X-Men from the Beginning [Archive] - Page 5 - Comic Book Resources Forums

CJ Lentze

05-03-2008, 11:56 AM

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. The other way around? I'll settle for that.-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.Especially Wolverine's point of view in this is interesting. He thinks he may only have the choice between killing the X-Men or letting them transform into Brood. It's choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea. The part in the Wolverine solo issue, where he considers killing Kitty with his claws, is chilling. Then there's Colossus being unable to play 'Xevious' with the organic Broodships, and Cyclops holding on to the X-Men's 'no killing' rule.

At the same time, I see something of a bloodthirsty streak in Lilandra. She says of the Brood, "whether child or adult, of low birth or high", their lives are hers. I like Lilandra as a warrior, but sometimes she seems to take warfare and bloodshed for granted, which is when I start to question if she and Charles Xavier are really make a neat couple, as Xavier always tries to resolve everything in a peaceful manner first. Wolverine is intent on killing all of the Brood (by killing their queen first), and while I understand that all the Brood would probably conquer the world, wanting the destruction of their entire race doesn't sit right with me; even though all the Brood we've seen are evil. It helps a little that the Acanti and the Brood are presented as a good-vs-evil balancing set of species, though perhaps that feels kind of old school in a book that's obviously trying to explore the grey areas of morality.

(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.<3I love this page myself, as you know. Kurt and Logan are almost opposites in a lot of ways, yet they connect because they take effort to understand each other, which is also obvious on this page.

I sincerely doubt MacTaggert would have placed Karma in the 'care' of a mutant villain. She was simply applying some clever psychology on Xavier, to goad him. She wouldn't have allowed Karma to go to Magneto or the Hellfire Club; in the first place because she'd mess up the girl's life by making her a criminal, and in the second place because she'd be responsible for the creation of another super villain. As for Moira's 'He could have been ours' comment, I think she meant that she could have raised Kevin with Xavier after her husband left her in hospital when she was pregnant.

Storm's powers being greater in outer space seems strange to me, as space is a near-vacuum, and Storm's powers normally depend on the currents in Earth's atmosphere, which is infinitely more dense in comparison to space. Wouldn't she have less 'material' to work with? But I did like her drawing strength from the stars around her.

ExodusCloak

05-03-2008, 12:08 PM

Storm's powers being greater in outer space seems strange to me, as space is a near-vacuum, and Storm's powers normally depend on the currents in Earth's atmosphere, which is infinitely more dense in comparison to space. Wouldn't she have less 'material' to work with? But I did like her drawing strength from the stars around her.

I think it actually depends on where in space she actually is. There's still Hydrogen atoms in space so if she concentrates hard enough she could form a Hydrogen cloud. I can recall two occasions on Earth(Upper Atmosphere) where her powers don't work as well.

IRRC In the Galactic Core instance didn't it say that Storm drew on something abstract? IRRC spiritual sustenance from being in the Galactic Core like she does on Earth or any other heavenly body she's on as opposed to something composite eg "Stellar Energy".

CJ Lentze

05-03-2008, 01:11 PM

I think it actually depends on where in space she actually is. There's still Hydrogen atoms in space so if she concentrates hard enough she could form a Hydrogen cloud. I can recall two occasions on Earth(Upper Atmosphere) where her powers don't work as well.

IRRC In the Galactic Core instance didn't it say that Storm drew on something abstract? IRRC spiritual sustenance from being in the Galactic Core like she does on Earth or any other heavenly body she's on as opposed to something composite eg "Stellar Energy".Oh yes, it certainly was. But I like to see a more tangible explanation behind most abstract concepts in sci-fi. The spirituality of drawing strength from Earth and from the galactic core is more how Storm experiences it, but it must be based on something physical.

I thought her powers were dependent on the medium she was in. If she's less effective in the upper atmosphere, that would suggest they are. I'm not at all sure about how space would affect how her winds and her lightning manifest or are formed. Rats to my ignorance on the subject.

creaky

05-03-2008, 01:30 PM

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!!

No problem. It happens a lot.:wink:

Though I wonder if Logan referring to Kurt as "elf" ever bothers Kurt?

I doubt it. It's used affectionately, and to someone who regularly gets mistaken for a demon, being seen as an elf must be preferrable.
(I wonder if Claremont ever had Legolas and Gimli in mind when he put these two together).

david r

05-03-2008, 02:24 PM

I also believe Moira MacTaggert is the birth mother of Rhane Sinclair, Wolfsbane.

Interesting, I wouldn't have considered that. Of course, I believe (from your avatars) you are experienced with the New Mutants series, so perhaps this is hinted to there. PLEASE don't divulge it if it indeed is!

and Cyclops holding on to the X-Men's 'no killing' rule.

Ah, but notice Cyclops finally comes around to the need to kill the Brood, in #165. I would reason Scott's years of experience now with the X-Men made him realize that in some cases, if you DON'T kill, you will lose everything yourself.

At the same time, I see something of a bloodthirsty streak in Lilandra. She says of the Brood, "whether child or adult, of low birth or high", their lives are hers. I like Lilandra as a warrior, but sometimes she seems to take warfare and bloodshed for granted, which is when I start to question if she and Charles Xavier are really make a neat couple, as Xavier always tries to resolve everything in a peaceful manner first. Wolverine is intent on killing all of the Brood (by killing their queen first), and while I understand that all the Brood would probably conquer the world, wanting the destruction of their entire race doesn't sit right with me; even though all the Brood we've seen are evil. It helps a little that the Acanti and the Brood are presented as a good-vs-evil balancing set of species, though perhaps that feels kind of old school in a book that's obviously trying to explore the grey areas of morality.

Thought-provoking post; and a harbinger of ideas and themes that will become crucial to Uncanny X-Men's future. Should heroes kill? Do they lose something, some intangible innocence and truth in killing another? To speak for Lilandra, if you're faced with such a monstrous foe like the Brood, I suspect most of us would eventually destroy them, seeing the cost of not is the destruction of everything we cherish.

Storm's powers being greater in outer space seems strange to me, as space is a near-vacuum, and Storm's powers normally depend on the currents in Earth's atmosphere, which is infinitely more dense in comparison to space. Wouldn't she have less 'material' to work with? But I did like her drawing strength from the stars around her.

Ororo mentions there are millions of stars and suns within the Galactic Core. Ororo was pulling the solar radiation from all those suns into herself, to destroy the Brood egg. That would be an unimaginable force of power, and I think very much a physical force. I don't think her powers work as well in space, I agree. But with so much solar radiation in the cosmic neighborhood, she had enough to destroy the egg......and herself!! :eek:

david r

05-03-2008, 02:31 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.166.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #166

"Live Free or Die!"

1st appearance: Lockheed the Dragon

The climax to this unforgettable Brood saga; as our team of mutants make possibly their final stand against seemingly insurmountable odds. Planets fall, species clash and another moment of greatness is reached by Charles Xavier's X-Men!

The planet called Madrizar is home to the Brood. the life-destroying creatures have enslaved the world. Among their greatest prizes are the massive Acanti-- whale-shaped beings, probably some of the largest inhabitants of the galaxy, who wander through the universe gaining knowledge. They harm no one, but nearly the entire species of Acanti have been captured & enslaved by the Brood, to become their unwilling space-craft. I personally have never read anything quite like this. Did Chris Claremont come up with a new science-fiction idea? In terms of these Acanti beings, or has similiar things been done in sci-fi literature before?

At any rate, the pissed-off Carol Danvers, now in the form of Binary, makes her way to Madrizar and begins destroying the Brood's cities. Carol is impregnated with a Queen Brood egg, and she is not a happy camper. She destroys one city with her cosmic powers, and notices a harpooned Acanti hovering above the city. She touches it's mind, and learns it has had it's higher-intellectual brain functions destroyed the hateful Brood. She asks it mentally if it wants freedom, or death. The huge Acanti cries out (I assumed like a whale song) and Binary understands the tragic answer. She vaporizes the poor creature. Binary then whisks back into outer space, where she encounters Storm. Ororo has become "one" with a child Acanti. It saved her life from the awesome solar radiation Ororo was exposed to her in #165. The two find the baby Acanti, and enter it's mouth. Within is housed Majestrix Lilandra's private yacht, the Z'Reee Shar. Also within a membrane on the wall of the Acanti's mouth, is Ororo's body. All her skin seems to have dissolved off. Storm and Binary are reunited with the galaxy-spanning X-Men, and Lilandra. Kitty Pryde is grief-stricken over their imminent deaths.

Storm has become "one" with this Acanti being. She tells the X-Men the tragic story of the Acanti. How they roamed space as peaceful denizens, only to be attacked and hunted by the invading Brood. The most horrific of all, the prophet-singer of the species, leader of the Acanti and caretaker of the soul of the entire race, was captured by the Brood. Turned into an indescribably large space-craft by the vile Brood, the rest of the species were unable to save it, and worse, forced to follow it and themselves captured. When the prophet-singer died, it's "soul" was unable to leave for Heaven, as it's form was brought down to Madrizar, and used as a huge city. Ororo then divulges that the child she has "bonded" with, is the new Prophet-singer for the Acanti. It's survival must be achieved at ALL COSTS!! The X-Men know that they are going to die by the Brood eggs, but they decide to go out in a blaze of glory. But returning to the Broodworld, and destroying the dead Acanti Prophet-singer. In so doing, it will free it's trapped soul. And the new child Propher-singer, and all the other free Acanti, can leave the Brood and escape into the farthest reaches of interstellar space.

However, Cyclops and Wolverine clash as Logan says the other X-Men should stay behind. They could transform into Brood at any moment, and endanger the Acanti mission. Scott points at Logan and yells "KILL US NOW! Do what you created to do, Wolverine! That way the mission won't be jeopardized!" Wolverine hesitates, not wanting to murder his dear friends. He pops a claw!! But then Kitty Pryde stops them, and brings them back to their senses. So the child Acanti makes it's way to Madrizar, and the X-Men teleport (Star Trek-style!) to the planet's hostile surface. There, the other inhabitants of this planet, all sorts of bizarre monsters, attack them. During the wild battle, Wolverine notices Cyclops acting strangely. His scent finally reveals the truth.... Cyclops is turning into a Brood! And was hiding the fact from the others, trying to lure them to their deaths! The traitor Cyclops blasts Colossus and Wolverine, right as other Broods appear and blast Lilandra and Nightcrawler into oblivion. The X-MEN HAVE FALLEN!!

However, one member has slipped away; Kitty Pryde is running through the dark caves of this world, chased by a Brood. Suddenly, a small, purple "dragon-like" creature, appears!! And shoots flame out it's mouth! The dragon burns the Broods and saves Kitty's life. Kitty wonders if the creature is friendly, as the dragon flies up to her as a seeming gesture of good-will. But then another Brood attacks and blasts a hole in a wall! A light shines thru, and Kitty and the Brood stand transfixed by the light. They enter the bright lair...............Meanwhile, the other X-Men have been captured by the Brood. And stand before the Mother Queen. She awaits their metamorphosis into her beloved Broodlings. But Cyclops begins to lose control of his optic blasts---the new Brood unable to control them. Wolverine sees his chance, and runs straight into the blasts, destroying the manacle that imprisoned him. The bloodied and bruised Wolverine knocks out both Cyclops and the Brood Mother. He frees the other X-Men, and they enter this dazzling bright room. It is a room filled with crystal, something within the room welcomes them inside. A presence. Suddenly, the Brood Queen stabs Wolverine with her fangs, injecting with him with venom. Wolvie slices off the fangs, and collapses from poison. When he looks up, he sees the awful sight of his fellow X-Men, all of them transforming into the Brood. The Brood Queen mocks him, and says not only will they fall, but the soul within this crystal room--the Acanti soul---will be consumed by the Brood as well. All looks lost as Wolverine stands helpless!!

Dramatically, Binary smashes into the room, and positions herself on the ground. Carol Danvers becomes an eldritch creature of light and fire, a living star! She uses the power of the crystal room, and touches the Acanti soul within. This is the soul of the original Prophet-singer of the Acanti! She releases the soul finally, and it zooms into space and into the form of the child Acanti!! The Acanti are now free! In so doing, the Brood eggs within the X-Men have been destroyed and expunged!! All evil within this crystal room was destroyed by Binary's immense power-surge. Including the Brood Queen, who stands turned into pure crystal!! At that moment, the X-Men are transported to the waiting Starjammer ship. The Starjammer high-tails it out of the vicinity, as the entire Brood world, all of Madrizar completely explodes!!! Onboard the ship, the exhausted X-Men are reunited with Corsair's crew. Storm appears also, back within her regular flesh-and-blood body, healed by the Acanti. All are happy that the threat of the Brood is over. Until Wolverine says waitaminute.....the Brood Queen mentioned one other who was possessed. Someone back on Earth. It can only be.......CHARLES XAVIER!!

worstblogever

05-03-2008, 04:27 PM

As awesome as this galactic adventure is... it seems like the level of cosmic power between Binary and the Acanti make the ending kind of a cop out. The X-Men (save Wolverine and Kitty) have Brood eggs and are doomed. And then... BAM! it's a big fix. I guess the suspense of "How do they get out of this one!?!" was there... but the explanations for the where's and how's comes off as completely implausible, even for a comic book. Lockheed's intro is about as random as it gets, when you think about it. Sure, he became a recurring character and all, but what's he doing there (almost a quarter of a century later, Joss Whedon has pegged Lockheed as an intergalactic spy... kind of a nice twist when you think about it... Lockheed may have been gathering intelligence for someone on the growing threat of the Brood).

