X-Men from the Beginning [Archive] - Page 2 - Comic Book Resources Forums

CJ Lentze

12-12-2007, 12:21 PM

Loving this stuff, wish I could do it myself. It's gonna be a bit of an effort for you guys when the different X-Men titles come out. Not that there's a time limit on this...

Well, I'm not going to read everything, myself, because money won't allow that... So I guess I'm kind of cheating. ;) I'll just comment on issues I have read, and I see this as a chance to comment on some of my favourite stories. But so far, I've read all the issues that have been reviewed.

X-Men #45

Like I said last issue: the way Magneto imprisons Cyclops doesn't impress me and Cyclops manages to free himself rather easily. (Warren still is one up on him in the dumb luck department as Scott didn't have any convenient devices to help him out.) I remain unclear whether Cyclops optic blasts are constantly erupting from his eyes or not. He claims now that he hasn't used them for hours and that the built-up energy is enough to open his visor... which kinda negates the whole point of the visor.

I think that -at this point- Cyclops' eyes are such that they continuously draw on his energy reserves. And if he runs out of juice, his eyes stop blasting, to keep them from draining energy from his vital systems- and they start shooting again once he's rested. I guess that, when his optic blasts aren't working, he's very, very tired. Though that doesn't explain how he had to wait for his power to build up in a darkened room... perhaps it takes a while for his body to metabolise the solar energy he stores.

Overall, I thought this Magneto story was very good stuff. Though the Red Raven issue was merely distraction, I agree. I've also noticed that, ever since Professor X died, the storytelling has become more free and fluid. The captions and the dialogue are less static, and the artists aren't confined to fitting their art into those small, square boxes anymore, but are instead experimenting more with getting a dynamic picture across.

The confrontation between Cyclops and Quicksilver was my favourite part of this storyline. It becomes so obvious in those scenes that each of these young mutants has become a living extension of the ideals of Professor Xavier and Magneto respectively, although Quicksilver is still insecure and has a good share of nobility within him. And I, myself, also loved the part where Toad gets rid of Magneto. Though now, apparently, Quicksilver is still on the loose with the Scarlet Witch and the Toad, and I wonder where they'll end up.

worstblogever

12-12-2007, 12:54 PM

Avengers #53-Scott must seriously have a low opinion of Warren.
Scott: "Wings, go get help!"

Warren: "Gotcha Cyke!" *Warren flies off*

Scott: "Well, now that old Warren Mr. La-Te-Da is gone... *Zakt!* I'm FREE! Let's go X-Men!"

*Avengers show up*

Avengers chorus: "HARUMPH, HARUMPH, ARGUE! HARUMPH, BICKER!*

Scott: "GAH! FAKES! PROBABLY MORE OF MASTERMIND'S ILLUSIONS! *ZAKT!*

Seriously, does Scott order a pizza, then blast the delivery guy when he shows up at the Xavier Mansion, too? You ordered it, Scott. (by it, I mean the Avengers rescue, or a pizza) Pay the guy, and don't forget to tip. (Clint accepts gratuity.)

david r

12-12-2007, 08:10 PM

Well, I'm not going to read everything, myself, because money won't allow that... So I guess I'm kind of cheating. ;) I'll just comment on issues I have read, and I see this as a chance to comment on some of my favourite stories.

What I like about reading an issue a day is it feels like reading a book. And each issue is a new chapter in that book. You really see how the characters are growing and changing issue by issue.

I've also noticed that, ever since Professor X died, the storytelling has become more free and fluid. The captions and the dialogue are less static, and the artists aren't confined to fitting their art into those small, square boxes anymore, but are instead experimenting more with getting a dynamic picture across.

It seems to me there are fewer captions per page. Less artwork, and I've noticed the issues are getting quicker to read. Lee & Kirby packed more story in their issues.

And I, myself, also loved the part where Toad gets rid of Magneto. Though now, apparently, Quicksilver is still on the loose with the Scarlet Witch and the Toad, and I wonder where they'll end up.

My favorite part was the Toad's revenge on Magneto. I really can't believe how horrible Magneto acts towards his fellow mutants. He is pure evil in these stories.

david r

12-12-2007, 08:14 PM

X-Men #46

This issue promises THE END OF THE X-MEN! And sports a nice cover of the Juggernaut ripping apart a giant X. With each X-member represented within the X.

The X-Men are still grieving the death of Charles Xavier, weeks after his demise. At the graveyard, FBI Agent Amos Duncan arrives (thought his name was Fred Duncan) appears and everyone returns to the Mansion. Where Daredevil buddy Foggy Nelson reads Professor X's will. Everything is left to the students, or given to charity. Scott Summers is named administrator of Charles' financial assets.

But then, Juggernaut returns from the Crimson Cosmos!! A device Charles was building brings Cain Marko back, and Juggernaut goes on a smashing spree!! Agent Duncan gets thrown out the window, and the X-Men battle Juggernaut for a third time! Unfortunately, the device sends Juggernaut back to his limbo, and the X-Men stand victorious. Only for FBI agent Duncan to order the X-Men to disband!! The FBI feel the X-Men are easy targets for evil mutants, and would work better if they were dispersed throughout the United States. After discussing it, the X-Men decide to follow the gov't lead, and break-up!! #46 ends with the members saying their goodbyes and parting ways. Scott & Jean wondering if they'll ever see each other again!! <sob>

X-Men Origins Series: This concludes Iceman's origin, as Scott and Bobby are on the verge of being lynched by angry humans. But they escape and return to Bobby Drake's home, where Professor Charles Xavier mindwipes the crowd, mindwipes Bobby's parents, and asks Bobby if he'd like to join the School. The parents have already said "yes". We now have TWO X-Men.

My thoughts: The return of the Juggernaut felt forced. It's always welcome to see Cain Marko, but his return and immediate defeat felt rushed. I preferred reading the X-Men's continued grief of Xavier's death, and then the break-up of the X-Men. It was a sad ending.

Publication Date: May 1968

worstblogever

12-13-2007, 01:26 AM

Dizzy D

12-13-2007, 05:46 AM

X-Men #46:

I really, really love that cover. (thank you cover-browser)
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8586/461iu6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

(Bit of future reference, but it can't be helped. I just wish to see a scene when Xavier returns and finds out his students have given his favourite pipe or wheelchair to charity and throws a fit about it.)

Anyway nice to see Foggy Nelson. (Another future reference: when Juggernaut sued for the X-Mansion in one of his recent appearances, the X-Men could have brought him in. I'm sure he still had a copy of the will.)

Xavier is a big softy. He sure is forgiving when it comes to Cain. Stepbrother or not, how often should a guy try to kill you to earn a one-way ticket to the Crimson Cosmos. He apparantly has lost his recently acquired telepathic abilities as well. (Telepathy sure seems different back in days: it can be traded, stolen, lend and given.) But Juggernaut now has a new trick: spheres of energy projected from his forcefield. As if he wasn't powerful enough.

As Xavier's devices go, a device that can breach dimensions to find and transport an individual sure is one of his more impressive inventions. Convenient that it also somehow sends him back after a short amount of time, even with the device destroyed.

Agent Duncan is so wrong with his orders, but I guess we will find that out in the following issues. Splitting up the X-Men for a short arc to develop them individually could be good though, but their real strength has always been their teamwork. The others are all going back to their parents, but I wonder where Scott will go. Also leaving the mansion behind with all its equipment seems like such a waste.

CJ Lentze

12-13-2007, 11:31 AM

It seems to me there are fewer captions per page. Less artwork, and I've noticed the issues are getting quicker to read. Lee & Kirby packed more story in their issues.

Maybe it was an early stage in the evolution of the decompression of stories that can be seen in so many Marvel comics today. :p Although it's not half as extreme.

X-Men #46

My thoughts: The return of the Juggernaut felt forced. It's always welcome to see Cain Marko, but his return and immediate defeat felt rushed. I preferred reading the X-Men's continued grief of Xavier's death, and then the break-up of the X-Men. It was a sad ending.

I could also feel the grief of the X-Men in their individual thought bubbles when they were standing over his grave, and I agree that Juggernaut popping up and popping out again felt rushed. The X-Men didn't even have to defeat him. Also, it's strange that Marvel Girl was able to use her untrained telepathic ablities to assault the Juggernaut with mental bolts, when he was wearing his psionic helmet, which is supposed to protect him against telepathic attacks.

But one aspect of Juggernaut that I found interesting in this issue, was that, besides being unstoppable on the physical plane, reasoning couldn't sway him from wanting to reach his objective (having revenge on Xavier), either; even though the evidence that Xavier was dead was thrown into his face, he just wouldn't accept it. He had become that single-minded, truly 'subhuman', as Xavier described him once.

I, for one, liked Iceman's origin story. We're used to seeing Bobby as the easy-going joker of the group, so it's all the more gripping to see him chased by an angry mob, and almost get lynched, and before that, the horrified reaction of his girlfriend, all simply because he's a mutant.

So, good issue, but there have been greater.

david r

12-14-2007, 08:17 PM

@Worstblogever, I find FBI agent Fred "Amos" Duncan interesting here. His presence means the U.S. government knows all about the X-Men & Charles Xavier. Why wouldn't they want the mutants to work for the gov't? And it sort of flies in the face of the school being hidden from humans.

@Dizzy D, thanks for the cover! I love that one too. :) And I agree, Xavier is quite the inventor.

@Schuimend Mormel, you found a good mistake in #46. HOW could Jean Grey have used telepathy against Juggernaut's helmet? I think Marvel boo-booed. Plus, I too liked Iceman's origin tale.

david r

12-14-2007, 08:20 PM

X-Men #47

The X-Men sure have become glum. They've lost Professor Xavier, the Mansion and now the entire team has disbanded. #47 focuses on Beast and Iceman as they take Zelda & Vera on another date. (When are these folks going to shack up?) Another memorable romp in the "Cafe" A Go-Go. As our mutants battle a group of wacked-out hippy troublemakers.

Plus, the return of Merlin the Warlock. From #30. Not the most memorable villain in Marvel's storied history. This time, Merlin is hypnotizing his audience to become an army to take over the world. Something like that. Bobby & Hank locate Merlin and use the lighting and sound of a theatre stage to stop his mad quest for power. My real question with this issue: When are Zelda and Vera going to give up on these two guys who keep running out on them every date? No girls would take that!!

X-Men Origins Series: Another page from the X-FAMILY ALBUM: Preee-senting-"I, The Iceman"! Bobby Drake gives us a crash-course in the use of his powers. I learned that he gains his powers from moisture in the air. Sounds plausible. He can freeze-up in hot summer, or dead winter. And Bobby almost puts on his Frosty the Snowman outfit again. I SOO want to see that again!!

My thoughts: I always enjoy another trip to the Coffee A Go-Go. With the flirtatous foursome. But Merlin is not my favorite X-villain. This issue was underwhelming.

Publication Date: June 1968

CJ Lentze

12-15-2007, 03:58 AM

Iceman and Beast are in the spotlight this issue... it had its fun moments, but it wasn't anything I hadn't already seen before. It's something of a coincidence that they find the Warlock, and I wonder what the precise 'preparation' was they had against his hypnosis. I know Prof X trained the kids to resist brainwashing and low-level mind-control, but the Warlock managed to mind-control Jean in issue 30; I'm going to assume that he needed some preparation of his own for THAT trick. The Warlock's scheme was bland vanilla hypnosis.

Gary Friedrich and Arnold Drake don't seem to have a good grip on the Warlock's character. He is mainly a hypnotist/illusionist in this issue, and he displays an aversion to cacophonous sounds and stroboscopic light effects he didn't have before. Also, he refers to the Beast and Iceman as 'mutants', even though he's a mutant himself.

The people in the audience actually cheer on the Beast. It's great to see that not everyone in the world hates and fears our merry mutants.

What supports Iceman's ice ladders? Good balance and a whole lot of imagination! I love that part. It applies to his ice slides hanging in the air without support, too. Sometimes, 'suspension' of disbelief is required. :p

My real question with this issue: When are Zelda and Vera going to give up on these two guys who keep running out on them every date? No girls would take that!!

It's the nature of the superhero's girlfriend/boyfriend, I guess. A comic book rule. Besides, even though Zel and Vera don't know their guys are costumed-crimefighters-by-night, the job of superhero does wonders for the boys' physique. ;)

david r

12-15-2007, 08:23 AM

The Warlock's scheme was bland vanilla hypnosis.

"Bland vanilla hypnosis." That's the best way to describe Merlin's scheme.

What supports Iceman's ice ladders? Good balance and a whole lot of imagination! I love that part. It applies to his ice slides hanging in the air without support, too. Sometimes, 'suspension' of disbelief is required. :p

I liked the part when Iceman created those giant "ice-hands" and lifted the amp. I hadn't seen him create those before !

david r

12-15-2007, 08:27 AM

X-Men #48

This issue focuses on the love-birds, Scott Summers and Jean Grey. It begins with Jean trying on revealing bikinis, in her new job as a model (OH, MY VIRGIN EYES!! :p ) I haven't seen Jean look quite so......appealing. Anyway, I have to ask: Metro College?? Ted Roberts?? Is she still enrolled there or not?

#48 introduces Computo, and it's robot-servants Cybertrons. Who knew Transformers stole so many ideas from the X-Men? Computo's diabolical plans are dubious, at best. It sends out 3 Cybertons to steal equipment from a radio station. Unfortunately, it's the same radio station that Scott has gotten a job as a radio correspondent. He even has a 45 of the rock band "Chocolate Covered Ashcan". (Their music is essential listening, BTW.) The two hapless X-Men enter the Hive and defeat Computo. Which turns out to actually be that old Fantastic Four villain, Quasimodo! He then escapes, flooding the Hive forever. The story ends with me wondering: Are Scott & Jean an item yet? #48 makes me really wonder.

X-Men Origins Series: This back-up showcases our lovable Beast. Hank P. McCoy explains his superior strength and freakish flexibility powers. Plus, Hank loves to invent things and has 37 U.S. patents, I learned. He is well-read on the classics like Shakespeare, Plato, Tolstoy and the like. I would say Roy Thomas wrote the Beast the best so far. Roy really wrote those long-winded words and vocabulary tongue-twisters great. I don't think Arnold Drake or Gary Friedrich have mastered the art of that as well.

My thoughts: Another rather forgettable villain in Computo. The best parts were the early scenes of Scott & Jean in the modeling agency. And the other models flirting with Summers. Also, it appears the new status quo is the X-Men disbanded and spread throughout America. I'm still not sure if I like this change in direction.

Publication Date: July 1968

Brian M.

12-15-2007, 10:27 AM

I love #48.

As an answer to your question I think they are a couple in this issue. Look at what Jean says to the girls when she goes to grab Scott.

Mitteloss

12-15-2007, 10:39 AM

Finally reached issue 48?

Can't wait to read your review of next issue! As if I need to know anymore...

Dizzy D

12-15-2007, 11:53 AM

X-Men #47 I agree with Beast (or Beast agrees with me): splitting up the X-Men only makes them easier targets.

Militant beatnik poets. Probably the highlight of the issue for me.

Zelda is jealous of the girl at the counter smiling at Iceman. The cold stare she gives her could freeze her quicker than Bobby could.

I guess the hypnosis is not as effective on the X-Men because the Warlock is now trying to entrance so many victims at the same time, whereas he only focused on the X-Men themselves last time. The Warlock also seems a lot less powerful than last time. Were most of his powers last time just crafty illusions or has he lost some of his power? Also his strength is less, Beast describes him as no stronger than the average man, while last time he could barely hold an exhausted Warlock.

"The senses-staggering, supra-subliminal, destructive might of this killer-gem"
That just needed to be quoted.

Overall Warlock seems to be the real lowpoint in these early stories. Again. I do wonder why they used him again and then made him so different from before.

X-Men #48 The always-broke Beast and Iceman could learn something from these two. Jean got herself a job as a model and Scott joins the legion of superheroes (no, not that one) who are reporters. In a bit of originality he avoids the newspapers where most heroes hang and goes for radio. (Future talk: strange how we are often reminded later on of Jean's modelling career, but Scott's career as reporter is never mentioned).

Scott is jealous and nearly punches the photographer out, Jean is jealous and rather quick to get Scott away from the other models. I guess this means they are officially a couple now.

As the three robots seem to lack names and have only numbers (and what's with 19-B? Why does he deserve a "dash letter" in his name , while poor 114 and 78 need to do with simple numbers). I'll dub them Big Hands, Fish Face (thanks, Cyke) and Grill Head. I like the designs for Big Hands and Fish Face. Grill Head looks too much like other robots I've seen before. Of course, Grill Head is the one to survive his first encounter with the X-Men. Figures..

The story at least acknowledges that Jean's telepathy might not work against robots. Luckily for her, it does work.

So Grill Head is 19-B. It explains why he survives, he has a better name than the others. If not a better look. It doesn't help him anyway as he's executed for failure.

Do not underestimate the girl. She has infinite mental powers!

Future speculation/lame joke: So here is the start of Jean Grey, Omega-Level Phoenix.

The other Cybertrons have some nice designs (I especially like Hypno-Disc Face). They are pretty useless though and seem to have no special powers like the first three. (Maybe if they had Grill Head use his sound powers to play "The Touch" they might have done better.)

I have always liked Quasimodo as semi-obscure, appearing once in a decade villain.

For I shall now release the power of...
...

A vast underground river

Quasi needs to work on his threats. Sure, a river has a lot of power, but it really doesn't sound as impressive once your army of killer robots already failed to stop your opponent.

Overall an enjoyable issue, but mostly filler.

worstblogever

12-15-2007, 07:26 PM

worstblogever

12-15-2007, 07:28 PM

Dizzy D

12-16-2007, 05:47 AM

I love that Bobby and Hank are so sad about the team breaking up, they seize the opportunity to go looking for action. It's like... "Wait, we're not allowed to defend the world that hates and fears us? Let's get some LADEEZ!"

The funny thing is, Jean says the next issue that Bobby and Hank are assigned to California (and they must have left already, because Bobby says that the X-Men have been split up for days). So did they fly the girls in? Did they go back to NY just for an evening of dates? (In which case, I would get why they are broke).

david r

12-16-2007, 08:55 AM

X-Men #49

1st appearance: Lorna Dane, Mesmero

#49 debuts our green-haired Lorna Dane to comicdom. Lorna's mutant power remains a mystery in #49, but she is striking with green hair. We learn Lorna dyes her hair to avoid attention, but the dye never lasts. Plus, the hypnotic villain Mesmero also makes his first bow here. I guess the color green was big at that moment.

The issue begins with Angel returning to the Mansion, now dusty and little-used. Warren is still shaken-up over Charles Xavier's death, and the break-up of the X-Men. Soon, Warren finds Cerebro beeping madly, registering the highest concentration of mutants on the move ever!! Enter: Mesmero! And his obedient Demi-Men. (Though why they're called the Demi-Men we never learn.) They worship Magneto, and have uncovered one of Mags' devices---the Psyche-Generator! <shudder> Mesmero uses it to send a clarion call out to all latent mutants--to awaken the mutant gene within them!!

On the streets of San Francisco, Bobby Drake spies a green-haired young woman walking in a trance, and saves her from being hit by an oncoming automobile. The woman is named Lorna Dane, and is confused as to how she got to SF. Bobby takes her to his apartment. Soon the other X-Men arrive, seque into the team finding the Demi-Men in a park & attacking them. The main tale ends with Bobby protecting Lorna in the apartment (Beast already wonders if Bobby and Lorna have a budding romance beginning. I think Zelda may have a word about THAT!) Suddenly, Mesmero & his lackies burst into the apartment, and Iceman tries to protect his lady fair! But Mesmero's hypnotic powers stop Bobby in his tracks. Lorna fears for her life.......but inexplicably, Mesmero and the Demi-Men bow down on the ground to her!!! Mesmero says, "We come not to harm you--but to-- Worship you!"

X-Men Origins Series: This installment showcases Hank McCoy's parents, as we see them wed. And Norton McCoy gets a job at an atomic energy plant. He risks his life saving the plant from a radioactive meltdown, but is bombarded by deadly radioactive rays. When Edna McCoy becomes pregnant and births baby Hank, he comes out with abnormally large feet & hands. A mutant is born!! The scenes of baby Hank in his crib drinking his milk are ADORABLE!!

My thoughts: I love the look of Lorna's green-hair. She is a woman of mystery here, and that is quite a provocative cliffhanger. My guess is Lorna is really Magneto's daughter? Mesmero came across as a second-rate X-villain. (Mitteloss, this issue is for you!)

Publication Date: August 1968

worstblogever

12-16-2007, 09:22 AM

#49-

Demi-Men sounds like a fan-club for people who like G.I. Jane and Striptease. Still, Mesmero was a villain with some promise, although he's from the same cloth as a Purple Man, really.

More importantly, POLARIS! This whole storyline shows so much promise... a mysterious green haired beauty, Warren sensing danger via Cerebro halfway around the country... you just know something crazy is about to happen... and then it does.

Dizzy D

12-16-2007, 09:49 AM

X-Men #49:
Great beginnings, a Steranko cover (woohoo!)

For a starting telepath, Jean has a nice range. I disagree with the storyteller that the fact that Beast and Iceman are "2 miles up" might be a problem. On the 3000 miles horizontally (uhm, curvature of the Earth, so make that a bit less straight line, I guess), those 2 miles won't make a difference.

Beast and Iceman have found a job! They are now the Dangerous Twins? "I'm Henry Dangerous and this is Sir Robert Dangerous."? I could actually see that. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKM4jrgS0ww)

The Psyche-Generator: with Xavier gone, we turn to Magneto for our invention du jour.

Lorna already made 1200 miles before Iceman stopped her? That's some pretty good speed for a person in trance.

Thanks to the Avengers for lending Angel a nice jet, but what happened to the X-Men's mode of transport? They closed down the mansion, but did they sell or take apart the X-planes/copters?

Beast starts to step up as the resident genius with his mini-Cerebro. I wonder why he felt the need to go along with Bobby's Dangerous Twins?

Mesmero's Elite Troopers aren't very impressive, the X-Men take them out with little problem (except Angel gets shot in the back).

Beast found the time to slip into costume while working on the mini-Cerebro.

Coincidence strikes again: the one latent mutant intercepted by the X-Men is the one Mesmero and his men actually want.

Overall: The X-Men are together again and Mesmero and his Demi-Men are big enough a threat to get a new story arc going. The mystery around Lorna Dane is intriguing. Things are picking up again from the rather lackluster recent tales. Especially the recent Warlock/Maha Yogi story seems unnecessary now, now that we have another hypnotist in the form of Mesmero.

Mitteloss

12-16-2007, 12:05 PM

david r

12-16-2007, 07:32 PM

I wish I had the whole of X-Men #49, and the following issues!

However, from what I've seen of this issue, it's strange seeing Lorna like that. She has changed so much from who she was in this first appearance. It's kind of odd thinking this ordinary girl would later become Polaris and she would have an impact on the X-Men, un-like many characters from that era.

Lorna says San Francisco is 1200 miles from her home, which is intriguing because we don't know exactly where she came from, 1200 miles east is probably somewhere in the Midwest. There's never been a flashback of her life before this first appearance, which adds to the intrigue.

Lorna Dane is portrayed as an innocent stranger in #49. We learn very little about her; just that she has green hair and she dyes it. I wonder if her creators planned for her to stay, or disappear like so many characters from this era?

As Dizzy noted, Lorna walking 1200 miles is quite a feat !! Gotta love those 60s comics! As you said, it's odd we've never learned of Lorna's past before her rendezvous with Iceman in #49.

worstblogever

12-17-2007, 01:33 AM

Lorna Dane is portrayed as an innocent stranger in #49. We learn very little about her; just that she has green hair and she dyes it. I wonder if her creators planned for her to stay, or disappear like so many characters from this era?

As Dizzy noted, Lorna walking 1200 miles is quite a feat !! Gotta love those 60s comics! As you said, it's odd we've never learned of Lorna's past before her rendezvous with Iceman in #49.

Maybe she has some of Pietro's powers, too?

david r

12-17-2007, 07:41 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.50.GIF

X-Men #50

"City of Mutants"

1st appearance: Classic X-Men cover logo

#50 shows the famous X-Men logo for the first time (see above.) This X-MEN design appearing on the cover will stay this way for a long time to come. I always liked it!! Storywise, Lorna Dane is revealed as Magneto's daughter!! And her mutant powers arrive along with a cool costume, with a skull on her chest. Quite nice!!

Jim Steranko supplies the art chores and he makes this a HIGHLY memorable issue. His two-page spread, with the giant words "CITY OF MUTANTS" framed inside the background mountain, is gorgeous! No issue of X-Men yet has artwork quite like this. It's showing the influences of late 1960s work, which Steranko helped define. This is great stuff!!

Mesmero's mad scheme continues, as the X-Men and Lorna Dane are taken into the "City of mutants"--hidden out in the desert. Lorna is hooked to a machine which brings out her latent mutant powers. However, Mesmero fails in brainwashing Lorna, and she unleashes her powers against him & the Demi-Men. (Her powers are still ill-defined here.) The X-Men are about to defeat Mesmero, when in the shadows, a mysterious figure strides out, saying "You, above all should know me--my child! For I am--your loving father!.... MAGNETO LIVES!"

X-Men Origins Series: The Beast's tale continues; the highlight being Hank's exploits on the football field. I especially liked the panel where he kicks a football and utterly destroys it!!

My thoughts: Wow, #50 was amazing. The artwork alone makes this a classic. Lorna Dane's reveal was pretty shocking and I wonder what's in store for her. I can't wait for #51 and the next round with my fave villain--MAGNETO!!

Publication Date: September 1968

jmc247

12-17-2007, 08:54 PM

Uncanny X-Men 50 was an action packed story which saved the big reveal for the ending. Jim Steranko's art was great and a big improvement over much of art in the earlier years of the X-Men. Uncanny X-Men 50 was aptly titled "Queen of Mutants" and tomorrow's Uncanny X-Men 51 is titled "The Devil had a Daughter".

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/pol2-1.jpg

david r

12-18-2007, 08:22 PM

X-Men #51

"The Devil Had a Daughter"

The battle with Magneto and Lorna Dane's introduction story continues! #51 gives no doubt to Iceman's affections for Lorna, as he comes to near blows with Magneto, and later Cyclops, over his interest in Ms. Dane. The X-Men battle it up with the Master of Magnetism, in his City of Mutants in the desert. Artist Jim Steranko delights in another beautiful issue.

Our mutant heroes escape, after toppling machinery onto Magneto. Strangely, Mags survives and says "My legs are paralyzed from that collapsing ceiling!" I guess he gets better real quick. Lorna stays with her father, and the team wonder her allegiances. Back at their San Francisco hideout, Scott and Bobby come to near blows over Bobby's want to go rescue Lorna. The X-Men feel Bobby's infatuation with Lorna Dane is clouding his judgement. This was well-written and showed our mutants in disharmony as never before. Bobby storms out. The issue ends with a new threat assaulting Magneto's desert lair---someone named Erik the Red has arrived!!

X-Men Origins: The back-up continues with Beast playing football and being attacked by a new villain named El Conquistador. I'm growing a tad tired with this story.

My thoughts: Steranko's art is blowing me away, but Magneto returning so soon (he was just defeated in #45) has taken some of the threat away from this one. Still, the reveal of Lorna Dane as Mags' daughter is good, and I'm enjoying this one.

Publication Date: October 1968

worstblogever

12-19-2007, 02:07 AM

X-Men #50

Wouldn't be great if we all could randomly make a skull appear on our chests at opportune times? Great reveal in this issue, as Magneto looks to prove there's a family feud a-brewin'!

Although, Beast kicking a football and destroying it? Makes sense. By the formula of mass x acceleration = force, I think Hank would've been able to kick a 100 yard field goal if not for that, with his oversized feet. He would've been the greatest NFL special teams player since Gus, the Donkey that Kicked Field Goals (a real Disney movie).

X-Men #51-

Magneto says his legs are crippled? Wow, like he doesn't seem envious of Xavier enough, now he's trying to get his sweet parking spaces, to boot.

Man, I don't know what kind of whammy Polaris put on Iceman, but Bobby Drake really wanted her to get her tongue stuck on him like Flick in "A Christmas Story." He goes after Magneto AND Cyclops? Bobby, I love ya, man... but girls don't dig the desperate types. Chivalry's great and all that... but damn.

Erik the Red shows up... possibly the worst villain, continuity-wise, in the history of the X-Men. He's never the same twice.

Dizzy D

12-19-2007, 10:40 AM

X-Men #50: First and foremost, my undying love of Steranko. I really should get these issues in colour somehow. Masterworks? The story is pretty good as well, though I'm a bit unclear on Mesmero's minions: if they are mutants, why haven't they shown any powers so far.

It's nice that Magneto's machine not only empowers latent mutants, it also gives them a nice costume to go with it.

X-Men #51[ That first page is so much better a cover than the actual cover. The actual cover gives me mostly a "what has this to do with the story"?-feeling.

The X-Men should give Lorna a bit more credit than believing she'll chose Magneto's side the moment Magneto reveals he's her father. Cyclops speech to Iceman doesn't make much sense; how does wanting to fight Magneto equals throwing away his power and training?

Cyclops has a good punch and Magneto is down! (I have to criticize Steranko's art in this picture though. It would be impossible for Cyke to throw a punch standing like that.)

Iceman is really the strongest member of the X-Men this issue; he nearly takes out all of Magneto's minions by himself.

The helmet trick again. Didn't Magneto and co already fail to use that on Cyclops' before. And Cyclops blasts it away... again. The art in this scene is great though, so I'm forgiving.

Magneto's shrapnell avalanche is also nicely illustrated.

Ah, Mesmero's men finally show their power. It's a bit odd though: are they all part of the same mutation (with their ability to share power) or is something else going on? So far we only see the power-sharing mentioned and one mutant's ability of negative energy. I wonder why they didn't use these abilities before, it makes them a far greater threat than they have been so far this story.

Beast, Beast, Beast. Headbutting a wall? You have those nice big hands, next time you need a hole, use those.

Overall, Polaris doesn't seem to be convinced by her father. She stands by and the only thing she does is trying to help him once he's trapped. And the X-Men immediately conclude that she has joined him and turned on them... even Iceman, though he tries to defend her actions.

Erik the Red appears and he wants Magneto's minions to take him to their leader.

Afterthought: Poor Zelda, Bobby never seemed as devoted to her as he is to Lorna and he has only known Lorna for five minutes.

CJ Lentze

12-19-2007, 11:23 AM

Back at their San Francisco hideout, Scott and Bobby come to near blows over Bobby's want to go rescue Lorna. The X-Men feel Bobby's infatuation with Lorna Dane is clouding his judgement. This was well-written and showed our mutants in disharmony as never before.
Agreed. It was really heated. And Jean reminding Scott and Bobby of what the X-Men are supposed to stand for was one of my favourite Jean moments up till now, and I was a bit skeptical with Arnold Drake's portrayal of Jean's character at first.

The mutant 'factions' in the battle seem more splintered than ever now, with Iceman falling out with the X-Men, Lorna being an uncertain factor in Magneto's camp (she initially attacked Mesmero's minions) and now a new player named Erik the Red making his debut. Steranko's art makes the X-Men look grimmer and more mature than they ever looked.

Angel seemed to be uncharacteristically cowardly and quick to call for a retreat, though he DID happen to be the main target of Magneto's wrath in the battle. A shame really, I always thought of him as a 'go down fighting' type. Speaking of Angel, where's Candy? We haven't seen her in an age. Good issue, and I'm enjoying this Magneto storyline as much as the previous one. Magneto always seems to bring exciting plots and fight scenes.
X-Men #50: First and foremost, my undying love of Steranko. I really should get these issues in colour somehow. Masterworks?
I have five out of six X-Men Masterworks, and they cost me about 44 euros each. Of course, I bought them at the most customer-friendly and cheapest comics store in town. :D
X-Men #51[ That first page is so much better a cover than the actual cover. The actual cover gives me mostly a "what has this to do with the story"?-feeling.
It was supposed to be a depiction of Erik the Red using his finger rays at the X-Men. But he doesn't have a beard/'stache combo when he actually appears on the final page of the story.
Ah, Mesmero's men finally show their power. It's a bit odd though: are they all part of the same mutation (with their ability to share power) or is something else going on? So far we only see the power-sharing mentioned and one mutant's ability of negative energy. I wonder why they didn't use these abilities before, it makes them a far greater threat than they have been so far this story.
It's the Factor Three stooges all over again (though, arguably, it's likely those were androids). Evil mutants are finally seen organising in great numbers, and they're all using guns and no (or barely any) mutant powers? Also, what happened to all those latent mutants that came marching toward Mesmero's HQ? Are they all being recruited and subjected to the mutant-energy stimulator like Lorna was? Are some of them in Magneto's army already, or would they first need training?

