X-Men from the Beginning

[creaky]

Kurt opens his presents to a cowboy hat, binoculars, a shirt, weights and a framed picture of...Wolverine? Just what the elf wanted!

Do I even need to comment?

Also, Kurt's family life is pure crack.<3

[david r]

In the back of X-Men Annual #4, there is a letters page. The first letter reads in it's entirety:

Mr. Claremont:
You stink, Murderer!


It seems the X-men fanbase were up-in-arms over Jean Grey's death in #137 in 1980. Another fan announces they are quitting X-Men. It just isn't innocent fun anymore. Another congratulates the creative team for having the guts to pull it off. It's all very amusing to read now.

And sad. As these fans truly felt impassioned that Jean Grey was dead. Dead really DID mean dead in those days. Characters seldom died. It's interesting to parallel the "Yeah, whatever" feel of modern fans who've been jaded by too many phony deaths that just lead to a resurrection soon after.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97904389460.4.GIF

X-Men Annual #4

"Nightcrawler's Inferno"

This Annual is a shocker! The X-Men journey to Hell... :eek: Following the last story, I was definitely not expecting this particular epic adventure!

Written by Chris Claremont, and drawn by John Romita Jr. & Bob McLeod, this Annual begins with Kurt Wagner's surprise birthday party!! Kurt is 21 years old. A large feast is prepared on a table, with a large cake. Presents adorn the floor, as Peter, Logan, Ororo, Charles Xavier and newest member Kitty Pryde standing alongside. Kurt opens his presents to a cowboy hat, binoculars, a shirt, weights and a framed picture of...Wolverine? Just what the elf wanted! Kitty is a little withdrawn, as Nightcrawler makes her...nervous. Kurt sees one pitch-black box, and wonders who it might be from. Perhaps Scott? They hadn't heard much from him since he left. Kurt opens this mystery box to find a crystal figure of himself. Suddenly, the figure explodes, engulfing Kurt with blackness. He collapses!!

The heroes panic and frantically carry Kurt to the lab. Ororo and Xavier do their best for him...but a long time later, they emerge from the lab with the news. Nightcrawler is DEAD!! Logan and Peter are grief-stricken, Logan crushes his beer!! Logan wants to find out who did this. We now learn that Ororo is the new leader of the X-Men. (It would have been nice to have more explanation on how Ororo became team-leader!) The doorbell rings, and Kitty answers it. There stands Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts. Better known as Dr. Strange!! Strange has been called forth by Professor X to examine Nightcrawler's body. Examine it he does, with the awesome Eye of Agamotto. Sorcery is at work here. Kurt is not dead. His spirit has been torn from him. Just then Dr. Strange notices a presence in the lab. He commands them to appear. A green head, appears with curved horns. She is Margali of the winding Road. Suddenly, green tentacles spring forth and grab Strange, Wolverine and Colossus. A desperate fight is on!! Try as they might, they can't break free. Ororo and the others attempt to escape, but the tentacles grab Ororo!! Charles Xavier falls from his wheelchair, and frantically holds Ororo's hand. But he cannot save her...as she too is pulled into a black abyss. And 3 X-Men and Dr. Strange...disappear.

Part the Second: We see our heroes unconscious in some strange land. Before them is a huge, majestic door, straight out of Lord of the Rings. Several daemonic words are written on the door, the last reading Abandon every hope, ye that enter. As the X-Men and Dr. Strange awaken, they find Nightcrawler there as well. Kurt is alive, but badly shaken. Strange announces this is the entrance to...HELL!! They enter and begin a long, incredible journey through Hell. Or at least a replica of Hell. As we luckily learn this is not the real place. The X-Men see sights and sounds they've never experienced before. Hundreds of crying souls upon a wind-swept cliff, unable to escape. Thousands of souls burning in fiery pits. Screams and agonized cries dawning straight out of Dante's Inferno. Honestly, it reads like Alan Moore's wet dream of an X-Men story.

Finally, our team meets the Guardian of the Gate of Hell. A friendly chap named Minos. Dark-haired, wearing a tuxedo! He looks straight out of an old Hollywood B&W movie. But evil he is. Minos sits atop a chair designed as a winged-demon. He uses a tentacle to fling poor Nightcrawler away, and Storm chases after him. All they want is Nightcrawler, the rest of the team can go. But our heroes aren't leaving without the elf!!They head back out into the pits of Hell, to rescue them. They find Kurt, but Ororo has vanished into the ethereal fog of this damned place. They meet many horrible and terrifying experiences in this wretched place.

They finally discover Ororo....turned into a red serpent! She bites a pathetic monster that assumed her body, and is transformed back into herself. But then appears... Satan!! A three-headed gigantic monstrosity. Holding dozens of helpless victims in his claws. (I can't believe I'm reading this in a 1980 Marvel comic!!) But Dr. Strange senses this is a fraud. He uses his magickal powers to erase the Satan illusion...and before them stands the true creator of this "Hell"---Margali, She who Walks the Winding Road. She wants to know why they came to her land. Suddenly, appears a blonde woman named Jimaine. She says she wants to stop Margali from committing a terrible crime...destroying the man she loves--Nightcrawler. Margali wants revenge on Kurt for killing her son.

We now see a flashback of Kurt's youth. The infant Kurt Wagner,found by his dying mother, was taken away and given to the gypsy witch-queen Margali Szardos, and raised him. Kurt became close friends with Margali's true children--Jemaine and Stefan. Stefan and Kurt became blood brothers. However, when they matured, Stefan became a killer, and Kurt discovered this. They fought one night, and Kurt mistakenly killed his blood brother, Stefan. Chris Claremont then segues this into the villagers finding Stefan's body, and chasing Kurt Wagner into the European village of Winzeldorf. Thus began Giant-Size X-Men #1. And how we first met Kurt Wagner, with Charles Xavier. Margali realizes Kurt did not mean to kill her son, and she forgives him. Dr. Strange and all the X-Men return to the Mansion. The "Hell" they just had a journey in was not real. Just an illusionary place created by Margali. The blonde Jemaine appears with them. And we learn her true identity is Kurt's girlfriend, Amanda Sefton! Kurt is so happy to have this whole ordeal, and his guilt for killing Stefan, behind him.

My thoughts: Coming after the emotional Dark Phoenix Saga, I was definitely not expecting a romp through Hell. I really am shocked Marvel Comics could publish this in 1980!! Chris Claremont must have been using some of his old DOCTOR STRANGE ideas here. A lot of sorcery and demons! The reveal about Amanda Sefton was interesting, though I wish all their supporting cast weren't always getting super-powers. A most provocative annual.

Although she does not make many appearances, she is spoken enough by her daughter Jirmaine: This is Margali Szardos' first appearance.

Margali Szardos seems to be equal in Doctor Strange's powers since she wields the Eye of Agamotto as easily as he! She's very mysterious. What is the "Winding Way?" I know it is some path to mystical power. Margali also seems not live to on Earth. Is she human?

I like the surprise of Jirmaine Szardos to be Kurt's girlfriend, Amanda Sefton, although their sexual relationship is downright strange given Kurt was raised by Margali as her own biological son.

Doctor Strange's magical analysis also concurs Kurt is human--not a demon--although his appearance makes him appear demonic. The annual is a plethora of information about Kurt's other life before he joined the X-Men, but it leaves more questions than answers about Margali Szardos...

Storm does not do well with her first encounter with sorcery in this tale.

[david r]

I agree, Margali is a woman of mystery. Is she a sorceress? Or a mystical being like Mephisto? I am also HIGHLY curious about the Minos figure. Dr. Strange knew Minos was the Guardian of the Gate of Hell; yet they hadn't met. I pictured Minos having an English accent. Was this Minos' first appearance?

I liked learning more about Kurt Wagner's past, in Annual #4. He was raised by gypsies. His murder of Stefan must have tore poor Kurt's heart. He is such a noble man. I especially liked how Chris Claremont explained why that mob of villagers were after Kurt in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Neatly done.

As for Storm, it seems strange they didn't give us a scene of her becoming X-Men leader. :confused: There is only one mention of it here. And it's almost an after-thought. It's a pretty lofty promotion, and the thinking behind why Ororo and not one of the others would have been nice.

[DDM]

I agree, Margali is a woman of mystery. Is she a sorceress? Or a mystical being like Mephisto? I am also HIGHLY curious about the Minos figure. Dr. Strange knew Minos was the Guardian of the Gate of Hell; yet they hadn't met. I pictured Minos having an English accent. Was this Minos' first appearance?

Margali does make an appearance in Doctor Strange #57-58 when she DEMANDS her daughter, Jirmaine, to be Strange's new disciple. Strange declines Margali until she forces a confrontation. He shatters her wand & she reverts to an old woman. Margali blames the wand for her corruption. In Excalibur she is once more youthful & evil as the Hellfire Club's Red Queen. But in Chris Claremont's Fantastic Four Margali is an agent of good & youthful once more. She's a contradiction.



As for Storm, it seems strange they didn't give us a scene of her becoming X-Men leader. :confused: There is only one mention of it here. And it's almost an after-thought. It's a pretty lofty promotion, and the thinking behind why Ororo and not one of the others would have been nice.

Storm's leadership abilities are tested in Uncanny X-Men #141-142 against the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Until much later, Ororo is unsure of herself at this point. Any new leader would be in Ororo's position.

[creaky]

I liked learning more about Kurt Wagner's past, in Annual #4. He was raised by gypsies. His murder of Stefan must have tore poor Kurt's heart. He is such a noble man. I especially liked how Chris Claremont explained why that mob of villagers were after Kurt in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Neatly done.

I'm a bit torn about this particular part. I thought the whole point of that mob scene was that they were scared of Kurt because of how he looked. It was his introduction scene in the X-men, after all, establishing the character's main conflict. That point was rendered even more moot later on when it was specified that Stefan had murdered children and that that was why they hunted Kurt. A child murderer doesn't need to look like a demon to be hunted by a mob.

Also, sometimes I feel it's a bit strange that, in the end, Kurt's "murder" of Stefan was actually an accident. Despite the fact that he had sworn to Stefan that he would kill him if he went mad and despite the fact that Kurt says he would do it again if he had to. I can understand that if it had been deliberate, it would show Kurt as being more cold-blooded than he's supposed to be, but it still feels a little like the writer wants to have his cake and eat it too.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.139.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #139

"Something Wicked This Way Comes"

1st appearance: Wolverine's Brown Costume, Heather Hudson, Stevie Hunter


WELCOME TO THE X-MEN, KITTY PRYDE! HOPE YOU SURVIVE THE EXPERIENCE! So reads the cover, as 13 1/2 year old Kitty joins the team. She is the youngest member ever to join, and really, isn't that too young. Angel also rejoins the team, as John Byrne wanted an original X-Man to always be in the line-up. With Scott and Jean gone, Warren is back!!

The issue begins with a Danger Room session, as Angel goofs and almost hurts Nightcrawler in the process. Angel hasn't worked with a team in years, and is out of shape. Wolverine is wearing a new brown uniform, and it looks very nice. There is no real explanation as to why Logan changed, except he felt like it. Pure Wolvie. Kitty Pryde wears the yellow-and-black uniform of the early X-Men years. Appropriate since Kitty is still in training. She does not participate in the Danger Room session; she isn't ready. We also learn that Professor X named Storm team leader.

Wolverine calls Prof X "Chuck" and Xavier is not amused. We see Charles' thoughts as a dark *squibble* in the word balloon. Wolverine sure likes to needle people. Xavier then gives Kitty the code-name "Ariel". But Kitty doesn't like it, so they go with the title "Sprite". Kitty accepts this code-name. So a jubilant Charles raises his lemonade glass and says "X-Men, I propose a toast--to our newest member: "Sprite!" At this point, Wolverine asks Professor Xavier if he can return to Canada and deal with this mess concerning him and Alpha Flight. Xavier affirms his decision to go to Canada, and Nightcrawler will tag along for support. A bit later that day, Kitty and Ororo visit Salem Center so Kitty can begin dancing classes. Her instructor is a young woman named Stevie Hunter, wearing a leotard and braids a'la Bo Derek of "10" fame.

Our scene shifts to Ottawa, capital of Canada. We meet a 30ish red-haired woman named Heather Hudson. She is arriving home with groceries. Heather is the husband of James Hudson, leader of the Canadian super-hero team, Alpha Flight. She enters her home to find Wolverine & Nightcrawler in the kitchen. Heather is joyous to see Logan again, and they embrace warmly. We learn they are old friends. James is up north, on a mission with Alpha Flight. We then shift scene to Hudson Bay, in northern Canada. Vindicator arrives at a cabin within the dense forest, where Shaman and Snowbird are. The rest of Alpha Flight are on a separate mission. Wolverine & Nightcrawler arrive at the cabin, and luckily they do not start fighting. James Hudson tells them about savage killings happening within the forest, and the Wendigo is the cause. Wolverine recalls fighting Wendigo and the Incredible Hulk, when he was Mutant X. Logan decides to help them track down and capture the Wendigo.

Kurt goes outside to unpack their stuff, when he sees the setting sun. The gorgeous red sunset reminds him of Jean Grey, and Kurt begins to cry and recall the heartbreak of losing his dear friend. Though it's been months since her death, none of the X-Men have gotten over her. He feels it has scarred them all for life. But then Kurt hears a sound from the forest...and out steps the huge, white-furred beast WENDIGO! ready for bloodshed!!

[Butters]

Kitty's "hey, look at me!" attention whoring on the cover annoys me, because otherwise, it is a great cover with a Polar Bear and tentacles.

[SensorBoy]

Nice gimp mask, Kitty...

[david r]

Interesting, Annual #4 says that Colossus cannot cry in his armored form. I didn't know that. I'm sure he has since then.

It's fun to read all the letters coming in about Dark Phoenix. The wild reactions just show how different fans were back then. Something like this just didn't happen. #139 prints a lengthy poem to Jean Grey that was very well written.

I wonder why they had Wolverine change into a brown uniform. I like it. I'm betting John Byrne just decided to change it for his own personal tastes.

[Mitteloss]

Angel also rejoins the team, as John Byrne wanted an original X-Man to always be in the line-up. With Scott and Jean gone, Warren is back!!

Havok and Polaris could have fitted nicely into Scott and Jean's role, despite them technically not being original X-Men. I guess Claremont didn't want them.

Imagine how different Havok and Polaris would be today if they had been re-joined the team during this era.

[jmc247]

Havok and Polaris could have fitted nicely into Scott and Jean's role, despite them technically not being original X-Men. I guess Claremont didn't want them.

Imagine how different Havok and Polaris would be today if they had been re-joined the team during this era.

I agree, the main reason Havok and Polaris are B to C squad characters today, because Claremont decided to either have been be reluctant heroes doing there own thing elsewhere during his run or had them be controlled by evil. He didn't really develop the characters personalities and make them strong enough so that their personalities could be continued from one writer to the next as with the A list X-Men.

[DDM]

Havok and Polaris could have fitted nicely into Scott and Jean's role, despite them technically not being original X-Men. I guess Claremont didn't want them.

Imagine how different Havok and Polaris would be today if they had been re-joined the team during this era.

Havok & Polaris are only reserve X-Men; they prefer to live as "normal" lives as possible. Remember, Cyclops asked Havok & Polaris to join the X-Men full time in Uncanny X-Men #129 before they departed Muir Island, but they declined his offer. It would not make sense for Havok & Polaris to suddenly show up after they prefer to have lives outside of the X-Men.

Chris Claremont decided to change the focus off Cyclops & put it on Storm. There is no need to retain any "Scott & Jean" roles; otherwise, it would have Uncanny X-Men in stasis.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.139.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #139

"Something Wicked This Way Comes"

1st appearance: Wolverine's Brown Costume, Heather Hudson
1st X-MEN appearance Stevie Hunter

WELCOME TO THE X-MEN, KITTY PRYDE! HOPE YOU SURVIVE THE EXPERIENCE! So reads the cover, as 13 1/2 year old Kitty joins the team. She is the youngest member ever to join, and really, isn't that too young. Angel also rejoins the team, as John Byrne wanted an original X-Man to always be in the line-up. With Scott and Jean gone, Warren is back!!

The issue begins with a Danger Room session, as Angel goofs and almost hurts Nightcrawler in the process. Angel hasn't worked with a team in years, and is out of shape. Wolverine is wearing a new brown uniform, and it looks very nice. There is no real explanation as to why Logan changed, except he felt like it. Pure Wolvie. Kitty Pryde wears the yellow-and-black uniform of the early X-Men years. Appropriate since Kitty is still in training. She does not participate in the Danger Room session; she isn't ready. We also learn that Professor X named Storm team leader.

Wolverine calls Prof X "Chuck" and Xavier is not amused. We see Charles' thoughts as a dark *squibble* in the word balloon. Wolverine sure likes to needle people. Xavier then gives Kitty the code-name "Ariel". But Kitty doesn't like it, so they go with the title "Sprite". Kitty accepts this code-name. So a jubilant Charles raises his lemonade glass and says "X-Men, I propose a toast--to our newest member: "Sprite!" At this point, Wolverine asks Professor Xavier if he can return to Canada and deal with this mess concerning him and Alpha Flight. Xavier affirms his decision to go to Canada, and Nightcrawler will tag along for support. A bit later that day, Kitty and Ororo visit Salem Center so Kitty can begin dancing classes. Her instructor is a young woman named Stevie Hunter, wearing a leotard and braids a'la Bo Derek of "10" fame.

Our scene shifts to Ottawa, capital of Canada. We meet a 30ish red-haired woman named Heather Hudson. She is arriving home with groceries. Heather is the husband of James Hudson, leader of the Canadian super-hero team, Alpha Flight. She enters her home to find Wolverine & Nightcrawler in the kitchen. Heather is joyous to see Logan again, and they embrace warmly. We learn they are old friends. James is up north, on a mission with Alpha Flight. We then shift scene to Hudson Bay, in northern Canada. Vindicator arrives at a cabin within the dense forest, where Shaman and Aurora are. The rest of Alpha Flight are on a separate mission. Wolverine & Nightcrawler arrive at the cabin, and luckily they do not start fighting. James Hudson tells them about savage killings happening within the forest, and the Wendigo is the cause. Wolverine recalls fighting Wendigo and the Incredible Hulk, when he was Mutant X. Logan decides to help them track down and capture the Wendigo.

Kurt goes outside to unpack their stuff, when he sees the setting sun. The gorgeous red sunset reminds him of Jean Grey, and Kurt begins to cry and recall the heartbreak of losing his dear friend. Though it's been months since her death, none of the X-Men have gotten over her. He feels it has scarred them all for life. But then Kurt hears a sound from the forest...and out steps the huge, white-furred beast WENDIGO! ready for bloodshed!!

Like Uncanny X-Men Annual #4 focused mainly on Nightcrawler, Uncanny X-Men #139-140 puts the focus back on Wolverine. I prefer his brown costume over the yellow one.

Angel is a surprise for staying with the X-Men after Jean's funeral. You are correct John Byrne wanted to gradually phase out the new X-Men & replace them with the remaining original team. However, I believe Louise Jones may have prevented Byrne from making his idea a reality given he left the book soon afterwards. Angel will remain with the team up to Uncanny X-Men #148...

[david r]

Havok and Polaris could have fitted nicely into Scott and Jean's role, despite them technically not being original X-Men. I guess Claremont didn't want them.


I think Chris Claremont felt his tenure was to deal with the "new" X-Men: Storm, Colossus, Wolverine and Nightcrawler. Yes, Havok and Lorna Dane were newer characters, but still viewed more as Original X-Men. Scott Summers stayed simply because he was the most popular X-Man during the 1970s.

And though Lorna and Alex have fervent fan-followings now, I don't believe they did back in the 1970s. I just don't think Marvel was very interested in them, or Iceman or Jamie Madrox, at that time.

DDM, I think you have something about new editor Louise Jones. John Byrne was friends with previous editor, Roger Stern. I think he got his way, and his ideas got precedence. But that must have changed under Louise Jones. It is surely no coincidence he left so soon after she became editor.

[DDM]

I think Chris Claremont felt his tenure was to deal with the "new" X-Men: Storm, Colossus, Wolverine and Nightcrawler. Yes, Havok and Lorna Dane were newer characters, but still viewed more as Original X-Men. Scott Summers stayed simply because he was the most popular X-Man during the 1970s.

I think Cyclops stayed to be the bridge between the original X-Men & the new X-Men. After Jean's death, it makes sense for Scott to no longer be an X-Man in any official capacity, although he played an important role in Uncanny X-Men up until he was written out of the book in Uncanny X-Men #201 coupled with Storm's dramatic change in attitude & change of clothes & hairstyle.

And though Lorna and Alex have fervent fan-followings now, I don't believe they did back in the 1970s. I just don't think Marvel was very interested in them, or Iceman or Jamie Madrox, at that time.

True. They makes better supporting characters.

DDM, I think you have something about new editor Louise Jones. John Byrne was friends with previous editor, Roger Stern. I think he got his way, and his ideas got precedence. But that must have changed under Louise Jones. It is surely no coincidence he left so soon after she became editor.

From what I gather from John Byrne, the editors gave Chris Claremont more precedence than John Byrne, although Byrne contributed his ideas to the book. His years of "frustration" just culminated in him leaving Uncanny X-Men earlier than expected (John Byrne was meant to also pencil Uncanny X-Men #144) & possessing a bitter grudge at Chris Claremont to this day.

[david r]

From what I gather from John Byrne, the editors gave Chris Claremont more precedence than John Byrne, although Byrne contributed his ideas to the book. His years of "frustration" just culminated in him leaving Uncanny X-Men earlier than expected (John Byrne was meant to also pencil Uncanny X-Men #144) & possessing a bitter grudge at Chris Claremont to this day.

And yet, I've also read John Byrne say he and Terry Austin used to sneak things into the issues without letting Chris Claremont know. And then turn around and say it had been Claremont's idea. Byrne has also noted he wanted to write the book himself, and when that wasn't going to happen, he quit. I don't think Mr. Byrne is as "innocent" as he portrays himself in interviews.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.140.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #140

"Rage!"

#140 begins with a beautiful shot of Colossus ripping out a tree from the lands around the Xavier Mansion. Using a chain, Peter Rasputin uses all his strength in the endeavor, as Angel lands and they speak. Peter is planting a garden. Professor Xavier asks to speak to Warren Worthington. He asks him what he makes of these newer X-men. Angel has no problems---except Wolverine. He's crazy, and dangerous. He could kill someone in a fight. Charles lays down his own trust in Wolverine, and he's a good man. We then switch to Salem Center, as Ororo is being hounded by a 1970s-dressed black man, who wants a date with Ororo. Ororo dispenses him with a small cloud and shower of rain. She picks up Kitty Pryde from her new dance instructor, Stevie Hunter. Ororo is surprised to find she resents the new relationship between Kitty & Stevie. Is this Ororo's motherly instincts coming into play?

I've noticed Kitty Pryde likes to break the rules, and not listen to instructions from the adults. She ignored Charles Xavier's orders in Annual #4 by phasing into the lab, thus putting herself in danger. And now in #140, Kitty once again is reckless by phasing into the X-Men's Rolls-Royce right in plain sight. Ororo chastises her for her flaunting her powers in public. Is Kitty acting like a typical teenager?? We now swing to Canada, as Nightcrawler is in a fight of his life with the Wendigo!! Kurt is nearly crushed by the behemoth, but teleports away in the neck of time! Sadly, the Wendigo comes roaring right after him!! Wendigo slaps Nightcrawler a long ways, and Kurt slams into the cabin. Wolverine, Vindicator, Shaman and Snowbird rush outside. The Alpha Flight members assault Wendigo, and the beast lunges deep into the woods. Wolverine pursues.

We then have a flashback sequences: when James "Mac" and Heather Hudson found Logan near their Canadian Rockies home--sick, frozen, starving. They nursed Logan back to health. And the 3 of them grew to love each other. But Logan became angry as the Canadian government used his mutant powers for their own ends. Having him join Department H and becoming Weapon X. Making him do things he later regretted. When Logan had the chance to leave and join the X-Men (in Giant-Size X-Men #1) he jumped at the chance. Back in the present, Wolverine uses his feral instincts to locate Wendigo's hiding spot. Wendigo has hidden a mother and her baby within a cave behind a massive boulder. Wendigo now easily moves the boulder & is about to feast on the mother's leg. Wolverine can't wait for reinforcements, he attacks!! Wolverine completely cuts loose---using his claws and animal fury to tear and rip Wendigo into unconsciousness!!!! He takes the mother & baby and the 3 flee into the woods.

Unfortunately, Wendigo isn't as hurt as appeared, and the white-furred creature suddenly appears and picks up Wolverine like a rag-doll. Logan is smashed and tossed around, slammed into trees. Wolverine is knocked out...luckily Nightcrawler and Alpha Flight arrive to help out. The battle is won by the young woman named Snowbird. She transforms into an actual white wolverine, and tears into Wendigo. The battle is horrible to watch, but in the end, a bloodied Snowbird wins. However, she is deep within a primal rage, and has assumed the mindset of an actual wolverine! She is growling at the heroes,ready to strike. Wolverine awakens and talks to her...as only he can! Finally, Snowbird transforms back into her normal self, and whispers thanks to Logan for saving her. As dawn approaches, Shaman uses his indian powers to break the curse on Georges Baptiste, the man turned into Wendigo. Wendigo vanishes and the human form of Georges Baptiste appears. He is arrested for his crimes. And Vindicator tells Wolverine that Canada will no longer hound him or the X-Men. Logan is a free man! And now that he is, he should visit Mac and Heather more often.

As Alpha Flight depart, Nightcrawler says Georges Baptiste was arrested for murdering. And yet Wolverine has murdered. Shouldn't Logan be held accountable for these murders? Logan says he lives by a code of conduct. But Kurt wonders does that make it right? On the next page, we learn the Canadian Prime Minister is disbanding both Alpha Flight and Department H. Vindicator leaves the office saddened. And on the next page, the Blob escapes out of a maximum security prison. The Blob is off to join the NEW BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS!!!

[DDM]

And yet, I've also read John Byrne say he and Terry Austin used to sneak things into the issues without letting Chris Claremont know. And then turn around and say it had been Claremont's idea. Byrne has also noted he wanted to write the book himself, and when that wasn't going to happen, he quit. I don't think Mr. Byrne is as "innocent" as he portrays himself in interviews.

John Byrne gives himself too much credit for some of Chris Claremont's ideas. For example, John Byrne mentions the Hellfire Club & the idea of Jean Grey, Phoenix, to be the Hellfire Club's Black Queen came from his ideas. Yet, from the unpublished Ms. Marvel #25, Chris Claremont had plans use this same idea for Carol Danvers. Therefore, I believe the Hellfire Club & Jean Grey as the Black Queen came mostly from Chris Claremont than John Byrne. And that's just one example...

Claremont has said he has no idea why John Byrne dislikes him so much. But remember, Byrne has a long list of people he disrespects when given the chance (Roy Thomas, Len Wein, Bob Layton, Marv Wolfman, Peter David, McFarlane, Shooter, etc.) Byrne seems to have little respect for any creators post-1970!!

I don't understand Mr. Byrne's little vendettas against other creators. I remember I read a tiff between John Byrne & Peter David when Byrne believed David had let the cat out of the bag about Guardian's death for Alpha Flight #12 at a comic book convention. Then there's Byrne's ragging on of David Cockrum....! John Byrne should learn to let go of these things. In the end, they are meaningless snipes.

[david r]

My thoughts on #139-140:

I liked this two-part Alpha Flight story. I'm glad they are finally going to stop hounding Wolverine, as I felt this subplot was growing tiresome. But I really liked Alpha Flight and hope we see more of this group. In some capacity.

I think my favorite moment in this Canadian tale was when Kurt Wagner stops and watches the sunset. And his thoughts return to Jean Grey and her death, months before. Kurt becomes emotional, and it's another well-realized scene. The X-Men know they must leave what happened to Jean behind. But their deep feelings just won't quite let them.

Wendigo was a ferocious opponent, and this brings Wolverine full-circle in a way. Too bad the incredible Hulk couldn't have also appeared. Young Kitty Pryde is making her presence in the book felt, though she hasn't seen action since #130. I still think Kitty is WAY too young to be joining the X-Men and face villains like Magneto, the Sentinels, Hellfire Club and Wendigo.

[worstblogever]

In the back of X-Men Annual #4, there is a letters page. The first letter reads in it's entirety:

Mr. Claremont:
You stink, Murderer!


It seems the X-men fanbase were up-in-arms over Jean Grey's death in #137 in 1980. Another fan announces they are quitting X-Men. It just isn't innocent fun anymore. Another congratulates the creative team for having the guts to pull it off. It's all very amusing to read now.

And sad. As these fans truly felt impassioned that Jean Grey was dead. Dead really DID mean dead in those days. Characters seldom died. It's interesting to parallel the "Yeah, whatever" feel of modern fans who've been jaded by too many phony deaths that just lead to a resurrection soon after.

And that was probably the most brutal barrage of hate mail of that nature he had gotten up to that point in his career. And, it really WAS the editor's fault that he had to do it.

And he's cited it as a defense for many a complaint since.

And... comic book resurrections. Really, fans, let's be plain here. Dead is dead is never dead. Even when the editor in chief says, "Dead is dead." Just wait a few years. Until then, take a deep breath, and find another character to love. I mean, somewhere there was a Bucky fan who cheered in triumph around 2005 when he broke his own streak of comic book death.

Just think of the high fives after BND when Gwen Stacy is revealed to be alive.

And... now I go back to discussing the comics themselves, and not the backstage shenanigans.

Much love,
WBE.

[worstblogever]

My thoughts on #139-140:

I liked this two-part Alpha Flight story. I'm glad they are finally going to stop hounding Wolverine, as I felt this subplot was growing tiresome. But I really liked Alpha Flight and hope we see more of this group. In some capacity.

I think my favorite moment in this Canadian tale was when Kurt Wagner stops and watches the sunset. And his thoughts return to Jean Grey and her death, months before. Kurt becomes emotional, and it's another well-realized scene. The X-Men know they must leave what happened to Jean behind. But their deep feelings just won't quite let them.

Wendigo was a ferocious opponent, and this brings Wolverine full-circle in a way. Too bad the incredible Hulk couldn't have also appeared. Young Kitty Pryde is making her presence in the book felt, though she hasn't seen action since #130. I still think Kitty is WAY too young to be joining the X-Men and face villains like Magneto, the Sentinels, Hellfire Club and Wendigo.

The Kurt moment was a nice touch. Nightcrawler is a character who some writers get, but most can't seem to do justice for. Claremont, Alan Davis, and Warren Ellis, I think, are the three who do him the best service. He's got such a wide range of emotional moments through his continuity. Seeing his more sensetive, emotional side here as opposed to his more gregarious playful one is a good indicator of that. And, trying to, in comics, almost silence CC's critics for killing Jean by showing his cast trying to find closure and move on, and going through grief themselves really was an outstanding touch.

Kitty Pryde isn't just too young. I mean, her parents put her in this school, and she's been attacked how many times in her first few weeks? WORST... PARENTS... EVER. They had to have been trying to kill off there mutant daughter, or something. :rolleyes:

[SensorBoy]

Kitty Pryde isn't just too young. I mean, her parents put her in this school, and she's been attacked how many times in her first few weeks? WORST... PARENTS... EVER. They had to have been trying to kill off there mutant daughter, or something. :rolleyes:

What's shocking is that parents let their kids go to Xavier's (during the late 90's/early 00's mutant population boom) at all, after all that junk that happened before it. Some of that stuff was pretty public. As soon as they connected Xavier's---->X-men, you'd think they'd keep their kids away, mutations regardless.

"In the Fall Semester, we get attacked by the Shi'ar. Spring Semester, it's usually the Horsemen...."

Chuck was using his Mind Control Powers, I guess.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.140.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #140

"Rage!"

#140 begins with a beautiful shot of Colossus ripping out a tree from the lands around the Xavier Mansion. Using a chain, Peter Rasputin uses all his strength in the endeavor, as Angel lands and they speak. Peter is planting a garden. Professor Xavier asks to speak to Warren Worthington. He asks him what he makes of these newer X-men. Angel has no problems---except Wolverine. He's crazy, and dangerous. He could kill someone in a fight. Charles lays down his own trust in Wolverine, and he's a good man. We then switch to Salem Center, as Ororo is being hounded by a 1970s-dressed black man, who wants a date with Ororo. Ororo dispenses him with a small cloud and shower of rain. She picks up Kitty Pryde from her new dance instructor, Stevie Hunter. Ororo is surprised to find she resents the new relationship between Kitty & Stevie. Is this Ororo's motherly instincts coming into play?

I've noticed Kitty Pryde likes to break the rules, and not listen to instructions from the adults. She ignored Charles Xavier's orders in Annual #4 by phasing into the lab, thus putting herself in danger. And now in #140, Kitty once again is reckless by phasing into the X-Men's Rolls-Royce right in plain sight. Ororo chastises her for her flaunting her powers in public. Is Kitty acting like a typical teenager?? We now swing to Canada, as Nightcrawler is in a fight of his life with the Wendigo!! Kurt is nearly crushed by the behemoth, but teleports away in the neck of time! Sadly, the Wendigo comes roaring right after him!! Wendigo slaps Nightcrawler a long ways, and Kurt slams into the cabin. Wolverine, Vindicator, Shaman and Snowbird rush outside. The Alpha Flight members assault Wendigo, and the beast lunges deep into the woods. Wolverine pursues.

We then have a flashback sequences: when James "Mac" and Heather Hudson found Logan near their Canadian Rockies home--sick, frozen, starving. They nursed Logan back to health. And the 3 of them grew to love each other. But Logan became angry as the Canadian government used his mutant powers for their own ends. Having him join Department H and becoming Weapon X. Making him do things he later regretted. When Logan had the chance to leave and join the X-Men (in Giant-Size X-Men #1) he jumped at the chance. Back in the present, Wolverine uses his feral instincts to locate Wendigo's hiding spot. Wendigo has hidden a mother and her baby within a cave behind a massive boulder. Wendigo now easily moves the boulder & is about to feast on the mother's leg. Wolverine can't wait for reinforcements, he attacks!! Wolverine completely cuts loose---using his claws and animal fury to tear and rip Wendigo into unconsciousness!!!! He takes the mother & baby and the 3 flee into the woods.

Unfortunately, Wendigo isn't as hurt as appeared, and the white-furred creature suddenly appears and picks up Wolverine like a rag-doll. Logan is smashed and tossed around, slammed into trees. Wolverine is knocked out...luckily Nightcrawler and Alpha Flight arrive to help out. The battle is won by the young woman named Snowbird. She transforms into an actual white wolverine, and tears into Wendigo. The battle is horrible to watch, but in the end, a bloodied Snowbird wins. However, she is deep within a primal rage, and has assumed the mindset of an actual wolverine! She is growling at the heroes,ready to strike. Wolverine awakens and talks to her...as only he can! Finally, Snowbird transforms back into her normal self, and whispers thanks to Logan for saving her. As dawn approaches, Shaman uses his indian powers to break the curse on Georges Baptiste, the man turned into Wendigo. Wendigo vanishes and the human form of Georges Baptiste appears. He is arrested for his crimes. And Vindicator tells Wolverine that Canada will no longer hound him or the X-Men. Logan is a free man! And now that he is, he should visit Mac and Heather more often.

As Alpha Flight depart, Nightcrawler says Georges Baptiste was arrested for murdering. And yet Wolverine has murdered. Shouldn't Logan be held accountable for these murders? Logan says he lives by a code of conduct. But Kurt wonders does that make it right? On the next page, we learn the Canadian Prime Minister is disbanding both Alpha Flight and Department H. Vindicator leaves the office saddened. And on the next page, the Blob escapes out of a maximum security prison. The Blob is off to join the NEW BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS!!!

Uncanny X-Men #139-140 does resolve the Wolverine issue about the Canadian government wanting him back by force &, in keeping with this idea, Wolverine & Nightcrawler help Snowbird, Vindictator, & Shaman fight the Wendigo.

The best moment is when Narya is caught in the heat of passion as a wolverine then Logan talks her back to sanity with another reference of Jean Grey as Dark Phoenix from Uncanny X-Men #136.

Heather Hudson & Stevie Hunter become equally important supporting characters in Alpha Flight & Uncanny X-Men respectively.

This story also sets up the Alpha Flight ongoing series...

[david r]

The Nightcrawler scene was definitely a nice touch. They wanted to keep the memory of Jean Grey in the book, without ramming it down our throats. Honestly, I was surprised there weren't more mentions of it in #139-140.

Another important scene was at the end of #140, when Wolverine and Nightcrawler discuss Logan's penchant for killing. Whether he should be punished for it. What comes out of Logan's mouth in this exchange shows how far he's come as a human being, and an X-Man. No way is he a *homicidal maniac.*

Plus, the book has grown from 17 pages, to 21 pages per issue.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.141.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #141

"Days of Future Past"

1st appearance: Rachel Summers, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche
1st X-MEN appearance: Mystique

What a doozy of a cover! Another awesome one by Byrne/Austin that became a classic. And it portends dark days indeed for our mutants... :evilsmile

#141 is a bit confusing, as the story begins in the year 2013. I'm sure readers a tad confused, as we find a much older Kate Pryde making her ways through a shadowy, garbage-strewn street in Manhattan. The entire city, the entire American NATION has been taken over by Sentinels. Nearly every hero, mutant or non-mutant, have been wiped-out and exterminated by the Sentinels. Kate rendezvous with Wolverine. Both are visibly older versions of our current versions, with many wrinkles and grey in Logan's hair. Kate is taunted by a pack of "Rogues"--punks who roam the streets. But Wolverine takes easy care of them. Colonel Logan is now working in the Canadian Resistance Army. Logan gives Kate a "jammer", which is part-and-parcel of their plan.

Kate returns to the South Bronx Mutant Internment Center, guarded by Sentinels. She passes a huge cemetery, with names like "Charles Xavier", "Kurt Wagner" and "Scott Summers" on the graves. The entire Fantastic Four and Original 5 are all dead in this world. Quite a disturbing sight this is to see...Only four X-Men remain. Wolverine, Kate Pryde, Storm and Colossus. We are in for another surprise...as a much older Magneto appears...in a wheelchair!! He is an ally with the X-Men, and this is the first time such a concept has ever come up. We also meet an older Franklin Richards, son of Reed & Susan Richards. And his lady, a red-haired young woman named...Rachel Summers. I love it. They are all held prisoner in this "Concentration Camp". Kate and Colossus are married. Their plan is for Rachel Summers to use her powers to send Kate Pryde's consciousness back in time. To her 1980 life, just joining the X-Men. And warn the 1980 X-Men they must "save the day" again.

We now cut to 1980, and the X-Men are in another training session in the Danger Room. 13-year-old easily undergoes her first session in this room. But she suddenly collapses!!! The X-Men freak and whisk Kitty to the medical lab. Kitty awakens, but she's not the girl they knew. Her body is now inhabitated by "Kate Pryde" of 2013. She relays to them, the horrible future ahead. That on Halloween 1980, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants will assassinate Presidental Candidate Senator Robert Kelly, as well as Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert!! The X-Men listen with horrified looks on their faces. Kate's consciousness has been sent back to stop this from occuring; for if it does, it will launch a chain-reaction of events which will mark doom for humankind. Mutant-hysteria will sweep the world. An army of Sentinels will be created to defeat these mutants. All super-powered beings, from Avengers to villains to mutants to the Fantastic Four, will ALL WILL MURDERED!! Kate then is overwhelmed with grief, and at seeing her friends alive. She breaks down.

In 2013, our ragtag group of mutants rebels (Logan, Colossus, Kate, Storm, Rachel and Franklin Richards) are making their way in a subway tunnel, when the Sentinels smash open the tunnel. Franklin Richards is immediately killed by a Sentinel blast!! Rachels screams in horror!! The older X-Men do battle and destroy the Sentinels. And now we cut again, back to October 31, 1980...and the Pentagon. We meet a woman named Raven Darkholme, who works for the Pentagon. But she is in reality, shape-shifter Mystique. And she heads the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. The group consists of Pyro, Avalanche, Destiny and the Blob. They are going to assassinate Robert Kelly at a Senate hearing for Mutant Affairs. We now cut to this meeting, as Senator Kelly lays out his case that mutants are a threat. Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert sit in attendance, listening. Suddenly, a wall comes smashing down...and Mystique's forces appear, ready to murder the Senator. But then....Storm and the X-Men appear before them, ready to stop them and do battle!!!

My thoughts: The flipping back-and-forth between 1980 and 2013 can be somewhat jarring. I'm betting some fans were confused by this. I like they used 2013. An unlucky number. The future of the Marvel Universe depicted in #141 is shocking and harrowing in it's grimness. This is before WATCHMEN or Frank Miller's DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and yet X-Men is providing a gritty, frightening world years before those seminal 80s masterpieces made comics "dark". Again, I give Claremont/Byrne tremendous credit for doing stories that push the envelope on what people had seen at the time. If this story is the future for the mutants, it will be a scary place indeed....

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.141.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #141

"Days of Future Past"

1st appearance: Rachel Summers, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche
1st X-MEN appearance: Mystique

What a doozy of a cover! Another awesome one by Byrne/Austin that became a classic. And it portends dark days indeed for our mutants... :evilsmile

#141 is a bit confusing, as the story begins in the year 2013. I'm sure readers a tad confused, as we find a much older Kate Pryde making her ways through a shadowy, garbage-strewn street in Manhattan. The entire city, the entire American NATION has been taken over by Sentinels. Nearly every hero, mutant or non-mutant, have been wiped-out and exterminated by the Sentinels. Kate rendezvous with Wolverine. Both are visibly older versions of our current versions, with many wrinkles and grey in Logan's hair. Kate is taunted by a pack of "Rogues"--punks who roam the streets. But Wolverine takes easy care of them. Colonel Logan is now working in the Canadian Resistance Army. Logan gives Kate a "jammer", which is part-and-parcel of their plan.

Kate returns to the South Bronx Mutant Internment Center, guarded by Sentinels. She passes a huge cemetery, with names like "Charles Xavier", "Kurt Wagner" and "Scott Summers" on the graves. The entire Fantastic Four and Original 5 are all dead in this world. Quite a disturbing sight this is to see...Only four X-Men remain. Wolverine, Kate Pryde, Storm and Colossus. We are in for another surprise...as a much older Magneto appears...in a wheelchair!! He is an ally with the X-Men, and this is the first time such a concept has ever come up. We also meet an older Franklin Richards, son of Reed & Susan Richards. And his lady, a red-haired young woman named...Rachel Summers. I love it. They are all held prisoner in this "Concentration Camp". Kate and Colossus are married. Their plan is for Rachel Summers to use her powers to send Kate Pryde's consciousness back in time. To her 1980 life, just joining the X-Men. And warn the 1980 X-Men they must "save the day" again.

We now cut to 1980, and the X-Men are in another training session in the Danger Room. 13-year-old easily undergoes her first session in this room. But she suddenly collapses!!! The X-Men freak and whisk Kitty to the medical lab. Kitty awakens, but she's not the girl they knew. Her body is now inhabitated by "Kate Pryde" of 2013. She relays to them, the horrible future ahead. That on Halloween 1980, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants will assassinate Presidental Candidate Senator Robert Kelly, as well as Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert!! The X-Men listen with horrified looks on their faces. Kate's consciousness has been sent back to stop this from occuring; for if it does, it will launch a chain-reaction of events which will mark doom for humankind. Mutant-hysteria will sweep the world. An army of Sentinels will be created to defeat these mutants. All super-powered beings, from Avengers to villains to mutants to the Fantastic Four, will ALL WILL MURDERED!! Kate then is overwhelmed with grief, and at seeing her friends alive. She breaks down.

In 2013, our ragtag group of mutants rebels (Logan, Colossus, Kate, Storm, Rachel and Franklin Richards) are making their way in a subway tunnel, when the Sentinels smash open the tunnel. Franklin Richards is immediately killed by a Sentinel blast!! Rachels screams in horror!! The older X-Men do battle and destroy the Sentinels. And now we cut again, back to October 31, 1980...and the Pentagon. We meet a woman named Raven Darkholme, who works for the Pentagon. But she is in reality, shape-shifter Mystique. And she heads the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. The group consists of Pyro, Avalanche, Destiny and the Blob. They are going to assassinate Robert Kelly at a Senate hearing for Mutant Affairs. We now cut to this meeting, as Senator Kelly lays out his case that mutants are a threat. Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert sit in attendance, listening. Suddenly, a wall comes smashing down...and Mystique's forces appear, ready to murder the Senator. But then....Storm and the X-Men appear before them, ready to stop them and do battle!!!

My thoughts: The flipping back-and-forth between 1980 and 2013 can be somewhat jarring. I'm betting some fans were confused by this. I like they used 2013. An unlucky number. The future of the Marvel Universe depicted in #141 is shocking and harrowing in it's grimness. This is before WATCHMEN or Frank Miller's DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and yet X-Men is providing a gritty, frightening world years before those seminal 80s masterpieces made comics "dark". Again, I give Claremont/Byrne tremendous credit for doing stories that push the envelope on what people had seen at the time. If this story is the future for the mutants, it will be a scary place indeed....