Still nice art, and a solid adventure on this arc.

Diablito

05-03-2008, 06:25 PM

This is the earliest issue of X-Men I have, which I bought a few months ago. I looooooooove Lockheed, and it was good to see his origin. This issue is also one of the main reasons I consider Lilandra and X-Woman.

DDM

05-03-2008, 06:42 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.166.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #166

"Live Free or Die!"

1st appearance: Lockheed the Dragon

The climax to this unforgettable Brood saga; as our team of mutants make possibly their final stand against seemingly insurmountable odds. Planets fall, species clash and another moment of greatness is reached by Charles Xavier's X-Men!

The planet called Madrizar is home to the Brood. the life-destroying creatures have enslaved the world. Among their greatest prizes are the massive Acanti-- whale-shaped beings, probably some of the largest inhabitants of the galaxy, who wander through the universe gaining knowledge. They harm no one, but nearly the entire species of Acanti have been captured & enslaved by the Brood, to become their unwilling space-craft. I personally have never read anything quite like this. Did Chris Claremont come up with a new science-fiction idea? In terms of these Acanti beings, or has similiar things been done in sci-fi literature before?

At any rate, the pissed-off Carol Danvers, now in the form of Binary, makes her way to Madrizar and begins destroying the Brood's cities. Carol is impregnated with a Queen Brood egg, and she is not a happy camper. She destroys one city with her cosmic powers, and notices a harpooned Acanti hovering above the city. She touches it's mind, and learns it has had it's higher-intellectual brain functions destroyed the hateful Brood. She asks it mentally if it wants freedom, or death. The huge Acanti cries out (I assumed like a whale song) and Binary understands the tragic answer. She vaporizes the poor creature. Binary then whisks back into outer space, where she encounters Storm. Ororo has become "one" with a child Acanti. It saved her life from the awesome solar radiation Ororo was exposed to her in #165. The two find the baby Acanti, and enter it's mouth. Within is housed Majestrix Lilandra's private yacht, the Z'Reee Shar. Also within a membrane on the wall of the Acanti's mouth, is Ororo's body. All her skin seems to have dissolved off. Storm and Binary are reunited with the galaxy-spanning X-Men, and Lilandra. Kitty Pryde is grief-stricken over their imminent deaths.

Storm has become "one" with this Acanti being. She tells the X-Men the tragic story of the Acanti. How they roamed space as peaceful denizens, only to be attacked and hunted by the invading Brood. The most horrific of all, the prophet-singer of the species, leader of the Acanti and caretaker of the soul of the entire race, was captured by the Brood. Turned into an indescribably large space-craft by the vile Brood, the rest of the species were unable to save it, and worse, forced to follow it and themselves captured. When the prophet-singer died, it's "soul" was unable to leave for Heaven, as it's form was brought down to Madrizar, and used as a huge city. Ororo then divulges that the child she has "bonded" with, is the new Prophet-singer for the Acanti. It's survival must be achieved at ALL COSTS!! The X-Men know that they are going to die by the Brood eggs, but they decide to go out in a blaze of glory. But returning to the Broodworld, and destroying the dead Acanti Prophet-singer. In so doing, it will free it's trapped soul. And the new child Propher-singer, and all the other free Acanti, can leave the Brood and escape into the farthest reaches of interstellar space.

However, Cyclops and Wolverine clash as Logan says the other X-Men should stay behind. They could transform into Brood at any moment, and endanger the Acanti mission. Scott points at Logan and yells "KILL US NOW! Do what you created to do, Wolverine! That way the mission won't be jeopardized!" Wolverine hesitates, not wanting to murder his dear friends. He pops a claw!! But then Kitty Pryde stops them, and brings them back to their senses. So the child Acanti makes it's way to Madrizar, and the X-Men teleport (Star Trek-style!) to the planet's hostile surface. There, the other inhabitants of this planet, all sorts of bizarre monsters, attack them. During the wild battle, Wolverine notices Cyclops acting strangely. His scent finally reveals the truth.... Cyclops is turning into a Brood! And was hiding the fact from the others, trying to lure them to their deaths! The traitor Cyclops blasts Colossus and Wolverine, right as other Broods appear and blast Lilandra and Nightcrawler into oblivion. The X-MEN HAVE FALLEN!!

However, one member has slipped away; Kitty Pryde is running through the dark caves of this world, chased by a Brood. Suddenly, a small, purple "dragon-like" creature, appears!! And shoots flame out it's mouth! The dragon burns the Broods and saves Kitty's life. Kitty wonders if the creature is friendly, as the dragon flies up to her as a seeming gesture of good-will. But then another Brood attacks and blasts a hole in a wall! A light shines thru, and Kitty and the Brood stand transfixed by the light. They enter the bright lair...............Meanwhile, the other X-Men have been captured by the Brood. And stand before the Mother Queen. She awaits their metamorphosis into her beloved Broodlings. But Cyclops begins to lose control of his optic blasts---the new Brood unable to control them. Wolverine sees his chance, and runs straight into the blasts, destroying the manacle that imprisoned him. The bloodied and bruised Wolverine knocks out both Cyclops and the Brood Mother. He frees the other X-Men, and they enter this dazzling bright room. It is a room filled with crystal, something within the room welcomes them inside. A presence. Suddenly, the Brood Queen stabs Wolverine with her fangs, injecting with him with venom. Wolvie slices off the fangs, and collapses from poison. When he looks up, he sees the awful sight of his fellow X-Men, all of them transforming into the Brood. The Brood Queen mocks him, and says not only will they fall, but the soul within this crystal room--the Acanti soul---will be consumed by the Brood as well. All looks lost as Wolverine stands helpless!!

Dramatically, Binary smashes into the room, and positions herself on the ground. Carol Danvers becomes an eldritch creature of light and fire, a living star! She uses the power of the crystal room, and touches the Acanti soul within. This is the soul of the original Prophet-singer of the Acanti! She releases the soul finally, and it zooms into space and into the form of the child Acanti!! The Acanti are now free! In so doing, the Brood eggs within the X-Men have been destroyed and expunged!! All evil within this crystal room was destroyed by Binary's immense power-surge. Including the Brood Queen, who stands turned into pure crystal!! At that moment, the X-Men are transported to the waiting Starjammer ship. The Starjammer high-tails it out of the vicinity, as the entire Brood world, all of Madrizar completely explodes!!! Onboard the ship, the exhausted X-Men are reunited with Corsair's crew. Storm appears also, back within her regular flesh-and-blood body, healed by the Acanti. All are happy that the threat of the Brood is over. Until Wolverine says waitaminute.....the Brood Queen mentioned one other who was possessed. Someone back on Earth. It can only be.......CHARLES XAVIER!!

Binary is the star--literally & figuratively--as the Brood storyline crescendos to its climax! Carol finds revenge to be an empty cause. However, with help of Storm, the other X-Men, & the Acanti, she is the key in their victory since Binary's role frees the Starsinger's soul & restores the X-Men by purging the Brood from their bodies. "Live Free or Die" is an apt title.

david r

05-04-2008, 06:35 PM

Uncanny X-Men #154-157, 162-166:

I really cannot believe this story is NOT in a trade paperback. The whole thing needs to be collected ASAP, so modern X-fans can read it, as I think it's one of the absolute classic X-Men stories. Anyone who doesn't like "X-Men in Space" hasn't read this doozy of an epic.

It's an essential tale. I felt it rivaled the Dark Phoenix Saga. Maybe not in emotional power, but in terms of heart-stopping action and incredible suspense, it was just as good as DPS. The Acanti idea was inspired.

It's interesting how they cut it into two segments: the first part from #154-157, partly here on Earth. And then the second part: #162-166, in outer space. I feel this whole adventure brings this group of X-Men together as never before. Bonds them.

DDM

05-04-2008, 06:56 PM

david r

05-05-2008, 09:32 PM

The Acanti:

http://www.mutanthigh.com/aliens/acanti3.jpg

A rare Byrne drawing:

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/marvelrarities-xmen/images/Byrne3.jpg

Some Dave Cockrum designs for his favorite X-Man:

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/362.jpg

CJ Lentze

05-06-2008, 03:09 AM

Lockheed's intro is about as random as it gets, when you think about it. Sure, he became a recurring character and all, but what's he doing there (almost a quarter of a century later, Joss Whedon has pegged Lockheed as an intergalactic spy... kind of a nice twist when you think about it... Lockheed may have been gathering intelligence for someone on the growing threat of the Brood).

Still nice art, and a solid adventure on this arc.Oh definitely. Especially since Lockheed (or 'dragon') appears to die with the 'Sleazeworld', (though his body is not found), Kitty worrying about him seems to come from out of nowhere, and adds little to the issue. I wonder if they were trying to introduce him to make him the 'cute pet character' of the X-Men. I wonder if it was Claremont who did it, or if it was editorial. Mebbe if Lockheed had been introduced when they all made their first escape from Sleazeworld in issue 163, and hung with Kitty from that moment, it would have felt more natural.
This Brood story was a delightful piece of sci-fi comics. Sure there were a lot of homages to other sci-fi stories, but they managed to put plenty original ideas into it. The Dark Phoenix Saga was Jean's story for the most part; in the Brood saga, everyone had their own nice character moments: Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, Sprite... Cockrum's rendition of spaceships and giant spacewhales, and of the Sleazeworld's wilderness and wildlife is on a par with the daring contemporary sci-fi of those days.

Opinions on Paul Smith, anyone? His short run on X-Men was very popular among readers, wasn't it? His art looks 'sleeker' somehow, perhaps with less detail in the backgrounds than Cockrum's art had, but I like his interpretation of all the characters, and how he gives them all their own face. His Kitty looks a bit more mature than Cockrum's Kitty, and I like how handsome he draws Colossus and Nightcrawler.Some Dave Cockrum designs for his favorite X-Man:

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/362.jpgI love the comments on Nightcrawler's tail: 'It does not grow out his ass!' and 'Do not connect the tail directly to his crotch-- you'll give the Code fits and John Romita ulcers!!'. :biggrin:

So, david, now that you've started 'New Mutants From the Beginning', will that mean you'll read an issue of X-Men AND New Mutants every day, or will you alternate days and series? It's an admirable effort at any rate. Once X-Factor comes in, you'll have three X-Books to worry about, and then, and then...

david r

05-06-2008, 08:02 PM

Kitty worrying about him seems to come from out of nowhere, and adds little to the issue.

But Lockheed saved her life! That should count for something. And he was the only friendly being she met on the Brood world.

I wonder if they were trying to introduce him to make him the 'cute pet character' of the X-Men. I wonder if it was Claremont who did it, or if it was editorial.

I suspect it was Chris Claremont who made the decision on Lockheed, since he had a lot of pull on X-MEN at the time.

Opinions on Paul Smith, anyone?

I am loving Paul Smith so far. Like you say, his work looks more sleek and mature than Dave Cockrum's. Paul draws faces and expressions very well. I think he's the perfect artist during this period, actually.

So, david, now that you've started 'New Mutants From the Beginning', will that mean you'll read an issue of X-Men AND New Mutants every day, or will you alternate days and series? It's an admirable effort at any rate.

I will be doing an issue a day. Rotating between New Mutants and Uncanny X-Men for the future. I will be playing close attention to continuity, meaning if one book has to wait for the other to catch up, storywise, then that's how it'll work. The fact these 2 books are tied together, should make this an interesting experience.

Once X-Factor comes in, you'll have three X-Books to worry about, and then, and then...

Don't remind me of "and then, and then...." :eek:

david r

05-06-2008, 08:39 PM

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

Introducing...Lockheed!!

http://www466.pair.com/mringo/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/lockheed-copy.jpg

david r

05-07-2008, 07:28 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.167.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #167

"The Goldilocks Syndrome" or: Who's Been Sleeping in my Head?"

The X-Men meet the New Mutants for the first time! Or should I say, they BATTLE each other for the first time. It's a pulse-pounding return to Earth for the X-Men! And a beautiful cover there for #167, wouldn't you say?

The New Mutants (Sunspot, Ranhe, Karma, Cannonball and Psyche) are all settled in watching TV, and eating popcorn one night. Suddenly, the X-Men come crashing into the Mansion!! Who are these young people!?Surprisingly, the new mutants handle themselves quite well; Cannonball launching himself at Colossus and the two shoot out of the Mansion! Dani brings out Cyclops' worst nightmare---himself as a Brood creature! Shan tries to possess Wolverine---but he resists her and breaks her hold on him. That has never happened before to Karma! Rahne turns into a wolf and sinks her fangs into Nightcrawler! Sunspot punches Wolverine, but his adamantium-laced skeleton muffles the blow! Kurt teleports away from Rahne and slams Dani and Shan's heads together! OUCH! Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde phases into the Mansion and makes her way to Charles Xavier's office. Xavier sits behind his desk, seemingly asleep. But when he raises his head....we realize he has become fully possessed by a Brood Queen!

