we were given when Mystique was speaking with him while he was out stealing. He was initially hinted as being like James Bond, we got Frankie Muniz.

So no, Pulse sucked because he was hyped as one package and turned out to be completely opposite. You can have his back all you like - it doesn't change that Milligan screwed him up as well. Not surprising, though, since he screwed up just about everything on his X-Men run.

Yeah, I'll still have his back. Milligan created him to be just like that - he's appeared in what, 6 issues or less? He's obviously not around people all the time from what we've seen. He's always doing jobs, always on the run. Not a lot of time to mingle with people. He could be just shy since he doesn't interact with anybody. He's obviously sophisticated in some ways, with him having a great vocabulary and having that classical-music ring tone when we first see him.

What triggered my response was the whole "skateboard" stigma - if all you're going by his appearnce in that What Lorna Saw arc with that fill-in artist Cruz, then I see where you're coming from - but imo that's not who he is. That art was FUGLY.
Larocca's image is more of what he should be. You could see he was uncomfortable being asked questions. Just because a man is a little timid around people doesn't make him a "skater-punk".

He started to fall for Rogue and his awkwardness and lack of social-skills forced him to act on his impulses too quickly. Obviously, he's not a smooth-talker like Gambit. And now that I think about, when was he hyped to be James Bond? We first see him in the shadows talking to Mystique on a phone while stealing art. What's so James Bond about that?

[Faded]

I'm glad Pulse wasn't Mr. Suave. I liked his awkardness--not as funny as Madrox or M, not as cute as Quill, but he had it somewhere in between.

I really didn't see him hyped as anything. :confused:

Other than the internet rumors that he was Fantomex or something. :\

[Majinlex]

One more thing the part after Sunfire broke the ice was that the White Queen who says is any one hurt and why was her hair white.

I did a double-take when I saw that. The first mistake in this issue was when Rogue and Gus' speech bubbles were pointing the wrong way in one frame. That was fine, I can deal with that. Then after Sunfire blows everyone up Gambit's asking if everyone's ok? Oh wait that's not Gambit, it's Emma. Someone screwed up the colours :D

[jarrod]

I agree 100% with this comment. I especially enjoyed his characterization of Emma in the book. He wrote her very well, and I loved all her scenes with "Alexander." All in all, I thought it was pretty decent run. :)
Totally true... Milligan wrote a better Emma than what we've seen in the "acclaimed" runs of Whedon or Pak imo.

[Polaris437]

I''m just glad Polaris got powers again. I couldn't stand it when Milligan chose her as one of the mutants to lose their powers while more important X-Men retained theirs (Cyclops :mad: ). Now she can go back to kicking butt.

[Faded]

I did a double-take when I saw that. The first mistake in this issue was when Rogue and Gus' speech bubbles were pointing the wrong way in one frame.

When was this? I don't think I noticed. :o

[Bobster777]

I''m just glad Polaris got powers again. I couldn't stand it when Milligan chose her as one of the mutants to lose their powers while more important X-Men retained theirs (Cyclops :mad: ). Now she can go back to kicking butt.
I don't think he had a choice. Polaris was one of the HOM. Since they all lost their powers, it just made sense that she would to.

[X-Factor]

Best issue of X-Men in quite some time. I'm beyond content with where PM had moved the characters, aside from Gambit whom I've grown to dislike, specifically with Rogue.

[f4faith]

Yeah, I'll still have his back. Milligan created him to be just like that - he's appeared in what, 6 issues or less? He's obviously not around people all the time from what we've seen.


But why is that? He somehow met Mystique. Why is he not around other people now or in the past? Most people by his age have set in their social skills and we have no reason given why he's so brilliant in being able to help Mystique when we first see him and talk all mysteriously to her like he was Fantomex then and why he's a complete social creep, wimp, and loser when we see him at the mansion. We have no explanation why this moron also follows Mystique around like a dog deciding to jump in to play romeo to her already involved daughter originally on Mystique's whim. There are even some hints in BLT that he and Mystique were involved at some point. I have no respect for any guy being used the way Mystique used him and allowing her to do so whether he's just stupid or agrees with her.

He's always doing jobs, always on the run. Not a lot of time to mingle with people.

Gambit was pulling jobs since childhood. He still managed to actually talk to people. I don't see that as an excuse for being socially creepy - which he most certainly was by immediately wanting to jump into a relationship with Rogue the minute Gambit was gone - especially since he also stated just a day or two previously that he wasn't interested in that, he was just there to be "friends" with Rogue because he owed Mystique something. He seemed perfectly socially adept then to get Rogue to talk to him. I didn't see him as some shy person but just saying whatever he thought would work at the time and thinking that everyone is as shallow as he seems to be.