What is it about apocalyptic visions of the future that make me all intrigued and giddy inside? (Provided I'm not in them.) This was a great set-up to the story, but Rachel's ability to send Kitty back in time was sort of poorly explained. Still, the entire DOFP future is terrifying, and was enough so that it was honored with episodes on The Animated Series (albeit written a little skewed from the original work, to say the least).

The Brotherhood in this issue is an outstanding line-up. I mean, I mark out to this day whenever Avalanche makes an appearance, and Pyro is still sorely missed. Desitny, the runner-up in our "Who's your Favorite Mutant Pre-Cog?" may not have been an offensive powerhouse, but was an endearing character with plenty of potential.

The return of the BLOB?!? NICE!

And Mystique... the treacherous thorn in the X-Family's side for years to come.

Another great issue from the CC/Byrne heyday.

[Valjean999]

geez...I remember reading #141 when it first came out, and thinking that 2013 seemed so far away, and here it is, only five years away...

Thanks, I feel really old now...

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.141.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #141

"Days of Future Past"

1st appearance: Rachel Summers, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche
1st X-MEN appearance: Mystique

What a doozy of a cover! Another awesome one by Byrne/Austin that became a classic. And it portends dark days indeed for our mutants... :evilsmile

#141 is a bit confusing, as the story begins in the year 2013. I'm sure readers a tad confused, as we find a much older Kate Pryde making her ways through a shadowy, garbage-strewn street in Manhattan. The entire city, the entire American NATION has been taken over by Sentinels. Nearly every hero, mutant or non-mutant, have been wiped-out and exterminated by the Sentinels. Kate rendezvous with Wolverine. Both are visibly older versions of our current versions, with many wrinkles and grey in Logan's hair. Kate is taunted by a pack of "Rogues"--punks who roam the streets. But Wolverine takes easy care of them. Colonel Logan is now working in the Canadian Resistance Army. Logan gives Kate a "jammer", which is part-and-parcel of their plan.

Kate returns to the South Bronx Mutant Internment Center, guarded by Sentinels. She passes a huge cemetery, with names like "Charles Xavier", "Kurt Wagner" and "Scott Summers" on the graves. The entire Fantastic Four and Original 5 are all dead in this world. Quite a disturbing sight this is to see...Only four X-Men remain. Wolverine, Kate Pryde, Storm and Colossus. We are in for another surprise...as a much older Magneto appears...in a wheelchair!! He is an ally with the X-Men, and this is the first time such a concept has ever come up. We also meet an older Franklin Richards, son of Reed & Susan Richards. And his lady, a red-haired young woman named...Rachel Summers. I love it. They are all held prisoner in this "Concentration Camp". Kate and Colossus are married. Their plan is for Rachel Summers to use her powers to send Kate Pryde's consciousness back in time. To her 1980 life, just joining the X-Men. And warn the 1980 X-Men they must "save the day" again.

We now cut to 1980, and the X-Men are in another training session in the Danger Room. 13-year-old easily undergoes her first session in this room. But she suddenly collapses!!! The X-Men freak and whisk Kitty to the medical lab. Kitty awakens, but she's not the girl they knew. Her body is now inhabitated by "Kate Pryde" of 2013. She relays to them, the horrible future ahead. That on Halloween 1980, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants will assassinate Presidental Candidate Senator Robert Kelly, as well as Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert!! The X-Men listen with horrified looks on their faces. Kate's consciousness has been sent back to stop this from occuring; for if it does, it will launch a chain-reaction of events which will mark doom for humankind. Mutant-hysteria will sweep the world. An army of Sentinels will be created to defeat these mutants. All super-powered beings, from Avengers to villains to mutants to the Fantastic Four, will ALL WILL MURDERED!! Kate then is overwhelmed with grief, and at seeing her friends alive. She breaks down.

In 2013, our ragtag group of mutants rebels (Logan, Colossus, Kate, Storm, Rachel and Franklin Richards) are making their way in a subway tunnel, when the Sentinels smash open the tunnel. Franklin Richards is immediately killed by a Sentinel blast!! Rachels screams in horror!! The older X-Men do battle and destroy the Sentinels. And now we cut again, back to October 31, 1980...and the Pentagon. We meet a woman named Raven Darkholme, who works for the Pentagon. But she is in reality, shape-shifter Mystique. And she heads the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. The group consists of Pyro, Avalanche, Destiny and the Blob. They are going to assassinate Robert Kelly at a Senate hearing for Mutant Affairs. We now cut to this meeting, as Senator Kelly lays out his case that mutants are a threat. Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert sit in attendance, listening. Suddenly, a wall comes smashing down...and Mystique's forces appear, ready to murder the Senator. But then....Storm and the X-Men appear before them, ready to stop them and do battle!!!

My thoughts: The flipping back-and-forth between 1980 and 2013 can be somewhat jarring. I'm betting some fans were confused by this. I like they used 2013. An unlucky number. The future of the Marvel Universe depicted in #141 is shocking and harrowing in it's grimness. This is before WATCHMEN or Frank Miller's DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and yet X-Men is providing a gritty, frightening world years before those seminal 80s masterpieces made comics "dark". Again, I give Claremont/Byrne tremendous credit for doing stories that push the envelope on what people had seen at the time. If this story is the future for the mutants, it will be a scary place indeed....

John Byrne & Terry Austin create a taught, sublime cover to capture the reader; furthermore, we are enthralled with the dystopia story about the end of the X-Men, the death of Xavier's dream, & possibly the end of the world since the other nations view the Sentinels as a threat to their existence as well.

The older, war-torn Kate Pryde is jarring. What happened to the youthful innocence of Kitty Pryde we just saw a few issues ago??? We learn the Sentinels have killed Kate's children long ago.

Rachel Summers is a new character. I wonder if the readers then connected her to be the daughter of Jean Grey & Scott Summers given Rachel's telepathy & telekinesis?

Mystique's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants make their debut. Chris Claremont has already hinted at the more than close friendship between Mystique & Destiny. And the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants play a good contrast to the X-Men.

Despite Mystique's ability only to shapeshift into any man or woman, she is dangerous. Her mind is what makes her dangerous more than her powers. She's calculating & cold, but she believes in her cause. The warmth in her heart only seems to come out for Destiny. Since Mystique--as Raven Darkholme--works for the Department of Defense, she has access to top secret military hardware & untold other devices! I like the irony the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants' headquarters is located within the Pentagon!

Will Rachel's idea of going back to the past change her future?

[Jimmy Starburst]

one thing that i could never get straight: how can Rachel Summers exist if Jean Grey is already dead?

and just to backtrack a lil - when was Stevie Hunter's first appearance (ever)?

[worstblogever]

one thing that i could never get straight: how can Rachel Summers exist if Jean Grey is already dead?

and just to backtrack a lil - when was Stevie Hunter's first appearance (ever)?

Stevie's first appearance was back in Uncanny X-Men #139.

[DDM]

one thing that i could never get straight: how can Rachel Summers exist if Jean Grey is already dead?



Rachel Summers' timeline diverges when Jean Grey does not revert to Dark Phoenix on the Moon; the Shi'ar perform a psychic lobotomy to rid Jean of her mutant powers. Jean Grey & Scott Summers wed, & they have one child, Rachel Summers. Rachel's origin is actually the original ending for Uncanny X-Men #137 in Phoenix: The Untold Story #1:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/61182034818.1.GIF

Since Rachel often talked about her mother telekinetically changing her father's clothes, I presume Jean's powers returned or perhaps only her telekinesis returned? At any rate, Jean Grey & Scott Summers die when the military kills most of the X-Men (i.e. Kurt Wagner, Peter Rasputin, Amanda Sefton, Illyana Rasputin, & Charles Xavier himself) seen in the flashback in The New Mutants #18 & Uncanny X-Men #188. The military takes Rachel prisoner as she becomes the prototype for the Hound Program...

[Jimmy Starburst]

Stevie's first appearance was back in Uncanny X-Men #139.

the reason i asked is cause davidr wrote that #139 was Stevie's "first X-Men appearance", so i wondered i she had previously tutored the Power Pack kids or something like that...

Rachel Summers' timeline diverges when Jean Grey does not revert to Dark Phoenix on the Moon; the Shi'ar perform a psychic lobotomy to rid Jean of her mutant powers. Jean Grey & Scott Summers wed, & they have one child, Rachel Summers. Rachel's origin is actually the original ending for Uncanny X-Men #137 in Phoenix: The Untold Story #1...

but that's what i'm talking about. if Rachel Summers comes from an alternate timeline where Jean Grey lives, what is she doing in the future of *this* timeline, the one where her mother killed herself? (and yes, i know debating the intricacies of timetravel is a futile sport, but lets reach for some internal logic here, okay?)

[Jimmy Starburst]

another jimmy starburst post.

anyone know what the deal with Franklin Richards was at the time? (dance lessons with Stevie and the Power kids, perhaps??) how long had he been a (known) mutant? i always liked his role in the X-Men's future...

[worstblogever]

the reason i asked is cause davidr wrote that #139 was Stevie's "first X-Men appearance", so i wondered i she had previously tutored the Power Pack kids or something like that...



but that's what i'm talking about. if Rachel Summers comes from an alternate timeline where Jean Grey lives, what is she doing in the future of *this* timeline, the one where her mother killed herself? (and yes, i know debating the intricacies of timetravel is a futile sport, but lets reach for some internal logic here, okay?)

I'd guess that the storyline for "Days of Future Past" was already written before the ending to "Dark Phoenix Saga" was changed by Jim Shooter to result in Jean's Death, rather than depowerment. Had it gone off like CC wished, Jean would've been alive to pop out Rachel after Cyke would provide some baby batter.

Again, I'm guessing that's how it went down.

[david r]

anyone know what the deal with Franklin Richards was at the time? (dance lessons with Stevie and the Power kids, perhaps??) how long had he been a (known) mutant? i always liked his role in the X-Men's future...

Which Franklin Richards? Franklin in 1980 was still a young boy, being raised by the Fantastic Four in their own mag. He had shown his mutant powers a few times, but was basically a typical kid. The adult Franklin Richards who debuted in Uncanny X-Men #141 is Rachel Summers' lover, and looks similiar to Johnny Storm. We really don't learn much about him, except he's a mutant & a freedom-fighter. Before he sadly gets killed...

The New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants consist of:

Mystique: Raven Darkholme, a metamorph or shape-shifter; leader of the group. Her blue-skinned appearance is eerily similiar to Nightcrawler.
Destiny: a blind precog, with the psychic ability to "see" the future, only member of the team Mystique calls a friend.
Avalanche: whose touch crumbles any solid object. Creating an irresistible avalanche/tidal wave effect with earth, stone steel. ANYTHING!
Pyro: blonde British mutant, who controls living flame.
Blob: Fred J. Dukes, a man whom no physical force can harm. First appeared in X-Men #3.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.142.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #142

"Mind Out of Time"

IN THIS ONE, EVERYBODY DIES!! The shocking conclusion to the "Days of Future Past" story,as two concurrent tales come to their end. One with awful, tragic results. The cover to this is pretty horrific. As the issue begins, the X-Men and the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants begin fighting within a chamber of the United States Senate. The X-Men are unfamiliar with most of these new mutants, and don't do so well. As far as I can tell, #142 is the first mention that Wolverine has a fast-working healing factor.

Mystique morphs into a female cop, and escorts the panicked Professor Xavier and Moira MacTaggert away. Only to shoot nerve gas in their face, and knock them unconscious. Though I was expecting her to murder them. She doesn't , and asks Destiny what the precog "sees" for their future. Destiny relays that there is a new anomaly in this play, and it is disrupting her seeing the future. This "anomaly" is the adult Kathering Pryde, who has possessed her 13-year-old self, in 1980. Kate comes from the year 2013, where only 4 X-Men remain alive. Wolverine, Storm, Colossus and Rachel Summers make their way through the dirty, grimy streets of Manhattan, till they reach the Baxter Building. It has been turned into the headquarters for the Sentinels, who have taken control of the entire United States, and are poised to launch a war with the rest of the world!! The much older Logan, Ororo and Peter knock out the guard Sentinels, and sneak into the Baxter Building lobby, using Ororo's thief talents. They open the Fantastic Four's private elevator, and enter. On their way to assault the Sentinels' inner sanctum!!

Back in 1980, Ororo chastises herself for not leading the X-Men better. They are not faring well against this new Brotherhood. The action explodes outside the Senate, as Army troops begin firing on the mutants. Wolverine is nearly burned alive by Pyro's fiery talents, but Ororo saves him with a monsoon storm. Wolverine's "healing factor" also comes into play. Mystique transforms herself into a duplicate Nightcrawler, and attacks our Kurt Wagner. It is here that Wolverine & Storm have an uncharacteristically heated argument, where Ororo stops Logan from attacking Mystique with his claws. Wolverine yells he wouldn't take that from Cyclops. Storm says, "You WILL take it from me." In the end, the new Brotherhood are beaten, and most of them are captured. Mystique escapes, but not before hinting to poor Nightcrawler that he should ask his mother, Margali Szardos, who Mystique really is... VAS??

In 2013, Wolverine, Storm and Colossus stand ready as the elevator opens within the Baxter Building. A sentinel is at work on some huge device, as Colossus throws Wolverine with a Fastball Special. As Logan becomes airborne, claws blazing, the Sentinel turns and fries Wolverine with a blast! The heat completely frays the skin off Wolverine, and he collapses to the floor...nothing left but his adamantium skeleton. Holy s**t!! Storm becomes enraged and uses her weather-powers to attack, but a Sentinel sends a spear through her body. Ororo falls to the floor, and Peter Rasputin grabs her in his arms. She is dead. Peter looks up with tears. The next panel shows a Sentinel being smashed out of the wall. On the street below, Rachel Summers sits, and "feels" Colossus murdered up above. Their desparate gamble has not paid off. The X-Men failed...their only chance now is Kate Pryde and her mission in the past.

Back in the present, Destiny is about to shoot Senator Robert Kelly, as Kate Pryde watches. Kate phases through Destiny, knocking her unconscious. ROBERT KELLY'S LIFE IS SAVED!! At that instant, Kate Pryde's consciousness returns to the year 2013. As Kitty Pryde regains her physical body in 1980, she feels a "kiss" from her older self. The battle is over. On the last page, a month later, in the White House, Senator Robert Kelly escorts Sebastian Shaw in to secretly meet the President of the United States (Jimmy Carter, no?!) They are initiating an operation named "Operation: Wideawake". What happened at the Senate must NEVER happen again. Henry Peter Gyrich is put in charge of the operation. The mutant threat will be resolved...permanently.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.142.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #142

"Mind Out of Time"

IN THIS ONE, EVERYBODY DIES!! The shocking conclusion to the "Days of Future Past" story,as two concurrent tales come to their end. One with awful, tragic results. The cover to this is pretty horrific. As the issue begins, the X-Men and the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants begin fighting within a chamber of the United States Senate. The X-Men are unfamiliar with most of these new mutants, and don't do so well. As far as I can tell, #142 is the first mention that Wolverine has a fast-working healing factor.

Mystique morphs into a female cop, and escorts the panicked Professor Xavier and Moira MacTaggert away. Only to shoot nerve gas in their face, and knock them unconscious. Though I was expecting her to murder them. She doesn't , and asks Destiny what the precog "sees" for their future. Destiny relays that there is a new anomaly in this play, and it is disrupting her seeing the future. This "anomaly" is the adult Kathering Pryde, who has possessed her 13-year-old self, in 1980. Kate comes from the year 2013, where only 4 X-Men remain alive. Wolverine, Storm, Colossus and Rachel Summers make their way through the dirty, grimy streets of Manhattan, till they reach the Baxter Building. It has been turned into the headquarters for the Sentinels, who have taken control of the entire United States, and are poised to launch a war with the rest of the world!! The much older Logan, Ororo and Peter knock out the guard Sentinels, and sneak into the Baxter Building lobby, using Ororo's thief talents. They open the Fantastic Four's private elevator, and enter. On their way to assault the Sentinels' inner sanctum!!

Back in 1980, Ororo chastises herself for not leading the X-Men better. They are not faring well against this new Brotherhood. The action explodes outside the Senate, as Army troops begin firing on the mutants. Wolverine is nearly burned alive by Pyro's fiery talents, but Ororo saves him with a monsoon storm. Wolverine's "healing factor" also comes into play. Mystique transforms herself into a duplicate Nightcrawler, and attacks our Kurt Wagner. It is here that Wolverine & Storm have an uncharacteristically heated argument, where Ororo stops Logan from attacking Mystique with his claws. Wolverine yells he wouldn't take that from Cyclops. Storm says, "You WILL take it from me." In the end, the new Brotherhood are beaten, and most of them are captured. Mystique escapes, but not before hinting to poor Nightcrawler that he should ask his mother, Margali Szardos, who Mystique really is... VAS??

In 2013, Wolverine, Storm and Colossus stand ready as the elevator opens within the Baxter Building. A sentinel is at work on some huge device, as Colossus throws Wolverine with a Fastball Special. As Logan becomes airborne, claws blazing, the Sentinel turns and fries Wolverine with a blast! The heat completely frays the skin off Wolverine, and he collapses to the floor...nothing left but his adamantium skeleton. Holy s**t!! Storm becomes enraged and uses her weather-powers to attack, but a Sentinel sends a spear through her body. Ororo falls to the floor, and Peter Rasputin grabs her in his arms. She is dead. Peter looks up with tears. The next panel shows a Sentinel being smashed out of the wall. On the street below, Rachel Summers sits, and "feels" Colossus murdered up above. Their desparate gamble has not paid off. The X-Men failed...their only chance now is Kate Pryde and her mission in the past.

Back in the present, Destiny is about to shoot Senator Robert Kelly, as Kate Pryde watches. Kate phases through Destiny, knocking her unconscious. ROBERT KELLY'S LIFE IS SAVED!! At that instant, Kate Pryde's consciousness returns to the year 2013. As Kitty Pryde regains her physical body in 1980, she feels a "kiss" from her older self. The battle is over. On the last page, a month later, in the White House, Senator Robert Kelly escorts Sebastian Shaw in to secretly meet the President of the United States (Jimmy Carter, no?!) They are initiating an operation named "Operation: Wideawake". What happened at the Senate must NEVER happen again. Henry Peter Gyrich is put in charge of the operation. The mutant threat will be resolved...permanently.

A hardcore issue with the deaths of everyone but Rachel Summers in the future, and a great X-Men/Brotherhood battle in the present.

Although, is anyone else confused as to why the Brotherhood's master stroke for victory involved a blind woman, Destiny, being able to shoot straight?

The ending to the issue also makes readers wonder if the future horrors have in fact been prevented by saving Senator Kelly, or if they only stand to motivate him to lead the world to that future personally. Sebastian Shaw rubbing elbows with Kelly and the president is even more ominous.

And is this the first appearance of Henry Peter Gyrich?!?

http://www.comicbookdb.com/character_chron.php?ID=4746

No, not quite. Gyrich had already been giving the Avengers grief since the summer of 1977. This is, however, his first appearance in any X-book. Damn, I wish I knew why, but I always loved me some Gyrich bastard moments.

[DDM]

but that's what i'm talking about. if Rachel Summers comes from an alternate timeline where Jean Grey lives, what is she doing in the future of *this* timeline, the one where her mother killed herself? (and yes, i know debating the intricacies of timetravel is a futile sport, but lets reach for some internal logic here, okay?)

Rachel Summers physically came back in time, tapping into the Phoenix Force subconsciously, to escape her dead world & live in the past to hopefully prevent her future from coming to pass. Kate Pryde hypnotized Rachel Summers & used the words "Dark Phoenix" to send Rachel back into the past within the Project Nimrod facility; Nimrod supposedly killed Kate then followed Rachel through the same time vortex (see Uncanny X-Men #192 for the details). Rachel was shocked to learn about the mainstream Marvel Universe's Phoenix's death then lashed out at Xavier & Kurt Wagner with her telepathy in Uncanny X-Men #188. At the point, Rachel reveals to the X-Men that she is daughter of Jean Grey (Phoenix) & Scott Summers (Cyclops). Cyclops is still living in Alaska with Madelyne Pryor & is not aware of Rachel's true nature.

[DeniseXfrost]

Although, is anyone else confused as to why the Brotherhood's master stroke for victory involved a blind woman, Destiny, being able to shoot straight?
Well she can see the future...... her custome was really funny tho lol.

[david r]

Although, is anyone else confused as to why the Brotherhood's master stroke for victory involved a blind woman, Destiny, being able to shoot straight?


You kill me...:D

[david r]

Days of Future Past:

Just a few issues after Dark Phoenix, Marvel produces another classic adventure that would have huge repercussions for the X-Men. Good, and bad. This was a remarkable story, both in it's scope of using present/future concepts and one of the first Marvel stories to show a harsh, dark and harrowing future for their Universe.

It was nice to see Chris Claremont and John Byrne tackle the human/mutants relationship, as nothing in their run up till now really dealt with this core X-Men idea. The bleakness of the "future" story was edgy at the time, perhaps even unprecedented for Marvel. Even more amazing...it all happens in just TWO ISSUES!

--This story showed Magneto as a nice guy for the first time. I liked mirroring he and Professor Xavier. Beyond the obvious wheelchair, Magneto was shown as a respected mutant by the X-Men. Colossus calls him "old friend". This is a COMPLETE change from the Magneto we've seen since X-Men #1 and just another surprising turn in this tale.

--Storm's untested leadership skills are strained in DoFP. Her argument with Wolverine in #142 just showed how far Ororo needs to go to fill Cyclops' shoes. Though Logan was a big pain since Ororo had just saved his hairy hide from Pyro not a few minutes before.

-- Kitty Pryde is the lynchpin of DoFP, and without her the X-Men never could have changed the future. (If indeed they change it at all.) The *kiss* between the older Kate Pryde and her younger 13-year-old self was clever. I am also amused at how Ororo is so protective of her "kitten" already, and has taken the novice X-girl under her wing. I'm assuming it's because Kitty is so young, and her welfare also will shine a light on Ororo's new leadership role in the group.

--Who is the mystery woman Mystique? She works in the Pentagon, gaining her access to United States' most sensitive data and knowledge. This could be bad for our heroes. And her words to Kurt Wagner in #142 makes me wonder is she Nightcrawler's sister? Or mother?

--As Worstblogever noted, has the scary "future world" of 2013 really been averted? Yes, Senator Robert Kelly, Xavier and MacTaggert's lives have been saved in Days of Future Past, but the final page showing the secret meeting between the President, Sebastian Shaw and Kelly has to make me wonder. Did Kate Pryde change the future timeline? CAN the future timeline be changed? Did Kate Pryde return to 2013 to find a transformed world, where Logan, Ororo and Peter are still alive? The conclusion to this story left the answers inconclusive.

[Butters]

Days of Future Past is kind of like Dark Knight Returns.

On one hand, it is a classic story. On the other hand, it spawned a bunch of stories trying to emulate it that have really screwed up the X-men's continuity.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.143.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #143

"Demon"

1st appearance: Lee Forrester

It's the end of an era, as #143 concludes the Claremont/Byrne run. John Byrne and Terry Austin depart with this issue. Things would never be quite the same again...

The cairn that appeared back in X-Men #97 was thought ruined; but somehow one of the monstrous N'Garai creeps out of it. This lone N'Garai goes on a murder spree, and then finds it's way to Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Within those hallowed halls, Logan introduces Mariko Yashida to Charles Xavier. The X-Men are going out on Christmas Eve, to celebrate. Nightcrawler kisses Mariko with mistletoe, and Wolverine goes berserk and nearly stabs Kurt with his adamantium claws. Colossus grabs Logan to control him. Logan then apologizes for his rude behavior, and he and Mariko high-tail it out of there.

Kitty grabs the mistletoe and kisses Colossus, calling him "sexy". Poor Piotr blushes. The team depart in their Rolls-Royce...all except newbie Kitty Pryde. For some reason, she is not partaking in the Xmas festivities. Alone in the mansion, Kitty hears the telephone ring and it's Scott Summers. Scott is making his first appearance since #138; he's in Florida taking a ride on a ship called the "Arcadia"...and the captain is blonde-haired Lee Forrester. Scott just can't help attracting hot women. Back at the Mansion, the N'Garai breaks into the Mansion via Ororo's attic apartment. This begins a wild, desparate chase between Kitty Pryde and a ferocious, beastial N'Garai throughout the building, Danger Room, and finally the hangar.

Kitty, wounded from the ferocious attack, climbs into the Blackbird and as the lone N'Garai comes running down the gangway,fires the engines. The N'Garai is caught in the heat of the blast!! But as Kitty climbs out, exhausted, a N'Garai arm leaps from the flames. And nearly kills her. But it was dying on it's feet. It's unearthly form crumbling into dust before it could kill her. The X-Men return, with Kitty's parents in tow, to find Kitty Pryde tired, but glad she survived this rite of passage. She Passed.

My thoughts: This issue has a passing resemblance to 1979's movie Alien. #143 even mentions the movie. It is never adequately explained how this one N'Garai came out of the cairn. But the mad chase through the mansion, with Pryde's life on the line, was truly harrowing to read. Claremont and Byrne go out with style. Thanks, guys.

[david r]

http://images.comicbookresources.com/columns/pop/2008/0323/pride.jpg

[creaky]

Nightcrawler kisses Mariko with mistletoe, and Wolverine goes berserk and nearly stabs Kurt with his adamantium claws. Colossus grabs Logan to control him. Logan then apologizes for his rude behavior, and he and Mariko high-tail it out of there.

=It's the awesomest friendship EVER.

Kitty grabs the mistletoe and kisses Colossus, calling him "sexy". Poor Piotr blushes.

=creepy.

Sometimes I wonder about my values.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.143.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #143

"Demon"

1st appearance: Lee Forrester

It's the end of an era, as #143 concludes the Claremont/Byrne run. John Byrne and Terry Austin depart with this issue. Things would never be quite the same again...

The cairn that appeared back in X-Men #97 was thought ruined; but somehow one of the monstrous N'Garai creeps out of it. This lone N'Garai goes on a murder spree, and then finds it's way to Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Within those hallowed halls, Logan introduces Mariko Yashida to Charles Xavier. The X-Men are going out on Christmas Eve, to celebrate. Nightcrawler kisses Mariko with mistletoe, and Wolverine goes berserk and nearly stabs Kurt with his adamantium claws. Colossus grabs Logan to control him. Logan then apologizes for his rude behavior, and he and Mariko high-tail it out of there.

Kitty grabs the mistletoe and kisses Colossus, calling him "sexy". Poor Piotr blushes. The team depart in their Rolls-Royce...all except newbie Kitty Pryde. For some reason, she is not partaking in the Xmas festivities. Alone in the mansion, Kitty hears the telephone ring and it's Scott Summers. Scott is making his first appearance since #138; he's in Florida taking a ride on a ship called the "Arcadia"...and the captain is blonde-haired Lee Forrester. Scott just can't help attracting hot women. Back at the Mansion, the N'Garai breaks into the Mansion via Ororo's attic apartment. This begins a wild, desparate chase between Kitty Pryde and a ferocious, beastial N'Garai throughout the building, Danger Room, and finally the hangar.

Kitty, wounded from the ferocious attack, climbs into the Blackbird and as the lone N'Garai comes running down the gangway,fires the engines. The N'Garai is caught in the heat of the blast!! But as Kitty climbs out, exhausted, a N'Garai arm leaps from the flames. And nearly kills her. But it was dying on it's feet. It's unearthly form crumbling into dust before it could kill her. The X-Men return, with Kitty's parents in tow, to find Kitty Pryde tired, but glad she survived this rite of passage. She Passed.

My thoughts: This issue has a passing resemblance to 1979's movie Alien. #143 even mentions the movie. It is never adequately explained how this one N'Garai came out of the cairn. But the mad chase through the mansion, with Pryde's life on the line, was truly harrowing to read. Claremont and Byrne go out with style. Thanks, guys.

I love this little horror Christmas story because of the contrasts of the cheery time to be celebrating with family during the atmosphere of Christmas to the dark evil nature of the N'garai. Kitty--who is only 13 1/2 at the time--completely is unaware how dangerous the demon is, despite her training. However, although she has just begun her training as an X-Man, this same training is what saves Kitty from the N'garai. I just love the ending when Kitty tells Ororo she was attacked by a "big ugly monster" then lets Storm in on the damage done throughout the mansion...

Ororo says she should be angry, but she's very proud of Kitty standing up for herself & winning against evil. I also like the surprise the X-Men bring Kitty's parents from Chicago...

[DDM]

http://images.comicbookresources.com/columns/pop/2008/0323/pride.jpg

Wow, where did this come from? I see Chris Claremont kept to most John's ideas about Kitty. Is there John Byrne's designs for Dark Phoenix around?

[pryde15]

http://images.comicbookresources.com/columns/pop/2008/0323/pride.jpg

Oh my god. Where did you find that!?!??!??! AMAZING!!

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.143.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #143

"Demon"

1st appearance: Lee Forrester

It's the end of an era, as #143 concludes the Claremont/Byrne run. John Byrne and Terry Austin depart with this issue. Things would never be quite the same again...

The cairn that appeared back in X-Men #97 was thought ruined; but somehow one of the monstrous N'Garai creeps out of it. This lone N'Garai goes on a murder spree, and then finds it's way to Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Within those hallowed halls, Logan introduces Mariko Yashida to Charles Xavier. The X-Men are going out on Christmas Eve, to celebrate. Nightcrawler kisses Mariko with mistletoe, and Wolverine goes berserk and nearly stabs Kurt with his adamantium claws. Colossus grabs Logan to control him. Logan then apologizes for his rude behavior, and he and Mariko high-tail it out of there.

Kitty grabs the mistletoe and kisses Colossus, calling him "sexy". Poor Piotr blushes. The team depart in their Rolls-Royce...all except newbie Kitty Pryde. For some reason, she is not partaking in the Xmas festivities. Alone in the mansion, Kitty hears the telephone ring and it's Scott Summers. Scott is making his first appearance since #138; he's in Florida taking a ride on a ship called the "Arcadia"...and the captain is blonde-haired Lee Forrester. Scott just can't help attracting hot women. Back at the Mansion, the N'Garai breaks into the Mansion via Ororo's attic apartment. This begins a wild, desparate chase between Kitty Pryde and a ferocious, beastial N'Garai throughout the building, Danger Room, and finally the hangar.

Kitty, wounded from the ferocious attack, climbs into the Blackbird and as the lone N'Garai comes running down the gangway,fires the engines. The N'Garai is caught in the heat of the blast!! But as Kitty climbs out, exhausted, a N'Garai arm leaps from the flames. And nearly kills her. But it was dying on it's feet. It's unearthly form crumbling into dust before it could kill her. The X-Men return, with Kitty's parents in tow, to find Kitty Pryde tired, but glad she survived this rite of passage. She Passed.

My thoughts: This issue has a passing resemblance to 1979's movie Alien. #143 even mentions the movie. It is never adequately explained how this one N'Garai came out of the cairn. But the mad chase through the mansion, with Pryde's life on the line, was truly harrowing to read. Claremont and Byrne go out with style. Thanks, guys.

This is one of my favorite issues ever, I love love love this issue! lol but to be fair almost any issue that focuses mainly on Kitty is my favorite :D

[Jimmy Starburst]

regarding the Byrne character sketch of Kitty - who was that black kid from Fantastic Four #203?

[Congo Jack]

=creepy.
Because of the age gap? John Byrne said Colossus was supposed to "be a kid, no more than 16 or so" but then again, by Uncanny #183 he's "nearly twenty".

Oh my god. Where did you find that!?!??!??! AMAZING!!
I recall seeing that posted on Byrne Robotics before.

[Butters]

http://images.comicbookresources.com/columns/pop/2008/0323/pride.jpg

Cool... John seemed so much more cheery back then.

[david r]

DDM, yes this was a great "horror" issue. Even more spooky that it takes place at Christmas time. I hate to see Charles Xavier's face when he saw all the damage to his home!! :p I also liked Chris Claremont's announcement on the letters page, that John Byrne was leaving as artist. And Dave Cockrum was returning. I miss it when writers spoke to us fans in the actual comics. (And notice the one angry letter written by Kurt Busiek? Could it be the real Busiek??)

As for Kitty Pryde's sketch, you can see it was done in 1978. Yet Byrne kept very close to that sketch when introducing Kitty to the book, many months later. Also notice Byrne seems to be outlining the concept for the later New Mutants. Interesting...

Pryde15, I assume you are a fan of "Kitty's Fairy Tale"?

Jimmy Starburst, I recall that black kid mentioned by Byrne, from Fantastic Four #203. The boy could create replicas of people, and in #203 creates evil replicas of the FF, which go on to battle the real FF. I think Byrne drew that FF issue, not sure. But this boy was never seen again, I don't believe.

[david r]

The Claremont/Byrne X-Men run:

This period of the amazing X-Men's history is justified in it's legendary status. The book was great before, but when John Byrne arrives, it becomes unforgettable. One story at a time, they took the book up a notch, and heightened the tension with gripping adventures. From their first issue together (#108), Claremont and Byrne seemed in-synch with one another, and in ushering a new era for these lowly Marvel heroes. By the time the two were done, Uncanny X-Men had become Marvel Comics' best title on the stands.

One spellbinding story after the next. The X-Men's journey into space to battle the Sh'iar and Imperial Guard, with the emotional moment when Phoenix saves a universe. As the team become circus freaks, allowing Claremont/Byrne to throw every "carnival" idea they could throw at us. To arguably the most harrowing, rollercoaster battle ever with Magneto, in the heart of a raging volcano. To the team's wild romp through the Savage Land, saving it from extinction. To surviving a freak storm on a small raft, and then Japan, followed by introducing Alpha Flight. The X-Men have gone on other long voyages before, but this one was probably their masterpiece. I liked how the stories flowed, one into the next, so damn well.

Then a few short adventures; Storm returning to her Harlem home. The madcap Arcade tale with Murderworld and Colossus' struggle with his inner doubts. Followed by the masterful Proteus story; I noticed the danger and suspense seemed to kick upward during the Proteus episode. The book was entering it's greatest vintage period. Then with #129, the Dark Phoenix Saga began, and it was all over. X-MEN was Marvel's best magazine, and this frightening journey into the darkest recesses of one X-woman's life was an unimaginably well-realized epic which no other X-tale has been able to achieve since. It lives up to it's iconic status as the greatest X-Men story of all time.

Jean Grey kills five billion people. I'm still trying to believe this actually happened.

The endings for #137 and #138 are two of the most emotionally-powerful comic book stories I've ever read. Super-hero adventures had rarely reached such climactic moments that pulled a reader in so completely as the finale to Dark Phoenix. It's a story I will never forget. But the ride wasn't over; we return to Canada to tackle Alpha Flight again and Wendigo. Wolverine sports his new brown costume. And then.........Days of Future Past. Out of nowhere, this dark and disturbing story of a mutant future where the X-Men are destroyed, the mansion gone and the Sentinels have taken over America. The future/past timeline epic was unlike anything Marvel had ever produced before. Bravo to another genre-bending tale. And the finale to their remarkable run: Kitty Pryde's struggle alone against the demonic N'Garai creature.

Along the way, John and Chris created the Hellfire Club, including Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost, Tessa, Harry Leland, Donald Pierce. Also Senator Robert Kelly, the Shadow King, Vindicator and Alpha Flight, Rachel Summers, the Fall People, Kitty Pryde, Dark Phoenix, Lee Forrester, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche, Proteus, Stevie Hunter, Colonel Vazhin, Salems Center and I'm sure more I'm forgetting. They brought old villains to new heights, like Magneto and the Sentinels, while also creating a bucketload of new villains and supporting characters. Other than Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, how many Marvel creators have introduced such a wide variety of creative and enduring characters?

One thing I did not particuraly like was so much attention on Wolverine. It was pretty obvious that John Byrne liked Wolverine best of the new X-Men, and Logan got a lot of star-time. And maybe it's from knowing where this will lead to today, I didn't like Wolverine shining over the others. Otherwise, Byrne and Terry Austin's artwork was exquisite. I could see touches of Kirby, Adams and Cockrum all in Byrne's art, and he designed many memorable costumes and uniforms for the various characters.

Chris Claremont continues to broaden the personalities of the X-members. Unlike the 1960s stories, which had virtually zero character development, Claremont has created distinctive identities for each X-Man. And each one has a hopes and fears, which CC explores in a rich manner. They grow, they change, they evolve. It has been very well-done and I applaud this creative team.

And though Chris Claremont and John Byrne aren't on speaking terms now, it's wonderful to return to a time when they were fantastic together, bringing the best out in each other, taking superhero stories to greater, richer peaks and ever more uncanny places. It's an incredibly beautiful and unforgettable period of time, for Professor Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.144.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #144

"Even in Death..."

The macabre Man-Thing guest stars, as Brent Anderson picks up the artistic chores for an issue, following John Byrne's departure. (In fact, Byrne was supposed to illustrate this issue. But life happens...)

We learn a little more about the woman Lee Forrester. She runs a fishing ship named the "Arcadia" in Florida, and Scott Summers has become a hired hand aboard. Lee is attracted to him. But Scott seems withdrawn. In truth, our Cyclops is still trying to deal with the death of Jean Grey. And his heart is still broken. Meanwhile, Lee's father, Jock, has learned he has cancer. He makes his way to a swamp, and blows his brains out with a gun. The Man-Thing witnesses this act of suicide. As does the villain of the piece...a creature named D'Spayre.

Back at X-Men headquarters, our mutants are still picking up the wreckage from Kitty Pryde's frantic battle with a N'Garai, from #143. Wolverine & Nightcrawler pick on poor Kitty, ribbing her over the work. Kitty can't take it and phases out of the Mansion, tearful over what happened. Kurt Wagner teleports after her and tries to say he's sorry. Yet Kurt wonders if he subconsciously meant to hurt Kitty, perhaps because she is still uneasy around his elflike appearance. Back in Florida, Scott and Lee Forrester head out into the Everglades to check on Lee's father. They make it to his home, only to find D'Spayre has assumed Jock's appearance. Suddenly, Jock's home turns into a mile-high tower, and is transformed into D'Spayre's carnival of terrors!! D'Spayre sinks his mind into Scott Summers' memories...and poor Scott is confronted with memories of his past as sickening nightmares.

Scott sees his dreadful fall from a burning plane, as he rescues him and his brother Alex. He watches as the plane explodes, with his parents still inside. He then *sees* himself and an older Alex, now in the form of Havok, attacked by giant Sentinel-versions of the new X-Men. All of this illusions created by D'Spayre in his funhouse of horrors, using Scott's memories to drive him insane. Finally, Scott appears on the desert butte where he and Jean Grey made love in Uncanny X-Men #132, Jean is there and the two embrace. When Scott opens his eyes, they are now in a huge chapel, and are being married. Charles Xavier is the priest, and says "You may kiss the bride." Scott keeps his eyes closed, as to not hurt Jean with his optic blasts. Jean says not to worry, open your eyes Scott. I'll control them. But this time, when Scott opens his eys, his blasts lash out and smash Jean Grey into a bloody pulp!!! At this horror, Scott awakens from the dream!! Man-Thing has come lumbering out of the swamp, attracted by the emotions emanating from D'Spayre's tower. Scott and the Man-Thing attack D'Spayre. D'Spayre sets the muck-monster on fire, but to little effect. As the Man-Thing lashes out amid the flames, bringing the entire place down in an inferno of flames and smoke. Scott grabs Lee Forrester and they escape out of the place. Both surviving D'Spayre's clutches. The whole place comes crashing down!! The next day, the Man-Thing rises from the ashes of the destroyed building, and wanders back into the swamp.

My thoughts: Chris Claremont was writing the Man-Thing book at the time, so I suspect that's where this crossover came from. Cyclops meets Man-Thing. It was good, not great. D'Spayre was a rather disposable villain. My favorite parts were seeing Scott Summers' happenings since leaving the team. I'm glad to see he's not returning to his shell again. And also Kitty Pryde is still struggling with making a place for herself with the X-Men.

[david r]

John Byrne's thoughts on his X-Men run:

1) John says he "threatened" everybody at Marvel bodily harm if Dave Cockrum ever left X-Men, and Byrne didn't get it. (He's kidding...) :p
2) Byrne was a HUGE X-fan, and had been reading it since #1. He fell in love with the Original 5. Cyclops was and will always be his favorite member.
3) Byrne considered the new X-Men the "pretend" X-Men; but it had Cyclops and he was the one that counted, as far as John was concerned.

4)When up-and-coming artist John Byrne heard they were reviving the X-Men in 1974, he actually tried to get the book himself, and campaigned for it. He put together a "whole bunch of stuff and sent it down". The pitch was basically X-Men: The Hidden Years. Dave Cockrum got it instead.
5) Byrne's first issue, #108, was the wrap-up of a major arc introducing the Starjammers, Imperial Guard, etc. John was unhappy with this as he didn't know these characters, and he disliked the Legion of Super-Heroes, who the Imperial Guard were based on.
6)Byrne has this to say about working with Chris Claremont: "Chris used to write fifteen-page plots for seventeen-page stories and that's not an exaggeration. He would literally write almost as many pages of plot as there were story pages. He would go off on tangents and fill his plots with acres of stuff that I, as the penciller, really didn't need to know. I remember our first issue because it was a giant "hoo-hah" story and a lot of material had to be covered. The storyline had been running for months and X-Men was only coming out bi-monthly at the time. Shooter wanted the storyline wrapped up and used my coming on to the title as an excuse to make Chris finish it."

7) X-Men was still selling horrible in Byrne's years; and the book was always close to cancellation. The cut-off point was 100,000 copies sold, and X-Men always hovered right above that, keeping it alive. His best selling issue was the "Death of Phoenix" issue, which sold 175,000 copies. But John says it's a myth that his X-Men were huge sellers.
8) Dave Cockrum came up with the concept for Alpha Flight--of a Canadian team sent to capture Wolverine. Most of the Alpha Flight character designs were made when Byrne was still a fanboy. Shaman's original name was Chinook.
9) Eventually, Chris & John were doing "phone plots" for X-Men. As John describes it, he and Chris would speak on the telephone and bounce plot ideas back and forth. Then John would call editor Roger Stern to bounce ideas off him.

10) John always viewed Magneto as a complete super-villain; none of this "elder statesman" stuff for him. He and Chris would talk on the phone about ideas, and whenever Magneto came up, Claremont would talk in an evil, maniacal voice---like how Magneto would speak. Byrne wonders if Magneto still talks like that...
11) After Byrne left X-Men, he and CC began a feud over Doctor Doom. Claremont wrote him into X-Men without getting the Fantastic Four office's approval, so Byrne retaliated by saying the Doom seen in X-Men was a robot-duplicate. Claremont *supposedly* retaliated on that by turning Magneto into a sensible, nice-guy villain. Something Byrne despised.
12) John felt his sexy drawings of Storm, like in #114 in her Savage Land bikini, were bad. She is too chunky, and Byrne feels he couldn't draw women back then.

[david r]

More John Byrne...

11) The inspiration for Jean Grey was Raquel Welch!! Byrne drew Jean with Raquel Welch in mind!
12) Arcade was based on Malcolm McDowell's character from the movie A Clockwork Orange. Byrne says Arcade and Murderworld were 90% Claremont's ideas.
13) Claremont's vision for Proteus was that he was Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert's bastard child. Byrne said that heroes don't have bastard children, so it was changed.

14) Byrne says his vision for Kitty Pryde was different from how Chris Claremont wrote her. John wanted her to be a totally normal teenage girl, who wakes up one morning and has superpowers. But Chris made her a genius, and Byrne said "If she's a genius, she's not totally normal."
15) Claremont apparently had only read the Thomas/Adams X-Men issues by this point, and this caused friction between him and Byrne. Claremont came up with ideas and Byrne would say "No, that's already been done". Claremont eventually did read all of #1-66.
16) John says editor-in-chief Jim Shooter demanded the X-Men return to a "functioning school" concept. With students doing homework, getting demerits, etc. Chris and John resisted this, they felt the book was more "mutants feared and hated by a world their sworn to protect". So Claremont/Byrne came up with the notion of a new team (the New Mutants) that could be the students, with the X-Men watching over them.

17) Kitty Pryde was created to be the first of these "new Mutants", but Jim Shooter yelled "NO-NO, I want the X-Men to be the "students". But Kitty stayed with the group anyway.
18) Byrne says Caliban was originally intended to be a New Mutant. He even designed him, and possibly members of Omega Flight were originally planned as Byrne's New Mutants.
19) Claremont was plotting to get rid of Wolverine in 1977 when John became X-Men artist. Byrne said "You are not getting rid of the only Canadian hero in comics, Wolverine stays." Wolverine was Byrne's favorite new X-Man, for various reasons.