Xavier wheels out into the hallway, and wings sprout from his back! His body metamorphoses into a Brood!! His students stand shocked and dismayed! The X-Men begin attacking the monster, Cyclops blasting it outside with his optics! Wolverine leaps at it and slices off it's stinger. The Brood flies into the air where Binary and Storm attack it. Storm finally surround it with snow and ice, and the Brood falls to the earth unconscious. Wolvie wants to kill it, but Cyclops orders him to back off. A small sliver of Charles Xavier's mind still exists, and they rush him to the Starjammer ship, in Earth orbit. Sikorsky and Moira MacTaggert work feverishly to save Xavier's life, but putting his mind into a clone body.

Many of the mutants have a heart-warming reunion. Kitty, Illyana and Peter Rasputin all hug. Scott and Corsair have a deep conversation; Corsair asking Scott if he'd like to meet his grandparents? They bond and hug. Kurt Wagner worries the new mutants will not accept his appearance, just as Kitty Pryde didn't at first. But Storm reminds him that Kitty eventually got over it. So will they. We learn that Empress Lilandra has lost the Shi'ar throne, usurped by her bad sister Deathbird. Lilandra is determined to win it back. Finally, Charles Xavier reappears. Sikorksy and MacTaggert have done their work well...Xavier stands in a fresh, new clone body. His original body destroyed by the Brood. Charles can even stand and walk now; though he collapses from pain. His mind still "remembers" the damage that Lucifer caused to his legs. Charles is overjoyed and officially introduces the New Mutants to the X-Men. But then comes the announcement.....effective immediately, Kitty Pryde is leaving the X-Men and joining the New Mutants!!

My thoughts: A classic issue, Paul Smith does a superb job on artwork. The battle between the two mutant teams was a joy, knowing neither actually harm the other. The transformation of Xavier into a Brood was awful. It's kind of creepy that his natural body is destroyed...and he's in some kind of a clone body. I wish they had explained it more. I also greatly liked the character moments in #167, and the touching scenes with everyone. This group of X-Men really feel like they've matured into the true, proper X-Men. Seeing them interact with another junior team was interesting to see.

Nevets F

05-07-2008, 08:17 PM

Edited for my pleasure

worstblogever

05-08-2008, 01:39 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.167.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #167

"The Goldilocks Syndrome" or: Who's Been Sleeping in my Head?"

The X-Men meet the New Mutants for the first time! Or should I say, they BATTLE each other for the first time. It's a pulse-pounding return to Earth for the X-Men! And a beautiful cover there for #167, wouldn't you say?

The New Mutants (Sunspot, Ranhe, Karma, Cannonball and Psyche) are all settled in watching TV, and eating popcorn one night. Suddenly, the X-Men come crashing into the Mansion!! Who are these young people!?Surprisingly, the new mutants handle themselves quite well; Cannonball launching himself at Colossus and the two shoot out of the Mansion! Dani brings out Cyclops' worst nightmare---himself as a Brood creature! Shan tries to possess Wolverine---but he resists her and breaks her hold on him. That has never happened before to Karma! Rahne turns into a wolf and sinks her fangs into Nightcrawler! Sunspot punches Wolverine, but his adamantium-laced skeleton muffles the blow! Kurt teleports away from Rahne and slams Dani and Shan's heads together! OUCH! Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde phases into the Mansion and makes her way to Charles Xavier's office. Xavier sits behind his desk, seemingly asleep. But when he raises his head....we realize he has become fully possessed by a Brood Queen!

Xavier wheels out into the hallway, and wings sprout from his back! His body metamorphoses into a Brood!! His students stand shocked and dismayed! The X-Men begin attacking the monster, Cyclops blasting it outside with his optics! Wolverine leaps at it and slices off it's stinger. The Brood flies into the air where Binary and Storm attack it. Storm finally surround it with snow and ice, and the Brood falls to the earth unconscious. Wolvie wants to kill it, but Cyclops orders him to back off. A small sliver of Charles Xavier's mind still exists, and they rush him to the Starjammer ship, in Earth orbit. Sikorsky and Moira MacTaggert work feverishly to save Xavier's life, but putting his mind into a clone body.

Many of the mutants have a heart-warming reunion. Kitty, Illyana and Peter Rasputin all hug. Scott and Corsair have a deep conversation; Corsair asking Scott if he'd like to meet his grandparents? They bond and hug. Kurt Wagner worries the new mutants will not accept his appearance, just as Kitty Pryde didn't at first. But Storm reminds him that Kitty eventually got over it. So will they. We learn that Empress Lilandra has lost the Shi'ar throne, usurped by her bad sister Deathbird. Lilandra is determined to win it back. Finally, Charles Xavier reappears. Sikorksy and MacTaggert have done their work well...Xavier stands in a fresh, new clone body. His original body destroyed by the Brood. Charles can even stand and walk now; though he collapses from pain. His mind still "remembers" the damage that Lucifer caused to his legs. Charles is overjoyed and officially introduces the New Mutants to the X-Men. But then comes the announcement.....effective immediately, Kitty Pryde is leaving the X-Men and joining the New Mutants!!

My thoughts: A classic issue, Paul Smith does a superb job on artwork. The battle between the two mutant teams was a joy, knowing neither actually harm the other. The transformation of Xavier into a Brood was awful. It's kind of creepy that his natural body is destroyed...and he's in some kind of a clone body. I wish they had explained it more. I also greatly liked the character moments in #167, and the touching scenes with everyone. This group of X-Men really feel like they've matured into the true, proper X-Men. Seeing them interact with another junior team was interesting to see.

After much rejoicing... he demotes Kitty? Man, what a buzzkill, Chuck. Still, it's where a kid SHOULD be. I always wondered why the hell Kitty Pryde got to be the exception and run with the big league team, while the rest of the kids her age had to be on the New Mutants. Seemed kind of hypocritical to me.

As far as the New Mutants... is this the issue where they're watching Magnum P.I. at the beginning when the X-Men smash in? As in, the one referenced this week in Young X-Men #2?

david r

05-08-2008, 09:11 PM

I always wondered why the hell Kitty Pryde got to be the exception and run with the big league team, while the rest of the kids her age had to be on the New Mutants. Seemed kind of hypocritical to me.

Yes, it did seem hypocritical. Just like why didn't the second team of X-Men (Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, etc.) have to wear the yellow-and-black training uniforms? Everyone else did.

As far as the New Mutants... is this the issue where they're watching Magnum P.I. at the beginning when the X-Men smash in? As in, the one referenced this week in Young X-Men #2?

Yes, this is the issue with Magnum PI referenced.

I count 12 mutants now living at the Mansion. The most ever. I hope there are rooms enough for everyone.

worstblogever

05-09-2008, 01:31 AM

Yes, it did seem hypocritical. Just like why didn't the second team of X-Men (Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, etc.) have to wear the yellow-and-black training uniforms? Everyone else did.

Yes, this is the issue with Magnum PI referenced.

I count 12 mutants now living at the Mansion. The most ever. I hope there are rooms enough for everyone.

Some of them had bunk beds, I'm sure.

*resists urge to make joke about people bunking together*

DDM

05-09-2008, 09:17 AM

Yes, it did seem hypocritical. Just like why didn't the second team of X-Men (Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, etc.) have to wear the yellow-and-black training uniforms? Everyone else did.

The New Mutants are different than the X-Men; they have a completely different charter in that they are only to be trained in the use of their mutant powers, but not actively seek fights as the X-Men.

Most of the New Mutants cannot deal with the same circumstances as the X-Men. They lose everytime. It's why they are the novice students.

Shadowcat has proven herself to be an X-Man may times; hence, she deserves to be in the main team. Rachel Summers also joined the X-Men instead of the New Mutants. The same with Rogue. Rogue, Rachel, & Shadowcat are all teenagers at the time, yet Xavier placed them in the X-Men.

Rogue is more than likely placed in the X-Men so the other teammates can watch her & deal with her when she loses control.

Rachel Summers is placed in the X-Men for similar reasons given she survived a Holocaust & has psychic scars from being a mutant Hound; her powers as Phoenix also makes her very powerful.

I count 12 mutants now living at the Mansion. The most ever. I hope there are rooms enough for everyone.

The X-Men live in one wing of the mansion; whereas, the New Mutants live in the opposite wing. The exception is Illyana's Kitty's roomate in the X-Men wing & Ororo still lives in her attic loft.

heretic

05-09-2008, 10:45 AM

After much rejoicing... he demotes Kitty? Man, what a buzzkill, Chuck. Still, it's where a kid SHOULD be. I always wondered why the hell Kitty Pryde got to be the exception and run with the big league team, while the rest of the kids her age had to be on the New Mutants. Seemed kind of hypocritical to me.
Grandfathered in, as there _was_ no younger team when she showed up.

She proved her demotion to be in error next issue... to Chuck at least.

HTG

heretic

05-09-2008, 10:50 AM

The New Mutants are different than the X-Men; they have a completely different charter in that they are only to be trained in the use of their mutant powers, but not actively seek fights as the X-Men.

Most of the New Mutants cannot deal with the same circumstances as the X-Men. They lose everytime. It's why they are the novice students.

Shadowcat has proven herself to be an X-Man may times; hence, she deserves to be in the main team. Rachel Summers also joined the X-Men instead of the New Mutants. The same with Rogue. Rogue, Rachel, & Shadowcat are all teenagers at the time, yet Xavier placed them in the X-Men. You know, that would be an interesting Fanfiction project... what might have happened if Xavier had been a bit more hardnosed and shoehorned these three in with the New Mutants (perhaps as instructors as much as anything, although Rogue had more control issues as any X-Baby)?

HTG

david r

05-09-2008, 07:15 PM

The New Mutants are different than the X-Men; they have a completely different charter in that they are only to be trained in the use of their mutant powers, but not actively seek fights as the X-Men.

I suppose I never thought of it that way. Just like the Original 5 X-Men wore the yellow-and-black uniforms, because they were still in training mode. And you're saying the new X-Men of the 1970s were NOT in training mode as well during UXM #94-101? I would say after their Sentinel battle during #98-100, the 2nd team proved their worth, but they were in training mode those first 8 issues or so.

Shadowcat has proven herself to be an X-Man may times; hence, she deserves to be in the main team.

So you are saying that Professor Xavier is making a mistake? Wouldn't Xavier have realized that Kitty Pryde had proved herself, especially following her involvement in this hugely dangerous Brood story.

The X-Men live in one wing of the mansion; whereas, the New Mutants live in the opposite wing. The exception is Illyana's Kitty's roomate in the X-Men wing & Ororo still lives in her attic loft.

I wish there was a floor-plan or something for the School, Mansion and the grounds, that X-fans could see. Especially from the different eras of the School's existence. So we could see the rooms, where the Danger Room was positioned (was it always underground?), the hangar, the lake, etc.

david r

05-09-2008, 07:26 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51633025122.1.GIF

Marvel Fanfare #1

"Fast Descent into Hell"

1st appearance: Vertigo

Sometimes I may take a small detour into a cool X-Men story outside of Uncanny X-Men. Something interesting, like this first issue of Marvel Fanfare, debuting in 1982 as a prestige series by Marvel. It has a great adventure which starts with our beauteous Angel, and everybody's favorite Manhattan wall-crawler, Spider-Man!! Also the fan-favorite Vertigo debuts in this very issue!!

A blonde-woman named Tanya Anderssen, flies via helicopter into Warren Worthington's impressive New Mexico estate, atop a huge desert butte. Tanya is the former lover of Karl Lykos, aka Sauron, and she was last seen in the classic Uncanny X-Men #61, way back in 1969. Tanya meets Warren's lover, Candy Southern, while Angel himself is up in the gorgeous sky, flying with eagles and simply loving it!! (Lucky fellow!) Warren finally lands and Tanya tells him her sob story. Tanya believes Karl Lykos is alive, lost within the Savage Land, and she wants Angel to find him. Tanya misses Lykos, and feels partly responsible for his becoming the creature SAURON! Warren thinks it's a fool's errand, but reluctantly agrees to go there, because Tanya is going with or without him. Warren's hair has become quite bushy in this tale...

Meanwhile, at the Daily Bugle, editor J. Jonah Jameson has learned of this escavation to the Savage Land, and demands that freelancer Peter Parker go there as well to take pictures and report on the mission. Since Parker has already been to the place, he's the perfect choice. Once Parker gets Jameson's acceptance of a BIG SALARY, Peter agrees to it. Soon, Peter, Warren and Tany Anderssen are on a helicopter, descending into the mists of the Savage Land. However, the flight comes to a premature end as the chopper gets slammed dead-on by a huge flying pterasaur! Everyone on board are smashed out of the bird, as the helicopter explodes!! Angel grabs Tanya and lands safely. Peter Parker fashions an emergency parachute with his web-shooters, and the 3 land in one piece. After getting their bearings, they decide to spend the night and then radio for help the next morning. They climb a small hill and stand on the exact same cliff the X-Men stood on in the immortal Uncanny X-Men #116. Before them is a smashed ruin of the huge city which Garokk the Petrified Man ruled. It takes up an entire valley it is so massive in size!