And I agree on Zelda. Has Bobby just forgotten about her? Looks like he'll have some explaining to do real soon.

david r

12-19-2007, 08:11 PM

worstblogever

12-20-2007, 01:46 AM

X-Men #52

"Twilight of the Mutants"

The Magneto/Lorna Dane story ends here, as we learn that Lorna is NOT Magneto's daughter. I was a bit confused by this one. Lorna's parents were killed in a plane crash weeks after she was born. Magneto eventually spots her mutant powers and sets out to convince her he's her father. Sounds like a soap opera.

This whole City of Mutants story started good, but fizzled out with much confusion. Erik the Red turns out to really be Cyclops in disguise. The X-Men sneak into Magneto's lair with no explanation how they did this. Erik the Red is made leader of the mutants---when none of them really know who this guy is. How was Cyclops/Erik the Red able to shoot lasers from his hands?

Magneto is handicapped in this issue, and doesn't partake in the fighting. He is still recovering of injuries suffered last ish. The only parts that grabbed me here was Marvel Girl's one-on-one battle with Mesmero, and the private scene with Bobby and Lorna Dane. Lorna learns the truth about Magneto's lies, and crushes his mutant minions. Mesmero is left lying crumpled on the floor. The city explodes, and our mutants live happily ever after.

Publication Date: November 1968

This issue should have had one of those Maury Povich "You are NOT the FATHER!" moments in it. Still, this sadly wouldn't be the last time Lorna's been on the end of a shock at the result of a paternity test.

Erik the Red is again, one of the weirdest, most inconsistent characters in the history of comics. Supposedly, someone asked how Cyke could make beams shoot from his hands, and I heard somebody at Marvel said the Erik the Red armor (original version) was set up with some sort of reflecting device to bounce his blasts from his eyes, through the suit, and through his hands. (Anyone who disagrees with this explanation makes Stan Lee and Marvel editorial cry.)

Lorna crushes the demi-men... crippled Magneto turns out to be a fake robot... and Mesmero gets KO'd by Jean.

Confusing as heck? Yeah. But at least it had a happing ending, and you knew the arc was over. At least, until it became one of the most relevant issues of X-Men for continuity tie-ins.

Michael Sean

12-20-2007, 07:37 PM

jmc247

12-20-2007, 07:50 PM

Lorna crushes the demi-men... crippled Magneto turns out to be a fake robot... and Mesmero gets KO'd by Jean.

Confusing as heck?

Here is a good quote about it from Jason Powell.

The original “Eric the Red” was actually Cyclops, going undercover in X-Men #’s 49-52 to infiltrate a group of evil mutants led by Magneto and a mutant hypnotist called Mesmero. That storyline, written by “Doom Patrol” creator Arnold Drake, also involved Magneto falsely claiming to be the father of Lorna Dane, before Iceman exposed the truth at the climax of the story.

Neal Adams and Roy Thomas then went on to reveal (only about six issues later) that the Magneto who worked with Mesmero was a robot duplicate, rendering Drake’s story moot. This is eerily similar to what Marvel editorial recently did to Morrison’s “Xorn”-Magneto, ret-conning him into an imposter so that the “real” Magneto stayed more like the one Claremont used to write. So let this be a lesson to comicbook writers: Don’t f&^# with Magneto and expect it to stick – especially if you used to write “Doom Patrol.”

The result of Roy Thomas and Neal Adams’ fiddling is a crazy-quilt cluster of retroactive continuity residing at this point in X-Men history – a daughter of Magneto who isn’t really his daughter, a Magneto who isn’t really Magneto, a villain (Erik the Red) who isn’t real at all, but just a false identity.

http://geoffklock.blogspot.com/2007/11/jason-powell-on-classic-x-men-5-part.html

david r

12-20-2007, 07:52 PM

Did you guys find that Jean Grey wasn't quite as weak in personality or powers during the original X-Men years as some fans seem to think-- at least considering the time period and how women were portrayed in media back then?

It's true, Jean Grey was not portrayed as a weakling female. I noticed as the series progresses, she gets stronger. In the earliest issues, Jean was second-banana to the male members, but that changed quick. Also, Jean has a stronger bond with Professor X than the others. Which is why Charles confided in her his sickness, and didn't tell the male members.

But in terms of the "love" angle, Jean hasn't had it so good. She is your typical female member where the men desire her. Scott, Warren and Ted Roberts all have gone for her, and only Scott is her "one-and-only".

david r

12-20-2007, 07:57 PM

@Jmc247, that last paragraph from Jason Powell is hilarious. The Lorna Dane story had several things that didn't pan-out well. How could Magneto lie about being her father?--Lorna didn't have any mutant powers until #49. Schuimend Mormel stated several issues with this story that just stretched credibility....even for a Silver Age book.

X-Men #53

Blastaar is the villain; as he escapes the Negative Zone and assaults our mutants. Jean Grey is testing out one of Professor X's mind machines...and it runs out of control. The wild energy brings Blastaar into our dimension, and he immediately begins attacking the X-Men!!! This is mainly a battle issue, in which the outcome is never really in doubt. The X-Men win, and Blastaar is electrocuted.

One interesting bit was Iceman creating a few ice mannequins, and Jean uses her telekinetic power to make them come "alive". Nearly this whole ish was the Blastaar fight, and it was mildly amusing. Sadly, Lorna Dane is nowhere to be found, so her status with the team is unknown.

X-Men Origins Series: Beast's origin tale ends; as Hank meets the X-Men for the first time, and they defeat El Conquistador. Charles Xavier mindwipes Hank's hometown....so nobody remembers the football player named the Beast. Charles really did a lot of mindwiping in the old days!!

Publication Date: December 1968

worstblogever

12-20-2007, 08:13 PM

X-Men #53

Blastaar is the villain; as he escapes the Negative Zone and assaults our mutants. Jean Grey is testing out one of Professor X's mind machines...and it runs out of control. The wild energy brings Blastaar into our dimension, and he immediately begins attacking the X-Men!!! This is mainly a battle issue, in which the outcome is never really in doubt. The X-Men win, and Blastaar is electrocuted.

One interesting bit was Iceman creating a few ice mannequins, and Jean uses her telekinetic power to make them come "alive". Nearly this whole ish was the Blastaar fight, and it was mildly amusing. Sadly, Lorna Dane is nowhere to be found, so her status with the team is unknown.

Professor X has a machine that accidentally accesses the Negative Zone? What was it supposed to do, anyway?

Jean & Bobby's powers combined... do this? http://stupidsexyfrosty.ytmnd.com/

And Blaastar falls for it. Amazing. Uncanny, even.

Michael Sean

12-20-2007, 09:06 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/newmsgt/mindmachine.jpg

Dizzy D

12-21-2007, 11:33 AM

It's true, Jean Grey was not portrayed as a weakling female. I noticed as the series progresses, she gets stronger. In the earliest issues, Jean was second-banana to the male members, but that changed quick. Also, Jean has a stronger bond with Professor X than the others. Which is why Charles confided in her his sickness, and didn't tell the male members.

Jean also completely avoids the damsel in distress part during the early years. Either one of the guys is captured or they are ALL captured.

X-Men 52: Art is a step down again. I do like Roth/Heck Polaris BTW.

It is that somebody else already mentioned it, but Erik/Cyclops handblasts are interesting. If it really is a feature of the armour, I wonder why Cyclops wouldn't use it more often.

Magneto is oddly diplomatic with Erik. Maybe he learned a lesson from dealing with Namor and the Stranger.

Polaris can feel evil vibrations of people. Female intuition or unrevealed mutant power.

I'm not sure if I should be happy with the X-Men being smart enough to set a trap for their enemies or uncomfortable with the fact that that trap is bloody lethal. Luckily for Mesmero and his men, Iceman walks into it first.

Mesmero seems to have powers beyond hypnotism. "Raw mutant energy" is mentioned over and over again.

I have mentioned my dislike of Polaris sticking with Magneto only because he's her father. She quickly turns on him when she finds out it isn't so. Points to Lorna for taking less than 1 second to realise that Iceman and Bobby are one and the same.

X-Men 53
Future reference: Barry (Winsor) Smith certainly has a different style from his later work.

Another one of Xavier's inventions, and one of the most impressive so far... in theory. I wonder why it malfunctioned though (was it not finished, flawed or did the X-Men simply not operate it correctly).

If I understand the captions correctly Cyclops is using his own beam to fly. The art doesn't show this at all. I'm with the art on this BTW.

I like the ice mannequins attack, though I doubt its any more effective than a direct attack except for bluffing against the enemy... or keeping your own troops safe. I take that back, that last one is a big advantage.

david r

12-24-2007, 07:04 PM

X-Men 53
Future reference: Barry (Winsor) Smith certainly has a different style from his later work.

He sure does. It's hard to believe this is the same Barry Windsor-Smith who draws Lifedeath I and II. This is even before his legendary Conan run.

If I understand the captions correctly Cyclops is using his own beam to fly. The art doesn't show this at all. I'm with the art on this BTW.

I don't think Scott could POSSIBLY lift himself with his eye-beams. Wouldn't the force of his optic blasts twist his neck back?

I like the ice mannequins attack, though I doubt its any more effective than a direct attack except for bluffing against the enemy... or keeping your own troops safe. I take that back, that last one is a big advantage.

The "ice mannequins" were...interesting. Too bad Bobby & Jean never tried that stunt again.

david r

12-24-2007, 07:06 PM

I've gotten behind.....

X-Men #54

1st appearance: Alex Summers, the Living Pharaoh

#54 introduces that starry-eyed brother to Scott----ALEX SUMMERS!! He isn't called Havok yet, or even have his uniform. In fact, he's brown-haired! (Isn't Alex blonde?) Alex is graduating from college, third in his class. All the X-Men are assembled to witness the graduation. Scott is beaming with pride. But soon afterwards, some Egyptian-garbed thugs attack Alex and kidnap him. The X-Men are on the march!!

Alex is taken to the Living Pharaoh, a man garbed in yellow & green Egyptian costume, who says the Pharaohs were all mutants, and Alex is too powerful to let live. He could challenge the Pharaoh's ascension to power. The X-Men burst in to save Alex (unfortunately, Alex does not know he has powers yet.) The team rescue Alex, who now learns that his brother--Scott--is leader of the X-Men. Alex is proud of his brother. The Living Pharaoh returns and zaps them both. When Cyclops awakens, the police believe he's killed the Pharaoh. Scott runs and is now on the lam, wanted dead or alive!! (Plus, we see Jean Grey in a VERY high yellow dress, on page 14. OUCH!)

X-Men Origins Series: Angel's story begins, as we meet him as a lovable little boy, always climbing trees and roofs because he likes being high up. Warren is sent to a private school, where his wings slowly grow on his back. When his dorm catches fire, Warren dons a wig and clothes from the theatre department to swoop in & rescue his peers, while none of them recognize him. This segment is screaming Hardy Boys adventure!

My thoughts: Alex Summers debut was interesting. I've read Alex created quite a stir in 1969 as many X-fans yelled fowl. They did not accept him. The Living Pharaoh & his Egyptian entourage were a little hard-to-swallow. Some of these villains really strain even comic book standards. I can't wait to see the X-Men "Walk like an Egyptian" & take him down next issue !!

Publication Date: January 1969

CJ Lentze

12-25-2007, 06:41 AM

Let me start by saying merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone reading. It's understandable that the boards move a little slower because of the hecticness of the holidays. And here I was getting worried that a whole lot of reviews in this thread would pass me by. :)

The story is called 'Wanted Dead Or Alive: Cyclops', and it could have been more interesting to have the story centered around Cyclops being hounded by the police, because of the public's opinion on mutants (note the conflicting sentiments of the two policemen; one isn't surprised a mutant would be a killer, the other is shocked because he genuinely thought of Cyclops as a superhero). Instead, the issue focuses more on a villain who, as you said, is very silly. He has an 'ancient/historical' theme, much like El Tigre and the Warlock before him, and his henchmen are especially generic. The only thing I found interesting about the villains is how Alex (or his death) could possibly be important to them.

Also, the idea of separating the X-Men has apparently been rejected.

I like the inclusion of Scott's brother; Alex seems more cheerful and naive and could act as a counter for sombre Scott. Do you know the reasons why Alex was poorly received by the readers, david?

The back-up story: Even among other rich kids, Warren was considered stuck-up. I like the sense of discovery he has when his mutation manifests. Though he said before that he got his powers in military school, not a private school. But a bird collecting his father's golf balls??? Warren's affinity for high places was a nice touch. And the sense of heroism that's present in ALL the young X-Men makes me feel Prof X picks young mutants on that trait as well.

david r

12-25-2007, 07:57 AM

Let me start by saying merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone reading.

Happy holidays to everyone! :) May there be lots of yummy egg-nog, glowing lights, treasures under the tree and loved family to enjoy Christmas with. And not too much snow for those X-fans in the colder climates! <brrr!

Schuimend, I hope you continue to have a "beating, hopeful heart" in the New Year!

Instead, the issue focuses more on a villain who, as you said, is very silly. He has an 'ancient/historical' theme, much like El Tigre and the Warlock before him, and his henchmen are especially generic. The only thing I found interesting about the villains is how Alex (or his death) could possibly be important to them.

I liked the Egyptian angle. But it's not been handled very well. I don't like villains who just "appear" with no real explanation.

Also, the idea of separating the X-Men has apparently been rejected.

Yes, that did not last very long. Shouldn't agent Fred Duncan & the FBI be arriving to disband them again? Along with Metro College and Ted Roberts, this is another subplot that has been abandoned.

Do you know the reasons why Alex was poorly received by the readers, david?

There had never been any mention of a younger Summers brother from 1963-1968. Then suddenly...X-fans are told of a second Summers brother named Alex in #54, and apparently the letters columns showed their disbelief. Wouldn't Scott have mentioned Alex before? And that he might have mutant powers? Perhaps the Professor should check him out? X-fans felt it was tacked on and weren't buying it.

But then the series was cancelled, and by the time it returned in 1975, a whole new generation found the X-Men....and young Alex Summers was simply accepted as a late edition to the Original 5. The controversy faded away.

david r

12-25-2007, 08:05 AM

X-Men #55

Publication Date: February 1969

The Alex Summers intro tale continues, with a cover that reminds me of an old Fantastic Four cover. (It doesn't have much to do with the tale itself.) Cyclops and the Living Pharaoh spend several pages beating up on each other. Scott meets the bad end of an Ankh. The Egyptians transport the prisoners Scott & Alex Summers to Egypt. The X-Men follow in their airborne vehicle, but are unable to stop them. The Living Pharaoh blasts the craft, and Angel stops it from crashing with his wings. This stretched believability.

Trapped in a mummy case, Alex Summers escapes with Cyclops help, and the two begin a punching-match on Egyptian thugs. Using Jean Grey's new telepathic powers, the X-Men locate them and the fight is on!! The Living Pharaoh is about to kill them with his Ankh, when Alex Summers bursts forth with a Blasting Ray!! from his outstretched hands!! The Ankh is destroyed !! The Egyptians flee the scene, but the X-Men are more shocked to discover that Alex Summers.... is a mutant!!

X-Men Origins Series: Winter, 1963. A waiting world still basks in ignorance of names it will shortly idolize...names like the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, the Amazing Spider-Man...and perhaps...the Avenging Angel!! Thus, continues Warren Worthington's early adventures!! We learn that Warren donned a nifty red & black costume and fought crime as the Avenging Angel! During his school days, and Warren was a super-hero before the other X-Men. I liked this story, and wonder if Jeff Parker might pick this story up in X-Men: First Class, as I'd like to see more of the Avenging Angel !!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Jimmy Starburst

12-26-2007, 06:14 AM

Plus, we see Jean Grey in a VERY high yellow dress, on page 14. OUCH

ummmm, any chance we could get a scan?
it is christmas.

david r

12-26-2007, 07:55 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.56.GIF

X-Men #56

1st appearance: The Living Monolith

This issue debuts new artist Neal Adams and I'm liking his art A LOT! Some gorgeous art by this up-and-coming illustrator. The most unusual fighting team of all time have made their way to Egypt, with the Living Pharaoh as their captive. Outside a pyramid, they get ambushed, and Alex Summers gets kidnapped again. The Living Pharaoh escapes as well, and uses Alex's cosmic rays to amp his powers to such an extent that he mutates into...... THE LIVING MONOLITH!! A giant who smahes through the pyramid & attacks the X-Men!! (See cover above!)

But Alex and the Living Monolith are linked somehow, and as Alex weakens within the tomb, so does the Living Monolith. As the mutants battle him, he collapses and the pyramid is smashed to the desert floor. Scott screams "And Alex is in there! ALEX--MY BROTHER!!" Amid the dust and rubble, a lone figure emerges...it is Alex, alive but his new mutant power is out-of-control!! Energy courses from his eyes as Alex Summers screams "I've got the power...and I CAN'T CONTROL IT!"

X-Men Origins Series: Angel's introduction ends, as he battles young Cyclops and Iceman inside his apartment. Warren wants nothing to do with these "X-Men". But ultimately the Avenging Angel sees the error of his way, and shakes hands with Professor X, thus joining this new fledgling team of mutants.

My thoughts: Neal Adams' debut makes this a highly memorable issue. He has a more sophisticated look that X-MEN has never had before. One such sequence is Jean Grey using her telepathic powers in a design that I've never seen before in this series. It seems quite exotic, and Adams' art design has left an impression on me. My only qualm with #56 is Alex Summers hair changes from blonde to brown and that makes little sense. An obvious mistake.

Publication Date: March 1969

CJ Lentze

12-27-2007, 03:21 AM

Schuimend, I hope you continue to have a "beating, hopeful heart" in the New Year!
Thanks, will do. Where there's life, there's hope, after all. Best wishes for the new year to you as well, david.
ummmm, any chance we could get a scan?
it is christmas.
Well, I would try, but the scanner would crease my Masterworks. Sorry!
But Alex and the Living Monolith are linked somehow, and as Alex weakens within the tomb, so does the Living Monolith. As the mutants battle him, he collapses and the pyramid is smashed to the desert floor.
I thought the reason the Living Monolith was weakening, was that Alex was getting stronger. Alex freed himself of the casing that shielded him from the cosmic rays (which fuel his recently emerged mutant power, as they do the Pharaoh's). The connection is cool in the story itself, but it's a bit hard to believe if you think about it; the Living Pharaoh and Alex both draw strength from cosmic rays, and why wouldn't there be enough cosmic rays for both of them?

I like Neal Adams' art a lot, too, and the sequence in which Jean uses her telepathy to contact Warren is apparently special to future X-Men writer Chris Claremont as well. He's said that he was smitten with Jean from the moment he saw those panels.

Origin story: Warren's tussle with Cyclops and Iceman was fun, but how exactly did Warren's mutant body change the substance in the vial to become explosive if it wasn't in direct contact with Warren's body as far as we could see? It helps the story's credibility a little that Warren mentioned earlier that his costume was insulated to protect him against cold. When Warren falls later, Professor X apparently manages to keep him from blacking out simply by commanding him not to; although it could be argued that Professor X stimulated Warren's mind with his powers.

Pro

12-27-2007, 05:56 AM

the Living Pharaoh and Alex both draw strength from cosmic rays, and why wouldn't there be enough cosmic rays for both of them?

Cosmic rays is a misnomer. Cosmic radiation enters earth's atmosphere in the form of individual particles. Most cosmic radiation particles bounce off the earth's magnetic field. So likely the particles are drawn to both Pharao and Alex, attracted like iron to a magnet instead of sunrays they bathe in constantly.

That being said Alex should be extremely powerfull outside the earth's magnetic field and he should be able to process most proton radiation sources. we saw the effect of prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation on the Pharao when he was flung into space and returned as a veritable titan. Similarly Alex if he were left in space without radiation protection should grow extremely powerfull.

Almost 90% of all the incoming cosmic ray particles are protons, about 9% are helium nuclei (alpha particles) and about 1% are electrons.

This also explains how he could absorb the energy that Polaris was shot with recently in RaFotSE. Most likely it was a proton/electron or Alpha particle gun.

Some more fun elements of Alex' powers:

Cosmic rays have been implicated in the triggering of electrical breakdown in lightning.

If this theory proves correct Alex should technically act as a dampening field versus lightning anywhere near him as he absorbs the cosmic particles that trigger lightning. :)

CJ Lentze

12-27-2007, 10:17 AM

Thanks, Pro. That makes a lot of sense. Also a lot of information in there I did not know yet.

But should it matter to the Living Pharaoh, who lives in Egypt, that there's a mutant in the United States drawing on cosmic particles? Could the range of Alex' absorption of cosmic particles be that wide? I'm willing to apply suspension of disbelief here, though; or simply assume that the Living Pharaoh only found out about Alex when he decided to operate in the U.S., specifically in NY.

Pro

12-27-2007, 10:36 AM

But should it matter to the Living Pharaoh, who lives in Egypt, that there's a mutant in the United States drawing on cosmic particles?

I dunno, could be. Given the incredible powerboost the pharao got after he was launched into space it seems he has a near infinite ability to absorb power and certainly the powerhungry personality to tick him off if he has to share that power with another. However ..

simply assume that the Living Pharaoh only found out about Alex when he decided to operate in the U.S., specifically in NY.

I think this is the more likely reason since it is unlikely either of the two absorb ALL cosmic particles entering earth's atmosphere. There would be no lightning ever on marvel earth and scientists would be baffled by the disappearance of all cosmic radiation from the time Pharao and Alex gained their power. So yea i think option 2 is far more likely: the pharao expanded his cult into the USA and found that his power waned due to Alex being in the same approximate area.

Michael Sean

12-27-2007, 12:39 PM

I like Neal Adams' art a lot, too, and the sequence in which Jean uses her telepathy to contact Warren is apparently special to future X-Men writer Chris Claremont as well. He's said that he was smitten with Jean from the moment he saw those panels.

Could someone scan or give a very detailed description of this scene?

DDM

12-27-2007, 01:08 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.56.GIF

X-Men #56

1st appearance: The Living Monolith

This issue debuts new artist Neal Adams and I'm liking his art A LOT! Some gorgeous art by this up-and-coming illustrator. The most unusual fighting team of all time have made their way to Egypt, with the Living Pharaoh as their captive. Outside a pyramid, they get ambushed, and Alex Summers gets kidnapped again. The Living Pharaoh escapes as well, and uses Alex's cosmic rays to amp his powers to such an extent that he mutates into...... THE LIVING MONOLITH!! A giant who smahes through the pyramid & attacks the X-Men!! (See cover above!)

But Alex and the Living Monolith are linked somehow, and as Alex weakens within the tomb, so does the Living Monolith. As the mutants battle him, he collapses and the pyramid is smashed to the desert floor. Scott screams "And Alex is in there! ALEX--MY BROTHER!!" Amid the dust and rubble, a lone figure emerges...it is Alex, alive but his new mutant power is out-of-control!! Energy courses from his eyes as Alex Summers screams "I've got the power...and I CAN'T CONTROL IT!"

X-Men Origins Series: Angel's introduction ends, as he battles young Cyclops and Iceman inside his apartment. Warren wants nothing to do with these "X-Men". But ultimately the Avenging Angel sees the error of his way, and shakes hands with Professor X, thus joining this new fledgling team of mutants.

My thoughts: Neal Adams' debut makes this a highly memorable issue. He has a more sophisticated look that X-MEN has never had before. One such sequence is Jean Grey using her telepathic powers in a design that I've never seen before in this series. It seems quite exotic, and Adams' art design has left an impression on me. My only qualm with #56 is Alex Summers hair changes from blonde to brown and that makes little sense. An obvious mistake.

Publication Date: March 1969

Neal Adams' art certainly affected the story. Adams has so much detail in his pencils with Tom Palmer's distinctive inks that all of the characters seem to leap off the page! I can see how John Byrne & Alan Davis were influenced by Adams with his brief stint on X-Men.

rZi

12-27-2007, 02:32 PM

Ive actualy over the past week been re-reading X-Men vol.2 and im currently at issue #133 tonight...but i'll probably be around 45 when i go to sleep. I try to read around 10 a day....yeah....im geek.

Dizzy D

12-27-2007, 02:50 PM

Hey everybody, happy holiday greetings.

X-Men #56 Needless to say the art is great and the best part about this whole story.

The Pharaoh starts to annoy me though. He's such a villain cliche.

I like that the transformation into the Monolith also includes a wardrobe change.

As others have mentioned, the colourist really hasn't decided yet what hair colour Alex should have. He's blonde. No, brown hair. No blond again. Nope, brown again. (Brown would probably make more sense as Cyclops' brother).

The link between Pharaoh and Havok is odd, but other mutants with those odd links have been around before.

The Angel origin: I really like Angel's original costume. Maybe change the colour of the shorts though, but it's a big improvement on Angel's (then) current costume.

The explosive activated by Angel's mutant body is too silly for me. If Angel had some type of energy powers, it would be more believable.

Too bad Xavier has him ditch the gas-gun. No gimmickery for the X-Men... (unless Xavier has built it himself).

david r

12-27-2007, 08:04 PM

Could someone scan or give a very detailed description of this scene?

I wish I could scan it, but here goes a detailed description:

The caption reads " As Jean Grey begins a series of Cerebral exertions impossible even to describe on the printed page--until suddenly--" I've established contact! Jean says...

The top-middle of the panel shows Jean's head, and we narrow in closer to her eyes down the middle of the page, until the bottom of this panel shows very close-ups of her eyes. They are drawn in purple and quite beautiful. Between these eyes, we see all of Jean Grey sitting using her telepathic powers. All around this is white light--apparently to illustrate mental power.

Behind this, is a green brain. I assume Jean's brain and the source of her new mutant power. It's really just this one panel, but the art design is unlike anything seen in X-MEN before. As DDM stated, it obviously influenced later artists like Cockrum, Byrne, Davis and Jim Lee a lot. I realize now how influential Neal Adams was to the development of the X-Men artwork.

On the next page, we see Angel flying and silhouetted around him is the outline of Jean's face and hair and it is another astonishing shot. Very exotic & unlike anything seen in this series to this point.

david r

12-27-2007, 08:12 PM

X-Men #57

1st appearance: Larry Trask

#57 begins with Lorna Dane's new apartment in Manhattan. Unfortunately, we don't see much of it, because a loud mechanical voice screeches Prepare Yourself Mutant, the SENTINELS LIVE!! And two giant Sentinels comes crashing in. Meanwhile, back in Egypt, the X-Men are dealing with Alex Summers' issues, as Alex is struggling with his new mutant powers. (BTW, Alex is finally a full-blonde this issue!) Arabs arrive and wonder why the Living Pharaoh is being harrassed. We learn he is a professor named Abdol. Soon, our X-Men are in a hand-to-hand with the Egyptians.

Alex Summers runs off and hides in a mountain cave, the stress of everything wearing on him greatly. (I certainly hope no one's college graduation ever ended like this, too.) Sure enough, a Sentinel appears in the cave! The X-Men leave the Egyptians (the Living Pharaoh gets away) and begin searching for Alex. On their monitor, they see Lorna Dane's apartment ran-sacked, and Iceman is beside himself with worry. So Iceman & the Beast take the craft to head back to the States, while Scott, Jean and Warren stay in Egypt.

Bobby & Hank find Lorna's apartment and are immediately assaulted by two police officers. They escape and flee to Scott's Manhattan apartment, where on the TV they see a Judge Chalmers who has begun a Federal Council on Mutant Activities. His guest is a man named Larry Trask, the son of Bolivar Trask---the individual who created the Sentinels (back in X-MEN #14-16.) Trask's hatred for mutants is pretty obvious. He believes the X-Men murdered his father, and wants revenge. Outside the apartment window, a Sentinel is spying on Bobby & Hank!! Deadly danger!

X-Men Origins Series: The Female of the Species! We now reach Jean Grey, and an examination of her powers. This back-up is the first time X-Men is written by a woman, Linda Fite. How many times has X-MEN ever been written by a woman? Jean has a mixture of telekinetic and telepathic powers. And over 5 pages, we see Jean explore these, and end with Jean saying "And part of being normal--is to turn men's heads without really trying."

Publication Date: April 1969

Diablito

12-27-2007, 08:29 PM

Maybe Alex's blonde hair comes from his powers? :p

Brian M.

12-27-2007, 09:11 PM

I can't say enough how I really liked these following issues. It really did start to pick up and I loved the inclusion of Alex and Lorna.

DDM

12-28-2007, 09:38 AM

david r

12-28-2007, 09:02 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.58.GIF

X-Men #58

Alex Summers gets his classic black Havok uniform this ish. Courtesy of Larry Trask, the costume is designed to control Alex's power surges. It creates a unique signature when Alex blasts away. Quite inventive. #58 features the X-Men in an all-out battle with the returning Sentinels. Larry Trask, son of the Sentinel's creator, has unleashed them around the world, in his "Mutant War". We see the Banshee captured by them, as well as Iceman, Angel & the Living Pharaoh.

Mesmero is assaulted by the Sentinels, and Magneto is blown to bits. We thus learn that the Magneto since #50 has been an imposter--a robot!! I'm not entirely sure why this revelation was needed. Bobby is reunited with the imprisoned Lorna Dane, poor Zelda! Bobby and Alex get into a heated exchange, a harbinger of arguments to come? Oh, and David Brinkley makes a cameo.

The twist comes at the end, as we hear Larry Trask's story, his father Bolivar gave him a special medallion to wear. He must NEVER TAKE IT OFF! In the conclusion of this issue, the medallion is ripped off and the Sentinels suddenly turn on him. Larry Trask learns to his horror that he himself is a MUTANT!!

My thoughts: The teaming of Roy Thomas & Neal Adams is pure gold here. This is already a classic X-Men run, as Neal Adams art is just so beautiful to look at. I've seen a marked improvement in the storytelling since Roy Thomas returned with #55. Each issue is gorgeous and exciting.

Publication Date: May 1969

Ventura

12-28-2007, 10:57 PM

Great thread, david...kudos!!!

X-Men #57
#57 begins with Lorna Dane's new apartment in Manhattan.
For the first time Lorna's powers are (self-)described as "magnetic." In her previous appearances her actual powers had been rather vague, described as "incredible waves of force" or some such thing. I guess since she was sought out because of the similarity of her powers to Magneto's, we were to assume her powers were magnetic; but it was nice that Roy Thomas actually stated here that she had magnetic powers.

Though it was amusing she was decked out in the impractical costume Mesmero gave her- -complete with that skull clasp and helmet. I mean, why so formal in her own apartment--was she suited up so as to be ready for "standby duty" for the X-Men? :p

X-Men #58
Bobby is reunited with the imprisoned Lorna Dane, poor Zelda! Bobby and Alex get into a heated exchange, a harbinger of arguments to come?
Poor Bobby! Lorna and Alex are shown to have a definite connection here -- seems a new triangle was being formed, possibly to provide the requisite soap opera element that had been missing since Jean and Scott officially became a couple.

My thoughts: The teaming of Roy Thomas & Neal Adams is pure gold here. This is already a classic X-Men run, as Neal Adams art is just so beautiful to look at. I've seen a marked improvement in the storytelling since Roy Thomas returned with #55. Each issue is gorgeous and exciting.

For sure; the artwork is exquisite and Roy's writing matched it. The best series Marvel published at the time, IMO.

worstblogever

12-29-2007, 01:43 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.58.GIF

X-Men #58

Alex Summers gets his classic black Havok uniform this ish. Courtesy of Larry Trask, the costume is designed to control Alex's power surges. It creates a unique signature when Alex blasts away. Quite inventive. #58 features the X-Men in an all-out battle with the returning Sentinels. Larry Trask, son of the Sentinel's creator, has unleashed them around the world, in his "Mutant War". We see the Banshee captured by them, as well as Iceman, Angel & the Living Pharaoh.