20) Before #98, John Byrne designed his own facial features for Wolverine, before his full-face had been shown. This face was later used for Sabretooth's facial features.
21) Byrne's backstory for Wolverine was he truly is the son of Sabretooth. But Sabretooth was the true mutant, and the mutation had bred true. Logan was in fact the first of a new species and would be a hundred years old. He'd lived most of his life in the Canadian mountains, feral, until he was discovered by James Hudson.
22) Byrne and Claremont had NOT planned to kill Jean Grey in Dark Phoenix. Jim Shooter made them change it, and Byrne now feels it made it a more powerful story. But Chris has never been able to let it go.
23) Chris Claremont wrote an issue of Iron Fist which Byrne drew and it's the only comic Byrne has ever made which made Byrne cry. Something Chris wrote was so beautiful that tears welled-up in John's eyes while he read it.

24) Byrne feels Dark Phoenix Saga helped destroy the comics industry, as it was the first "event". And they've been trying to duplicate it's success ever since, with event after event after event........
25) Byrne wanted to do a Sentinels story, but Claremont thought they were "wimpy". So Byrne brain-stormed and the entire Days of Future Past idea came into his head. However, John now realizes he'd gotten the idea from a Dr. Who TV episode!!
26) The "Demon" issue (#143) is an intentional homage to the movie Alien. Byrne made the N'Garai creature very similiar to Alien. When the issue came out, he was afraid they might get sued over it! He felt he left the book with a bang!

27) John was drawing X-Men, Avengers and Fantastic Four at the same time in 1979. He says he knew he was doing too much when he drew the Scarlet Witch aboard the X-Men's Blackbird by mistake....instead of Storm!!
28)Chris and John had planned for a huge blow-out in Uncanny X-Men #150. Magneto would do something so heinous, so despicable, he could never be redeemed. Magneto would discover the Phoenix Force somehow, and offer it to Jean Grey again. Tempt her with ultimate power, which Magneto would then use to his advantage. But Byrne left the title before #150, so this never happened.
29) Byrne left X-Men in 1980 because he and Claremont were drifting apart. They were disagreeing on who the characters were, and what they were all about. Sure enough, when Louise Jones became editor, she gave Claremont almost 100% control of the book. Louise felt the writer was the defining force, and suddenly what Byrne said didn't matter. Chris and John always argued over the characters and what they'd say, etc. Byrne began to realize it was Claremont's vision that was seeing print...and no longer Claremont/Byrne seeing print.

30) The breaking-point was when Byrne saw the opening page of Uncanny X-Men #140 with Colossus ripping out a tree with his strength. Claremont's scripting completely altered Byrne's vision for the scene, and that was the final straw. Byrne called Louise Jones and said "I can't do this anymore". He was originally going to stay on for another couple issues, but didn't.
31) John likes to say that he and Chris were "married" for five years, then broke up, and Chris got the kids!

[Lombardo!]

great info there, david r, nothing like a backstage pass into the mind of JB

[Butters]

Interesting info. I'd say it was a very mixed bag between Byrne, Claremont, and Shooter. I agree with each of them on different details.

[creaky]

Because of the age gap? John Byrne said Colossus was supposed to "be a kid, no more than 16 or so" but then again, by Uncanny #183 he's "nearly twenty".

The difference between thirteen and sixteen is still HUGE and Kitty did not strike me as someone emotionally mature enough for a serious relationship, however intelligent she might be. A crush is fine, but her friends cheering them both on to hook up??
What is it with Claremont and weird relationships anyway? Kurt dating his foster sister, Cyclops marrying a woman identical to his dead wife, thirteen-year-old Kitty as a good potential mate for Piotr? All considered perfectly normal by everyone around them.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.144.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #144

"Even in Death..."

The macabre Man-Thing guest stars, as Brent Anderson picks up the artistic chores for an issue, following John Byrne's departure. (In fact, Byrne was supposed to illustrate this issue. But life happens...)

We learn a little more about the woman Lee Forrester. She runs a fishing ship named the "Arcadia" in Florida, and Scott Summers has become a hired hand aboard. Lee is attracted to him. But Scott seems withdrawn. In truth, our Cyclops is still trying to deal with the death of Jean Grey. And his heart is still broken. Meanwhile, Lee's father, Jock, has learned he has cancer. He makes his way to a swamp, and blows his brains out with a gun. The Man-Thing witnesses this act of suicide. As does the villain of the piece...a creature named D'Spayre.

Back at X-Men headquarters, our mutants are still picking up the wreckage from Kitty Pryde's frantic battle with a N'Garai, from #143. Wolverine & Nightcrawler pick on poor Kitty, ribbing her over the work. Kitty can't take it and phases out of the Mansion, tearful over what happened. Kurt Wagner teleports after her and tries to say he's sorry. Yet Kurt wonders if he subconsciously meant to hurt Kitty, perhaps because she is still uneasy around his elflike appearance. Back in Florida, Scott and Lee Forrester head out into the Everglades to check on Lee's father. They make it to his home, only to find D'Spayre has assumed Jock's appearance. Suddenly, Jock's home turns into a mile-high tower, and is transformed into D'Spayre's carnival of terrors!! D'Spayre sinks his mind into Scott Summers' memories...and poor Scott is confronted with memories of his past as sickening nightmares.

Scott sees his dreadful fall from a burning plane, as he rescues him and his brother Alex. He watches as the plane explodes, with his parents still inside. He then *sees* himself and an older Alex, now in the form of Havok, attacked by giant Sentinel-versions of the new X-Men. All of this illusions created by D'Spayre in his funhouse of horrors, using Scott's memories to drive him insane. Finally, Scott appears on the desert butte where he and Jean Grey made love in Uncanny X-Men #132, Jean is there and the two embrace. When Scott opens his eyes, they are now in a huge chapel, and are being married. Charles Xavier is the priest, and says "You may kiss the bride." Scott keeps his eyes closed, as to not hurt Jean with his optic blasts. Jean says not to worry, open your eyes Scott. I'll control them. But this time, when Scott opens his eys, his blasts lash out and smash Jean Grey into a bloody pulp!!! At this horror, Scott awakens from the dream!! Man-Thing has come lumbering out of the swamp, attracted by the emotions emanating from D'Spayre's tower. Scott and the Man-Thing attack D'Spayre. D'Spayre sets the muck-monster on fire, but to little effect. As the Man-Thing lashes out amid the flames, bringing the entire place down in an inferno of flames and smoke. Scott grabs Lee Forrester and they escape out of the place. Both surviving D'Spayre's clutches. The whole place comes crashing down!! The next day, the Man-Thing rises from the ashes of the destroyed building, and wanders back into the swamp.

My thoughts: Chris Claremont was writing the Man-Thing book at the time, so I suspect that's where this crossover came from. Cyclops meets Man-Thing. It was good, not great. D'Spayre was a rather disposable villain. My favorite parts were seeing Scott Summers' happenings since leaving the team. I'm glad to see he's not returning to his shell again. And also Kitty Pryde is still struggling with making a place for herself with the X-Men.

Has anyone else noticed that Uncanny X-Men #143 & #144 both has demons as the main villains? D'Spayre is also another Chris Claremont/John Byrne created character who debuts in Marvel Team-Up #68 involving Spider-Man & Man-Thing.

D'Spayre makes the perfect villain for Cyclops because he is still in mourning with the death of Jean Grey. Furthermore, D'Spayre causes Alletes Forrester's father's suicide! This is some heavy stuff for a comic book...:eek:

I like the different illusions from the Sentinel X-Men to Scott walking down the isle with Jean as she transforms from Jean Grey to Marvel Girl to Phoenix & finally Dark Phoenix...!

Cyclops confronts D'Spayre & wins. It's a very different story, but, like Kitty Pryde, the hero wins the day...

[jaymz]

Just to say I have started from the beginning as well about a month ago.

I'm in April 1987 right now, which makes it Uncanny X-Men number 216, New Mutants number 50 and X-Factor number 15.

I am reading all the X-Books and I do have absolutely EVERYTHING ever published except X-Factor numbers 107-109 which I'm trying desperately to find.

I'll try to come to this post often so I can leave my opinions :) I don't expect you to catch up reading one a day, I read about half a year everyday before going to sleep but I recall everything perfectly so I hope I can make a valuable contribution :D

About the issue at hand, which I believe is #144:

I didn't really like this issue, I don't really enjoy one-shots. My favourite pieces of X-history is when you get those beatiful long story archs, like Mutant Massacre, or Onslaught that actually involve many different marvel books.

D'Spayre isn't really a creative or ingenious villain, he is exactly what his name gives away at first sight and someone with Scott's force of will and inner power was bound to defeat him relatively easily. Even in the darkest of times Scott always finds a way to stand up and inspire everyone around him.:D

[david r]

Has anyone else noticed that Uncanny X-Men #143 & #144 both has demons as the main villains?

I've noticed in this period, whenever Chris Claremont writes a story without John Byrne, it has demons and supernatural elements. Like Annual #4. He seems to be replaying his Doctor Strange days.

I like the different illusions from the Sentinel X-Men to Scott walking down the isle with Jean as she transforms from Jean Grey to Marvel Girl to Phoenix & finally Dark Phoenix...!

I also liked the scene which replays that moment in #132 where Jean Grey removes Scott's quartz visor. Only this time.....her powers don't stop his optic rays from smashing her to a bloody pulp!!

Also eerie was the scene where Lee Forrester hugs her father and he says "Pop killed himself this morning. I helped him do it." It is actually D'Spayre in disguise and he punches her. This scene was very disarming.

@ Jamyz, welcome to the thread. You read half a year of comics every evening??? That's amazing. What kind of dreams do you have? :eek:

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.145.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #145

"Kidnapped"

1st appearance: Illyana Rasputin

Dave Cockrum returns to the artistic chores this issue. It's a welcome sight to an old friend. It begins at the Lincoln Center in New York. Ororo and Stevie Hunter are taking in a ballet when Arcade's partner Miss. Locke appears and poisons both women. She then says that Arcade has been captured & imprisoned by Doctor Doom! Because of bad business dealings. Miss Locke has kidnapped several of the X-Men's friends to ensure they help her secure Arcade's freedom from Doom. Moira MacTaggert, Amanda Sefton, Jean Grey's parents and Colossus' sister, young blonde-haired Illyana Rasputin have all been captured. I found this whole premise a bit absurd.

Back at Professor Xavier's School, Ororo informs the X-Men of Miss Locke's plan. They contact the Beast at Avengers HQ to learn more about the nefarious Doctor Doom. Xavier decides to send two squads of mutants on different missions. Xavier telepathically contacts Alex Summers and Lorna Dane, who are back at their New Mexico cabin, completing field work on their Graduate studies. Xavier then contacts Iceman who is a sophomore in college. And then Sean Cassidy the Banshee. Xavier enlists their aid in finding the missing X-friends.

Meanwhile, Scott Summers awakens on a Caribbean island. He and Lee Forrester were aboard the fishing ship "Arcadia" when an awful storm hit and both fell overboard. They have arrived on this island, and are shipwrecked. Scott ties his shirt around his eyes to stop his deadly optic blasts. (Which seems to me shouldn't work.) Back at the Mansion, Charles sends his two X-Men squads on their missions. Storm takes Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Angel. They arrive at a medieval castle in upstate New York. This is apparently another Doctor Doom castle, within the United States. Storm appears in the courtyard, and Doctor Doom himself greets her. Would she like to have dinner with the good Doctor? Why not, says Ororo.

The other 4 X-Men arrive and begin beating up several of Doom's lackeys within the castle. They break into the cell where Arcade is supposed to be held, but he's missing. At the dinner table with Ororo and Doom, Ororo finds she's strangely attracted to the evil doctor. Arcade suddenly wanders into the dinner. He's not a prisoner at all!! Ororo attacks Doom, but he sends a ball which hits her and covers her entire curvaceous body with chrome. She is frozen like a statue. Angel, Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Colossus burst in but are all zapped by Doom. Doctor Doom stands before the fallen X-Men and basks in his glory!! Doom is Master over all MEN!!

[Jimmy Starburst]

12) John felt his sexy drawings of Storm, like in #114 in her Savage Land bikini, were bad. She is too chunky, and Byrne feels he couldn't draw women back then.

what?? "too chunky"? "couldn't draw woman back then"? first of all, Ororo is a fine nubian goddess, and i don't think she has ever looked as good as in #114. and i've seen Byrne's 90s artwork, and i can't say his ladies improved.


Uncanny X-Men #145

Scott ties his shirt around his eyes to stop his deadly optic blasts. (Which seems to me shouldn't work.)

i can't imagine a cotton shirt being a good substitute for ruby quartz (maybe polyester), but i guess it would help keep his eyes closed.

i never liked this two-parter, which (in my mind) is not helped by Dave Cockrum's art. he was great in his first run, but after Byrne it feels like X-MEN has time-warped back to the 1960s. and the clothes! i do however like the surprising chemistry between Ororo and Doom... but does this feel natural, or forced? i don't know Doom's character too well...

and Illyana is here! my girl.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.145.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #145

"Kidnapped"

1st appearance: Illyana Rasputin

Dave Cockrum returns to the artistic chores this issue. It's a welcome sight to an old friend. It begins at the Lincoln Center in New York. Ororo and Stevie Hunter are taking in a ballet when Arcade's partner Miss. Locke appears and poisons both women. She then says that Arcade has been captured & imprisoned by Doctor Doom! Because of bad business dealings. Miss Locke has kidnapped several of the X-Men's friends to ensure they help her secure Arcade's freedom from Doom. Moira MacTaggert, Amanda Sefton, Jean Grey's parents and Colossus' sister, young blonde-haired Illyana Rasputin have all been captured. I found this whole premise a bit absurd.

Back at Professor Xavier's School, Ororo informs the X-Men of Miss Locke's plan. They contact the Beast at Avengers HQ to learn more about the nefarious Doctor Doom. Xavier decides to send two squads of mutants on different missions. Xavier telepathically contacts Alex Summers and Lorna Dane, who are back at their New Mexico cabin, completing field work on their Graduate studies. Xavier then contacts Iceman who is a sophomore in college. And then Sean Cassidy the Banshee. Xavier enlists their aid in finding the missing X-friends.

Meanwhile, Scott Summers awakens on a Caribbean island. He and Lee Forrester were aboard the fishing ship "Arcadia" when an awful storm hit and both fell overboard. They have arrived on this island, and are shipwrecked. Scott ties his shirt around his eyes to stop his deadly optic blasts. (Which seems to me shouldn't work.) Back at the Mansion, Charles sends his two X-Men squads on their missions. Storm takes Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Angel. They arrive at a medieval castle in upstate New York. This is apparently another Doctor Doom castle, within the United States. Storm appears in the courtyard, and Doctor Doom himself greets her. Would she like to have dinner with the good Doctor? Why not, says Ororo.

The other 4 X-Men arrive and begin beating up several of Doom's lackeys within the castle. They break into the cell where Arcade is supposed to be held, but he's missing. At the dinner table with Ororo and Doom, Ororo finds she's strangely attracted to the evil doctor. Arcade suddenly wanders into the dinner. He's not a prisoner at all!! Ororo attacks Doom, but he sends a ball which hits her and covers her entire curvaceous body with chrome. She is frozen like a statue. Angel, Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Colossus burst in but are all zapped by Doom. Doctor Doom stands before the fallen X-Men and basks in his glory!! Doom is Master over all MEN!!

Illyana Rasputin's first appearance is Giant Size X-Men #1.

Doctor Doom & Arcade are an unlikely pair of villains to team-up in the first place & be in Uncanny X-Men! Doctor Doom--with Arcade's traps--easily defeats the X-Men. Worse, Storm is trapped in a living statue to herself as her claustrophobia is made real...

[david r]

i never liked this two-parter, which (in my mind) is not helped by Dave Cockrum's art. he was great in his first run, but after Byrne it feels like X-MEN has time-warped back to the 1960s. and the clothes! i do however like the surprising chemistry between Ororo and Doom... but does this feel natural, or forced? i don't know Doom's character too well...

I have to sadly admit, I feel when John Byrne left this book, the writing and artwork have gone downhill. Maybe because Chris Claremont was writing several other books (Man-Thing, Spider-Woman) at the time, his attention was diverted from X-Men. This doesn't feel like the same writer who brought us "Dark Phoenix". As for Dave Cockrum, his work looks too cartoony following Byrne's more realistic style. I think it was a bad choice to follow Byrne. And how's Dave going to keep up a monthly schedule??

One thing I have liked is how they've subtly shown the X-Men dealing with the loss of Jean Grey. With Kurt in #139, and now in #145, when Ororo sees the Jean Grey matrix crystal inside the Grey's home. And thinks about her lost friend. These are poignant moments, but Claremont's not beating it over our heads.

[worstblogever]

[IMG]The other 4 X-Men arrive and begin beating up several of Doom's lackeys within the castle. They break into the cell where Arcade is supposed to be held, but he's missing. At the dinner table with Ororo and Doom, Ororo finds she's strangely attracted to the evil doctor. Arcade suddenly wanders into the dinner. He's not a prisoner at all!! Ororo attacks Doom, but he sends a ball which hits her and covers her entire curvaceous body with chrome. She is frozen like a statue. Angel, Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Colossus burst in but are all zapped by Doom. Doctor Doom stands before the fallen X-Men and basks in his glory!! Doom is Master over all MEN!!


I wonder what T'Challa would say if he knew Storm at one time was turned on by Victor Von Doom? Eh? EH?

This has gotta be a Doombot, though, right? I mean, Arcade (as much as I have a love for the goofy twit) is way, way beneath his personal interests...

Other than that... Lee Forrester... one of the most famous human supporting characters alone on an island with Cyclops. If he wasn't grieving, you know they woulda... you know. ;)

[david r]

This has gotta be a Doombot, though, right? I mean, Arcade (as much as I have a love for the goofy twit) is way, way beneath his personal interests...

I think this is later revealed to be a Doombot. But I personally just ignore that. It's also too bad this doesn't take place in Doom's Latverian Castle, but at that time, Dr. Doom was no longer sovereign leader of Latveria. So he has a castle in....upstate New York???!? :confused:

In #145, I liked the scene where Wolverine is arguing to Professor X they can't protect all their loved ones and friends from villains. Shades of Identity Crisis there.

Also, why is Bobby Drake a sophomore in college here in Uncanny X-Men #145? I thought he'd graduated from Charles Xavier's school. Wouldn't that diploma be just as good as a college graduation? Why else would parents allow their children to attend the School?

[Matt K]

Also, why is Bobby Drake a sophomore in college here in Uncanny X-Men #145? I thought he'd graduated from Charles Xavier's school. Wouldn't that diploma be just as good as a college graduation? Why else would parents allow their children to attend the School?

I always though of the school as a high school. Especially since if it was a college then what were they majoring in? Keep up the good work.

[Jimmy Starburst]

I have to sadly admit, I feel when John Byrne left this book, the writing and artwork have gone downhill. Maybe because Chris Claremont was writing several other books (Man-Thing, Spider-Woman) at the time, his attention was diverted from X-Men. This doesn't feel like the same writer who brought us "Dark Phoenix".

Claremont's writing is definitely tied to the art - and when the art is bad, it seems his tendency for heavy-handed exposition comes out in full force. sorry to say, this next stretch might be a bit rough - but there are some definite highlights.

[DDM]

I think this is later revealed to be a Doombot. But I personally just ignore that. It's also too bad this doesn't take place in Doom's Latverian Castle, but at that time, Dr. Doom was no longer sovereign leader of Latveria. So he has a castle in....upstate New York???!? :confused:

Although Chris Claremont wrote Doctor Doom as the real character in Uncanny X-Men #145-147, John Byrne was incensed about it since Claremont did not clear Doctor Doom with the Fantastic Four editors. As a result, John Byrne wrote in Fantastic Four #258 that the "Doctor Doom" Arcade had allied himself with is a Doombot:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/30929984076.258.GIF

Doctor Doom destroys the Doombot when he finds a mark on the robot's armor when the Doombot mentions he might need Arcade later as a useful ally or pawn.

Also, why is Bobby Drake a sophomore in college here in Uncanny X-Men #145? I thought he'd graduated from Charles Xavier's school. Wouldn't that diploma be just as good as a college graduation? Why else would parents allow their children to attend the School?

Bobby is the youngest X-Man. After the Champions disbanded, Bobby went back to college to get a degree in accounting (In X-Factor #1, Bobby is shown working in an accounting firm).

[david r]

Ah, that explains it then. Thanks DDM. An accounting iceman...I'm sure Worstblogever could think up something funny about that! :D

I'd like to mention that the 1979 Eagle Awards were very nice to Uncanny X-Men that year. Great Britain fans voted:

Favorite Writer: Chris Claremont
Favorite Artist: John Byrne
Favorite Inker: Terry Austin
Favorite Comic Book: Uncanny X-Men
Favorite Character: Wolverine (This is a surprise!)
Favorite Group or Team: X-Men
Favorite Villain: Magneto
Favorite Continued Story: X-Men #125-128, Proteus story

The book won 8 out of 14 categories, when is the last time it did that? They were definitely doing something right!!

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.146.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #146

"Murderworld"

This issue showcases Polaris, Havok, Iceman and Banshee. It's nice to see Lorna, Alex and Bobby get some screen-time, as they haven't had any in this book for a long time. Lorna is wearing her costume we first saw in #97. To me, she looks more villainous in it. Banshee is still without his sonic scream, so he's got some snazzy guns to knock out baddies. You can't keep a good Irishman down...

Storm is still encased in a body-sized chrome prison. Ororo is alive, but trapped. Her claustrophobia and fear is creating a giant storm which eventually encompasses all of Northeast United States, and down to the Caribbean. Doctor Doom and Arcade banter with each other, as Doom watches Wolverine, Colossus, Angel and Nightcrawler fight for their lives in specially-crafted prisons within Doom Castle. While all this is going on, the other X-Squad, led by Havok and having Polaris, Iceman and Banshee locate Arcade's MurderWorld, hidden under a landfill.

Our four heroic mutants enter Murderworld, and do battle with the wild-and-crazy contraptions therein. Havok is in some weird "Star Wars"-like shoot-em-up; Iceman battles android hockey-players!! Polaris is on a killer carousel, repleat with evil horses! And Sean Cassidy fires his guns in a county-and-western town, complete with androids with six-shooters!! This is all rather wacky fun. In the end, our heroes defeat and escape their areas, and capture Arcade's ally, Miss. Locke. They free the prisoners, only to find Storm's huge thunderstorm is raging out of control and causing many problems!!

My thoughts: I like Dave Cockrum a lot, but as Jimmy Starburst said maybe the art doesn't fit. Coming after John Byrne, his work here doesn't impress me as his first run did (#94-106). This Doom/Arcade tale is okay, entertaining but lacking the tense, well-crafted suspense of the Claremont/Byrne period. Unfortunately, it feels like the book has taken a step backward...

[worstblogever]

Arcade's almost always a "change of pace" villain in Claremont's hands, though. This is nothing compared to the team-up he had with the Crazy Gang in early issues of Excalibur. I'm wondering if PAD is going to give him more of an edge in the current X-Factor run.

Still, seeing Iceman, Polaris, Havok, and Banshee (albeit depowered) get the spotlight and save the day is great to see. Plus, the consequences of Storm's imprisonment really are fascinating to think about. Makes you wonder what Storm might do if she ever went truly evil...

[Jimmy Starburst]

as much as i remember not really liking this storyline, i gotta agree with you guys, its great seeing Havok, Polaris and Iceman back in action, not to mention Sean. the gun-toting look is definitely working for him..

Less Arcade, more Ms Locke!

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.146.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #146

"Murderworld"

This issue showcases Polaris, Havok, Iceman and Banshee. It's nice to see Lorna, Alex and Bobby get some screen-time, as they haven't had any in this book for a long time. Lorna is wearing her costume we first saw in #97. To me, she looks more villainous in it. Banshee is still without his sonic scream, so he's got some snazzy guns to knock out baddies. You can't keep a good Irishman down...

Storm is still encased in a body-sized chrome prison. Ororo is alive, but trapped. Her claustrophobia and fear is creating a giant storm which eventually encompasses all of Northeast United States, and down to the Caribbean. Doctor Doom and Arcade banter with each other, as Doom watches Wolverine, Colossus, Angel and Nightcrawler fight for their lives in specially-crafted prisons within Doom Castle. While all this is going on, the other X-Squad, led by Havok and having Polaris, Iceman and Banshee locate Arcade's MurderWorld, hidden under a landfill.

Our four heroic mutants enter Murderworld, and do battle with the wild-and-crazy contraptions therein. Havok is in some weird "Star Wars"-like shoot-em-up; Iceman battles android hockey-players!! Polaris is on a killer carousel, repleat with evil horses! And Sean Cassidy fires his guns in a county-and-western town, complete with androids with six-shooters!! This is all rather wacky fun. In the end, our heroes defeat and escape their areas, and capture Arcade's ally, Miss. Locke. They free the prisoners, only to find Storm's huge thunderstorm is raging out of control and causing many problems!!

My thoughts: I like Dave Cockrum a lot, but as Jimmy Starburst said maybe the art doesn't fit. Coming after John Byrne, his work here doesn't impress me as his first run did (#94-106). This Doom/Arcade tale is okay, entertaining but lacking the tense, well-crafted suspense of the Claremont/Byrne period. Unfortunately, it feels like the book has taken a step backward...

I disagree. Dave Cockrum's return to Uncanny X-Men is hardly a step back. The storylines go forward & the characters get more development. In this instance, Ororo's worst fear--her claustrophobia--is realized; as a result, she creates a monster hurricane as her response in her vain attempt to escape. Storm is drawing on more & more raw power.

While Doctor Doom & Arcade banter, Charles Xavier gets Havok & Polaris out of retirement. Polaris even says "NO," but Xavier will have none of that! Polaris agrees reluctantly to help the captured X-Men...

Sean Cassidy--even without his powers--formidable. And Iceman's return to the X-Men, albeit temporarily is a surprise!

Polaris, Havok, & Iceman does the most damage to Arcade's toys; however, even Lorna is fooled by the fake Illyana. Woops!

This is just one good storyline because you never know what's going to happen.

[CJ Lentze]

I've mixed feelings about this Doctor Doom/Arcade storyline, but to my surprise not as negative as you guys (well, not DDM). The return to Murderworld feels very 'been-there-done-that', but as wbe (and everyone else) said, it's good to see ex-X-Men Iceman, Polaris, Havok, and the Banshee take spotlight for one issue.

One thing I have to say: Chris Claremont's characterisation of Iceman and the Angel seems a little bit off, especially when the giant thought bubbles appear above their heads. Iceman in particular should not have THAT many thoughts in his head. :D Seriously, Bobby has always been the 'minimal thinking, fast action' type of guy, -not a 'muser'- and even his quips feel a little unnatural to me in this issue. Meanwhile, I feel the Angel has had precious little panel time since he was reintroduced to the team; very little interaction with the 'new' members. I was hoping for more confrontation between him and Wolverine, and he could have related to Kitty Pryde because he too had been a teenager-in-training (though he was older) much the same way Kitty now is.

The X-Men versus Doctor Doom had to happen sometime, and I think that as a 'Special Guest Villain' storyline, it ain't half bad. Doctor Doom and Arcade do make a fun baddy team, because they contrast so much. And Arcade doesn't become a flunky or a subordinate villain, but instead stands up against Doom's imposing manner with his own insane style.
Like you said, david, Arcade resembles the Joker, perhaps also with a pinch of Toyman? At any rate, he has a very DC feel.
Something I also really liked was the cool new (or not seen before?) aspect of Polaris' power that allowed her to perceive the world in terms of magnetism, so she could trace Murderworld's electrical systems.

No-prize time: the narration mentions that Scott and Lee are on an island in the East Indies, but they're not. Their in the Bermuda Triangle area, which is WEST Indies. The East Indies is Indonesia and the Phillipines.

[david r]

DDM, I feel the artwork is a step backward. Not so much the characterization. But parts of this story (#145-147) were overly silly. In #145, when Miss Locke "poisons" Storm and Stevie Hunter. They have minutes to live....so she can get their attention? Or when we learn Doctor Doom dressed Wolverine in a new brown costume, in #146? I really cannot see Doom doing this. Or somehow Miss Locke captured Amanda Sefton, Moira MacTaggert, Candy Southern, Illyana Rasputin and Jean Grey's parents? Without the X-Men being alerted? This stretched credibility.

I just feel coming after the monumental achievements of the Byrne/Claremont days, this isn't as good. Just my call.

Schuimend Mormel, I suspect Angel is only in this book now because John Byrne wanted him. Chris Claremont never seemed terribly interested in Warren or Bobby. We've seen some interaction with Angel and the new X-Men; he has said he likes all of them, except Wolverine.

I very much liked the idea of Doctor Doom vs. the X-Men. I love seeing villains interacting with heroes other than just their main nemesis (like the FF). This was long overdue. I just wish it had taken place in Latveria. I would have loved to see the X-Men have an adventure in Latveria.

One last thing: in #144, we see Professor Xavier ask Warren Worthington for financial assistance to rebuild the Mansion. I always assumed Charles Xavier was independently wealthy, and had sums aplenty. I guess this was not so.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.147.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #147

"Rogue Storm"

The finale to the Doctor Doom/Arcade extravaganza! As you can see by the cover, it looks like history may repeat itself. I'm not sure I like that. Seems a bit sensational so soon after Dark Phoenix.

We learn Nightcrawler can teleport north-south (along Earth's magnetic lines of force) easier than teleporting east-west (against them.) Interesting. Kurt Wagner barely survives teleporting out of Doctor Doom's New York castle. A spellbinding fall into a lake and then an hour long swim until our valiant elf is safe.....but exhausted! What a fierce fighter Kurt is. Within the ominous castle, Doom holds Arcade prisoner. Though you certainly cannot tell by the witty banter emanating from Arcade. He likes to play with fire. Storm is held prisoner as well, her entire body trapped in a chrome prison. Her claustophobia causing a huge, unbelievable storm that is sweeping Northeaster America and the Atlantic Ocean.

Within the castle, Colossus, Wolverine and Angel fight their dungeons and the terrors within. Each escape. We get to see a flashback sequence with Logan, and James & Heather Hudson. Logan back in Canada, sometime in the past. Wearing a military suit, Logan grabs poor Mac by the neck, and is ready to punch away. Mac talks him out of it. Back in the present, the berserker rage is welling up with Wolverine, as he smashes into Doctor Doom's main chamber, and destroys the Storm "robot" that was serving Doom. I very much like the shot of Doom blasting Logan, and the feral appearance Wolverine has laying on the ground, threatening Doom. A cool Cockrum drawing. Nightcrawler *bamfs* over Doom, and brings down a huge tapesty over him, disorienting the good Doctor. Wolverine grabs hold of Doom and brings his claws right up to Doom's face. This part is totally awesome.

Wolvie talks Doom into freeing Storm, and Doom does. However, Storm's power-levels are at an all-time high, and she has run amok with her mind-blowing power. She is becoming consumed by the power, and is enjoying it. Much like Jean Grey became intoxicated by the Phoenix Force. She is a threat to Doom, the X-Men and the entire castle. Is this the beginning of Dark Storm??? No, as Colossus succesfully reminds Ororo of the horrors Jean Grey committed, and how Ororo loves and misses her dear friend. The memories of Jean Grey calm Ororo down, and the power-lust leaves her. Ororo leaves the castle and roars to the heart of the storm, to the edge of space. She uses her considerable power to end the storm and it's ferocious consequences. I like how Angel saves Storm as she falls back to the earth, exhausted from her endeavor.

After all is said and done, back in Doom's castle, Victor von Doom agrees to let Arcade go, if he apologizes. Arcade reluctantly does. Doom then says he finds Ororo Munroe a most interesting female. And they agree to part ways as neither friend...nor foe. The cliffhanger is on the last page, as Scott and Lee Forrester awaken on their shipwrecked Caribbean island, to find a huge city has appeared out of nowhere, on an island across the way. Where did this come from??

[CJ Lentze]

We learn Nightcrawler can teleport north-south (along Earth's magnetic lines of force) easier than teleporting east-west (against them.) Interesting.I like how Angel saves Storm as she falls back to the earth, exhausted from her endeavor.These are bits I liked myself. It's cool to see writers delve into the science of their characters' powers a bit. Angel's save was cool in its execution (moving with Storm's falling body to prevent the breaking of bones), and Storm had saved Angel from falling on the moon before, right?

About the quality of the book dwindling since the departure of John Byrne... It's too early for me to comment on that yet. (The Brent Anderson-penciled issue was a little gem in my opinion.)

The teasing reference to the 'Dark Phoenix Saga' on the cover was great. I'm glad that -unlike Phoenix, and UNLIKE Ms Marvel- Storm walked away from her ordeal with her life and her full power intact. It was also good that Colossus used the memory of Phoenix to bring Storm to her senses (I love the shocked look on Storm's face when Colossus mentions Phoenix)-- the mourning of Jean Grey has been handled well in the post-DPS issues, and it's inspiring to see that several heroes (Cyclops, Wolverine) draw strength from Phoenix' ultimate sacrifice, honouring her that way.

Storm's power may be different from Phoenix, not amped up by any radiation or mystical force, but considerable by itself through natural growth. The tie between her emotional state of mind and her power is interesting, and the amount of control Storm must possess to handle all that power makes you think. Chris Claremont uses her claustrophobia well in this storyline; a great superhero needs a great fatal flaw/weakness.

Where's Dizzy D anyway? I thought he'd return to the reviews a month after Giant-Size X-Men around the Proteus story.

[worstblogever]

Colossus wielded a power mightier than any in comics...

THE GUILT TRIP!

[david r]

Dizzy D still posts here occasionally. But he once said he didn't pick up his X-Men Essential at his parents house, I think. So he's been slowed down in his reviews.

Another thing I'm wondering is: Is Cerebro still bugged by the Hellfire Club? We learned that Warkhawk had bugged Cerebro, in #110. And the HC had been gaining information, via Cerebro. So coming out of the Dark Phoenix Saga, did Xavier and co. ever learn about those bugs?

We also learned in #147 that Colossus can breathe underwater in his armored form.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.148.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #148

"Cry, Mutant!"

1st appearance: Caliban
1st X-MEN appearance: Siryn

The white-skinned mutant Caliban makes his bow in #148. Another momentous event is Angel's heated argument over Wolverine being a member. Warren cannot abide by a "homicidal maniac" on the team, and cites Wolvie destroying that Storm robot in #147, without sufficiently learning whether it was the real Ororo. Wolverine is a born killer, in Angel's eyes, and he flies away from the Mansion, unsure whether he wants to belong in an outfit that would have Wolverine as a member.

In the hangar, Banshee and Colossus are working on the Blackbird, and very young Illyana Rasputin is watching and playing with her brother Peter. Charles Xavier summons Sean, who goes into the main mansion, where he meets....his daughter?! Theresa Rourke appears for the first time in X-MEN, as she informs Sean she is his daughter. Siryn is here! Sean is overjoyed and the whole X-Men are happy. The main story takes place in a Manhattan music club called Infinity. Storm, Sprite, Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman and Stevie Hunter are there to see a performance by the FABULOUS Dazzler!! However, a cloaked figure has risen outside from the sewers; wearing a large hat and scarf, the hidden man enters the club, looking for others "like him".

This man is a mutant, named Caliban. Caliban sees Sprite and wants to take Kitty back with him to the sewers, so Caliban won't be so lonely. He grabs her from the audience, and the other mutants begin a frantic search to rescue Sprite. Dazzler calms the worried crowd by using her light powers to soothe them. Caliban makes it to the street, where Spider-Woman & Storm battle him. A lightning bolt by Ororo brings Caliban to his knees, where they whisk away his hat to see his albino-like appearance. Caliban seems to be misunderstood, he just wants a friend. They ask him to return to Xavier's School, but Caliban disappears back into the sewers, instead. The climactic ending shows Scott Summers and Lee Forrester, both of whom have discovered a city arisen on an island in the Caribbean. The new lovers (?) enter looking for food. Instead they find...... MAGNETO!!!

My thoughts: Goodbye Angel, it was nice seeing you again. Hello Siryn and Caliban!! #148 was alright, Spider-Woman and Dazzler were nice additions to the story. Though neither was really needed. The main gist was Caliban's first story, and it seems strange he wouldn't have wanted to return to the comforts of the Xavier School, where he would have met possible friends. But he just dashed off back to the lonely sewer.

[DDM]

Another thing I'm wondering is: Is Cerebro still bugged by the Hellfire Club? We learned that Warkhawk had bugged Cerebro, in #110. And the HC had been gaining information, via Cerebro. So coming out of the Dark Phoenix Saga, did Xavier and co. ever learn about those bugs?



Considering the Hellfire Club data-mined Cerebro to create an exact replica & create an exact copy of Xavier's original pre-Shi'ar enhanced Danger Room, yes, I believe the mansion remained bugged for some time. The White Queen used her own copy of Cerebro to recruit the original Hellions who appear in The New Mutants #15-17. Furthermore, the White Queen knows of Xavier's New Mutants before they appear in the Hellfire Club's Massachusetts Academy.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.148.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #148

"Cry, Mutant!"

1st appearance: Caliban
1st X-MEN appearance: Siryn

The white-skinned mutant Caliban makes his bow in #148. Another momentous event is Angel's heated argument over Wolverine being a member. Warren cannot abide by a "homicidal maniac" on the team, and cites Wolvie destroying that Storm robot in #147, without sufficiently learning whether it was the real Ororo. Wolverine is a born killer, in Angel's eyes, and he flies away from the Mansion, unsure whether he wants to belong in an outfit that would have Wolverine as a member.

In the hangar, Banshee and Colossus are working on the Blackbird, and very young Illyana Rasputin is watching and playing with her brother Peter. Charles Xavier summons Sean, who goes into the main mansion, where he meets....his daughter?! Theresa Rourke appears for the first time in X-MEN, as she informs Sean she is his daughter. Siryn is here! Sean is overjoyed and the whole X-Men are happy. The main story takes place in a Manhattan music club called Infinity. Storm, Sprite, Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman and Stevie Hunter are there to see a performance by the FABULOUS Dazzler!! However, a cloaked figure has risen outside from the sewers; wearing a large hat and scarf, the hidden man enters the club, looking for others "like him".

This man is a mutant, named Caliban. Caliban sees Sprite and wants to take Kitty back with him to the sewers, so Caliban won't be so lonely. He grabs her from the audience, and the other mutants begin a frantic search to rescue Sprite. Dazzler calms the worried crowd by using her light powers to soothe them. Caliban makes it to the street, where Spider-Woman & Storm battle him. A lightning bolt by Ororo brings Caliban to his knees, where they whisk away his hat to see his albino-like appearance. Caliban seems to be misunderstood, he just wants a friend. They ask him to return to Xavier's School, but Caliban disappears back into the sewers, instead. The climactic ending shows Scott Summers and Lee Forrester, both of whom have discovered a city arisen on an island in the Caribbean. The new lovers (?) enter looking for food. Instead they find...... MAGNETO!!!

My thoughts: Goodbye Angel, it was nice seeing you again. Hello Siryn and Caliban!! #148 was alright, Spider-Woman and Dazzler were nice additions to the story. Though neither was really needed. The main gist was Caliban's first story, and it seems strange he wouldn't have wanted to return to the comforts of the Xavier School, where he would have met possible friends. But he just dashed off back to the lonely sewer.

Caliban's appearance actually seems to be foreshadowing of the Morlocks who would appear much later in Uncanny X-Men #169-170. Chris Claremont was writing Spider-Woman too; therefore, he may have used Uncanny X-Men #148 & Avengers Annual #10 to put a spotlight on Spider-Woman to gain more readers. Dazzler's appearance seems to be for this reason as well...

I like the story because it does introduce Caliban before the Morlocks are formed by Callisto.

[worstblogever]

Uncanny X-Men #148

"Cry, Mutant!"

1st appearance: Caliban
1st X-MEN appearance: Siryn

The white-skinned mutant Caliban makes his bow in #148. Another momentous event is Angel's heated argument over Wolverine being a member. Warren cannot abide by a "homicidal maniac" on the team, and cites Wolvie destroying that Storm robot in #147, without sufficiently learning whether it was the real Ororo. Wolverine is a born killer, in Angel's eyes, and he flies away from the Mansion, unsure whether he wants to belong in an outfit that would have Wolverine as a member.

In the hangar, Banshee and Colossus are working on the Blackbird, and very young Illyana Rasputin is watching and playing with her brother Peter. Charles Xavier summons Sean, who goes into the main mansion, where he meets....his daughter?! Theresa Rourke appears for the first time in X-MEN, as she informs Sean she is his daughter. Siryn is here! Sean is overjoyed and the whole X-Men are happy. The main story takes place in a Manhattan music club called Infinity. Storm, Sprite, Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman and Stevie Hunter are there to see a performance by the FABULOUS Dazzler!! However, a cloaked figure has risen outside from the sewers; wearing a large hat and scarf, the hidden man enters the club, looking for others "like him".

This man is a mutant, named Caliban. Caliban sees Sprite and wants to take Kitty back with him to the sewers, so Caliban won't be so lonely. He grabs her from the audience, and the other mutants begin a frantic search to rescue Sprite. Dazzler calms the worried crowd by using her light powers to soothe them. Caliban makes it to the street, where Spider-Woman & Storm battle him. A lightning bolt by Ororo brings Caliban to his knees, where they whisk away his hat to see his albino-like appearance. Caliban seems to be misunderstood, he just wants a friend. They ask him to return to Xavier's School, but Caliban disappears back into the sewers, instead. The climactic ending shows Scott Summers and Lee Forrester, both of whom have discovered a city arisen on an island in the Caribbean. The new lovers (?) enter looking for food. Instead they find...... MAGNETO!!!

My thoughts: Goodbye Angel, it was nice seeing you again. Hello Siryn and Caliban!! #148 was alright, Spider-Woman and Dazzler were nice additions to the story. Though neither was really needed. The main gist was Caliban's first story, and it seems strange he wouldn't have wanted to return to the comforts of the Xavier School, where he would have met possible friends. But he just dashed off back to the lonely sewer.

You know, I've always been fascinated by the history of the Warren/Logan relationship. Early on, Warren hates him for being a killer, but after Warren became Archangel, they bonded because Wolverine didn't treat him differently after all the experimentation he went through. Really, Logan's time in Weapon X and Warren's experiences as a Horseman seem to draw them closer together.

But at this point in continuity, the rich boy wasn't dealing with the swarthy tempermental Canuck.

Caliban shows up this issue? That can only mean... the beginning of the stories that will introduce the rest of the Morlocks! And... (well, I won't give it all away...)

[david r]

You know, I've always been fascinated by the history of the Warren/Logan relationship. Early on, Warren hates him for being a killer

Warren had the same reaction Scott seemed to have about Wolverine. But even stronger. Jean tried to like Logan, but his arrogant attitude turned her off for a long time (#98-100.) But Angel is so strongly opposed to Wolverine's X-Men status that he quits the group in protest. I wonder if Warren didn't have millions of $$$$ to help him, if he'd have stayed with the X-Men.

#148 could have been titled "Girls Nite Out!"

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.149.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #149

"And the Dead Shall Bury the Living"

Charles Xavier is convinced that Magneto is ready for another assault. As he tries to formulate a plan, Sprite phases through his computers, erasing all his files! Xavier is irate!! :mad: But perhaps it was because of Kitty's new costume...which is...eh, unique!! Multi-colored concoction which is really impossible to describe. And Kitty is wearing roller-skates!!! :p

Xavier is worried Magneto did not perish in #113, when that volcano exploded destroying his Antarctic base. So he sends the X-Men to the volcano to investigate and find Magneto's.....uh, displaced organs?? I find this issue hard to swallow. That volcano COMPLETELY EXPLODED!! I don't see how Magneto's base from X-Men #113 could possibly have survived intact. The molten lava, the huge fiery explosion would have surely demolished all the rooms, machinery and Nanny within seconds. But sure enough, the X-Men fly to the volcano, and descend down a tunnel. (Ororo's strong claustrophobia would have caused her much problems, but no mention of it.)

They find Mags' old base in good working order. Only dried lava layered around. It seems *someone* has returned to the base. Kurt discovers Nanny's head, and Wolverine slashes it apart with his claws, in a fit of rage. But lurking in the shadows is.... Garokk, the Petrified Man. Garokk is the villain of the piece. Am I missing a story somewhere? Because the Garokk who appeared in #115-116 looks NOTHING like the Garokk we meet here. This Garokk is very tall, with half his body coated in crystal, and the other half looking like it was melted by hot lava. The old Garokk was a thin, weedy guy. How did he transform into a different shape? HELP!

Garokk wants revenge on Storm for not saving him from that tunnel fall in #116, so he goes about knocking out the X-Men to get Ororo. The dark, shadowy corridors of this lost place must have been very spooky during this adventure. But in the end, Garokk falls down ANOTHER tunnel...hopefully to his death this time. And Ororo is saved. #149 ends with Scott Summers and Lee Forrester dressed in bizarre outfits, having been saved by the Master of Magnetism himself. Scott is so glad that Magneto does not recognize, or his goose would be cooked. Magneto then strolls in and says "Take off that blindfold, CYCLOPS! You are quite completely...at my mercy". Scott is in deep trouble!!