Warren knows this place, having heard about it from the X-Men. At that instant, the 3 are attacked from the air by savages flying pterosaurs. Angel flies into action himself, and is easily dispatching the invaders, when suddenly he becomes disoriented completely from an unknown assailant!! As Warren is captured by a net, Peter and Tanya are chased by the barbarians, and come to a cliff overlooking a river. Peter knocks Tanya down into the river, so he can use his spider-powers against the attackers. He changes into his awesome Spider-Man costume and defeats them....just in time for him to meet two members of the Savage Land Mutates. The blind Gaza and the four-armed Barbarus, Barbarus knocks Spidey out. When Spider-Man recovers, he discovers himself and Angel strapped to a wall, within Magneto's old Savage Land base. It has been taken over by his abandoned Savage Land mutates (Brain Child, Amphibius, Gaza, Barbarus and a new member, Vertigo!! Vertigo has long, white-hair and a multi-colored costume, looking quite attractive. Brain Child is the leader, and says they've turned the device Magneto created to make them, into a device which now DEVOLVES people into their primordial beginnings! They plan to use it now on Spidey and Angel. Spider-Man tries to break free, but Vertigo disorients him with her power, and the device's rays begin to affect Spidey. Soon his mind is devolving and he blacks out.................??

My thoughts: GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS art by Michael Golden. Man, Michael Golden rocked back then; I wish he'd done more work. As for the story in question, I love seeing Angel again, it's always nice to see the Originals back in action. This is a great set-up issue with still a lot of action, and I am curious if Garrokk or Zaladane show up, as there is a hint to it. I also hope the Savage Land mutates get more showtime.

worstblogever

05-09-2008, 08:06 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51633025122.1.GIF

Marvel Fanfare #1

"Fast Descent into Hell"

1st appearance: Vertigo

Sometimes I may take a small detour into a cool X-Men story outside of Uncanny X-Men. Something interesting, like this first issue of Marvel Fanfare, debuting in 1982 as a prestige series by Marvel. It has a great adventure which starts with our beauteous Angel, and everybody's favorite Manhattan wall-crawler, Spider-Man!! Also the fan-favorite Vertigo debuts in this very issue!!

A blonde-woman named Tanya Anderssen, flies via helicopter into Warren Worthington's impressive New Mexico estate, atop a huge desert butte. Tanya is the former lover of Karl Lykos, aka Sauron, and she was last seen in the classic Uncanny X-Men #61, way back in 1969. Tanya meets Warren's lover, Candy Southern, while Angel himself is up in the gorgeous sky, flying with eagles and simply loving it!! (Lucky fellow!) Warren finally lands and Tanya tells him her sob story. Tanya believes Karl Lykos is alive, lost within the Savage Land, and she wants Angel to find him. Tanya misses Lykos, and feels partly responsible for his becoming the creature SAURON! Warren thinks it's a fool's errand, but reluctantly agrees to go there, because Tanya is going with or without him. Warren's hair has become quite bushy in this tale...

Meanwhile, at the Daily Bugle, editor J. Jonah Jameson has learned of this escavation to the Savage Land, and demands that freelancer Peter Parker go there as well to take pictures and report on the mission. Since Parker has already been to the place, he's the perfect choice. Once Parker gets Jameson's acceptance of a BIG SALARY, Peter agrees to it. Soon, Peter, Warren and Tany Anderssen are on a helicopter, descending into the mists of the Savage Land. However, the flight comes to a premature end as the chopper gets slammed dead-on by a huge flying pterasaur! Everyone on board are smashed out of the bird, as the helicopter explodes!! Angel grabs Tanya and lands safely. Peter Parker fashions an emergency parachute with his web-shooters, and the 3 land in one piece. After getting their bearings, they decide to spend the night and then radio for help the next morning. They climb a small hill and stand on the exact same cliff the X-Men stood on in the immortal Uncanny X-Men #116. Before them is a smashed ruin of the huge city which Garokk the Petrified Man ruled. It takes up an entire valley it is so massive in size!

Warren knows this place, having heard about it from the X-Men. At that instant, the 3 are attacked from the air by savages flying pterosaurs. Angel flies into action himself, and is easily dispatching the invaders, when suddenly he becomes disoriented completely from an unknown assailant!! As Warren is captured by a net, Peter and Tanya are chased by the barbarians, and come to a cliff overlooking a river. Peter knocks Tanya down into the river, so he can use his spider-powers against the attackers. He changes into his awesome Spider-Man costume and defeats them....just in time for him to meet two members of the Savage Land Mutates. The blind [B] Gaza and the four-armed Barbarus, Barbarus knocks Spidey out. When Spider-Man recovers, he discovers himself and Angel strapped to a wall, within Magneto's old Savage Land base. It has been taken over by his abandoned Savage Land mutates (Brain Child, Amphibius, Gaza, Barbarus and a new member, Vertigo!! Vertigo has long, white-hair and a multi-colored costume, looking quite attractive. Brain Child is the leader, and says they've turned the device Magneto created to make them, into a device which now DEVOLVES people into their primordial beginnings! They plan to use it now on Spidey and Angel. Spider-Man tries to break free, but Vertigo disorients him with her power, and the device's rays begin to affect Spidey. Soon his mind is devolving and be blacks out.................??

My thoughts: GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS art by Michael Golden. Man, Michael Golden rocked back then; I wish he'd done more work. As for the story in question, I love seeing Angel again, it's always nice to see the Originals back in action. This is a great set-up issue with still a lot of action, and I am curious if Garrokk or Zaladane show up, as there is a hint to it. I also hope the Savage Land mutates get more showtime.

Will he devolve into six-armed Spidey, the man-spider... or caveman spidey?

And what of Angel... might he devolve to become...

http://blog.wired.com/games/images/2007/04/13/harvey_copy.jpg

DDM

05-10-2008, 08:35 AM

So you are saying that Professor Xavier is making a mistake? Wouldn't Xavier have realized that Kitty Pryde had proved herself, especially following her involvement in this hugely dangerous Brood story.

Yes, Xavier made a mistake.

I wish there was a floor-plan or something for the School, Mansion and the grounds, that X-fans could see. Especially from the different eras of the School's existence. So we could see the rooms, where the Danger Room was positioned (was it always underground?), the hangar, the lake, etc.

The mansion floor plan is in The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition #15; the Danger Room is several feet underground beneath several sub-basements. There's also a detailed diagram of the mansion & whose rooms are in the mansion itself.

CJ Lentze

05-10-2008, 09:28 AM

I suppose I never thought of it that way. Just like the Original 5 X-Men wore the yellow-and-black uniforms, because they were still in training mode. And you're saying the new X-Men of the 1970s were NOT in training mode as well during UXM #94-101? I would say after their Sentinel battle during #98-100, the 2nd team proved their worth, but they were in training mode those first 8 issues or so.The big difference with the original five X-Men, is that half of the 'new' team were adults over twenty -only Nightcrawler, Thunderbird, and Colossus were teenagers-, and three of them (Wolverine, the Banshee, and Sunfire) already had some experience as superheroes. This contrast with the all-teen original team of X-Men is emphasised several times in the earliest issues. While they may have been in training, they were picked to be a superhero team from the get-go, and their training was intense and crash-course-like between the Krakoa and Doomsmith missions. The New Mutants were originally not meant to be X-Men; they're not wearing masks like the original X-Men and Sprite did, and Professor X mentions at one point that they aren't even supposed to go on missions.

That being said, the picture you posted earlier with the new X-Men in the original black (or dark blue) and yellow suits was nice to see, and I would have liked seeing them use them in the comics.So we could see the rooms, where the Danger Room was positioned (was it always underground?), the hangar, the lake, etc.Not always. The Danger Room has only been underground since the mansion was rebuilt after the Sidri destroyed it in Uncanny X-Men #154. Before that, it was on the first floor (behind that heavy, reinforced door Scott always ran into).

david r

05-10-2008, 10:16 AM

The big difference with the original five X-Men, is that half of the 'new' team were adults over twenty -only Nightcrawler, Thunderbird, and Colossus were teenagers-, and three of them (Wolverine, the Banshee, and Sunfire) already had some experience as superheroes. This contrast with the all-teen original team of X-Men is emphasised several times in the earliest issues. While they may have been in training, they were picked to be a superhero team from the get-go, and their training was intense and crash-course-like between the Krakoa and Doomsmith missions. The New Mutants were originally not meant to be X-Men; they're not wearing masks like the original X-Men and Sprite did, and Professor X mentions at one point that they aren't even supposed to go on missions.

I guess you're right. It's interesting that each team so far has begun with a different mission-statement. The New Mutants aren't even supposed to go on missions, or fight "evil mutants".

BTW Schuimend, have you ever read New Mutants ?

That being said, the picture you posted earlier with the new X-Men in the original black (or dark blue) and yellow suits was nice to see, and I would have liked seeing them use them in the comics.

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

The Danger Room has only been underground since the mansion was rebuilt after the Sidri destroyed it in Uncanny X-Men #154. Before that, it was on the first floor (behind that heavy, reinforced door Scott always ran into).

That is what I figured. It always seemed the Danger Room was on the first floor. It's funny how these things keep getting enhanced as time goes by. At first, Professor Xavier just sat in the room watching their performance, and eventually that control booth was built. As time goes by....

CJ Lentze

05-10-2008, 10:24 AM

I guess you're right. It's interesting that each team so far has begun with a different mission-statement. The New Mutants aren't even supposed to go on missions, or fight "evil mutants".

BTW Schuimend, have you ever read New Mutants ?No, unfortunately. I've read issues of Generation X and Dani Moonstar's class of the mid-2000s, but not these original New Mutants. And at the moment, I don't have the money to buy the New Mutants trades.

david r

05-11-2008, 07:24 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51633025122.2.GIF

Marvel Fanfare #2

"To Sacrifice My Soul"

Michael Golden's art is scrumptious! It's too bad he didn't have a run on Uncanny X-Men, as most X-fans haven't read this story. Sauron's former love, Tanya Anderssen, is about to become dinosaur-meat, when Ka-Zar and Zabu leap to her rescue!! Along with a group of Fall People, Tanya is saved! And reunited with her true love, Karl Lykos! They then spend several hours getting "reacquainted" in their own private hut. After the love-makin' is over, the whole group are attacked by a group of former Zaladane fighters!! The battle is joined by a man-sized, flying eagle!! Warren Worthington has been "devolved" into an eagle, by Brainchild's machine from #1. The worst horror is to come...as Spider-Man also reemerges devolved into a man-sized spider! With torn remnants of his spidey suit around him!

Tanya is captured in the fracas, and the attackers leave. Ka-Zar, Lykos and the Fall People decide to follow! They attack the ruined city created by Garokk the Petrified Man. Our heroes assault just as Brainchild is devolving poor Tanya Anderssen back into a neanderthal. The Savage Land Mutates Vertigo, Gaza & Amphibius are both easily knocked out! But four-armed Barbarus beats up on Zabu. We learn Zabu is the last of the long-toothed tigers. The mutated Angel strikes, but the man-spider holds back. Peter Parker is fighting his animalistic urges, trying to regain control of himself! As Barbarus is beating on Ka-Zar, and the villains are about to win, the man-spider comes from behind and assaults Barbarus! The good side of Parker is winning! However, the device which mutated Angel & Spider-Man (created by Magneto ) is destroyed! How will the mutated freaks be transformed back into their normal bodies?

Karl Lykos then takes things into his own hands. His mutant ability is to siphon off energy from others. What if he siphoned off some energy from Angel, Tanya & Spider-Man? Might that loss of energy transform them back into their natural, human states?? Lykos begins doing this, and sure enough, it works. All 3 return to their human forms.....but the energy transferral has caused Karl Lykos to return to his evil Sauron self!! The green-skinned Sauron stands triumphant, glad to have taken control of Karl Lykos, and he flies away!! In conclusion, Tanya Anderssen is freed, but the whole reason for the mission to the Savage Land has been lost---Karl Lykos is still lost to them! Tanya decides to stay to search for him. Spider-Man and Angel return to civilization, for they need medical help. Angel hints that "reinforcements" will be arriving soon to help Ka-Zar with his search for Sauron.

My thoughts: another awesome issue, as I always loved the Savage Land and it's exotic terrain. The Savage Land Mutates are fun, and they escaped this one. Spider-Man mutated into a man-sized spider was pretty gross. All those yucky eyes and eight arms! But this is a wild jungle adventure and quite good. Again, Michael Golden's art is a treasure!

worstblogever

05-11-2008, 07:57 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51633025122.2.GIF

Marvel Fanfare #2

"To Sacrifice My Soul"

Michael Golden's art is scrumptious! It's too bad he didn't have a run on Uncanny X-Men, as most X-fans haven't read this story. Sauron's former love, Tanya Anderssen, is about to become dinosaur-meat, when Ka-Zar and Zabu leap to her rescue!! Along with a group of Fall People, Tanya is saved! And reunited with her true love, Karl Lykos! They then spend several hours getting "reacquainted" in their own private hut. After the love-makin' is over, the whole group are attacked by a group of former Zaladane fighters!! The battle is joined by a man-sized, flying eagle!! Warren Worthington has been "devolved" into an eagle, by Brainchild's machine from #1. The worst horror is to come...as Spider-Man also reemerges devolved into a man-sized spider! With torn remnants of his spidey suit around him!