Mesmero is assaulted by the Sentinels, and Magneto is blown to bits. We thus learn that the Magneto since #50 has been an imposter--a robot!! I'm not entirely sure why this revelation was needed. Bobby is reunited with the imprisoned Lorna Dane, poor Zelda! Bobby and Alex get into a heated exchange, a harbinger of arguments to come? Oh, and David Brinkley makes a cameo.

The twist comes at the end, as we hear Larry Trask's story, his father Bolivar gave him a special medallion to wear. He must NEVER TAKE IT OFF! In the conclusion of this issue, the medallion is ripped off and the Sentinels suddenly turn on him. Larry Trask learns to his horror that he himself is a MUTANT!!

My thoughts: The teaming of Roy Thomas & Neal Adams is pure gold here. This is already a classic X-Men run, as Neal Adams art is just so beautiful to look at. I've seen a marked improvement in the storytelling since Roy Thomas returned with #55. Each issue is gorgeous and exciting.

Publication Date: May 1969

Stakes were high in this issue, with the Sentinels showing themselves as more than a one-off robot villain, and a long time recurring threat to mutants everywhere. This is where their legacy really gets built. Larry Trask was totally playing with fire with the Sentinels man. That's the good thing about the issue.

The Magneto robot screwed up Polaris' story for years to come involving her parentage, so boo to that. Especially because with the Sentinels... aren't there enough robots in this issue already?

david r

12-29-2007, 08:28 AM

Ventura, great to have you posting in here. Welcome! As for Lorna Dane's "magnetic" powers, it seems odd because Marvel told us she's Magneto's daughter. THEN, they distance her from Magneto...and now we learn she has magnetic powers. Which would tell me she probably is Mags' daughter! Which is it?

Lorna's status with the X-Men is unknown right now. We've not seen any invitation to join the team or the School. It does seem odd she was suited up in her own apartment.

As for poor Bobby Drake, how could Bobby cast aside his feelings for Zelda so fast? Is Lorna Dane that beautiful or charming that Iceman is swept off his feet? What about that kiss with Zelda in her apartment? Did it mean NOTHING TO HIM?? ;)

@Worstblogever, Just like his father, Larry Trask has gotten burned. His blind hatred for muties drove him over the edge. As for the Magneto robot, WHY WAS THIS DONE? I see no reason to retcon Magneto's story from #50-52.

david r

12-29-2007, 08:32 AM

X-Men #59

"Do Or Die, Baby!"

I love the title of this issue! #59 is the climax of the second Sentinels saga, as the mechanical monsters round up more mutants, for Larry Trask's war on the mutants! Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Toad, Blob, Unus and Mastermind are all captured by Sentinels in this issue. The 3 remaining X-Men (Cyclops, Beast & Marvel Girl) find the Sentinels' base and sneak in.

Meanwhile, we learn the truth about Larry Trask. He is a mutant with the power of clairvoyance, he can foresee the future! A medallion given to him by his father hid his mutant powers, and he was to wear it ALWAYS! But it has been ripped off during this epic, and now the Sentinels know Trask is a mutant and imprison him with the others. (And I noticed, like Bolivar Trask, Larry begins to realize he's making a mistake....just as he's losing the war!)

Scott, Jean and Hank enter the base and masquerade in the costumes of Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch and the Toad. In order to confuse the Sentinels. They blast their way to the inner sanctum, where Scott outsmarts the Sentinels and their macabre form of logic. Scott informs them that all human life is mutations....and the origin of that mutation is the sun. So the entire legion of Sentinels blast off to destroy the raging sun, and are all incinerated by the unimaginable heat of that inhuman furnace!! In the end, Havok begins to lose control of his power again, and runs to a corner and explodes. The X-Men locate him and Alex is badly hurt. Time to call a doctor!

My thoughts: another milestone issue. One of the best yet!

Publication Date: June 1969

DDM

12-29-2007, 08:39 AM

Lorna's status with the X-Men is unknown right now. We've not seen any invitation to join the team or the School. It does seem odd she was suited up in her own apartment.

Havok & Polaris officially join the X-Men in X-Men #65, but the book is cancelled next issue. Chris Claremont later defined this nebulous idea that Lorna Dane & Alex Summers want nothing to do with the X-Men & are only reserve members when they are ABSOLUTELY NEEDED. This makes for a good contrast of Cyclops & Phoenix who want to be X-Men with Havok & Polaris who do not want to be X-Men.

DDM

12-29-2007, 08:42 AM

The Magneto robot screwed up Polaris' story for years to come involving her parentage, so boo to that. Especially because with the Sentinels... aren't there enough robots in this issue already?

The "Magneto" robot Mesmero served just reinforces Lorna Dane is NOT Magneto's daughter.

Recent writers such as Chuck Austen have screwed up Polaris because they did not adhere to established continuity. And that is the problem with the current Marvel Universe. Chuck Austen basically contradicted everything established about Lorna Dane.

CJ Lentze

12-29-2007, 10:47 AM

This issue featured great battle scenes with the Sentinels. The capture of the old Brotherhood members was fun. The ending was a bit strange, and wrapped things up rather fast. How did Alex figure he'd help everyone by running off and releasing his built-up energy? And why did the Sentinels try to destroy the sun, if a) their first directive is to protect humans, and destroying the sun would destroy the human race, and b) simply flying off into space and attacking a star is an illogical thing to do? The cliffhanger was creepy (and sets up a new villain already?).

We get a look at the X-Men's ability to sacrifice themselves. But there's also a slightly more tragic flip side to this coin when we see Cyclops' ability to (accept the) sacrifice (of) his comrades, for the greater good in the X-Men's mission to safeguard the innocent. The first scene, when Marvel Girl mistakenly believes Cyclops has left the Beast to fall to his death, is poignant.

The Sentinels are mainly dangerous on the physical level. Their 'logic' and technology are very easily bypassed with trickery. Quite how the X-Men engineered the false alarm that told the Sentinels they were breaking into a different sector, was not explained on panel. But it was fun to see the X-Men in the costumes of Brotherhood members.

This Sentinel three-parter was fantastic. The Sentinels were more terrifying than before; not only for the new, updated visual design Neal Adams gave them (the cold, glowing eyes, and their greater size), but also because now there had been a federal council behind them. They were also given more credibility because for the first time they were actually shown succeeding in capturing mutants. And lots of them. The return to 20-page stories as opposed to 15-pagers is very welcome; it allows Thomas and Adams to show what they can do on every page, and show it they do.

jmc247

12-29-2007, 11:20 AM

The "Magneto" robot Mesmero served just reinforces Lorna Dane is NOT Magneto's daughter.

Recent writers such as Chuck Austen have screwed up Polaris because they did not adhere to established continuity. And that is the problem with the current Marvel Universe. Chuck Austen basically contradicted everything established about Lorna Dane.

Chuck Austen was not the one who resurrected the plot line and not only do you know that, Chuck Austen himself has made that clear. Of course you will call him a liar. Austen is many things, but he has always been forthright answering questions and also had zero reason to lie to a few fans that decided to ask him questions on his homepage years after he was done with Marvel.

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=195337

As for having Magneto being a robot they almost certainly decided on that because it was the only way to make their upcoming Savage Land arc work where it required Magneto to spend months creating mutates in the Savage Land, not messing around with Mesmero and Lorna Dane.

Mitteloss

12-29-2007, 02:41 PM

Havok & Polaris officially join the X-Men in X-Men #65

You're wrong. Lorna joined in X-Men #60. Havok in #65.

DDM

12-30-2007, 08:48 AM

You're wrong. Lorna joined in X-Men #60. Havok in #65.

If Lorna Dane joined the X-Men in X-Men #60, why did she not go into the field to fight Sauron? Only the original X-Men fought him. Lorna stayed at the mansion. However, she became an active member of the team in X-Men #65 to help fight the Z'Nox with Havok, Xavier, & the original X-Men. Havok & Lorna are active as of X-Men #65 & officially joined the X-Men at this point.

david r

12-30-2007, 09:09 AM

Let's take a moment and talk costumes:

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.39.GIF

I'm showing this cover to illustrate the new X-Men costumes. I really liked Cyclops dark blue uniform, and feel it's Scott's best look ever.

I also like the Beast's look. Iceman of course, has very little to wear, and my only qualm is Bobby sometimes resembles the Silver Surfer. I like Marvel Girl's costume, but her eye-wear sometimes looks awkward. The only new uniform I disliked was Angel's. Warren's yellow costume look more like pajamas to me, than a professional superhero look. Also, I've never been partial to the silly belts they wore, with a Giant "X" for a belt buckle !!

Anyone have any thoughts on their new costumes?

Mitteloss

12-30-2007, 10:37 AM

If Lorna Dane joined the X-Men in X-Men #60, why did she not go into the field to fight Sauron? Only the original X-Men fought him. Lorna stayed at the mansion. However, she became an active member of the team in X-Men #65 to help fight the Z'Nox with Havok, Xavier, & the original X-Men. Havok & Lorna are active as of X-Men #65 & officially joined the X-Men at this point.

Lorna (and Alex) were left out of missions because they were less experienced. Lorna officially joined earlier (in X-Men #60, this is stated at Marvel.com, uncannyxmen.net, the official Polaris magazine...) than Havok, but both stayed behind, so both had similar status.

So, we're both right.

Anyone have any thoughts on their new costumes?

Cyclops- His costume was slightly dull, but it was ok for the Silver Age.

Beast- I like it. Again, without the X-belt, it's plain, but it's nothing bad for the Silver Age.

Marvel Girl- Superheroes shouldn't wear skirts and dresses for costumes, but at least Jean's costume is more interesting to look at than Scott's or Beast's.

Angel- It looked silly. The next costume he wore was alot better.

Lorna and Havok- Best costumes of that era! Clearly, there was a big improvement in costume design between #39 and #50.

CJ Lentze

12-30-2007, 10:40 AM

The transition from uniforms to individual costumes allows each X-Man to stand out on their own. They almost look like a teenage version of the Avengers now. However, each individual costume retains recognisable aspects of the old blue-and-yellow uniforms, in fact accentuating the subtle differences between the X-Men's old costumes.
Cyclops' costume doesn't change too dramatically; the main difference is that he's lost the yellow vest and looks sleeker now. And so does Iceman, now that he ices up over his boots as well. The Beast's new costume makes his muscular build come out better than the old, baggy uniform did. Jean's costume works depending on the artist who's drawing her. Sometimes, it almost looks like a casual dress, but most of the time it does work. I like the long yellow gloves and boots.
Well, the Angel... give him credit for being able to save the day wearing suspenders.

I like how a different colour is prominent in each costume; blue for Cyclops, yellow for the Angel, red for the Beast, and green for Marvel Girl, leaving Iceman with his white/bluish icy tone. It does make for a collection of conspicuously bright colours when they're all together in one panel, but hey, that's superheroes for you.
I'm glad they kept the 'X's on their belts myself. The smaller trapezium-shaped icons are less conspicuous than the old, round ones, but it gives them something they can be recognised by, like the '4' on the costumes of the Fantastic Four.

There was something I thought was a little tragic in retrospect when Beast complained about his new, tighter sleeves in issue 39; Angel suggested that Jean could have made Hank a furry costume to match his codename... and see what's happened since.

DDM

12-30-2007, 10:53 AM

Lorna (and Alex) were left out of missions because they were less experienced. Lorna officially joined earlier (in X-Men #60, this is stated at Marvel.com, uncannyxmen.net, the official Polaris magazine...) than Havok, but both stayed behind, so both had similar status.

So, we're both right.

Havok was left unconscious in X-Men #60-61 because he was a victim of Karl Lykos who becomes Sauron with the mutant energy he needs to exist.

At this point, Lorna stayed at Xavier's to learn to control her powers. It says nothing in the issue about Lorna being a member of the X-Men. However, Lorna actively participates as an X-Man in X-Men #65 with Havok.

Marvel.com is wrong. Uncannyxmen.net is wrong.

DDM

12-30-2007, 10:55 AM

Let's take a moment and talk costumes:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.39.GIF

I'm showing this cover to illustrate the new X-Men costumes. I really liked Cyclops dark blue uniform, and feel it's Scott's best look ever.

I also like the Beast's look. Iceman of course, has very little to wear, and my only qualm is Bobby sometimes resembles the Silver Surfer. I like Marvel Girl's costume, but her eye-wear sometimes looks awkward. The only new uniform I disliked was Angel's. Warren's yellow costume look more like pajamas to me, than a professional superhero look. Also, I've never been partial to the silly belts they wore, with a Giant "X" for a belt buckle !!

Anyone have any thoughts on their new costumes?

I prefer Angel's blue costume he gets from Magneto in X-Men #62-63 in his guise as the Creator. Angel's costume looks slightly different when he fights Sauron in X-Men #60-61.

All the other X-Men's new costumes are classics, especially Jean's Marvel Girl outfit.

Mitteloss

12-30-2007, 11:14 AM

Havok was left unconscious in X-Men #60-61 because he was a victim of Karl Lykos who becomes Sauron with the mutant energy he needs to exist.

At this point, Lorna stayed at Xavier's to learn to control her powers. It says nothing in the issue about Lorna being a member of the X-Men. However, Lorna actively participates as an X-Man in X-Men #65 with Havok.

Marvel.com is wrong. Uncannyxmen.net is wrong.

I really don't care too much about this minor detail (don't bother replying)... but I still think she did join in X-Men #60, as that's what most sources of information say and it really depends on how you interpret what she said about her place being with the X-Men.

Diablito

12-30-2007, 05:29 PM

jmc247

12-30-2007, 05:45 PM

As for the Magneto robot, WHY WAS THIS DONE? I see no reason to retcon Magneto's story from #50-52.

One fun fact is the retcon of Magneto into a robot confused many writers over the years who read Uncanny 50-52, but didn't read the part where he was retconned a number of issues later into a robot.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/Polarisa.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/zap2-1.jpg

DDM

12-30-2007, 05:52 PM

Ok, so far the X-Men have consisted of Professor X, Cyclops, Iceman, Angel, Beast, Marvel Girl, Mimic, Havok, and Polaris. Changeling was retroactively considered a member, and X-Men First Class is making Cerebro more sentient than he is here. I'm surprised that more members haven't joined. I would have loved to see Sauron or even Namor join the team in the issues they appeared.

Stan Lee was adamant of keeping the original 5 X-Men--Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, & Iceman--while the book remained in print with original stories; however, Roy Thomas wanted to introduce new mutants into the X-Men. I believe this is why initially Lorna Dane was introduced & Alex Summers--who would become Havok under Neal Adams--would eventually join the team briefly for one issue before it was cancelled.

Thomas wanted Sunfire to become an X-Man too.

Lorna Dane did not have a code-name with the original X-Men stories. In fact, she did not officially become Polaris until Uncanny X-Men #97!

DDM

12-30-2007, 05:55 PM

I really don't care too much about this minor detail (don't bother replying)... but I still think she did join in X-Men #60, as that's what most sources of information say and it really depends on how you interpret what she said about her place being with the X-Men.

I just read the book. What's your source? I think I would know from the direct source instead of getting it second hand from any website.

Diablito

12-30-2007, 05:57 PM

Stan Lee was adamant of keeping the original 5 X-Men--Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, & Iceman--while the book remained in print with original stories; however, Roy Thomas wanted to introduce new mutants into the X-Men. I believe this is why initially Lorna Dane was introduced & Alex Summers--who would become Havok under Neal Adams--would eventually join the team briefly for one issue before it was cancelled.

Thomas wanted Sunfire to become an X-Man too.

Thanks for this info! I wish Stan Lee allowed more characters to join the X-Men, and it would have been fun to see them with a rotating cast similar to the Avengers.
I wish Roy Thomas made Sunfire an X-Man, because he would have had a greater historical impact (first minority/asian X-Man) and he brings a new dynamic to the team. He's still one of my favourite characters, but I wish he was an X-Man longer.

DDM

12-30-2007, 06:04 PM

Thanks for this info! I wish Stan Lee allowed more characters to join the X-Men, and it would have been fun to see them with a rotating cast similar to the Avengers.
I wish Roy Thomas made Sunfire an X-Man, because he would have had a greater historical impact (first minority/asian X-Man) and he brings a new dynamic to the team. He's still one of my favourite characters, but I wish he was an X-Man longer.

Even with the new X-Men, Sunfire quit in Uncanny X-Men #94, although he would guest star in Uncanny X-Men #118-119 when the team fought Moses Magnum in Japan. Him not being an X-Man fits his personality.

Keep in mind Sunfire first appears in X-Men #64 & the book in cancelled by X-Men #66. Roy Thomas would not have any time to develop Sunfire even if he wanted to in this case unless he moved him to The Avengers...

Matthew K.

12-30-2007, 06:27 PM

david r

12-30-2007, 08:33 PM

@Schuimend Mormel, I really hadn't noticed each member had their own distinctive color. Thanks for pointing that out. (Though I still don't like the belt buckles. :p I thought we wouldn't get those until the 1970s!) A teen-age version of the Avengers is a good way to put it.

@Jmc247, I'm not sure how future writers could get the Magneto/Lorna Dane connection wrong. Hadn't they read the books? This whole "robot duplicate" is a retcon I really don't care for. It's those very type of confusing changes that turn off new fans.

david r

12-30-2007, 08:35 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.60.GIF

X-Men #60

"In the Shadow of Sauron"

1st appearance: Sauron

Dr. Lykos, aka Sauron, appears for the first time in #60. Roy Thomas must have been a Lord of the Rings fan, for we see a young Karl Lykos reading the Fellowship of the Ring. Thus, when he transforms into the prehistoric creature--Sauron--he takes the name of JRR Tolkien's unseen villain. Karl Lykos is a doctor, an old chum of Professor Xavier, that the X-Men take wounded Alex Summers to following the Sentinels story. Lykos saps the strength from people to feed his mutant hunger---and he's been waiting to feed on a mutant. So, after sapping energy from Alex, Dr. Lykos transforms into Sauron!

We learn that Charles Xavier and Karl Lykos had been involved in something called Project Mutant. I'm curious what that might have been about. Poor old Larry Trask is left in a state of shock, the medallion returned to him to hide his mutant powers. And Lorna Dane seems to join the team, as Lorna states "If you'll have me...my place is now with...the X-Men!"

The Beast, Angel and Iceman have another old-time funny moment in the Danger Room, as they toss Bobby around like crazy. (Lorna Dane watches, her hair is colored blonde in 2 panels!) But most of this issue tells us the unearthly origin of Sauron. How he saved a girl from the flying dinosaurs Pteranodons, and was scratched up by them. Soon, his hunger for human energy began....he even zapped his poor dog, Jager. The look on the dog's face is quite heart-breaking! Soon, Lykos has fed on Alex, and turns into Sauron. Warren Worthington dons his red-and-black Avenging Angel costume and goes flying. He soons runs into Sauron and is in deep trouble.

Publication Date: July 1969

worstblogever

12-30-2007, 09:09 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.60.GIF

X-Men #60

"In the Shadow of Sauron"

1st appearance: Sauron

Dr. Lykos, aka Sauron, appears for the first time in #60. Roy Thomas must have been a Lord of the Rings fan, for we see a young Karl Lykos reading the Fellowship of the Ring. Thus, when he transforms into the prehistoric creature--Sauron--he takes the name of JRR Tolkien's unseen villain. Karl Lykos is a doctor, an old chum of Professor Xavier, that the X-Men take wounded Alex Summers to following the Sentinels story. Lykos saps the strength from people to feed his mutant hunger---and he's been waiting to feed on a mutant. So, after sapping energy from Alex, Dr. Lykos transforms into Sauron!

We learn that Charles Xavier and Karl Lykos had been involved in something called Project Mutant. I'm curious what that might have been about. Poor old Larry Trask is left in a state of shock, the medallion returned to him to hide his mutant powers. And Lorna Dane seems to join the team, as Lorna states "If you'll have me...my place is now with...the X-Men!"

The Beast, Angel and Iceman have another old-time funny moment in the Danger Room, as they toss Bobby around like crazy. (Lorna Dane watches, her hair is colored blonde in 2 panels!) But most of this issue tells us the unearthly origin of Sauron. How he saved a girl from the flying dinosaurs Pteranodons, and was scratched up by them. Soon, his hunger for human energy began....he even zapped his poor dog, Jager. The look on the dog's face is quite heart-breaking! Soon, Lykos has fed on Alex, and turns into Sauron. Warren Worthington dons his red-and-black Avenging Angel costume and goes flying. He soons runs into Sauron and is in deep trouble.

Publication Date: July 1969

Sauron weirded me out. He has like, Spider-Man's origin, except that instead of a radioactive spider, he got scratched by a freaky radioactive pterodactyl. Weird.

I'm wondering how Larry Trask avoided getting wasted by Sentinels to get the medallion back. Not a whole lot, but a little. But he's still playing with fire, and it's a matter of time before he ends up on the bottom side of a Sentinel's foot.

And... that does sound like Lorna joins the X-Men in #60 to me.

Joe Acro

12-30-2007, 10:27 PM

X-Men #59

"Do Or Die, Baby!"
I can finally comment! Sadly, that's the oldest issue I've read, at least as near as I can recall.

Happily, however, it's a great X-Men tale. Cyclops using ingenuity on the battlefield to not only outsmart the Sentinels once, but twice! And there are a couple twists along the way.

It's been a while since I've read the issue, though. Perhaps I should do so again just to remember the details. But the art is good and I know the story is good. I'm not sure I need the details.

I do wonder what effect of all those Sentinels entering the sun might have, though (aside from the Sentinels dying, obviously).

jmc247

12-30-2007, 10:29 PM

@Jmc247, I'm not sure how future writers could get the Magneto/Lorna Dane connection wrong. Hadn't they read the books? This whole "robot duplicate" is a retcon I really don't care for. It's those very type of confusing changes that turn off new fans.

I agree, the retcon was stupid. That whole arc suffered from stupid retcons. The whole having Lorna reject Magneto because Iceman finds some second hand circumstantial evidence that he isn't her father was quite stupid.

The scene would have been so much more powerful if she turned against him because she disagreed with his methods regardless of him being her father. Instead they left the stupid message that Lorna was going to follow crazy Silver Age Magneto blindly simply because she thought he was her father and without Bobby's 'revelation' to Lorna she would still have followed the crazy person she considers evil.

The arc was written at the high point of the youth rebellion in America at the end of 1968 and was supposed to represent the young teen (Lorna) breaking away from her powerful and domineering authority figure that is demanding she inherit her father's legacy. This was exemplified by her being worshiped as the Queen of Mutants and being called Magneto the Second. Basically, Magneto wanted to groom her to take over from him one day.

Her leaving Magneto because she learns he might not be her father takes much of the poignancy out of the plot. It would have been so much better and in tune with the central theme of the story if she decided to reject being Magneto's Legacy because she didn't believe in it or want to follow in her father's footsteps.

As for why the writers often haven't know about the retcon, what likely happens is the writers only read Uncanny 50-52 to get an overview of the Lorna origins story and didn't read the comic several issues later where Magneto gets revealed as a robot.

CJ Lentze

12-31-2007, 02:42 AM

I enjoyed issue 60, though the flashback to Karl Lykos' past was unusually long... the scenes in the X-Men's school were the best; I was happy to finally see the Danger Room again, and I love it when Angel angrily flies out on his own and his teammates stand there commenting on how Warren, though brash, is old enough and can handle himself when in danger... and then, in a twist, they all agree to follow and aid him.

Nitpick time: the Pteranodons Lykos fought are shown to have long tails, but in reality, Pteranodons (and kindred species) had very short tails. Long-tailed pterosaurs were in a different group called Rhamphorhynchoids.
So Sauron ends up looking like a Pteranodon (no teeth and a crest on his head), but with the tail of a Rhamphorhynchus.
I agree, the retcon was stupid. That whole arc suffered from stupid retcons. The whole having Lorna reject Magneto because Iceman finds some second hand circumstantial evidence that he isn't her father was quite stupid.

The scene would have been so much more powerful if she turned against him because she disagreed with his methods regardless of him being her father. Instead they left the stupid message that Lorna was going to follow crazy Silver Age Magneto blindly simply because she thought he was her father and without Bobby's 'revelation' to Lorna she was still have followed the crazy person she considers evil.

The arc was written at the high point of the youth rebellion in America at the end of 1968 and was supposed to represent the young teen (Lorna) breaking away from her powerful and domineering authority figure that is demanding she inherit her father's legacy. This was exemplified by her being worshiped as the Queen of Mutants and being called Magneto the Second. Basically, Magneto wanted to groom her to take over from him one day.

Her leaving Magneto because she learns he might not be her father takes much of the poignancy out of the plot. It would have been so much better and in tune with the central theme of the story if she decided to reject being Magneto's Legacy because she didn't believe in it or want to follow in her father's footsteps.
Agreed one hundred percent. They could have kept with Magneto being Lorna's biological father from the get-go for exactly the reasons you name; they could have built on the doubts Lorna had about joining her father's cause, and it would have shown that parentage/genetic relations shouldn't have to matter at all in a moral conflict... especially since this was before the fleshing out of Magneto's character from a pure evil Silver Age super villain to what he would become later.

Affinity

12-31-2007, 09:25 AM

Classic Lorna is one of the greatest things ever. She's so gorgeous and fabulous and has awesome powers! Whenever I see a scan of her in the 60s, I totally get a feel for that era.

DDM

12-31-2007, 09:26 AM

Sauron weirded me out. He has like, Spider-Man's origin, except that instead of a radioactive spider, he got scratched by a freaky radioactive pterodactyl. Weird.

Sauron reminded me of a cross between a Werewolf & Vampire lore. Like a vampire needs blood, Lykos needs to feed on energy to live; however, the weird scratch by a Pterodon is similar being attacked by a Werewolf & live. With the mutant energy, he becomes Sauron. Sauron is really a synthesis of vampire & werewolf lore with a mix of Doctor Jekyll & Mister Hyde.

And... that does sound like Lorna joins the X-Men in #60 to me.

Although Betsy Braddock stayed at Xavier's mansion sometime after The New Mutants Annual #2, she did not officially join the X-Men until Uncanny X-Men #213 (after her cameos in Uncanny X-Men #211-212 & the preceding Uncanny X-Men Annual #10). Lorna Dane is in a similar situation. Lorna stays at Xavier's mansion to learn to control her magnetism, but does not officially join the X-Men until X-Men #65.

jmc247

12-31-2007, 09:48 AM

Classic Lorna is one of the greatest things ever. She's so gorgeous and fabulous and has awesome powers! Whenever I see a scan of her in the 60s, I totally get a feel for that era.

I agree, classic Lorna was great.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/XMEN50pg11-1.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/Polariskiller2.jpg

Ventura

12-31-2007, 09:54 AM

Neal Adams really brought out the best in Roy Thomas. During their collaboration the X-Men became more of a "tapestry" (as Neal put it in an interview a few years ago, I believe in Comic Book Artist), with one story flowing naturally into another (which reminds me of the great FF Inhumans arc that led into the Galactus arc a couple of years prior). The X-Men stories became more open-ended and richer. #57 was still about the Monolith but also contained the start of the Sentinels story; and in #60 includes not only the conclusion of the Sentinels story, but also the start of the Sauron story...and there's no real battle with a villain. The horseplay and bantering in the Danger Room was a great element.

#60 also made it seem that the cast of characters was going to be expanded and that Lorna and Alex would be seen on a regular basis, which signalled a real change from the earlier seemingly "set in stone" original cast. The series was definitely maturing.

Polaris Rocks

12-31-2007, 09:58 AM

Agreed one hundred percent. They could have kept with Magneto being Lorna's biological father from the get-go for exactly the reasons you name; they could have built on the doubts Lorna had about joining her father's cause, and it would have shown that parentage/genetic relations shouldn't have to matter at all in a moral conflict... especially since this was before the fleshing out of Magneto's character from a pure evil Silver Age super villain to what he would become later.

I also agree, it would have been a much better story if it happened that way and also if it didn't have all the retcons.

Ventura

12-31-2007, 11:55 AM

Stan Lee was adamant of keeping the original 5 X-Men--Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, & Iceman--while the book remained in print with original stories; however, Roy Thomas wanted to introduce new mutants into the X-Men. I believe this is why initially Lorna Dane was introduced...

By the last panel of #52, it looked like she would be a regular part of the X-Men series, since she was shown with them in their civilian identities. She really seemed to fit in and was like "one of the gang." I remember being very disappointed when I opened up #53 and she was nowhere to be found! After #52 there was no mention of her (in the stories) until she showed up in #57.

So while she was created by Arnold Drake, we can indeed thank Roy Thomas for bringing her back.

david r

12-31-2007, 08:41 PM

@Worstblogever, I'm not familiar with Larry Trask being crushed under a Sentinels foot. Did this actually happen?

Joe Acro, thanks for joining the thread ! I doubt the Sentinels had much effect against the unimaginable heat of the sun. Probably the effect would have been like small pebbles hitting a lake.

Jmc247, I had never considered the hippie/youth movement of the late 1960s to have influenced Lorna Dane & Magneto. But in a way, you're right. She represented the rebellion of the time. And Mags represented the "set-in-their-ways" older WWII generation. The art styles of Neal Adams have reminded me of many of the psychedelic art that became popular in the late 60s-early 70s. (Think Grateful Dead covers.)

Schuimend Mormel, I'd never guess you knew so much about our prehistoric friends. I didn't think Marvel Comics circa 1969 would know too much about the reptilians of yesteryear. Have you studied up on them?

Affinity, I found it interesting that Lorna Dane would raise her outer fingers on her one hand. See Jmc247's last post, or on the cover to #50. Similiar to what the Scarlet Witch did to show her hex power. I wonder why Lorna did this.

Ventura, I agree that the book is growing after #50. This is one of the things I like about X-MEN is how the team changed over time. And we're seeing it now. And how the stories overlapped. It sort of made the book special.

DDM, I felt Sauron is similiar to the Lizard, from Spider-Man fame. The doctor angle, and the reptilian creature in pants.

david r

12-31-2007, 08:49 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.61.GIF

X-Men #61

"Monsters Also Weep"

Sauron and his tragic tale continues, as Angel is brainwashed by Sauron's hypnotic eyes into seeing illusions of creatures. As the X-Men arrive on a highway overpass, Jean Grey is also mesmerized by Sauron's hypnotism and sees the other mutants as monsters. The X-Men do battle with the flying Sauron, but he brainwashes Angel and forces him to carry him away. (By this point, Sauron has reverted back to Karl Lykos.)

Karl Lykos returns to his office to find his beloved Tanya there. Alex Summers has awakened and feels refreshed and feeling good. Alex sure seems chipper after the hell he's just gone through. (Let's recap: I hope YOUR college graduation doesn't end with you being kidnapped by Egyptians, sacrificed by the Living Pharaoh, growing unstable power and learning you're a mutant! Then, learning you're brother is a mutant and leader of the X-Men....then being kidnapped to Egypt and captured by the Sentinels, held captive by a madman and being forced to put on a crazy black costume. Then blowing yourself up, taken to a doctor who then "sucks" your energy and the doctor turns into a reptilian dinosaur. And most graduates just want to get drunk and laid, poor Alex!!)

Back to #61, Tanya's father bursts into the office, and Karl announces he cannot marry Tanya, for he lacks power and wealth. Angry, Lykos sneaks off to (I think) Xavier's School and sneaks up on Lorna Dane. I see a romance blooming, as Lorna is looking at sleeping Alex Summers and thinks "Of all us mutants, his is the greatest power...including, it would appear, a certain power over little Lorna's heart." But those thoughts vanish when Lykos saps Lorna's powers and transforms again into monstrous Sauron!

Sauron flies to confront Tanya & her father, which he does, luckily the X-Men are there and do battle with him. Sauron suddenly realizes what a monster he's become and flies away to kill himself. The issue ends in snowy Tierra Del Fuego near the South Pole, as Tanya and the X-Men arrive at a snowbound cabin to find Karl Lykos trying to freeze himself to death. Lykos feels the urge to "suck" Tanya's lifeforce and runs himself right off a cliff. Karl sacrifices his life to save his soul and Tanya. Iceman peers over the snowy cliff to where Sauron fell. The tragic tale is over.