My thoughts: Chris Claremont was a red-hot writer at this time. The success of Dark Phoenix caused fandom to discover the good work he'd been doing on the book from 1975-1980. Chris then got several extra books to write, like Man-Thing and Spider-Woman. Claremont was in hot demand. But for some reason, his post-Byrne writing lacks something for me. This issue best exemplifies how the title went off track for a while. Luckily, it is still very entertaining!!

[Diablito]

Caliban is awesome. I'm surprised it took him so long to join the X-Men.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.149.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #149

"And the Dead Shall Bury the Living"

Charles Xavier is convinced that Magneto is ready for another assault. As he tries to formulate a plan, Sprite phases through his computers, erasing all his files! Xavier is irate!! :mad: But perhaps it was because of Kitty's new costume...which is...eh, unique!! Multi-colored concoction which is really impossible to describe. And Kitty is wearing roller-skates!!! :p

Xavier is worried Magneto did not perish in #113, when that volcano exploded destroying his Antarctic base. So he sends the X-Men to the volcano to investigate and find Magneto's.....uh, displaced organs?? I find this issue hard to swallow. That volcano COMPLETELY EXPLODED!! I don't see how Magneto's base from X-Men #113 could possibly have survived intact. The molten lava, the huge fiery explosion would have surely demolished all the rooms, machinery and Nanny within seconds. But sure enough, the X-Men fly to the volcano, and descend down a tunnel. (Ororo's strong claustrophobia would have caused her much problems, but no mention of it.)

They find Mags' old base in good working order. Only dried lava layered around. It seems *someone* has returned to the base. Kurt discovers Nanny's head, and Wolverine slashes it apart with his claws, in a fit of rage. But lurking in the shadows is.... Garokk, the Petrified Man. Garokk is the villain of the piece. Am I missing a story somewhere? Because the Garokk who appeared in #115-116 looks NOTHING like the Garokk we meet here. This Garokk is very tall, with half his body coated in crystal, and the other half looking like it was melted by hot lava. The old Garokk was a thin, weedy guy. How did he transform into a different shape? HELP!

Garokk wants revenge on Storm for not saving him from that tunnel fall in #116, so he goes about knocking out the X-Men to get Ororo. The dark, shadowy corridors of this lost place must have been very spooky during this adventure. But in the end, Garokk falls down ANOTHER tunnel...hopefully to his death this time. And Ororo is saved. #149 ends with Scott Summers and Lee Forrester dressed in bizarre outfits, having been saved by the Master of Magnetism himself. Scott is so glad that Magneto does not recognize, or his goose would be cooked. Magneto then strolls in and says "Take off that blindfold, CYCLOPS! You are quite completely...at my mercy". Scott is in deep trouble!!

My thoughts: Chris Claremont was a red-hot writer at this time. The success of Dark Phoenix caused fandom to discover the good work he'd been doing on the book from 1975-1980. Chris then got several extra books to write, like Man-Thing and Spider-Woman. Claremont was in hot demand. But for some reason, his post-Byrne writing lacks something for me. This issue best exemplifies how the title went off track for a while. Luckily, it is still very entertaining!!


Professor X sez, "KITTY PRYDE IS A ****" long before she says "Professor X is a jerk!" That's good stuff.

Then you have Garokk the Skinny. I have no explanation for you, david r. Hopefully DDM has something from another issue to indicate what that physical change is all about. The whole story is sort of... well... random.

I do like the ending of Cyclops saying, "Oh good, he doesn't recognize me." And Magneto immediately says, "Take off the blindfold! Your are at my mercy,Cyclops!" That has to be the greatest, "D'oh!" moment in the X-books up until this point.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.149.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #149

"And the Dead Shall Bury the Living"

Charles Xavier is convinced that Magneto is ready for another assault. As he tries to formulate a plan, Sprite phases through his computers, erasing all his files! Xavier is irate!! :mad: But perhaps it was because of Kitty's new costume...which is...eh, unique!! Multi-colored concoction which is really impossible to describe. And Kitty is wearing roller-skates!!! :p

Xavier is worried Magneto did not perish in #113, when that volcano exploded destroying his Antarctic base. So he sends the X-Men to the volcano to investigate and find Magneto's.....uh, displaced organs?? I find this issue hard to swallow. That volcano COMPLETELY EXPLODED!! I don't see how Magneto's base from X-Men #113 could possibly have survived intact. The molten lava, the huge fiery explosion would have surely demolished all the rooms, machinery and Nanny within seconds. But sure enough, the X-Men fly to the volcano, and descend down a tunnel. (Ororo's strong claustrophobia would have caused her much problems, but no mention of it.)

They find Mags' old base in good working order. Only dried lava layered around. It seems *someone* has returned to the base. Kurt discovers Nanny's head, and Wolverine slashes it apart with his claws, in a fit of rage. But lurking in the shadows is.... Garokk, the Petrified Man. Garokk is the villain of the piece. Am I missing a story somewhere? Because the Garokk who appeared in #115-116 looks NOTHING like the Garokk we meet here. This Garokk is very tall, with half his body coated in crystal, and the other half looking like it was melted by hot lava. The old Garokk was a thin, weedy guy. How did he transform into a different shape? HELP!

Garokk wants revenge on Storm for not saving him from that tunnel fall in #116, so he goes about knocking out the X-Men to get Ororo. The dark, shadowy corridors of this lost place must have been very spooky during this adventure. But in the end, Garokk falls down ANOTHER tunnel...hopefully to his death this time. And Ororo is saved. #149 ends with Scott Summers and Lee Forrester dressed in bizarre outfits, having been saved by the Master of Magnetism himself. Scott is so glad that Magneto does not recognize, or his goose would be cooked. Magneto then strolls in and says "Take off that blindfold, CYCLOPS! You are quite completely...at my mercy". Scott is in deep trouble!!

My thoughts: Chris Claremont was a red-hot writer at this time. The success of Dark Phoenix caused fandom to discover the good work he'd been doing on the book from 1975-1980. Chris then got several extra books to write, like Man-Thing and Spider-Woman. Claremont was in hot demand. But for some reason, his post-Byrne writing lacks something for me. This issue best exemplifies how the title went off track for a while. Luckily, it is still very entertaining!!

Garrok's reappearance is a surprise given we are to believed he died in Uncanny X-Men #116; however, he survived & changed. I believe Magneto may have had something to do with Garrok's change or he could have changed naturally being out of sync with the Savage Land.

I also like Storm explaining to Kitty how the new X-Men were separated when lava flowed into Magneto's chamber & separate them from Phoenix & Beast which set in motion the events that lead to Phoenix's corruption into the Hellfire Club's Black Queen & eventual transformation into Dark Phoenix. Storm says something to the effect "if only we had stayed together."

This storyline is important because this is point where Magneto slowly comes around to being a hero.

[david r]

I do like the ending of Cyclops saying, "Oh good, he doesn't recognize me." And Magneto immediately says, "Take off the blindfold! Your are at my mercy,Cyclops!" That has to be the greatest, "D'oh!" moment in the X-books up until this point.

That was truly a great ending. Scott's in deep trouble as of that moment. Magneto carries an aura of menace about him; he can just stand there with his helmet on and look mean and terrifying. I would say, he seems more rational in these newer stories, though. Than the irrational wildman of the Silver Age.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.150.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #150

"I, Magneto"

1st X-MEN Appearance: Carol Danvers

The awesome 150th issue of X-Men!! And what better way to celebrate than with the mutants' oldest foe....MAGNETO!!! This is a gorgeous double-sized event with one of the best stories yet!! :)

The anniversary issue opens with Magneto issuing an ultimatum to the world's leaders. Cede him total political control in seven days, or the human race will pay a heavy price. We see shocked looks from world leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Soviet leader Brezhnev and Ronald Reagan. Well, They are to disarm all their nuclear and conventional weapons. Magneto means business... Once the transmission is over, Lee Forrester and a depowered Scott Summers stand stunned. We learn Scott has naturally brown eyes!! Magneto wonders why Scott has a new lover in Lee Forrester? Scott then tells him that Jean Grey....is dead. Magneto stands with a shocked look on his face, and offers his condolences to Scott. Scott shrugs it off and says "Spare me your hypocrisy, Magneto!"

At that moment, the Russian submarine Leningrad launches nuclear missiles at Magneto's Carribbean island. Magneto easily destroys the missiles....and then launches his own strike on the Soviet sub. His hologram appears on the sub, telling the crew they are sadly to pay for the mistake of their government. Magneto then sinks the Leningrad to a watery grave, with all hands onboard!!! Next, Magneto retaliates by bursting a volcano within the Siberian city of Varykino, causing mass destruction. He sends another message to the Soviet leaders, do not mess with me!! Meanwhile, the X-Men (Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Sprite) are in the Blackbird, searching for Scott and Lee Forrester, who are missing. Their Blackbird suddenly loses power, thanks to Magneto. It wildly plunges to the ocean, in a fantastic action sequence!! The team swim to Magneto's island, where Kitty & Logan do CPR on Colossus to save Piotr from drowning.

Once on the island, the X-Men find Scott and there is a wonderful reunion. All are so happy to see Scott again (he's been gone since Jean Grey's funeral, many months ago.) However,the whole team is depowered, thanks to Magneto. The mutants split up, to do the most damage to Magneto's island compound. (This island is never really explained. Is it from Atlantis?) Storm discovers Magneto himself sleeping soundly in his bed. Ororo thinks how noble he appears. Why are they enemies,when they have so much in common? She sees a dinner knife, by the bed. Should she kill him, here and now? It would be so easy. Yet she's sworn off killing. Ororo hesitantly picks up the knife... but then Magneto awakens, sees her and flings her out a window!! The X-MEN HAVE ARRIVED!! In a cool panel, we see Magneto's costume "flow" through the air and onto his body!! Suddenly, Charles Xavier begins a mental assault on Magneto!! Within the Astral plane, the two men begin a psychic battle!! Charles is aboard Peter Corbeau's yacht in the Atlantic, with Corbeau, Moira MacTaggert and blonde-haired ex-Avenger, Carol Danvers. Magneto's unscrews Charles' chair, and lifts it from the ship!!! Carrying hapless Xavier to the island!!

Magneto stands triumphant, as he fixes all the damage the X-Men have caused to his machinery. However, Storm has survived her fall from the window, and precariously makes her way back into the island-tower. She destroys some computers, which give the X-Men their mutant powers back!! The team leap at Magneto, and spirited fisticuffs abound!! It is an amazingly well-done battle!! Kudos to Chris & Dave!! In the end, Magneto confronts Kitty Pryde, and becomes enraged!! He zaps her, and Kitty collapses in his arms. Magneto suddenly realizes he's become the very thing he despises!! Is he really willing to murder mutant children? In his mad quest to destroy humans? Magneto breaks down in an emotional-filled scene, holding Kitty close to him, while he realizes how far he's come from the honorable man he once was. His own personal vision is causing too high a price. This was a very superbly done moment.

#150 ends with all the heroes back on Scott & Lee's remote Caribbean island. There is a hilarous bit where Kitty Pryde "uses the Force" and brings the Blackbird back to the surface. It is in fact, Colossus heaving the plane on his own.

My thoughts: What a PHANTASTISCH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!! A great and memorable Magneto issue...which will surely have repercussions on the Master of Magnetism further down the road. Perhaps the X-Men have won an important battle here. This was a gripping adventure. And even better the creative team that celebrated X-Men #100 are back on hand to usher in #150! Claremont and Dave Cockrum deliver the goods here; a must.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.150.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #150

"I, Magneto"

1st X-MEN Appearance: Carol Danvers

The awesome 150th issue of X-Men!! And what better way to celebrate than with the mutants' oldest foe....MAGNETO!!! This is a gorgeous double-sized event with one of the best stories yet!! :)

The anniversary issue opens with Magneto issuing an ultimatum to the world's leaders. Cede him total political control in seven days, or the human race will pay a heavy price. We see shocked looks from world leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Soviet leader Brezhnev and Ronald Reagan. Well, They are to disarm all their nuclear and conventional weapons. Magneto means business... Once the transmission is over, Lee Forrester and a depowered Scott Summers stand stunned. We learn Scott has naturally brown eyes!! Magneto wonders why Scott has a new lover in Lee Forrester? Scott then tells him that Jean Grey....is dead. Magneto stands with a shocked look on his face, and offers his condolences to Scott. Scott shrugs it off and says "Spare me your hypocrisy, Magneto!"

At that moment, the Russian submarine Leningrad launches nuclear missiles at Magneto's Carribbean island. Magneto easily destroys the missiles....and then launches his own strike on the Soviet sub. His hologram appears on the sub, telling the crew they are sadly to pay for the mistake of their government. Magneto then sinks the Leningrad to a watery grave, with all hands onboard!!! Next, Magneto retaliates by bursting a volcano within the Siberian city of Varykino, causing mass destruction. He sends another message to the Soviet leaders, do not mess with me!! Meanwhile, the X-Men (Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Sprite) are in the Blackbird, searching for Scott and Lee Forrester, who are missing. Their Blackbird suddenly loses power, thanks to Magneto. It wildly plunges to the ocean, in a fantastic action sequence!! The team swim to Magneto's island, where Kitty & Logan do CPR on Colossus to save Piotr from drowning.

Once on the island, the X-Men find Scott and there is a wonderful reunion. All are so happy to see Scott again (he's been gone since Jean Grey's funeral, many months ago.) However,the whole team is depowered, thanks to Magneto. The mutants split up, to do the most damage to Magneto's island compound. (This island is never really explained. Is it from Atlantis?) Storm discovers Magneto himself sleeping soundly in his bed. Ororo thinks how noble he appears. Why are they enemies,when they have so much in common? She sees a dinner knife, by the bed. Should she kill him, here and now? It would be so easy. Yet she's sworn off killing. Ororo hesitantly picks up the knife... but then Magneto awakens, sees her and flings her out a window!! The X-MEN HAVE ARRIVED!! In a cool panel, we see Magneto's costume "flow" through the air and onto his body!! Suddenly, Charles Xavier begins a mental assault on Magneto!! Within the Astral plane, the two men begin a psychic battle!! Charles is aboard Peter Corbeau's yacht in the Atlantic, with Corbeau, Moira MacTaggert and blonde-haired ex-Avenger, Carol Danvers. Magneto's unscrews Charles' chair, and lifts it from the ship!!! Carrying hapless Xavier to the island!!

Magneto stands triumphant, as he fixes all the damage the X-Men have caused to his machinery. However, Storm has survived her fall from the window, and precariously makes her way back into the island-tower. She destroys some computers, which give the X-Men their mutant powers back!! The team leap at Magneto, and spirited fisticuffs abound!! It is an amazingly well-done battle!! Kudos to Chris & Dave!! In the end, Magneto confronts Kitty Pryde, and becomes enraged!! He zaps her, and Kitty collapses in his arms. Magneto suddenly realizes he's become the very thing he despises!! Is he really willing to murder mutant children? In his mad quest to destroy humans? Magneto breaks down in an emotional-filled scene, holding Kitty close to him, while he realizes how far he's come from the honorable man he once was. His own personal vision is causing too high a price. This was a very superbly done moment.

#150 ends with all the heroes back on Scott & Lee's remote Caribbean island. There is a hilarous bit where Kitty Pryde "uses the Force" and brings the Blackbird back to the surface. It is in fact, Colossus heaving the plane on his own.

My thoughts: What a PHANTASTISCH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!! A great and memorable Magneto issue...which will surely have repercussions on the Master of Magnetism further down the road. Perhaps the X-Men have won an important battle here. This was a gripping adventure. And even better the creative team that celebrated X-Men #100 are back on hand to usher in #150! Claremont and Dave Cockrum deliver the goods here; a must.

Magneto makes this anniversary issue. I mean, he sinks a nuclear submarine and inflicts the second most powerful nation in the world with a volcanic eruption with promises for more if they don't back off! Talk about bringing it!

Although, I'm a bit annoyed at the ending. Is Kitty Pryde all that much younger than Iceman was when Magneto fought him in X-Men #1? Maybe a year or two younger, if at all. So why resent fighting mutant children? Was it the level of rage or brutality with which he struck Kitty? Was he just using kid gloves against the X-Men in previous battles?

[CJ Lentze]

A great double-sized anniversary issue. The message Magneto sends out to the leaders of the world at the beginning is so powerful because parts of it actually make sense, specifically when he talks about the nuclear weapons the governments have in their possession, and the callousness with which they threaten to use those weapons (or use them for real). I like the end of the speech when he says 'This is not a request. It is an ultimatum.'

There was a good mix of humour and action in this issue; I enjoyed the interaction between Nightcrawler and Wolverine when they get to work on destroying Magneto's machine. I also liked the nod to Thunderbird and Phoenix when, in the heat of battle, Xavier said 'I have buried two of my X-Men. No more will die.'

And I agree with worstblogever that it's a bit odd that Magneto would have a problem with harming thirteen-year-old Kitty, when he has deliberately tried to kill the original five various times when they were teenagers; he even specifically targeted Bobby for killing in the final battle of issue 18.

I would say something about the fleshing out of Magneto's character in this issue (which indeed has its crescendo in the final scene where Storm finally confronts him), but I haven't the words today. One line I have strangely always loved about this issue, is when Storm says 'Give me my child.' Kitty has come to mean very much to Storm, and the other way around.

[david r]

Maybe Kitty Pryde reminded Magneto of his daughter. That could be it. Kitty looks so innocent, so harmless. And Magneto realized how low he's gone, after striking her.

I also found Magneto's speech to world leaders interesting. Especially when he mentioned they will stop making war and use the money to end poverty, hunger and disease. This is an alien concept to most politicians. (I always find cameos by Presidents in comics rather amusing.)

Kitty and Storm have bonded immediately. I think Ororo takes special care with Sprite because she's so young, and it will shine badly on Storm if as leader, any harm befalls Kitty. I've also noticed Storm herself is maturing and becoming less "Goddess"--and more seasoned team leader.

[david r]

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/commissions-poses2007/images/Wolverine4.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/commissions-poses2007/images/Lillandra_copy.png

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/commissions-poses2006/images/Wolverine.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/commissions-poses2006/images/Nightcrawler.jpg

[worstblogever]

Maybe Kitty Pryde reminded Magneto of his daughter. That could be it. Kitty looks so innocent, so harmless. And Magneto realized how low he's gone, after striking her.

I also found Magneto's speech to world leaders interesting. Especially when he mentioned they will stop making war and use the money to end poverty, hunger and disease. This is an alien concept to most politicians. (I always find cameos by Presidents in comics rather amusing.)

Kitty and Storm have bonded immediately. I think Ororo takes special care with Sprite because she's so young, and it will shine badly on Storm if as leader, any harm befalls Kitty. I've also noticed Storm herself is maturing and becoming less "Goddess"--and more seasoned team leader.

So... Kitty stopped the rage of Magneto via her superpower to inflict a Jewish guilt trip?

Yeah, okay. That sounds logical to me.

[david r]

Charles Xavier explains it at the end of #150. Magneto was confronted with himself for the first time. And realized what a devilish bastard he's become.

As for him offing Iceman, you can't tell me you haven't desired Bobby Drake's "untimely demise" yourself once or twice while reading the old issues. :p

[david r]

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/030527211830.jpg

[worstblogever]

Call me a cynic (and many do) but doesn't it seem ridiculous to see Banshee with a mask, and that long pipe of his?

[david r]

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/phoenixdeath1.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/phoenixdeath2.jpg

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.150.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #150

"I, Magneto"

1st X-MEN Appearance: Carol Danvers

The awesome 150th issue of X-Men!! And what better way to celebrate than with the mutants' oldest foe....MAGNETO!!! This is a gorgeous double-sized event with one of the best stories yet!! :)

The anniversary issue opens with Magneto issuing an ultimatum to the world's leaders. Cede him total political control in seven days, or the human race will pay a heavy price. We see shocked looks from world leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Soviet leader Brezhnev and Ronald Reagan. Well, They are to disarm all their nuclear and conventional weapons. Magneto means business... Once the transmission is over, Lee Forrester and a depowered Scott Summers stand stunned. We learn Scott has naturally brown eyes!! Magneto wonders why Scott has a new lover in Lee Forrester? Scott then tells him that Jean Grey....is dead. Magneto stands with a shocked look on his face, and offers his condolences to Scott. Scott shrugs it off and says "Spare me your hypocrisy, Magneto!"

At that moment, the Russian submarine Leningrad launches nuclear missiles at Magneto's Carribbean island. Magneto easily destroys the missiles....and then launches his own strike on the Soviet sub. His hologram appears on the sub, telling the crew they are sadly to pay for the mistake of their government. Magneto then sinks the Leningrad to a watery grave, with all hands onboard!!! Next, Magneto retaliates by bursting a volcano within the Siberian city of Varykino, causing mass destruction. He sends another message to the Soviet leaders, do not mess with me!! Meanwhile, the X-Men (Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Sprite) are in the Blackbird, searching for Scott and Lee Forrester, who are missing. Their Blackbird suddenly loses power, thanks to Magneto. It wildly plunges to the ocean, in a fantastic action sequence!! The team swim to Magneto's island, where Kitty & Logan do CPR on Colossus to save Piotr from drowning.

Once on the island, the X-Men find Scott and there is a wonderful reunion. All are so happy to see Scott again (he's been gone since Jean Grey's funeral, many months ago.) However,the whole team is depowered, thanks to Magneto. The mutants split up, to do the most damage to Magneto's island compound. (This island is never really explained. Is it from Atlantis?) Storm discovers Magneto himself sleeping soundly in his bed. Ororo thinks how noble he appears. Why are they enemies,when they have so much in common? She sees a dinner knife, by the bed. Should she kill him, here and now? It would be so easy. Yet she's sworn off killing. Ororo hesitantly picks up the knife... but then Magneto awakens, sees her and flings her out a window!! The X-MEN HAVE ARRIVED!! In a cool panel, we see Magneto's costume "flow" through the air and onto his body!! Suddenly, Charles Xavier begins a mental assault on Magneto!! Within the Astral plane, the two men begin a psychic battle!! Charles is aboard Peter Corbeau's yacht in the Atlantic, with Corbeau, Moira MacTaggert and blonde-haired ex-Avenger, Carol Danvers. Magneto's unscrews Charles' chair, and lifts it from the ship!!! Carrying hapless Xavier to the island!!

Magneto stands triumphant, as he fixes all the damage the X-Men have caused to his machinery. However, Storm has survived her fall from the window, and precariously makes her way back into the island-tower. She destroys some computers, which give the X-Men their mutant powers back!! The team leap at Magneto, and spirited fisticuffs abound!! It is an amazingly well-done battle!! Kudos to Chris & Dave!! In the end, Magneto confronts Kitty Pryde, and becomes enraged!! He zaps her, and Kitty collapses in his arms. Magneto suddenly realizes he's become the very thing he despises!! Is he really willing to murder mutant children? In his mad quest to destroy humans? Magneto breaks down in an emotional-filled scene, holding Kitty close to him, while he realizes how far he's come from the honorable man he once was. His own personal vision is causing too high a price. This was a very superbly done moment.

#150 ends with all the heroes back on Scott & Lee's remote Caribbean island. There is a hilarous bit where Kitty Pryde "uses the Force" and brings the Blackbird back to the surface. It is in fact, Colossus heaving the plane on his own.

My thoughts: What a PHANTASTISCH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!! A great and memorable Magneto issue...which will surely have repercussions on the Master of Magnetism further down the road. Perhaps the X-Men have won an important battle here. This was a gripping adventure. And even better the creative team that celebrated X-Men #100 are back on hand to usher in #150! Claremont and Dave Cockrum deliver the goods here; a must.

Storm ponders about murdering Magneto in his sleep, but she hesitates & is again taken down by Magneto. Magneto, on the other hand, almost kills Ororo by magnetically tossing her out the window!

I really like the shock & horror of Magneto realizing he has become some sort of monster when he almost kills Kitty Pryde; this is a turning point toward Magneto's redemption from villain to hero. I also think Kitty reminds Magneto of his first daughter, Anya, who died in a fire in the Soviet Union (Magneto's first daughter remains unnamed until Classic X-Men #12 when the story is first published).

Magneto's action of sinking the Leningrad will come back to haunt him years later, but so will Magneto's other villainous deeds when he's an X-Man & headmaster of the New Mutants.

I like the flashback of Phoenix's death from Uncanny X-Men #137.

[DDM]

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/phoenixdeath1.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/phoenixdeath2.jpg

You can find original Phoenix ending of Uncanny X-Men #137 in Phoenix: The Untold Story #1. However, I have never seen the pencils of Jean Grey & Scott Summers leaving the school from the original Uncanny X-Men #138...

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/030527211830.jpg

I will see about tracking down this magazine...

[david r]

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/jeangreysplash.jpg

Brings a tear to my eye...

[david r]

http://www.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_2044/subcat_6369/CockrumXmenAd.jpg

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97904389460.5.GIF

Uncanny X-Men Annual #5

"Ou, La La--Badoon!"

Pretty silly title. This annual is a team-up between the Fantastic Four and our X-Men. We also revisit Arkon's world, last seen in Annual #3 from 1979. A Sh'iar woman makes an appearance early on, as she's being chased by the lizard race called the Badoon. The Fantastic Four swoop in to save her, but she gets killed. And Reed Richards, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm are kidnapped by the Badoon, and vanish. A shocked Susan Richards takes young Franklin to the X-Men, for help. It's somewhat jarring to see Franklin, since I just saw him blasted to death in Uncanny X-Men #142.

Cyclops has now returned to the team, but it's unclear here if he's the team leader again, or Storm. The X-Men and the Invisible Girl return to Arkon's world. It has been invaded & conquered by the Badoon. Arkon himself is held prisoner. A long struggle ensues to free Arkon's people, from captivity. In the end, the world is saved, and the Badoon are defeated. Ororo and Susan bond. The Fantastic Four really take a backseat in this adventure, until the final few pages.

And sure enough, Arkon has the hots for Ororo. And she likes him as well. But they cannot be together, because of their duties and responsibilities. They do open-mouth kiss...those hot young people!! The final panel strangely mentions that young Ororo and T'Challa, prince of Wakanda, had once shared a fleeting romance. Why Chris Claremont inserted this I'm not sure.

My thoughts: I did not like this Annual as much as the last two. The Badoon were not compelling villains, I felt. And the male members of the FF didn't do much until the third act. I've noticed all of these Annuals have the X-Men going on some exotic quest or journey. This was no exception.

[creaky]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97904389460.5.GIF

Uncanny X-Men Annual #5

"Ou, La La--Badoon!"

Pretty silly title. This annual is a team-up between the Fantastic Four and our X-Men. We also revisit Arkon's world, last seen in Annual #3 from 1979. A Sh'iar woman makes an appearance early on, as she's being chased by the lizard race called the Badoon. The Fantastic Four swoop in to save her, but she gets killed. And Reed Richards, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm are kidnapped by the Badoon, and vanish. A shocked Susan Richards takes young Franklin to the X-Men, for help. It's somewhat jarring to see Franklin, since I just saw him blasted to death in Uncanny X-Men #142.

Cyclops has now returned to the team, but it's unclear here if he's the team leader again, or Storm. The X-Men and the Invisible Girl return to Arkon's world. It has been invaded & conquered by the Badoon. Arkon himself is held prisoner. A long struggle ensues to free Arkon's people, from captivity. In the end, the world is saved, and the Badoon are defeated. Ororo and Susan bond. The Fantastic Four really take a backseat in this adventure, until the final few pages.

And sure enough, Arkon has the hots for Ororo. And she likes him as well. But they cannot be together, because of their duties and responsibilities. They do open-mouth kiss...those hot young people!! The final panel strangely mentions that young Ororo and T'Challa, prince of Wakanda, had once shared a fleeting romance. Why Chris Claremont inserted this I'm not sure.

My thoughts: I did not like this Annual as much as the last two. The Badoon were not compelling villains, I felt. And the male members of the FF didn't do much until the third act. I've noticed all of these Annuals have the X-Men going on some exotic quest or journey. This was no exception.

Boo for leaving out the Kurt/Logan moments and the rare instance where Kurt gets to save the day. Those were the only redeeming moments in this annual for me.

I am, of course, completely unbiased in my judgment.

[Jimmy Starburst]

I would say something about the fleshing out of Magneto's character in this issue (which indeed has its crescendo in the final scene where Storm finally confronts him), but I haven't the words today.

Doesn't this issue contain the first mentions of Magneto's history as a Holocaust survivor?

[david r]

Doesn't this issue contain the first mentions of Magneto's history as a Holocaust survivor?

In #150, Magneto mentions he once had a large family in Europe. They were all "slaughtered, without mercy--without remorse." We don't specifically hear him say he survived the Holocaust, yet. But it's plain he holds a strong vendetta against humans, and it stems from what happened to him.

I have to wonder how much the "nice Magneto" shown in Days of Future Past influenced Chris Claremont in this direction for the character. I know John Byrne had VERY different plans for Magneto in #150. And it did not include Magneto expressing sympathetic emotions to Storm. The gimmick of showing Magneto as a wheelchair-bound "Charles Xavier" in DoFP impressed Claremont so much he decided to make it happen in the 616 X-Men world.

[creaky]

I forgot to comment on the hilarity of Kurt giving Logan this sweet speech:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/roilier/unc5thannual_1.jpg

... and then he ended up causing a huge explosion, killing xxxxx number of aliens and thereby saving the day.

[david r]

I have noticed Logan and Kurt growing a closer relationship lately. This seemed to start as both began impromptu training sessions in the forest around Xavier's school. Since the Danger Room was damaged in Uncanny X-Men #143, , they are hunting each other for fun & sport, and this seems to be making a bond between them.

We've also seen them work closer together in #150 and #151 and Logan seems to treat Nightcrawler more seriously than he used to. I always saw a close friendship between Kurt and Peter Rasputin, but it's good to see Logan and Kurt becoming better X-Men together...and friends. :smile:

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.151.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #151

"X-Men Minus One"

1st appearance: the Massachusetts Academy

This issue begins what feels like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga. The highly-anticipated rematch with the Hellfire Club, and also those Sentinels that our glorious President of the United States ordered created in #143 go into action against our unsuspecting X-Men!! Bring out the band-aids!!

Kitty Pryde learns her parents are taking her out of Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and placing her in an academy with students more her own age. Kitty is understandably upset and flees to her room sobbing. Hours later, Ororo finds her curled up in her bed, in the dark. Ororo tries to comfort her, but Kitty then says this Massachusetts Academy is run by Emma Frost, the White Queen. Storm hasn't forgotten how Emma Frost was seconds away from frying her brain in #131!! Now Kitty is afraid the Hellfire Club are plotting to capture her.

Wolverine wonders why Professor Xavier doesn't just mind-control her parents, but Charles announces he DOES NOT do that anymore. Soon, the X-Men assemble before the School, to bid Kitty Pryde a sad farewell. In a scene reminiscient of Jean Grey's departure from Xavier's to attend Metro College, Kitty tearfully says farewell to each member, and kisses Peter passionately. Then she and Ororo drive off in the Rolls-Royce. Kitty's days as an X-Men are over? After several hours, they arrive at the Massachusetts Academy, where Kitty leaves to get squared away. Ororo awaits in a room, as Emma Frost bursts in!! There is a flash of light!! And somehow, Emma Frost switches bodies with Storm. Emma Frost, in the body of Storm, leaves in the Rolls-Royce, but stops along the road. She takes off into the sky, to explore the amazing weather powers!!

Back at Xavier's place, Kurt and Amanda are taking a moon-light walk along the lake, when they are suddenly attacked by a Sentinel!! Kurt is zapped into unconsciousness, but Cyclops sees what's happening and blasts the Sentinels from a mansion window!! AWESOME!! Wolverine runs to the lake to help, as 3 Sentinels emerge from the lake's depths and storm the beach!! Colossus joins as a desperate battle ensues with the Sentinels. Nightcrawler awakens and bamfs to the armory, where he grabs some explosives. Kurt then teleports to each Sentinel, placing the explosive charges. The explosions go off, immobilizing the 3 Sentinels. However, as the X-Men believe they've won, Ororo/Emma Frost arrives at the School. The team, not knowing Emma Frost has seized Storm's body, are easily blasted by lightning bolts. The X-Men are down!! Meanwhile, Storm awakens trapped in Emma Frost's body, in a cell. The sudden rush of psychic "voices" within her head, threaten to drive Ororo insane!!

My thoughts: This issue was outstanding. A lot happens, and it's great to see baddies like Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw again. Though it would have been nice to learn how Emma Frost survived Phoenix's battle from #132. Like I posted, this is like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga, and it rocks. The panel of the Sentinels rising from the lake was fantastic!!

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.151.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #151

"X-Men Minus One"

1st appearance: the Massachusetts Academy

This issue begins what feels like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga. The highly-anticipated rematch with the Hellfire Club, and also those Sentinels that our glorious President of the United States ordered created in #143 go into action against our unsuspecting X-Men!! Bring out the band-aids!!

Kitty Pryde learns her parents are taking her out of Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and placing her in an academy with students more her own age. Kitty is understandably upset and flees to her room sobbing. Hours later, Ororo finds her curled up in her bed, in the dark. Ororo tries to comfort her, but Kitty then says this Massachusetts Academy is run by Emma Frost, the White Queen. Storm hasn't forgotten how Emma Frost was seconds away from frying her brain in #132!! Now Kitty is afraid the Hellfire Club are plotting to capture her.

Wolverine wonders why Professor Xavier doesn't just mind-control her parents, but Charles announces he DOES NOT do that anymore. Soon, the X-Men assemble before the School, to bid Kitty Pryde a sad farewell. In a scene reminiscient of Jean Grey's departure from Xavier's to attend Metro College, Kitty tearfully says farewell to each member, and kisses Peter passionately. Then she and Ororo drive off in the Rolls-Royce. Kitty's days as an X-Men are over? After several hours, they arrive at the Massachusetts Academy, where Kitty leaves to get squared away. Ororo awaits in a room, as Emma Frost bursts in!! There is a flash of light!! And somehow, Emma Frost switches bodies with Storm. Emma Frost, in the body of Storm, leaves in the Rolls-Royce, but stops along the road. She takes off into the sky, to explore the amazing weather powers!!

Back at Xavier's place, Kurt and Amanda are taking a moon-light walk along the lake, when they are suddenly attacked by a Sentinel!! Kurt is zapped into unconsciousness, but Cyclops sees what's happening and blasts the Sentinels from a mansion window!! AWESOME!! Wolverine runs to the lake to help, as 3 Sentinels emerge from the lake's depths and storm the beach!! Colossus joins as a desperate battle ensues with the Sentinels. Nightcrawler awakens and bamfs to the armory, where he grabs some explosives. Kurt then teleports to each Sentinel, placing the explosive charges. The explosions go off, immobilizing the 3 Sentinels. However, as the X-Men believe they've won, Ororo/Emma Frost arrives at the School. The team, not knowing Emma Frost has seized Storm's body, are easily blasted by lightning bolts. The X-Men are down!! Meanwhile, Storm awakens trapped in Emma Frost's body, in a cell. The sudden rush of psychic "voices" within her head, threaten to drive Ororo insane!!

My thoughts: This issue was outstanding. A lot happens, and it's great to see baddies like Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw again. Though it would have been nice to learn how Emma Frost survived Phoenix's battle from #132. Like I posted, this is like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga, and it rocks. The panel of the Sentinels rising from the lake was fantastic!!

If I would have a complaint about this issue, it's that the cover really doesn't reflect the action, and or content that well. It depicts, "It sucks to be Kitty" and you get not even an inkling of the battle you get inside, and how effective Colossus, Nightcrawler, Cyclops, and Wolverine are against the attacking Sentinels. But, I can't complain that you get said impressive action!

Professor X's line reads to me as... "I don't do that... ANYMORE!" Heh. With the Vulcan reveal, it would seem the "last time" Xavier was willing to alter minds would have been back not too much earlier, when he made everyone forget about the 1.5 team.

Emma would probably say she survived the Phoenix's attack because "She's a diamond, she endures", or something like that. Still, readers might have been thrown off a bit about how when she switched bodies with Storm, they traded powers. So Storm's getting overwhelmed by telepathy that she's not able to filter, effectively. (Not unlike the Emma Frost we saw institutionalized in some of her origin stories: Generation X: Minus one?)

Agreed, though, david. This is the best ish since DPS.

[chronicboredom]

I loved issue 151, I've always been a fan of Emma Frost so it was great seeing her again in these early stories. The one thing that I really liked was the fact Emma and Ororo had trouble adjusting to each others powers, very realistic and interesting. Overall brilliant, it's nice to see a storyline that is closer to Dark Phoenix quality after all this time!!

[CJ Lentze]

I completely agree with chronicboredom; Storm and the White Queen having trouble adjusting to each other's powers was very well-written. The issue 151-152 two-parter is one of my favourite identity-swap stories in all of science fiction, actually (and I've seen quite a lot of identity-swap stories in sci-fi/fantasy). I must repeat that I liked seeing Ororo drawing inspiration from something Jean Grey told her, in order to better deal with her predicament. Jean's legacy lives on.
The X-Men having Kitty go off into the enemy's lair, despite their [read:Storm's] reservations, is slightly odd. Part of their charge is to prevent mutants from crossing over to the dark side, after all. I don't really buy the 'her parents can decide where she goes', if it applies to them unwittingly sending her to a school that's run by crooks.

The art by Jim Sherman and Bob McLeod is nice. I'm wondering if all Sherman did was draw the first few pages of this issue, leaving McLeod to do the rest. (McLeod drew the next issue).

Like Dagger said earlier, Kitty has brought a fresh, new perspective to the book. Claremont could have gone the wrong way and made her a Scrappy Doo forced-to-be-cute character, but -even though there were readers who were genuinely annoyed by her- instead he's doing his best presenting Kitty as a character that is as three-dimensional as any of the 'new' X-Men, as relatable. I think this is also reflected in her parents divorcing among other things. That's something that happens too often in real life.



wbe, the cover may not reflect the action that takes place within the issue, but I can tell from experience that it was an effective cover; at least in my case. I remember being relatively new to X-Men and going through the back issues in the store, and seeing this cover -through Kitty's sorrowful expression and bod language- sparked my curiosity of what was going on inside. Not saying you said it was an ineffective cover, though, I just remember it being a cover that grabbed me. Which is all Marvel could ask for. :biggrin:

[worstblogever]

Fair enough. I just would rather see the boys tearing s*** up than "emo Kitty" and her damnable luggage.

[david r]

About Charles' statement that he doesn't mindwipe anymore, it seems to continue the trend of "teddy bear-ification" of our professor. He's a lot less demanding than he was in the early days. Is he mellowing? Or maybe Thunderbird and Jean Grey's deaths have had an affect on him.

Chronicboredom, I agree that #151 was seriously good.

Jean Grey's legacy lives on, indeed! I like how Marvel finds ways to remind us of Jean, without using the obvious heart-strings to do it. Ororo and Jean had such a close relationship.

I think Bob McLeod did a nice job on art. I would also like to mention that Tessa makes her second appearance in #151, but still hasn't said a word of dialogue!! :eek:

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.152.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #152

"The Hellfire Gambit"

This cool tale comes to a head, as Ororo (trapped in the body of the White Queen ) befriends Kitty Pryde, and the two storm the besieged Xavier School. Colossus, Wolverine, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Amanda Sefton and Professor Xavier are all captured, by the Hellfire Club and their hired goons. Imprisoned within the living room of the Mansion, they are surrounded. Storm walks in, dressed as the White Queen. The X-Men think she has betrayed them. Hellfire troopers grab Wolverine and take him to the Danger Room, where they begin beating him up. They want revenge for the beating they endured in #134.

We also learn that Sebastian Shaw and Emma Frost are lovers. UGH! To their horror, the X-Men learn that Wolverine has been killed!! Outside the Xavier estate, Stevie Hunter drives "Storm" and Kitty Pryde to the edge of the forest, and the two head into danger. However, Sebastian Shaw discovers Stevie and knocks her out! Storm, in Emma Frost's body, and Sprite make their way into the Mansion, via a hangar door. Sprite phases into the School, and finds a living Wolverine!! Logan says Amanda Sefton used her sorcerous powers to make the ILLUSION that Wolverine was dead. Kitty phases through the imprisoned X-Men, thus freeing from their shackles. The X-Men burst out and begin stomping on the unsuspecting Hellfire Club clan. Harry Leland is taken down, strangely Donald Pierce does not appear in this whole story.

Suddenly, Sebastian Shaw and "Storm" smash through a wall, and assault the X-Men. But Colossus grabs Shaw and uses a Fastball Special to throw him into the lake. Emma Frost tries to use Storm's powers, but she creates a crazy monsoon. Storm and Emma Frost embrace and Ororo uses the "Persona Exchange Module" gun, which switched their bodies. Ororo hits the gun, and both mutants return to their regular beautiful forms. Meanwhile, a lightning bolt smashes into Sebastian Shaw, and he goes down for the count. Ororo is absolutely enraged at this violation of her body, and is on the verge of killing Emma. Wolverine talks her out of it, reminding her Ororo stands for the good in life. Killing would be beneath her. Emma Frost says the X-Men have won, and without Sebastian the Inner Circle are without their leader. But she secretly swears to avenge this defeat, hoping the X-Men will be dead and damned.

My thoughts: Maybe not as good as the Dark Phoenix story, and not as long, but #151-152 is still a worthy successor to that classic. It's a shame this epic is not better known, it deserves more attention. This story works on so many levels. The Hellfire Club seeking revenge. The Sentinels rising from the lake. Ororo and Emma Frost switching bodies. The Hellfire goons getting revenge on Wolverine. And so on. Just an awesome two-issue adventure!!!

[Brian M.]

david I gotta tell ya man, major props for keeping this thread going. When you first started it, I really doubted you would make it past issue #25, but damn, nice job, this is a joy to read over.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.152.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #152

"The Hellfire Gambit"

This cool tale comes to a head, as Ororo (trapped in the body of the White Queen ) befriends Kitty Pryde, and the two storm the besieged Xavier School. Colossus, Wolverine, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Amanda Sefton and Professor Xavier are all captured, by the Hellfire Club and their hired goons. Imprisoned within the living room of the Mansion, they are surrounded. Storm walks in, dressed as the White Queen. The X-Men think she has betrayed them. Hellfire troopers grab Wolverine and take him to the Danger Room, where they begin beating him up. They want revenge for the beating they endured in #134.

We also learn that Sebastian Shaw and Emma Frost are lovers. UGH! To their horror, the X-Men learn that Wolverine has been killed!! Outside the Xavier estate, Stevie Hunter drives "Storm" and Kitty Pryde to the edge of the forest, and the two head into danger. However, Sebastian Shaw discovers Stevie and knocks her out! Storm, in Emma Frost's body, and Sprite make their way into the Mansion, via a hangar door. Sprite phases into the School, and finds a living Wolverine!! Logan says Amanda Sefton used her sorcerous powers to make the ILLUSION that Wolverine was dead. Kitty phases through the imprisoned X-Men, thus freeing from their shackles. The X-Men burst out and begin stomping on the unsuspecting Hellfire Club clan. Harry Leland is taken down, strangely Donald Pierce does not appear in this whole story.

Suddenly, Sebastian Shaw and "Storm" smash through a wall, and assault the X-Men. But Colossus grabs Shaw and uses a Fastball Special to throw him into the lake. Emma Frost tries to use Storm's powers, but she creates a crazy monsoon. Storm and Emma Frost embrace and Ororo uses the "Persona Exchange Module" gun, which switched their bodies. Ororo hits the gun, and both mutants return to their regular beautiful forms. Meanwhile, a lightning bolt smashes into Sebastian Shaw, and he goes down for the count. Ororo is absolutely enraged at this violation of her body, and is on the verge of killing Emma. Wolverine talks her out of it, reminding her Ororo stands for the good in life. Killing would be beneath her. Emma Frost says the X-Men have won, and without Sebastian the Inner Circle are without their leader. But she secretly swears to avenge this defeat, hoping the X-Men will be dead and damned.

My thoughts: Maybe not as good as the Dark Phoenix story, and not as long, but #151-152 is still a worthy successor to that classic. It's a shame this epic is not better known, it deserves more attention. This story works on so many levels. The Hellfire Club seeking revenge. The Sentinels rising from the lake. Ororo and Emma Frost switching bodies. The Hellfire goons getting revenge on Wolverine. And so on. Just an awesome two-issue adventure!!!