Tanya is captured in the fracas, and the attackers leave. Ka-Zar, Lykos and the Fall People decide to follow! They attack the ruined city created by Garokk the Petrified Man. Our heroes assault just as Brainchild is devolving poor Tanya Anderssen back into a neanderthal. The Savage Land Mutates Vertigo, Gaza & Amphibius are both easily knocked out! But four-armed Barbarus beats up on Zabu. We learn Zabu is the last of the long-toothed tigers. The mutated Angel strikes, but the man-spider holds back. Peter Parker is fighting his animalistic urges, trying to regain control of himself! As Barbarus is beating on Ka-Zar, and the villains are about to win, the man-spider comes from behind and assaults Barbarus! The good side of Parker is winning! However, the device which mutated Angel & Spider-Man (created by Magneto ) is destroyed! How will the mutated freaks be transformed back into their normal bodies?

Karl Lykos then takes things into his own hands. His mutant ability is to siphon off energy from others. What if he siphoned off some energy from Angel, Tanya & Spider-Man? Might that loss of energy transform them back into their natural, human states?? Lykos begins doing this, and sure enough, it works. All 3 return to their human forms.....but the energy transferral has caused Karl Lykos to return to his evil Sauron self!! The green-skinned Sauron stands triumphant, glad to have taken control of Karl Lykos, and he flies away!! In conclusion, Tanya Anderssen is freed, but the whole reason for the mission to the Savage Land has been lost---Karl Lykos is still lost to them! Tanya decides to stay to search for him. Spider-Man and Angel return to civilization, for they need medical help. Angel hints that "reinforcements" will be arriving soon to help Ka-Zar with his search for Sauron.

My thoughts: another awesome issue, as I always loved the Savage Land and it's exotic terrain. The Savage Land Mutates are fun, and they escaped this one. Spider-Man mutated into a man-sized spider was pretty gross. All those yucky eyes and eight arms! But this is a wild jungle adventure and quite good. Again, Michael Golden's art is a treasure!

Kinda sad how Lykos has to sacrafice his humanity and happiness to save the humanity of three other heroes... so goes the tragedy of Sauron.

david r

05-11-2008, 06:06 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51633025122.3.GIF

Marvel Fanfare #3

"Into the Land of Death"

1st appearance: Timberius

The third chapter in this Savage Land epic, as the importance of it all begins to build. X-Men artist Dave Cockrum supplies the art, Chris Claremont the words. This one is getting better as the stakes get higher.

Following Angel's mission (in #1 and #2), Warren contacts the uncanny X-Men. Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Wolverine are dispatched in the Blackbird to enter the dangerous Savage Land. Cyclops is ill, and he and Kitty Pryde stay behind. As the X-Men fly into the mists and clouds that surround this mystical land, the Blackbird is buffeted by gale-force winds. Storm tries to contain the winds, but she senses a "wrongness" about the weather. But the Blackbird makes it, and lands on a landing pad. The pad descends into a United Nations base named Deep Ice Station Alpha, inside a glacier. Angel welcomes them, along with UN personnel. We learn there are a half-dozen of such bases scattered on the periphery of the Savage Land, to keep watch and the place safe. Angel then informs the X-Men of his recent adventure here, with Spider-Man. The outcome of it all was the return of the old villain, Sauron! Suddenly, a massive earthquake rocks the base, and the place comes apart. Colossus' strength keep the ceiling from collapsing, as the team try to salvage the base and save the UN workers from death. Storm's claustrophobia returns, but Ororo succesfully controls her fears.

Soon, the X-Men & Angel make their way thru a tunnel to a cliff...overlooking the beauty and wildness of the Savage Land. It is another fantastic drawing by Mr. Cockrum!! Dave just continues to impress. The X-Men make their way to the village of the Fall People, to find it completely destroyed! The chief Tongah and 2 others have been crucified and are all dead! Angel and Wolverine share negative comments at one another, over their opposite views on how to handle the situation. Wolverine replies, "Angel, you're down on me because I'm a warrior--a killer--an I'm not ashamed of it. But when I kill, it's out of necessity, or passion. This is murder as an act of policy--cold blooded and merciless. You may not believe me, but there's a difference." There is no love lost between Logan and Warren. Suddenly, Wolvie senses someone watching them, and Nightcrawler bamfs into the surrounding brush to find Gaza, a blind Savage Land Mutate. It's an ambush, as Vertigo, Barbacus, Amphibius and a new member, Timberius (Master of the Wolfpack) attack!! The X-Men are disoriented by Vertigo's dizzying powers, but Kurt Wagner throws a rock at her head and knocks her senseless. The X-Men then clean the clock on the villains.

Amphibius then relates what has happened since #2. Ka-Zar, Zabu and Shanna have all vanished since Angel and Spider-Man left. Zaladane and her armies have been on the march! Sauron has seized leadership, and built his own citadel in the center of one of the great lakes. Sauron seeks dominion of the whole land. The ragtag band begin journeying to this citadel, when Sauron and a group of dinosaur-flying villagers attack them! Sauron's mutant power of hypnotism seizes the X-Men & they plunge into private world's of nightmare!! Angel escapes this but crashes into the jungle! Soon, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Storm and Colossus are captured and brought before Sauron & Zaladane in the lake citadel. Sauron laughs at them, and orders them all reduced to their primordial beginnings! Each member is tied in wall-shackles and held before Magneto's Mutant Energy Accelerator, last seen in #2. Apparently, another one is built. The device will reduce the X-Men to a primitive state, and it is turned on and the ray hits defenseless Colossus. Peter screams as his form melts and re-forms...and changes!!

My thoughts: This issue is even better than the last, though missing Michael Golden's golden art. Cockrum does a stellar job though. This whole story is turning into a grand epic with Zaladane and Sauron attempting complete conquest of the Savage Land. I was shocked to learn that Tongah had been killed! Very sad, as he played a role in #1 and 2. The X-Men may have gotten in over their heads this time. My only problem: Where is Tanya Anderssen??

worstblogever

05-12-2008, 01:38 AM

What's Piotr going to regress into... a piece of rebar?

david r

05-12-2008, 07:54 PM

Seems there should be some longterm effects of Storm bonding with the Acanti. That was a big deal, and I can't see how there would be no consequences to Ororo and her health after bonding with a being like the Acanti.

david r

05-12-2008, 07:58 PM

Here are some pics of Vertigo, to usher her arrival:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/45/Vertigo44.jpg/200px-Vertigo44.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/18/Vertigo236.jpg/200px-Vertigo236.jpg

david r

05-13-2008, 07:13 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51633025122.4.GIF

Marvel Fanfare #4

"Lost Souls"

The rousing conclusion to this great Savage Land arc; as the X-Men and Ka-Zar go head-to-head against Sauron and his evil minions. As the issue begins, Angel awakens to find he has been rescued by Ka-Zar and his partner Zabu. Warren informs the Lord of the Savage Land about Sauron's conquests, and both plot to stop him. Back at Sauron's lake Citadel, the mutate Brainchild is experimenting on trapped Storm, turning her into a neanderthal. Ororo reverts back to normal, so Sauron can "feed" on her mutant powers---thus making him stronger. Suddenly, something smashes into the citadel!! Angel and Ka-Zar are catapulting boulders against the Citadel from across the lake.

Sauron takes off into the skies, to attack Angel. This is all part of the heroes' plans. As Warren battles the green-skinned villain, Ka-Zar and Zabu dive into the lake and swim for the Citadel. After fighting and killing a lakemonster, Ka-Zar sneaks into the Citadel. Within, Brainchild has Ororo all decked out in a sexy outfit, and tells her she can either become Brainchild's sex toy, or he'll revert her permanently into a neanderthal. Ororo resists him and slaps him. Brainchild slaps back, and rushes to get the guards. But Zabu is behind the door!! Brainchild is so surprised he faints! Ka-Zar and Storm sneak away, only to discover the transformed forms of Shanna and Tanya Anderssen, both in cages and reverted to blabbering neanderthals! Ka-Zar is shocked & angered to find his beloved this way. He vows to stop this madness, once and for all. They hear the anguished cries of Nightcrawler, being tortured by the Mutant Accelerator, and they follow his voice. They discover Zaladane using the device against Kurt, and Ororo launches her weather-powers against Zaladane's power! Zaladane loses, and is thrown away by powerful winds!!

Ororo is exhausted from the exchange, but turns off the Accelerator machine, and frees Wolverine and Colossus. Just in time for members of the Savage Land Mutates to enter: Amphibius, Gaza, Barbarus and Timberius! The freed X-Men are raring for a fight, especially Wolverine!! The battle is glorious! Meanwhile, Ororo reverts poor Kurt Wagner back to his normal state. The X-Men knock out all the SL Mutates. Just in time as Sauron descends back into his citadel, ready to hypnotize them all. But Storm is prepared and freezes the air around Sauron. Cold....is the one thing Sauron fears. He falls from the frozen air and Colossus' punches him, and Wolverine slashes part of his long wings clean off!! But Sauron still resists, so Storm blasts him with her lightning..and he reverts back to Karl Lykos. Colossus lifts the Mutant Accelerator and completely demolishes it, hoping it will never be used again. Weeks later, Charles Xavier is using some Mansion device on Karl Lykos, trying to save him from the disease of Sauron. Karl was infected by mutated pteranodons as a teen, and he himself isn't a mutant. Charles is succesful in finding alien element in Karl's DNA matrix and burns it out. Karl Lykos is freed from Sauron!! Karl hugs his love Tanya Anderssen and says it's the happiest day of his life! The whole X-Men team beam with joy, and Wolverine suggests some beer should be forthcoming to celebrate!

My thoughts: This was a memorable Savage Land romp, filled with spine-tingling adventure and action! I enjoyed seeing Sauron and Zaladane join forces and try to conquer the exotic place, and seeing the Savage Land Mutates again was cool. I also enjoyed seeing Angel back with the X-Men, and liked the disagreement with Wolverine he had. The artwork of Michael Golden, Dave Cockrum and Paul Smith (#4) was more than I'd hoped for; they all shined here. Chris Claremont delivered one of the best SL stories I've read. I certainly hope the threat of Sauron is over, once-and-for all.

worstblogever

05-14-2008, 01:45 AM

Brainchild's idea would be picked up on later, when T'Challa, the Black Panther would use a ray (off panel of course) to make Ororo as dumb as a neanderthal so she'd marry him and be his sex toy.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

But nice to see Warren get the spotlight, and save the day. And Karl Lykos is free of Sauron's influence! Until the next time, of course...

Roger Stern

05-14-2008, 07:17 AM

[QUOTE=DDM;6532246]You can read all about it in Phoenix: The Untold Story #1 from "The Dark Phoenix Tapes." Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, Roger Stern, Jim Salicrup, Louise Jones, & Jim Shooter are all present.

You are in error. I was not there.

-- Uncle Rog

david r

05-14-2008, 07:45 PM

Holy smokes! It's Roger Stern!

Roger, you were editor during a golden period for the book. Most of the Claremont/Byrne years. If you ever read this and have the time, any thoughts/memories you could share on your tenure on Uncanny X-Men? The book rocked during that time. :smile:

Nevets F

05-14-2008, 08:12 PM

Buuuuurrrrrn! Proved wrong my a professional. Nice. :)

Haha, loves it.

DDM

05-15-2008, 07:57 AM

Buuuuurrrrrn! Proved wrong my a professional. Nice. :)

Haha, loves it.

I was doing it from memory; "The Dark Phoenix Tapes" has most of the creators including editors, writer, Chris Claremont, penciler, John Byrne, & even inker, Terry Austin talking about Phoenix & her characterization from Jean Grey to Marvel Girl to Phoenix & her corruption into the Black Queen & Dark Phoenix. It has been some time since I read Phoenix the Untold Story #1 & Roger Stern did edit Uncanny X-Men up to Uncanny X-Men #131 then Jim Salicrup takes over for a few issues before Louise Jones (Louise Simonson) is the permanent editor for the book in Uncanny X-Men #137.

david r

05-15-2008, 09:07 PM

I just finished the great X-Men/Spider-Man adventure, and recommend it to all X-fans. It was just reprinted recently as the first seven issues of Marvel Fanfare :

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51637853707.1.GIF

Highly recommended, or you can get just the X-Men/Spidey part, in this tpb. This one is cheaper too!

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97804920609.1.GIF

The Savage Land Mutates:

http://www.marvel.com/universe3zx/images/thumb/b/b3/Savgland.jpg/440px-Savgland.jpg

david r

05-15-2008, 09:33 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97904389460.6.GIF

Uncanny X-Men Annual #6

"Blood Feud"

You can't keep a good vampire down. Not long after the X-Men battled Count Dracula in #159, he is back for another blood feast in this chilling annual.

Kitty Pryde is beside herself, angered and emotional after learning her parents are getting a divorce! She doesn't want kindness from her teammates, as she rushes to her bedroom and smashes her parent's photograph. (With a Rolling Stones poster on her wall.) Kitty cries and falls asleep on her bed. A mysterious shadow appears in the room. Around midnight, Storm enters her room as a full-out vampire, and sucks the blood out of Kitty. In a dizzying display, evil Ororo transverses to each X-Man's room and sucks the life out of them. She turns into a bat and flies away, into the waiting dead arms of DRACULA!!