Publication Date: August 1969

worstblogever

01-01-2008, 01:25 AM

@Worstblogever, I'm not familiar with Larry Trask being crushed under a Sentinels foot. Did this actually happen?

Right outta CBR Cerebra Mutant Tracker...

Trask, Lawrence “Larry”: Deceased. Larry Trask was a precognitive mutant and son of Bolivar Trask, creator of the Sentinels, who could see future events. Unfortunately, one of the future events he didn’t see was when a falling Sentinel would crush him in Austrailia. Last Appearance: Avengers (vol. 1) #104.

worstblogever

01-01-2008, 01:31 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.61.GIF

X-Men #61

"Monsters Also Weep"

Sauron and his tragic tale continues, as Angel is brainwashed by Sauron's hypnotic eyes into seeing illusions of creatures. As the X-Men arrive on a highway overpass, Jean Grey is also mesmerized by Sauron's hypnotism and sees the other mutants as monsters. The X-Men do battle with the flying Sauron, but he brainwashes Angel and forces him to carry him away. (By this point, Sauron has reverted back to Karl Lykos.)

Karl Lykos returns to his office to find his beloved Tanya there. Alex Summers has awakened and feels refreshed and feeling good. Alex sure seems chipper after the hell he's just gone through. (Let's recap: I hope YOU'RE college graduation doesn't end with you being kidnapped by Egyptians, sacrificed by the Living Pharaoh, growing unstable power and learning you're a mutant! Then, learning you're brother is a mutant and leader of the X-Men....then being kidnapped to Egypt and captured by the Sentinels, held captive by a madman and being forced to put on a crazy black costume. Then blowing yourself up, taken to a doctor who then "sucks" your energy and the doctor turns into a reptilian dinosaur. And most graduates just want to get drunk and laid, poor Alex!!)

Back to #61, Tanya's father bursts into the office, and Karl announces he cannot marry Tanya, for he lacks power and wealth. Angry, Lykos sneaks off to (I think) Xavier's School and sneaks up on Lorna Dane. I see a romance blooming, as Lorna is looking at sleeping Alex Summers and thinks "Of all us mutants, his is the greatest power...including, it would appear, a certain power over little Lorna's heart." But those thoughts vanish when Lykos saps Lorna's powers and transforms again into monstrous Sauron!

Sauron flies to confront Tanya & her father, which he does, luckily the X-Men are there and do battle with him. Sauron suddenly realizes what a monster he's become and flies away to kill himself. The issue ends in snowy Tierra Del Fuego near the South Pole, as Tanya and the X-Men arrive at a snowbound cabin to find Karl Lykos trying to freeze himself to death. Lykos feels the urge to "suck" Tanya's lifeforce and runs himself right off a cliff. Karl sacrifices his life to save his soul and Tanya. Iceman peers over the snowy cliff to where Sauron fell. The tragic tale is over.

Publication Date: August 1969

Why he didn't just turn back into Sauron and use his powers to hypnotize Warren Worthington to clean out his bank account so he'd have power & wealth to shut up his father in law is a great mystery. Seems a lot less difficult to smooth over with Tanya than say... whacking daddy.

He runs off a cliff... and Jean doesn't TK him. Iceman doesn't try for an ice slide, and Angel doesn't fly after him. Let's face it, these kids just ran out of patience for old Karl Lykos.

And Havok's life really never gets less complicated from this point, does it? Imagine if his space pirate dad had crashed graduation with the skunk/cat girl stepmom. I'd take being kidnapped by Egyptians, because at least people wouldn't point and laugh.

DDM

01-01-2008, 09:02 AM

[ Jmc247, I had never considered the hippie/youth movement of the late 1960s to have influenced Lorna Dane & Magneto. But in a way, you're right. She represented the rebellion of the time. And Mags represented the "set-in-their-ways" older WWII generation. The art styles of Neal Adams have reminded me of many of the psychedelic art that became popular in the late 60s-early 70s. (Think Grateful Dead covers.)

Jim Steranko's Strange Tales & Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD is more psychedelic than Neal Adams. Adams' art has more intricate 3-D-like detail.

DDM, I felt Sauron is similiar to the Lizard, from Spider-Man fame. The doctor angle, and the reptilian creature in pants.

Neal Adams created Sauron to be a vampire; however, at the time, the Comics Code Authority did not allow straight-up vampires. Therefore, Adams made Sauron an energy vampire.

On a superficial comparison, yes, Sauron is similar to the Lizard, but when you look more deeply, Sauron has more in common with Selene, the Black Queen. Although Sauron does not kill his victims as Selene does, they both live off the life-forces of others.

Ventura

01-01-2008, 11:46 AM

re #59:
I do wonder what effect of all those Sentinels entering the sun might have, though (aside from the Sentinels dying, obviously).

This ending (Sentinels flying into the sun) was suggested to Roy by Chris Claremont, who was then a summer intern or something at Marvel.

A few years later Claremont's contribution was recognized in the credits to Avengers #102 (which featured the return of the Sentinels and Larry Trask)...the credits read "from an idea suggested by Chris Claremont."

DDM

01-01-2008, 12:59 PM

re #59:

This ending (Sentinels flying into the sun) was suggested to Roy by Chris Claremont, who was then a summer intern or something at Marvel.

A few years later Claremont's contribution was recognized in the credits to Avengers #102 (which featured the return of the Sentinels and Larry Trask)...the credits read "from an idea suggested by Chris Claremont."

Chris Claremont also contributed to Giant Size X-Men #1 on how the X-Men could dispose of Krakoa by sending him into space.

Joe Acro

01-01-2008, 01:33 PM

Joe Acro, thanks for joining the thread ! I doubt the Sentinels had much effect against the unimaginable heat of the sun. Probably the effect would have been like small pebbles hitting a lake.You're probably right. They were likely shut down by the heat before reaching the sun. Robot asteroid belt between Venus and Mercury, anyone? I don't mind either way, my suspension of disbelief saves me from that, but I find it amusing to think about.

DDM, I felt Sauron is similiar to the Lizard, from Spider-Man fame. The doctor angle, and the reptilian creature in pants.I agree that that's a fair comparison. It's interesting to note, though, that Sauron has a distinct personality, while the Lizard is treated much more like just an animal.

This ending (Sentinels flying into the sun) was suggested to Roy by Chris Claremont, who was then a summer intern or something at Marvel.

A few years later Claremont's contribution was recognized in the credits to Avengers #102 (which featured the return of the Sentinels and Larry Trask)...the credits read "from an idea suggested by Chris Claremont."I wasn't aware of that. Thanks.

Dizzy D

01-01-2008, 03:15 PM

X-Men #61: Another opponent with hypnotic abilities. After the Warlock and Mesmero in recent issues, I was hoping for a little more variety.

Glad that Angel is wearing his red costume these issues and not the ugly yellow one.

Angel is screaming at the X-Men not to let Lykos near him, so ... the X-Men call in Lykos to help him. I think Xavier left out some important lessons during their training. Locking the doors and windows would help also. Lykos just walks in and drains Lorna (though I can't fault Xavier for mistakes Lorna and Alex make, of course.)

Overall, nice artwork, story isn't doing much for me.

jmc247

01-01-2008, 04:33 PM

Chris Claremont also contributed to Giant Size X-Men #1 on how the X-Men could dispose of Krakoa by sending him into space.

I thought Claremont was behind that one, it is the kind of idea he would think up. He usually doesn't have a great notion what to do with Lorna personality wise. But, he likes to have her do big things that further the plot like to help hold a wormhole open in X-Men the End.

david r

01-01-2008, 08:43 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.62.GIF

X-Men #62

"Strangers in a Savage Land"

1st appearance: Magneto- without his helmet or costume, Savage Land Mutates (Brainchild, Amphibius)

As hard as it is to believe, it wasn't until #62 that we see the Master of Magnetism without his helmet. As drawn here, Magneto appears almost noble, with his white hair. Almost a heroic figure. He seems much tamer than the frothing-at-the-mouth supervillain so far. #62 also introduces the exotic Savage Land Mutates, mutants Mags has rescued from tribes and collected them together into his little band. The lineup is as follows:

Brainchild: who has a computer mind, and the emotions of an infant.
Amphibius: the man-frog.
Piper: who uses a magical flute to control beasts.
Gaza: a blind giant taught to see mentally by Magneto.
Barbarus: a four-armed barbarian.
Lupo: who is at one with certain beasts.

The story finds Angel descending into the abyss which leads to the Savage Land, where he is attacked by winged pteranodons, and crashes into the jungle. Nearly dead, Warren is found by a mysterious white-haired man, and Amphibius. The "mystery man" saves Warren's life with his machinery, and Warren vows to help him save the Savage Land. Meanwhile, the other X-Men are fighting dinosaurs in the heart of the Savage Land. Ka-Zar and Zabu show up, and after slapping Iceman!! Ka-Zar does battle with our merry mutants.

There is a GORGEOUS sequence where a giant red serpent attacks the X-Men from a river, controlled by Piper. Beautiful art by Neal Adams and #62 may be his Rembrandt !! Ka-Zar appears to save the day by killing Piper! In the end, Angel vows to help the "Creator" and whisks away to stop the X-Men. The "Creator" laughs and says "The Angel has never seen me before, except in my own all-conquering colors! Perhaps it is true what they say...perhaps clothes DO make the man!" And we see his hand touching the classic Magneto helmet on a table.

Publication Date: September 1969

jmc247

01-01-2008, 09:25 PM

As hard as it is to believe, it wasn't until #62 that we see the Master of Magnetism without his helmet.

He was shown without his helmet in Amazing Adventures.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/001-1.jpg

Matthew K.

01-01-2008, 10:04 PM

How the times have changed...

worstblogever

01-02-2008, 02:20 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.62.GIF

X-Men #62

"Strangers in a Savage Land"

1st appearance: Magneto- without his helmet or costume, Savage Land Mutates (Brainchild, Amphibius)

As hard as it is to believe, it wasn't until #62 that we see the Master of Magnetism without his helmet. As drawn here, Magneto appears almost noble, with his white hair. Almost a heroic figure. He seems much tamer than the frothing-at-the-mouth supervillain so far. #62 also introduces the exotic Savage Land Mutates, mutants Mags has rescued from tribes and collected them together into his little band. The lineup is as follows:

Brainchild: who has a computer mind, and the emotions of an infant.
Amphibius: the man-frog.
Piper: who uses a magical flute to control beasts.
Gaza: a blind giant taught to see mentally by Magneto.
Barbarus: a four-armed barbarian.
Lupo: who is at one with certain beasts.

The story finds Angel descending into the abyss which leads to the Savage Land, where he is attacked by winged pteranodons, and crashes into the jungle. Nearly dead, Warren is found by a mysterious white-haired man, and Amphibius. The "mystery man" saves Warren's life with his machinery, and Warren vows to help him save the Savage Land. Meanwhile, the other X-Men are fighting dinosaurs in the heart of the Savage Land. Ka-Zar and Zabu show up, and after slapping Iceman!! Ka-Zar does battle with our merry mutants.

There is a GORGEOUS sequence where a giant red serpent attacks the X-Men from a river, controlled by Piper. Beautiful art by Neal Adams and #62 may be his Rembrandt !! Ka-Zar appears to save the day by killing Piper! In the end, Angel vows to help the "Creator" and whisks away to stop the X-Men. The "Creator" laughs and says "The Angel has never seen me before, except in my own all-conquering colors! Perhaps it is true what they say...perhaps clothes DO make the man!" And we see his hand touching the classic Magneto helmet on a table.

Publication Date: September 1969

Angel unknowingly helping Magneto is a great twist... although... he's fooled by an open face helmet? Remind me not to have him identify people in a police line-up.

I always wondered why Magneto had the ability to engineer his own subordinates, in the Savage Land Mutates, yet he never seemed to continue the pattern after that. Does he even think... "Yeah... I suck at playing god. All these guys are lame." There's so much pressure for him to recruit new talent into the Brotherhood, or the Acoyltes, well, why doesn't he just engineer himself an army to defeat the humans, rather than just a handful? Is it because they're not true mutants?

Short of that, sending characters to the Savage Land is really the best way to flaunt a good artist, if you've got one. The Kuberts got that nod in the 90s, but Neal Adams got there first. (incidentally, seeing some random old Frazetta dinosaur stuff from when he was in comics is amazing, too.)

Dizzy D

01-02-2008, 04:16 AM

X-Men #62: If the Savage Land is so much bigger than just a bit in Antarctica, it's quite the coincidence that the X-Men always run straight into Ka-Zahr. Ka-Zahr also needs some medication... (though I have noticed that once he hooks up with Shanna, his temper is rather under control).

I have to give Magneto credit for cooking up what is probably the best costume Angel ever wore. Funny how Angel never mentions that or seems bothered by it. (then again, he also wore the costume Apocalypse made for him for years without complaining.)

I agree with worstblogever that Angel should have recognised Magneto; if not for the open faced helmet, than at least for the voice (hell, last issue Tanya and her father recognise Lykos in Sauron-form by his voice and I bet that the transformation would change his voice.)

The scene where Ka-Zahr takes out Piper is very good, great non-verbal storytelling.

I wonder what all the devices on the Creator's costume are for.

Dizzy D

01-02-2008, 05:38 AM

I always wondered why Magneto had the ability to engineer his own subordinates, in the Savage Land Mutates, yet he never seemed to continue the pattern after that. Does he even think... "Yeah... I suck at playing god. All these guys are lame." There's so much pressure for him to recruit new talent into the Brotherhood, or the Acoyltes, well, why doesn't he just engineer himself an army to defeat the humans, rather than just a handful? Is it because they're not true mutants?

I think he stopped doing it because of Mutant Alpha. He created the ultimate mutant and it turned against him. Creation doesn't ensure loyalty.

worstblogever

01-02-2008, 05:40 AM

I think he stopped doing it because of Mutant Alpha. He created the ultimate mutant and it turned against him. Creation doesn't ensure loyalty.

Well put. I remember how on TAS the Savage Land Mutates turned on Magneto, too. It's odd that he can create a species in a lab but can't ensure their loyalty... he can father children but can't ensure their loyalty or sanity... and he has had somewhat similar problems with some of his subordinates (Fabian Cortez, Astra, etc.)

Why doesn't he just clone Mortimer Toynbee and be done with it?

DDM

01-02-2008, 09:27 AM

He was shown without his helmet in Amazing Adventures.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/001-1.jpg

But this was ignored in favor of Magneto's silver hair first shown in X-Men #62.

jmc247

01-02-2008, 09:37 AM

But this was ignored in favor of Magneto's silver hair first shown in X-Men #62.

Yah, I figured that one out.

CJ Lentze

01-02-2008, 10:52 AM

Schuimend Mormel, I'd never guess you knew so much about our prehistoric friends. I didn't think Marvel Comics circa 1969 would know too much about the reptilians of yesteryear. Have you studied up on them?I was very interested in dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals when I was little. Naturally, most of it stuck, but I haven't kept it up. :o

So, X-Men #62, 'Strangers... in a Savage Land'. Nice to see the Savage Land again, and the intrigue Magneto brings to that land; he's abducting native inhabitants, but is also employing non-mutant 'savages' (the gang that was led by mutant Equilibrius). While it's not hard to figure out that Magneto wants to dominate the Savage Land, I'm curious about the details of his purposes. And I, too, loved the last page's reveal of the Creator's true identity.

Warren now exhibits a fear of pteranodons he didn't use to have; it's an interesting new weakness that may just make him less reckless. And as Dizzy D pointed out above, Ka-Zar is as 'sociable' as ever, which causes a few funny moments around the X-Men's uneasy alliance with him and Zabu.

Adams' art makes the Savage Land looks hotter and steamier than ever, after mainly drawing stories that took place at night or in darker environments (Sauron story, Sentinels' base). The blurring lines and the colouring of the flashbacks were a nice touch, as well.

Dizzy, I take it you finally bought X-Men Masterworks 6?

david, which issues are you going to review after X-Men #66? Are you going to use stories about the X-Men written in the gap between #66 and Giant-Sized, or review Hidden Years, or...?

Ventura

01-02-2008, 11:09 AM

I agree Angel was pretty stupid not to recognize Magneto.

Apart from that, I like how reasonable Magneto seems as the Creator (before we're privy to his real identity)...his manner here sets the stage for how he's portrayed post-Silver Age.

And I like how Neal Adams depicted him as striking and aristocratic looking, with strong bone structure, attractive features and of course the silver/white head of hair:like an older version of Pietro. As far as I know, I know Adams didn't deliberately intend any similarity, though I wonder if any subsequent writers/editors/artists looked at this issue and thought, hey, white hair, good cheekbones, and he's the right age--Mags could be Pietro's father!

I guess that's just conjecture on my part, though, as it's not mentioned in this recent column by Steven Grant on CBR, in which he discusses what sparked the idea for the Magneto-Wanda-Pietro family connection.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=10

worstblogever

01-02-2008, 05:29 PM

Magneto is a yoga master... if the public knew that, he'd be like 1000 times less threatening.

Dizzy D

01-02-2008, 06:00 PM

Dizzy, I take it you finally bought X-Men Masterworks 6?

Even better, I 'suggested' it as a Christmas present when my parents asked.

david r

01-02-2008, 07:45 PM

david, which issues are you going to review after X-Men #66? Are you going to use stories about the X-Men written in the gap between #66 and Giant-Sized, or review Hidden Years, or...?

I'm going to start an X-Men: The Hidden Years thread, following #66. Many view it as a separate series, others ignore it. It doesn't feel right putting it in this thread.

In this thread, I'll begin the "new" X-Men of the 1970s after #66. So I'll be running both threads simultaneously !! :)

david r

01-02-2008, 07:56 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.63.GIF

X-Men #63

"War in the World Below"

1st appearance: Lorelei

Thus ends the Savage Land arc, as Magneto makes his bid to conquer the Savage Land. #63 introduces the mutant Lorelei, who makes soft, beautiful music to tempt males. She is the first mutant I've seen who shows no pupils in her eyes. I seem to recall this becoming the norm later on, especially with a certain wind-rider.

The X-Men and Ka-Zar do battle with the swamp men, and then the Savage Land mutates. Angel realizes he has been duped by the "Creator"--who is actually Magneto. For some reason, Magneto's arms are weak and he wears a weird-apparatus to compensate. We never really learn why this is, except his magnetic powers seem to be weakening. He is building "Neo-Mutants", using swamp savages to build an army of them. Created by the tapped power of the south magnetic pole!

Brainchild is depicted here as super-intelligent, but easily manipulated. There is a cool one-on-one confrontation between Magneto & Jean Grey! Jean ultimately wins the battle and uses Cyke's optic blasts to destroy Mags' mutant machine. His plans are once again, ruined. The machine topples on Magneto and he appears to be killed. His fortress-base burns and the Savage Land mutates return to their normal selves.

My thoughts: This was, perhaps, the greatest achievement of the 1960s run. A remarkable epic adventure that had shades of Lord of the Rings, which Roy Thomas must be a fan of. Neal Adams' crowning jewel of his X-Men run, also. Ka-Zar sure seems unfriendly, but I sure wouldn't mind a solo series by him, with Zabu & the Savage Land Mutates. I wish more had been done with those exotic characters. As for Magneto, he definitely was more "mature" here, though no less manipulative.

Publication Date: October 1969

Dizzy D

01-03-2008, 04:47 AM

X-Men #63:

Common Sense Bonus points to Beast this time who suggests that they wait and watch Angel before being sure it is him. Too many shapeshifters, illusionists and hypnotists lately, I bet. Ka-Zahr instead just punches without thinking.

Brainchild throwing that axe at the X-Men: he's a lot stronger than he looks. I always thought his body was underdeveloped.

Lorelei is far more powerful than the other Mutates so far, honestly the others haven't really impressed me with their powers.

No common sense bonus points to Jean though, for immediately shouting that Lorelei's powers don't affect her. When outnumbered playing possum would be wiser. (Not that it would have worked this time, as Magneto claims that he knew Lorelei's power wouldn't affect her, but still.)

Magneto follows standard villain protocol and offers Jean to becomes his queen. When has that ever been a good idea?

Magneto as a gunslinger is pretty funny. Plus he has a jetpack. I want more jetpack/gunslinging Magneto. (Oddly enough he can also fire blasts from his gauntlets without the guns... so why does he need the guns?)

Jean is pretty clever to use her telekinesis on Cyclops' visor though. Go Jeanie.

I don't like the ending: telling Ka-Zahr that they would be happier without their powers. It completely undermines the whole idea behind the X-Men (and Beast loses points again for wrong use of "initials".)

worstblogever

01-03-2008, 06:28 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.63.GIF

X-Men #63

"War in the World Below"

1st appearance: Lorelei

Thus ends the Savage Land arc, as Magneto makes his bid to conquer the Savage Land. #63 introduces the mutant Lorelei, who makes soft, beautiful music to tempt males. She is the first mutant I've seen who shows no pupils in her eyes. I seem to recall this becoming the norm later on, especially with a certain wind-rider.

The X-Men and Ka-Zar do battle with the swamp men, and then the Savage Land mutates. Angel realizes he has been duped by the "Creator"--who is actually Magneto. For some reason, Magneto's arms are weak and he wears a weird-apparatus to compensate. We never really learn why this is, except his magnetic powers seem to be weakening. He is building "Neo-Mutants", using swamp savages to build an army of them. Created by the tapped power of the south magnetic pole!

Brainchild is depicted here as super-intelligent, but easily manipulated. There is a cool one-on-one confrontation between Magneto & Jean Grey! Jean ultimately wins the battle and uses Cyke's optic blasts to destroy Mags' mutant machine. His plans are once again, ruined. The machine topples on Magneto and he appears to be killed. His fortress-base burns and the Savage Land mutates return to their normal selves.

My thoughts: This was, perhaps, the greatest achievement of the 1960s run. A remarkable epic adventure that had shades of Lord of the Rings, which Roy Thomas must be a fan of. Neal Adams' crowning jewel of his X-Men run, also. Ka-Zar sure seems unfriendly, but I sure wouldn't mind a solo series by him, with Zabu & the Savage Land Mutates. I wish more had been done with those exotic characters. As for Magneto, he definitely was more "mature" here, though no less manipulative.

Publication Date: October 1969

Ka-Zar must've been man-strating the day he met the X-Men, or something.

Magneto's random frailty... just... weird. You'd think his body would hold up better considering... YOGA MASTER!

Lorelei... coolest Savage Land Mutate behind Vertigo.

And Brainchild... what's the point of being super-smart if you're easily manipulated? Was that just bad characterization of super-genius by the writer? Like you'd expect from someone who's a supposed genius like "The Wizard", but he always just tries to rob banks and mess with the Fantastic Four.

Ah well.

david r

01-04-2008, 08:03 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.64.GIF

X-Men #64

"The Coming of Sunfire"

1st appearance: Sunfire, the Yoshida family

Sunfire debuts here, in a rather controversial story. Shiro Yoshida is Sunfire, a young Japanese mutant who is manipulated by his uncle into enacting revenge against America for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. Shiro's father, Saburo Yoshida, is a Japanese diplomat here in the U.S., visiting the United Nations to dedicate a new monument. Sunfire appears and destroys the monument, angry at the United States for Hiroshima. The X-Men arrive, and Beast's face is severely burned by Sunfire's energy blasts.

The X-Men have been holed up in their midtown HQ since returning from the Savage Land, where Hank is treated for his burns. Meanwhile, we learn the tale of Sunfire--his uncle, Tomo, took him to modern Hiroshima, to some of the ruins left. Once Shiro puts his hands in the soil, his mutant powers erupt and he gains power-blasts with the heat of the sun!! His uncle then forges poor Shiro into becoming the super-powered agent Sunfire, to gain vengeance. Finally, his father learns the truth, Sunfire slaps his father down and calls him weak. The Americans must pay for what they did!! Sunfire leaves to destroy the capital--the U.S. Congress!!

The X-Men learn of the plot, and arrive at the capital to stop Sunfire. Sunfire is stopped from destroying Congress by his father--Saburo stands atop the monument and begs his son to not join the path of evil. The uncle Tomo shoots Saburo, who falls from Congress and dies. Sunfire shoots Tomo with his heat-ray, thus killing him. Both elder Yoshida men are dead, and Sunfire lays on the grass, agonizing over his dead father, and the mistake he has made. The X-Men watch from afar, wishing they could have saved this mutant. Cyclops says, "Maybe the next one. Yeah, maybe the next one."

My thoughts: I had no idea the Yoshida clan were introduced so early. I find the plot concerning Hiroshima and WWII a bit ahead of it's time. Controversial stuff for X-Men of this time.

Publication Date: November 1969

worstblogever

01-04-2008, 08:05 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.64.GIF

X-Men #64

"The Coming of Sunfire"

1st appearance: Sunfire, the Yoshida family

Publication Date: November 1969

Great timing for this recap... it coincides with his shenanigans in this week's issue...

I always thought Sunfire was the first "latent X-Gene" mutant to discover his powers from an alternate source, when he was exposed to the radioactive soil. But hey, that's just me.

Cover art is awesome. Look at Warren with his mitts on Jean, and Sunfire... dude, going for the jugular on Bobby. The Capitol building in the background... Just... great art.

Hank's scarring might be the first time he ever ended up insecure about his appearance. But certainly not the last.

Dizzy D

01-05-2008, 07:51 AM

X-Men #64 They are putting the drama really up on all the captions this issue: "But for the mutant X-Men, outcasts of a society that hates and fears them, there can be no rejoicing... no respite! For them, there is only gnawing dread that the next evil mutant will be the one they cannot defeat... The one who may destroy them and the world they secretly defend."

His uncle Tomo suspected him to be a mutant and that touching the soil of Hiroshima would trigger his powers...

...

...

...

I think uncle Tomo has a mutant power to and it is called the superhunch; no matter how outrageous, your theories will always turn out to be true.

Sunfire is referred to as Yoshida's "Number-one son", which implies to me that Yoshida has more children. (Future reference: so Sunpyre isn't that out of the blue, when she appears.)

A bad day for Warren, getting nearly sucked into the air intake from that jet.

CJ Lentze

01-05-2008, 10:52 AM

The design of Sunfire's costume is gorgeous. Especially the (dragon-like?) mask, the bulging eyes, and the way his nose and upper lip are obscured but the lower lip and chin aren't, so that the mask appears to be part of his face.

It's the first stand-alone story after a string of grand three-parters and two-parters, and it's a strong story on its own. I like the moral; don't cling to conflicts of the past, but look at the present and build at the future instead. Sunfire is a misguided youngster, a different type of villain than the X-Men had faced before; his mutation has a very tragic source, even moreso because it was a real-life nuclear holocaust. While Sunfire came to realise that he shouldn't rage at innocents, or plunge the world into more strife, his initial desire to have vengeance was all too understandable, because his mother was innocent herself. The two deaths in this issue (unusual for the X-Men at the time), only make the story more powerful.

The final scene, where Shiro breaks down without words, is emotionally drawn.

The art by Don Heck is great, and the best-looking art I've seen of him on X-Men so far. Like others, I think it's a pity Sunfire didn't join the team; there was lots of potential in there.

DDM

01-05-2008, 02:24 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.64.GIF

X-Men #64

"The Coming of Sunfire"

1st appearance: Sunfire, the Yoshida family

Sunfire debuts here, in a rather controversial story. Shiro Yoshida is Sunfire, a young Japanese mutant who is manipulated by his uncle into enacting revenge against America for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. Shiro's father, Saburo Yoshida, is a Japanese diplomat here in the U.S., visiting the United Nations to dedicate a new monument. Sunfire appears and destroys the monument, angry at the United States for Hiroshima. The X-Men arrive, and Beast's face is severely burned by Sunfire's energy blasts.

The X-Men have been holed up in their midtown HQ since returning from the Savage Land, where Hank is treated for his burns. Meanwhile, we learn the tale of Sunfire--his uncle, Tomo, took him to modern Hiroshima, to some of the ruins left. Once Shiro puts his hands in the soil, his mutant powers erupt and he gains power-blasts with the heat of the sun!! His uncle then forges poor Shiro into becoming the super-powered agent Sunfire, to gain vengeance. Finally, his father learns the truth, Sunfire slaps his father down and calls him weak. The Americans must pay for what they did!! Sunfire leaves to destroy the capital--the U.S. Congress!!

The X-Men learn of the plot, and arrive at the capital to stop Sunfire. Sunfire is stopped from destroying Congress by his father--Saburo stands atop the monument and begs his son to not join the path of evil. The uncle Tomo shoots Saburo, who falls from Congress and dies. Sunfire shoots Tomo with his heat-ray, thus killing him. Both elder Yoshida men are dead, and Sunfire lays on the grass, agonizing over his dead father, and the mistake he has made. The X-Men watch from afar, wishing they could have saved this mutant. Cyclops says, "Maybe the next one. Yeah, maybe the next one."

My thoughts: I had no idea the Yoshida clan were introduced so early. I find the plot concerning Hiroshima and WWII a bit ahead of it's time. Controversial stuff for X-Men of this time.

Publication Date: November 1969

X-Men #64 remains one of my favorite stories. The cover is very memorable too.

david r

01-05-2008, 06:38 PM

The design of Sunfire's costume is gorgeous. Especially the (dragon-like?) mask, the bulging eyes, and the way his nose and upper lip are obscured but the lower lip and chin aren't, so that the mask appears to be part of his face.

I loved his costume as well. It has strong Asian traits, and the dragon mask was beautiful.

The final scene, where Shiro breaks down without words, is emotionally drawn.

A very powerful scene.

The art by Don Heck is great, and the best-looking art I've seen of him on X-Men so far. Like others, I think it's a pity Sunfire didn't join the team; there was lots of potential in there.

I also agree about Don Heck's contributions. Maybe he was told to draw like Neal Adams, as his art and page designs remind of Adams. His best work so far.

I've been saying forever that Sunfire should join the X-Men. A little conflict between the members is fun to read, and Shiro is filled with conflict. (At this point, he wouldn't join 'cause he probably is still angry at Americans.)

david r

01-05-2008, 06:39 PM

X-Men #65

"Before I'd Be Slave"

1st appearance: the Z'Nox

Well, look who's back! Professor Charles Xavier is alive & well, and been in hiding preparing for an invasion of Earth !! I am not at all sure I like this little revelation, it seems highly manipulative of Mr. Xavier. He lied to his students, and forced Jean Grey to lie to them as well. And entrusting the Changeling to watch over them (masquerading as Xavier) is ridiculously trusting following the Factor Three arc. Is Charles as deceiving as Magneto?

The issue begins with the exhausted X-Men returning to the Mansion following their recent adventures (they've been on the go since Alex Summers' college graduation, in #54!) Havok and Lorna Dane immediately announce they must prepare for an alien invasion! Havok is WAY TOO BOSSY and causes much animosity between him and the X-Men. You can see serious friction between Alex and Bobby. Anyway, Alex informs the students that an evil alien race named the Z'Nox are on their way to Earth, transporting their entire planet to attack ours and plunder. Jean begins crying, and suddenly Alex announces the return of Charles Xavier! Professor X wheels into the room, and tells his shocked students he has been holded up in a hidden room under the School, preparing himself for the imminent assault on Earth!! (I LOVE the look on Warren's face on page 6!)

A Z'Nox probe ship lands on Earth, and the X-Men attack it. The climax of #65 is an awesome display of power from Charles Xavier, as he contacts every living person on our planet, and those of pure conscience, he uses their mental energy, and millions of souls become joined! We see panels of diverse humans becoming linked, holding a fist to show their determination to stop the Z'Nox. Scott, Lorna, Havok, Bobby & Jean are used like a "funnel" to shoot the unbelievable power into outer space, and straight at the Z'Nox homeworld. The emotions cause the Z'Nox physical pain, and they turn their planet around and take off!! Xavier & the X-Men are victorious; Charles says farewell to the souls he has used, and then collapses from his wheelchair! Is he dead for real this time?

My thoughts: Xavier's return was a bit clumsy, and the Z'Nox invasion came out of nowhere. But the act of connecting all living souls on Earth gives it a rousing conclusion and #65 ends on an epic note.