Emma and Shaw revealed as lovers... and yet, Emma just switched bodies with Storm, but was staying in Ororo's, rather than rushing to get her own back. I'm just wondering... do you think Sebastian was asking she remain Ororo a while to truly show her what a "violation of body" is? I mean, he's in the Hellfire Club, he's kinky as all get out. Do you think Shaw was hoping to get a taste of sweet, sweet dark chocolate one way or another? I'm saying, yes, he's a kinky freak and was totally gonna. :biggrin:

All kidding aside about the body swap, for a minute this issue, you have to wonder how it's sorta cool that even Joe Q. Hellfire-Goon had motivation, savoring getting revenge on Wolverine for the previous beat-down. Usually faceless lackeys don't get that much focus, they're just mindless drones. Harry Leland deserved a better showing, though. The real twist about the swap-gun and the misleading, "Storm betrayed us!" and "Wolverine is dead!" probably kept the reader guessing, although I almost wish the prior one had been played out for longer than the second half of one issue, and the first half of the next.

[worstblogever]

david I gotta tell ya man, major props for keeping this thread going. When you first started it, I really doubted you would make it past issue #25, but damn, nice job, this is a joy to read over.

Seconded. And just wondering, how come you don't comment more in this thread, Brian?

[Brian M.]

Seconded. And just wondering, how come you don't comment more in this thread, Brian?

My early Uncanny collection goes from 1-66, 94-138. It stops there and picks up again constantly at #281. I got a couple in between those issues but I really didn't read them so I got no real comments on them. I got the crossover issues for Mutant Massarce, Inferno, Fall of Mutants...all those, but that's really it. When we get there I'll comment.

[chronicboredom]

#152 was an amazing story, I enjoyed it on so many levels. In my opinion, this story worked well because it didn't have a large amount of foreshawdowing (Dark Phoenix gradually built up over a very long period). It was great that the Hellfire Club appeared out of nowhere and infiltrated the group. It reminds the X-Men (and the reader) that the HFC is still here, they're still good and given the chance they will kick your butt!!
Long live the Hellfire Club and Emma Frost! =)

[DDM]

Emma and Shaw revealed as lovers... and yet, Emma just switched bodies with Storm, but was staying in Ororo's, rather than rushing to get her own back. I'm just wondering... do you think Sebastian was asking she remain Ororo a while to truly show her what a "violation of body" is? I mean, he's in the Hellfire Club, he's kinky as all get out. Do you think Shaw was hoping to get a taste of sweet, sweet dark chocolate one way or another? I'm saying, yes, he's a kinky freak and was totally gonna. :biggrin:

Emma thought Storm died when her car ran off the interstate & crashed. However, Emma is taken by surprise when she discovers Ororo is alive; this is what causes the inexperienced Emma to lose control of the weather she's created & accidentally strikes Sebastian Shaw with an overload of kinetic energy...

All kidding aside about the body swap, for a minute this issue, you have to wonder how it's sorta cool that even Joe Q. Hellfire-Goon had motivation, savoring getting revenge on Wolverine for the previous beat-down. Usually faceless lackeys don't get that much focus, they're just mindless drones. Harry Leland deserved a better showing, though. The real twist about the swap-gun and the misleading, "Storm betrayed us!" and "Wolverine is dead!" probably kept the reader guessing, although I almost wish the prior one had been played out for longer than the second half of one issue, and the first half of the next.

I believe Emma Frost had intended to infiltrate the X-Men for a longer period of time, but Sebastian Shaw overplayed his hand when his Sentinels attack the X-Men.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.151.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #151

"X-Men Minus One"

1st appearance: the Massachusetts Academy

This issue begins what feels like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga. The highly-anticipated rematch with the Hellfire Club, and also those Sentinels that our glorious President of the United States ordered created in #143 go into action against our unsuspecting X-Men!! Bring out the band-aids!!

Kitty Pryde learns her parents are taking her out of Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and placing her in an academy with students more her own age. Kitty is understandably upset and flees to her room sobbing. Hours later, Ororo finds her curled up in her bed, in the dark. Ororo tries to comfort her, but Kitty then says this Massachusetts Academy is run by Emma Frost, the White Queen. Storm hasn't forgotten how Emma Frost was seconds away from frying her brain in #131!! Now Kitty is afraid the Hellfire Club are plotting to capture her.

Wolverine wonders why Professor Xavier doesn't just mind-control her parents, but Charles announces he DOES NOT do that anymore. Soon, the X-Men assemble before the School, to bid Kitty Pryde a sad farewell. In a scene reminiscient of Jean Grey's departure from Xavier's to attend Metro College, Kitty tearfully says farewell to each member, and kisses Peter passionately. Then she and Ororo drive off in the Rolls-Royce. Kitty's days as an X-Men are over? After several hours, they arrive at the Massachusetts Academy, where Kitty leaves to get squared away. Ororo awaits in a room, as Emma Frost bursts in!! There is a flash of light!! And somehow, Emma Frost switches bodies with Storm. Emma Frost, in the body of Storm, leaves in the Rolls-Royce, but stops along the road. She takes off into the sky, to explore the amazing weather powers!!

Back at Xavier's place, Kurt and Amanda are taking a moon-light walk along the lake, when they are suddenly attacked by a Sentinel!! Kurt is zapped into unconsciousness, but Cyclops sees what's happening and blasts the Sentinels from a mansion window!! AWESOME!! Wolverine runs to the lake to help, as 3 Sentinels emerge from the lake's depths and storm the beach!! Colossus joins as a desperate battle ensues with the Sentinels. Nightcrawler awakens and bamfs to the armory, where he grabs some explosives. Kurt then teleports to each Sentinel, placing the explosive charges. The explosions go off, immobilizing the 3 Sentinels. However, as the X-Men believe they've won, Ororo/Emma Frost arrives at the School. The team, not knowing Emma Frost has seized Storm's body, are easily blasted by lightning bolts. The X-Men are down!! Meanwhile, Storm awakens trapped in Emma Frost's body, in a cell. The sudden rush of psychic "voices" within her head, threaten to drive Ororo insane!!

My thoughts: This issue was outstanding. A lot happens, and it's great to see baddies like Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw again. Though it would have been nice to learn how Emma Frost survived Phoenix's battle from #132. Like I posted, this is like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga, and it rocks. The panel of the Sentinels rising from the lake was fantastic!!

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.152.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #152

"The Hellfire Gambit"

This cool tale comes to a head, as Ororo (trapped in the body of the White Queen ) befriends Kitty Pryde, and the two storm the besieged Xavier School. Colossus, Wolverine, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Amanda Sefton and Professor Xavier are all captured, by the Hellfire Club and their hired goons. Imprisoned within the living room of the Mansion, they are surrounded. Storm walks in, dressed as the White Queen. The X-Men think she has betrayed them. Hellfire troopers grab Wolverine and take him to the Danger Room, where they begin beating him up. They want revenge for the beating they endured in #134.

We also learn that Sebastian Shaw and Emma Frost are lovers. UGH! To their horror, the X-Men learn that Wolverine has been killed!! Outside the Xavier estate, Stevie Hunter drives "Storm" and Kitty Pryde to the edge of the forest, and the two head into danger. However, Sebastian Shaw discovers Stevie and knocks her out! Storm, in Emma Frost's body, and Sprite make their way into the Mansion, via a hangar door. Sprite phases into the School, and finds a living Wolverine!! Logan says Amanda Sefton used her sorcerous powers to make the ILLUSION that Wolverine was dead. Kitty phases through the imprisoned X-Men, thus freeing from their shackles. The X-Men burst out and begin stomping on the unsuspecting Hellfire Club clan. Harry Leland is taken down, strangely Donald Pierce does not appear in this whole story.

Suddenly, Sebastian Shaw and "Storm" smash through a wall, and assault the X-Men. But Colossus grabs Shaw and uses a Fastball Special to throw him into the lake. Emma Frost tries to use Storm's powers, but she creates a crazy monsoon. Storm and Emma Frost embrace and Ororo uses the "Persona Exchange Module" gun, which switched their bodies. Ororo hits the gun, and both mutants return to their regular beautiful forms. Meanwhile, a lightning bolt smashes into Sebastian Shaw, and he goes down for the count. Ororo is absolutely enraged at this violation of her body, and is on the verge of killing Emma. Wolverine talks her out of it, reminding her Ororo stands for the good in life. Killing would be beneath her. Emma Frost says the X-Men have won, and without Sebastian the Inner Circle are without their leader. But she secretly swears to avenge this defeat, hoping the X-Men will be dead and damned.

My thoughts: Maybe not as good as the Dark Phoenix story, and not as long, but #151-152 is still a worthy successor to that classic. It's a shame this epic is not better known, it deserves more attention. This story works on so many levels. The Hellfire Club seeking revenge. The Sentinels rising from the lake. Ororo and Emma Frost switching bodies. The Hellfire goons getting revenge on Wolverine. And so on. Just an awesome two-issue adventure!!!

Uncanny X-Men #151-152 remains a favorite story. It's short & to the point as the previous Hellfire Club story built from Uncanny X-Men #100-126 then is fully explored in Uncanny X-Men #129-134 when Jean Grey is subverted into the Black Queen. The memory of Emma Frost shows just how evil she is as Storm seems to have been traumatized by her interrogation from Uncanny X-Men #131 that Ororo's hands shake in fear! Furthermore, Emma Frost wants her revenge! Apparently, the White Queen is not dead & she is in perfect health. Worse, she invents a psyche-exchange gun that literally can body swap with a victim. Emma Frost has to know from her telepathy & possibly the bugs in Xavier's school that Ororo is going to the Massachusetts Academy. I also believe Emma Frost used her telepathy on Kitty's parents to make them change their minds about her school.

Once the White Queen takes over Storm's body, she abuses her powers with little thought of the world; she just thinks about the power trip & loving every minute of it. However, I don't think she planned for Ororo to escape. The Hellfire Club underestimated Kitty Pryde & Storm in this respect since they are the key in releasing the other X-Men from the Hellfire Club.

I love the cover of Uncanny X-Men #152!

[david r]

Brian M, thanks for the kind words! I didn't know myself how far I'd make it, if I'd last to #25 or burn out. I'd be lying if I said it's not sometimes difficult reading an issue a day, and then posting a review and summary. But the few times I've considered quitting, I read another great issue of X-MEN and that passion just keeps burning. I've always wanted to start with #1 and then just read it all like a novel. It seems I've commited myself to it now! :smile: (The funs been all mine, though!)

Worstblogever, I also liked how they played up parts of the Dark Phoenix Saga, in #151-152. Like Cole and the Hellfire goons wanting revenge on Wolverine. And "Storm" dressed as the White Queen (with a deliciously evil look on her face), reminded me of Jean Grey's evil attire as the Black Queen. A nice parallel there.

Chronicboredom, You mentioned about the Hellfire Club ambushed the X-Men, at their mansion. I liked how their first battle was in the Hellfire Club, and this latest one took the battle to the X-Men's home, where they are very vulnerable.

DDM, do you mean Emma Frost used her her powers to change Pryde's parents, at the end of the issue? So they'd let Kitty return to Xavier's School?

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.153.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #153

"Kitty's Fairy Tale"

I think the best way to describe #153 is a "delight". This is a complete change of pace story, We see a fantasy world told by Kitty Pryde, very similiar to The Thief of Baghdad . It's innocent fun, but no so silly that you roll your eyes. And also, I think Dave Cockrum has drawn more X-MEN covers now than any other X-artist in history. Another gorgeous cover! Way too go, Dave!!

The X-Men are busy repairing the damage caused by the Hellfire Club and Sentinels. The mansion is in the worst shape ever, though it's foundations are still solid. Charles Xavier realizes his financial resources have been strained to the breaking point, and sees no viable solution how all the repairs will be made. We now learn that Illyana Rasputin is staying at the Mansion. Is she a mutant too? We're not sure, but she appears around 10 or 11 years old here. It's her bedtime, and Kitty and Peter Rasputin sit by her bed to let her fall asleep. Kitty begins a fairy tale to help Illyana nod off. What happens next is gold...

The next page is a beautiful two-page shot of an opened book of literature, atop the left page are the words "KITTY'S FAIRY TALE" and the Players are listed: All our the X-Men with new names like Kitty Pryde as Pirate Kitty, Charles Xavier as the Wizard, Wolverine as the Fiend with no Name, and Nightcrawler as (under protest) a BAMF! We are introduced to an exotic Middle-Eastern type city, where Pirate Kitty and her "friend" (lover) Colossus help the poor and fight the bad. Along the wharf of this Arabian city, they meet the "Wizard" (who rides a magic carpet) and the Noble Prince (who is Scott Summers.) Before their eyes, Dark Phoenix whizzes in the sky, and she is in the classic costume of Jean Grey's demonic other self. Dark Phoenix is the villain of #153. The Wizard and the Noble Prince wish to save Dark Phoenix. DP flies away, so Pirate Kitty summons a giant dragon from the ocean. In a cool shot, a huge black dragon ascends from the seas. It's name is "Lockheed", and it resembles the X-Men's Blackbird jet, mixed with a classical dragon design. Dave Cockrum outdoes himself with this invention. Very cool!!

Our fantasy heroes board the dragon Lockheed, and take off after Dark Phoenix. After hours of flying, they land on an island, where Pirate Kitty meets "Bamf". Bamf looks like a tiny, doll-sized version of our Kurt Wagner. He is obviously the humor element in #153. Colossus is walking along the beach of the island, and discovers a bottle. He opens it and gas shoots out. Within is hidden a genie... Wind-Rider! Wind-rider is obviously Storm, with a cool new costume fitted with lightning bolts. And then, out of the ground, Wolverine comes out like the Tasmanian Devil!! The drawing of Wolverine is pure hilarity!! He wears a little hat, and a case of brew. He is the "Fiend with no Name!" The adventurers board Lockheed the Dragon, and take off again. Soon, the sun changes into DARK PHOENIX!! Our ragtag band of fantasy adventurers do battle with Dark Phoenix. However, none can match her cosmic power. The Wizard uses his crystal ball, and the "good essence" of Jean Grey escapes and does battle with her evil counterpart, Dark Phoenix. A wild cosmic confrontation....in the end, Jean wins. Dark Phoenix is vanquished, and Jean Grey falls to the Earth. In Arabian clothing, she is free from her evil, dark side. Scott and Jean are reunited. And we then learn that they are soon married, with all the adventurers in attendance.

In our real world, Illyana has fallen asleep, so Kitty and Peter tip-toe out of her room. Only to find all the X-Men, and Charles, listening by the door in the hallway. They are all smiling and very amused by Kitty's fairy tale. Scott kisses Kitty, and thanks her for giving he and Jean Grey the "Happy Ending" they deserved. Ahhh....

My thoughts: A pleasant surprise of an issue, full of humor, warmth and childlike fun. Beautifully done by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. Who says X-MEN is always a dark book??

[creaky]

Poor Kurt gets no respect. <333333333333

[DDM]

DDM, do you mean Emma Frost used her her powers to change Pryde's parents, at the end of the issue? So they'd let Kitty return to Xavier's School?

No, I think Emma Frost used her telepathy on Kitty's parents to change from Xavier's school to Emma's school. It's is never stated why, but I believe Frost used her telepathy on Kitty's parents; it explains the abrupt change.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.153.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #153

"Kitty's Fairy Tale"

I think the best way to describe #153 is a "delight". This is a complete change of pace story, We see a fantasy world told by Kitty Pryde, very similiar to The Thief of Baghdad . It's innocent fun, but no so silly that you roll your eyes. And also, I think Dave Cockrum has drawn more X-MEN covers now than any other X-artist in history. Another gorgeous cover!!

The X-Men are busy repairing the damage caused by the Hellfire Club and Sentinels. The mansion is in the worst shape ever, though it's foundations are still solid. Charles Xavier realizes his financial resources have been strained to the breaking point, and sees no viable solution how all the repairs will be made. We now learn that Illyana Rasputin is staying at the Mansion. Is she a mutant too? We're not sure, but she appears around 10 or 11 years old here. It's her bedtime, and Kitty and Peter Rasputin sit by her bed to let her fall asleep. Kitty begins a fairy tale to help Illyana nod off. What happens next is gold...

The next page is a beautiful two-page shot of an opened book of literature, atop the left page are the words "KITTY'S FAIRY TALE" and the Players are listed: All our the X-Men with new names like Kitty Pryde as Pirate Kitty, Charles Xavier as the Wizard, Wolverine as the Fiend with no Name, and Nightcrawler as (under protest) a BAMF! We are introduced to an exotic Middle-Eastern type city, where Pirate Kitty and her "friend" (lover) Colossus help the poor and fight the bad. Along the wharf of this Arabian city, they meet the "Wizard" (who rides a magic carpet) and the Noble Prince (who is Scott Summers.) Before their eyes, Dark Phoenix whizzes in the sky, and she is in the classic costume of Jean Grey's demonic other self. Dark Phoenix is the villain of #153. The Wizard and the Noble Prince wish to save Dark Phoenix. DP flies away, so Pirate Kitty summons a giant dragon from the ocean. In a cool shot, a huge black dragon ascends from the seas. It's name is "Lockheed", and it resembles the X-Men's Blackbird jet, mixed with a classical dragon design. Dave Cockrum outdoes himself with this invention. Very cool!!

Our fantasy heroes board the dragon Lockheed, and take off after Dark Phoenix. After hours of flying, they land on an island, where Pirate Kitty meets "Bamf". Bamf looks like a tiny, doll-sized version of our Kurt Wagner. He is obviously the humor element in #153. Colossus is walking along the beach of the island, and discovers a bottle. He opens it and gas shoots out. Within is hidden a genie... Wind-Rider! Wind-rider is obviously Storm, with a cool new costume fitted with lightning bolts. And then, out of the ground, Wolverine comes out like the Tasmanian Devil!! The drawing of Wolverine is pure hilarity!! He wears a little hat, and a case of brew. He is the "Fiend with no Name!" The adventurers board Lockheed the Dragon, and take off again. Soon, the sun changes into DARK PHOENIX!! Our ragtag band of fantasy adventurers do battle with Dark Phoenix. However, none can match her cosmic power. The Wizard uses his crystal ball, and the "good essence" of Jean Grey escapes and does battle with her evil counterpart, Dark Phoenix. A wild cosmic confrontation....in the end, Jean wins. Dark Phoenix is vanquished, and Jean Grey falls to the Earth. In Arabian clothing, she is free from her evil, dark side. Scott and Jean are reunited. And we then learn that they are soon married, with all the adventurers in attendance.

In our real world, Illyana has fallen asleep, so Kitty and Peter tip-toe out of her room. Only to find all the X-Men, and Charles, listening by the door in the hallway. They are all smiling and very amused by Kitty's fairy tale. Scott kisses Kitty, and thanks her for giving he and Jean Grey the "Happy Ending" they deserved. Ahhh....

My thoughts: A pleasant surprise of an issue, full of humor, warmth and childlike fun. Beautifully done by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. Who says X-MEN is always a dark book??

IIllyana is 7 years old until Uncanny X-Men #160 when she becomes Magik; she ages 7 years in Limbo, although just seconds pass on Earth.

This story is another tribute to Jean Grey, Phoenix. I also like the fairy tale as it comes out of nowhere.

[chronicboredom]

I didn't really like #153 I would have much prefered to have more story developement. That being said it was a cute issue and the at the end when Kitty realised everyone was listening made me smile, and Scott's reaction was beautiful.
This issue made me realise why I love X-Men, the concept was a complete change of pace -hence the title- yet it was still "X-Men" all the way through. Cudoes to CC! =)

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.153.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #153

"Kitty's Fairy Tale"

I think the best way to describe #153 is a "delight". This is a complete change of pace story, We see a fantasy world told by Kitty Pryde, very similiar to The Thief of Baghdad . It's innocent fun, but no so silly that you roll your eyes. And also, I think Dave Cockrum has drawn more X-MEN covers now than any other X-artist in history. Another gorgeous cover!!

The X-Men are busy repairing the damage caused by the Hellfire Club and Sentinels. The mansion is in the worst shape ever, though it's foundations are still solid. Charles Xavier realizes his financial resources have been strained to the breaking point, and sees no viable solution how all the repairs will be made. We now learn that Illyana Rasputin is staying at the Mansion. Is she a mutant too? We're not sure, but she appears around 10 or 11 years old here. It's her bedtime, and Kitty and Peter Rasputin sit by her bed to let her fall asleep. Kitty begins a fairy tale to help Illyana nod off. What happens next is gold...

The next page is a beautiful two-page shot of an opened book of literature, atop the left page are the words "KITTY'S FAIRY TALE" and the Players are listed: All our the X-Men with new names like Kitty Pryde as Pirate Kitty, Charles Xavier as the Wizard, Wolverine as the Fiend with no Name, and Nightcrawler as (under protest) a BAMF! We are introduced to an exotic Middle-Eastern type city, where Pirate Kitty and her "friend" (lover) Colossus help the poor and fight the bad. Along the wharf of this Arabian city, they meet the "Wizard" (who rides a magic carpet) and the Noble Prince (who is Scott Summers.) Before their eyes, Dark Phoenix whizzes in the sky, and she is in the classic costume of Jean Grey's demonic other self. Dark Phoenix is the villain of #153. The Wizard and the Noble Prince wish to save Dark Phoenix. DP flies away, so Pirate Kitty summons a giant dragon from the ocean. In a cool shot, a huge black dragon ascends from the seas. It's name is "Lockheed", and it resembles the X-Men's Blackbird jet, mixed with a classical dragon design. Dave Cockrum outdoes himself with this invention. Very cool!!

Our fantasy heroes board the dragon Lockheed, and take off after Dark Phoenix. After hours of flying, they land on an island, where Pirate Kitty meets "Bamf". Bamf looks like a tiny, doll-sized version of our Kurt Wagner. He is obviously the humor element in #153. Colossus is walking along the beach of the island, and discovers a bottle. He opens it and gas shoots out. Within is hidden a genie... Wind-Rider! Wind-rider is obviously Storm, with a cool new costume fitted with lightning bolts. And then, out of the ground, Wolverine comes out like the Tasmanian Devil!! The drawing of Wolverine is pure hilarity!! He wears a little hat, and a case of brew. He is the "Fiend with no Name!" The adventurers board Lockheed the Dragon, and take off again. Soon, the sun changes into DARK PHOENIX!! Our ragtag band of fantasy adventurers do battle with Dark Phoenix. However, none can match her cosmic power. The Wizard uses his crystal ball, and the "good essence" of Jean Grey escapes and does battle with her evil counterpart, Dark Phoenix. A wild cosmic confrontation....in the end, Jean wins. Dark Phoenix is vanquished, and Jean Grey falls to the Earth. In Arabian clothing, she is free from her evil, dark side. Scott and Jean are reunited. And we then learn that they are soon married, with all the adventurers in attendance.

In our real world, Illyana has fallen asleep, so Kitty and Peter tip-toe out of her room. Only to find all the X-Men, and Charles, listening by the door in the hallway. They are all smiling and very amused by Kitty's fairy tale. Scott kisses Kitty, and thanks her for giving he and Jean Grey the "Happy Ending" they deserved. Ahhh....

My thoughts: A pleasant surprise of an issue, full of humor, warmth and childlike fun. Beautifully done by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. Who says X-MEN is always a dark book??

I may not be the biggest fan of this "change of pace" issue, but I can't deny that it today is iconic. They've had more spin-off X-Men: Fairy Tales, and Marvel has started expanding the genre to some of their other team books (as evidenced by Avengers: Fairy Tales). Maybe not my cup of tea, but it is good fun.

Even if it did eventually one day bring the BAMFs as real creatures to us over in Excalibur. Oy.

[creaky]

I may not be the biggest fan of this "change of pace" issue, but I can't deny that it today is iconic. They've had more spin-off X-Men: Fairy Tales, and Marvel has started expanding the genre to some of their other team books (as evidenced by Avengers: Fairy Tales). Maybe not my cup of tea, but it is good fun.

Even if it did eventually one day bring the BAMFs as real creatures to us over in Excalibur. Oy.

I think the Bamfs were first revisited in Cockrum's Nightcrawler mini, actually. I can't remember them appearing in Excalibur, too?

[david r]

This story is another tribute to Jean Grey, Phoenix. I also like the fairy tale as it comes out of nowhere.

It seems "Kitty's Fairy Tale" gave Chris Claremont a chance to tell the "happy ending" planned for Dark Phoenix. Jean Grey surviving and she and Scott getting married. I liked that, but it was bittersweet to read, because "our" Jean Grey didn't get the happy ending she deserved.

I see some of you don't like this issue. I like how this book has dark moments, like the X-Men slaughtered by Sentinels in #142, and then can turn-around and have a story like "Kitty's Fairy Tale"...full of wonder and innocent imagination. It's that equal measure of action, horror and fantasy that makes X-MEN a fresh read, no matter how many times the issues get read.

[david r]

This is what Dave Cockrum has to say about "Kitty's Fairy Tale":

"That's one of my favorites. Chris and I co-plotted it, but it was my idea in the first place. I had just been re-reading my T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents collection and there's a story in there called 'Weed's Fairy Tale'.....It was a fun story and I said to Chris, 'Why don't we do our own fairy tale?' I explained my reasoning and he jumped right on it. Next thing you know he's giving me so much material that it should be a double-sized issue or a two-issue story arc. I think Louise Simonson was editor then, and she says "Well, we haven't had a chance to advertise it as a double-sized issue and I don't think the powers-that-be would think it is a strong enough story to do over two issues." So we had to cut the material down some. There'd been a fight involving fairytale Avengers as part of the storyline, but we cut that out entirely. I think it's one of our most popular issues."

I would have liked to have seen the Avengers/X-Men battle....

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/17292128602.57.GIF

The gorgeous cover for "Kitty's Fairy Tale" from CLASSIC X-MEN. Enjoy!

[creaky]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/17292128602.57.GIF

The gorgeous cover for "Kitty's Fairy Tale" from CLASSIC X-MEN. Enjoy!

Wow, a Mignola cover?? Man.

[worstblogever]

I think the Bamfs were first revisited in Cockrum's Nightcrawler mini, actually. I can't remember them appearing in Excalibur, too?

There was an issue they showed up and attacked Lockheed, in particular, as well as the rest of the team. Excalibur (vol.1) #118. (http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=3995)

[creaky]

There was an issue they showed up and attacked Lockheed, in particular, as well as the rest of the team. Excalibur (vol.1) #118. (http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=3995)

Ahh, one of Raab's. That explains why I didn't remember it.

[david r]

Some Dave Cockrum goodness:

http://www.davecockrum.net/cockrum-xmenpic.jpg


http://www.davecockrum.net/whitephoenix.jpg


http://www.davecockrum.net/cockrum-xmen.jpg


http://www.davecockrum.net/MarvelAge_0031.jpg

[DDM]

Wow, a Mignola cover?? Man.

Mike Mignola did the cover art from Classic X-Men #57-70.

[Dagger]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.151.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #151

"X-Men Minus One"

1st appearance: the Massachusetts Academy

This issue begins what feels like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga. The highly-anticipated rematch with the Hellfire Club, and also those Sentinels that our glorious President of the United States ordered created in #143 go into action against our unsuspecting X-Men!! Bring out the band-aids!!

Kitty Pryde learns her parents are taking her out of Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and placing her in an academy with students more her own age. Kitty is understandably upset and flees to her room sobbing. Hours later, Ororo finds her curled up in her bed, in the dark. Ororo tries to comfort her, but Kitty then says this Massachusetts Academy is run by Emma Frost, the White Queen. Storm hasn't forgotten how Emma Frost was seconds away from frying her brain in #131!! Now Kitty is afraid the Hellfire Club are plotting to capture her.

Wolverine wonders why Professor Xavier doesn't just mind-control her parents, but Charles announces he DOES NOT do that anymore. Soon, the X-Men assemble before the School, to bid Kitty Pryde a sad farewell. In a scene reminiscient of Jean Grey's departure from Xavier's to attend Metro College, Kitty tearfully says farewell to each member, and kisses Peter passionately. Then she and Ororo drive off in the Rolls-Royce. Kitty's days as an X-Men are over? After several hours, they arrive at the Massachusetts Academy, where Kitty leaves to get squared away. Ororo awaits in a room, as Emma Frost bursts in!! There is a flash of light!! And somehow, Emma Frost switches bodies with Storm. Emma Frost, in the body of Storm, leaves in the Rolls-Royce, but stops along the road. She takes off into the sky, to explore the amazing weather powers!!

Back at Xavier's place, Kurt and Amanda are taking a moon-light walk along the lake, when they are suddenly attacked by a Sentinel!! Kurt is zapped into unconsciousness, but Cyclops sees what's happening and blasts the Sentinels from a mansion window!! AWESOME!! Wolverine runs to the lake to help, as 3 Sentinels emerge from the lake's depths and storm the beach!! Colossus joins as a desperate battle ensues with the Sentinels. Nightcrawler awakens and bamfs to the armory, where he grabs some explosives. Kurt then teleports to each Sentinel, placing the explosive charges. The explosions go off, immobilizing the 3 Sentinels. However, as the X-Men believe they've won, Ororo/Emma Frost arrives at the School. The team, not knowing Emma Frost has seized Storm's body, are easily blasted by lightning bolts. The X-Men are down!! Meanwhile, Storm awakens trapped in Emma Frost's body, in a cell. The sudden rush of psychic "voices" within her head, threaten to drive Ororo insane!!

My thoughts: This issue was outstanding. A lot happens, and it's great to see baddies like Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw again. Though it would have been nice to learn how Emma Frost survived Phoenix's battle from #132. Like I posted, this is like a sequel to the Dark Phoenix Saga, and it rocks. The panel of the Sentinels rising from the lake was fantastic!!

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.152.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #152

"The Hellfire Gambit"

This cool tale comes to a head, as Ororo (trapped in the body of the White Queen ) befriends Kitty Pryde, and the two storm the besieged Xavier School. Colossus, Wolverine, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Amanda Sefton and Professor Xavier are all captured, by the Hellfire Club and their hired goons. Imprisoned within the living room of the Mansion, they are surrounded. Storm walks in, dressed as the White Queen. The X-Men think she has betrayed them. Hellfire troopers grab Wolverine and take him to the Danger Room, where they begin beating him up. They want revenge for the beating they endured in #134.

We also learn that Sebastian Shaw and Emma Frost are lovers. UGH! To their horror, the X-Men learn that Wolverine has been killed!! Outside the Xavier estate, Stevie Hunter drives "Storm" and Kitty Pryde to the edge of the forest, and the two head into danger. However, Sebastian Shaw discovers Stevie and knocks her out! Storm, in Emma Frost's body, and Sprite make their way into the Mansion, via a hangar door. Sprite phases into the School, and finds a living Wolverine!! Logan says Amanda Sefton used her sorcerous powers to make the ILLUSION that Wolverine was dead. Kitty phases through the imprisoned X-Men, thus freeing from their shackles. The X-Men burst out and begin stomping on the unsuspecting Hellfire Club clan. Harry Leland is taken down, strangely Donald Pierce does not appear in this whole story.

Suddenly, Sebastian Shaw and "Storm" smash through a wall, and assault the X-Men. But Colossus grabs Shaw and uses a Fastball Special to throw him into the lake. Emma Frost tries to use Storm's powers, but she creates a crazy monsoon. Storm and Emma Frost embrace and Ororo uses the "Persona Exchange Module" gun, which switched their bodies. Ororo hits the gun, and both mutants return to their regular beautiful forms. Meanwhile, a lightning bolt smashes into Sebastian Shaw, and he goes down for the count. Ororo is absolutely enraged at this violation of her body, and is on the verge of killing Emma. Wolverine talks her out of it, reminding her Ororo stands for the good in life. Killing would be beneath her. Emma Frost says the X-Men have won, and without Sebastian the Inner Circle are without their leader. But she secretly swears to avenge this defeat, hoping the X-Men will be dead and damned.

My thoughts: Maybe not as good as the Dark Phoenix story, and not as long, but #151-152 is still a worthy successor to that classic. It's a shame this epic is not better known, it deserves more attention. This story works on so many levels. The Hellfire Club seeking revenge. The Sentinels rising from the lake. Ororo and Emma Frost switching bodies. The Hellfire goons getting revenge on Wolverine. And so on. Just an awesome two-issue adventure!!!
I loved this 2 part story! This story features two of my favorite characters (Sebastian Shaw and HFC Emma) and the Sentinels. I really enjoyed the McLeod art as well. His stuff here, and on the New Mutants was really solid, and some of my favorite art on this book until Paul Smith came on the title. To me, Cockrum was running a bit out of steam, and his art wasn't as dynamic as it used to be imo. He didn't wow me again until right around the time of the brood saga. Now that was some awesome art right there.

[xfire]

Man Cockrum was great too bad he's gone :frown:
I hope UXM 500 has some kind of tribute to him

[CJ Lentze]

Seems like they're softening Wolverine up, or muzzling him. It turned out that neither Leland, nor the goons actually died at Wolverine's hands. Wolverine granting Cole mercy this time around, and telling Storm to be better than he is, to stay her hand though she wants to kill the White Queen was great, adding to the development Logan'd gotten when he did the same for Snowbird, plus Nightcrawler's words to him in that same issue. Meanwhile, Storm has come close to her dark side multiple times recently. I also liked seeing Kitty save Emma Frost's body from burning. The character development in this story, of Kitty, Ororo, and Logan, overshadowed the villains' scheme.



I'd imagine that the bugging devices the Hellfire Club placed in the mansion have been removed by the X-Men. By now, they are aware they were being spied on; would have been sheer stupidity not to check the house for bugs.



Like worstblogever and chronicboredom, 'Kitty's Fairy Tale' is not one of my favourite issues. The story felt rushed, trying to fit in too many things. It explains a lot that they originally intended it to be double-sized; it would have looked better if they'd gone through with that.

But like wbe and chronic, I do understand, the necessity of a change of pace issue between all the Hectic Adventures (and I, too, appreciated the happy ending Jean and Scott got in Kitty's story). And the issue could be considered the cradle of Lockheed the Dragon as a concept. I also wonder if this is the first time that the Phoenix is presented as a "Phoenix Force", as a cosmic entity separate from Jean, as opposed to Phoenix simply being Jean Grey with her psionic abilities amped to the max? For a Rachel fan, I'm pretty hazy on the Phoenix, is why I'm asking.

Also think this is the first issue where Peter (and Illyana) calls Kitty 'Katya'. He called her 'my Katerina' when he was about to drown in issue 150.

[DDM]

I also wonder if this is the first time that the Phoenix is presented as a "Phoenix Force", as a cosmic entity separate from Jean, as opposed to Phoenix simply being Jean Grey with her psionic abilities amped to the max? For a Rachel fan, I'm pretty hazy on the Phoenix, is why I'm asking.

No. Chris Claremont mentions the Phoenix to be once a separate entity in Uncanny X-Men #108 when Phoenix saves the universe from the Neutron Galaxy. Jean also mentions the Phoenix is a being of energy as the heart of the M'Krann Crystal draws in all forms of energy--including Jean Grey as Phoenix.

[CJ Lentze]

No. Chris Claremont mentions the Phoenix to be once a separate entity in Uncanny X-Men #108 when Phoenix saves the universe from the Neutron Galaxy. Jean also mentions the Phoenix is a being of energy as the heart of the M'Krann Crystal draws in all forms of energy--including Jean Grey as Phoenix.I dunno, just re-read issue 108, and it seems that, even though Jean says that there's a connection between Phoenix and the M'Kraan Crystal, Claremont is pretty vague in his description of precisely how they're related. As for Phoenix being drawn in by the Neutron Galaxy, at that point it still could have been attributed to Jean being able to transcend her physical body; which is also what her mind did when she was consumed in the Space Shuttle's re-entry of the atmosphere. Phoenix' significance to the universe seems to be 'limited' to saving the universe and her friends from destruction with the support of those friends; nothing concrete is said about Jean/Phoenix being the guardian of the M'Kraan Crystal, and the words 'Phoenix Force' don't appear together on panel as far as I can discern or I missed something.

The distinction between Jean and Phoenix was Jean without or with godlike powers; the personality change simply appeared to be the corruption those powers caused because of humanity's innate desire for conquest/potential to do bad, next to potential for good. (Not saying that Jean would have lost that inner struggle in favour of her dark side, but I wasn't around when those issues were discussed in this thread).

The 'cosmic' aspect of Phoenix returns when the Shi'ar equate her with their Chaos Bringer of legend, but still no details or specifics are given.

[DDM]

I dunno, just re-read issue 108, and it seems that, even though Jean says that there's a connection between Phoenix and the M'Kraan Crystal, Claremont is pretty vague in his description of precisely how they're related. As for Phoenix being drawn in by the Neutron Galaxy, at that point it still could have been attributed to Jean being able to transcend her physical body; which is also what her mind did when she was consumed in the Space Shuttle's re-entry of the atmosphere. Phoenix' significance to the universe seems to be 'limited' to saving the universe and her friends from destruction with the support of those friends; nothing concrete is said about Jean/Phoenix being the guardian of the M'Kraan Crystal, and the words 'Phoenix Force' don't appear together on panel as far as I can discern or I missed something.

The distinction between Jean and Phoenix was Jean without or with godlike powers; the personality change simply appeared to be the corruption those powers caused because of humanity's innate desire for conquest/potential to do bad, next to potential for good. (Not saying that Jean would have lost that inner struggle in favour of her dark side, but I wasn't around when those issues were discussed in this thread).

The 'cosmic' aspect of Phoenix returns when the Shi'ar equate her with their Chaos Bringer of legend, but still no details or specifics are given.

Phoenix forms a connection with the M'Krann Crystal when she touches the sphere within the crystal; at this point, Phoenix & the M'Krann Crystal are linked. When Cyclops' optic beams shatter the sphere, Phoenix begins to lose her corporeal form. Only when she enters the heart of the crystal itself, the damage is temporarily stayed. However, Jean is manifested as a being of pure energy in the shape of a giant bird, the Phoenix Effect. Jean realizes that some kind of anti-energy is holding the Neutron Galaxy at bay, but the combination of the nine death stars in alignment with the destruction of the sphere will herald the end of the universe. Phoenix uses her connection with the M'Krann Crystal with her own vast powers to heal the lattice.

The Phoenix Force is the primal passion to create or destroy. Since its powers derive from the psyches of all living beings, its power source is near infinite in scope. When Jean became Phoenix--originally--Jean gave the Phoenix a form & expression of its powers through her as an eternal bird of fire. True, the Phoenix is sentient in & of itself, but not in any human terms the way we understand it. The Phoenix responded to Jean's mental cries for help & offered her salvation. Jean reluctantly took the Phoenix's offer only to save Scott, the X-Men, & Doctor Corbeau. However, once Jean became Phoenix, she started to enjoy using her new powers since it gave her a feeling of joy to use her new powers; as Phoenix, she developed & felt the primal passions through her new powers. Basically, it hit Jean like a drug. She never wanted these new powers, yet she did not like not possessing them once she had them.

As a result, her mind engaged a series of circuit breakers to keep her cosmic powers in check which basically chopped her powers back to Marvel Girl levels. Unfortunately, Mastermind & the Hellfire Club's psychic seduction destroyed Jean's circuit breakers as he released Jean's repressed dark side from its moral cage. Combined with the Phoenix's primal link to passion & the cosmic power Phoenix possesses, Jean could not repress her exposed dark side. Dark Phoenix is the result of these factors.

Dark Phoenix represented the Chaos-Bringer; however, she may not be the true Chaos-Bringer of Shi'ar legend.

The comics have less of a connection with Phoenix's connection to the M'Krann Crystal than the 1990's television series. In the comics, Jean & Phoenix are one; it's not about possession or clones. Phoenix is Jean Grey's ultimate expression as psi; likewise, Dark Phoenix is Jean Grey's ultimate expression of her dark side manifested.

The Phoenix's origin is made more clear in Classic X-Men #8.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.154.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #154

"Reunion"

1st appearance: Sidrian Hunters

#154 begins arguably the Granddaddy of all X-Men space epics!! It's the beginning of a long, exciting interstellar adventure as only X-MEN could bring it!! Our story begins...

Cyclops and Storm are having a handball game in the gymnasium of the Mansion. (I don't believe we've ever seen the gym before.) Ororo and Scott are wondering who should remain leader of the X-Men. Scott feels he's at a crossroads, and is not sure if he wants the leadership role again. Ororo is just recently feeling confidence in the role. The rest of the X-Men, Charles Xavier. Illyana Rasputin and Peter Corbeau are staying at the mysterious island discovered by Magneto in Uncanny X-Men #148-150. Xavier senses strong anti-mutant feelings in America right now, and maybe it's good for the X-Men to be outside the country at the moment. Plus, Magneto FOOLISHLY left his records at the computers of this island, and the X-Men now have access to Magneto's plans. Pretty bad move there, Magneto...

Blonde-haired Carol Danvers is also on this island, and she is confronted by Wolverine. Apparently, all of Carol's memories are lost. Taken away from her by an unnamed assailant. Carol Danvers is understandably irate and emotional over this loss. Meanwhile, above us all in outer space, the space pirate and Starjammers leader Corsair is piloting a spacecraft alone, headed for Earth. He is under attack by a Sh'iar Dreadnought. His ship comes barrelling into Earth's atmosphere, with Sh'iar laser beams following him. His ship careens over Charles Xavier's School (in a stunningly drawn panel) and crash-lands in the lake. Scott & Ororo are the only two people at the Mansion, and both dive into the lake and save Corsair from the wreck. Corsair is taken to the School unconscious, and when he awakens...Corsair announces he is Scott's father. Cyclops is outraged and disbelieving of the news.

But Scott has little time to ask questions, as the suddenly the Mansion is attacked by large, black "insect-like" creatures named Sidrian Hunters!! They look similiar to Black widow spiders, with red-rays that shoot out of their frontal eyes. Several of these things smash into the Mansion through windows, and Cyclops, Storm and Corsair begin fighting them. Storm creates a monsoon which sends the Sidrian Hunters crashing around, but it also destroys the furniture within the School! The 3 heroes fight them off, and then race to the underground hangar, where they take off in the Blackbird. Scott looks down to see the entire Mansion completely gutted and destroyed! Collapsed by hundreds of these Sidrian Hunters!! Scott laments how Charles Xavier loved the old place. It is now destroyed, and how it will break Charles' heart to see it like this.

Now begins a spectacular sequence where the hundreds of Sidrian Hunters "unite" and become a solid "aircraft"---like a living thing that can fly. With talons below, this bizarre living craft becomes airborne and flies after the Blackbird. A fantastic chase begins, with the Blackbird flying to New York City escaping death-rays shot from the thing. The alien craft is the size of a skyscraper! Cyclops pilots the Blackbird, swooping it through Manhattan streets and under bridges, trying to lose the alien space-ship!! Storm takes to the air and begins a lightning strike against it. Cyclops blasts it with his mutant optic blasts. Finally, the ship begins to "unravel" and the Sidrian Hunters are close to coming apart. The Blackbird smashes right into this alien ship, and it smashes apart and the Sidrian Hunters fall to the Earth. Right into an oil refinery. Corsair takes his blaster and shoots the fuel tanks....igniting the installation and completely destroying the Sidrian Hunters!! AWESOME!! As the Blackbird flies away, Cyclops demands an explanation on what the heck is going on. Corsair explains that a coup occured with the Sh'iar. Majestrix Lilandra has been captured, and the Starjammers were ambushed. Corsair fled the battle, to find the terrorists responsible for the coup. The trail lead to Earth.The Sh'iar are prepared to do anything to save Lilandra. Even destroy our Earth!

My thoughts: This was a sweat-inducing issue, with the highly memorable destruction of Charles Xavier's School ( a First!) and Corsair's revelation to Scott that he is his father. "I am your Father!" (What does THAT Remind me of??) But the best sequence was the awe-inspiring chase between the Blackbird and the Sidrian Hunters "ship". This looks like the start of another cosmic masterpiece.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.154.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #154

"Reunion"

1st appearance: Sidrian Hunters

#154 begins arguably the Granddaddy of all X-Men space epics!! It's the beginning of a long, exciting interstellar adventure as only X-MEN could bring it!! Our story begins...

Cyclops and Storm are having a handball game in the gymnasium of the Mansion. (I don't believe we've ever seen the gym before.) Ororo and Scott are wondering who should remain leader of the X-Men. Scott feels he's at a crossroads, and is not sure if he wants the leadership role again. Ororo is just recently feeling confidence in the role. The rest of the X-Men, Charles Xavier. Illyana Rasputin and Peter Corbeau are staying at the mysterious island discovered by Magneto in Uncanny X-Men #148-150. Xavier senses strong anti-mutant feelings in America right now, and maybe it's good for the X-Men to be outside the country at the moment. Plus, Magneto FOOLISHLY left his records at the computers of this island, and the X-Men now have access to Magneto's plans. Pretty bad move there, Magneto...

Blonde-haired Carol Danvers is also on this island, and she is confronted by Wolverine. Apparently, all of Carol's memories are lost. Taken away from her by an unnamed assailant. Carol Danvers is understandably irate and emotional over this loss. Meanwhile, above us all in outer space, the space pirate and Starjammers leader Corsair is piloting a spacecraft alone, headed for Earth. He is under attack by a Sh'iar Dreadnought. His ship comes barrelling into Earth's atmosphere, with Sh'iar laser beams following him. His ship careens over Charles Xavier's School (in a stunningly drawn panel) and crash-lands in the lake. Scott & Ororo are the only two people at the Mansion, and both dive into the lake and save Corsair from the wreck. Corsair is taken to the School unconscious, and when he awakens...Corsair announces he is Scott's father. Cyclops is outraged and disbelieving of the news.