Luckily, the whole affair is a dream! As Ororo awakens screaming in her bed in the attic. Ororo dresses and senses that Dracula is beckoning her....so she goes to him. She flies all the way to England, to a castle and smashes her way in. Ororo meets Rachel Van Helsing, the descendent of the famous vampire-hunter...and then she is greeted by the fearsome Dracula himself. He wants her to help him, but Ororo resists. It's a battle of wills between them, but Dracula has tasted Ororo's blood. She collapses. Soon, she awakens, Dracula desires her to enter a castle and find a book called the Montesi Formula. It can possibly destroy Dracula. Ororo dons a stealthy-dark costume, and sneaks into this gothic castle. Suddenly, an arrow smashes into her back!! Kitty Pryde appears from the shadows, but there is something wrong with Kitty. Colossus too enters the fray and tries to punch Storm. The two X-Men battle and Ororo encases Colossus in ice. Ororo barely escapes with her life.

Ororo awakens in an Egyptian street. Before her is her mother!! And her father!! This can't be right? Ororo is a grown woman, but they treat her life a child. She witnesses as a jet smashes into Cairo and her parents are killed. Again. But this time, Count Dracula appears at the wreckage and pulls her to freedom. Ororo again awakens from a nightmare, within a coffin!! Dracula is trying to break her will, and lunges for her neck. He is now ready to turn Ororo into a vampire. And to her rescue....the X-Men enter the room and Cyclops blasts Dracula away. Nightcrawler seizes a spear and stabs it through Dracula's heart. But his servant, Rachel Van Helsing rips out of him, releasing him. An awesome battle between Dracula and the X-Men happens, and we learn that Kitty Pryde is possessed by Dracula's daughter, Lilith. Lilith wants Dracula dead. In the end, Rachel tries to free herself from Dracula's clutches, and stabs him again with a spear. She then pulls out candles and forms the cross. Dracula begins to burn!! Wolverine stands ready to decapitate him, but then the raging storm outside sends the entire castle smashing down the sheer cliffside into the ocean!! The X-Men barely escape alive.

Rachel wishes to not live like this, and she asks mercy and a quick kill. Wolverine obliges and stabs her, holding Rachel close. She becomes a skeleton, embracing Wolverine. Storm and Wolverine stand at the cliff, with the rising sun, and wonder if the threat of Dracula is truly over.

My thoughts: This annual was not as spooky as #159, though still fun to read. It reunited Chris Claremont with artist Bill Sienkiewicz, and Bill draws it like Gene Colan again. Too bad they didn't just hire Colan to draw him, but Jim Shooter disliked his art. I guess the best part of this Annual was the battle-of-will between Storm and Dracula. I would say this is one of the best long stories/Annuals so far.

david r

05-17-2008, 05:43 AM

Amphibius:

http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/amphibiusslm6.jpg

Dracula:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/40/Tombofdracula.jpg/250px-Tombofdracula.jpg

The humorous side of Dave Cockrum:

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/normal_450.jpg

david r

05-17-2008, 06:36 AM

-It seems strange in Annual #6 that Marvel changed the location of Ororo's parents death. In a previous issue, we saw they were in an Egyptian apartment building when the jet struck (killing the parents). But in this Annual, they replace it with the crash taking place out in the open, in a courtyard. I wonder why they did this.

-The sequence where the X-Men burst in and save Ororo from Dracula was spectacular. Sound the call of battle! I also liked when Dracula sank his fangs into Wolverine and then sent Wolvie into a killing rage against his fellow teammates. :eek:

-The death of Rachel Van Helsing was very powerful and affecting. Wolverine's embrace of death...

-We learn the only way to truly kill 616 Dracula is to chop off his head. Wolverine fails in his attempt to. Thus, leaving open the possibility of his return and Storm & Wolverine both still being slaves to the Prince of Darkness!!

worstblogever

05-17-2008, 10:37 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97904389460.6.GIF

Uncanny X-Men Annual #6

"Blood Feud"

You can't keep a good vampire down. Not long after the X-Men battled Count Dracula in #159, he is back for another blood feast in this chilling annual.

Kitty Pryde is beside herself, angered and emotional after learning her parents are getting a divorce! She doesn't want kindness from her teammates, as she rushes to her bedroom and smashes her parent's photograph. (With a Rolling Stones poster on her wall.) Kitty cries and falls asleep on her bed. A mysterious shadow appears in the room. Around midnight, Storm enters her room as a full-out vampire, and sucks the blood out of Kitty. In a dizzying display, evil Ororo transverses to each X-Man's room and sucks the life out of them. She turns into a bat and flies away, into the waiting dead arms of DRACULA!!

Luckily, the whole affair is a dream! As Ororo awakens screaming in her bed in the attic. Ororo dresses and senses that Dracula is beckoning her....so she goes to him. She flies all the way to England, to a castle and smashes her way in. Ororo meets Rachel Van Helsing, the descendent of the famous vampire-hunter...and then she is greeted by the fearsome Dracula himself. He wants her to help him, but Ororo resists. It's a battle of wills between them, but Dracula has tasted Ororo's blood. She collapses. Soon, she awakens, Dracula desires her to enter a castle and find a book called the Montesi Formula. It can possibly destroy Dracula. Ororo dons a stealthy-dark costume, and sneaks into this gothic castle. Suddenly, an arrow smashes into her back!! Kitty Pryde appears from the shadows, but there is something wrong with Kitty. Colossus too enters the fray and tries to punch Storm. The two X-Men battle and Ororo encases Colossus in ice. Ororo barely escapes with her life.

Ororo awakens in an Egyptian street. Before her is her mother!! And her father!! This can't be right? Ororo is a grown woman, but they treat her life a child. She witnesses as a jet smashes into Cairo and her parents are killed. Again. But this time, Count Dracula appears at the wreckage and pulls her to freedom. Ororo again awakens from a nightmare, within a coffin!! Dracula is trying to break her will, and lunges for her neck. He is now ready to turn Ororo into a vampire. And to her rescue....the X-Men enter the room and Cyclops blasts Dracula away. Nightcrawler seizes a spear and stabs it through Dracula's heart. But his servant, Rachel Van Helsing rips out of him, releasing him. An awesome battle between Dracula and the X-Men happens, and we learn that Kitty Pryde is possessed by Dracula's daughter, Lilith. Lilith wants Dracula dead. In the end, Rachel tries to free herself from Dracula's clutches, and stabs him again with a spear. She then pulls out candles and forms the cross. Dracula begins to burn!! Wolverine stands ready to decapitate him, but then the raging storm outside sends the entire castle smashing down the sheer cliffside into the ocean!! The X-Men barely escape alive.

Rachel wishes to not live like this, and she asks mercy and a quick kill. Wolverine obliges and stabs her, holding Rachel close. She becomes a skeleton, embracing Wolverine. Storm and Wolverine stand at the cliff, with the rising sun, and wonder if the threat of Dracula is truly over.

My thoughts: This annual was not as spooky as #159, though still fun to read. It reunited Chris Claremont with artist Bill Sienkiewicz, and Bill draws it like Gene Colan again. Too bad they didn't just hire Colan to draw him, but Jim Shooter disliked his art. I guess the best part of this Annual was the battle-of-will between Storm and Dracula. I would say this is one of the best long stories/Annuals so far.

A horror comic with a less than happy ending... for Rachel Van Hesling, anyhow. Great continuation of the original story... although, what Lilith had to do with Kitty Pryde, and why little Kitty didn't pull out her Star of David again is beyond me.

creaky

05-17-2008, 01:40 PM

The humorous side of Dave Cockrum:

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/normal_450.jpg

LOL! A prime side of beef, indeed.<3

DDM

05-17-2008, 03:11 PM

A horror comic with a less than happy ending... for Rachel Van Hesling, anyhow. Great continuation of the original story... although, what Lilith had to do with Kitty Pryde, and why little Kitty didn't pull out her Star of David again is beyond me.

Lilith is immune to garlic, sunlight, & objects like crucifixes & the Star of David since she is born as a sort of mutant vampire, although she possesses the powers of a vampire.

david r

05-17-2008, 06:37 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/98520516906.1.GIF

God Loves, Man Kills

1st appearance: Reverend William Stryker

Leaving behind vampires, dinosaurs and outer space, this 1982 Graphic Novel dives headfirst into the most potent theme of X-MEN: human/mutant relations. Like never before, our writer Christopher Claremont writes a piercing drama the likes of which few superhero comics have ever done. With beautiful artwork by Brent Anderson, they may have created the crowning achievement of X-MEN ever put into print.

The story begins with two African-American children being chased into a playground. The older boy is shot and collapses; the younger female terrified by his body. The Purifiers have arrived, and the little girl asks "Why?" The leader of the Purifers, a dark-haired woman named Anne, says "Because you have no right to live." And the little girl is shot. Both dead bodies are strung up on swings, dangling in the moonlight. The words "Mutie" written on paper slapped on their silent chests. They hang for hours, until suddenly Magneto appears and frees this unholy sight, releasing their bodies from the prison. Magneto was unable to save them...but he vows to avenge them!! Next shot, we see the huge Stryker Building in New York City, headquarters to Reverend William Stryker and his Stryker Crusade. A religious minister, who has a multi-million dollar christian empire. We meet William reading from the Holy Bible, and then plots the destruction of the Uncanny X-Men and their leader, Professor Charles Xavier. God is on his side.

Speaking of our mutants, they are back at the Mansion, getting all cozy to watch on television the Professor and William Stryker debate mutants in a nationally-televised broadcast. We readers have seen this many times before, but this time there is an added religious element to the debate. William Stryker debates Xavier about mutants, but continually quotes from the Bible to affirm his beliefs. Naturally, God agrees with his own hatreds and prejudices. WHAT A COINCIDENCE!! Watching from the sidelines are Scott Summers & Ororo Munroe. Scott feels Charles lost the debate, badly. The 3 depart the television studio, and drive their Rolls-Royce through Manhattan, headed home. They are ambushed!! Driving along Central Park, a bazooka smashes into the Rolls, and it crashes on it's side! Scott blasts out of the burning car, only to be shot down by a sniper. Storm flies from the vehicle, with Charles in tow. But Ororo too is shot, and they both fall back to the earth. The car explodes!!! Back at the mansion, Kurt Wagner gets the call from the police. Charles, Ororo and Scott are dead.

The next day, Kitty Pryde and Illyana Rasputin are along the lake. Kitty distraught over the deaths of the other X-Men. Illyana spies some weird device hidden in the underbrush, facing the School. It is an electronic sensor module, and must be watching the X-men. Kitty phases through it, short-circuiting it. The 2 teens then hide in the high grass, to see if someone comes to repair it. Meanwhile, Logan, Peter and Kurt are at the crash site, looking for clues. Logan's heightened senses tell him other bodies were found the police. The dead X-Men may not be dead after all. They notice someone is watching them from a car, so they attack the vehicle. The men try to escape, but Magneto makes another grand entrance and captures the men. He is not here to fight, he is here to help the X-Men. Back at Xavier's, 3 Purifers appear to fix the sensor module; and they capture Illyana in the process. Kitty phases into the trunk of their car, to try to save Illyana.

Magneto, Wolverine, Colossus & Nightcrawler take their captives to the Mansion to interrogate them. It is very eerie seeing Magneto casually standing around the School. Wolverine & Magneto use *persuasive* methods to obtain the truth from the men; but the men spill everything they know about William Stryker. Meanwhile, Stryker himself has Charles Xavier trapped in a isolation tank, under total sensory deprivation. Stryker and his henchmen are trying to break Xavier's will, so he will do Stryker's bidding for him. This all leads to a nationally-televised show put together by William Stryker at Madison Square Garden. Men of power are attending, as are hundreds of devoted followers of the Stryker cult. William is planning for mutants to attack during the show, and has rigged Charles Xavier backstage to physically "kill" any mutant near the Garden. Stryker takes the stage and begins quoting from the Bible, espousing his hatred for mutants and anyone who disagrees with his perverted beliefs. Magneto descends from the sky and says since Stryker has condemned all mutants...he should meet his adversary face-to-face. Stryker points, and Xavier mentally assault Magneto with everything he's got. Mags falls to the auditorium floor, exhuasted but alive. The crowd are shocked, as security police hold them back from attacking the downed Magneto.

Backstage, the X-Men storm the place and using their tactical skills, knock Charles Xavier out. The Purifer Anne approaches William Stryker, but her nose begins to bleed!! Anne is a mutant herself!! Stryker notices the blood, says he is the instrument of God, and throws Anne off the high stage to the auditorium floor. Anne is killed! Scott Summers then walks onto the stage and confronts Stryker.

Scott says "You've been making some pretty extreme charges against us. We figured we'd claim equal time to answer them. Thanks to you--and people like you--mutants live in fear every day of our lives. And sometimes, those lives are very short.Less than a week ago, two children in Connecticut were murdered, Stryker--condemned solely for an accident of birth."
Stryker replies, "I do nothing, Cyclops. I am instrument of the Lord. And whatever a man's color or belief, he is still HUMAN. Those children--and you X-Men--are NOT."
Cyclops says, "Says who? You? What makes your link with Heaven any stronger than mine? For all you know, WE could be the real human race--and the rest of you, the mutants!"
William Stryker points at Nightcrawler and screams: "Human?! You dare call that...thing---HUMAN?"

Kitty Pryde yells: "More human than you!:
Stryker pulls a gun from his suit and points it at all the X-Men! The shocked audience watch, with cameras rolling live. Stryker replies, "Let those blasphemous words, girl...be your epitaph!" A gunshot rings out!! None of the X-Men appear hurt. Blood oozes from Stryker's shirt! A policeman in the crowd, has shot him. Stryker collapses, and so do all his plans!!