Publication Date: December 1969

Diablito

01-05-2008, 06:51 PM

Sunfire's first appearance was amazing. I love his design, his powers, and personality.

worstblogever

01-05-2008, 07:13 PM

Dizzy D

01-05-2008, 07:53 PM

X-Men #65
I usually do these things in order of appearance within this issue, but the Xavier reveal is too important:
This issue makes me like Xavier both more and less. The deception is not only manipulative, I wonder if Xavier even realises how much pain he's causing to his students and friends (future reference; it's also one of the main reasons I dislike the plan Omega Storm and her X-Men will use years later.) It also taints Jean who has been lying to her friends for months now.

On the other hand, his willingness to trust the Changeling and give him a second chance, makes me like Xavier more. Xavier is always willing to see the good in people (see also Mimic) and I think he can tell that the Changeling is serious. And his trust is well-placed; the Changeling not only helps Xavier but goes above and beyond the call of duty by sacrificing himself to stop Gro-Tesk and still keep the charade up in his final moments.

Anyway back to the rolling comments:
Havok and Polaris sure are pushy this issue. It creates conflict between them and the original X-Men for really no good reason and I don't like it. Dennis O'Neill is a good writer, but this scene is just pointless.

Cyclops recognises Havok's leadership abilities, though I'm not agreeing with him so far. A good leader should be able to get his men to follow his orders without question or explanation, but that only works once the leader in question has proven himself to be worthy of such trust.

Jean and Bobby worry about Havok and Lorna getting along rather well. Makes sense for Bobby, but it is putting Jean rather in the mother hen position.

Unintentionally hilarious to me: Angel looks at his yellow costume and thinks to himself how always when he looks at his "duds" he wonders if he's going to be buried in them. He then shows up at the meeting in his blue costume. He must think himself very clever for cheating fate or just doesn't mind being buried within the blue costume (well, it certainly looks better). Either way is funny.

Iceman breaks Godlin's law.

Back to needless conflict: Wouldn't it have been far, far easier to have Xavier show up first and then give the whole Z'Nox briefing than giving the briefing and having Alex word questioned the whole time? I must admit that Alex did a pretty good job in describing the threat of the Z'Nox and the seriousness of the matter. Beautifully illustrated by Adams as well.

The X-Men have been slacking off enough lately. Xavier puts in another training sequence and they are pushed to the limits again. I have missed these (and still miss them these days, a holographic Danger Room session doesn't cut it, the X-Men should be constantly working on refining their powers and skills.)

Another Neal Adams great: S.H.I.E.L.D.'s helicarrier has always been a favourite opportunity for artist to let themselves go crazy on and this is one of the best.

Yay, Xavier's inventions return as well. Oh, how I have missed these. The rocketship that can take a full assault by the Z'Nox ship is another highlight of his. (And the idea of ablative armour is *way* ahead of its time).

I wasn't expecting a guard monster within a spaceship, rather simple Z'Nox soldiers. It's defeated off-panel though, so apart from a nice shot and cover, not really that useful.

The Z'Nox are a great alien race and I wish they would show up more often. The idea of a moveable planet has been used a lot and the culture completely dedicated to war as well, but I still feel they can fill some niche within the Marvel universe especially if Xavier's attack on them has some longterm effects. The leader referring to humans as handsome is slightly creepy though, especially when followed with "hardy" and how they could provide "sport".

What follows is probably Xavier's most impressive feat ever; linking the minds of nearly all humans on Earth, after shifting out the ones too occupied or tainted to be used and use the combined mental might to drive away the Z'Nox (and he doesn't even need the mento-amplifier helmet to do it). Again, one of Neal Adams greatest illustrations.

Polaris has stayed behind to help him, but I'm unclear how exactly she can unless she also has Magneto's mental abilities as well as his magnetic. I wondered if Jean wouldn't be more suitable, but she is needed on the Z'Nox ship to act as a receiver. Meanwhile Beast and Angel have taken to using Z'nox guns.

The mental assault funneled through Jean, then bounced to Havok and then to Cyclops is pretty interesting as well. (Future reference: Cyclops will be used more often as the "lens" for these kinds of combined attacks, though Havok usually isn't involved. The combination of mental energy and how Havok's plasma blast can boost them is a bit of wonky science, but it's not bothering me here. The attack that hits the Z'Nox does seem to be fully mental in effect though, is the mental energy negating the heat of the plasma blasts and kinetic energy of the optic blasts somehow and just using it as a medium? Also interesting: Iceman needs to compensate for the heat of Havok's blasts that hit Cyclops.

Is that kid Franklin Richards or just a random child?

Funny how such a single issue story can be so much grander in scope than some of the multi-parted stories from before.

Does Xavier return only to immediately die again? I doubt it, but what he did this issue is certainly enough for any men to pass out for a while.

The ending with the Z'Nox on Earth committing suicide rather than go on living the way they are is very powerful as well. The fact that the X-Men manage to escape makes me belief that this theory the three X-Men offer is true and the Z'Nox allowed them to escape before killing themselves (and hey, Iceman, Jean and Cyclops finish each other sentences... a temporary leftover from the mental link?).

Overall: apart from my problem with the needless conflict earlier and Xavier and Jean's questionable behaviour, I loved everything else about this issue. The original series seems to be ending on a high note.

Dizzy D

01-05-2008, 07:56 PM

Alex really, really rubs everyone the wrong way in this issue. Guess what I know and you don't? There's an alien invasion coming. Oh yeah, PROFESSOR X isn't dead!

Although seeing Xavier "unite the earthers" this way is kind of surprising, since he's supposed to frown on forcing people to lose their free will with his powers. Mind you, an alien invasion might be a time to ignore that rule... but it's still a bit of a surprise.

I don't think this uniting makes the people lose their free will though, you see individual humans actively trying to help repel this invasion with their mind, in fact their intact free will seems to be key to Xavier's plan.

worstblogever

01-05-2008, 08:02 PM

I don't think this uniting makes the people lose their free will though, you see individual humans actively trying to help repel this invasion with their mind, in fact their intact free will seems to be key to Xavier's plan.

Maybe. I don't know. This seems like Chuck crossed a line, somehow.

david r

01-05-2008, 08:29 PM

DDM

01-06-2008, 08:42 AM

david r

01-06-2008, 09:02 AM

david r

01-06-2008, 04:41 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.66.GIF

X-Men #66

"The Mutants and the Monster"

It's the end of an era, as the classic Original X-Men run comes to a close. It's hard to believe the Original 5 ended here for decades, and Marvel Comics effectively cancelled new stories for five years.

Charles Xavier is near death, following his amazing mutant achievement in #65. Using their mind-probe, Beast taps into Xavier's subconscious. Where Charles screams for "The Hulk!" Jean Grey contacts Charles & the team learn that Bruce Banner has a device that can save Charles. So the X-Men are off to find the Incredible Hulk!! Much smashing ensues !!

The X-Men locate the emerald behemoth in Las Vegas, and sure enough, HULK SMASH PUNY MUTANTS!! Hulk not interested in helping them, also the army lead by Hulk mainstay, Major Talbot, complicate things. The battle moves to the Nevada desert, where Hulk creates an avalanche in a mountain. Inexplicably, the mountain holds one of Bruce Banner's hidden labs, and the X-Men locate the device they need. (This makes zero sense.) The X-Men make their way home and save Charles Xavier's life.

The final Silver Age X-Men comic ends with Charles awakening in his bed, with the entire team surrounding him--Scott, Jean, Warren, Hank, Bobby, Lorna and Alex. The final panel choked me up a little, as it ends this way...
Charles Xavier: I'll...be on my feet in no time...I promise you! There are wrongs to be righted...and a WORLD to be saved from evil mutants...and from ITSELF!
Cyclops: And we'll SAVE it, sir...with YOUR help.
Angel: Amen!
Charles Xavier: I HOPE so, Scott...because it's a good world, basically...one well WORTH the saving...as long as there are people in it like...the X-MEN!

And they fought happily ever after...

Dizzy D

01-06-2008, 05:19 PM

Now, THAT is a revelation. Looking in X-MEN #60, I see what DDM is pointing out. On page 9, there is a man sitting there. I assumed it was Larry Trask. In my issue, his neck looks red & top of his head is blue!

However, his legs are displayed in a way impossible for handicapped Charles Xavier to sit. His legs are supporting his body, which Xavier could not do, being paralyzed. But this is a fascinating footnote, so Marvel had Xavier's return plotted out way in advance. And they weren't just making it up as they went along.

I was convinced that was Trask as well, the green pants/white/blue shirt combo is the same Trask is wearing a couple of pages before. The pose is also the same. And as you say, it would be impossible for Xavier to set like that.... unless he's wearing his metal leg braces again.

X-Men #66: Roy Thomas is back as a writer with a new artist for the final issue.

Nice bit of character from Lorna, being angry with Iceman and Havok to fight over her at a time like this.

Xavier's devices are cheating this time though: the mind-probe is based on Pym's designs and the healing device was co-created with Banner. Only 0.6 invention points for Xavier this issue.

I wonder why they are using the device first and then let Jean mindprobe him again, even saying that Jean's method is safer?

Bonus common sense points for putting Angel on guard though even with everything going on inside. It's these kind of small touches that I like.

Iceman stays behind because he's jealous. I don't think Xavier actually needs that many guards (even with Havok and Polaris' lack of actual combat training, they still are powerful enough to deal with most threats), but I guess Cyclops realises that Iceman won't be much good to them when worrying about Alex and Lorna. Still going after the Hulk and leaving some of your most powerful members behind is asking for trouble.

The X-Men do a nice job of handling the Hulk. I was quite surprised actually. Of course Talbot shows up to ruin everything. He's quite a big mouth when dealing with four people who have just easily done what he has failed to do for months or years.

The second fight doesn't go nearly as well for the X-Men, (though Beast is suddenly mighty quick: he's at the bottom of the mountain, then on the top, then he has returned to the bottom of the mountain again to start the Sentinel Plane and get up in the air again while the rest has hardly moved.)

I wonder how Angel knew he had the right device? (Banner must keep a neat lab-log). The device works perfectly, so probs to Xavier and Banner for that one.

"I'll be on my feet in no time", says the wheelchair-bound Xavier. Ouch.

Overall: slightly disappointing last issue. No Neal Adams art, Buscema does a decent job, but nothing spectacular. The plot is also not that great, the previous issue would be a better place to end the series rather than ending with the rather lackluster quest for a McGuffin to heal Xavier in which half the team doesn't even play a part.

david r

01-06-2008, 05:44 PM

The X-Men do a nice job of handling the Hulk. I was quite surprised actually.

I think the Hulk would make mincemeat of the X-Men. The only members who would have a chance are Jean Grey (mind-assault Hulk) or possibly the team of Cyclops/Havok.

I wonder how Angel knew he had the right device?

Exactly what I was thinking. Warren would have no idea what to grab in the lab.

"I'll be on my feet in no time", says the wheelchair-bound Xavier. Ouch.

HA! I think it was a figure-of-speech. Or, Charles hasn't lost his sense of humor??

DDM

01-06-2008, 05:46 PM

I don't really see the point of this story. I would have preferred the X-Men end in X-Men #65 with the whole team coming to Xavier's aid after he defeats the Z'Nox with his psionic powers.

Neal Adams left because the book got cancelled, despite Neal Adams' work on the book.

worstblogever

01-06-2008, 07:40 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.66.GIF

X-Men #66

"The Mutants and the Monster"
The final Silver Age X-Men comic ends with Charles awakening in his bed, with the entire team surrounding him--Scott, Jean, Warren, Hank, Bobby, Lorna and Alex. The final panel choked me up a little, as it ends this way...
Charles Xavier: I'll...be on my feet in no time...I promise you! There are wrongs to be righted...and a WORLD to be saved from evil mutants...and from ITSELF!
Cyclops: And we'll SAVE it, sir...with YOUR help.
Angel: Amen!
Charles Xavier: I HOPE so, Scott...because it's a good world, basically...one well WORTH the saving...as long as there are people in it like...the X-MEN!

And they fought happily ever after...

More of the X-Men fending off incidental fire from the army would have been nice, and if Jean had actually used her telepathy to calm down the Hulk after the army was dispersed. But... whatever...

Charles: I'll be on my feet in no time.
Jean: Oh... he's so cute when he's delusional from pain.

Dizzy D

01-07-2008, 06:32 PM

I promised to make this list before, so here it is:

Xavier's Inventions *
(in order of appearance)

The Danger Room: Not so much a single invention as a collection of various devices and training equipment.
First appearance: X-Men #2
Invention Points: 2/10, nothing too spectacular going on here. Most of it are rather simple devices or standard gym equipment. The room is capable of activating several devices automatically based on the training program Xavier entered and in later issues, the devices become more advanced. The more impressive adaptions will be mentioned seperately.

The Electronic Mass Influencer: One of the first devices Xavier created to boost his own telepathic abilities. This one allows him to affect the memories of large groups of people at once.
First appearance: X-Men #3
Invention Points: 5/10, for a device built on the spot it does what it is supposed to do, but it is a rather large and cumbersome device.

Cerebro: A device capable of detecting and cataloguing mutants. In its first appearance, it's the size of an entire room. A later version is the size of a large cupboard. Usually we only see the control panel in Xavier's desk. A miniature version is created by Beast later on.
First appearance: X-Men #7
Invention Points: 8/10, Cerebro is a very versital device with a degree of artificial intelligence. It can detect mutants, remember and identify them, automatically warns the X-Men when mutants appear and it can roughly predict how powerful a mutant is. It can also pick certain other types of superhumans, such as the Juggernaut. This is just a bonus though. It requires no operator to do most of its tasks. A communications device is built into it.

Xavier's mountaineering/spelunking wheelchair: It uses tracks for extra grip and also can use a long cable to descend into deep caves. It also has extendable robotic arms to balance itself and scale walls.
First appearance: X-Men #8
Invention Points: 3/10, pretty basic device really. The extendable arms are the most impressive thing about it.

Radar-Image Beam: An add-on for Cerebro, this one allows an image to be seen on screen of detected mutants.
First appearance: X-Men #11
Invention Points: 3/10, a nice add-on for Cerebro. Too bad its effectiveness can't be judged from its first appearance, but the Stranger with all its cosmic powers is a bad test subject. It works perfectly when identifying the Blob and Unus.

The Mento-Helmet: Another one of the devices Xavier created to boost his own telepathic abilities. This one allows him to increase the power of his mental waves by storing psychic power as long as he wears it to release it all at once. The power is stored within the brain itself though, as Xavier could remove the helmet before releasing all the stored power.
First appearance: X-Men #13
Invention Points: 4/10, it loses a point for being a variation of a device already seen before, but it's different enough to warrent points as an invention on it's own. Added points for the short time it took Xavier to built it.

Mechanical Memory Inducer: When Xavier find his memories of an opponent (Lucifer) blocked, he built this device to restore them and find the source that is blocking him at the same time.
First appearance: X-Men #20
Invention Points: 4/10, a bonus point for being built on such a short notice. It loses a point for exposing Xavier to a counter-attack at the same time (though I'm not sure the device can be blamed for that.)

Mental Wave Amplifier: A portable device including headgear, which increases a mutant's ability to receive Xavier's thoughts.
First appearance: X-Men #20
Invention Points: 3/10, Jean uses it to receive Xavier's instructions, so it's unclear if this device is a two-way: capable of increasing a telepath's ability when worn by a telepath.

Beam Distorter: A special helmet, built by Beast following instructions from Xavier, this device blocks a paralysing beam that is affecting Xavier.
First appearance: X-Men #20
Invention Points: 4/10, a bonus point for being built on such a short notice. I have little to say about it. It does what it is supposed to do, but that's it.

Colosso: A giant robot, built as a training tool for the X-Men. It's outfitted with various weapons like paralysis beams. It's armour is capable of repelling Cyclops' blast, has 360 degrees vision and jets of hot air can melt any ice Iceman uses against it almost instantly.
First appearance: X-Men #22
Invention Points: 7/10, it is slow and not that agressive, but these flaws I am easy to forgive because they are intended flaws: the X-Men are meant to have a chance against it. I give a bonus point because Xavier is smart enough to have a remote control capable of shutting it down: I guess he's seen enough giant robots turning on their creator to have a failsafe.

Flexible Metal Leg Braces: Lightweight devices that when attached to Xavier's leg and belt, allow him to walk.
First appearance: X-Men #23
Invention Points: 5/10, a great invention, but it has it's downsides: it requires a lot of power and therefore can only be used for relatively short times and they are not as responsive at time as Xavier would wish.

to be continued

Magneto's Manic Machines

Magnetic Wrist Communicators: the size of a watch, they allow the Brotherhood to communicate with each other.
First appearance: X-Men #5
Invention Points: 2/10, these type of devices were pretty standard for superhero and villain teams.

Magnetic Planes: silent, magnetically powered planes, capable of reaching orbit.
First appearance: X-Men #5
Invention Points: 6/10, though apparently unarmed, they are far more advanced than any planes humans have at this time. Bonus points for the big horseshoe magnet at the bottom of it. Some of them are even capable of making simple flights on their own.

Asteroid M: Magneto's orbital base.
First appearance: X-Men #5
Invention Points: 7/10, the complexity of putting an entire working base in orbit with its own power, water and waste disposal is pretty impressive, even with magnetic powers to help you out. The added traps are just icing on the cake.

Magnetic Intensifier: Like Charles Xavier, Magneto has built a device to increase his own powers.
First appearance: X-Men #5
Invention Points: 5/10, it suffers from the same problems as Xavier's device; large, cumbersome and requires intense concentration to use.

Unnamed weapon: A large raygun with great range and power.
First appearance: X-Men #6
Invention Points: 4/10, pretty common in the books at the time, but this one gets some points for the great range and power it has. It loses points though for being too large to be practical.

Giant Magnet: A gigantic magnet on Magneto's island base, capable of lifting ships and repel them or simply destroy them
First appearance: X-Men #6
Invention Points: 7/10, even with the silly look, it's a rather fearsome weapon.

Magna Car: A floating car, powered by magnetism.
First appearance: X-Men #7
Invention Points: 1/10, certainly an impressive machine, but most of it is just a variation to the Magnetic Planes that have already appeared and they are far more versatile.

Mechanical Mental-Wave Distorter: A device capable of blocking the telepathic powers of Charles Xavier when placed upon his head.
First appearance: X-Men #17
Invention Points: 3/10. Bonus points for the short time it took for Magneto to built it. It loses a lot of points though for shorting out when Xavier concentrates his full mental might on it; a device that is taken out by the very thing it's designed to disable is a failure.

Mutant Creating Device: A device that could analyse the living bodies of Angel's parents and use this information to create new mutants.
First appearance: X-Men #18
Invention Points: 9/10, Magneto's master piece in my honest opinion. Not only is it capable of mass-producing living beings, but Magneto could even select which power his new mutants would have. It only loses a point for taking a long, long time before the mutants are finished and the process can be rather easily interrupted: constant analysis of the mutant parents is needed for the process to work. The X-Men are able to stop it before that point, so we can't see how effective these mutant slaves would have been

to be continued

Other inventions:

The first X-plane isn't invented by Xavier, but made by McDonnell, it is a combination of plane and helicopter and made available to the X-Men by F.B.I.-agent Fred Duncan. The X-helicopters and planes seen after that all seem to be purchased.

Unus counter-weapon: Beast's first invention, it increases the powers of Unus to a point where Unus could no longer control it.
First appearance: X-Men #8
Invention Points: 7/10, bonus points for the short time it took Beast to create it and the ability to reverse its own effects. It does exactly what Beast intends it to do, so even though its use is limited, I'm giving it a lot of invention points.

* = No mention will be made of later adaptions of these devices (adaptions made after X-Men #66) such as the Danger Room's holographic abilities and Cerebro's merger with the various Mental Intensifier devices Xavier created, until we've reached the point they are made in the series with our reviews.

david r

01-07-2008, 06:49 PM

Awesome, Dizzy D! What a great idea. I never knew so many inventions were created in the early days of X-Men. Charles Xavier & Magneto were impressive engineers & builders, eh? I kind of miss that stuff nowadays.

You've made an exhaustive list. My favorites were Asteroid M, Cerebro and Xavier's spelunking wheelchair. That wheelchair was pretty creative, eh? I would say Magneto's "mutant-creating device" is the most frightening of the bunch. Just think if Mags brought that thing back & created his own army !

david r

01-07-2008, 07:00 PM

X-Men #1-66: An Overview:

Well, we made it. The Original X-Men run is wrapped-up, and it was quite a ride! Lots of characters introduced & dangerous villains defeated. Looking at certain points in the series:

1) The early Lee/Kirby issues (#1-17) were overflowing with ideas, and they didn't disappoint. We saw the debuts of Magneto, Blob, Juggernaut, Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch, Mastermind, Cerebro, the Sentinels and the Savage Land! Certainly this was not on a par with Stan & Jack's legendary Fantastic Four run, but it was still great! Fun Silver Age imagination.

2) Stan created Mimic before leaving the reins to Roy Thomas in 1966. I think this was Thomas' first comics writing EVER, and overall, he did a good job. His initial run (20-43) is packed with perhaps a few too many word balloons, Roy seemed to want to jam every panel with captions! And there were some less-than-memorable creations (Locust, Merlyn, Mekano, Grotesk) but Roy eventually did a great job. Roy wrote the best BEAST IMO, defining his "vocabulary tongue-twisters" to new heights! And his Factor Three arc, and the death of Professor Xavier, were high-points for the 1960s run.

Werner Roth did a superb job following-up the King, Jack Kirby. Werner (who originally used the pen-name Jay Gavin so DC Comics wouldn't know he was at the competition) stayed on X-Men for years and gets little mention by fans. But I liked his art quite a bit.

3) Unfortunately, I felt that Arnold Drake's run (47-54) was the nadir of the series. The stories became sillier & more unrealistic. However, Arnold created Lorna Dane so it wasn't all bad.

4) The peak of the 60s run was the fabulous Neal Adams, Roy Thomas run (56-63, 65), a rollercoaster ride that took our merry mutants from one adventure after the next. This run obviously influenced all X-Men stories that followed, with gorgeous artwork & more sophisticated writing that defined X-MEN for generations. Even if you don't like 1960s X-Men, reading these Adams/Thomas issues is ESSENIAL for an X-fan. I LOVED IT!

david r

01-07-2008, 07:15 PM

Part Two:

Let's talk characters:

Cyclops: Scott was my favorite member during this vintage period. "Slim" started out quiet & shy, but he slowly grew and his leadership skills expanded to the point he really didn't need Charles Xavier anymore. His constant secret "desire" for Jean Grey in the early issues became tiresome, but "boy gets girl" finally. I like to remember Scott this way.

Jean Grey: I had expected Jean portrayed as "second banana" to the males (this is the '60s, after all.) Not so! As the book progressed, Marvel Girl's prowess and participation in the adventures blossomed to where she was invaluable. Her combination of telekinesis & telepathy made her the most powerful member---even if nobody recognized it then. The soap opera angle was good, if dragged out too long. Scott, Warren and college buddy Ted Roberts all had crushes on our red-haired beauty, but her heart will always be for Scott Summers.

Beast: The one character I lost a tiny bit of love for was Hank McCoy. Hank came across with a smudgeon of arrogance in this book, which I had not expected. But hey, these are teenagers. They're not all going to get along & be perfect. Beast was the oldest member, but still really young. Perhaps his higher intellect gave Hank a feeling of superiority in his youth; I still like the Beast a lot.

Angel: I came away from this liking Warren Worthington III a lot more. Warren proved his worth many times, and only occasionally let his privilege & wealth hoarded over the others. Warren's rides with Jean in his mustang were typical teenager behavior, who can blame him? Jean is cute. I especially liked his "Avenging Angel" origin tale and wished we could have seen more of those days.

Iceman: Bobby Drake is the youngest, and he was written as more immature. But not obnoxious, thank God. Bobby showed his worth in fighting Magneto alone (19) and I like him a lot more than I ever used to. My only qualm is Bobby forgetting all about Zelda, and going ga-ga for Lorna Dane. I guess love is never easy.

Charles Xavier: Wow, this is complicated. Charles is fascinating and mysterious. He is stern and demanding, yet also caring and patient. All in one man, and I respect his Dream and selflessness to pursue it. But.........Charles is also manipulative and a liar. He lies to the students, their parents. He lusted after Jean Grey (in #3), which was disgusting. He lied about his death and demanded Jean Grey lie about it too. He entrusted his students to a VILLAIN! He also keeps too many secrets from them, so an interesting man he is. But flawed.

Magneto: This man is evil!! He almost kills thousands of people in #4, and tries to kill the X-Men countless times. He treats his allies like garbage and then wonders why they betray him. His abysmal treatment of faithful Toad grew ridiculous, and I felt no sympathy for Magneto whatsoever. He is super-villain through-and-through, and deserves what horrible fates await him IMO.

jmc247

01-07-2008, 07:43 PM

Part Two:

Magneto: This man is evil!! He almost kills thousands of people in #4, and tries to kill the X-Men countless times. He treats his allies like garbage and then wonders why they betray him. His abysmal treatment of faithful Toad grew ridiculous, and I felt no sympathy for Magneto whatsoever. He is super-villain through-and-through, and deserves what horrible fates await him IMO.

He was supposed to be mad, what do you expect?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f132/jmc247/f_kpcmcAmzA00009--02.jpg

david r

01-07-2008, 08:23 PM

High-points for the series were the two Sentinels sagas, the Factor Three arc and the Neal Adams run. I loved the Coffee A Go-Go. Only in the 60s would we see that!

Charles Xavier's death scene was good, and Magneto's many schemes always brought menace to the title. Even here, no one but the Master of Magnetism brought dread to the title like HIM!

Worst issues were Merlyn, Mole Man & Tyrannus, Mekano and most of Arnold Drake's work. I can see why X-Men became the lowest-selling title during this decade.

Disappointments: The subplot with Jean, concerning Metro College and her beau, Ted Roberts, were never resolved. Also, is Scott Summers still wanted by the police from #54? For resisting arrest?

Tomorrow I'll be posting interesting tidbits from Roy Thomas & Neal Adams on their run.

Crimson

01-08-2008, 03:35 AM

I thought Roy Thomas's run was pretty dull. I never got Thomas... not my cup of tea. It sured did pick up with Adams on art though, he did some great stuff on X-Men.

Muggs

01-08-2008, 05:34 AM

As the first chapter comes to an end. I think this thread should be closed and stickied for everyone to see. It's great stuff.

Well done to David R, and Dizzy D and Worst Blog Ever for their efforts.

Bring on the Chapter 2.

Edit. Didn't see the Hidden Years thread.

Dizzy D

01-08-2008, 03:05 PM

Xavier's Inventions *
(in order of appearance)

Metal tentacles: Thought-activated metal tentacles catch Xavier when his leg braces fail and he falls down the stairs.
First appearance: X-Men #25
Invention Points: 1/10, a simple device and making it thought-activated seems limits its use. Ultimate Xavier wished he had these though.

The Multi-Frequency Booster: Add-on for Cerebro, it increases Cerebro's range and precision.
First appearance: X-Men #27
Invention Points: 2/10, though certainly useful, it's just a modification to Cerebro.

The M-Indicator: The Mimic can't be detected by Cerebro, so Xavier built a device solely for detecting him. It also warns when he has reached a critical distance to the other X-Men and starts losing their powers.
First appearance: X-Men #28
Invention Points: 3/10, it hasn't been established yet how Cerebro works, but I'm assuming that the M-Indicator mostly works using the same principles. It's limited in use, but it's still pretty impressive that Xavier figured out a way to distinguish the Mimic from all other life-forms.

Ear-shields: Designed to protect against the Banshee's scream.
First appearance: X-Men #28
Invention Points: 0/10, they didn't work, so nice points for Xavier. The improved ones do, but that's all the Ogre's work.

Specially treated metal net:A metal net designed to withstand Banshee's sonic scream.
First appearance: X-Men #28
Invention Points: 1/10, pretty straightforward, but it works. It won't hold up forever, but Xavier didn't expect it to.

Vacuum chamber:Used to imprison the Banshee. It negates gravity as well.
First appearance: X-Men #28
Invention Points: 3/10, the vacuum chamber isn't impressive, but its ability to create a gravity-less environment certainly is.

Mento-Call:Wristwatch-shaped devices that allow the X-Men to telepathically contact Xavier without Xavier having to open his mind to them.
First appearance: X-Men #31
Invention Points: 2/10, the devices get bonus points for identifying to Xavier immediately who is sending the call and what level of danger the X-Man in question is facing.

Energo-Transformer: Designed by Xavier, it allows him to use his telepathic power to drain the Juggernaut of his powers. The machine fails though due to the interference of Factor Three's Mutant Master and Juggernaut even ends up with Xavier's telepathy.
First appearance: X-Men #32
Invention Points: 4/10, it would score higher if the Mutant Master hadn't interfered: a device capable of mixing science and mystical knowledge is very impressive. It loses a lot of points for the serious drawbacks the Mutant Master's interference revealed.

Mentallo-shield:A device capable of keeping the comatose Juggernaut and later the comatose Xavier alive.
First appearance: X-Men #33
Invention Points: 5/10, basically it's a live support system, but it's ease of use gains it a lot of points.

Cerebro (new function):Cerebro can be used to erase memories and put hypnotic commands into a person's head.
First appearance: X-Men #36
Invention Points: 3/10, it could be a function the device always had, but usually Xavier does this type of stuff with his powers. It's some extra points for Cerebro, because it's unrelated to his other functions so far.

Cyberno:The prototype of Cerebro.
First appearance: X-Men #40
Invention Points: 0/10, I already gave these invention points to Cerebro.

Solar Orbs:Small orbs that can store the sun's energy to be used in experiments. Angel also manages to use them to blind Grotesk.
First appearance: X-Men #42
Invention Points: 2/10, small, portable powersources are a handy invention, but nothing spectacular.

Projector:A large device that projects a recorded message from Xavier after his death.
First appearance: X-Men #43
Invention Points: 0/10, the device is large and looks impressive, but its ability could easily be done with regular technology at the time.

unnamed device:Programmed to retrieve Juggernaut from the Crimson Dimensions of Cyttorak.
First appearance: X-Men #46
Invention Points: 8/10, this device is capable of breaching dimensional barriers, find a single individual and transport them to Earth and it even has a failsafe to return the Juggernaut to the Crimson Dimension after a short while unless he has changed his ways and was given some special treatment.

Xavier's Mind Machines:It's function is unclear, but the X-Men accidentally use it to bring Blastaar from the Negative Zone to Earth.
First appearance: X-Men #53
Invention Points: ?/10, its ability to breach the interdimensional barriers is very impressive, but even the X-Men don't know its true function, so it's impossible to tell whether this device does what it is supposed to do.

Androids:Used to prepare the Beast for the Z'Nox soldiers. These androids are about as strong and fast as a Z'Nox soldier.
First appearance: X-Men #65
Invention Points: 2/10, Xavier already proved his ability to built robots and androids with Colosso and these are nowhere near Colosso-levels.

Rocketship: Used to attack the Z'Nox-ship
First appearance: X-Men #65
Invention Points: 7/10, apart from its speed, its armour is the most impressive thing: many layers of tough armour peel away everytime the ship is attacked, leaving a sleak core that can burrow itself into the enemy spacecraft.

Mind-Probe: A device capable of reading a person's mind.
First appearance: X-Men #66
Invention Points: 1/10, no invention points for Xavier: it's based on Hank Pym's design. He does get 1 point for slightly improving it. Still the device doesn't match the telepathic powers of Marvel Girl, who can do the same thing with less risk to the patient.

Unnamed device: A device using gamma rays to treat mental exhaustion.
First appearance: X-Men #66
Invention Points: 1/10, co-created with Bruce Banner. Few points for Xavier as it seems that Banner did the most work here and actually built the device in question.

Magneto's Manic Machines

Hypno-Magnetic bands: a restraining device that nullifies Jean's power
First appearance: X-Men #45
Invention Points: 5/10, the device does what it is supposed to do and even more: Jean's telepathic abilities also don't seem to work and Magneto doesn't even know she has those yet.

Thermonuclear Heat Tube: a restraining device that immobilizes Iceman.
First appearance: X-Men #45
Invention Points: 3/10, the device does what it is supposed to do, little else to say about it.

Disintegrator: small protable device that allows Angel to escape from his prison.
First appearance: X-Men #45
Invention Points: 6/10, this thing can easily dissolve metal bars and is small and easily hidden.