But Scott has little time to ask questions, as the suddenly the Mansion is attacked by large, black "insect-like" creatures named Sidrian Hunters!! They look similiar to Black widow spiders, with red-rays that shoot out of their frontal eyes. Several of these things smash into the Mansion through windows, and Cyclops, Storm and Corsair begin fighting them. Storm creates a monsoon which sends the Sidrian Hunters crashing around, but it also destroys the furniture within the School! The 3 heroes fight them off, and then race to the underground hangar, where they take off in the Blackbird. Scott looks down to see the entire Mansion completely gutted and destroyed! Collapsed by hundreds of these Sidrian Hunters!! Scott laments how Charles Xavier loved the old place. It is now destroyed, and how it will break Charles' heart to see it like this.

Now begins a spectacular sequence where the hundreds of Sidrian Hunters "unite" and become a solid "aircraft"---like a living thing that can fly. With talons below, this bizarre living craft becomes airborne and flies after the Blackbird. A fantastic chase begins, with the Blackbird flying to New York City escaping death-rays shot from the thing. The alien craft is the size of a skyscraper! Cyclops pilots the Blackbird, swooping it through Manhattan streets and under bridges, trying to lose the alien space-ship!! Storm takes to the air and begins a lightning strike against it. Cyclops blasts it with his mutant optic blasts. Finally, the ship begins to "unravel" and the Sidrian Hunters are close to coming apart. The Blackbird smashes right into this alien ship, and it smashes apart and the Sidrian Hunters fall to the Earth. Right into an oil refinery. Corsair takes his blaster and shoots the fuel tanks....igniting the installation and completely destroying the Sidrian Hunters!! AWESOME!! As the Blackbird flies away, Cyclops demands an explanation on what the heck is going on. Corsair explains that a coup occured with the Sh'iar. Majestrix Lilandra has been captured, and the Starjammers were ambushed. Corsair fled the battle, to find the terrorists responsible for the coup. The trail lead to Earth.The Sh'iar are prepared to do anything to save Lilandra. Even destroy our Earth!

My thoughts: This was a sweat-inducing issue, with the highly memorable destruction of Charles Xavier's School ( a First!) and Corsair's revelation to Scott that he is his father. "I am your Father!" (What does THAT Remind me of??) But the best sequence was the awe-inspiring chase between the Blackbird and the Sidrian Hunters "ship". This looks like the start of another cosmic masterpiece.

After the number of times the school has been destroyed... it's amazing to see that the first time it ever happened was because Cyclops and Corsair had a moment worthy of the Maury Povich "You are/aren't the father!" segments.

Kind of sad that the Sidrian Hunters never got a lot of play after this. I'd like to see them used by Vulcan in the modern day, or see how they'd fare against some of the players in Annihilation. Those buggers were really kind of cool.

Foreshadowing on the conflict over leadership of the team between Cyke and Ororo, too. And even more foreshadowing that we can see a certain skunk-haired mutant by the name of... well, that would be telling. Still, between Storm and Cyclops thoughts this issue, and Logan's interactions with Ms. Marvel, we're really starting to see that Claremont often starts his plot hooks months in advance (if not usually much longer). Makes you wonder how many ideas he never expanded on...

[Jimmy Starburst]

After the number of times the school has been destroyed... it's amazing to see that the first time it ever happened

exactly.

Foreshadowing on the conflict over leadership of the team between Cyke and Ororo, too. And even more foreshadowing that we can see a certain skunk-haired mutant by the name of... well, that would be telling. Still, between Storm and Cyclops thoughts this issue, and Logan's interactions with Ms. Marvel, we're really starting to see that Claremont often starts his plot hooks months in advance (if not usually much longer). Makes you wonder how many ideas he never expanded on...

exactly.


sorry guys, as you can see i'm not feeling to eloquent today!

[david r]

Kind of sad that the Sidrian Hunters never got a lot of play after this. I'd like to see them used by Vulcan in the modern day, or see how they'd fare against some of the players in Annihilation. Those buggers were really kind of cool.

I agree, the Sidrian Hunters were cool. And rather ominous, with their spider-like appearance. I'm surprised Chris Claremont never used them again.

Still, between Storm and Cyclops thoughts this issue, and Logan's interactions with Ms. Marvel, we're really starting to see that Claremont often starts his plot hooks months in advance (if not usually much longer). Makes you wonder how many ideas he never expanded on...

Are you being humorous? Claremont became legendary for his abandoned plots, though seeing some longterm plots actually come to a fruition is like drinking fine wine.

[DDM]

I agree, the Sidrian Hunters were cool. And rather ominous, with their spider-like appearance. I'm surprised Chris Claremont never used them again.

Claremont did use the Sidri again in Uncanny X-Men #168 after the X-Men return from space & rebuilt the mansion; however, the previous Sidri left some eggs that hatched. Kitty faced them only to be stunned by their beams; she was saved by Lockheed, the alien dragon, who consumed them as a meal.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.155.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #155

"First Blood"

1st appearance: the Brood
1st X-MEN appearance: Deathbird

Rambo doesn't appear here, the title notwithstanding. However, the grotesque and pure-evil Brood make their debut. And that twisted sister Deathbird punches her first X-Men in this issue. It's another fantastic chapter in this cool sci-fi epic.

Cyclops, Storm and Corsair are flying along in the Blackbird. Cyclops & Corsair are having a heated discussion, Scott enraged to learn Corsair is his father. Yet Corsair never returned to Earth to check in on Scott or Alex. Scott is even more outraged to learn that Storm and Jean Grey knew the little secret all along. Suddenly, the entire Blackbird, and the other X-Men, are teleported to a Sh'iar Dreadnought ship. Lord Chancellor Araki informs them that Empress Lilandra has been kidnapped, and she has been taken to Earth. Somehow, Araki's beard has turned from grey to purple.

Charles Xavier buys Earth time, gaining the X-Men 24 hours to search Earth for the imprisoned Lilandra. Otherwise, the Sh'iar will search Earth "their way"! Following the X-Men finding their Mansion in ruin, the mutants head to Avengers Mansion, where they find only Tigra in attendance. Meanwhile, Corsair and Storm are walking along a Manhattan street, when they are blasted by the scaly, lizard-like Brood. It is a "Psi-Scream", which renders Corsair and Ororo in a state of agonizing hallucinations. Deathbird, dressed in purple and with wings, swoops down from the building and slams into them. Luckily, the X-Men are on the scene.

What follows is a great battle scene, with Wolverine fighting the Brood. A Deathbird laser hits poor Colossus, and the acid burns his metal chest. Corsair & the X-Men shoot-em-up with the Brood, though not even Corsair knows who these uglies are...or where they came from! In the finale, Charles Xavier is kidnapped by Lilandra. They both blast off in a huge space-craft. And the X-Men find Peter Rasputin stabbed through the chest by a spear. It appears Colossus is dead...!!

My thoughts: Another slambang awesome action-packed extravaganza of X-Men proportions. So far I'd say this story is just as intricately plotted as the Dark Phoenix Saga was. Dave Cockrum's artwork is quite good, though still somewhat "cartoonish", coming after John Byrne's more modern style. Chris Claremont is hitting all the right marks. I like Scott Summers dealing with the reality that Corsair is his father. This story so far has the earmarks of another cosmic classic!!

[worstblogever]

Are you being humorous? Claremont became legendary for his abandoned plots, though seeing some longterm plots actually come to a fruition is like drinking fine wine.

I think I was being somewhat facetious, yes. Somewhat not. I mean, how many stray ideas never came about on-panel? I mean, other than ones he didn't get to finish himself, too... *cough* third summers brother*cough*

[CJ Lentze]

Phoenix forms a connection with the M'Krann Crystal when she touches the sphere within the crystal; at this point, Phoenix & the M'Krann Crystal are linked. When Cyclops' optic beams shatter the sphere, Phoenix begins to lose her corporeal form. Only when she enters the heart of the crystal itself, the damage is temporarily stayed. However, Jean is manifested as a being of pure energy in the shape of a giant bird, the Phoenix Effect. Jean realizes that some kind of anti-energy is holding the Neutron Galaxy at bay, but the combination of the nine death stars in alignment with the destruction of the sphere will herald the end of the universe. Phoenix uses her connection with the M'Krann Crystal with her own vast powers to heal the lattice.

The Phoenix Force is the primal passion to create or destroy. Since its powers derive from the psyches of all living beings, its power source is near infinite in scope. When Jean became Phoenix--originally--Jean gave the Phoenix a form & expression of its powers through her as an eternal bird of fire. True, the Phoenix is sentient in & of itself, but not in any human terms the way we understand it. The Phoenix responded to Jean's mental cries for help & offered her salvation. Jean reluctantly took the Phoenix's offer only to save Scott, the X-Men, & Doctor Corbeau. However, once Jean became Phoenix, she started to enjoy using her new powers since it gave her a feeling of joy to use her new powers; as Phoenix, she developed & felt the primal passions through her new powers. Basically, it hit Jean like a drug. She never wanted these new powers, yet she did not like not possessing them once she had them.

(...)

The comics have less of a connection with Phoenix's connection to the M'Krann Crystal than the 1990's television series. In the comics, Jean & Phoenix are one; it's not about possession or clones.Oy-yoy... I think the animated series may have coloured my interpretation of the comics.

Most of this information is "new", though. Classic X-Men wouldn't appear until '86. But thanks anyway, D.


Issue 155: Deathbird is a great villain, as is Mystique. The supervillainesses Claremont introduces are quite a departure from the meek 'token' villainesses of the sixties, like the Scarlet Witch in the beginning and Lorelei (sorry, Nyss!). Deathbird actually has a sense of honour, which was also shown in the Ms. Marvel series (yes, I got the Essential), and she's reluctant to be sneaky; she'd rather face her foes in honourable combat.

There's some good foreshadowing of how Colossus gets the chest wound we see on the cover; his chest is targeted three times: first he takes a rocket for Xavier, then he is hit with the acid, and finally he's stabbed with a javelin.

The launch of Deathbird's vessel near the end was well drawn by Cockrum. This storyline is chockful of the spectacular, and to me, it's proof that X-Men in space CAN work.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.155.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #155

"First Blood"

1st appearance: the Brood
1st X-MEN appearance: Deathbird

Rambo doesn't appear here, the title notwithstanding. However, the grotesque and pure-evil Brood make their debut. And that twisted sister Deathbird punches her first X-Men in this issue. It's another fantastic chapter in this cool sci-fi epic.

Cyclops, Storm and Corsair are flying along in the Blackbird. Cyclops & Corsair are having a heated discussion, Scott enraged to learn Corsair is his father. Yet Corsair never returned to Earth to check in on Scott or Alex. Scott is even more outraged to learn that Storm and Jean Grey knew the little secret all along. Suddenly, the entire Blackbird, and the other X-Men, are teleported to a Sh'iar Dreadnought ship. Lord Chancellor Araki informs them that Empress Lilandra has been kidnapped, and she has been taken to Earth. Somehow, Araki's beard has turned from grey to purple.

Charles Xavier buys Earth time, gaining the X-Men 24 hours to search Earth for the imprisoned Lilandra. Otherwise, the Sh'iar will search Earth "their way"! Following the X-Men finding their Mansion in ruin, the mutants head to Avengers Mansion, where they find only Tigra in attendance. Meanwhile, Corsair and Storm are walking along a Manhattan street, when they are blasted by the scaly, lizard-like Brood. It is a "Psi-Scream", which renders Corsair and Ororo in a state of agonizing hallucinations. Deathbird, dressed in purple and with wings, swoops down from the building and slams into them. Luckily, the X-Men are on the scene.

What follows is a great battle scene, with Wolverine fighting the Brood. A Deathbird laser hits poor Colossus, and the acid burns his metal chest. Corsair & the X-Men shoot-em-up with the Brood, though not even Corsair knows who these uglies are...or where they came from! In the finale, Charles Xavier is kidnapped by Lilandra. They both blast off in a huge space-craft. And the X-Men find Peter Rasputin stabbed through the chest by a spear. It appears Colossus is dead...!!

My thoughts: Another slambang awesome action-packed extravaganza of X-Men proportions. So far I'd say this story is just as intricately plotted as the Dark Phoenix Saga was. Dave Cockrum's artwork is quite good, though still somewhat "cartoonish", coming after John Byrne's more modern style. Chris Claremont is hitting all the right marks. I like Scott Summers dealing with the reality that Corsair is his father. This story so far has the earmarks of another cosmic classic!!

I'm a little put out, honestly, that villains as great as the Brood just come out of nowhere without any explanation, and make the "Corsair paternity suit" storyline even weirder. Mix that in with Deathbird appearing and just opening fire, and you have to wonder if there's just too much going on in this issue, and at the same time, too little.

Sure, there's action, but what does any of it mean? Great fight sequences, and Colossus in danger, but the motivation is a little "meh" for the terrestrial X-Men, outside of Cyclops & father, and Xavier & Lilandra.

[CJ Lentze]

I'm a little put out, honestly, that villains as great as the Brood just come out of nowhere without any explanation, and make the "Corsair paternity suit" storyline even weirder. Mix that in with Deathbird appearing and just opening fire, and you have to wonder if there's just too much going on in this issue, and at the same time, too little.

Sure, there's action, but what does any of it mean? Great fight sequences, and Colossus in danger, but the motivation is a little "meh" for the terrestrial X-Men, outside of Cyclops & father, and Xavier & Lilandra.Never looked at it that way. Me, I'm always happy when they cram as much into a comic as possible without it feeling too compressed (or more importantly, too rushed). I like the mystery of what the Brood's and Deathbird's interest/role could be in this intrigue, and the fact that Corsair hasn't a clue where in the universe the Brood could be from. But different comics press different buttons on different readers, and all.

Wolverine seems to agree with you, though, with his comment 'What's all this have to do with us?' :biggrin:

[DDM]

Oy-yoy... I think the animated series may have coloured my interpretation of the comics.

Most of this information is "new", though. Classic X-Men wouldn't appear until '86. But thanks anyway, D.

Classic X-Men #15 is published in 1987; however, it does not change the story from the original, Uncanny X-Men #108. Classic X-Men #15 shows the Tree of Life & Phoenix encounters her dark side, Dark Phoenix before leaving the M'Krann Crystal. The story remains the same.

Dark Phoenix was looking for the M'Krann Crystal when she entered the Shi'ar Galaxy; she was looking for the ultimate high as she previously experienced saving the universe as the benevolent Phoenix in Uncanny X-Men #108. Despite Dark Phoenix's growing powers, she could not find the World even after she consumed D'Bari's star & destroyed a Shi'ar star cruiser.

[david r]

The launch of Deathbird's vessel near the end was well drawn by Cockrum.

It certainly was. Though how the X-Men survive the collapsing building infrastructure would have been nice. I don't see how they could make it alive.

This storyline is chockful of the spectacular, and to me, it's proof that X-Men in space CAN work.

Oh, anyone who think X-Men don't WORK in a space story haven't read Uncanny X-Men #154-166.

The Brood come out of nowhere, but that's part of the mystery. We don't know where they came from. I like that air of the unknown which surrounds them, and the fact not even the Starjammers have ever seen these creatures before.

Worstblogever, what motivation do the terrestrial X-Men need? They have 24 hours to find Lilandra...or Earth is toast. I'd say that would charge the X-Men with a sense of urgency, and fuels this epic.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.156.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #156

"Pursuit"

1st appearance: Sikorsky, the Acanti

Another mind-blowing installment in this outer-space epic, brought to you by the stellar team of Claremont/Cockrum. The cover says it all: Enter-- the Starjammers! That feisty team of pirates gets a lot of showtime in #156, and I liked it! A classic Dave Cockrum cover, as well.

As Cyclops cradles Colossus' dying body in his arms, the massively HUGE Starjammer ship appears hovering over all of Manhattan!! It's another awe-inspiring moment in an issue filled with them. Wolverine, Storm, Corsair, Cyclops and Colossus are transported aboard the Starjammers. Where a happy reunion occurs between Corsair and his merry band of space-adventurers. Peter Rasputin is rushed to a medical lab, where a weird robotic "bug" like creature, named Sikorsky, begins to work healing him. Meanwhile, aboard Deathbird's fleeing ship, Charles Xavier and Lilandra are reunited, and embrace as the lovers they are. However, they are trapped in a cell, and Deathbird ruins the romantic pair. Deathbird is the older sister to Lilandra, we learn. And she covets the title of "Empress". Deathbird was first-born and deserves the crown, not Lilandra.

As Corsair and Cyclops bond, the Starjammer ship has caught up with Deathbird's vessel, and is overtaking it. But suddenly, behind them both---a huge, monstrous ship appears, in the unbelievable shape of what can only be described as a fish-creature! Large cities appear on the "ship-creatures" outer body. It's unspeakably huge mouth is open and both the Starjammer and Deathbird's ships are swallowed into the belly of the beast!! The evil, twisted Brood control this vessel, and the X-Men and Starjammers break-out of their craft and begin beating the living hell out of the vile Brood. Colossus emerges wholly healed from his wounds, and enters the fray. Meanwhile, Colossus and Corsair sneak aboard Deathbird's ship, and locate the imprisoned Charles Xavier and Lilandra. Zero gravity happens, and this enables Charles Xavier to float in air......and start punching out those nasty Brood bruisers!! Give 'em hell, Charley!!

In the end, they rescue Xavier and Lilandra, and the Starjammer ship smashes through the "skin" of this alien ship. The Starjammer computer, named "Waldo", says this giant "fish-ship" is indeed alive. Controlled by the Brood, it's higher brain functions have been destroyed by the Brood. However, Waldo now informs the heroes they cannot make it back to Earth in time to save it. Lilandra is freed.....but the Shi'ar will begin destroying Earth and they have NO WAY TO MAKE IT BACK TO EARTH IN TIME!!

My thoughts: Another great chapter in this space saga; I loved seeing more of the Starjammers. There may be a lot of stuff happening in these issues, but that's what makes it an epic. A typical "comic book" story this ain't! The two-page shot of the massive fish-vessel was another memorable moment, and it seems the creative team are trying to do their own "Star Wars". I'd have to say I'm enjoying it quite a bit so far.

[Dagger]

This is probably my favorite X-Men space saga, even eclipsing the Dark Phoenix saga. Maybe because it has Kitty in it(who's one of my favorite x-men) or left with an ending that introduced everyone to Karma(favoriteest!!!) but I'm just loving this story. I was kinda relieved that after this story was over the X-Men tried to keep it less space-epic, and more down to earth and handle the politics of being a mutant in a world that hates and fears mutants.

[Joe Acro]

It's Sikorksy!

What's not to like?

[DDM]

We don't have to know where the Brood comes from; it does add to their mystery. I don't think they are native to the Shi'ar Galaxy, although their homeworld is located somewhere in the vicinity (turned from a lifeless planet ages ago by the Brood's ancestors). Uncanny X-Men #154-157 seems to be a prologue for Uncanny X-Men #161-167 when the Brood take Lilandra, the X-Men, & Carol Danvers as "payment" for helping Deathbird's coup de'tat against her sister.

The Brood could be from a whole separate dimension who seek absolute rule in conquering planets.

[worstblogever]

It certainly was. Though how the X-Men survive the collapsing building infrastructure would have been nice. I don't see how they could make it alive.



Oh, anyone who think X-Men don't WORK in a space story haven't read Uncanny X-Men #154-166.

The Brood come out of nowhere, but that's part of the mystery. We don't know where they came from. I like that air of the unknown which surrounds them, and the fact not even the Starjammers have ever seen these creatures before.

Worstblogever, what motivation do the terrestrial X-Men need? They have 24 hours to find Lilandra...or Earth is toast. I'd say that would charge the X-Men with a sense of urgency, and fuels this epic.

Up until this point, they just seemed to be hip deep in it. Then again, that's the average day.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.156.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #156

"Pursuit"

1st appearance: Sikorsky

Another mind-blowing installment in this outer-space epic, brought to you by the stellar team of Claremont/Cockrum. The cover says it all: Enter-- the Starjammers! That feisty team of pirates gets a lot of showtime in #156, and I liked it! A classic Dave Cockrum cover, as well.

As Cyclops cradles Colossus' dying body in his arms, the massively HUGE Starjammer ship appears hovering over all of Manhattan!! It's another awe-inspiring moment in an issue filled with them. Wolverine, Storm, Corsair, Cyclops and Colossus are transported aboard the Starjammers. Where a happy reunion occurs between Corsair and his merry band of space-adventurers. Peter Rasputin is rushed to a medical lab, where a weird robotic "bug" like creature, named Sikorsky, begins to work healing him. Meanwhile, aboard Deathbird's fleeing ship, Charles Xavier and Lilandra are reunited, and embrace as the lovers they are. However, they are trapped in a cell, and Deathbird ruins the romantic pair. Deathbird is the older sister to Lilandra, we learn. And she covets the title of "Empress". Deathbird was first-born and deserves the crown, not Lilandra.

As Corsair and Cyclops bond, the Starjammer ship has caught up with Deathbird's vessel, and is overtaking it. But suddenly, behind them both---a huge, monstrous ship appears, in the unbelievable shape of what can only be described as a fish-creature! Large cities appear on the "ship-creatures" outer body. It's unspeakably huge mouth is open and both the Starjammer and Deathbird's ships are swallowed into the belly of the beast!! The evil, twisted Brood control this vessel, and the X-Men and Starjammers break-out of their craft and begin beating the living hell out of the vile Brood. Colossus emerges wholly healed from his wounds, and enters the fray. Meanwhile, Colossus and Corsair sneak aboard Deathbird's ship, and locate the imprisoned Charles Xavier and Lilandra. Zero gravity happens, and this enables Charles Xavier to float in air......and start punching out those nasty Brood bruisers!! Give 'em hell, Charley!!

In the end, they rescue Xavier and Lilandra, and the Starjammer ship smashes through the "skin" of this alien ship. The Starjammer computer, named "Waldo", says this giant "fish-ship" is indeed alive. Controlled by the Brood, it's higher brain functions have been destroyed by the Brood. However, Waldo now informs the heroes they cannot make it back to Earth in time to save it. Lilandra is freed.....but the Shi'ar will begin destroying Earth and they have NO WAY TO MAKE IT BACK TO EARTH IN TIME!!

My thoughts: Another great chapter in this space saga; I loved seeing more of the Starjammers. There may be a lot of stuff happening in these issues, but that's what makes it an epic. A typical "comic book" story this ain't! The two-page shot of the massive fish-vessel was another memorable moment, and it seems the creative team are trying to do their own "Star Wars". I'd have to say I'm enjoying it quite a bit so far.

As amazing as this saga is, I could also imagine it as an insane Terry Pratchett novel. I mean, the Brood's ship is a giant, lobotomized, interstellar fish. Tell me there's not any humor in that.

Other than that... "Waldo?" The Shi'ar named their ship after a constantly lost guy in a striped hat and sweater? Alright, then.

[DDM]

As amazing as this saga is, I could also imagine it as an insane Terry Pratchett novel. I mean, the Brood's ship is a giant, lobotomized, interstellar fish. Tell me there's not any humor in that.

Other than that... "Waldo?" The Shi'ar named their ship after a constantly lost guy in a striped hat and sweater? Alright, then.

Waldo, the Starjammer's ship, is first named in Uncanny X-Men #108; it catches Wolverine when one of the M'Krann guardians, Jamf, punches him into the World's orbit (Wolverine would have died from the punch alone if not for his healing factor). I believe their ship or the computer seems to be sentient in some way.

The Starjammers are outlaws composed of various races the Shi'ar had conquered save for the Shi'ar cyborg, Raza.

[david r]

In some ways this space adventure eclipses Dark Phoenix. For pure emotional punch, DPS is better. But a lot of that story took place on Earth, whereas this current one really feels like a true outer space romp. I have never actually read all these issues before, and I am extremely impressed by the action and serious tone. It is jam-packed with material and very worth your money. Or 60 cents back in 1982!

-How did Deathbird stab Colossus with that javelin? In #155? Peter appeared to still be in armored form?

-I adore the new box in the top left corner of the covers. Dave Cockrum has the team in a cool action-shot, running towards the fight! It has a better look than just the X-Men's faces.

-I liked how Charles Xavier leapt into action in #156. With the zero gravity he was able to take part physically. I recall John Byrne saying that Chris Claremont had wanted Xavier to get more physically active in the stories (Byrne resisted this.) It seems with #156 that Claremont is gaining his wish.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.157.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #157

"Hide-'n'-Seek

All I can really say is "WOW!" This outer space story was fantastic. #157 spotlights Kitty Pryde and Nightcrawler, as they are imprisoned on the main Shi'ar Dreadnought ship. They escape and save the day. Shi'ar Chancellor Araki is regrettably killed in the course of this tale. Deathbird has an ally in Admiral Samedar , who murders Araki and plans to destroy the Earth....no matter what!!

The rest of the X-Men are trapped near Pluto, frantically attempting to repair the Starjammer ship,so they can make it back home and save Earth. The Starjammers are helping out the best they can. I like how Cyclops and Corsair work in tandem together, and Scott's angry feelings towards Corsair are gone. They are son & father now. Wolverine is shot into space by a blast on the surface of the Starjammer vessel, his space-suit the only thing keeping him alive. But Hepzibah saves him. Colossus over-exerts himself and Peter collapses from exhaustion...his wounds bleeding again. Sikorsky is brought in to medically save poor young Rasputin.

The highlight of this classic issue is when Sprite phases aboard the Shi'ar bridge, with Imperial Guard and Admiral Samedar ready to destroy Earth. Kitty uses a "costumer", to change her appearance. She becomes the "Dark Phoenix" of the cover---ordering the Shi'ar that if they attack Earth...Dark Phoenix will annhiliate them!! The whole bridge is in awe and terror!!! Kitty then phases out the room! Samedar is not frightened, and orders the assault to commence on Earth. A laser-shot is sent towards San Francisco, which will destroy it and much of the American west coast, when the Starjammer ship arrives and takes the brunt of the blast itself. Empress Lilandra's hologram appears on every Shi'ar ship, and orders the invasion stopped. Lilandra orders Admiral Samedar arrested! The X-Men have saved the day...and Earth!! But unhappily, we learn in the final page, that Professor Xavier is deathly ill. His brain is shut down, and something terrible has happened to him. He may be a permanent vegetable!! Oh no!

My thoughts: This four-parter was just great stuff; I'd say the best long-term arc since Dark Phoenix Saga, and maybe rivaling that in some ways. It has some remarkable cliffhangers and a whole lot of action and story content. You really can't ask for more from an X-Men space saga. And the best part...it's not over yet!!!

[david r]

An early Jack Kirby rendition of the Beast:

http://www.ingusmat.com/uploaded_images/silveragebeast_10-12-07-760455.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/artofjohnbyrne/images/aojb_wolvhell.jpg

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/normal_632.jpg


http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/467.jpg

[CJ Lentze]

Other than that... "Waldo?" The Shi'ar named their ship after a constantly lost guy in a striped hat and sweater? Alright, then.Waldo, the Starjammer's ship, is first named in Uncanny X-Men #108; it catches Wolverine when one of the M'Krann guardians, Jamf, punches him into the World's orbit (Wolverine would have died from the punch alone if not for his healing factor). I believe their ship or the computer seems to be sentient in some way.

The Starjammers are outlaws composed of various races the Shi'ar had conquered save for the Shi'ar cyborg, Raza.The Marvel Directory, outdated though it may be, says that Waldo is named after a character in a Robert A. Heinlein story by the same name. I never read it, but I'm guessing the computer is called 'Waldo' because he -a single robot- controls the entire Starjammer hulk with the aid of devices; and Heinlein's Waldo -suffering from a muscular disease- apparently had to rely on mechanical devices of his own invention to get things done. I don't think Waldo is 'spread' throughout the ship like the computer in Star Trek. Waldo is the computer, and the Starjammers' ship is called 'Starjammer'.



I love the sense of awe this story inspires, not only in the reader, but in the characters themselves; for instance when Kitty and Kurt watch a sunrise in outer space, or when Logan and Peter do some stargazing while working to repair the Starjammer. My favourite part is when the Starjammer -which is already enormous- is snuck upon by the Brood's gargantuan whale vessel, and swallowed whole. A phenomenal two-page image, that was. For all that, I still prefer the Dark Phoenix Saga.

[david r]

Oh my god, this one is funny!

http://www.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_2044/subcat_13699/Cockrumnewartist.JPG

[Diablito]

Is it weird that I consider Lilandra a member of the X-Men? She seemed like it back then...

[DDM]

Oh my god, this one is funny!

http://www.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_2044/subcat_13699/Cockrumnewartist.JPG

Well, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, & Chris Claremont all had similar hair styles & all had beards & mustaches then, but it was the 1970's & alot of the men had beards, mustaches, & long hair...:tongue:

Dave had a wicked sense of humor.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.157.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #157

"Hide-'n'-Seek

All I can really say is "WOW!" This outer space story was fantastic. #157 spotlights Kitty Pryde and Nightcrawler, as they are imprisoned on the main Shi'ar Dreadnought ship. They escape and save the day. Shi'ar Chancellor Araki is regrettably killed in the course of this tale. Deathbird has an ally in Admiral Samedar , who murders Araki and plans to destroy the Earth....no matter what!!

The rest of the X-Men are trapped near Pluto, frantically attempting to repair the Starjammer ship,so they can make it back home and save Earth. The Starjammers are helping out the best they can. I like how Cyclops and Corsair work in tandem together, and Scott's angry feelings towards Corsair are gone. They are son & father now. Wolverine is shot into space by a blast on the surface of the Starjammer vessel, his space-suit the only thing keeping him alive. But Hepzibah saves him. Colossus over-exerts himself and Peter collapses from exhaustion...his wounds bleeding again. Sikorsky is brought in to medically save poor young Rasputin.

The highlight of this classic issue is when Sprite phases aboard the Shi'ar bridge, with Imperial Guard and Admiral Samedar ready to destroy Earth. Kitty uses a "costumer", to change her appearance. She becomes the "Dark Phoenix" of the cover---ordering the Shi'ar that if they attack Earth...Dark Phoenix will annhiliate them!! The whole bridge is in awe and terror!!! Kitty then phases out the room! Samedar is not frightened, and orders the assault to commence on Earth. A laser-shot is sent towards San Francisco, which will destroy it and much of the American west coast, when the Starjammer ship arrives and takes the brunt of the blast itself. Empress Lilandra's hologram appears on every Shi'ar ship, and orders the invasion stopped. Lilandra orders Admiral Samedar arrested! The X-Men have saved the day...and Earth!! But unhappily, we learn in the final page, that Professor Xavier is deathly ill. His brain is shut down, and something terrible has happened to him. He may be a permanent vegetable!! Oh no!

My thoughts: This four-parter was just great stuff; I'd say the best long-term arc since Dark Phoenix Saga, and maybe rivaling that in some ways. It has some remarkable cliffhangers and a whole lot of action and story content. You really can't ask for more from an X-Men space saga. And the best part...it's not over yet!!!

Comic Book historians note this is another classic Kitty Pryde "Mary Sue" moment. Her last one being the guilt trip to stop Magneto in Uncanny #150.

Although, imagine the number of readers that saw this cover and went, "OMG! JEAN'S BACK!" and then read the issue and were like... "son of a... I should've known better..." :biggrin:

[david r]

Well, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, & Chris Claremont all had similar hair styles & all had beards & mustaches then, but it was the 1970's & alot of the men had beards, mustaches, & long hair...:tongue:

Dave had a wicked sense of humor.

Indeed he did. I especially like what Cyclops is saying. :wink:

WBE, I agree probably many fans were disappointed that the real Dark Phoenix did not show up in #157. They seem to hint to her return several times during these years. Recall the cover to Uncanny X-Men #175.

Another point that makes little sense in #157 is when the Shi'ar ship fires upon the Earth, the ray is strong enough to destroy San Francisco and disrupt all of California. Yet when the Starjammer ship intercepts it, it would SURELY have destroyed the Starjammer....if it was strong enough to destroy hundreds of miles of land in California. But the Starjammer escapes unscathed.

I also liked Kitty's "Peter Pan" costume in #157...:tongue:

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.158.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #158

"The Life That Late I Led"

1st X-MEN appearance: Rogue

X-MEN FROM THE BEGINNING continues, as another important debut happens in #158. Everyone's favorite southern X-Men female makes her Uncanny X-Men bow---say hello sugah--to ROGUE!!

The team and the Starjammers are recuperating on that mysterious Caribbean island, once the home to Magneto. After their remarkable victory against Deathbird and the Brood, the X-Men need a rest. Unfortunately, on everyone's mind is the welfare of their founder, Charles Xavier, who is in a coma. The Imperial Guard member Oracle attempts a mental contact with Xavier, but she is shocked to learn some evil has possessed a part of Xavier's essence. In fact, it's so serious that Charles tries to seize control of Oracle's powers to commit suicide!! The X-Men stop this act, only to be confronted by Senator Robert Kelly on the television. He is once again announcing that mutants are a threat to human kind, and must be done away with. The X-Men decide to erase the government files on them, especially the Original X-Men, by Fred Duncan and the FBI.

Utilizing the government connections of the ex-Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers, Carol, Storm and Wolverine enter the Pentagon to find a gov't computer and erase their file information. It is odd seeing Wolverine in a military uniform and hat. Certainly defangs him. The 3 make it inside the Pentagon, only to run into Rogue!! Young Rogue is a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants at this time, and she immediatley recognizes them and attacks!! Rogue sucks the "essence" from both Logan and Ororo in the battle...but the real emotion here is between Rogue and Carol Danvers. Rogue has, using her mutant powers, taken the powers and memories of Carol Danvers. Carol remembers nothing of her past, and can no longer function as Ms. Marvel. This all happened in Avengers Annual #10.

A wild scuffle occurs within the Pentagon walls, and Mystique takes part in the mix. Assuming the forms of Sgt. Fury and Storm to stop Carol Danvers. But ultimately, Mystique is captured by the Army, and Carol Danvers succesfully erases both her and the X-Men's files from all government contacts and computers. Rogue herself is carried away from the building by a tornado created by Storm.

My thoughts: Rogue is certainly a villain in this piece. She also seems a bit older than our current version. She also doesn't have her trademark "skunk hair", and has more white sideburns or something in her hair, kind of similiar to Wolverine's interesting hair. Overall, I liked the idea of the X-Men trying to hide their identity from the United States government, just as anti-mutant hysteria is growing. #158 wasn't as good as the last few classic issues, but still a fun punch-em-up in the Pentagon.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.158.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #158

"The Life That Late I Led"

1st X-MEN appearance: Rogue

X-MEN FROM THE BEGINNING continues, as another important debut happens in #158. Everyone's favorite southern X-Men female makes her Uncanny X-Men bow---say hello sugah--to ROGUE!!

The team and the Starjammers are recuperating on that mysterious Caribbean island, once the home to Magneto. After their remarkable victory against Deathbird and the Brood, the X-Men need a rest. Unfortunately, on everyone's mind is the welfare of their founder, Charles Xavier, who is in a coma. The Imperial Guard member Oracle attempts a mental contact with Xavier, but she is shocked to learn some evil has possessed a part of Xavier's essence. In fact, it's so serious that Charles tries to seize control of Oracle's powers to commit suicide!! The X-Men stop this act, only to be confronted by Senator Robert Kelly on the television. He is once again announcing that mutants are a threat to human kind, and must be done away with. The X-Men decide to erase the government files on them, especially the Original X-Men, by Fred Duncan and the FBI.

Utilizing the government connections of the ex-Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers, Carol, Storm and Wolverine enter the Pentagon to find a gov't computer and erase their file information. It is odd seeing Wolverine in a military uniform and hat. Certainly defangs him. The 3 make it inside the Pentagon, only to run into Rogue!! Young Rogue is a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants at this time, and she immediatley recognizes them and attacks!! Rogue sucks the "essence" from both Logan and Ororo in the battle...but the real emotion here is between Rogue and Carol Danvers. Rogue has, using her mutant powers, taken the powers and memories of Carol Danvers. Carol remembers nothing of her past, and can no longer function as Ms. Marvel. This all happened in Avengers Annual #10.

A wild scuffle occurs within the Pentagon walls, and Mystique takes part in the mix. Assuming the forms of Sgt. Fury and Storm to stop Carol Danvers. But ultimately, Mystique is captured by the Army, and Carol Danvers succesfully erases both her and the X-Men's files from all government contacts and computers. Rogue herself is carried away from the building by a tornado created by Storm.

My thoughts: Rogue is certainly a villain in this piece. She also seems a bit older than our current version. She also doesn't have her trademark "skunk hair", and has more white sideburns or something in her hair, kind of similiar to Wolverine's interesting hair. Overall, I liked the idea of the X-Men trying to hide their identity from the United States government, just as anti-mutant hysteria is growing. #158 wasn't as good as the last few classic issues, but still a fun punch-em-up in the Pentagon.

It wouldn't be worth talking about Rogue without mentioning the bizarre hair. Maybe they wanted her to be related to Wolverine? NAH. I think her debut was impressive enough, and the realization that she siphoned Ms. Marvel's powers makes her a shady character with a serious sin to try and find repentance for when she does become a hero. The "nice gal" Rogue would be the prime suspect for betrayal in the X-Men's ranks. Which is ironic after the DPS, and the White Queen/Storm body swap. Not to mention, we'd already learned that Angel is in the Hellfire Club. Her auspicious beginnings (and hairstyle) were an intriguing start.

Otherwise, Storm taking charge and going with Wolverine and Carol Danvers to destroy all files kept on mutants is a bold choice, and if memory serves, was used as the basis for the "first mission" on X-Men: The Animated Series that resulted in Sentinels showing up, and nearly killing Morph and capturing Beast. Interesting coincidence...

[david r]

Otherwise, Storm taking charge and going with Wolverine and Carol Danvers to destroy all files kept on mutants is a bold choice, and if memory serves, was used as the basis for the "first mission" on X-Men: The Animated Series that resulted in Sentinels showing up, and nearly killing Morph and capturing Beast. Interesting coincidence...

I find this bit interesting because it shows Storm clearly making a decision without Charles Xavier's authority or guidance. For the first time, Storm makes a major move and you could argue Charles would NOT have done this. Xavier has known the U.S. government knew about the X-Men, but he never did anything about it.

I would say this might be the first step towards Storm taking a more strategic role within the X-Men, instead of purely tactical. This would eventually lead to a wide range of decisions which might (or might not) come back to haunt both Storm and the X-Men.

[david r]

http://www.davecockrum.net/Roguedc2.jpg

And to celebrate Rogue's first appearance, here is a Dave Cockrum drawing of her. I rather like it.

[Dagger]

http://www.davecockrum.net/Roguedc2.jpg

And to celebrate Rogue's first appearance, here is a Dave Cockrum drawing of her. I rather like it.
No offense but ewww. Dave didn't do Rogue justice:/

[CJ Lentze]

http://www.davecockrum.net/Roguedc2.jpg

And to celebrate Rogue's first appearance, here is a Dave Cockrum drawing of her. I rather like it.Hey, when was this drawn? 1985/86-ish? She's wearing the costume from that period.

About the X-Men purging the government files... surely there would be people working for the government who have knowledge of the X-Men stored in their heads. For instance, Fred Duncan and his associates we saw on panel. Did the government eventually stop their cooperation with the X-Men? A budget cut, perhaps? It could be blamed on distrust of mutants in general, that the X-Men were considered to dangerous a factor to be trusted to even fight the Brotherhood and other mutant villains. But then there's still the people walking around who should know things about the X-Men.

I also wonder how much and which information was stored on the files. The X-Men's real identities? Their location? I doubt the latter, because if the government knows where the X-Men live, they wouldn't have a lot of trouble finding them once they're finally declared outlaws.



I keep forgetting to ask, david: will you include the Graphic Novel "God Loves, Man Kills" in this thread? Even though it wasn't established to be part of canon until Claremont wrote the follow-up in the 2000s, it's considered one of Claremont's best X-Men stories, right up there with DPS and DOFP. Some even say that it's the story that features his best use of the mutant metaphor for discrimination.

[david r]

About the X-Men purging the government files... surely there would be people working for the government who have knowledge of the X-Men stored in their heads. For instance, Fred Duncan and his associates we saw on panel.

I agree, it's probably not as simple as simply deleting files. Fred Duncan would still remember everything. (In fact, it's a shame Fred Duncan has never appeared again.) But I suspect Chris Claremont simply wanted to hide the fact that the government of America had once known a lot of about the X-Men. So the mutants could return to an aura of mystery about them.

I keep forgetting to ask, david: will you include the Graphic Novel "God Loves, Man Kills" in this thread? Even though it wasn't established to be part of canon until Claremont wrote the follow-up in the 2000s, it's considered one of Claremont's best X-Men stories, right up there with DPS and DOFP. Some even say that it's the story that features his best use of the mutant metaphor for discrimination.

Yes, I plan on including "God Loves, Man Kills." I've never read it so it should be highly interesting. The second X-Men movie was based on it, apparently.

[worstblogever]

Yes, I plan on including "God Loves, Man Kills." I've never read it so it should be highly interesting. The second X-Men movie was based on it, apparently.

LOOSELY based on it, I'd say. They used General Stryker, but the original graphic novel didn't feature a younger Mastermind as Stryker's kid, or him with uber-military ties. Really, he's just the righteous human bastard who hates mutants in the flick, whose wife died from his son, and now he wants to kill all mutants. That's the commonalities.

[Jimmy Starburst]

"God Loves, Man Kills" should definitely be included, as should the New Mutants Graphic Novel and ongoing series which is just around the corner. For long periods its essentially a companion piece to Uncanny. Please.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.159.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #159

"Night Screams"

Prince of Darkness. Messiah of Evil. Slayer of the innocent. Lord of all Things Dark and Dead. He who has risen from the grave...........Count Dracula battles the X-Men!

I wish Gene Colan had drawn this, as it definitely has a Tomb of Dracula vibe to it. In a very good way! :smile: Bill Sienkiewicz guest-fills and does a superlative job drawing the Good Count and his night minions. We also meet Misty Knight's new roommate...a woman named Harmony Young. I'm not familiar with her.Kitty is to spend the weekend with her parents, so Wolverine, Colossus, Storm and Nightcrawler accompany her and arrive in Misty's Greenwich Village apartment, only to discover Harmony Young. Ororo takes Kitty to her parents house, in the eerie, fog-enshrouded night. But hours later, Storm hasn't returned!! We then see Ororo lying unconscious in an alley, with familiar bite-marks in her neck!!

Thus, begins a battle for Ororo's soul, between the Transylvanian Vampire of folklore, and her friends and loved ones...the X-Men. I greatly enjoyed the mists, fogs, moody alleyways and spooky midnight walks through Central Park in #159. It has atmosphere to spare and reminded me greatly of the great Hammer Films with Dracula. Once Dracula's bites are on her, Ororo seems to willingly want to become one of the living dead. But her love for the X-Men, and especially her kitten, Ms. Pryde, return the beauty to her darkened soul. And Ororo eventually fights off Dracula's satanic charms. Count Dracula and his Satanic Mutant Bride....I had to say it!!

The other X-Men do battle with Dracula and his children of the night: rats, wolves and bats. But ultimately, what turns the tide for good is the honesty and goodness within Ororo's heart. She rejects Dracula's offer to become his Vampire Queen, and Dracula bows his head (!) and says what a worthy foe she and her mutant friends are. He then becomes a bat and flies away into the night.

My thoughts: A chillingly well-done fright of an issue which seems seldom remembered. It was quite good, and definitely reminds me of TOD in it's prime. The team of Claremont/Sienkiewicz are good together. #159 was different from the last few stories, but a NICE change of pace.

@Jimmy Starburst, how can I say no to Doug, Rahne and Illyana??

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.159.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #159

"Night Screams"

Prince of Darkness. Messiah of Evil. Slayer of the innocent. Lord of all Things Dark and Dead. He who has risen from the grave...........Count Dracula battles the X-Men!

I wish Gene Colan had drawn this, as it definitely has a Tomb of Dracula vibe to it. In a very good way! :smile: Bill Sienkiewicz guest-fills and does a superlative job drawing the Good Count and his night minions. We also meet Misty Knight's new roommate...a woman named Harmony Young. I'm not familiar with her.Kitty is to spend the weekend with her parents, so Wolverine, Colossus, Storm and Nightcrawler accompany her and arrive in Misty's Greenwich Village apartment, only to discover Harmony Young. Ororo takes Kitty to her parents house, in the eerie, fog-enshrouded night. But hours later, Storm hasn't returned!! We then see Ororo lying unconscious in an alley, with familiar bite-marks in her neck!!