A few days later, we learn William Stryker has been arraigned on charges arising from his group of supporters, the Purifiers. Stryker says this is relgious persecution, and vows to fight it. The X-Men, Charles Xavier and Magneto watch this news on the Mansion's TV. Magneto calls this a phyrric victory; the man was beaten, his cause lives on. Magneto now asks if Xavier & the X-Men have seen the truth. Magneto's vision is the only true way. Charles admits he is considering it. Every time he tries to do good with humans, he hits a brick wall. Perhaps it is time to try a different way.

It is Scott Summers who stands tall and says "Granted times are tough for us and they'll probably get a lot worse. Granted, we could probably conquer the world---though the cost in blood would be staggering. But don't you see--either of you--we're HUMAN, too! You brought us together to fulfill a dream, Charles---one born out of hope and the noblest of human aspirations--and we've sweated and bled, and some of us have died, to make it a reality. I'm not prepared to give it up."

The rest of the X-Men agree with him. Magneto turns to Charles, and holds out his hand...come with me. Xavier hesitantly holds out his hand, but pulls it back. Charles says "I...cannot. If they are willing to give my dream a change, then so am I."
Disappointed, Magneto turns to leave and says "I have wept over too many graves, X-Men...I will not do so over yours." , as Kitty steps forth and says "Don't go Magneto! Stay with us. Help us. Scott might be right, y'know. We might win."

Magneto says "For all our sakes--mutant and human---I hope you do. But should you fail...it will be MY turn." And Magneto departs.
Charles Xavier is near tears, he turns to the X-Men and says, "I owe you more than I can ever repay. If ever there was a moment which justified my creation of the X-Men, this is it."

CJ Lentze

05-18-2008, 05:41 AM

Okay, couple of quick thoughts as I don't have this graphic novel on me right now:

The first thing that struck me (like a hammer) about this graphic novel is how much more mature it was compared to the X-Men monthly issues. The Brood Saga had been creepy, but the feel of 'X-Men' was still very cosy and fun-loving, which came from the main characters. This graphic novel was deeply angsty, featured strong language, graphic violence (especially in Xavier's brainwashing dream sequence, Kitty ripping out his heart for example, and all the fake deaths and real deaths).

The villain in this story was so unlike the cackling costumed maniacs/thugs the X-Men are used to fighting. Reverend Stryker is just a guy; he could be your next-door neighbour (if he wasn't so stinking rich). At any rate, he could be a random person walking among us, which is brought forward all the more stronger when Claremont has him doing something as mundane as ordering lunch. Some people would be quick to call Reverend Stryker a monster, and he IS, but he is also a human being, with dreams, hopes, fears, likes, dislikes, talents, quirks. It's so easy to reduce him to a monster, but that's what people like him (both in comic books and especially in the real world) do with entire demographic groups. I think it's Reverend Stryker's humanity that makes him such a scary and brilliant villain.

I do believe that this is the first time Xavier's fight/determination to achieve coexistence between "normal" humans and mutants, is referred to as "The Dream". Maybe you'll disagree with this, but if it is, that would mean this is the first time Xavier is presented as an MLK-like figure. Before this graphic novel, I feel, Charles Xavier was primarily the secret instructor of a group of superheroes; the mission of the X-Men was just that: a mission, an assignment. Pure and simple:
-stop mutant villains
-contact mutants for enrollment into the school to train their powers
Although distrust, anti-mutant sentiments, and even mutant witch-hunts were all things the X-Men were familiar with, it's only here and now that it becomes a big idealistic point on the X-Men's agenda; it's as if even the X-Men themselves -though all of them knew bigotry and discrimination- never really had their eyes open until Stryker.

Magneto's first real alliance with the X-Men after his defeat in issue 150 (though at the time, no one was certain whether this Graphic Novel was canon or not); what does everyone think of his characterisation here?

I'd comment on Scott's two fine speeches in this issue, but I'd have to re-read them; he's no longer the leader, but he is the first X-Man. He keeps the X-Men together in their darkest hour; he may be sombre, but he's not a pessimist. I find it a pity that in today's X-Men comics, the notion that humans and mutants are the same people is rarely brought up anymore; it seems far more polarised these days. I won't even bother to comment on Cyclops' current attitude, as different writers seem to have very different takes on him today.

The senator was a mutant, but was he aware of it? What were his powers? The revelation was a nice touch, though it was isolated from the story.

worstblogever

05-18-2008, 05:58 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/98520516906.1.GIF

God Loves, Man Kills

1st appearance: Reverend William Stryker

The story begins with two African-American children being chased into a playground. The older boy is shot and collapses; the younger female terrified by his body. The Purifers have arrived, and the little girl asks "Why?" The leader of the Purifers, a dark-haired woman named Anne, says "Because you have no right to live." And the little girl is shot. Both dead bodies are strung up on swings, dangling in the moonlight. The words "Mutie" written on paper slapped on their silent chests. They hang for hours, until suddenly Magneto appears and frees this unholy sight, releasing their bodies from the prison. Magneto was unable to save them...but he vows to avenge them!! Next shot, we see the huge Stryker Building in New York City, headquarters to Reverend William Stryker and his Stryker Crusade. A religious minister, who has a multi-million dollar christian empire. We meet William reading from the Holy Bible, and then plots the destruction of the Uncanny X-Men and their leader, Professor Charles Xavier. God is on his side.

Speaking of our mutants, they are back at the Mansion, getting all cozy to watch on television the Professor and William Stryker debate mutants in a nationally-televised broadcast. We readers have seen this many times before, but this time there is an added religious element to the debate. William Stryker debates Xavier about mutants, but continually quotes from the Bible to affirm his beliefs. Naturally, God agrees with his own hatreds and prejudices. WHAT A COINCIDENCE!! Watching from the sidelines are Scott Summers & Ororo Munroe. Scott feels Charles lost the debate, badly. The 3 depart the television studio, and drive their Rolls-Royce through Manhattan, headed home. They are ambushed!! Driving along Central Park, a bazooka smashes into the Rolls, and it crashes on it's side! Scott blasts out of the burning car, only to be shot down by a sniper. Storm flies from the vehicle, with Charles in tow. But Ororo too is shot, and they both fall back to the earth. The car explodes!!! Back at the mansion, Kurt Wagner gets the call from the police. Charles, Ororo and Scott are dead.

The next day, Kitty Pryde and Illyana Rasputin are along the lake. Kitty distraught over the deaths of the other X-Men. Illyana spies some weird device hidden in the underbrush, facing the School. It is an electronic sensor module, and must be watching the X-men. Kitty phases through it, short-circuiting it. The 2 teens then hide in the high grass, to see if someone comes to repair it. Meanwhile, Logan, Peter and Kurt are at the crash site, looking for clues. Logan's heightened senses tell him other bodies were found the police. The dead X-Men may not be dead after all. They notice someone is watching them from a car, so they attack the vehicle. The men try to escape, but Magneto makes another grand entrance and captures the men. He is not here to fight, he is here to help the X-Men. Back at Xavier's, 3 Purifers appear to fix the sensor module; and they capture Illyana in the process. Kitty phases into the trunk of their car, to try to save Illyana.

Magneto, Wolverine, Colossus & Nightcrawler take their captives to the Mansion to interrogate them. It is very eerie seeing Magneto casually standing around the School. Wolverine & Magneto use *persuasive* methods to obtain the truth from the men; but the men spill everything they know about William Stryker. Meanwhile, Stryker himself has Charles Xavier trapped in a isolation tank, under total sensory deprivation. Stryker and his henchmen are trying to break Xavier's will, so he will do Stryker's bidding for him. This all leads to a nationally-televised show put together by William Stryker at Madison Square Garden. Men of power are attending, as are hundreds of devoted followers of the Stryker cult. William is planning for mutants to attack during the show, and has rigged Charles Xavier backstage to physically "kill" any mutant near the Garden. Stryker takes the stage and begins quoting from the Bible, espousing his hatred for mutants and anyone who disagrees with his perverted beliefs. Magneto descends from the sky and says since Stryker has condemned all mutants...he should meet his adversary face-to-face. Stryker points, and Xavier mentally assault Magneto with everything he's got. Mags falls to the auditorium floor, exhuasted but alive. The crowd are shocked, as security police hold them back from attacking the downed Magneto.

Backstage, the X-Men storm the place and using their tactical skills, knock Charles Xavier out. The Purifer Anne approaches William Stryker, but her nose begins to bleed!! Anne is a mutant herself!! Stryker notices the blood, says he is the instrument of God, and throws Anne off the high stage to the auditorium floor. Anne is killed! Scott Summers then walks onto the stage and confronts Stryker.

Scott says "You've been making some pretty extreme charges against us. We figured we'd claim equal time to answer them. Thanks to you--and people like you--mutants live in fear every day of our lives. And sometimes, those lives are very short.Less than a week ago, two children in Connecticut were murdered, Stryker--condemned solely for an accident of birth."
Stryker replies, "I do nothing, Cyclops. I am instrument of the Lord. And whatever a man's color or belief, he is still HUMAN. Those children--and you X-Men--are NOT."
Cyclops says, "Says who? You? What makes your link with Heaven any stronger than mine? For all you know, WE could be the real human race--and the rest of you, the mutants!"
William Stryker points at Nightcrawler and screams: "Human?! You dare call that...thing---HUMAN?"

Kitty Pryde yells: "More human than you!:
Stryker pulls a gun from his suit and points it at all the X-Men! The shocked audience watch, with cameras rolling live. Stryker replies, "Let those blasphemous words, girl...be your epitaph!" A gunshot rings out!! None of the X-Men appear hurt. Blood oozes from Stryker's shirt! A policeman in the crowd, has shot him. Stryker collapses, and so do all his plans!!

A few days later, we learn William Stryker has been arraigned on charges arising from his group of supporters, the Purifiers. Stryker says this is relgious persecution, and vows to fight it. The X-Men, Charles Xavier and Magneto watch this news on the Mansion's TV. Magneto calls this a phyrric victory; the man was beaten, his cause lives on. Magneto now asks if Xavier & the X-Men have seen the truth. Magneto's vision is the only true way. Charles admits he is considering it. Every time he tries to do good with humans, he hits a brick wall. Perhaps it is time to try a different way.

It is Scott Summers who stands tall and says "Granted times are tough for us and they'll probably get a lot worse. Granted, we could probably conquer the world---though the cost in blood would be staggering. But don't you see--either of you--we're HUMAN, too! You brought us together to fulfill a dream, Charles---one born out of hope and the noblest of human aspirations--and we've sweated and bled, and some of us have died, to make it a reality. I'm not prepared to give it up."

The rest of the X-Men agree with him. Magneto turns to Charles, and holds out his hand...come with me. Xavier hesitantly holds out his hand, but pulls it back. Charles says "I...cannot. If they are willing to give my dream a change, then so am I."
Disappointed, Magneto turns to leave and says "I have wept over too many graves, X-Men...I will not do so over yours." , as Kitty steps forth and says "Don't go Magneto! Stay with us. Help us. Scott might be right, y'know. We might win."

Magneto says "For all our sakes--mutant and human---I hope you do. But should you fail...it will be MY turn." And Magneto departs.
Charles Xavier is near tears, he turns to the X-Men and says, "I owe you more than I can ever repay. If ever there was a moment which justified my creation of the X-Men, this is it."

The Purifiers sure do get a kick out of hitting any vehicle with mutants in it with a bazooka, that's for sure. And sniping the survivors, at that. New X-Men fans still cry themselves to sleep over their own instance of this...

Still, Stryker's rhetoric, as fanatical as it was, probably would get a following. Causes are often made politically by playing on the religious beliefs of others. The imagery of the lynching at the opening of the story, shows the racial persecution of mutants in comparison to some of the ones faced by the south, and the fire and brimstone of Stryker sounds dangerously like persecution the gay community face. Lump it both together... and it looks like it sucks to be a mutant. Except you might get bitchin' powers, so it's a trade-off.

And the ending defines the difference between Xavier and Magneto so well. The anti-hero Magnus, was this his first appearance? I think so... More shocking to me is that Xavier was about to concede the debate he and Magneto have had, and join him. Were it not for Cyclops being as vocally loyal, that is.

And, as much shock factor was used in this story, it really is the best adult depiction of the theme of the X-Men's truest foe not being Magneto, Sentinels, Mr. Sinister, or Apocalypse... their greatest foe would actually be intolerance.

david r

05-18-2008, 07:03 AM

The first thing that struck me (like a hammer) about this graphic novel is how much more mature it was compared to the X-Men monthly issues.

I agree this Graphic Novel is far more mature and complex than the regular comic books.

This graphic novel was deeply angsty, featured strong language, graphic violence (especially in Xavier's brainwashing dream sequence, Kitty ripping out his heart for example, and all the fake deaths and real deaths).

As for angst, I only noticed it in Kitty Pryde, as she's very angry here. Perhaps a mixture of her parent's recent divorce and all she's been through lately, but Katherine is becoming an angry person. As for the fake deaths, I found the shooting of Scott and Ororo quite shocking to read!

The villain in this story was so unlike the cackling costumed maniacs/thugs the X-Men are used to fighting. Reverend Stryker is just a guy; he could be your next-door neighbour (if he wasn't so stinking rich). At any rate, he could be a random person walking among us, which is brought forward all the more stronger when Claremont has him doing something as mundane as ordering lunch.