He started to fall for Rogue and his awkwardness and lack of social-skills forced him to act on his impulses too quickly.

I didn't see that he started to fall for Rogue nor that he has awkward social skills unless you consider "stalker" awkward social skills. He doesn't know her. He's been around her for what a day or two? (yet spoke of Rogue repeatedly to Mystique prior to meeting Rogue implying in those talks that yes he was planning to try to get with her before even knowing her). Supposedly first and formost at her mother's request (because he can conveniently touch her - which begs the question would he "care" if he couldn't?) which he seems to have agreed to do for no reason. He really came across as a creep as far as I was concerned.

[Volk1]

But why is that? He somehow met Mystique. Why is he not around other people now or in the past?
Yeah - he somehow met Mystique. But what does that signify? That he's in the market of doing not-so good things. Unless he's part of some Thieves Guild - I don't see any reason why he would know a ton of people. Doing things like breaking into rich people's homes and stealing pricey art is a profession that should really be kept on the down-low you know? Unless he has a real profession - which we haven't seen, an alter-ego - which we haven't seen, a family - which has not been mentioned....well we can't really make assumptions. He may know people, he may have a best friend somewhere, but it doesn't look like he's the talk of the town or Mr. Popular.

Most people by his age have set in their social skills and we have no reason given why he's so brilliant in being able to help Mystique when we first see him and talk all mysteriously to her like he was Fantomex then and why he's a complete social creep, wimp, and loser when we see him at the mansion.No reason given? Mystique says "From all the guys I've looked at, your the best one that could help me." Or something like that - she needs him because his powers are the only one's who can help with her agenda with Rogue. There may have been other mutants who's powers would have let them touch Rogue as well but Mystique still chooses Pulse. I don't see him as a social creep. Being shy and awkward around people does not a social creep make. Social creeps are stalkers or people who look at you on the street for a very long time. Since when does being shy make you a creep?

We have no explanation why this moron also follows Mystique around like a dog deciding to jump in to play romeo to her already involved daughter originally on Mystique's whim. There are even some hints in BLT that he and Mystique were involved at some point. I have no respect for any guy being used the way Mystique used him and allowing her to do so whether he's just stupid or agrees with herYou saw the reason. Pulse says "I owed Mystique." That says it all right there. Why does he owe her? Who knows. There can be a gazillion reasons why he owes her and for him to do something like this for her makes it seem that he really owed her. Not a sign of being creepy, just a debt necessary of being paid. In this case, he's being more of a man to payback a debt than a wimp for not doing it. He could have just disappeared and all Pulse-haters would rejoice because they would have never have heard from him. That makes me angry.:evilangry

Gambit was pulling jobs since childhood. He still managed to actually talk to people. I don't see that as an excuse for being socially creepy - which he most certainly was by immediately wanting to jump into a relationship with Rogue the minute Gambit was gone - especially since he also stated just a day or two previously that he wasn't interested in that, he was just there to be "friends" with Rogue because he owed Mystique something. Especially since we have to go back to the same "He owes Mystique" stipulation. Meaning: he has to do and he has to say whatever he has to do or say to get the job done for her. Immediately he's just doing a job for Mystique. It's not till later where he seems to start liking her.

I didn't see that he started to fall for Rogue nor that he has awkward social skills unless you consider "stalker" awkward social skills. He doesn't know her. He's been around her for what a day or two? (yet spoke of Rogue repeatedly to Mystique prior to meeting Rogue implying in those talks that yes he was planning to try to get with her before even knowing her). Him speaking of Rogue before they even meet does not imply that he's planning to get with her - what it does imply is that he's asking questions about Rogue because that's his next job : To try and somehow rip away Rogue - because that's what Mystique wants. Before you do a job, you get prepared, you want to know who and what you're going to deal with, and you try to think about all the x-factors that might pop out. His saying "Gambit's going to crush my neck." Ya see? He's already thinking about who he might come across with once he does this job.

Supposedly first and formost at her mother's request (because he can conveniently touch her - which begs the question would he "care" if he couldn't?) which he seems to have agreed to do for no reason.Would he care if he couldn't? That question gets thrown out of the equation because he's hired to do this job for Mystique specifically because of his powers!

He really came across as a creep as far as I was concerned
I just don't see the creepiness. The very last time we see him, he's falling for Rogue. Gambit is definitely out of the picture by now. His job for Mystique was done. Basically, he was there moreso to rip Gambit away from Rogue than he was to hook up with her. So even after all this, he's holding hands with her and talks about their "romance." He messes up because it's just not the right time to say something like that. Not after her boyfriend for along time just became Death and tried to kill her. That's what makes it seem like Pulse is socially awkward - something that being around people for a long period of time would help fix that problem. He's a little dorky is all - nothing wrong with that.:)

Plus, he actually showed that he wasn't really that cowardly at all by
1. Help defeats Apocalypse
2. Saving Rogue's life by restraining Gambit right before he was going to destroy her.