Thus, begins a battle for Ororo's soul, between the Transylvanian Vampire of folklore, and her friends and loved ones...the X-Men. I greatly enjoyed the mists, fogs, moody alleyways and spooky midnight walks through Central Park in #159. It has atmosphere to spare and reminded me greatly of the great Hammer Films with Dracula. Once Dracula's bites are on her, Ororo seems to willingly want to become one of the living dead. But her love for the X-Men, and especially her kitten, Ms. Pryde, return the beauty to her darkened soul. And Ororo eventually fights off Dracula's satanic charms. Count Dracula and his Satanic Mutant Bride....I had to say it!!

The other X-Men do battle with Dracula and his children of the night: rats, wolves and bats. But ultimately, what turns the tide for good is the honesty and goodness within Ororo's heart. She rejects Dracula's offer to become his Vampire Queen, and Dracula bows his head (!) and says what a worthy foe she and her mutant friends are. He then becomes a bat and flies away into the night.

My thoughts: A chillingly well-done fright of an issue which seems seldom remembered. It was quite good, and definitely reminds me of TOD in it's prime. The team of Claremont/Sienkiewicz are good together. #159 was different from the last few stories, but a NICE change of pace.

@Jimmy Starburst, how can I say no to Doug, Rahne and Illyana??

Is this the issue where Kitty Pryde uses a Star of David to ward away a vampiric Storm, as it's a religious symbol? If it is, I think this might be the first time they say Kitty is Jewish, right?

[david r]

Is this the issue where Kitty Pryde uses a Star of David to ward away a vampiric Storm, as it's a religious symbol? If it is, I think this might be the first time they say Kitty is Jewish, right?

Yes, that is all true. The Star of David necklace saves Kitty Pryde from Dracula. Dracula says she is a Hebrew. This is the first mention of it.

Though the creators cleverly alluded to Kitty being Jew by showing her Star of David necklace several times in the past. A subtle way of telling the readers she is a Jew.

One other point, it's interesting how Kitty and Peter Rasputin's flirting and attraction to one another parallels Scott and Jean Grey's flirting and attraction in the early days. I wonder if this was meant to be similiar, or just coincidence.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.160.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #160

"Chutes and Ladders"

1st X-MEN appearance: Belasco
1st appearance: S'ym

This is an odd issue. The mutants are back on the mysterious Caribbean island, and while they are training, Kitty Pryde and Illyana Rasputin disappear. The X-Men go in search of them, and also disappear. They find themselves in somewhere/somewhen else.

A bizarre, darkened place filled with corridors. They run into older, changed versions of themselves. Nightcrawler's doppelganger is evil. Wolverine and Colossus are dead. And Storm is an old woman, wiser and having become a sorceress. Some of this feels like remnants of the "Days of Future Past" tale. They finally run into the master of this arcane land, Belasco. He has reddish-skin, with red glowing eyes and devil's horns in his forehead. Not a nice fellow. S'ym works for him, a big galloot who battles the X-Men.

Belasco captures Kitty and her skeleton is "removed" from her, and stands watching all the action. Colossus sees a corpse of himself, smashed into a wall with his chest ripped out! All very curious. Ultimately, the older Storm stands and confronts Belasco, and uses her supernatural powers to fight him while the real X-Men flee back into the 616 world. But Belasco grabs poor Illyana and a desperate tug-of-war occurs between our world and Belasco's. When Illyana emerges in 616, she has been transformed from a little girl....to a 13-year-old!! The issue ends with a touching scene as Peter enters Illyana's bedroom so relieved she made it. She sleeps while he watches over her.

My thoughts: Another foray into the occult and witchcraft world. Belasco was interesting, I was especially curious about these "Dark Ones", elder ones who seek to enter this realm and conquer it. It seems Chris Claremont was an H.P. Lovecraft fan, eh? As for Illyana Rasputin's change, I'm not really sure why this happened except Claremont wanted to get her actively involved in crime-fighting.

[worstblogever]

My thoughts: Another foray into the occult and witchcraft world. Belasco was interesting, I was especially curious about these "Dark Ones", elder ones who seek to enter this realm and conquer it. It seems Chris Claremont was an H.P. Lovecraft fan, eh? As for Illyana Rasputin's change, I'm not really sure why this happened except Claremont wanted to get her actively involved in crime-fighting.

Cthulu >>>>> Belasco.

Nowadays, I picture Belasco sounding like Mr. Herbert from family guy, since he was after poor little Ilyana from the start. Creep.

Other than that, this issue was just plain madness. Wise choice to make it a one-off, and not a multi-issue story. Seemed a bit bizarre otherwise.

[CJ Lentze]

Yes, I plan on including "God Loves, Man Kills." I've never read it so it should be highly interesting. The second X-Men movie was based on it, apparently.You should really get it in colour. I have it in Essential X-Men 4, but that's black-and-white, and I don't think the art comes out well.Is this the issue where Kitty Pryde uses a Star of David to ward away a vampiric Storm, as it's a religious symbol? If it is, I think this might be the first time they say Kitty is Jewish, right?And before, in issue 143, Kitty thinks to herself: "I have never spent Hanukkah without Mom and Dad before." :smile:

I like how people can only use religious symbols against Dracula if they truly believe in it. I like that better than in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where Jewish Willow Rosenberg had to pin crosses to her room's walls to keep out a mad vampire.
One other point, it's interesting how Kitty and Peter Rasputin's flirting and attraction to one another parallels Scott and Jean Grey's flirting and attraction in the early days. I wonder if this was meant to be similiar, or just coincidence.I don't think it's meant to be similar. Scott and Jean were unaware that the one had feelings for the other for years. Kitty and Peter know they care for each other, but they're still discovering what it all means. The subplot of early Kiotr seems to focus more on Kitty's emotions than Peter's, as it's all brand new to her; which also fits her role of POV character.



Issue 160: I am neither an expert on, nor a fan of the horror genre, but Claremont knows how to write a good scary story, which goes for issues 143/144 as well as 159/160. This issue was one of the most graphically violent X-Men issues yet, with Colossus' hollowed out corpse and Wolverine's skeleton. It's yet again Brent Anderson who does the art- he also did that other horror issue featuring D'Spayre- and I kind of like it, but again, I wish I had these issues in colour!
It appears to be a paradox that Belasco held a grudge against Storm at the very beginning of the issue. Even though it's been mentioned over and over that conventional rules of time and space don't apply to his daemonic limbo, I still wonder when he first met the X-Men, since it was he who lured them to his lair by kidnapping Illyana. But while the magical and the dimensional is kept pretty vague, this issue does have some interesting character moments, for example Storm, who is confronted with bad leadership decisions she hasn't even made yet, and is introduced to her potential as a sorceress.
I was disturbed by Nightcrawler's evil version; it's hard to see such a lovable and honourable character having succumbed to the dark side, instead of going down fighting. The way he approached Kitty and Illyana was especially creepy. I understand that Claremont had to corrupt at least one X-Man for contrast, but still, this may've been overkill.

And we find out that Wolverine's adamantium claws can penetrate Colossus' organic steel armour.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.160.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #160

"Chutes and Ladders"

1st X-MEN appearance: Belasco
1st appearance: S'ym

This is an odd issue. The mutants are back on the mysterious Caribbean island, and while they are training, Kitty Pryde and Illyana Rasputin disappear. The X-Men go in search of them, and also disappear. They find themselves in somewhere/somewhen else.

A bizarre, darkened place filled with corridors. They run into older, changed versions of themselves. Nightcrawler's doppelganger is evil. Wolverine and Colossus are dead. And Storm is an old woman, wiser and having become a sorceress. Some of this feels like remnants of the "Days of Future Past" tale. They finally run into the master of this arcane land, Belasco. He has reddish-skin, with red glowing eyes and devil's horns in his forehead. Not a nice fellow. S'ym works for him, a big galloot who battles the X-Men.

Belasco captures Kitty and her skeleton is "removed" from her, and stands watching all the action. Colossus sees a corpse of himself, smashed into a wall with his chest ripped out! All very curious. Ultimately, the older Storm stands and confronts Belasco, and uses her supernatural powers to fight him while the real X-Men flee back into the 616 world. But Belasco grabs poor Illyana and a desperate tug-of-war occurs between our world and Belasco's. When Illyana emerges in 616, she has been transformed from a little girl....to a 13-year-old!! The issue ends with a touching scene as Peter enters Illyana's bedroom so relieved she made it. She sleeps while he watches over her.

My thoughts: Another foray into the occult and witchcraft world. Belasco was interesting, I was especially curious about these "Dark Ones", elder ones who seek to enter this realm and conquer it. It seems Chris Claremont was an H.P. Lovecraft fan, eh? As for Illyana Rasputin's change, I'm not really sure why this happened except Claremont wanted to get her actively involved in crime-fighting.

Uncanny X-Men #160 sets up Magik's origin which is told in more detail in Magik #1-4. Magik is an interesting complex character which Chris goes into greater detail in The New Mutants since she is the teleporter of the group. Her inherent evil is hated by even Illyana herself, yet she needs it because it is also a fundamental part of her. I also like her Soulsword & mystical armor which also comes around a little later. I like how Chris took Belasco from Ka-Zar #11-12 (his first appearance) & made him into something really evil without being cartoonish about it. S'ym, a nod to Dave Sim, is equally terrifying.



Oh, Uncanny X-Men #160 is the 1st appearance of Magik.

[david r]

You should really get it in colour. I have it in Essential X-Men 4, but that's black-and-white, and I don't think the art comes out well.

Oh, I already have "God Loves, Man Kills", and it's in color !

Issue 160: I am neither an expert on, nor a fan of the horror genre, but Claremont knows how to write a good scary story

I liked the Dracula issue a lot. Good atmosphere & mood; #160 was interesting but more exotic and weird. It's too bad you're not a fan of the horror genre. I found it especially creepy when Kitty Pryde's skeleton floated out of her body!

with Colossus' hollowed out corpse and Wolverine's skeleton.

They seemed to be alluding to Days of Future Past with the dead remains of Colossus and Wolverine.

still wonder when he first met the X-Men, since it was he who lured them to his lair by kidnapping Illyana.

Belasco was luring little Illyana Rasputin, not necessarily the X-Men. Belasco seemed to have a special interest in her. With the conclusion to the tale, Illyana seems tied to Belasco now. This cannot bode well for her.

for example Storm, who is confronted with bad leadership decisions she hasn't even made yet, and is introduced to her potential as a sorceress.

This was the first mention of Storm having any magical powers. Is this supposed to tell us that our own 616 Storm has some kind of magical, supernatural powers beyond her mutant abilities?

Oh, Uncanny X-Men #160 is the 1st appearance of Magik.

You make it sound as though Magik is separate from Illyana Rasputin. Aren't they the same character? Just Illyana is now 13-years-old, and will have new powers soon?

[david r]

-It's interesting how the Beast had a strong presence during John Byrne's run. And how he's been completely absent since Byrne left. I guess Chris Claremont didn't want to continue using him.

-Also, Wolverine seems much more mature and human lately. Again, after John Byrne departed with #143, Wolverine seems more a team-player, and less a "homicidal maniac."

-It's recently been mentioned that this island, first seen in #148, is the X-Men's new headquarters. This is the first place, other than Charles Xavier's Mansion, the X-Men have ever called their homebase. I did not know a change like this came so soon. It seems dangerous to stay on this island when they know neither it's origin or it's mysteries.

-Ororo Munroe has undergone a fascinating change. Ororo began as a young, innocent, unapproachable "Goddess" of the early stories and has evolved into a mature, strong woman. And earned her place as the leader of the X-Men. It has been a pleasure to read these stories consecutively and see Storm evolve and grow so much. I would say she easily has had the most change done to her character of ANY of the X-Men I've read so far.

[DDM]

Belasco was luring little Illyana Rasputin, not necessarily the X-Men. Belasco seemed to have a special interest in her. With the conclusion to the tale, Illyana seems tied to Belasco now. This cannot bode well for her.

Belasco wanted to pervert her mutant ability to manifest Limbo's stepping discs as a means to teleport the Elder Gods back into the Earth dimension.



This was the first mention of Storm having any magical powers. Is this supposed to tell us that our own 616 Storm has some kind of magical, supernatural powers beyond her mutant abilities?

Foreshadowing of things to come.



You make it sound as though Magik is separate from Illyana Rasputin. Aren't they the same character? Just Illyana is now 13-years-old, and will have new powers soon?

Although Magik is Illyana Rasputin, she is fundamentally different since Belasco changed her soul, partially, into a demon via the Bloodstone Ritual; as a result, she possesses great mystical powers as the Darkchilde. Her Soulsword is the ultimate expression of Magik's powers. The irony is Magik uses her dark sorcery for good & does not give into her dark nature which makes her a hero.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.161.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #161

"Gold Rush"

1st appearance: Gabrielle Haller

We go from the horrors of Dracula and Belasco, to the real horrors of Dachau, Auschwitz and the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. #161 probes like never before into the early relationship of Charles Xavier and Magneto. It is confirmed here that they were close friends for a time, after World War II. But as in all things in life, the hopes and dreams of youth may fade into the horrors of the future.

Charles Xavier lies in a comatose state, in a bed on that mysterious island the X-Men temporarily call their headquarters. Scott Summers is enraged that they cannot help Charles. He confesses he loves Charles, as Xavier is the only father he's ever really known. Scott and Ororo quarrel over her decision to sneak into the Pentagon in Uncanny X-Men #158. Scott wonders aloud if he should retake the leadership, which angers Ororo and she begins to leave. But Scott apologizes. He needs Ororo's help. Meanwhile, Charles Xavier begins to have a dream, remembering 20 years earlier, when he visited Israel. He arrives at a seaport hospital, where he meets a white-haired gentleman named Magnus. Magnus is a volunteer at the hospital; the hospital's director is an old friend of Charles, and introduces him to a catatonic woman named Gabrielle Haller, who just stares off into space.

Gabrielle is a victim of the Dachau concentration camp, and Xavier psychically enters her mind. He sees her horrific memories of the death camps, and the soldiers are portrayed as gruesome beasts in her memories. After this probe, Gabrielle awakens. Soon, Gabrielle, Charles and Magnus tour Israel, all of them becoming closer. Charles tells Magnus his interest in human evolutionary mutations. Gabrielle falls in love with Charles, and though Charles thinks he does not love her, he still kisses her. However, one nightly stroll is halted by an assault of Hydra soldiers!Hydra attack and kidnap Gabrielle Haller. Charles Xavier and Magnus vow to rescue her.

Gabrielle is taken to the Hydra camp, where we meet Baron Von Strucker, a Nazi fighter now working for Hydra. They have kidnapped Gabrielle to grab the gold hidden with a mountain. Xavier and Magnus sneak into Hydra's operation, and snatch Gabrielle. But not before Von Strucker finds his huge cache of gold! Magnus uses his powers to destroy the Hydra troops. Magneto very much wins the day, even as Baron Von Strucker attacks them with a mechanized hand-armor called the Satan's Claw. Magnus uses his magnetic powers to crush it, leaving Strucker laying in agony. Magnus uses his powers to rescue Charles and Gabrielle, and take off with the gold. Above ground, Magnus vows mutants will fight, and Charles is an idealistic fool. He then takes off with the gold. In the real world, Charles suddenly awakens from his coma!! All the X-Men are overjoyed to see Charles apparently healthy again. To celebrate, Empress Lilandra hosts everyone for a feast aboard her private space-yacht, floating above Earth. The X-Men board it for a celebration, only for them to be ambushed by Deathbird and the Brood!!!

My thoughts: It took 161 issues to finally reveal that Charles and Magneto previously knew each other. They had a good friendship for a short time, but you can already see their opposing philosophies on mutantkind's future laid out here. It's interesting that this adventure Magneto saves the day, and NOT Xavier. Plus, I assume the gold Magnus escapes with, is the foundation for his fortune and ability to pay for so many expensive electrical machines we saw in the early X-Men issues. On another point, the Nazi part of #161 reminded me of 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark. That movie had come out a year before #161 and with the Nazis and search for hidden treasure in #161, I wonder if the movie influenced the writer.

[worstblogever]

While this is a great flashback tale of early Magneto/Chuck-bomb moments... the ending twist seems kind of forced. For posterity's sake, I really with this story didn't have that "cliffhanger" ending, for as moving as it is.

By the way, Gabrielle's appearance and her lovestory with Charles... are we seeing a tease towards maybe somebody that Xavier left behind? A certain young man with a bad haircut and some serious issues??? :redface:

Anybody think that Magneto would have forced a Nazi like Von Strucker to disembowel himself with that glove, rather than just leave him in agony? The guy's part of the organization that forced him into labor while killing his people... you'd think Magneto wouldn't be quite so forgiving... maybe that's just me. But that's the catch... Von Strucker's got to live to keep continuity in check. They should've just put the Satan's Claw on Von Strucker's top "never before mentioned" lieutenant and let Magneto go all out on him. Just my $0.02.

[david r]

Foreshadowing of things to come.


Where does Storm ever show any supernatural powers, other than her natural mutant ability?

While this is a great flashback tale of early Magneto/Chuck-bomb moments... the ending twist seems kind of forced. For posterity's sake, I really with this story didn't have that "cliffhanger" ending, for as moving as it is.

I would agree. Though the ending is fine, it feels out of place connected to the flashback story.

It seems following #154-157, the Shi'ar aren't QUITE as friendly towards us humans as we thought.

[david r]

A Dave Cockrum page, anyone know where this is from?

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/563.jpg

[rescura]

Hey guys great work on these reviews and discussions, been acompanniyng since the very start and it is being really fun!! Congrats for these! :cool:

[david r]

Rescura, glad you're enjoying the thead. Always great to hear from a reader. :smile:

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/446.jpg

This one is pretty sweet...

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/252.jpg

[CJ Lentze]

-Also, Wolverine seems much more mature and human lately. Again, after John Byrne departed with #143, Wolverine seems more a team-player, and less a "homicidal maniac."Funny you should mention that now. In the last two issues, Wolverine has gotten the opportunity to cut loose against enemies (Dracula's werewolves and Belasco's demon). But yes, Wolverine is wiser now, and more merciful. The team as a whole feels very organic now, they've actually grown into a family. Cyclops used to worry that the 'new' team wouldn't mesh as well as the original five did-- well, that's no longer an issue. And Kitty fits in fine with the team as well. And as you say, Storm has been given a lot of character development, though I would say it's been equal to Wolverine's development so far. They'll both have plenty of spotlight on them in upcoming issues.

Issue 161: It's not very subtle of Chris Claremont to now establish Professor X and Magneto as old friends, after issue 149 had Professor X wondering 'Hmm... I haven't a clue as to Magneto's identity.'
The conversation between Scott and Ororo was, in my opinion, a beautiful piece of dialogue. And it's barely even two pages, but it's so full. There's so much emotion in it, and the friendship between Scott and Ororo is one of the lesser-known, lesser-shown, but still very interesting relationships of the X-Men. They're both orphans, both leaders, both not very comfortable with expressing their emotions; there's understanding between them.
The Holocaust themes in these issues bring a very real horror to the book. I'm sort of glad that Claremont pulled no punches in his descriptions of what Gaby experienced in the concentration camps, especially because all of it -and worse- actually happened in the real world. Mass killing, born from fear and resentment of a particular group.
In this light, something some readers have always found a little bit odd, was that Magneto would be so unforgiving toward the human race as a whole-- having a similar attitude toward humans as Nazis have toward Jews. In this issue, we see that Magneto is a friend of Daniel Shomron and Gaby Haller. I always wonder -if Magneto always speaks of crushing those who oppose him, and of being naturally superior to baseline humans- where would people like Daniel and Gaby end up in a Magneto-ruled world? Would he spare baseline human friends? I could understand that he's grown more bitter over the years, but even back then he contemplates about mutants 'rightfully' taking over the world.
They should've just put the Satan's Claw on Von Strucker's top "never before mentioned" lieutenant and let Magneto go all out on him. Just my $0.02.Yes, that would made more impact as his first act 'as Magneto'. Of course, it was said that he ripped the HYDRA officers in the hover-ship to pieces, but a one-on-one with a high Nazi officer, and taking bloody vengeance on him, would have been more monumental.Where does Storm ever show any supernatural powers, other than her natural mutant ability?I think DDM is referring to Storm's later adventures with the Cheyenne shaman Nazé. I must admit I haven't seen any stories where Storm's potential magical talent is used, and I have never read the Storm/Magik mini.A Dave Cockrum page, anyone know where this is from?

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/563.jpg Umm... I haven't a clue. I had a guess, but then I figured Cockrum couldn't have drawn it, so... I'm drawing a blank.

[Dagger]

"God Loves, Man Kills" should definitely be included, as should the New Mutants Graphic Novel and ongoing series which is just around the corner. For long periods its essentially a companion piece to Uncanny. Please.
If I have time, I may do an New Mutants from the beginning thread as this is my favorite X-book of all TIME!!!!

Gah! I see David's already planning on doing this! If you get the chance Dave, you should do a Alpha Flight from the beginning as well!

[DDM]

Where does Storm ever show any supernatural powers, other than her natural mutant ability?

Storm's uses her mystical senses to kill the female Dire Wraiths in Uncanny X-Men #187-188 even after they have cloaked themselves & uses another spell in an attempt Ororo in killing Forge. Storm sees through the spell then kills the Wraith. She also has visions of her mother on her trip to Africa & sees a mountain that she does intitally recognize in Uncanny X-Men #194. This mountain would reappear in Uncanny X-Men #227--on an alternate Earth where the Adversary had banished Forge & Storm--where she regained her elemental powers. She saw this mountain again super-imposed on the Empire State Building in Uncanny X-Men #242. The mountain served as a mystical gateway back to Earth 616; whereas, the Empire State Building served as a mystical gateway for the Limbo demons to cross into Earth's dimension.

Chris Claremont was going to develop Storm's sorcery more, but the editors--primarily Bob Harras--stopped such development.

[DDM]

A Dave Cockrum page, anyone know where this is from?

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/563.jpg

It looks to be when Xavier left the Earth & shown sometime in Uncanny X-Men #118-125; however, this is when John Byrne was the X-Men's penciler.

[david r]

The team as a whole feels very organic now, they've actually grown into a family. Cyclops used to worry that the 'new' team wouldn't mesh as well as the original five did-- well, that's no longer an issue.

The new X-Men did not even like each other, and argued often in the earliest stories. It's been fascinating to watch them forged into a good team. Perhaps one of Cyclops' greatest triumphs as X-Men leader ever.

The conversation between Scott and Ororo was, in my opinion, a beautiful piece of dialogue. And it's barely even two pages, but it's so full. There's so much emotion in it, and the friendship between Scott and Ororo is one of the lesser-known, lesser-shown, but still very interesting relationships of the X-Men. They're both orphans, both leaders, both not very comfortable with expressing their emotions; there's understanding between them.

Storm & Cyclops are both orphans, I had never realized that. They have that in common; which is probably why being an X-Man has become so integral to both of their lives. They need direction. I found Scott saying he loves Charles Xavier like a father touching. But even here, I sense a competitiveness lurking below the surface, that is always there between Storm and Cyclops.

The Holocaust themes in these issues bring a very real horror to the book. I'm sort of glad that Claremont pulled no punches in his descriptions of what Gaby experienced in the concentration camps, especially because all of it -and worse- actually happened in the real world. Mass killing, born from fear and resentment of a particular group.

Chris Claremont really is slowly bringing in more human/mutant hatred into this book. At first, there was very little of it in his run. But since Days of Future Past, it's been slowly building. The Holocaust themes are haunting, yet make Magneto's plight even more powerful, even making him sympathetic.

Chris Claremont was going to develop Storm's sorcery more, but the editors--primarily Bob Harras--stopped such development.

Could you elaborate more? I know a lot about Claremont's struggles with Bob Harras, but have never heard he had plans to develop Storm's sorcery more. What details do you know about this?

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.162.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #162

"Beyond the Farthest Star"

An issue which shows Wolverine as never before; in his shocking descent through the Brood's homeworld. An alien environment no human being has ever experienced before. Wolverine is alone, hunted, his senses overwhelmed by unknown alien scents and places. And Logan is impregnated with a Brood egg. His clock is running out.

#162 opens with Wolverine on the run, lost in an alien terrain, his body wracked with indescribable agony. Caused by being an unwilling host for a Queen Brood egg. Brood squadrons are on his trail, shooting rays at him to recapture him and drag him back. He collapses in excruciating pain, and passes out. In his delirium, he has a dream of he and his love, Mariko Yashida, on horseback in Japan. They profess their love for one another and kiss---just as the Brood appear and zap Mariko with a ray-gun. Logan awakens in terror, and attacks the Brood...with adamantium claws a'blazing!! The wild ruckus ends with Wolverine falling a seemingly bottomless fall along a huge "plant-like" structure. Logan lands in a huge, disgusting cobweb.

Logan looks outward to see he is on an absolutely HUGE structure... Logan is on a skeleton of one of the Brood's living starships, a massive sentient being enslaved by the Brood. It's carcass lies within the jungle, it's ribs reaching so high they reach the planet's atmosphere!! (This shot is a stunning Dave Cockrum drawing. Simply impossible to fully describe!!) Wolverine thinks back to remember how he got here. The X-men, and Carol Danvers, aboard Empress Lilandra' private space-yacht. Them all being ambused by Deathbird and the Brood. Then a bizarre, unholy ceremony where each X-Man was impregnated by the Mother Brood....with a Brood egg. Only Wolverine and Kitty Pryde sense something is amiss in this horrific proceeding. The other X-Men apparently brainwashed into going along. Wolverine had escaped and charged headlong into the terrifying landscape of the Brood world. His memories jerk Wolverine alert, and he claws his way out of the entraping cobweb, and slices n' dices the creatures that try to eat him.

More Brood sleazoids attack Wolverine, and the most ferocious battle Wolverine has ever experienced happens, as he goes total berkserker rage against the vile Brood. Wolverine stands victorious over their bodies, but at that exact moment, the intense pain engulfs Wolverine. He collapses as the Brood egg begins to hatch!! Smoke rises from his body, and new thoughts--ALIEN thoughts---begin to take control of his mind! Logan fights with every ounce of strength and animal instinct he has. Fights as never before!! His body begins to dematerialize and form into a Brood!! The metamorphosis reaches a crescendo, but Wolverine uses his own adamantium skeleton to ground him, in his last-ditch, desperate gamble to stop the transformation!! IN THE END, WOLVERINE SUCCEEDS, FLINGING HIS CLAWS WILDLY IN HIS AGONIZING STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE!!! He collapses on the alien world. Wolverine has survived. His skin cracked over and scarred by the battle. Logan stands and sees the Brood palace. He realizes the other X-Men will also transform to Brood. If he has to, he'll kill them. Kill all his friends....in order to save them from becoming Brood!!

My thoughts: Phew! This one is a masterpiece of endurance. Wolverine spotlighted in a way I haven't seen before. Making his solo battle with the Hellfire Club in #133 look like nothing. Compared to this, none of the X-Men have encountered such a battle. This was just amazing work and a classic issue. Dave Cockrum's interpretation of the hostile, alien world another benchmark in the course of this series. Chris Claremont writing Wolverine's animal intensity unleashed against foes more vile and beastial than ANYTHING the X-Men have ever faced before. This issue is a must-get!

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.162.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #162

"Beyond the Farthest Star"

An issue which shows Wolverine as never before; in his shocking descent through the Brood's homeworld. An alien environment no human being has ever experienced before. Wolverine is alone, hunted, his senses overwhelmed by unknown alien scents and places. And Logan is impregnated with a Brood egg. His clock is running out.

#162 opens with Wolverine on the run, lost in an alien terrain, his body wracked with indescribable agony. Caused by being an unwilling host for a Queen Brood egg. Brood squadrons are on his trail, shooting rays at him to recapture him and drag him back. He collapses in excruciating pain, and passes out. In his delirium, he has a dream of he and his love, Mariko Yashida, on horseback in Japan. They profess their love for one another and kiss---just as the Brood appear and zap Mariko with a ray-gun. Logan awakens in terror, and attacks the Brood...with adamantium claws a'blazing!! The wild ruckus ends with Wolverine falling a seemingly bottomless fall along a huge "plant-like" structure. Logan lands in a huge, disgusting cobweb.

Logan looks outward to see he is on an absolutely HUGE structure... Logan is on a skeleton of one of the Brood's living starships, a massive sentient being enslaved by the Brood. It's carcass lies within the jungle, it's ribs reaching so high they reach the planet's atmosphere!! (This shot is a stunning Dave Cockrum drawing. Simply impossible to fully describe!!) Wolverine thinks back to remember how he got here. The X-men, and Carol Danvers, aboard Empress Lilandra' private space-yacht. Them all being ambused by Deathbird and the Brood. Then a bizarre, unholy ceremony where each X-Man was impregnated by the Mother Brood....with a Brood egg. Only Wolverine and Kitty Pryde sense something is amiss in this horrific proceeding. The other X-Men apparently brainwashed into going along. Wolverine had escaped and charged headlong into the terrifying landscape of the Brood world. His memories jerk Wolverine alert, and he claws his way out of the entraping cobweb, and slices n' dices the creatures that try to eat him.

More Brood sleazoids attack Wolverine, and the most ferocious battle Wolverine has ever experienced happens, as he goes total berkserker rage against the vile Brood. Wolverine stands victorious over their bodies, but at that exact moment, the intense pain engulfs Wolverine. He collapses as the Brood egg begins to hatch!! Smoke rises from his body, and new thoughts--ALIEN thoughts---begin to take control of his mind! Logan fights with every ounce of strength and animal instinct he has. Fights as never before!! His body begins to dematerialize and form into a Brood!! The metamorphosis reaches a crescendo, but Wolverine uses his own adamantium skeleton to ground him, in his last-ditch, desperate gamble to stop the transformation!! IN THE END, WOLVERINE SUCCEEDS, FLINGING HIS CLAWS WILDLY IN HIS AGONIZING STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE!!! He collapses on the alien world. Wolverine has survived. His skin cracked over and scarred by the battle. Logan stands and sees the Brood palace. He realizes the other X-Men will also transform to Brood. If he has to, he'll kill them. Kill all his friends....in order to save them from becoming Brood!!

My thoughts: Phew! This one is a masterpiece of endurance. Wolverine spotlighted in a way I haven't seen before. Making his solo battle with the Hellfire Club in #134 look like nothing. Compared to this, none of the X-Men have encountered such a battle. This was just amazing work and a classic issue. Dave Cockrum's interpretation of the hostile, alien world another benchmark in the course of this series. Chris Claremont writing Wolverine's animal intensity unleashed against foes more vile and beastial than ANYTHING the X-Men have ever faced before. This issue is a must-get!

Wolverine spotlight issue. Possibly him at his most hardcore, up to this point, perhaps only rivaled at his solo assault on the Hellfire Club to rescue his friends back in Uncanny #133. Just amazing, from the writing, and the art. The flashback, the healing factor outlasting the Brood Egg... amazing story.

[creaky]

Storm & Ororo are both orphans, I had never realized that.

You might want to edit that. You'll hurt people's heads.

[david r]

Thanks Creaky, corrected.

-Yes, #162 was hardcore. I even like the title "Beyond the Farthest Star" as it captures some sci-fi aspect to the whole thing. Really makes you realize just how far away the X-Men are from Earth, and out of his element Wolverine is.

-#162 also mentions that Dave Cockrum will soon be leaving the book. It says he's off to pencil his own book called "The Mysterians", a Marvel graphic novel starring Dave's colossal new super-hero team. (The name would change to the Futurians.)

Paul Smith will be new artist, with #165.

[david r]

Another shot of Wolverine vs. the Brood:

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/254.jpg

[DDM]

Could you elaborate more? I know a lot about Claremont's struggles with Bob Harras, but have never heard he had plans to develop Storm's sorcery more. What details do you know about this?

I just know from various sources that Chris Claremont wanted to develop Ororo's latent sorcery talent for other stories, but Bob Harras stopped the magic subplot that was hinted at the issues I cited. Chris Claremont was just slowly building to Storm's mystical heritage & its link to her mutant elemental powers.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.162.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #162

"Beyond the Farthest Star"

An issue which shows Wolverine as never before; in his shocking descent through the Brood's homeworld. An alien environment no human being has ever experienced before. Wolverine is alone, hunted, his senses overwhelmed by unknown alien scents and places. And Logan is impregnated with a Brood egg. His clock is running out.

#162 opens with Wolverine on the run, lost in an alien terrain, his body wracked with indescribable agony. Caused by being an unwilling host for a Queen Brood egg. Brood squadrons are on his trail, shooting rays at him to recapture him and drag him back. He collapses in excruciating pain, and passes out. In his delirium, he has a dream of he and his love, Mariko Yashida, on horseback in Japan. They profess their love for one another and kiss---just as the Brood appear and zap Mariko with a ray-gun. Logan awakens in terror, and attacks the Brood...with adamantium claws a'blazing!! The wild ruckus ends with Wolverine falling a seemingly bottomless fall along a huge "plant-like" structure. Logan lands in a huge, disgusting cobweb.

Logan looks outward to see he is on an absolutely HUGE structure... Logan is on a skeleton of one of the Brood's living starships, a massive sentient being enslaved by the Brood. It's carcass lies within the jungle, it's ribs reaching so high they reach the planet's atmosphere!! (This shot is a stunning Dave Cockrum drawing. Simply impossible to fully describe!!) Wolverine thinks back to remember how he got here. The X-men, and Carol Danvers, aboard Empress Lilandra' private space-yacht. Them all being ambused by Deathbird and the Brood. Then a bizarre, unholy ceremony where each X-Man was impregnated by the Mother Brood....with a Brood egg. Only Wolverine and Kitty Pryde sense something is amiss in this horrific proceeding. The other X-Men apparently brainwashed into going along. Wolverine had escaped and charged headlong into the terrifying landscape of the Brood world. His memories jerk Wolverine alert, and he claws his way out of the entraping cobweb, and slices n' dices the creatures that try to eat him.

More Brood sleazoids attack Wolverine, and the most ferocious battle Wolverine has ever experienced happens, as he goes total berkserker rage against the vile Brood. Wolverine stands victorious over their bodies, but at that exact moment, the intense pain engulfs Wolverine. He collapses as the Brood egg begins to hatch!! Smoke rises from his body, and new thoughts--ALIEN thoughts---begin to take control of his mind! Logan fights with every ounce of strength and animal instinct he has. Fights as never before!! His body begins to dematerialize and form into a Brood!! The metamorphosis reaches a crescendo, but Wolverine uses his own adamantium skeleton to ground him, in his last-ditch, desperate gamble to stop the transformation!! IN THE END, WOLVERINE SUCCEEDS, FLINGING HIS CLAWS WILDLY IN HIS AGONIZING STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE!!! He collapses on the alien world. Wolverine has survived. His skin cracked over and scarred by the battle. Logan stands and sees the Brood palace. He realizes the other X-Men will also transform to Brood. If he has to, he'll kill them. Kill all his friends....in order to save them from becoming Brood!!

My thoughts: Phew! This one is a masterpiece of endurance. Wolverine spotlighted in a way I haven't seen before. Making his solo battle with the Hellfire Club in #133 look like nothing. Compared to this, none of the X-Men have encountered such a battle. This was just amazing work and a classic issue. Dave Cockrum's interpretation of the hostile, alien world another benchmark in the course of this series. Chris Claremont writing Wolverine's animal intensity unleashed against foes more vile and beastial than ANYTHING the X-Men have ever faced before. This issue is a must-get!

Uncanny X-Men #162 officially begins another X-Men space opera; so many subplots are planted in Uncanny X-Men #162-167 such as the genesis for The New Mutants, Storm's inner serenity is shattered being violated with a Brood egg culminating in Ororo's drastic change from "untouchable goddess" to woman, & Carol Danvers dramatic transformation into the cosmic mutate, Binary...

This is one of Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum, & Paul Smith's best stories.

You forgot to mention the Imperial Guard's Fang dies when a warrior Brood egg hatches within him in this issue. He should have sided with Lilandra instead of Deathbird or he might be alive today...

[Dagger]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.162.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #162

"Beyond the Farthest Star"

An issue which shows Wolverine as never before; in his shocking descent through the Brood's homeworld. An alien environment no human being has ever experienced before. Wolverine is alone, hunted, his senses overwhelmed by unknown alien scents and places. And Logan is impregnated with a Brood egg. His clock is running out.

#162 opens with Wolverine on the run, lost in an alien terrain, his body wracked with indescribable agony. Caused by being an unwilling host for a Queen Brood egg. Brood squadrons are on his trail, shooting rays at him to recapture him and drag him back. He collapses in excruciating pain, and passes out. In his delirium, he has a dream of he and his love, Mariko Yashida, on horseback in Japan. They profess their love for one another and kiss---just as the Brood appear and zap Mariko with a ray-gun. Logan awakens in terror, and attacks the Brood...with adamantium claws a'blazing!! The wild ruckus ends with Wolverine falling a seemingly bottomless fall along a huge "plant-like" structure. Logan lands in a huge, disgusting cobweb.

Logan looks outward to see he is on an absolutely HUGE structure... Logan is on a skeleton of one of the Brood's living starships, a massive sentient being enslaved by the Brood. It's carcass lies within the jungle, it's ribs reaching so high they reach the planet's atmosphere!! (This shot is a stunning Dave Cockrum drawing. Simply impossible to fully describe!!) Wolverine thinks back to remember how he got here. The X-men, and Carol Danvers, aboard Empress Lilandra' private space-yacht. Them all being ambused by Deathbird and the Brood. Then a bizarre, unholy ceremony where each X-Man was impregnated by the Mother Brood....with a Brood egg. Only Wolverine and Kitty Pryde sense something is amiss in this horrific proceeding. The other X-Men apparently brainwashed into going along. Wolverine had escaped and charged headlong into the terrifying landscape of the Brood world. His memories jerk Wolverine alert, and he claws his way out of the entraping cobweb, and slices n' dices the creatures that try to eat him.

More Brood sleazoids attack Wolverine, and the most ferocious battle Wolverine has ever experienced happens, as he goes total berkserker rage against the vile Brood. Wolverine stands victorious over their bodies, but at that exact moment, the intense pain engulfs Wolverine. He collapses as the Brood egg begins to hatch!! Smoke rises from his body, and new thoughts--ALIEN thoughts---begin to take control of his mind! Logan fights with every ounce of strength and animal instinct he has. Fights as never before!! His body begins to dematerialize and form into a Brood!! The metamorphosis reaches a crescendo, but Wolverine uses his own adamantium skeleton to ground him, in his last-ditch, desperate gamble to stop the transformation!! IN THE END, WOLVERINE SUCCEEDS, FLINGING HIS CLAWS WILDLY IN HIS AGONIZING STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE!!! He collapses on the alien world. Wolverine has survived. His skin cracked over and scarred by the battle. Logan stands and sees the Brood palace. He realizes the other X-Men will also transform to Brood. If he has to, he'll kill them. Kill all his friends....in order to save them from becoming Brood!!

My thoughts: Phew! This one is a masterpiece of endurance. Wolverine spotlighted in a way I haven't seen before. Making his solo battle with the Hellfire Club in #133 look like nothing. Compared to this, none of the X-Men have encountered such a battle. This was just amazing work and a classic issue. Dave Cockrum's interpretation of the hostile, alien world another benchmark in the course of this series. Chris Claremont writing Wolverine's animal intensity unleashed against foes more vile and beastial than ANYTHING the X-Men have ever faced before. This issue is a must-get!
I actually enjoyed Wolverine in this story, and considering he's always been my least favorite character, seeing him get sooo much page time dedicated to him you would think wouldn't be my cup of tea, but I actually enjoyed it. I was enjoying the build up to this story and was greatly anticipating even more of it to come.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.163.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #163

"Rescue Mission"

This issue begins with Carol Danvers being tortured by the Brood. Carol's physical form is actually altered by them---until Wolverine sneaks in and crushes the Brood. Logan rescues Carol, and the two make their way out into the hostile, creepy Brood homeworld. Wolverine's skin is deeply lined from head to toe, a reaction to fighting off a Brood egg within him. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Charles Xavier is rebuilding the destroyed Mansion, back in #154. Havok, Polaris and Corsair discuss the loss of the X-Men team, lost in space. Charles Xavier is devastated over the news, and has left. Corsair says he & the Starjammers are headed into deepest space, to launch a rescue mission for X-Men.

Back on the Sleazeworld, Cyclops is having nightmares induced by his Brood egg. Scott nor the other X-Men are aware they are implanted with them. Scott awakens and journeys out of his room, to discover Storm. He awakens her and they run into Wolverine & Carol Danvers. They awaken the other X-Men, and one team leaves to rescue Lilandra. While the other heads off to snatch Lilandra's royal yacht and effect their escape.

Storm flies Nightcrawler and Sprite to the royal yacht, where Kitty phases into the space. She battles a Brood (see the cover) and unfortunately the Brood is shot out into space...to it's death. Kitty mourns his death, but the squad capture the ship. Meanwhile, Wolverine, Cyclops, Colossus and Ms. Danvers are battling a huge army of Broods. So many that Colossus wonders if this will be the final stand for the X-Men. They make their way to the Brood Queen herself, and Wolverine is dead-determined to kill her off. Scott yells that X-Men don't kill; and the two of them begin another shouting march over murder and whether not to murder the Queen. Wolverine gets right in the Brood Queen's face, and is lunging for the claw-kill------when the X-Men are beamed aboard the Royal Yacht!! The Brood Queen lives.

Aboard the yacht, Wolvie is just about to tell the others that they are soon to die from Brood eggs....when the spacecraft is cited by another for destruction. "ALL GUNS--OPEN FIRE!!"

My thoughts: Another fantastic science-fiction battle-royal issue. Wolverine still shines, but now the whole X-team are joining in the mix. Colossus is right that this does feel like it could be the X-Men's last stand. It's really kind of amazing the entire roster made it off the Brood world. This is just a damn good story.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.163.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #163

"Rescue Mission"

This issue begins with Carol Danvers being tortured by the Brood. Carol's physical form is actually altered by them---until Wolverine sneaks in and crushes the Brood. Logan rescues Carol, and the two make their way out into the hostile, creepy Brood homeworld. Wolverine's skin is deeply lined from head to toe, a reaction to fighting off a Brood egg within him. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Charles Xavier is rebuilding the destroyed Mansion, back in #154. Havok, Polaris and Corsair discuss the loss of the X-Men team, lost in space. Charles Xavier is devastated over the news, and has left. Corsair says he & the Starjammers are headed into deepest space, to launch a rescue mission for X-Men.

Back on the Sleazeworld, Cyclops is having nightmares induced by his Brood egg. Scott nor the other X-Men are aware they are implanted with them. Scott awakens and journeys out of his room, to discover Storm. He awakens her and they run into Wolverine & Carol Danvers. They awaken the other X-Men, and one team leaves to rescue Lilandra. While the other heads off to snatch Lilandra's royal yacht and effect their escape.

Storm flies Nightcrawler and Sprite to the royal yacht, where Kitty phases into the space. She battles a Brood (see the cover) and unfortunately the Brood is shot out into space...to it's death. Kitty mourns his death, but the squad capture the ship. Meanwhile, Wolverine, Cyclops, Colossus and Ms. Danvers are battling a huge army of Broods. So many that Colossus wonders if this will be the final stand for the X-Men. They make their way to the Brood Queen herself, and Wolverine is dead-determined to kill her off. Scott yells that X-Men don't kill; and the two of them begin another shouting march over murder and whether not to murder the Queen. Wolverine gets right in the Brood Queen's face, and is lunging for the claw-kill------when the X-Men are beamed aboard the Royal Yacht!! The Brood Queen lives.

Aboard the yacht, Wolvie is just about to tell the others that they are soon to die from Brood eggs....when the spacecraft is cited by another for destruction. "ALL GUNS--OPEN FIRE!!"

My thoughts: Another fantastic science-fiction battle-royal issue. Wolverine still shines, but now the whole X-team are joining in the mix. Colossus is right that this does feel like it could be the X-Men's last stand. It's really kind of amazing the entire roster made it off the Brood world. This is just a damn good story.

Just wanted to say, the Brood cover of the Recent Heroes for Hire was pretty "hentai-suggestive"... but that Kitty Pryde Brood cover is even more so, since it involves a minor.

Cyclops yelling, "X-Men don't kill." is ironic, given current events. And, he should've listened to Logan, since the Brood Queen implanted him already and gave him and the X-Men a death sentence... unless...

Do you think the Brood "hive" programming from the egg within Cyclops was already starting to influence him, and get Wolverine to back off to preserve his hive's queen? Just a thought...

[heretic]

Just wanted to say, the Brood cover of the Recent Heroes for Hire was pretty "hentai-suggestive"... but that Kitty Pryde Brood cover is even more so, since it involves a minor.
OTOH, there was not the bondage thing....

Cyclops yelling, "X-Men don't kill." is ironic, given current events.
Not really, instead of admitting lethal force is an option for the team he creates a shadowy force apart from it. Not _healthy_ or IMO sensable but internally consistent. And, he should've listened to Logan, since the Brood Queen implanted him already and gave him and the X-Men a death sentence... unless...