The Psyche-Generator: a large device capable of greatly boosting Mesmero's hypnotic powers and allows him to command dozens of latent mutants from miles away.
First appearance: X-Men #49
Invention Points: 7/10, the fact that the device boosts Mesmero's powers so much that he can command people he's not even looking at, earns it massive points.
Note: It later turns out that the Magneto Mesmero served was not the real Magneto, but a robot.

The Mutant Energy Stimulator: capable of awakening the powers of a latent mutant.
First appearance: X-Men #50
Invention Points: 8/10, the device responsible for awakening Lorna Dane's magnetic powers. Seeing how there are dozens of latent mutants this device could be very useful to Magneto's cause.
Note: It later turns out that the Magneto Mesmero served was not the real Magneto, but a robot.

K-19 gas: capable of knocking out a person within 7 seconds.
First appearance: X-Men #50
Invention Points: 2/10, knockout gas is pretty common, even Angel invented a version. Still it's very quick-acting, giving it an extra point.
Note: It later turns out that the Magneto Mesmero served was not the real Magneto, but a robot.

The Savage Land Mutates (not a Manic Machine, I know, but still creations of Magneto. Otherwise, file it under the Machine that creates the Savage Land Mutates). Created from primitive Swamp People, the mutates have each different powers.
First appearance: X-Men #62
Invention Points: 8/10, again one of Magneto's masterworks. I wonder if the creation process is related to his previous mutant creating device.

Healing Chamber: the machine Magneto to use to heal Angel
First appearance: X-Men #62
Invention Points: 9/10, Angel is on the brink of death when Magneto finds him, but a few minutes in this machine and he's as good as new. It's possible that Brain Child had some part in its creation, but Magneto definitely seems to be the leading genius in these issues. No downsides apparently to this device, making it one of the most impressive devices Magneto has ever built.

Magneto's Creator Costume
First appearance: X-Men #62
Invention Points: 2/10, it includes a jetpack and can fire blasts from it's gauntlets and guns that are connected to it. Brain-Child also says that the devices on his arms allow him to move his arms, but in his flashback Magneto is unharmed after fighting the Avengers and X-Men, so it probably was just a ruse. The devices drain off Magneto's own power (apparently to protect the sensitive devices in his base).

Dizzy D

01-09-2008, 06:36 AM

Overall opinion of the first 66 issues

Writers:
The X-Men worked best when it was good vs. evil mutants or mutants vs. humans. When it turns to regular superheroics, the X-Men are not any different from other superhero teams and definitely out of their element. Points to the Thomas/Adams team to fit in the exotic looks of the Savage Land with the human/mutant theme by introducing the Mutates.

I liked Stan Lee's issues the best, even with all their flaws. Stan wanted to do so much each issue that I kept entertained.

Roy Thomas was very uneven to me; stories like El Tigre and the Warlock did absolutely nothing for me, but the Factor Three storyline was interesting and his issues with Neal Adams are among the best on the series so far. I think, like with certain other writers in the near future, Thomas improves when he is coupled with a good artist. Either synergy or the Marvel Way of Making Comics at work? Some subplots go nowhere: Polaris mentions her powers fading at the start of the Sentinel story, but a couple of issues later they are back at full strength.

Gary Friedrich: the poorest of all the stories, but I can't really blame him. He is in fill-in hell really, wedged between Thomas' Death of Professor X (and taking over mid-story from Thomas) and Drake's Mesmero/Lorna Dane stories. His plot of splitting the X-Men up really doesn't work, but is quickly cast aside by Drake as well, so maybe if he got to finish it, it would have been better.

Drake: I like most of Drake's issues. The Steranko factor certainly adds to it, but Lorna Dane and Mesmero were good add-ons to the X-Men stories.

Artists:

There were many fill-in artists, but four artists seem to carry the most of the series: Jack Kirby, Werner Roth, Don Heck and Neal Adams. I'll add Steranko to my list of artists discussed, because while he only pencilled two issues, I really love them.

Kirby: One of the greatest artists around, but I get the feeling he never really got into the X-Men. Most of his X-Men work lacked that spark that he had on Fantastic Four or on his more personal works like the Fourth World-series. He does have some great designs though: Magneto, the Juggernaut and the Sentinels look great and every artist since then keeps to the Kirby concept with only small changes. Any big changes are usually quickly reverted to the Kirby look.

Werner Roth and Don Heck both are good craftsmen, but neither really pushed the X-Men to any great heights. (Uhm... that sounded a lot harsher than I intended it to). Positives: Don Heck's individual X-costumes for Marvel Girl and especially Cyclops are great and in case of Cyclops set his look for years to come. His design for Sunfire is also great.
Roth's Banshee had room for improvement, but I always loved Banshee's yellow/black striped cape. Roth also had some great covers featuring the Juggernaut.

Steranko: Like I said I love these issues, very dynamic and Lorna Dane's Magneto 2 costume is very good. I would have expected her first costume, to resemble Magneto's more though, like Mesmero's does.

Neal Adams: What can be said that hasn't already. His art really brings the X-Men to a new level. Havok's costume is a classic and the Living Monolith looks much better than the Living Pharaoh ever did (so while the sudden change in appearance makes little sense, the improved look more than makes up for it). He will have my eternal thanks for switching Angel from one of his worst looks to the best look he ever had. I also give him points for Magneto's Creator-look, which I liked (though the red/purple helmet didn't go with the rest of the outfit. No accessorizing points for Magneto!)

Characters

Xavier is rather strict with his students and usually all business. In the last two posts I have listed his and Magneto's inventions, Xavier certainly was a tinkerer in his early appearances. I liked that we get some human moments where Xavier curses his paralysis; these days even though he is in and out of the wheelchair a lot, he usually seems to take it in stride.
Xavier is trusting these early issues as well, sometimes deserved, sometimes not: he hopes to redeem the Juggernaut several times, lets Lucifer go once they stopped him, he gives the Mimic and the Changeling a second chance and tries to get Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch away from Magneto.
He deceives his X-Men several times, sometimes for reasons I can get (their final exam), sometimes without any apparent reason (not only faking his death, I'm also talking about keeping things secret like his attempts to redeem the Juggernaut or his disease (OK, that later turned out to be the Changeling) ).
Powerwise, telepathy worked completely differently back then. Xavier repeatedly gave other characters telepathy: Juggernaut accidentally, Changeling and Jean.

Cyclops hasn't changed much over the years. He has bouts of insecurity and he is very depressed over his lack of control, but he is also the most mature of the X-Men (well, it's a tie between him and Jean). I liked him being a radio reporter.

Iceman: he switches between youthful prankster and angry young man a lot. Especially when Havok and Lorna are getting closer. In the early issues he's desperate to prove himself, but later on he settles in a rather relaxed and confident attitude that would stick with him for the coming years.

Angel: I think Angel got the least character development of the original cast, even his solo-issue with Red Raven focuses more on the Raven than himself. Otherwise Hank and Bobby have their Zelda and Vera subplot, while Warren is mostly added to the Cyclops and Jean romance subplot without having anything to do in there that furthers his own character. Candy Southern should make up for this, but she hardly had any appearances so far.
His wealth comes and goes as the plot requires (I'm mostly referring to the Mekano-issue here). Personalitywise he is stated to have a large ego in his origin issue, but in the series itself it isn't as noticeable (most of the characters have a huge ego in this series, villains and heroes alike).
I do like that one of the things that sets him apart from the others is that he was already a superhero before he joins the X-Men. I also wish more was done with his mention of being at military academy before joining the X-Men.

The Beast in his first appearance reminds me strongly of the Thing. I think Stan noticed as well and he quickly changes Beast to an intellectual. The intellectual strong man works far better for him. He's not the scientific genius he would later become (except for the Unus-issue), he seems more interested in literature and poetry. Once Xavier dies, he steps in to fill the science-gap within the team though.
The thing I noticed the most though, is that Beast isn't as gentle and collected as he is in his later appearances, he has a temper and an elitist attitude that is rather disturbing.

Marvel Girl: I already stated how surprised I was that Jean wasn't the damsel in distress that often. All the X-Men get captured and need the others to rescue them from time to time. Her powers also make her one of the most powerful and useful X-Men, especially once she receives telepathy as well. When it came to characterisation, she isn't so lucky though. Most of her subplots were either having to chose between Scott and Warren or hoping that Scott finally got up the courage to ask her out. Her time at college gave her more to do, but like most subplots, it was dropped without any resolution. She also lacks the backup origin issue the other X-Men got, instead she got the short "these are my powers"-bit.. but the other X-Men got one of those as well (well, except Warren and Xavier, though the last one had the death-at-the-time they did those excuse). Time to strike, Jean!

Other X-Men:
Mimic: I like the Mimic. It's a shame, that once he learned to be a decent human and a true hero, he lost his powers again. Then again with all his powers he did not fit in with the kind of team the X-Men were at the time. These days, most X-Men are powerhouses themselves, but then it was teamwork and brains over power.
Lorna Dane and Havok: Apart from their introduction, they didn't get to do much themselves. I'm kinda torn about this. On the one hand, I love that they weren't immediately trust into missions; it was stated again and again that the original five had a lot of training before being sent on dangerous missions and for all their power neither Lorna nor Alex had any combat experience. On the other hand, you have two of the most powerful mutants here, I would have liked to see them training or at least a mention of it when the original five went on a mission.
Changeling: The retcon X-Man, we never really got a reason for his villainy or any of his history, so there is still work to be done there. His "I'm about to die, so I'll better my life"-thing has been done often, though as I said he went beyond the call of duty to keep up the charade even when he died.

CJ Lentze

01-09-2008, 10:34 AM

Neal Adams left because the book got cancelled, despite Neal Adams' work on the book.According to Roy Thomas' introduction in X-Men Masterworks 6, Neal Adams was upset when #65 came out; Adams was the one who had plotted the Z'Nox story in addition to providing the artwork, and Roy Thomas was supposed to script the story. However, Thomas apparently couldn't find the time to do it, so he handed over the scripting to Dennis O'Neil without first discussing this with Adams. Also, Stan Lee himself ordered some changes to Adams' art in that same issue; most noticeably, the Z'Nox' guardian monster originally looked even more reptilian and less humanoid. Stan wanted the monster to be on the cover, and thought a more humanoid monster would sell better, so he had another artist, Marie Severin, re-draw it. She also drew the cover. And apparently that's why Adams left.

I'll be silently following the 'X-Men: Hidden Years' thread. This has been great fun.

DDM

01-09-2008, 11:05 AM

According to Roy Thomas' introduction in X-Men Masterworks 6, Neal Adams was upset when #65 came out; Adams was the one who had plotted the Z'Nox story in addition to providing the artwork, and Roy Thomas was supposed to script the story. However, Thomas apparently couldn't find the time to do it, so he handed over the scripting to Dennis O'Neil without first discussing this with Adams. Also, Stan Lee himself ordered some changes to Adams' art in that same issue; most noticeably, the Z'Nox' guardian monster originally looked even more reptilian and less humanoid. Stan wanted the monster to be on the cover, and thought a more humanoid monster would sell better, so he had another artist, Marie Severin, re-draw it. She also drew the cover. And apparently that's why Adams left.

I'll be silently following the 'X-Men: Hidden Years' thread. This has been great fun.

This story is also true. Neal Adams hated "Z'Nox" for the alien race & he equally hated Dennis O'Neal replacing Roy Thomas without it being discussed with him.

However, another factor in Neal not drawing X-Men #66 is that it was cancelled.

DDM

01-09-2008, 11:09 AM

Marvel Girl: I already stated how surprised I was that Jean wasn't the damsel in distress that often. All the X-Men get captured and need the others to rescue them from time to time. Her powers also make her one of the most powerful and useful X-Men, especially once she receives telepathy as well. When it came to characterisation, she isn't so lucky though. Most of her subplots were either having to chose between Scott and Warren or hoping that Scott finally got up the courage to ask her out. Her time at college gave her more to do, but like most subplots, it was dropped without any resolution. She also lacks the backup origin issue the other X-Men got, instead she got the short "these are my powers"-bit.. but the other X-Men got one of those as well (well, except Warren and Xavier, though the last one had the death-at-the-time they did those excuse). Time to strike, Jean!

Chris Claremont gave Jean Grey her origin in Bizarre Adventures #27 of all places!

Hi-Fi

01-09-2008, 11:10 AM

Dizzy, you're amazing for making these lists!

david r

01-09-2008, 07:50 PM

Roy Thomas' thoughts:, taken from COMICS CREATORS ON X-MEN!

-Artist Werner Roth was supposed to plot X-MEN himself, and Roy Thomas just dialogue it. Thomas changed that immediately.
-Werner Roth drew more issues of 1960s X-MEN than any other artist, he used the pen name Jay Gavin originally, which was the names of his two sons! Roth, an unsung X-artist, also drew Avengers and Werewolf By Night. Werner died in 1973.
-Roy wasn't that big on the "mutant thing", which is why he brought "mainstream" villains like the Puppet-Master, Count Nefaria and the Super-Adaptoid into the book.
-The Locust story was based on 1950s giant-monster movies, like Them! or Beginning of the End. (We guessed this one right!!)
-Roy created the Banshee, but Sean Cassidy was supposed to be a woman!! Stan Lee changed that, 'cause he didn't want the X-Men fighting women!

-Roy wanted Sunfire to join the X-Men immediately, but Stan wouldn't let him swell the ranks.
-When Roy killed off Professor Xavier in #42, he was meant to be dead and STAY DEAD.
-Artist Neal Adams came to Marvel Comics & wanted to do their worst-selling book. That is why he got X-Men.
-Neal Adams was originally going to write the book also, but instead, Roy Thomas took over.
-Sales of the Thomas/Adams run had sales rising upward, but Marvel still cancelled the book.
-Sal Buscema was slated to be the new artist, with #66. But then it was abruptly cancelled.

-The reprint issues began 8 or 9 months later in 1970, because the improved sales of Thomas/Adams proved there were X-fans out there. But Marvel was not willing to spend $$$ on new stories.
-Roy says he came up with Wolverine's name and basic traits!! Another name he considered using for Logan was "Badger."
-Marvel President Al Landau suggested creating a team of "international heroes", because Marvel sold well in foreign countries. Roy Thomas decided to use the idea for the new X-Men team. His idea was for Cyclops and Marvel Girl to have a ship that would float from country to country, hidden by clouds, crossing borders and finding foreign X-Men members!
-Dave Cockrum and Mike Friedrich were the original creative team for 1975's X-Men.
-When the "new" X-Men came out, Marvel never promoted it in foreign markets!!
-Roy has no interest in returning to write X-Men, unless he was reunited with Neal Adams.

hugekent

01-10-2008, 06:08 AM

I've always thought there should be a character called Badger and he would be a rival to Wolverine. They'd have some epic battles.

Ventura

01-10-2008, 06:03 PM

X-Men #1-66: An Overview:
Werner Roth did a superb job following-up the King, Jack Kirby. Werner (who originally used the pen-name Jay Gavin so DC Comics wouldn't know he was at the competition) stayed on X-Men for years and gets little mention by fans.
Even though they were freelancers at DC (and not under contract), most artists who "crossed over" and took on extra work at Marvel felt obligated to use pseudonyms --as you state, DC would have frowned upon them working for the competition! So at Marvel, Gil Kane was "Scott Edwards" (his sons' names, too), Gene Colan was "Adam Austin", etc.

The first "crossover" artist to buck the trend? None other than Neal Adams. He was already established at DC when he visited Stan (at Steranko's suggestion) and took on the X-Men assignment. Neal insisted on using his real name at both DC and Marvel. So he broke the barrier; others followed his lead and started using their real names at both companies.

Micro

01-10-2008, 06:32 PM

All the next issues are reprints right? So does it contiune with Giant Sized X-Men #1 then jumps to Uncanny #94, and go from there? or are there annuels or specials between that?

DDM

01-10-2008, 06:38 PM

All the next issues are reprints right? So does it contiune with Giant Sized X-Men #1 then jumps to Uncanny #94, and go from there? or are there annuels or specials between that?

Yes X-Men #67-93 are reprints; however, this thread continues in X-Men: The Hidden Years thread...

Pro

01-10-2008, 06:40 PM

-Roy created the Banshee, but Sean Cassidy was supposed to be a woman!! Stan Lee changed that, 'cause he didn't want the X-Men fighting women!

Well that explains the name once and for all then .. Mythic banshees are female death spiritswho scream when someone is about to die.

Micro

01-10-2008, 06:41 PM

Yes X-Men #67-93 are reprints; however, this thread continues in X-Men: The Hidden Years thread...

oh, thanks for letting me know, I guess I missed that part. Thanks.

david r

01-10-2008, 08:40 PM

I liked Stan Lee's issues the best, even with all their flaws. Stan wanted to do so much each issue that I kept entertained.

You are right about Stan Lee's issues being PACKED with story. Took me twice as long to read the older ones, than the issues after #50.

His plot of splitting the X-Men up really doesn't work, but is quickly cast aside by Drake as well, so maybe if he got to finish it, it would have been better.

Gary Friedrich's plots were pretty much abandoned after he left. Is Scott Summers still a radio correspondent? What happened to Jean's modelling career?

Kirby: One of the greatest artists around, but I get the feeling he never really got into the X-Men. Most of his X-Men work lacked that spark that he had on Fantastic Four or on his more personal works like the Fourth World-series. He does have some great designs though: Magneto, the Juggernaut and the Sentinels look great and every artist since then keeps to the Kirby concept with only small changes. Any big changes are usually quickly reverted to the Kirby look.

As usual, Jack "The King" Kirby defined X-Men, as he did any book he was on. I found lots of energy in his artwork. His Magneto design is classic and NOBODY has improved on it in 45 years.

Werner Roth and Don Heck both are good craftsmen, but neither really pushed the X-Men to any great heights.

I give Roth and Don Heck credit for sticking with the book longer than anyone else. I doubt most artists wanted to do X-Men, so let's give a bow to Werner and Don for keeping the book alive.

Steranko: Like I said I love these issues, very dynamic and Lorna Dane's Magneto 2 costume is very good.

Steranko only drew two issues. But they were highly memorable. However, sales did not increase on the book.

Cyclops hasn't changed much over the years. He has bouts of insecurity and he is very depressed over his lack of control, but he is also the most mature of the X-Men (well, it's a tie between him and Jean). I liked him being a radio reporter.

Cyclops was a fully-realized character from the get go. I recognized Scott from #1 all the way to #66, and his personality didn't change all that much.

Lorna Dane and Havok: Apart from their introduction, they didn't get to do much themselves. I'm kinda torn about this. On the one hand, I love that they weren't immediately trust into missions; it was stated again and again that the original five had a lot of training before being sent on dangerous missions and for all their power neither Lorna nor Alex had any combat experience. On the other hand, you have two of the most powerful mutants here, I would have liked to see them training or at least a mention of it when the original five went on a mission.

I got the impression Marvel wasn't sure whether Havok and Lorna should join the team or not. I know Roy Thomas wanted new members, but Stan Lee resisted this. Perhaps the X-Men were not sure they had the RIGHT to elect new members---without Professor X there to agree. We'll never know.

I was a bit disappointed there wasn't more character development. We had very little. But back in the Silver Age, it just wasn't done much.

david r

01-12-2008, 10:03 AM

DDM

01-12-2008, 03:29 PM

One thing I'm questioning is the reveal that the FBI know all about Charles Xavier, the School & the X-Men. I was always under the assumption the government did NOT know the whereabouts of the X-Men.

But including FBI agent Fred Duncan in the 1960s, means the Federal Bureau of Investigation know Xavier's *secret*. Was this ever retconned away? Because how can the X-Men be "outlaws" if the federal gov't know where they live?

Carol Danvers destroyed all the classified data the government had on the X-Men in Uncanny X-Men #158. She also deleted her own files from the government's mainframe when she worked for the military & when she worked along the Avengers as Ms. Marvel in the same issue.

david r

01-12-2008, 07:16 PM

Thank you, DDM. That actually helps me out quite a bit.

david r

01-20-2008, 07:36 AM

Neal Adams tidbits:

-Neal started in comics drawing Ben Casey strips. Ben Casey, a popular 1960s medical show, became the inspiration for the "demented" Dr. Karl Lykos.
-The name Lykos came from the word "lycanthropy." Short for werewolf. The inspiration for Sauron was a man-bat, but the Comics Code wouldn't allow any vampire-themes in comics then.
-J.R.R. Tolkien fans were angry about the use of the name "Sauron". And wrote upset letters to Marvel about it.

-Neal's original cover to X-Men #56 showed the X-Men strapped to the X-Men's logo. Marvel publisher Martin Goodman rejected it, saying it obscured the title's name. The unused cover is now considered an innovation and both Neal and Roy Thomas think Goodman made a big mistake.
-Neal Adams came to Marvel in 1969 and asked to do their worst-selling book. Neal was also the first to work at both DC and Marvel and NOT use a pen-name,which was standard practice then. From that time on, pen-names were dropped forever.
-Adams wanted to work on Marvel's lowest-seller, because he felt he could experiment with comics design and would have more freedom. Neal was originally going to write the X-Men, too.

-Neal created the classic Havok costume design, an all black uniform. He wanted a costume that would "absorb energy", like black absorbs light. It was controversial at the time, as no costume had ever looked like that before.
-Neal had planned to draw X-Men for years! He quit in 1969 because Stan Lee changed art for #65; Adams had drawn a giant dog-like creature roaming the Z'Nox ship, and Stan had another artist draw a giant lizard-like monster instead. (Shown on the cover.) Adams was outraged. Also, Neal was not consulted about Dennis O'Neil replacing writer Roy Thomas for #65. And so Neal Adams walked.

david r

01-30-2008, 08:52 PM

From the ashes of the past, there grow the fires of the future!

Giant-Size X-Men #1

"Second Genesis"

1st appearance: Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Thunderbird

The era of the new X-Men begins!! This landmark issues debuts Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Banshee, Colossus, Storm and Thunderbird to the X-Men lineup. Things would never be the same again!!

The cover is a now-classic one, with the "New" X-Men leaping out of the page, with the Original 5's stunned looks on their faces in the background. The words "New! Deadly Genesis" adorn the cover! The issue begins with Professor Charles Xavier searching the world over for new mutants. Charles visits with Kurt Wagner in Germany (who is chased by wild villagers,) Ororo in East Africa, Wolverine (Weapon X) on a military base in Canada, Sunfire in Japan, Banshee in his Nashville apartment, Colossus on a Soviet collective farm, and John Proudstar on an Indian reservation in Arizona. Each mutant, Charles asks for their help.

They all arrive at Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters and are given code-names and uniforms. Xavier introduces Scott Summers-- Cyclops-- who is wearing a new,improved visor. Scott tells the sad story of how Cerebro detected a new mutant in the Pacific Ocean. So the original X-Men (Cyclops, Jean Grey, Angel, Iceman, Havok and Lorna Dane) were sent to the island of Krakoa to investigate. The team arrive on Krakoa and are immediately taken out....by a mysterious unseen enemy. Cyclops finds himself back on the Strato-Jet, his optic blasts made mute. Scott informs Xavier, who goes in search of a new team of mutants to rescue the X-Men.

The new team is ready to depart for Krakoa when Sunfire says he has no interest in taking part with this mission. However, as the mutants are flying to Krakoa, Sunfire flies along and rejoins them. This team DO NOT LIKE ONE ANOTHER!! When they arrive at Krakoa, they separate into two-person teams and battle various creatures on Krakoa. Finally, the new X-Men reassemble at a mysterious temple, where they discover the original X-Men hooked to some device which is sucking their energies. As the mutants free the X-Men, the island suddenly starts to quake..and we learn that the island itself is alive... Krakoa is a giant living mutant!! The X-Men do battle with this huge monstrosity, as does Charles Xavier back at the Mansion. Finally, using Storm's weather-power shooting into Lorna Dane's magnetic power, the gravitational lines of Krakoa are cut, and the island flies off into outer space!! Luckily, our mutants escape in the nick-of-time, using an ice-sheet made by Iceman. But they are sucked into a huge whirlpool, created by the vacating island. They are smashed and buffeted against the sides of the ice-dome.

But survive they do, and return to the surface of the ocean, where they locate the Strato-jet, and fly back home. The issue ends with Angel saying "What are we going to do with THIRTEEN X-MEN?"

My thoughts: What a great issue. Seeing so many classic members join all at once is fun, and the early interpretations of Wolverine, Storm and the others is interesting. Also interesting is how argumentative and mean the "new X-Men" are to one another. They are constantly bickering, especially Thunderbird and Cyclops. John Proudstar likes to irritate Scott by calling him "One-Eye". They are no family unit, like the Original X-Men were. Sunfire, Wolverine and Thunderbird all cause friction in this team. And it's rather fun to read. Krakoa is a silly villain, but very "1970s" to me. Giant-Size X-Men #1 is a turning point in superhero comics, like Action Comics #1 or Fantastic Four #1, and every page has some classic line or memorable action sequence. The All-New, All-Different X-Men have begun!!

david r

01-31-2008, 08:10 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.94.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #94

"The Doomsmith Scenario"

The new X-Men beginning continues, as Professor Xavier asks who wishes to remain with the team. Sunfire quits in an angry huff. The rest of the new members decide to stay, but Charles is shocked when the original X-Men announce they are leaving. As Jean Grey tells it, they have grown up. And it's time to go on their own now. Only Cyclops remains to train and lead the new team. The next morning, Havok, Iceman, Jean, Angel and Lorna Dane depart. Scott and Jean kiss farewell, and say they love each other. And the Original X-Men drive away. (I was a bit disappointed the originals didn't get more of a send-off. Only Jean gets any dialogue.)

Cyclops now gets these new mutants into a strict training regiment. For weeks, they train and forge into a team. Thunderbird continues to be a thorn in Cyclops' side, and as he trains in the Danger Room, John Proudstar takes one chance too many. He cuts his leg on a laser and he and "One-Eye" have a heated argument.

The villain of the issue is Count Nefaria and the Ani-Men, who storm NORAD headquarters in Colorado. They capture the War Room and seize control of the facility, deep within a mountain. The new X-Men learn of the attack (from blue-furred Beast, now a member of the Avengers.) They head out in their Blackbird to Colorado. But Nefaria spies them, and launches missiles at their Blackbird. Cyclops steers the ship and narrowly escapes them, but one missile still hits. The ship explodes, but they escape in an escape pod. However, Nefaria blows the lifting pod up as well, and the X-Men topple to the earth!

My thoughts: Chris Claremont's first issue, and it's another well-done story. I wish the original cast had more of a memorable "goodbye" moment, it was rather rushed. Scott and Jean Grey finally say they love each other. It's hard to believe the "Original 5" era is over. These new X-Men are much more difficult and rough. So far, I like Nightcrawler the best.

david r

02-01-2008, 08:50 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.95.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #95

"Warhunt"

This issue, an X-Man really and truly DIES.

The X-Men survive their plummet to the Earth, Cyclops only just barely! It's a close call for "One-Eye". On the mountain outside NORAD, Nightcrawler teleports inside the base, and battles a man-sized frog. Our lovable elf wins and opens a hatch for the new X-Men to enter the base. Count Nefaria then launches several devices within NORAD to stop our exotic mutants. Storm exhibits her amazing weather-power by creating a mini-storm within the base halls, to halt an attack of soldiers.

Count Nefaria sends his bizarre Ani-Men to defeat our mutants. They attack the X-Men and a wild battle goes down. Banshee and Thunderbird are both knocked out in the ruckus. But the X-Men win; but it's too late. The "Doomsmith" system has become engaged within NORAD, and a nuclear assault is now inevitable!!

By this time, Thunderbird & Banshee have awoken, and spy Count Nefaria fleeing the scene. Nefaria boards a jet, and takes off---but Thunderbird leaps onto the jet. John Proudstar begins smashing the plane and cockpit, trying to stop Nefaria. Meanwhile, Professor X mentally informs Cyclops the Doomsmith device is destroyed, in the battle with the Ani-Men. So the X-Men head topside, and see Nefaria's jet flying haphazardly. Prof X screams for John to get off the jet, and Proudstar yells back "I've been a loner all my life, Xavier--an outcast--dumped on by everybody I met--but I'm a man, Xavier, a warrior of the apache--and today I'm gonna prove it!" The jet then explodes.

Thunderbird and Count Nefaria are killed. Charles Xavier mentally "witnesses" John Proudstar's burning death, and clumps to his desk in agony. The new X-Men stand on a hill overlooking the wreckage, and Cyclops says, "I suppose it had to happen sometime. Hell, sooner or later it happens to ALL of us in this business...it comes with the uniform." A lone red feather hands among the wreckage, blowing in the wind.

My thoughts: A landmark moment, as the first X-Man dies. (Though Charles Xavier did die previously, his awkward resurrection somewhat muffles the impact of Thunderbird's death.) John Proudstar was the definition of angry young man. But in the end, he proved himself a man. And there is a part of me that wishes Thunderbird had more time to shine...with the X-Men.

Diablito

02-01-2008, 09:10 PM

These issues were great! I wish Thunderbird and Sunfire stayed with the team longer, since they were some of the more interesting members of the team.

CJ Lentze

02-02-2008, 10:22 AM

So, the new X-Men have arrived... I'm surprised at the lack of replies following these pivotal X-Men stories. But anyway, here are my thoughts...

The part I liked best about 'Giant-Sized X-Men' was the recruiting sequence at the beginning. Then in the middle, it sort of slumps during the battles of the X-Men duos against the living island. The final battle, and the way Cyclops, Lorna, Havok, and Storm join forces to catapult Krakoa into space, was spectacular, however. I agree that the X-Men's goodbye in issue 94 was rather rushed.

#95: Storm exhibits her amazing weather-power by creating a mini-storm within the base halls, to halt an attack of soldiers.I like how she whips up a flash flood inside a building, and then Cyclops' stunned look as she just smiles 'The soldiers won't bother us anymore'.Count Nefaria sends his bizarre Ani-Men to defeat our mutants. These are the same Nefaria villains from X-MEN #22-23, but they've been transformed into weird animal-creatures.No, they were different villains, though I originally thought the same when I read this issue before I had read 'Uncanny X-Men' #22 and 23. The four male Ani-Men first appeared in 'Daredevil' #10 back in 1965. Nefaria's Maggia lieutenants, meanwhile, were all established (though minor) villains, who would each build a reputation for themselves, most noticeably the Unicorn and the Scarecrow. Eventually, Nefaria hired the Ani-Men and gave them a power boost. Note: Croaker and Gort were originally named 'Frog-Man' and 'Ape-Man' respectively.

I like how Nightcrawler couldn't teleport from mid-fall to the ground because of the first law of motion; he would smash on the ground with the same speed. At this point, Nightcrawler's manners are like those of a beast, as Sunfire remarked; Kurt 'bays' and 'howls' in triumph or panic. Everyone calls him 'monster', but he is very friendly and open to others, judging from how he approached a brooding Scott.

The Doomsmith being deactivated by the X-Men's battle with the Ani-Men felt like an anticlimactic way of stopping it, considering that this was sophisticated technology, and a doomsday weapon at that. Similarly, Thunderbird's death left a bitter taste in my mouth, because the Banshee could have stopped the plane. But it was impressive to see him rip through the plane's hull with his bare hands, and it was a gripping death scene. The story as a whole was awesome, and in my opinion superior to that of 'Giant-Sized X-Men'.

I have another question, david: will you be reviewing the X-Men Annuals? Some of them feature events that are important to the overall plot.

w00tmaster93

02-02-2008, 10:23 AM

I liked how the narration said that the X-men were about to die in a few seconds in issue 95, then when it when Claremont used that narration again in X-treme X-men it seemed tired and lame. It's a shame that they didn't use the ani-men more, I kind of liked them. When I read these issues for the first time it surprised me that Banshee and Thunderbird were my favorites.

CJ Lentze

02-02-2008, 10:32 AM

When I read these issues for the first time it surprised me that Banshee and Thunderbird were my favorites.I liked the interaction between Thunderbird and the Banshee, for instance when the Banshee wanted to help John up after he was injured in the Danger Room, and John snaps 'Back off'. Someone wrote in a letter to Marvel that the Banshee represented a bygone time where everyone helped their neighbour. And the new X-Men are almost all of them loners, especially Thunderbird.