Seems like more of a hero than a creep to me.
Plus he even stands up for himself to Mystique in his last apperance.

I see more of a dude who's honest with himself, knows who he is, sets a gameplan for a job he has to do, repays his debts, and acts heroic when he has to. I want Pulse on my team.

And yes, I still have his back.:) :cool:

[f4faith]

Yeah - he somehow met Mystique. But what does that signify? That he's in the market of doing not-so good things. Unless he's part of some Thieves Guild - I don't see any reason why he would know a ton of people.

He had to grow up somewhere. Unless Mystique raised him too. :evilsmile

well we can't really make assumptions. He may know people, he may have a best friend somewhere, but it doesn't look like he's the talk of the town or Mr. Popular.

But you are assuming he's shy. I see no indication he's shy. I just saw a guy doing what he felt would work at the time. He didn't seem the least shy with Mystique asking her about sleeping with Gambit and implying he had a right to know. Why would he have right to know? And why was Mystique flirtily being coy about it? He also talks about if Rogue knows about him and how will Mystique break up Gambit and Rogue so I don't see that as his job.

You saw the reason. Pulse says "I owed Mystique." That says it all right there.

Not to me. If Milligan wanted me to buy that fill in the details. I'd have to owe someone a heck of alot to promise to be their kid's boyfriend when I haven't even met them.

Especially since we have to go back to the same "He owes Mystique" stipulation. Meaning: he has to do and he has to say whatever he has to do or say to get the job done for her.

Again I would want the details of what and why he "has to do it" for me to care. And we are not talking just breaking up Rogue and Gambit - he's suppose to become Rogue's new boyfriend ala Mystique so it's not just a job.

Immediately he's just doing a job for Mystique. It's not till later where he seems to start liking her.

I didn't see it that way. He was always acting like with Mystique he was planning on becoming Rogue's boyfriend if he could at Raven's insistence. Why he kept asking if she had told Rogue about him yet and if Raven was able to break them up or how she would. And then the minute it happens he suddenly changes from friend to hey let's have a romance - yep I saw that as doing exactly what he was sent to do and yep creepy and stalkerish.

Him speaking of Rogue before they even meet does not imply that he's planning to get with her - what it does imply is that he's asking questions about Rogue because that's his next job : To try and somehow rip away Rogue -

He is not there to try to rip away Rogue just to break them up - he is there to be her boyfriend if he's actually doing what Mystique wants - that is not a short term commitment or just a job - something that I find very creepy. He even talks with Raven about how she's going to get Gambit out of the way. He never implies that's what he's there to do. That's Raven't part - breaking up Gambit and Rogue so he can move in. More we still see Raven pushing them together after Gambit is gone so I don't think she thought the reason she brought him was to just break them up.

Would he care if he couldn't? That question gets thrown out of the equation because he's hired to do this job for Mystique specifically because of his powers!

which doesn't impress me. he's then just a plot device then.

I just don't see the creepiness. The very last time we see him, he's falling for Rogue.

I didn't see a guy falling for Rogue - I saw a guy who changed his story everytime it seemed to work for him.

Gambit is definitely out of the picture by now. His job for Mystique was done.

Then why was she still trying to push them together? Rogue said she was. Raven did not bring him in just to break up Gambit and Rogue. She is still trying to throw them together even after Gambit left as Rogue said so he was still doing the job and Mystique gets mad as he messed it up.

Basically, he was there moreso to rip Gambit away from Rogue than he was to hook up with her.

It was stated over and over he was there to hook up with her per Mystique's idea and Mystique was the one who was to break up Gambit and Rogue. Pulse never once even spoke to Gambit but Mystique sure did.

Plus, he actually showed that he wasn't really that cowardly at all by
1. Help defeats Apocalypse
2. Saving Rogue's life by restraining Gambit right before he was going to destroy her.

Well I just took that as a lie about being cowardly to gain favor and seem unthreathening since as you point out he never actually acts cowardly. He claims he's not going against Apocalypse but ends up going with the team anyway - convenient he got over his fear so fast. And for all his worrying about his power not working on the Big A - it seemed to work just fine.

Plus he even stands up for himself to Mystique in his last apperance.

Because she gets mad at him as compared to thinking he's the greatest for a change.

I want Pulse on my team.

And I'd throw him in the trash. :p

[X-Factor]

Not everyone has the mutant charm of Gambit, or the ability to know the right things to say like Havok.

I'd enjoy reading about the kid in high school who could never score, but was cute because of it.