Do you think the Brood "hive" programming from the egg within Cyclops was already starting to influence him, and get Wolverine to back off to preserve his hive's queen? Just a thought...Doubt it, perhaps he just did not know....

HTG (having just broke down and ordered the essentials for Claremont's classic run en masse)

[david r]

Cyclops yelling, "X-Men don't kill." is ironic, given current events. And, he should've listened to Logan, since the Brood Queen implanted him already and gave him and the X-Men a death sentence... unless...

Storm, Kitty and Colossus are all struggling in this epic with not killing. But how do you do that when your enemy is the most vile, disgusting thing you've ever faced---the Brood! I have a feeling this struggle for survival will test their ethics to the max.

Do you think the Brood "hive" programming from the egg within Cyclops was already starting to influence him, and get Wolverine to back off to preserve his hive's queen? Just a thought...

Fascinating idea; it's very possible the Brood are indeed influencing their hosts. The egg saves Kitty's live from lethal radiation in Uncanny X-Men #164. So they can sense their host, somehow.

What I want to know is how do the X-Men pilot Lilandra's flagship off the Brood world? At the conclusion to #163. I don't see how any of them, nor Lilandra, would know how to pilot a ship like that.

HTG (having just broke down and ordered the essentials for Claremont's classic run en masse)

Heretic, let us know what you think of those fantastic stories. Those Essentials are great and you get so much X-MEN all at once. And all in continuity, too.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.164.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #164

"Binary Star"

1st appearance: Binary

It's Dave Cockrum's final issue of X-MEN. It appears Dave pencilled more issues and covers than any other X-artist in history. 1974-1982. A pretty cool feat. He even did covers for much of John Byrne's run. And Cockrum goes out with a bang, in another chapter in this amazing outer-space saga. :smile:

The X-Men, Carol Danvers and Majestrix Lilandra have escaped the Broodworld. But Lilandra's personal yacht space-ship was not built for battle. The Brood baddies are on their trail, in bizarre "shark-like" crafts. Once again, those mean Brood have enslaved living beings, and made them their slaves. A wild space battle ensues, as the X-Men use the few weapons aboard to shoot at the oncoming Brood ships. ( Wolverine's skin has miraculously returned to normal; the deep lines are gone. I assume his healing factor kicked in!) The Royal Yacht takes a bad pummeling by pulsar rays, and the warp drive becomes inoperable. They can't warp to escape. Kitty Pryde, risking life and limb, dons a space-suit, and heads out into the lethal vacuum of space, to effect repairs topside. She's one brave girl.

Meanwhile, Carol Danvers is feeling more and more weird. Something is wrong with her. The Brood ships spot Sprite aboard the craft, and begin firing at her. But Kitty phases through the lasers. However, some shrapnel hits her when she is solid. But strangely, the wound heals itself. Just as the battle looks hopeless, Carol suddenly ignites into a flaming figure (see cover!) Carol has transformed into Binary!! All at once, she zaps all the attacking ships!! At that moment, Kitty fixes the damage, and the ship shoots into warp drive, and FREEDOM!!

Back on Earth, Charles Xavier is fixing dinner at the rebuilt School for Gifted Youngsters. We learn the mansion has been completely remade, utilizing help by Lilandra and Shi'ar robots. The only people at the Mansion presently are Charles and Colossus' sister Illyana Rasputin. The place feels very lonely without the X-Men. At dinner, Charles confesses to Illyana that he's a mutant. When Charles asks Illyana if she is a mutant, she mysteriously replies "I can do neat...things." Charles thinks to himself that Moira MacTaggert needs to examine Illyana. But he will not, for he wants to be left alone.

Back in space, Binary re-energizes the ship's depleted energy reserves, another awesome display of power. This whole segment with Binary and Carol Danvers reminds me strongly of Phoenix and Jean Grey. The ship speeds off again, but finally Cyclops corners Wolverine as to his queer behavior lately. Wolverine yells why didn't Scotty let him kill the Brood Queen? Then it all would have been worth it. Scott says we X-Men don't kill. Wolverine snikts out his claws and yells "WANNA BET?" But then Logan turns and replies "Sorry. I...didn't mean to do that." An amazing turning point for Wolverine. He seems to be gaining better control of his animalistic urges. Wolverine leaves, and Cyclops confronts Storm in the hangar-bay. Ororo is also acting peculiar. Ororo says she is losing touch with her elemental powers, and doesn't know why. She is feeling more & more cut-off from Earth. Ororo examines herself and realizes she's pregnant!! Ororo then realizes something AWFUL and blasts off the ship in a Shi'ar craft. Wolverine finally spills the beans.....all of them are impregnated with Brood eggs. They are all going to die once the eggs hatch. Ororo sensed this and went crazy. The whole team looks shocked and terrified. Binary becomes enraged and blasts right through the hull, declaring she will destroy the Brood for this. The issue ends with the decompression sucking the other X-Men out into outer space!!!

My thoughts: Another kickass issue. This thing just goes on and on. But it's brilliant. Like I said, Binary reminds me somewhat of Jean Grey and her transformation into Phoenix. Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to Carol Danvers. As for these Brood, they may be the worst threat the X-Men have ever faced. This whole story has a real feeling of menace and impending doom about it. A great deal of suspense and it makes you wonder if all the members will make it out alive. Cockrum and Claremont deliver again.

[creaky]

Just wanted to say, the Brood cover of the Recent Heroes for Hire was pretty "hentai-suggestive"... but that Kitty Pryde Brood cover is even more so, since it involves a minor.

No kidding. That doesn't look like a good way to depict a 14-year old girl.

[Dagger]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.164.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #164

"Binary Star"

1st appearance: Binary

It's Dave Cockrum's final issue of X-MEN. It appears Dave pencilled more issues and covers than any other X-artist in history. 1974-1982. A pretty cool feat. He even did covers for much of John Byrne's run. And Cockrum goes out with a bang, in another chapter in this amazing outer-space saga. :smile:

The X-Men, Carol Danvers and Majestrix Lilandra have escaped the Broodworld. But Lilandra's personal yacht space-ship was not built for battle. The Brood baddies are on their trail, in bizarre "shark-like" crafts. Once again, those mean Brood have enslaved living beings, and made them their slaves. A wild space battle ensues, as the X-Men use the few weapons aboard to shoot at the oncoming Brood ships. ( Wolverine's skin has miraculously returned to normal; the deep lines are gone. I assume his healing factor kicked in!) The Royal Yacht takes a bad pummeling by pulsar rays, and the warp drive becomes inoperable. They can't warp to escape. Kitty Pryde, risking life and limb, dons a space-suit, and heads out into the lethal vacuum of space, to effect repairs topside. She's one brave girl.

Meanwhile, Carol Danvers is feeling more and more weird. Something is wrong with her. The Brood ships spot Sprite aboard the craft, and begin firing at her. But Kitty phases through the lasers. However, some shrapnel hits her when she is solid. But strangely, the wound heals itself. Just as the battle looks hopeless, Carol suddenly ignites into a flaming figure (see cover!) Carol has transformed into Binary!! All at once, she zaps all the attacking ships!! At that moment, Kitty fixes the damage, and the ship shoots into warp drive, and FREEDOM!!

Back on Earth, Charles Xavier is fixing dinner at the rebuilt School for Gifted Youngsters. We learn the mansion has been completely remade, utilizing help by Lilandra and Shi'ar robots. The only people at the Mansion presently are Charles and Colossus' sister Illyana Rasputin. The place feels very lonely without the X-Men. At dinner, Charles confesses to Illyana that he's a mutant. When Charles asks Illyana if she is a mutant, she mysteriously replies "I can do neat...things." Charles thinks to himself that Moira MacTaggert needs to examine Illyana. But he will not, for he wants to be left alone.

Back in space, Binary re-energizes the ship's depleted energy reserves, another awesome display of power. This whole segment with Binary and Carol Danvers reminds me strongly of Phoenix and Jean Grey. The ship speeds off again, but finally Cyclops corners Wolverine as to his queer behavior lately. Wolverine yells why didn't Scotty let him kill the Brood Queen? Then it all would have been worth it. Scott says we X-Men don't kill. Wolverine snikts out his claws and yells "WANNA BET?" But then Logan turns and replies "Sorry. I...didn't mean to do that." An amazing turning point for Wolverine. He seems to be gaining better control of his animalistic urges. Wolverine leaves, and Cyclops confronts Storm in the hangar-bay. Ororo is also acting peculiar. Ororo says she is losing touch with her elemental powers, and doesn't know why. She is feeling more & more cut-off from Earth. Ororo examines herself and realizes she's pregnant!! Ororo then realizes something AWFUL and blasts off the ship in a Shi'ar craft. Wolverine finally spills the beans.....all of them are impregnated with Brood eggs. They are all going to die once the eggs hatch. Ororo sensed this and went crazy. The whole team looks shocked and terrified. Binary becomes enraged and blasts right through the hull, declaring she will destroy the Brood for this. The issue ends with the decompression sucking the other X-Men out into outer space!!!

My thoughts: Another kickass issue. This thing just goes on and on. But it's brilliant. Like I said, Binary reminds me somewhat of Jean Grey and her transformation into Phoenix. Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to Carol Danvers. As for these Brood, they may be the worst threat the X-Men have ever faced. This whole story has a real feeling of menace and impending doom about it. A great deal of suspense and it makes you wonder if all the members will make it out alive. Cockrum and Claremont deliver again.
My first issue of this mighty epic, and I loved every minute of it!!! I loved Carol's transformation, and didn't really understand what she was missing until I later got my hands on her Ms. Marvel series, and then upon re-reading this issue, I realized I liked her better as Ms. Marvel as I dont' like the overly powered characters like she became for the rest of her run in Uncanny.

I can't wait for Paul Smith to come aboard as some of the stories with him on art are some of my faves and the return of the X-Men to Earth and the focus more on the mutant-hating humans are about to make a return to prominence as the space-operas aren't my favorite stories involving the Merry Mutant band.

I kinda wish they had a website for the Avengers like the X-Men have www.Uncannyx-men.net

[jmc247]

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/254.jpg

Now that is a nice shot of Wolverine.

[DDM]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.164.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #164

"Binary Star"

1st appearance: Binary

It's Dave Cockrum's final issue of X-MEN. It appears Dave pencilled more issues and covers than any other X-artist in history. 1974-1982. A pretty cool feat. He even did covers for much of John Byrne's run. And Cockrum goes out with a bang, in another chapter in this amazing outer-space saga. :smile:

The X-Men, Carol Danvers and Majestrix Lilandra have escaped the Broodworld. But Lilandra's personal yacht space-ship was not built for battle. The Brood baddies are on their trail, in bizarre "shark-like" crafts. Once again, those mean Brood have enslaved living beings, and made them their slaves. A wild space battle ensues, as the X-Men use the few weapons aboard to shoot at the oncoming Brood ships. ( Wolverine's skin has miraculously returned to normal; the deep lines are gone. I assume his healing factor kicked in!) The Royal Yacht takes a bad pummeling by pulsar rays, and the warp drive becomes inoperable. They can't warp to escape. Kitty Pryde, risking life and limb, dons a space-suit, and heads out into the lethal vacuum of space, to effect repairs topside. She's one brave girl.

Meanwhile, Carol Danvers is feeling more and more weird. Something is wrong with her. The Brood ships spot Sprite aboard the craft, and begin firing at her. But Kitty phases through the lasers. However, some shrapnel hits her when she is solid. But strangely, the wound heals itself. Just as the battle looks hopeless, Carol suddenly ignites into a flaming figure (see cover!) Carol has transformed into Binary!! All at once, she zaps all the attacking ships!! At that moment, Kitty fixes the damage, and the ship shoots into warp drive, and FREEDOM!!

Back on Earth, Charles Xavier is fixing dinner at the rebuilt School for Gifted Youngsters. We learn the mansion has been completely remade, utilizing help by Lilandra and Shi'ar robots. The only people at the Mansion presently are Charles and Colossus' sister Illyana Rasputin. The place feels very lonely without the X-Men. At dinner, Charles confesses to Illyana that he's a mutant. When Charles asks Illyana if she is a mutant, she mysteriously replies "I can do neat...things." Charles thinks to himself that Moira MacTaggert needs to examine Illyana. But he will not, for he wants to be left alone.

Back in space, Binary re-energizes the ship's depleted energy reserves, another awesome display of power. This whole segment with Binary and Carol Danvers reminds me strongly of Phoenix and Jean Grey. The ship speeds off again, but finally Cyclops corners Wolverine as to his queer behavior lately. Wolverine yells why didn't Scotty let him kill the Brood Queen? Then it all would have been worth it. Scott says we X-Men don't kill. Wolverine snikts out his claws and yells "WANNA BET?" But then Logan turns and replies "Sorry. I...didn't mean to do that." An amazing turning point for Wolverine. He seems to be gaining better control of his animalistic urges. Wolverine leaves, and Cyclops confronts Storm in the hangar-bay. Ororo is also acting peculiar. Ororo says she is losing touch with her elemental powers, and doesn't know why. She is feeling more & more cut-off from Earth. Ororo examines herself and realizes she's pregnant!! Ororo then realizes something AWFUL and blasts off the ship in a Shi'ar craft. Wolverine finally spills the beans.....all of them are impregnated with Brood eggs. They are all going to die once the eggs hatch. Ororo sensed this and went crazy. The whole team looks shocked and terrified. Binary becomes enraged and blasts right through the hull, declaring she will destroy the Brood for this. The issue ends with the decompression sucking the other X-Men out into outer space!!!

My thoughts: Another kickass issue. This thing just goes on and on. But it's brilliant. Like I said, Binary reminds me somewhat of Jean Grey and her transformation into Phoenix. Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to Carol Danvers. As for these Brood, they may be the worst threat the X-Men have ever faced. This whole story has a real feeling of menace and impending doom about it. A great deal of suspense and it makes you wonder if all the members will make it out alive. Cockrum and Claremont deliver again.

Uncanny X-Men #164 is one of my favorite stories, largely for Carol Danvers dramatic transformation into Binary! Although I see some parallels with Jean Grey's transformation into Phoenix, Chris Claremont stays true to Carol's history with Mar-Vell & her hybrid nature of human & Kree genes. Binary possesses a physical link to the universe; whereas, Captain Marvel possessed a psychic connection to the universe via his Cosmic Awareness. Carol Danvers, as Binary, has transcended this as Binary. She too has a cosmic awareness since she is permanently linked to a white hole to give her access as the powers of a star. Carol does not need to eat or breathe as Binary. Binary is also the key in saving the X-Men from their fate of being Brood Queens (with the help of Storm & the Acanti).

Binary's costume is also a variation of Carol's second Ms. Marvel costume. Instead of a lightning bolt, she has two stars on her breast; she also has a red/white motif instead of a navy blue or black motif she had as Ms. Marvel.

I would like to see Carol become Binary again in her own book, Ms. Marvel since she really does not possess her original Ms. Marvel powers anymore.

[CJ Lentze]

Binary's costume is also a variation of Carol's second Ms. Marvel costume. Instead of a lightning bolt, she has two stars on her breast; she also has a red/white motif instead of a navy blue or black motif she had as Ms. Marvel.I was thinking about Carol's Binary costume, and... couldn't it be possible that the costume design was based on DC's Saturn Girl? I never read DC, but last year I saw an advertisement for a Legion of Superheroes comic written by Jim Shooter, and the costume of Saturn Girl looked so similar to Binary's, in my opinion, that I felt compelled to look up who this character was.

I thought it could be similar to how the Imperial Guard was based on DC heroes as well.

It makes me smile every time I read the word 'yacht'. The X-Men take on the Brood, travelling in Lilandra's yacht. And I think the ship has autopilot. Lilandra is trained in space combat, and it wouldn't take too long for Cyclops and Carol to get the hang of it.

[DDM]

I was thinking about Carol's Binary costume, and... couldn't it be possible that the costume design was based on DC's Saturn Girl? I never read DC, but last year I saw an advertisement for a Legion of Superheroes comic written by Jim Shooter, and the costume of Saturn Girl looked so similar to Binary's, in my opinion, that I felt compelled to look up who this character was.

I thought it could be similar to how the Imperial Guard was based on DC heroes as well.

It makes me smile every time I read the word 'yacht'. The X-Men take on the Brood, travelling in Lilandra's yacht. And I think the ship has autopilot. Lilandra is trained in space combat, and it wouldn't take too long for Cyclops and Carol to get the hang of it.

I think Dave Cockrum used a variation of Phoenix's costume for Carol Danvers as Ms. Marvel & Binary. I never connected the designs with Saturn Girl's costume.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.164.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #164

"Binary Star"

1st appearance: Binary

It's Dave Cockrum's final issue of X-MEN. It appears Dave pencilled more issues and covers than any other X-artist in history. 1974-1982. A pretty cool feat. He even did covers for much of John Byrne's run. And Cockrum goes out with a bang, in another chapter in this amazing outer-space saga. :smile:

The X-Men, Carol Danvers and Majestrix Lilandra have escaped the Broodworld. But Lilandra's personal yacht space-ship was not built for battle. The Brood baddies are on their trail, in bizarre "shark-like" crafts. Once again, those mean Brood have enslaved living beings, and made them their slaves. A wild space battle ensues, as the X-Men use the few weapons aboard to shoot at the oncoming Brood ships. ( Wolverine's skin has miraculously returned to normal; the deep lines are gone. I assume his healing factor kicked in!) The Royal Yacht takes a bad pummeling by pulsar rays, and the warp drive becomes inoperable. They can't warp to escape. Kitty Pryde, risking life and limb, dons a space-suit, and heads out into the lethal vacuum of space, to effect repairs topside. She's one brave girl.

Meanwhile, Carol Danvers is feeling more and more weird. Something is wrong with her. The Brood ships spot Sprite aboard the craft, and begin firing at her. But Kitty phases through the lasers. However, some shrapnel hits her when she is solid. But strangely, the wound heals itself. Just as the battle looks hopeless, Carol suddenly ignites into a flaming figure (see cover!) Carol has transformed into Binary!! All at once, she zaps all the attacking ships!! At that moment, Kitty fixes the damage, and the ship shoots into warp drive, and FREEDOM!!

Back on Earth, Charles Xavier is fixing dinner at the rebuilt School for Gifted Youngsters. We learn the mansion has been completely remade, utilizing help by Lilandra and Shi'ar robots. The only people at the Mansion presently are Charles and Colossus' sister Illyana Rasputin. The place feels very lonely without the X-Men. At dinner, Charles confesses to Illyana that he's a mutant. When Charles asks Illyana if she is a mutant, she mysteriously replies "I can do neat...things." Charles thinks to himself that Moira MacTaggert needs to examine Illyana. But he will not, for he wants to be left alone.

Back in space, Binary re-energizes the ship's depleted energy reserves, another awesome display of power. This whole segment with Binary and Carol Danvers reminds me strongly of Phoenix and Jean Grey. The ship speeds off again, but finally Cyclops corners Wolverine as to his queer behavior lately. Wolverine yells why didn't Scotty let him kill the Brood Queen? Then it all would have been worth it. Scott says we X-Men don't kill. Wolverine snikts out his claws and yells "WANNA BET?" But then Logan turns and replies "Sorry. I...didn't mean to do that." An amazing turning point for Wolverine. He seems to be gaining better control of his animalistic urges. Wolverine leaves, and Cyclops confronts Storm in the hangar-bay. Ororo is also acting peculiar. Ororo says she is losing touch with her elemental powers, and doesn't know why. She is feeling more & more cut-off from Earth. Ororo examines herself and realizes she's pregnant!! Ororo then realizes something AWFUL and blasts off the ship in a Shi'ar craft. Wolverine finally spills the beans.....all of them are impregnated with Brood eggs. They are all going to die once the eggs hatch. Ororo sensed this and went crazy. The whole team looks shocked and terrified. Binary becomes enraged and blasts right through the hull, declaring she will destroy the Brood for this. The issue ends with the decompression sucking the other X-Men out into outer space!!!

My thoughts: Another kickass issue. This thing just goes on and on. But it's brilliant. Like I said, Binary reminds me somewhat of Jean Grey and her transformation into Phoenix. Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to Carol Danvers. As for these Brood, they may be the worst threat the X-Men have ever faced. This whole story has a real feeling of menace and impending doom about it. A great deal of suspense and it makes you wonder if all the members will make it out alive. Cockrum and Claremont deliver again.

And again, some would say the Brood are knockoffs of the Xenomorphs from Alien. Laying eggs up in you, and all. The Binary moments in this seem almost random, like they were trying to redo the Phoenix Saga again differently, agreed.

But Carol sure didn't do anybody a favor by opting to smash through the hull to go after the Brood, and decompress the cabin. That's some classic super-dickery, Marvel style.

[CJ Lentze]

I think Dave Cockrum used a variation of Phoenix's costume for Carol Danvers as Ms. Marvel & Binary. I never connected the designs with Saturn Girl's costume.I had this image on my mind:

http://qlqccq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pmhjcBFsQ33PEaTXWnIcF3Ovxr4m1wrD1E2521l4Twq9zHxl i3-zxoIsSyYGJt8VxVJporXD5D5rCICvUPEq1MA/saturngirl.JPG

That's the one called Saturn Girl, right? The red-and-white colours, the arrow design, the white gloves and boots, plus the blonde hair...

Coincidence doesn't exist, Scully. It's a conspiracy.

[DDM]

I had this image on my mind:

http://qlqccq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pmhjcBFsQ33PEaTXWnIcF3Ovxr4m1wrD1E2521l4Twq9zHxl i3-zxoIsSyYGJt8VxVJporXD5D5rCICvUPEq1MA/saturngirl.JPG

That's the one called Saturn Girl, right? The red-and-white colours, the arrow design, the white gloves and boots, plus the blonde hair...

Coincidence doesn't exist, Scully. It's a conspiracy.

Here's Saturn Girl's original costume:

http://www.adherents.com/lit/comics/img/s/SaturnGirl.jpg

The image you've posted is an updated version of Saturn Girl which actually could have been influenced by Dave Cockrum's Ms. Marvel, Binary, & Phoenix costumes.

From the original costume, I don't see much of a resemblance to Binary's costume.

[DDM]

And again, some would say the Brood are knockoffs of the Xenomorphs from Alien. Laying eggs up in you, and all. The Binary moments in this seem almost random, like they were trying to redo the Phoenix Saga again differently, agreed.

But Carol sure didn't do anybody a favor by opting to smash through the hull to go after the Brood, and decompress the cabin. That's some classic super-dickery, Marvel style.

Carol's transformation into Binary is not random; Claremont has been building to this moment since her Ms. Marvel series & hinted at in Uncanny X-Men #158 & Uncanny X-Men #163.

The Brood are inspired by the alien from Alien, but they diverge on many other ways that the Brood is not just a cheap imitation.

[david r]

My first issue of this mighty epic, and I loved every minute of it!!! I loved Carol's transformation, and didn't really understand what she was missing until I later got my hands on her Ms. Marvel series, and then upon re-reading this issue, I realized I liked her better as Ms. Marvel as I dont' like the overly powered characters like she became for the rest of her run in Uncanny.

I really don't know Carol Danvers that well either. Reading her in X-MEN, I don't connect her as the same Ms. Marvel from Avengers.

She too has a cosmic awareness since she is permanently linked to a white hole to give her access as the powers of a star. Carol does not need to eat or breathe as Binary.

I felt the white hole idea was a novelty. Instead of a black hole, we have a "white" hole. What I'm wondering is Binary talks about leaving Earth for good and exploring space unknown. Carol says this in #164, does she ever actually do any of that?

And again, some would say the Brood are knockoffs of the Xenomorphs from Alien. Laying eggs up in you, and all.

The Brood are similiar to the creature from 1979's Alien. , to be sure. I feel it's fairly obvious this is a homage to them. Though this epic reminds me more of the 1986 sequel.

As for Binary's costume, remember that Dave Cockrum drew the Legion of Super-Heroes before doing X-MEN. Dave may have used Saturn Girl for an inspiration. You just never know!

[david r]

To honor Dave Cockrum's legendary run on X-Men, and as the longest-serving X-artist in history, here are his thoughts on his second run:

- On why Dave came back to X-MEN with #145: I had been working on staff and they asked me to do an issue of Marvel Fanfare with the X-Men and Spider-Man in the Savage Land. I took the job on a whim and enjoyed it so much that I told Chris, 'Listen, if Byrne decides to leave the book, I'd like to come back.' Byrne left the following Monday. Bang-zoom, I'm back on the book.

- The crossover that might have been: right about that time they were talking about doing an X-Men crossover with DC. Originally it was going to be an X-Men/Legion of Super-Heroes crossover and they asked me if I could do it. Boy, I really wanted to do that crossover! Then they sprung that double-sized issue on me (Uncanny X-Men #150) and I couldn't see how I could possibly do both. I had just gotten X-MEN back and I didn't want to have to give it up again. So I passed on the crossover...

- On Kitty Pryde: They matured Wolverine into somebody I could actually enjoy working with and they'd introduced Kitty Pryde. At the time I'm thinking, 'This little girl is in the X-Men? Boy, is that dumb!' So she had the flu for the first few issues I did. But then, when we started using her, I discovered she was actually fun. I'm sometimes stubborn about things, but once you beat it into my head, I can do something with it.

- Working with Chris Claremont on the second run: I almost always worked well with Chris. But he doesn't have a sense of humor, or at least not much of one, and sometimes I would pick on him for not lightening up. Once I finished up an issue at four in the morning and I called him up. He was all "Uhhhh-uhhhhhh," and I just said, "It's done!" and hung up the phone. He didn't laugh.

- Why Dave left X-MEN with #164: I got the okay to do the Futurians graphic novel, a pet project of mine. I'd given Shooter the proposal and it sat on his desk for about a year, and then finally he says, "Yeah, you can do it if you want to." I was at a plotting session with Chris and Louise [Jones] and I mentioned that I had gotten the okay to do Futurians. They asked me what it was, and I started describing the project and got so excited that I was jumping up and down and waving my arms around. According to Chris, he and Louise kind of decided there and then that I was more interested in Futurians than X-Men and sort of talked me into leaving. I think Chris decided he might be able to get a more manageable artist if I was off doing something else. I know they were panicky for about a week because nobody would take the book. Nobody wanted to handle that crowd of characters.

- Dave's thoughts on X-Men: When I was really sick, Marvel gave me a nice settlement, but it in no way makes up for what I could have made if I'd owned a part of the book. I didn't foresee a mutant empire. I sort of wish I had continued doing X-MEN. There were things done that I'd have done differently, but I'm glad I worked on it when I did. But in those days, if you wanted to play in their sandbox, you had to give them the characters. It was the only way you could get work and I was happy to do it. Drawing comics was my dream come true. I actually got to work with a bunch of artists and writers that I really admired so much.

[xfire]

God bless Dave

[DDM]

I felt the white hole idea was a novelty. Instead of a black hole, we have a "white" hole.

White holes (http://www.answers.com/topic/white-hole?cat=technology) are thought to exist, although they "live" for a relatively short time than black holes; however, in human standards, white holes still exist for billions of years.

What I'm wondering is Binary talks about leaving Earth for good and exploring space unknown. Carol says this in #164, does she ever actually do any of that?

Since Carol is now Binary, she has the power to exist in space & explore it at will; however, she is torn. Binary returns home with the X-Men & stays for several weeks while the Starjammers visit family (Alex & Scott). Binary was going to stay as a member of the X-Men until several events happen on Earth. The first is Carol discovers Mar-Vell is dead while playing poker with the Avengers, Thing, & Wolverine when she meets the then new Captain Marvel in Marvel Fanfare #24. In anger, she turns into Binary & finds Mar-Vell's grave (since Rogue took everything Carol was as Ms. Marvel, Carol no longer possessed her psychic connection with Mar-Vell; therefore, she did not sense his death). The final straw is in Uncanny X-Men #171 when Binary discovers Rogue has joined the X-Men. Binary tells the X-Men can't abide Rogue being a member of the team. She leaves in disgust. By Uncanny X-Men #174, we learn Carol has accepted membership as a member of the Starjammers.

[heretic]

Heretic, let us know what you think of those fantastic stories. Those Essentials are great and you get so much X-MEN all at once. And all in continuity, too.I am up to 197. This is how comics should be written. That is all.

Back on Earth, Charles Xavier is fixing dinner at the rebuilt School for Gifted Youngsters. We learn the mansion has been completely remade, utilizing help by Lilandra and Shi'ar robots. The only people at the Mansion presently are Charles and Colossus' sister Illyana Rasputin. The place feels very lonely without the X-Men. At dinner, Charles confesses to Illyana that he's a mutant. When Charles asks Illyana if she is a mutant, she mysteriously replies "I can do neat...things." "Oh, things...."

Perhaps it is hindsight, but it is a testament to the whole Brood thing that those two words were not the scariest thing in the book. The girl spent half her life in what was essentially Hell, anyone not worried more than a bit if she gets secretive (esp. when smiling) is insane.

HTG

[david r]

Binary tells the X-Men can't abide Rogue being a member of the team. She leaves in disgust. By Uncanny X-Men #174, we learn Carol has accepted membership as a member of the Starjammers.

Thank you for the answer, DDM. The X-Men do have a way of upsetting their allies. I would have liked to have seen Binary explore the universe. A free beautiful soul in a quest for cosmic knowledge. I wonder if Chris Claremont had initially planned for that role for Carol?

Thinking about Rogue, I wonder when Claremont created her as a villain, if he already had it all mapped out for her to join the X-Men? You certainly can't tell by her earliest appearances.

This is how comics should be written.

I could not agree more.

[david r]

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.165.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #165

"Transfigurations"

Possibly the last stand of the Uncanny X-Men! A striking cover there; this issue debuts incoming talent Paul Smith. His art is very polished here and I like his work very much, so far. His work blends perfectly with what Dave Cockrum was already doing on the book. As the mutant's struggle with the Brood continues...

The X-Men survive the decompression of the hangar-bay, however all involved are quite worried about the Queen Brood eggs implanted within them. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Stevie Hunter and Moira MacTaggert are sunbathing at the School. It has been weeks since the X-Men left Earth; and no word on their whereabouts since. Charles Xavier is depressed and beside himself; resigned that he has failed them and planning to end the School for Gifted Youngsters. Moira enters into his office and informs him that Reed Richards has met a young Vietnamese girl named Xi'an Coy Manh--codename "Karma", who is a mutant. Richards wants Charles to help the girl, but Xavier declines. Staring out his office window, he is the definition of a depressed soul. Moira wishes not to argue again, and offers to hand over the girl to Magneto or Emma Frost's Massachusetts Academy. Charles is outraged at the very notion of giving Xi'an to their sworn enemies!! In a perfectly written exchange, Charles says Moira cannot understand his grief. The X-Men were like his children and she has never experienced the loss of.....Charles stops short, remembering Moira losing her own son, Proteus. Moira stands there, arms crossed,and says she certainly DOES understand the grief he's experiencing. She lost a son because of his out-of-control mutant powers. Don't exile the Vietnamese girl to a similiar fate. As Moira leaves, she says "One last thing, Charles. Proteus was my boy. He could ha' been ours." Charles sits in his darkened office, looks at the envelope from Reed Richards, and makes a fateful decision.....

Back in deepest space, Storm is piloting her starship thought a nebula. Ororo is beside herself with grief after learning she is impregnated with a Brood egg. Suddenly, the disgusting transformation begins!!! Her arms becomes reptilian tentacles, and Ororo runs from the control-station in anguish. Her body transforms into a monstrous Brood!!! But at the saving moment, her ship exits the nebula and enters the Galactic Core!! Millions of suns and stars crammed into a tiny area, the dazzling light entering the ship's windows and saving Storm. Somehow the Brood reverses the transformation and Ororo lays back to normal. Ororo explodes the starcraft and drifts in open space!! She uses her weather abilities to summon the awesome power of the millions of suns!! It kills the Brood egg within her. But it also kills Storm!! Her dead body floats away into the void!!

Back on Lilandra' space-yacht, Kitty Pryde has a nightmarish dream where she is attending a funeral. With her are her parents and the X-Men, all dressed in black. The body in the open coffin is Kitty herself. Suddenly, the corpses eyes open, and metamorpheses into a Brood! It's tentacles reach out for Kitty and drag her screaming in the coffin. Sprite awakens in her bed, yelling!! Peter Rasputin appears and comforts her. Kitty is terrified of what will happen to them when they become Brood. Peter is very calm and at peace with whatever happens. They embrace and Kitty wishes she was older. They kiss. Peter stops kissing and says Katya is not older. Kitty whispers, "It....it doesn't matter," and touches Peter's cheek. Kitty says "We may never get another chance." But Peter says "This is not the proper time or place." Suddenly, inexplicably, Storm appears in the room, a weird yellowish halo about her. She is in the form of a vampire, last seen in Uncanny X-Men #159. Ororo smiles with vampiric fangs and says "That's not right."

Images of Storm appear to all the X-Men throughout the ship, each incarnation a different version of Storm. All with the same yellowish glow about her. WHAT IS GOING ON?? Lilandra suddenly notices her ship is being swallowed up by one of the giant "fish-crafts" piloted by the Brood!! It's open-mouth swallows up Lilandra's yacht. "Storm" says 'I could not risk your injuring the ACANTI before I had an opportunity to explain. I am not the Storm you knew. The Acanti and I---are one!"

[creaky]

Best part:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/roilier/kurtloganuxm163.jpg

[pryde15]

Here's Saturn Girl's original costume:

http://www.adherents.com/lit/comics/img/s/SaturnGirl.jpg

The image you've posted is an updated version of Saturn Girl which actually could have been influenced by Dave Cockrum's Ms. Marvel, Binary, & Phoenix costumes.

From the original costume, I don't see much of a resemblance to Binary's costume.

But this one, that Cockrum did design is obviously similar.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ed/Saturngirl.jpg/150px-Saturngirl.jpg

The picture of Saturn Girl postted by Schuimned Mormel was designed by Francis Manapul, from Legion of Superheroes (current series) #37.

[DDM]

Thank you for the answer, DDM. The X-Men do have a way of upsetting their allies. I would have liked to have seen Binary explore the universe. A free beautiful soul in a quest for cosmic knowledge. I wonder if Chris Claremont had initially planned for that role for Carol?

Thinking about Rogue, I wonder when Claremont created her as a villain, if he already had it all mapped out for her to join the X-Men? You certainly can't tell by her earliest appearances.

I believe Chris Claremont had no plans for Rogue to join the X-Men when he created her in Avengers Annual #10; Rogue is a MacGuffin (http://www.answers.com/topic/macguffin?cat=entertainment) for Carol Danvers' character development. Claremont believed Carol Danvers as she was initially recreated as Ms. Marvel possessed too many almost perfect qualities & nothing to use as a writer. Rogue solved this by creating a problem for both Carol Danvers & Rogue when Rogue absorbed Carol's psyche & powers permanently. I'm not sure how Chris Claremont would have used Rogue if Ms. Marvel never got cancelled if Rogue became everything Ms. Marvel was. However, with Ms. Marvel's cancellation, Claremont could literally start over with Carol Danvers when Rogue takes everything Carol was up to Avengers Annual #10. Carol retains her unique hybrid genes which eventually lead to her transformation into Binary. However, despite the new powers, the oldest hurt remains with Carol's isolation & disconnection with everything that was once dear to her on Earth.

Chris Claremont did not like how Rogue was written in Dazzler; she is meant to be the unofficial foster daughter of Mystique & Destiny, yet in Dazzler she was portrayed as a woman in her 40's. Therefore, Chris Claremont decided to have Rogue join the X-Men so he could save her character from further character assignation. He also used Carol Danvers' psyche for more stories & the conflict between Rogue & Carol to generate more ideas.



I

[DDM]

But this one, that Cockrum did design is obviously similar.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ed/Saturngirl.jpg/150px-Saturngirl.jpg

The picture of Saturn Girl postted by Schuimned Mormel was designed by Francis Manapul, from Legion of Superheroes (current series) #37.

Aside from the gloves & boots, the main costume seems more from Storm's original costume, also designed by Dave Cockrum.

[worstblogever]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.165.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #165

"Transfigurations"

Possibly the last stand of the Uncanny X-Men! A striking cover there; this issue debuts incoming talent Paul Smith. His art is very polished here and I like his work very much, so far. His work blends perfectly with what Dave Cockrum was already doing on the book. As the mutant's struggle with the Brood continues...

The X-Men survive the decompression of the hangar-bay, however all involved are quite worried about the Queen Brood eggs implanted within them. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Stevie Hunter and Moira MacTaggert are sunbathing at the School. It has been weeks since the X-Men left Earth; and no word on their whereabouts since. Charles Xavier is depressed and beside himself; resigned that he has failed them and planning to end the School for Gifted Youngsters. Moira enters into his office and informs him that Reed Richards has met a young Vietnamese girl named Xi'an Coy Manh--codename "Karma", who is a mutant. Richards wants Charles to help the girl, but Xavier declines. Staring out his office window, he is the definition of a depressed soul. Moira wishes not to argue again, and offers to hand over the girl to Magneto or Emma Frost's Massachusetts Academy. Charles is outraged at the very notion of giving Xi'an to their sworn enemies!! In a perfectly written exchange, Charles says Moira cannot understand his grief. The X-Men were like his children and she has never experienced the loss of.....Charles stops short, remembering Moira losing her own son, Proteus. Moira stands there, arms crossed,and says she certainly DOES understand the grief he's experiencing. She lost a son because of his out-of-control mutant powers. Don't exile the Vietnamese girl to a similiar fate. As Moira leaves, she says "One last thing, Charles. Proteus was my boy. He could ha' been ours." Charles sits in his darkened office, looks at the envelope from Reed Richards, and makes a fateful decision.....

Back in deepest space, Storm is piloting her starship thought a nebula. Ororo is beside herself with grief after learning she is impregnated with a Brood egg. Suddenly, the disgusting transformation begins!!! Her arms becomes reptilian tentacles, and Ororo runs from the control-station in anguish. Her body transforms into a monstrous Brood!!! But at the saving moment, her ship exits the nebula and enters the Galactic Core!! Millions of suns and stars crammed into a tiny area, the dazzling light entering the ship's windows and saving Storm. Somehow the Brood reverses the transformation and Ororo lays back to normal. Ororo explodes the starcraft and drifts in open space!! She uses her weather abilities to summon the awesome power of the millions of suns!! It kills the Brood egg within her. But it also kills Storm!! Her dead body floats away into the void!!

Back on Lilandra' space-yacht, Kitty Pryde has a nightmarish dream where she is attending a funeral. With her are her parents and the X-Men, all dressed in black. The body in the open coffin is Kitty herself. Suddenly, the corpses eyes open, and metamorpheses into a Brood! It's tentacles reach out for Kitty and drag her screaming in the coffin. Sprite awakens in her bed, yelling!! Peter Rasputin appears and comforts her. Kitty is terrified of what will happen to them when they become Brood. Peter is very calm and at peace with whatever happens. They embrace and Kitty wishes she was older. They kiss. Peter stops kissing and says Katya is not older. Kitty whispers, "It....it doesn't matter," and touches Peter's cheek. Kitty says "We may never get another chance." But Peter says "This is not the proper time or place." Suddenly, inexplicably, Storm appears in the room, a weird yellowish halo about her. She is in the form of a vampire, last seen in Uncanny X-Men #159. Ororo smiles with vampiric fangs and says "That's not right."

Images of Storm appear to all the X-Men throughout the ship, each incarnation a different version of Storm. All with the same yellowish glow about her. WHAT IS GOING ON?? Lilandra suddenly notices her ship is being swallowed up by one of the giant "fish-crafts" piloted by the Brood!! It's open-mouth swallows up Lilandra's yacht. "Storm" says 'I could not risk your injuring the ACANTI before I had an opportunity to explain. I am not the Storm you knew. The Acanti and I---are one!"

So... so the Acanti don't support statutory rape? Pretty smart for space whales.

While Colossus does clearly state Kitty's not old enough, this is the issue that people always refer to for the "just wrong" factor. Kitty's... 14 at best? And Peter's probably around 20, at least. :frown:

[pryde15]

Aside from the gloves & boots, the main costume seems more from Storm's original costume, also designed by Dave Cockrum.

I realize.

I think all 3 are similar. But it makes sense for an artist to reuse main design elements, when it comes to redesigning as many characters as he did.

[Dagger]

Thank you for the answer, DDM. The X-Men do have a way of upsetting their allies. I would have liked to have seen Binary explore the universe. A free beautiful soul in a quest for cosmic knowledge. I wonder if Chris Claremont had initially planned for that role for Carol?

Thinking about Rogue, I wonder when Claremont created her as a villain, if he already had it all mapped out for her to join the X-Men? You certainly can't tell by her earliest appearances.
I don't think Claremont had created her in mind to join the x-men, I just think he didn't like the way others wrote and drew her, so he had her join the x-men.

[worstblogever]

I don't think Claremont had created her in mind to join the x-men, I just think he didn't like the way others wrote and drew her, so he had her join the x-men.

He does seem to have a thing about other kids playing with his toys.

[DDM]

He does seem to have a thing about other kids playing with his toys.

Rogue was written like she was some woman in her 40's when she is meant to be a 17 year old girl. I can see why Chris Claremont was concerned & put her in Uncanny X-Men .

[worstblogever]

Rogue was written like she was some woman in her 40's when she is meant to be a 17 year old girl. I can see why Chris Claremont was concerned & put her in Uncanny X-Men .

He also puts Cannonball back in relationships with Lila Cheney 15-20 years after the original time like they'd never been apart. Whatever vision he has for a character to satisfy a dangling plot thread he's cooked up to come to boil later in continuity, he seems to want to make happen, no matter what any other writer has done with the character while he was away. And last time I checked, that meant trying to make X-Men: The End canon slowly and subtlely.

I'll pass, thanks.

[david r]

re: Uncanny X-Men #165:

-As Creaky showed with that page he posted, this issue is the first clear mention Nightcrawler makes of being strongly religious. If Kurt did mention it before, he never did in such detail. Notice the very first issue without Dave Cockrum, and Nightcrawler is showing religious traits.

-Moira MacTaggert couldn't have been serious about sending Xi'an Coy Mahn to Magneto or the Massachusetts Academy. Could she? I assume she was just trying to goad Charles Xavier back to his senses. (And what did Moira mean when referring to Proteus, and she said "He could ha' been ours.")

-Storm's display of power in outer space was extraordinary! Summoning the power of the entire Galactic Core to eradicate the Brood egg inside her. A truly awe-inspiring moment, and one that makes you realize how powerful some of these mutants are.

-The panel where Kitty and Peter kiss is quite moving.

-One constant theme in this epic has been the X-Men facing the fact they must KILL to survive. For Ororo, Kitty and Peter, this is a hard fact to swallow. They are wrestling with betraying their beliefs if they wish to live through this nightmarish story. It is sad to read them make their choices, but also exciting. This whole story feels like a big, widescreen summer blockbuster.

[creaky]

-As Creaky showed with that page he posted, this issue is the first clear mention Nightcrawler makes of being strongly religious. If Kurt did mention it before, he never did in such detail. Notice the very first issue without Dave Cockrum, and Nightcrawler is showing religious traits.

(Am a "she", actually, but whatever). Hints of Kurt's religion had been dropped before, like in the fourth annual (and I don't remember if the issue where he burns Dracula with a cross has passed at this point?), but this is the first time we see that it's actually incorporated into his life. I'll leave any Cockrum/Claremont debate to others, I just want to rave about the Kurt/Logan scene. I love how it's so deeply personal and surprisingly open on Logan's part and yet it comes off as so casual and easy. It's not schmaltzy in the least, but it speaks volumes about how close these two have become.
I think Claremont would "overwrite" things often, but he never did that when writing the interaction between Kurt and Logan, which is probably part of why I love them together so much. They're just so zen.<3

[david r]

(Am a "she", actually, but whatever).

As I wrote that first sentence from my last post, I had a feeling I was getting the "he" part wrong. I looked at your profile but no mention of sex. So I thought...Creaky?? Gotta be a "he"! Sorry!!

Hints of Kurt's religion had been dropped before, like in the fourth annual (and I don't remember if the issue where he burns Dracula with a cross has passed at this point?), but this is the first time we see that it's actually incorporated into his life.

I guess you're right. The Dracula issue, #159, has happened, which we see Kurt Wagner use a crucifix on the Count. So yes, his religious beliefs have been mentioned, but never in such detail as in #165.

I'll leave any Cockrum/Claremont debate to others, I just want to rave about the Kurt/Logan scene. I love how it's so deeply personal and surprisingly open on Logan's part and yet it comes off as so casual and easy. It's not schmaltzy in the least, but it speaks volumes about how close these two have become.


The interaction between Kurt & Logan has been well-done. I agree with you and never realized how close Wolverine and Nightcrawler became during this period. Kurt even mentions they are friends to Cyclops at one point, and you realize Logan lets few "friends" into his life. It does seem deeply personal but yet completely natural. I could see how these two would bond. Though I wonder if Logan referring to Kurt as "elf" ever bothers Kurt?