Joe Acro

02-02-2008, 10:34 AM

I must admit that I'm not a big fan of Giant-Sized X-Men #1. It's largely because of Krakoa. It being a mutant has never say well with me. Was it once human? Was it an experiment gone wrong? I just don't know what to make of it.

Was it revealed what saved Cyclops? It's been a while since I've read the issue, so it might be explained therein and I've just forgotten.

However, I really enjoyed the Nefaria story and the death of Thunderbird. I hadn't read many (if any) heroic comic book deaths at the time. I found that moment very shocking. "Jump off! Jump off!" BOOM. :eek:--dragged out for a few moments.

It's likely that that issue largely shaped my feeling toward death in comics today.

On the plus side, Sunfire wasn't on the team anymore. I've come to appreciate him, but at the time I just didn't think he suited the team at all. And even still, he likely didn't suit the team at that time.

Finally, Banshee was cool.

w00tmaster93

02-02-2008, 10:39 AM

I liked the interaction between Thunderbird and the Banshee, for instance when the Banshee wanted to help John up after he was injured in the Danger Room, and John snaps 'Back off'. Someone wrote in a letter to Marvel that the Banshee represented a bygone time where everyone helped their neighbour. And the new X-Men are almost all of them loners, especially Thunderbird.

that's why i liked banshee at the time, a firat he was the only nice one. kurt, peter, and ororo weren't fleshed out that much yet.

CJ Lentze

02-02-2008, 10:56 AM

I must admit that I'm not a big fan of Giant-Sized X-Men #1. It's largely because of Krakoa. It being a mutant has never say well with me. Was it once human? Was it an experiment gone wrong? I just don't know what to make of it.Krakoa was the result of nuclear weapons tests on an island. Because of the radiation, all living beings that made up the island's ecosystem merged into one entity. So by the definition of 'mutant' they use in the Marvel Universe NOW, I suppose that Krakoa isn't a mutant. None of the island creatures had any extraordinary mutant powers of their own before the nuclear test, so the entity could be considered a mutate, and a merged one at that. Not to mention Marvel uses the word 'mutant' mostly for Homo superior, and Krakoa wasn't human, although I think it would have been fun if there were more some superpowered mutant animals in the comics. But they were more free with the definition of 'mutant' in the MU before they established all the rules around it, and Krakoa had been mutated.Was it revealed what saved Cyclops? It's been a while since I've read the issue, so it might be explained therein and I've just forgotten.In this story, Cyclops was released by Krakoa, because Krakoa would run out of mutant energy to feed on, and he knew that Cyclops would return with a rescue force to safe his friends- thus bringing in more mutants for Krakoa to feed itself with. It would be retconned later, in 'X-Men: Deadly Genesis'.

Joe Acro

02-02-2008, 11:02 AM

Not to mention Marvel uses the word 'mutant' mostly for Homo superior, and Krakoa wasn't human, although I think it would have been fun if there were more some superpowered mutant animals in the comics. But they were more free with the definition of 'mutant' in the MU before they established all the rules around it, and Krakoa had been mutated.Ah. Thanks for the explanation.

As for animals, I actually had that idea once. It was a dachshund with telekinesis. But given Cosmo's presence in Nova... (I wonder if he's a mutant.)

In this story, Cyclops was released by Krakoa, because Krakoa would run out of mutant energy to feed on, and he knew that Cyclops would return with a rescue force to safe his friends- thus bringing in more mutants for Krakoa to feed itself with. It would be retconned later, in 'X-Men: Deadly Genesis'.Okay. So, with all the living minds merged together, Krakoa gained forethought?

CJ Lentze

02-02-2008, 11:08 AM

Okay. So, with all the living minds merged together, Krakoa gained forethought?Yup. And a twisted sense of humour, judging from the taunting manner in which he mentally spoke. Without the retcon, that is.

david r

02-02-2008, 11:13 AM

I agree that the X-Men's goodbye in issue 94 was rather rushed.

I wished we'd seen Warren, Bobby and the other Originals have more of a fond farewell. Nobody even speaks except Jean Grey. And strange that Charles Xavier was NOT there to wish them goodbye. Was Prof X angered that his first students were departing sooner than he'd like?

No, they were different villains, though I originally thought the same when I read this issue before I had read 'Uncanny X-Men' #22 and 23. The four male Ani-Men first appeared in 'Daredevil' #10 back in 1965.

Thanks for this information on the Ani-Men.

Everyone calls him 'monster', but he is very friendly and open to others, judging from how he approached a brooding Scott.

This quote about Kurt Wagner is why he's my favorite new X-Man so far. Nightcrawler is very friendly, and you can tell he wants to interact well with the other mutants.

I have another question, david: will you be reviewing the X-Men Annuals? Some of them feature events that are important to the overall plot.

I will be reviewing all the Annuals. Except the ones that have nothing but reprints.

w00tmaster93

02-02-2008, 11:33 AM

DDM

02-02-2008, 02:23 PM

DDM

02-02-2008, 02:27 PM

I wished we'd seen Warren, Bobby and the other Originals have more of a fond farewell. Nobody even speaks except Jean Grey. And strange that Charles Xavier was NOT there to wish them goodbye. Was Prof X angered that his first students were departing sooner than he'd like?

Chris Claremont gives the originals a better good-bye in Classic X-Men #1; this explains why the original team leaves so quickly, although Jean would later return to the X-Men as Phoenix months later.

david r

02-02-2008, 06:47 PM

I remember that they printed the letters for the first few all-new all-different issues that were anti-new X-men. There was one that said that Wolverine should stay with the originals and that Banshee should go home, Peter and Ororo should get married and leave, and that Nightcrawler should die.

That sounds pretty outrageous. I know many older fans didn't accept the new team. And there was a "Get rid of Wolverine" campaign during the 1970s.

DDM, thanks for that info. I may have to pick up that issue now.

david r

02-02-2008, 06:50 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.96.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #96

"Night of the Demon"

1st appearance: Moira McTaggart, Michael Rossi, the N'Garai, Kierrok

#96 begins with Cyclops wandering the wooded lands around the School, depressed over the recent death of Thunderbird. Scott feels responsible for John Proudstar's death last issue. In a fit of rage, Scott lets loose with his optic blasts and destroys the surrounding trees. In so doing, he cracks the top of a mysterious cairn. As Scott walks away, green mist begins to float from the cairn's top. Back at the Mansion, the new X-Men are having a session in the Danger Room. Wolverine has his first berserker moment as he attacks Nightcrawler who laughs at Wolvie, after he's made a mistake.

Charles Xavier and Banshee have a conversation in which Charles says he'll be leaving soon, and a housekeeper is coming to take his place. At that moment, the doorbell rings and Sean Cassidy runs to the door and meets a 30-ish aged woman, named Moira McTaggart. Speaking the same Scottish accent that Sean has, she is the new housekeeper. Meanwhile, cut to a once-secret installation in northern New York, we meet Stephen Lang, another nutjob who wants to capture and imprison mutants. He has an operation going on called Project: Armageddon, which seems to be similiar to the Trask's ideas. Colonel Michael Rossi arrives to inspect the Project, and Michael says he's going to shut down the project.

Back at the School, Prof X announces he'll be taking a leave of absence, and Moira McTaggart will be helping out. Sean is already flirting with inquisitive Moira. Suddenly, Cyclops comes smashing through the window, following by a huge, red monster with one-eye, named Kierrok the Damned! The team immediately begin attacking the beast, and Wolverine goes crazy and slices him apart with his razor-sharp claws. But even then, Kierrok begins to return to life. Xavier mounts a mindprobe on Kierrok, and Charles is swept along in a sea of alien images in a striking panel, showing the horrific mind/memories of Kierrok! Xavier screams and falls from his wheelchair, in shocked agony.

Finally, Storm flies into the night and discovers the damaged cairn. Which is causing all these problems. It is surrounded by more of these alien N'Garai creatures and they attack her. We now see flashbacks of Ororo's youth, as she is holding hands with her mother, and then both trapped in debris. The claustrophobic memories send Ororo into a rage and her lightning-power completely shatters the cairn!! Kierrok vanishes in a puff of smoke. His threat seemingly ended. In the final panel, we see Michael Rossi's plane has crashed, and Stephen Lang laughs.

Micro

02-02-2008, 07:09 PM

Wow, I can't believe you are already to the All-New, All-Different X-Men era. I agree, it would have been nice to have the old team phase out in a more impactful way instead of just taking off. I also wish they would have done more with Sunfire instead of having him just leave, I hope he shows up agian soon. It's great to see your already this far along, keep it up...:)

w00tmaster93

02-03-2008, 05:52 AM

I never understood why Xavier got a scientist to be his housekeeper.

worstblogever

02-03-2008, 06:14 AM

I never understood why Xavier got a scientist to be his housekeeper.

Same reason why today Karma's the librarian who does the team's laundry.

david r

02-03-2008, 07:23 AM

I never understood why Xavier got a scientist to be his housekeeper.

I assume Moira McTaggart's real job was to watch over the new members while Charles Xavier left. She was given the term "housekeeper" to give her a reason for being there, and not draw suspicion to herself.

Moira is quite strong-willed, and in #96, shows no sign of taking any lip from Wolverine or the new X-Men. She being Scottish is probably why Sean Cassidy is already flirting with her.

On a different note, this new member "Wolverine" seems a jerk when he attacked Nightcrawler in the Danger Room. He's a real hothead.

Kierrok was pretty badass, and reminds me of an H.P. Lovecraft-type creature. The whole bit about "my kind once ruled your world" comes straight out of Lovecraft's story At the Mountains of Madness. Chris Claremont often used horror ideas in his 1970s stories.

david r

02-03-2008, 07:32 AM

I have two questions for everyone:

1) Count Nefaria is killed in X-Men #95, but I know he eventually returns. I remember seeing Nefaria again in the Busiek/Perez Avengers run. Does anyone know how Nefaria survived the jet explosion? And if he survived, why couldn't Thunderbird?

2) Michael Rossi debuted in #96, and he becomes a recurring supporting character later on. Yet........Rossi appears killed in a plane crash in the final panel of #96. How did Rossi survive this? Is this ever explained?

DDM

02-03-2008, 09:17 AM

1) Count Nefaria is killed in X-Men #95, but I know he eventually returns. I remember seeing Nefaria again in the Busiek/Perez Avengers run. Does anyone know how Nefaria survived the jet explosion? And if he survived, why couldn't Thunderbird?

Count Nefaria returns with enhanced powers in The Avengers #164-166 to be Thor's equal! :

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/05815547774.166.GIF

Nefaria reveals that he teleported from the doomed plane in X-Men #95 which killed Thunderbird.

2) Michael Rossi debuted in #96, and he becomes a recurring supporting character later on. Yet........Rossi appears killed in a plane crash in the final panel of #96. How did Rossi survive this? Is this ever explained?

Read Classic X-Men #7. Emma Frost rescues him & takes Rossi to Sebastian Shaw's beach house. Although in critical condition, he lives. Emma Frost must have used her telepathy to wipe his mind of the Hellfire Club's involvement since Rossi does not mention them in Uncanny X-Men #182.

DDM

02-03-2008, 09:22 AM

I assume Moira McTaggart's real job was to watch over the new members while Charles Xavier left. She was given the term "housekeeper" to give her a reason for being there, and not draw suspicion to herself.

Moira is quite strong-willed, and in #96, shows no sign of taking any lip from Wolverine or the new X-Men. She being Irish is probably why Sean Cassidy is already flirting with her.

On a different note, this new member "Wolverine" seems a jerk when he attacked Nightcrawler in the Danger Room. He's a real hothead.

I think you're right. The new X-Men were already suspicious of Xavier; therefore, bringing another scientist would have raised more hackles from the team.

He also called Moira from Scotland since Xavier kept having telepathic seizures linked to Lilandra to help him run the school.

Note in Uncanny X-Men #104, Moira's nature is revealed & Scott is beside himself when he learns of Muir Island & its Mutant Research Center. Xavier kept this island a secret from most of the original X-Men save Jean Grey...

david r

02-03-2008, 09:45 AM

Thanks again, DDM. That Classic X-Men series helps with a lot of unanswered questions.

w00tmaster93

02-03-2008, 10:49 AM

Thor's face on that Avengers cover is priceless

Dizzy D

02-03-2008, 04:06 PM

Ah darn, with all the wisdom teeth trouble lately, I completely forgot to pick up my copy of Essential at my parent's place and won't be visiting again for nearly a month. Sitting this one till then.

IRONY...

02-03-2008, 04:33 PM

@Cicero, I'll be reading the original X-Men comic. From the Original 5 to the "New X-Men" of the 70s. I'll include annuals. Also I'll include some of the mini-series of the 80s (Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Magik, etc.) I think I'll start a separate thread for New Mutants once I get to that point.

I'm not sure about Alpha Flight or X-Factor once I get there. I'll make the decision then.

I WILL INCLUDE THE 1991 ADJECTIVELESS X-MEN SERIES. I consider that part of the official series. I'm going to try to stay close to UNCANNY X-MEN and any crossovers connected with it will be included.

I am with u man...

May with u Stan the Man Lee be in your huge effort...

david r

02-03-2008, 09:09 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.97.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #97

"My Brother, My Enemy"

1st appearance: the Sh'iar, the Image-Inducer

#97 introduces the Sh'iar, or at least their space-ships, as we witness a spectacular two-page shot of Sh'iar ships in a wild outer space battle!! (Kudos to artist Dave Cockrum! ) Charles Xavier has been having recurring nightmares of this space fight, and has no idea where these dreams are coming from. Charles is close to a mental breakdown, and informs Moira McTaggart and the X-Men he's going on a leave-of-absence.

Meanwhile, Alex Summers and Lorna Dane are in the Rio Diablo desert, and have become lovers. They have been living in a secluded cabin in the desert but unfortunately, their romantic bliss is cut short, as Erik the Red returns and blasts Lorna. Not sure what Erik does, but Lorna becomes Polaris, with a new costume and possibly amped-up magnetic powers. Polaris blasts Alex, and now they are both under Erik the Red's power.

At Kennedy Airport, Professor Xavier leaves on his airplane, and he is seen off by Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Cyclops and a returning Jean Grey. Kurt Wagner uses the image inducer created by Tony Stark. Kurt takes the appearance of a 1930s movie star, and Xavier is not sure this is a good idea. But as Charles boards his plane, Havok and Polaris appear suited for a fight, and start one. They attempt to blast his plane, and the other X-Men begin a wild battle to save Charles. Luckily, Charles takes off safely. We learn who is stronger: Storm or Polaris! A huge thunder/magnetic confrontation takes place, and Ororo blasts Lorna out of the sky! Havok & Cyclops face-off, but neither brother can stop the other. In the end, Erik, Havok and Polaris fly away, their mission a wash. Scott doesn't blast them, and Wolverine screams at Scott for not finishing them off. Cyclops punches Wolverine in the face! And Storm says Wolvie will have to face HER if he ever hurts Scott again.

My thoughts: I wish Charles Xavier had invented the image-inducer. And not Tony Stark. Xavier's invention days seem to be behind him. Also, I wonder if Jean Grey, Havok and Lorna Dane returned because fans maybe were writing heated letters against the "new X-Men". As for "Polaris", this name was given to her when she became a villainess (for this 1 issue). I cannot tell if her powers have improved from before.

david r

02-04-2008, 08:18 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.98.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #98

"Merry Christmas, X-Men"

1st appearance: Wolverine without his costume, Peter Corbeau, Amanda Sefton

#98 shows Wolverine in his all-natural look. No yellow costume, his wolf-like hair flowing backward, and smoking a cigarette. He looks quite mean, and acts mean as well. The whole team is at the famous Fifth Avenue Christmas spot in Manhattan, on Christmas night. Jean Grey tagging along with Scott, and Moira & Sean Cassidy have gotten quite cozy! There's little doubt now that Scott and Jean are an item. This issue also has cameos by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Chris Claremont and CC's first wife, Bonnie.

While Scott and Jean are about to dine at a posh restaurant, the Sentinels return!! Smashing thru the wall and kidnap Jean. Storm unleashes a monstrous thunderstorm which destroys some of them. But Banshee & Wolverine are captured as well. Meanwhile, near the Bahamas, Charles Xavier is fishing on a yacht, with his old friend Peter Corbeau, director of the UN's Project Starcore. A sentinel destroys the yacht and grabs Xavier. Four days later, Jean, Sean, Xavier and Wolverine are held prisoner by Stephen Lang and his Project Armaggedon buddies. Jean asks where Lang's swastika is, and Lang slaps her face!! Wolverine explodes in a berserker rage and rips out of his shackles, slicing & dicing Lang's men with his claws. This is a pretty explosive moment.

Wolvie frees the others and they make a wild rampage thru the base, attacked by looming Sentinels. The 3 smash thru a wall...and then are silenced! Back at the Mansion, Peter Corbeau arrives and tells the X-Men of their missing comrades. They all suddenly realize the imprisoned X-Men are not on the earth at all...they're up in space in a space station! The final panel shows Wolverine, Banshee and Jean Grey floating helpless in outer space!!

My thoughts: This issue was action-packed! Seeing the mutants enjoying Xmas was special, and the best part was the Wolverine moment with Stephen Lang. Wolvie cutting loose and chopping up some bad-guys was exhilarating to see. He's one mean fellow, in many different ways.

worstblogever

02-05-2008, 02:05 AM

#97- This would be the second appearance of Erik the Red... the first having been Cyclops in a homemade, "No, really, I'm a villain." outfit. I just don't get that character. It's strange to see, by what would appear to be coincidence, that he tried to use other X-Men on vacation as his patsies to hunt down Xavier.

Cyclops and Logan hating each other at this point takes the old "Warren & Scott" rivalry and cranks it up to 11. And it stays that way for awhile. Good times.

#98- Jean Grey gets catty. It's good to see, actually. I'd take Jean being clever over the stoic matriarch. Sure, she's not going to win a "yo-mama" contest, but she makes her point. So, Lang slaps her, and then Wolverine makes some "points" of his own. The Logan/Jean/Scott love triangle continues...

DDM

02-05-2008, 09:21 AM

#98- Jean Grey gets catty. It's good to see, actually. I'd take Jean being clever over the stoic matriarch. Sure, she's not going to win a "yo-mama" contest, but she makes her point. So, Lang slaps her, and then Wolverine makes some "points" of his own. The Logan/Jean/Scott love triangle continues...

I disagree. Jean never returns Wolverine's affection for her. There never is a love triangle between Scott, Logan, & Jean, although sexual tension exists because Jean does find Wolverine attractive, but she does not act on her feelings for him. Jean remains true to Scott. Wolverine is feeling unrequited love for Jean.

worstblogever

02-05-2008, 11:05 AM

I disagree. Jean never returns Wolverine's affection for her. There never is a love triangle between Scott, Logan, & Jean, although sexual tension exists because Jean does find Wolverine attractive, but she does not act on her feelings for him. Jean remains true to Scott. Wolverine is feeling unrequited love for Jean.

So, you never read Uncanny X-Men #394, the issue where they share a deep kiss while trapped inside Warp Savant's other reality? You know, the one where they're making out right on the cover, too?

If not, here's your refresher.

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=255

Thank you, come again.

DDM

02-05-2008, 11:24 AM

So, you never read Uncanny X-Men #394, the issue where they share a deep kiss while trapped inside Warp Savant's other reality? You know, the one where they're making out right on the cover, too?

If not, here's your refresher.

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=255

Thank you, come again.

Actually I did read Uncanny X-Men #394, but this story was built on the illusion of a love triangle that never existed in the first place. It's one of the reasons why I disliked the story. Been there, done that:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.242.GIF

A demonically possessed Wolverine kisses Marvel Girl so he makes certain Jean Grey is Jean Grey. However, Marvel Girl telekinetically rips Wolverine away from her violently. Again, Jean is still staying true to Scott Summers by rejecting Wolverine.

worstblogever

02-05-2008, 11:35 AM

Actually I did read Uncanny X-Men #394, but this story was built on the illusion of a love triangle that never existed in the first place. It's one of the reasons why I disliked the story. Been there, done that:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.242.GIF

A demonically possessed Wolverine kisses Marvel Girl so he makes certain Jean Grey is Jean Grey. However, Marvel Girl telekinetically rips Wolverine away from her violently. Again, Jean is still staying true to Scott Summers by rejecting Wolverine.

So you're just saying Uncanny X-Men #394 never happened, and Jean allowing Logan to kiss her was a continuity hiccup.

Brian Cronin

02-05-2008, 01:33 PM

Mod ruling - Uncanny X-Men #394 counts.

-Brian

w00tmaster93

02-05-2008, 05:37 PM

david r

02-05-2008, 09:42 PM

yeah, so.....i thought the stan lee/jack kirby cameo in issue 98 was out of place, breaking the fourth wall never seemed to be an x-men thing (except for deadpool, but he doesn't appear in uncanny x-men).

I don't know, I felt it was cute. A tip-to-the-hat to the men who started it all. And I'm not sure they really broke the wall because they were talking to each other. Perhaps this should have waited until #100, where it would have been more appropriate.

BTW, X-Men #98 also tells us Wolverine's claws are a part of him. And not a part of his uniform. I felt Wolverine became more fleshed-out in #98 and more likable.

w00tmaster93

02-06-2008, 04:58 AM

I don't know, I felt it was cute. A tip-to-the-hat to the men who started it all. And I'm not sure they really broke the wall because they were talking to each other. Perhaps this should have waited until #100, where it would have been more appropriate.

BTW, X-Men #98 also tells us Wolverine's claws are a part of him. And not a part of his uniform. I felt Wolverine became more fleshed-out in #98 and more likable.

I did kind of like the Claremont/Cockrum cameo in the firelord issue becasue they didn't directly say that they were writing the characters moving and talking, but wasn't this around the time when kirby stopped working for marvel?

CJ Lentze

02-06-2008, 11:19 AM

I'm glad that Thunderbird gets a proper eulogy at the beginning of issue 96. What intrigued me most about that part, was how Cyclops' angry outburst, born of grief and guilt, transformed into a hunger for destruction. It's something of a pity that Claremont never did anything with this again. I didn't really like issue 97. I realise it was well-received, which is likely because of the return of Lorna Dane and Havok, as you said, and the showdown between the two Summers brothers, which was novel. The battle was really stretched, but the showdown between Storm and Polaris was great, as was Cockrum's art. Claremont's caption narrative is fesh; it speaks to the characters (and readers) as if it's acquainted to them. He also mixes it with normal explanatory narrative. The dialogue ranges from corny (in the fight scenes, against Kierrok and Erik the Red, for instance), to genuinely funny and smart.

#98:
It's good to see Professor X actively defend himself against the Sentinel with a mindblast. It's also nice to see him be tired and break down, like a human being, and to see him interact with friends like Moira MacTaggert and Peter Corbeau. Storm is very impressive, and again I must say it's fun whenever Cyclops is shocked by the power she wields with deadly accuracy, and which she can call to a stop just as easily.BTW, X-Men #98 also tells us Wolverine's claws are a part of him. And not a part of his uniform. I felt Wolverine became more fleshed-out in #98 and more likable.I agree, and apparently this was the issue that made many readers like Wolverine. After issue 98, Marvel received a lot of letters in favour of Wolverine, while before, they wanted him gone, as you already said. I think it has to do with Claremont revealing tiny bits and pieces of his past, holding the readers' interest, while keeping a certain mystery to the character. He is doing the same with Storm. And I think Wolvie's rebellious attitude also helped endear him.

Joe Acro

02-06-2008, 01:52 PM

I think it has to do with Claremont revealing tiny bits and pieces of his past, holding the readers' interest, while keeping a certain mystery to the character.
I have to admit that the mystery is largely what drew me to him. The same can be said for many other characters I like.

But even more importantly, he was a mystery because he couldn't tell the story himself either. He was just as in the dark as we were.

david r

02-06-2008, 08:57 PM

Wootmaster93, actually this was the time when Jack Kirby returned to Marvel. In 1975, Kirby came back after bolting his House of Ideas in '70, otherwise I doubt Marvel would have allowed the cameo in X-Men #98 to happen.

Schuimend, I really felt Wolverine is a huge jerk in his first few issues. I really didn't like him at all until #98. He's still a jerk ("I got no use for Christmas"--I loved that part!) :p , but he seems more a "team-player" in #98. And his berserker rage cutting loose against Lang's men gave his aggression a way to vent.

Wolverine is one weird looking guy, too. I assume he's meant to look feral and wolf-life.

david r

02-06-2008, 09:00 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.99.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #99

"Deathstar, Rising"

Deathstar?? Could Marvel have had a Star Wars tie-in in 1976? #99 is here! Wolverine, Banshee and Jean Grey float helplessly in outer space, until they are saved by Sentinels, who return them to the SHIELD orbital space-platform. (I know little about space, but I suspect our mutants would be dead as doornails from space exposure if this REALLY happened.) The other X-Men (Cyclops, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler) hijack a space shuttle and take off into space. With the help of Dr. Peter Corbeau.

Colossus is terrified of space travel, because his brother Mikhail was killed in Russia's early space launches. Nightcrawler sees this all as a great adventure!! As they approach the space-platform, the Sentinels are dispatched and smash up the shuttle. Storm is thrust out of the ship...Corbeau has no options except smash the space shuttle straight into the SHIELD base! Which he does!! The X-Men then start smashing Sentinels left & right.

Storm survives in space by controlling the solar winds. Once our mutants have mopped up on Sentinels, Cyclops heads out to find Jean Grey. The others find Wolverine & Banshee and free them. Scott finds Stephen Lang and beats the holy crap out of our mutie-hater. But then Scott gets zapped by a mystery person. As the other new X-Men arrive, they are confronted by the horrible sight of the Original 5 (Cyclops, Jean, Beast, Iceman, Angel) and Professor Xavier! Xavier announces the new X-Men are imposters......Charles says "Attack these imposters--and KILL THEM ALL!" It's the Original X-Men versus the New X-Men! To the DEATH!!

My thoughts: Another fantastic cliffhanger moment! I'm not sure if the X-Men could REALLY take control of a space shuttle, but #99 was an exciting read nonetheless. Lots of outer space adventure, though I wonder why the Sentinels were beaten up so easily. This new team seem to really work well, and are more diverse in personality than the originals. Oh, and Geraldo Rivera has a cameo here too!! Next stop--#100!!

DDM

02-07-2008, 07:54 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.99.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #99

"Deathstar, Rising"

Deathstar?? Could Marvel have had a Star Wars tie-in in 1976? #99 is here! Wolverine, Banshee and Jean Grey float helplessly in outer space, until they are saved by Sentinels, who return them to the SHIELD orbital space-platform. (I know little about space, but I suspect our mutants would be dead as doornails from space exposure if this REALLY happened.) The other X-Men (Cyclops, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler) hijack a space shuttle and take off into space. With the help of Dr. Peter Corbeau.

Colossus is terrified of space travel, because his brother Mikhail was killed in Russia's early space launches. Nightcrawler sees this all as a great adventure!! As they approach the space-platform, the Sentinels are dispatched and smash up the shuttle. Storm is thrust out of the ship...Corbeau has no options except smash the space shuttle straight into the SHIELD base! Which he does!! The X-Men then start smashing Sentinels left & right.

Storm survives in space by controlling the solar winds. Once our mutants have mopped up on Sentinels, Cyclops heads out to find Jean Grey. The others find Wolverine & Banshee and free them. Scott finds Stephen Lang and beats the holy crap out of our mutie-hater. But then Scott gets zapped by a mystery person. As the other new X-Men arrive, they are confronted by the horrible sight of the Original 5 (Cyclops, Jean, Beast, Iceman, Angel) and Professor Xavier! Xavier announces the new X-Men are imposters......Charles says "Attack these imposters--and KILL THEM ALL!" It's the Original X-Men versus the New X-Men! To the DEATH!!

My thoughts: Another fantastic cliffhanger moment! I'm not sure if the X-Men could REALLY take control of a space shuttle, but #99 was an exciting read nonetheless. Lots of outer space adventure, though I wonder why the Sentinels were beaten up so easily. This new team seem to really work well, and are more diverse in personality than the originals. Oh, and Geraldo Rivera has a cameo here too!! Next stop--#100!!

I like the cameos of real media people. Of course, this was long before Geraldo Rivera became joke a la his mid 1980's talk show...

worstblogever

02-07-2008, 12:45 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.99.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #99

"Deathstar, Rising"

Deathstar?? Could Marvel have had a Star Wars tie-in in 1976? #99 is here! Wolverine, Banshee and Jean Grey float helplessly in outer space, until they are saved by Sentinels, who return them to the SHIELD orbital space-platform. (I know little about space, but I suspect our mutants would be dead as doornails from space exposure if this REALLY happened.) The other X-Men (Cyclops, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler) hijack a space shuttle and take off into space. With the help of Dr. Peter Corbeau.

Colossus is terrified of space travel, because his brother Mikhail was killed in Russia's early space launches. Nightcrawler sees this all as a great adventure!! As they approach the space-platform, the Sentinels are dispatched and smash up the shuttle. Storm is thrust out of the ship...Corbeau has no options except smash the space shuttle straight into the SHIELD base! Which he does!! The X-Men then start smashing Sentinels left & right.

Storm survives in space by controlling the solar winds. Once our mutants have mopped up on Sentinels, Cyclops heads out to find Jean Grey. The others find Wolverine & Banshee and free them. Scott finds Stephen Lang and beats the holy crap out of our mutie-hater. But then Scott gets zapped by a mystery person. As the other new X-Men arrive, they are confronted by the horrible sight of the Original 5 (Cyclops, Jean, Beast, Iceman, Angel) and Professor Xavier! Xavier announces the new X-Men are imposters......Charles says "Attack these imposters--and KILL THEM ALL!" It's the Original X-Men versus the New X-Men! To the DEATH!!

My thoughts: Another fantastic cliffhanger moment! I'm not sure if the X-Men could REALLY take control of a space shuttle, but #99 was an exciting read nonetheless. Lots of outer space adventure, though I wonder why the Sentinels were beaten up so easily. This new team seem to really work well, and are more diverse in personality than the originals. Oh, and Geraldo Rivera has a cameo here too!! Next stop--#100!!

Some real copouts on surviving in deep space. Colossus? Sure, he doesn't need oxygen. Jean? TK bubble, or Phoenix factoring in. The rest? Ah... not so much.

Valjean999

02-07-2008, 02:31 PM

Are you gonna be including The New Mutants in your reading? I recommend the original series, up until around #54, when Claremont was on the book (back when Claremont was worth reading). Personally, I think that series was fantastic. A couple of stumbles here and there, but overall, good reading.

david r

02-07-2008, 07:56 PM

Yes, I am going to read New Mutants, when the time comes. I've never read it and am looking forward to it.

I'm not sure if I will continue it after #54, I am curious about Cable's debut, and the introduction of X-Force. We'll see...

david r

02-07-2008, 07:58 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.100.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #100

"Greater Love Hath No X-Man"

1st appearance: the Fastball Special

AT LAST--THE SPECTACULAR 100TH ISSUE OF X-MEN!!!! A wild extravaganza with the dream smash-up of the classic Original X-Men versus the new X-Men!! We get a gorgeous two-page spread of the two teams in full-battle!! Drawn by Dave Cockrum and it's a masterwork!! The story's not bad either!

The 1960s and 70s teams fight it up, though a bit unfair since Havok and Polaris are included. Seeing Beast and Nightcrawler tackle was a fanboy joy! Havok blasts Colossus and Peter actually feels pain. Wolverine confronts Prof X; Charles stands up and punches Wolvie in the face!! Colossus throws Wolvie into the air, as the Fastball Special makes its debut! Marvel Girl telepathically assualts Wolverine, and then Wolvie uses his feral instincts and realizes the truth!! Wolverine slashes Jean Grey with his claws, and we learn the old X-Men are really robots! After learning this, the new X-Men destroy the original team. Steven Lang's plot has been foiled. His X-Sentinels ruined. We learn his history, as well as a deal with he made with "the Council of the Chosen." (Who are THEY?? Did they ever turn up again?) Unfortunately for Lang, Cyclops breaks out of his tube-cell, and frees the captive X-Men. Steven Lang gets into a flying gunship, to kill them. But he loses control and smashes into a wall. Steven Lang is KILLED!!! The space-base is burning up, so the X-Men flee back to the space shuttle.

Jean Grey telepathically takes information from Peter Corbeau's mind, so she can pilot the space shuttle back to Earth---and keep out the solar radiation from a raging solar flare in outer space. Cyclops, Wolverine and Storm try to talk Jean out of it...she may not survive. But Jean has to do it. Jean says "Would you tell Scott.....tell him I LOVED it." The others enter a life cell, as Jean pilots the space shuttle out of the space-station. She pilots it well for several minutes, until the solar radiation overwhelms Jean's defenses, and she's overcome by rushing-in radiation. Jean screams Scott!!

My thoughts: The 100th issue, I can't believe we made it!! What a fantastic action-packed issue too! I loved it, wonderful art and story. Seeing the classic lineup against the newer X-Men was great fun to read. A nice twist, too. I do hope Jean Grey survives for #101!!!

RunningMonk

02-07-2008, 11:27 PM

i'm doing a similar thing. except i'm trying to include all appearances of of x-characters. i uploaded my reading order. the next issue i'm reading is Rom 17, if you're at all curious where i'm at.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=59UBR54D

w00tmaster93

02-08-2008, 05:07 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.100.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #100

"Greater Love Hath No X-Man"

1st appearance: the Fastball Special

AT LAST--THE SPECTACULAR 100TH ISSUE OF X-MEN!!!! A wild extravaganza with the dream smash-up of the classic Original X-Men versus the new X-Men!! We get a gorgeous two-page spread of the two teams in full-battle!! Drawn by Dave Cockrum and it's a masterwork!! The story's not bad either!

The 1960s and 70s teams fight it up, though a bit unfair since Havok and Polaris are included. Seeing Beast and Nightcrawler tackle was a fanboy joy! Havok blasts Colossus and Peter actually feels pain. Wolverine confronts Prof X; Charles stands up and punches Wolvie in the face!! Colossus throws Wolvie into the air, as the Fastball Special makes its debut! Marvel Girl telepathically assualts Wolverine, and then Wolvie uses his feral instincts and realizes the truth!! Wolverine slashes Jean Grey with his claws, and we learn the old X-Men are really robots! After learning this, the new X-Men destroy the original team. Steven Lang's plot has been foiled. His X-Sentinels ruined. We learn his history, as well as a deal with he made with "the Council of the Chosen." (Who are THEY?? Did they ever turn up again?) Unfortunately for Lang, Cyclops breaks out of his tube-cell, and frees the captive X-Men. Steven Lang gets into a flying gunship, to kill them. But he loses control and smashes into a wall. Steven Lang is KILLED!!! The space-base is burning up, so the X-Men flee back to the space shuttle.

Jean Grey telepathically takes information from Peter Corbeau's mind, so she can pilot the space shuttle back to Earth---and keep out the solar radiation from a raging solar flare in outer space. Cyclops, Wolverine and Storm try to talk Jean out of it...she may not survive. But Jean has to do it. Jean says "Would you tell Scott.....tell him I LOVED it." The others enter a life cell, as Jean pilots the space shuttle out of the space-station. She pilots it well for several minutes, until the solar radiation overwhelms Jean's defenses, and she's overcome by rushing-in radiation. Jean screams Scott!!

My thoughts: The 100th issue, I can't believe we made it!! What a fantastic action-packed issue too! I loved it, wonderful art and story. Seeing the classic lineup against the newer X-Men was great fun to read. A nice twist, too. I do hope Jean Grey survives for #101!!!

I like the issue but I never the cover always bothered me, it looks like Cyclops is going to punch Collosuss, and Iceman is looking at his teamates after seeing that he has to fight Wolverine, "does anyone want to trade?"

Valjean999

02-08-2008, 07:38 AM

Wow, reading your posts is really taking me back, since I read all these when they first came out! (although, it is making me feel old!) At least you are only waiting a day between issues, instead of the month or so that I had to back then. For a time, it was bi-monthly, in fact. Thats a long time when you are just a kid.

DDM

02-08-2008, 09:38 AM

Some real copouts on surviving in deep space. Colossus? Sure, he doesn't need oxygen. Jean? TK bubble, or Phoenix factoring in. The rest? Ah... not so much.

Jean is human here & before she becomes Phoenix; therefore, her telekinetic bubble just gave her a few more minutes of oxygen.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.100.GIF

All-New, All-Different X-Men #100

"Greater Love Hath No X-Man"

1st appearance: the Fastball Special

AT LAST--THE SPECTACULAR 100TH ISSUE OF X-MEN!!!! A wild extravaganza with the dream smash-up of the classic Original X-Men versus the new X-Men!! We get a gorgeous two-page spread of the two teams in full-battle!! Drawn by Dave Cockrum and it's a masterwork!! The story's not bad either!

The 1960s and 70s teams fight it up, though a bit unfair since Havok and Polaris are included. Seeing Beast and Nightcrawler tackle was a fanboy joy! Havok blasts Colossus and Peter actually feels pain. Wolverine confronts Prof X; Charles stands up and punches Wolvie in the face!! Colossus throws Wolvie into the air, as the Fastball Special makes its debut! Marvel Girl telepathically assualts Wolverine, and then Wolvie uses his feral instincts and realizes the truth!! Wolverine slashes Jean Grey with his claws, and we learn the old X-Men are really robots! After learning this, the new X-Men destroy the original team. Steven Lang's plot has been foiled. His X-Sentinels ruined. We learn his history, as well as a deal with he made with "the Council of the Chosen." (Who are THEY?? Did they ever turn up again?) Unfortunately for Lang, Cyclops breaks out of his tube-cell, and frees the captive X-Men. Steven Lang gets into a flying gunship, to kill them. But he loses control and smashes into a wall. Steven Lang is KILLED!!! The space-base is burning up, so the X-Men flee back to the space shuttle.

Jean Grey telepathically takes information from Peter Corbeau's mind, so she can pilot the space shuttle back to Earth---and keep out the solar radiation from a raging solar flare in outer space. Cyclops, Wolverine and Storm try to talk Jean out of it...she may not survive. But Jean has to do it. Jean says "Would you tell Scott.....tell him I LOVED it." The others enter a life cell, as Jean pilots the space shuttle out of the space-station. She pilots it well for several minutes, until the solar radiation overwhelms Jean's defenses, and she's overcome by rushing-in radiation. Jean screams Scott!!

My thoughts: The 100th issue, I can't believe we made it!! What a fantastic action-packed issue too! I loved it, wonderful art and story. Seeing the classic lineup against the newer X-Men was great fun to read. A nice twist, too. I do hope Jean Grey survives for #101!!!

The Council of the Chosen is none other than the Hellfire Club! At this point, the Council of the Chosen is lead by humans who hate mutants & want to see them eradicated. Steven Lang's partner is the Hellfire Club's White King, Edward Buckman. While Steven Lang's Sentinels attempt to kill the X-Men, Edward Buckman sends a Sentinel to Sebastian Shaw's beach house to kill the mutants within the Hellfire Club. The mutants are Sebastian Shaw, Tessa, Lourdes Chantelle, Emma Frost, & Harry Leland. Lourdes teleports Shaw & Tessa from the Hellfire Club mansion in New York City to Martha's Vinyard. After the Sentinel kills Chantel, Sebastian takes the Sentinel a part with the help of Harry Leland's mass control. Hours later, Edward Buckman & Paris Seville with the Council of the Chosen celebrate a false victory as Emma Frost takes control of Buckman's motor skills to shoot every human dead in the room. Shaw then snaps Buckman's neck out of the betrayal. Together Sebastian Shaw & Emma Frost rename the Council of the Chosen the Inner Circle & begin to populate the Inner Circle with mutants as leaders. Sebastian Shaw becomes the Black King & Emma Frost rises to the rank of White Queen.
The full story is in Classic X-Men #7:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/17292128602.7.GIF

After Uncanny X-Men #100, the Hellfire Club's next appearance is by name only in Uncanny X-Men #122. The Hellfire Club's first full appearance is Uncanny X-Men #129. At some point inbetween Sebastian Shaw's rise in leadership, the Hellfire Club recruits Mastermind to be a member of the Inner Circle; to prove his worth, he accepts the challenge of seducing Jean Grey to become a willing member of the Hellfire Club as its new Black Queen. Mastermind remains a probationary member for this time.

worstblogever

02-08-2008, 11:37 AM

#100- That is a hellaciously good anniversary issue, robot doubles aside. The upcoming Hellfire Club hints are a hint of things to come... really, this is a link to a saga... we all can agree is a seminal event in the franchise.

And the Fastball special... to think they went 99 issues without one. Tsk, tsk.

david r

02-08-2008, 09:57 PM

The Council of the Chosen is none other than the Hellfire Club! At this point, the Council of the Chosen is lead by humans who hate mutants & want to see them eradicated. Steven Lang's partner is the Hellfire Club's White King, Edward Buckman. While Steven Lang's Sentinels attempt to kill the X-Men, Edward Buckman sends a Sentinel to Sebastian Shaw's beach house to kill the mutants within the Hellfire Club. The mutants are Sebastian Shaw, Tessa, Lourdes Chantelle, Emma Frost, & Harry Leland. Lourdes teleports Shaw & Tessa from the Hellfire Club mansion in New York City to Martha's Vinyard. After the Sentinel kills Chantel, Sebastian takes the Sentinel a part with the help of Harry Leland's mass control. Hours later, Edward Buckman & Paris Seville with the Council of the Chosen celebrate a false victory as Emma Frost takes control of Buckman's motor skills to shoot every human dead in the room. Shaw then snaps Buckman's neck out of the betrayal. Together Sebastian Shaw & Emma Frost rename the Council of the Chosen the Inner Circle & begin to populate the Inner Circle with mutants as leaders. Sebastian Shaw becomes the Black King & Emma Frost rises to the rank of White Queen.
The full story is in Classic X-Men #7:

Wow, who knew? I thought "Council of the Chosen" were just random villains, soon forgotten! I am going to get that issue the next time I'm at my LCS. CLASSIC X-MEN really filled up the gaps.

I do have CLASSIC X-MEN #9, with the story "The Gift" starring Nightcrawler who meets a mysterious young boy lurking the halls of the hospital. (Where Jean Grey is recuperating.) I think this is one of the best things Chris Claremont has ever written!

david r

02-08-2008, 09:59 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.101.GIF

X-Men #101

"Life a Phoenix, From the Ashes"

1st appearance: Phoenix, Black Tom Cassidy

What a classic cover! The Phoenix makes it's debut; will Jean Grey ever be the same? #101 begins as the space shuttle comes crashing into Kennedy International Airport. It smashes onto the tarmac and lands in Jamaica Bay, where it sinks. The X-Men, Charles Xavier and Peter Corbeau swim to the surface, soon followed by Jean Grey. Who flies out of the water, wearing an exotic green/yellow costume never seen before (see cover above!) Jean says "No longer am I the woman you knew! I am FIRE! And LIFE INCARNATE! Now and forever--I AM PHOENIX!"

What's happened to our Jeannie? The wet and exhausted mutants swim to shore and use Nightcrawler's new image-inducer to hide their presence. They make their way to a hospital, where Jean Grey is rushed into emergency. Cut to Wolverine walking around the hospital. He buys Jean some flowers, and we learn Wolvie has the serious hots for Jean. In fact, he's never felt like THIS about a woman before. Looks like Scott has some competition. However, Wolverine throws away the flowers when he sees all the other X-Men camped out in the waiting room. Two other interesting details here: Charles Xavier again refers to his "love" for Jean, last referenced in X-Men #3. Charles says "No, Moira. I cannot help this girl I once thought I loved as much as you." And from that statement, we also learn that Xavier and Moira McTaggart once were lovers.

Soon, the doctors inform our worried mutants that Jean Grey will survive. But she needs a long time to recover! The whole team burst out in relief and joy! Charles Xavier now announces the team should go on a vacation (never a good thing for X-Men!!) So Banshee, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Storm and Colossus travel to Europe and spend a week sight-seeing and unwinding. They soon arrive at Cassidy Keep in Ireland, Sean's ancestral home. This castle is HUGE and nestled on the rocky beaches of the ocean--it looks straight out of a DRACULA movie. The team enter and meet Eamon O'Donnell, who cares for the castle. However, as the group head for dinner within the darkened halls, they fall down a trap-door and enter a dungeon...awaiting them are Black Tom Cassidy and the Juggernaut!!!!

My thoughts: Phoenix's appearance is very startling, especially since it has something to do with cosmic forces. Jean is heard muttering about seeing "stars...worlds...all creation." Pretty heady stuff. Where could this be headed? Wolverine reminds me more of early Clint Eastwood, especially in his cowboy/western attire. And I loved the look of Cassidy Keep. Quite haunting and looks straight out of a Alfred Hitchcock film. This series just gets better and better.

david r

02-09-2008, 06:29 AM

Now that I've reached #100, I thought I'd take a closer look at these new X-Men:

Wolverine: He's a jerk. A big jerk. Selfish and self-centered. I really didn't like him at all until X-MEN #98, in which Wolverine got more focus. He seemed less uncaring about the others, and a team-player. His claws are quite handy in a fight. But after reading #101, I still think he's a prick, he knows Scott & Jean are an item, and yet desires to move in on Jean. (I guess he's a cowboy, too. Judging from his street clothes.)

Nightcrawler: Kurt is very nice and seems to truly want to bond with his teammates. I like this character a lot and he's my fave new X-Man. I like his appearance and am glad his "elf-like" quality hasn't darkened his soul. Since looks are all important in our society. Also, Kurt treats life as an adventure and doesn't take things too seriously. Just look at how Kurt loved flying into outer space in #99, or his happy look walking the halls of Cassidy Keep in #101. Life is fun for Nightcrawler.

Colossus: Peter Rasputin seems the most naive member, and almost child-like. Are Soviet men supposed to act like that? Like Kurt Wagner, Peter seems a strong team-player, and genuinely likes his fellow X-Men. ESPECIALLY Storm. I've sensed an attraction to Storm in these early issues. She is so unlike the other women from his village!

Storm: I'm not sure about her. She is very aloof and humorless. I like her mutant power, which make her one of the strongest X-Men. But her "Goddess" quality can give her a sense of superiority over the others, which I don't really like. Ororo thinks she's better than the others. Time will tell if she grows and matures.

Banshee: I like Sean Cassidy a lot too. Irish is very responsible and seasoned, and enjoys life. I'm glad he stayed with the team & didn't leave in #94. He seems the oldest member now, and a little set-apart from the others. But I love him smoking his long pipe!

Cyclops: How can they call them the "All-New, All-Different" X-Men with Scott Summers in the lineup? Maybe his new visor makes him all-different?? Anyway, Scott was my fave original X-Man, so I'm glad he stayed. Scott is still quiet and tense at times, but he's passionate about Xavier's Dream. And you can tell his life is dedicated to leading the X-Men, and I respect that. He knows his stuff, by now and is the most experienced X-Man at this point.

DDM

02-09-2008, 08:35 AM

Wow, who knew? I thought "Council of the Chosen" were just random villains, soon forgotten! I am going to get that issue the next time I'm at my LCS. CLASSIC X-MEN really filled up the gaps.

I do have CLASSIC X-MEN #9, with the story "The Gift" starring Nightcrawler who meets a mysterious young boy lurking the halls of the hospital. (Where Jean Grey is recuperating.) I think this is one of the best things Chris Claremont has ever written!

Most of the Classic X-Men back stories have been reprinted in X-Men: Vignettes Volume 1-2. A third volume needs to be released soon. I would also recommend buying Classic X-Men #1-44 anyway since the early issues have extended scenes cut from the original issues. Sebastian Shaw & Tessa make an earlier appearance in Classic X-Men #7 than their respective true appearances in Uncanny X-Men #130 & Uncanny X-Men #132.

david r

02-09-2008, 06:54 PM

I have another question: Isn't there a story where Nightcrawler abandons the Image-Inducer, in an emotional decision. I seem to recall hearing about it. Is it in Classic X-Men?

david r

02-09-2008, 06:56 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.102.GIF

X-Men #102

"Who Will Stop the Juggernaut?"

1st appearance: Princess Lilandra

30 cents for a comic. What's become of us?? Anyway, this is a major battle issue, between our intrepid new X-Men against Charles Xavier's favorite step-brother...the hated Juggernaut!! And Black Tom Cassidy gets a few swipes against his cousin, Banshee, too!! All in the dark, damp dungeons of Cassidy Keep, tucked away in a remote corner of Ireland!! Ach, wha' have ye to say now, dear cousin Sean?!

Poor Storm spends most of #102 curled up in a corner in the fetal position, weeping. Ororo is claustophobic and the small dungeon brings back horrible memories of her childhood. Enter: Storm's Origin!! She is the offspring of David and N'Dare Munroe. N'Dare is an African princess from Kenya. David is a photo-journalist who is stationed in Egypt. N'Dare always senses that her young, white-haired and blue-eyed daughter...is VERY special. When the 1956 Suez War occurs, the family is at the wrong place at the wrong time. A French jet crashes into their house, and the parents are tragically killed. Ororo is trapped in debris, and this is the source of her claustophobia. She must pull herself out, while also seeing her mangled mother dead body. 5-year old Ororo escapes and wanders the streets until she's found by an Egyptian named Achmed El Gibar, who teaches Ororo how to become a sneak-thief and beggar. She excels at this, and becomes a skilled thief. In her 12th year, Ororo wanders to Kenya where she becomes the unapproachable Goddess, worshipped by villagers for her weather-powers.

Back in the New York hospital, Misty Knight makes her X-MEN debut, as Jean Grey's apartment roommate. Jean is recovering from her solar flare ordeal, but Professor Xavier gets an urgent mental cry from Storm, and orders Scott Summers to leave for Ireland immediately. Cyclops says no, Jean is more important to him now than the X-Men. Xavier is outraged and nearly slaps Scott, and the two have a heated exchange. Suddenly, Xavier sees the nightmare image again that has been haunting him for months now. A peculiar face, within a spaceship, calling to him. This is the face of Princess Lilandra!

Back at Cassidy Keep, Wolverine and Colossus have an argument in the heat of the battle. Wolverine calling him "Peter Pureheart" for the first time. We learn that Wolvie's claws are made of adamantium. Juggernaut is kicking their behinds. Nightcrawler gets knocked out and falls into a darkened corner, we see him turn "invisible" for the first time. He is rescued by some "leprechauns". In the end, the entire team are defeated, and Juggernaut & Black Tom stand triumphant! Uh-oh.

Hang Loose! It's the Juice!! I have an original copy of #102, and it has an ad by the notorious O.J. Simpson. He's selling "Juicemobiles"---shoes for kids. It's a little eerie now reading this ad in a comic book. Think of all those 70s kids now traumatized by O.J. Simpson. Where'd ya go wrong, Juice??

DDM

02-10-2008, 09:20 AM

I have another question: Isn't there a story where Nightcrawler abandons the Image-Inducer, in an emotional decision. I seem to recall hearing about it. Is it in Classic X-Men?

Yes, it's the story to explain why Kurt stopped using the image inducer found in Classic X-Men; Wolverine dares Kurt to simply be himself when they go to Harry Hideaway's pub.

david r

02-10-2008, 10:07 AM

Yes, it's the story to explain why Kurt stopped using the image inducer found in Classic X-Men; Wolverine dares Kurt to simply be himself when they go to Harry Hideaway's pub.

Do you remember what issue this story is in?

DDM

02-10-2008, 11:02 AM

Do you remember what issue this story is in?

Classic X-Men #4:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/17292128602.4.GIF

"The Big Dare" by Chris Claremont & John Bolton

DDM

02-10-2008, 11:05 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.102.GIF

X-Men #102

"Who Will Stop the Juggernaut?"

1st appearance: Princess Lilandra

30 cents for a comic. What's become of us?? Anyway, this is a major battle issue, between our intrepid new X-Men against Charles Xavier's favorite step-brother...the hated Juggernaut!! And Black Tom Cassidy gets a few swipes against his cousin, Banshee, too!! All in the dark, damp dungeons of Cassidy Keep, tucked away in a remote corner of Ireland!! Ach, wha' have ye to say now, dear cousin Sean?!

Poor Storm spends most of #102 curled up in a corner in the fetal position, weeping. Ororo is claustophobic and the small dungeon brings back horrible memories of her childhood. Enter: Storm's Origin!! She is the offspring of David and N'Dare Munroe. N'Dare is an African princess from Kenya. David is a photo-journalist who is stationed in Egypt. N'Dare always senses that her young, white-haired and blue-eyed daughter...is VERY special. When the 1956 Suez War occurs, the family is at the wrong place at the wrong time. A French jet crashes into their house, and the parents are tragically killed. Ororo is trapped in debris, and this is the source of her claustophobia. She must pull herself out, while also seeing her mangled mother dead body. 5-year old Ororo escapes and wanders the streets until she's found by an Egyptian named Achmed El Gibar, who teaches Ororo how to become a sneak-thief and beggar. She excels at this, and becomes a skilled thief. In her 12th year, Ororo wanders to Kenya where she becomes the unapproachable Goddess, worshipped by villagers for her weather-powers.

Back in the New York hospital, Misty Knight makes her X-MEN debut, as Jean Grey's apartment roommate. Jean is recovering from her solar flare ordeal, but Professor Xavier gets an urgent mental cry from Storm, and orders Scott Summers to leave for Ireland immediately. Cyclops says no, Jean is more important to him now than the X-Men. Xavier is outraged and nearly slaps Scott, and the two have a heated exchange. Suddenly, Xavier sees the nightmare image again that has been haunting him for months now. A peculiar face, within a spaceship, calling to him. This is the face of Princess Lilandra!

Back at Cassidy Keep, Wolverine and Colossus have an argument in the heat of the battle. Wolverine calling him "Peter Pureheart" for the first time. Juggernaut is kicking their behinds. Nightcrawler gets knocked out and falls into a darkened corner, we see him turn "invisible" for the first time. He is rescued by some "leprechauns". In the end, the entire team are defeated, and Juggernaut & Black Tom stand triumphant! Uh-oh.

Hang Loose! It's the Juice!! I have an original copy of #102, and it has an ad by the notorious O.J. Simpson. He's selling "Juicemobiles"---shoes for kids. It's a little eerie now reading this ad in a comic book. Think of all those 70s kids now traumatized by O.J. Simpson. Where'd ya go wrong, Juice??

You left out the rhetorical question Jean asks Misty about dying then resurrecting herself in the hospital. Jean's head glows momentarily...

I think most people loved Jean's transformation into Phoenix. It's odd how Jean's story was placed on the back burner after her dramatic transformation & is not expanded upon until her fight with Firelord in Uncanny X-Men #105.

david r

02-10-2008, 03:53 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.103.GIF

X-Men #103

"The Fall of the Tower"

1st appearance: Wolverine's name Logan, D'Ken

In this ish, a little leprechaun announces Mr. Logan as Wolverine's true name. And Wolvie acknowledges it. His identity is revealed a tiny bit now. Otherwise, this is a huge battle issue, with the X-Men battling Juggernaut and Black Tom Cassidy outside Cassidy Keep. Storm escapes her claustrophobia and creates a monster-hurricane. Nightcrawler uses his image-inducer to create the appearance of Professor X---confusing our two villains.

Wolverine & Colossus continue to bicker in the midst of the fight. And Sean and Black Tom have a wild sword fight. In the end, Black Tom plunges from the castle, to the rocky beach below. Juggernaut screams "TOM!" and lunges into the ocean after him. Both are lost. Cassidy Keep has been saved, and the Families restored to freedom. The final panel shows Erik the Red conferring with a man who looks very odd. This man says "Princess Lilandra is due to reach Earth in a matter of weeks. Whatever happens after that, she must not contact the X-Men!" In the other computer panel we see.....MAGNETO!!

My thoughts: I greatly enjoyed this story. Reminded me of great 1970s comics, with castles, leprechauns, dark passageways and mood. Lots of cool mood supplied by the art. Black Tom Cassidy was a dastardly fellow...basically the polar opposite of Banshee. And Juggernaut essentially beat the crap out of the new X-Men. I liked this tale all-around.

Joe Acro

02-10-2008, 04:41 PM

Issue #102 and #103 are great for the Leprechauns alone.

They added a much-needed dose of humor in these grim series of events.

DDM

02-10-2008, 04:44 PM

Issue #102 and #103 are great for the Leprechauns alone.

They added a much-needed dose of humor in these grim series of events.

Although the leprechauns are good for brevity, the letter pages scolded Chris Claremont for bringing in a cliche for the Irish Banshee...

CJ Lentze

02-11-2008, 04:19 AM

david r

02-11-2008, 02:48 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.104.GIF

X-Men #104

"The Gentleman's Name is Magneto"

1st appearance: Muir Island, Starjammers (Corsair, Ch'od)

It had to happen!! The New X-Men versus Magneto!! This cover is a homage to X-Men #1, only with the all-new, all-different X-Men in the same spots as the Original 5. Magneto is turned so we can see his face, unlike the classic #1 cover. Another thing about #104 is several subplots are running concurrently, which is making the book more deep and layered.

We learn of Muir Island and it's Mutant Research Center for the first time. It is a complex designed to cage the most dangerous mutants. (We see one cell with the name "Unus" on it. Looks the Untouchable one was touched and captured!) I also learned that innocent housekeeper Moira McTaggart is far more than she seemed. She is a scientist, and runs this facility. Cyclops is outraged at this news, and once again, questions Charles Xavier's trust in his X-Men. Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man makes his X-MEN debut; Jamie has been the caretaker of Muir Isle, but knocked out by nefarious Magneto! We also see a cell caging "Mutant X" for the first time. And another caging one of the Ani-Men.

But you didn't want to know all that...what about the battle with Magneto!! Mags seems to take great delight in fighting these new X-Men. They are inexperienced in tackling Magneto, and pay the price for it. Erik the Red finds baby Magneto at Muir Island, and reverts him back to adulthood---stronger than ever! Mags' first desire is crush the X-Men & pay revenge on Charles Xavier. We learn for the 1st time that Magneto, Charles and Moira were once all friends. And see a photo of the 3 with big smiles on their faces. But the main battle does not go well with the X-Men...Cyclops forces them to leave Muir Isle, and giving Magneto a victory over the team!! On the last page, we meet some space people, they seem extremely exotic. We see this mysterious Princess Lilandra and her spacecraft is shot at!! AND....Erik the Red, Havok and Polaris are about to attack Jean Grey's apartment, with Jean, Misty Knight, Xavier and Jean's parents in attendance. A lot is cookin'!!

My thoughts: Banshee shows tremendous leadership skills in this issue, and Irish does a fine job handling the team. They need him, for they fall short in stopping Magneto. The page of contemplative Magneto is very interesting; first time we've seen him in a mellow mood. And Dave Cockrum drew a fabulous page of Magneto in his "All-conquering colors" after blowing some doors out!! Very menacing!! A lot is happening now, and I'm curious where all these threads are headed.

DDM

02-11-2008, 02:51 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.104.GIF

X-Men #104

"The Gentleman's Name is Magneto"

1st appearance: Muir Island, Starjammers (Corsair, Ch'od)

It had to happen!! The New X-Men versus Magneto!!

Cyclops makes the new X-Men run away because they are not ready for Magneto while Wolverine slags Scott for leaving in the first place. Scott's instincts are correct. Magneto would have slain the X-Men had they not retreated.

The X-Men still are not ready for Magneto when they fight him in Uncanny X-Men #112-113.

It's a great issue.

Mastermind was being held on Moria's Muir Island & he eventually escaped to join the Hellfire Club...

w00tmaster93

02-11-2008, 03:23 PM

Best Magneto quote ever:
"Excellent, Banshee! Of all the new X-men, you are the only one worth fighting, even though you fight for a lost cause."

david r

02-11-2008, 05:31 PM

The friendship between the Juggernaut and Black Tom is fun, as well. It's rare to see supervillains that share a friendship; usually they're just allies out of necessity, who will try to double-cross each other. Black Tom can talk back to Juggernaut where others can't; and Cain jumped into the water to save Tom's life.

I also liked seeing 2 villains who are comrades-in-arms. You could say Juggernaut's selfless act to save Black Tom is his first step towards becoming the hero he is today.

Do we ever learn how they met and became friends?

DDM, So at this point, we know Unus, Mutant X, Mastermind and that Ani-woman are held in cells on Muir Isle. So it's essentially a prison for mutants. A mutant Alcatraz?

Wootmaster93, that is a great quote from Magneto. It seems every issue he's in has a few! :)

DDM

02-11-2008, 05:37 PM

DDM, So at this point, we know Unus, Mutant X, Mastermind and that Ani-woman are held in cells on Muir Isle. So it's essentially a prison for mutants. A mutant Alcatraz?

According to Moira, Muir Island was not a prison, but a safe haven to "rehabilitate" evil mutants as well as a research center. The Ani-woman is Dragonfly.

worstblogever

02-12-2008, 02:32 AM

#103- I have no idea why Juggernaut is always so hung up on Black Tom Cassidy. Somewhere, somehow, I need a story about why he will throw himself off of cliffs for this shillelagh-carrying dweeb. Sure, they're "best friends", but I want to know what cemented that, specifically. Did Tom take a bullet for Cain pre-Cyttorak? Something...

The leprechauns... were they the same ones that were in the "Cassidy Keep" issues of Generation X? All wee folk look the same to me. SIZIST!

#104- I wholly feel that the Muir Isle issues of Uncanny, along with "Dark Phoenix Saga" are some of Claremont's best work. I mean, Multiple Man gets introduced... the foreshadowing of the Mysterious "Mutant X" cell (it's Moira's own kid!), the way the upcoming Shi'ar saga was being set up... it all was really masterful. Oh yeah, the only other time Banshee was ever given this much credit was "Phalanx Covenant" and during Generation X. Anyone know why Banshee was so underrated outside of those works?

david r

02-12-2008, 08:19 AM

Anyone know why Banshee was so underrated outside of those works?

That's a good question. I would guess because Banshee is older, and not filled with angst. Marvel may feel young readers wouldn't be attracted to him. Just look at how Sean has been treated since 2005??? :(

As I've been doing this thread, Banshee has become one of my favorites. Sean is lovable, and carefree. Which I seem to respond to strongly.

david r

02-12-2008, 08:24 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.105.GIF

X-Men #105

"Phoenix Unleashed"

1st appearance: Phoenix's Power Signature

As Worstblogever noted, this book is hitting it's stride. It seems to be maturing a bit, and several story threads are coming together. Jean Grey lets loose as Phoenix in #105, and we witness her beautiful "Phoenix effect" (for lack of a better term), when she uses her powers. It's the shape of a raging Phoenix, erupting into the air above her. Cyclops thinks how Jean used to be the *weakest* X-Man, and now she may be the strongest!! But are these her latent mutant-powers, or something......more???

#105 has a strong Star Trek vibe, as well. There are several obvious references to Classic 1960s Star Trek; we see a Sh'iar spaceship whose bridge is almost a replica of the Enterprise. The captain of the vessel says "Ship's Log" and sits in a captain's chair like James Kirk. There is a transporter, and so on. Somebody was a Marvel Trekkie, it seems! Eric the Red's identity is revealed---he is named Shakari and is a Sh'iar spy, sent to capture or kill Charles Xavier and Princess Lilandra. Eric sends Firelord, who is a former Galactus herald, to defeat the X-Men. Firelord is succesful in crushing the new X-Men.... within one minute!!

Firelord then assaults Jean Grey & Misty Knight's apartment in Greenwich Village. To protect Xavier and Jean's parents, she becomes Phoenix and begins a cosmic tour-de-force battle with Firelord in the New York skies. Phoenix power is intoxicating to Jean, as she's never felt anything like this before. She cleans the floor with Firelord!! Meanwhile, Lilandra Neramani (we learn her last name!) transports to Charles Xavier in Jean's apartment. Xavier finally meets his nightmare in the flesh. Eric arrives and zaps them; then builds a "Stargate" and transports himself and Lilandra through it. The X-Men arrive and Phoenix powers-up the Stargate, and the mutants enter it to parts unknown.......just as Firelord flies up saying he will destroy our world if Phoenix doesn't continue their deathmatch.

My thoughts: An amazing issue, filled with action. I like how Chris Claremont tied in the Eric the Red subplot, and Xavier's nightmares together. I wonder if he planned it all along. Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum have a cameo together, as they are brainstorming a new issue as Firelord crashes into a Manhattan park!! We see them flee and it's quite amusing.