I think you hit it on the head there. We've seen villains MANY times attempt what William Stryker does here, but somehow Stryker is different. It's his normalcy, his humanity which makes Reverend Stryker more frightening because he's so much like people we know. People we see on TV. And people like Stryker really exist in our world.

Maybe you'll disagree with this, but if it is, that would mean this is the first time Xavier is presented as an MLK-like figure.

I agree, more than ever before, you can see Charles Xavier in the "Martin Luther King" role, and Magneto in the more radical "Malcolm X" role. It all becomes much clearer in God Loves, Man Kills.

Although distrust, anti-mutant sentiments, and even mutant witch-hunts were all things the X-Men were familiar with, it's only here and now that it becomes a big idealistic point on the X-Men's agenda; it's as if even the X-Men themselves -though all of them knew bigotry and discrimination- never really had their eyes open until Stryker.

Excellent points, as if you recall, the X-Men didn't necessarily have to worry about human's and their mutant-paranoia in the early days. But after everything the mutants have been through, they are realizing that the threat of the human race may be bigger than protecting them from "evil mutants". It's only gradually dawning on them their real threat may be humans. And more tragic that Professor Xavier considers abandoning his Dream in GLMK.

Magneto's first real alliance with the X-Men after his defeat in issue 150 (though at the time, no one was certain whether this Graphic Novel was canon or not); what does everyone think of his characterisation here?

We have a very different Magneto here. I cannot see the Silver Age Magneto ever forming an alliance with the X-Men. No, this is a different person altogether. The events of Uncanny X-Men #150 lead to this, but his characterization is more calm, rational and understanding than ever before. I suspect we are seeing the results of Magneto's continual defeats, and the effect they've had on him. I think threatening the world and never following through on those threats has wounded Magneto and his cause. And the man HIMSELF sees it, and is walking the line on leaving his own Cause and joining Charles Xavier's Dream. (Ironically, Charles is thinking of abandoning his Cause as well, in GLMK!!)

I'd comment on Scott's two fine speeches in this issue, but I'd have to re-read them; he's no longer the leader, but he is the first X-Man. He keeps the X-Men together in their darkest hour; he may be sombre, but he's not a pessimist.

I think Cyclops is the true hero of God Loves, Man Kills. Not Prof X, Wolverine or Magneto. Who holds the Dream together when facing the horror of William Stryker and everything he stands for? NOT CHARLES XAVIER! It's the First X-Man, Scott Summers. The "children" are growing up, and facing the world on their own, without the "Father" to lead them anymore. Cyclops now represents the ideals of the Dream, even more than Professor X and the School do. I couldn't be more proud of him.

The senator was a mutant, but was he aware of it? What were his powers? The revelation was a nice touch, though it was isolated from the story.

We see several humans suddenly realize they are mutants! The kid walking down the street wearing the "Star Wars" shirt, who collapses to the ground. The Senator (who I doubt know he's a mutant.) And most tragically, the Purifier Anne, whose revelation comes too little, too late!!

david r

05-18-2008, 07:26 AM

Still, Stryker's rhetoric, as fanatical as it was, probably would get a following. Causes are often made politically by playing on the religious beliefs of others.

It does seem like you can quote a verse from the Bible, or wave the American Flag, and you can get people to do pretty much anything you tell them to.

The imagery of the lynching at the opening of the story, shows the racial persecution of mutants

The lynching was highly controversial in 1982. Marvel and DC didn't do this kind of stuff back then. Hell, they don't do it now. And Kitty Pryde using the "N" word was a shocker too.

and the fire and brimstone of Stryker sounds dangerously like persecution the gay community face.

I think why God Loves, Man Kills is such a powerful story is because it uses real-world prejudice as the foundation of evil. No Doctor Doom or Green Goblin here. There are real "William Strykers" in our world, and everyone has experienced prejudice of some kind, and thus GLMKs hits close to home.

And the ending defines the difference between Xavier and Magneto so well. The anti-hero Magnus, was this his first appearance? I think so... More shocking to me is that Xavier was about to concede the debate he and Magneto have had, and join him. Were it not for Cyclops being as vocally loyal, that is.

The ending is one of the greatest X-Men moments ever. What an irony that Charles Xavier is ready to throw in the towel, and Cyclops stops him. I especially liked it when Cyclops reminded him that people have DIED following his Cause. A clever reminder of Jean Grey, without hitting it over our head. But Charles was bound to have doubts eventually. Luckily for all of them, Cyclops stood firm. (I wonder if this might be the founation of Ed Brubaker's UXM plans post-#500?)

worstblogever

05-18-2008, 07:43 AM

The ending is one of the greatest X-Men moments ever. What an irony that Charles Xavier is ready to throw in the towel, and Cyclops stops him. I especially liked it when Cyclops reminded him that people have DIED following his Cause. A clever reminder of Jean Grey, without hitting it over our head. But Charles was bound to have doubts eventually. Luckily for all of them, Cyclops stood firm. (I wonder if this might be the founation of Ed Brubaker's UXM plans post-#500?)

That's a great idea... but...

If Ed Brubaker doesn't bring it up in Uncanny X-Men, Mike Carey sure could lay claim to it as a flashback in X-Men: Legacy. Hell, they both should reference this story. Although I don't think we'll be seeing the resurrected Stryker in X-Force do so. That's not exactly a book where it's okay to have feelings at the moment, it's the place to whoop *ss.

CJ Lentze

05-18-2008, 01:52 PM

Still, Stryker's rhetoric, as fanatical as it was, probably would get a following. Causes are often made politically by playing on the religious beliefs of others. The imagery of the lynching at the opening of the story, shows the racial persecution of mutants in comparison to some of the ones faced by the south, and the fire and brimstone of Stryker sounds dangerously like persecution the gay community face. Lump it both together... and it looks like it sucks to be a mutant. Except you might get bitchin' powers, so it's a trade-off.Note how Stryker also attacks Darwinism when he's talking about mutants. He ridicules the notion that man descended from apes, and super-powered mutants can't be how God intended humans to be. It's beautiful how the mutant concept unites the evolution theory with discriminated minorities in this story.And, as much shock factor was used in this story, it really is the best adult depiction of the theme of the X-Men's truest foe not being Magneto, Sentinels, Mr. Sinister, or Apocalypse... their greatest foe would actually be intolerance.Well said. This is what the X-Men are really fighting. Cyclops and Magneto both said it. Stryker is the head honcho, and the Purifiers are his lackeys, but what they stand for is actually something much bigger that has seeped through to all layers of the Marvel Universe populace. It's not a person or people that the X-Men must ultimately defeat, it's an abstract concept.As for angst, I only noticed it in Kitty Pryde, as she's very angry here. Perhaps a mixture of her parent's recent divorce and all she's been through lately, but Katherine is becoming an angry person.She's a teenager :smile: . She's in the transition years from child to young adult. Those are difficult years to go through, especially for someone who has to deal with being a superhero at the same time.I think you hit it on the head there. We've seen villains MANY times attempt what William Stryker does here, but somehow Stryker is different. It's his normalcy, his humanity which makes Reverend Stryker more frightening because he's so much like people we know. People we see on TV. And people like Stryker really exist in our world.He actually tries to appeal to people; specifically he tries to appeal to traditional values. Though, at the same time, I got to thinking: at one point, Stryker speaks of his past. He talks about how he was this tough soldier who did his share of killing in the name of his country. Then comes the gruesome tale of what he did to his wife and his mutant baby. Subsequently, he starts drinking and gets into fights. It seems to me that Stryker is an innately violent man, and I mean abnormally violent. What he wants to be is a "sword of God", killing in the name of. Would as many people be so quick to follow him if they knew what he did? It's good -and realistic- that there were plenty of people (baseline humans) who just didn't feel comfortable about what Stryker had to say, and could never support mutant persecution.We have a very different Magneto here. I cannot see the Silver Age Magneto ever forming an alliance with the X-Men. No, this is a different person altogether. The events of Uncanny X-Men #150 lead to this, but his characterization is more calm, rational and understanding than ever before. I suspect we are seeing the results of Magneto's continual defeats, and the effect they've had on him. I think threatening the world and never following through on those threats has wounded Magneto and his cause. And the man HIMSELF sees it, and is walking the line on leaving his own Cause and joining Charles Xavier's Dream. (Ironically, Charles is thinking of abandoning his Cause as well, in GLMK!!)He's certainly far less of a cackling villain than he was in the Silver Age. Over the years, Magneto has had a couple of opportunities to actually talk to the X-Men, usually when he had them trapped in one of his lairs. In GLMK, he actually talks to them a bit longer, in an easier setting. I think the interaction and exchange of ideas between Magneto and the X-Men helps the two enemies understand one another just a little, even though they're still on opposite sides of the fence. Magneto respects the X-Men; he says in this story that he wouldn't weep over their graves, but I'm certain that he's lying; he would.The ending is one of the greatest X-Men moments ever. What an irony that Charles Xavier is ready to throw in the towel, and Cyclops stops him. I especially liked it when Cyclops reminded him that people have DIED following his Cause. A clever reminder of Jean Grey, without hitting it over our head. But Charles was bound to have doubts eventually. Luckily for all of them, Cyclops stood firm. (I wonder if this might be the founation of Ed Brubaker's UXM plans post-#500?)I find the Cyclops we see in GLMK to be in sharp contrast with the one we see today. His tactics have changed, and his cause seems to have changed as well. But perhaps that is a topic for a different thread.

Rivka

05-18-2008, 06:21 PM

david r

05-18-2008, 09:09 PM

but what they stand for is actually something much bigger that has seeped through to all layers of the Marvel Universe populace. It's not a person or people that the X-Men must ultimately defeat, it's an abstract concept.

That is a great way to put it. This is so true.

Though, at the same time, I got to thinking: at one point, Stryker speaks of his past. He talks about how he was this tough soldier who did his share of killing in the name of his country. Then comes the gruesome tale of what he did to his wife and his mutant baby. Subsequently, he starts drinking and gets into fights. It seems to me that Stryker is an innately violent man, and I mean abnormally violent.

GLMK doesn't say William Stryker killed as a soldier. It says he worked for the military nuclear test program. I feel his violent nature stems from his inability to accept he fathered a mutant child. William simply cannot accept his genes gave birth to a "monster". Every horrible act Stryker commits from that moment onward (including the murder of his child & wife) is all "God's doing". God works in mysterious ways, and he is just doing His work.

he says in this story that he wouldn't weep over their graves, but I'm certain that he's lying; he would.

Those are powerful words.

If Ed Brubaker doesn't bring it up in Uncanny X-Men, Mike Carey sure could lay claim to it as a flashback in X-Men: Legacy. Hell, they both should reference this story.

I thought Ed Brubaker said the new direction for Uncanny X-Men was Cyclops placing his own vision for the X-Men? Apart from Charles Xavier's Dream.

Excellent discussion about GOD LOVES, MAN KILLS. I have nothing to add. I'm just happy to be reading your insightful, thoughtful, and meaningful observations on this classic graphic novel. Thank you!

Thank YOU. I am so glad there has been so much discussion on God Loves, Man Kills.

david r

05-18-2008, 09:16 PM

Impessions/Thoughts on God Loves, Man Kills:

-Why is GLMK considered an out-of-continuity story? Does anyone know?
-Kitty Pryde has a new codename here: Ariel.
-I liked Kitty and Illyana's walk along the lake. And Kitty admitting her attraction to Peter Rasputin.

-The director of the movie X-Men 2 denies that GLMK influenced the movie. I've not seen the film, yet heard there are many similarities. To those who've experienced both, how similiar are these stories?
- Brent Anderson was the perfect choice as artist. Artwork that's not too flashy or cartoony. His more adult look was the perfect match for Chris Claremont's adult story.
-The searing images of Charles Xavier crucified were powerful stuff. I wonder if religious readers were turned off by the Bible passages and verses?

-Purifier Anne's death was a gripping scene.
-Kitty Pryde joined the team and was nervous and standoffish towards Nightcrawler. Now, she puts her life on the line to defend him. I like this character growth for Kitty.
-I love the title: God Loves, Man Kills. This was superhero-storytelling at it's zenith.

david r

05-19-2008, 07:14 PM

William Stryker: He looks like a calm man, even harmless. But he is one of the most evil enemies the X-Men have faced:

http://www.adherents.com/lit/comics/img/w/William_Stryker.jpg

david r

05-19-2008, 07:27 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.168.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #168

"Professor Xavier is a Jerk!"

1st X-MEN appearance: Madelyne Pryor

We now begin a period where the X-Men's personal lives come to the forefront. But before the summary, don't you LOVE the title to this issue? PROFESSOR XAVIER IS A JERK! I bet everyone who's read this issue got a kick out of that first page!! :tongue:

Kitty Pryde turns and yells "Professor Xavier is a Jerk!" Kitty is royally pissed because Mr. Xavier is forcing her to leave the X-Men and join the New Mutants. Or as Kitty calls them...the X-Babies. Kitty calls him "the cruelest, meanest, most heartless man on Earth!" Kitty feels she's earned her place on the main team, and she is hurt he wants to demote her to the junior leagues. She and Illyana Rasputin walk through the snow on their way to dance class with Stevie Hunter. Meanwhile, red eyes are watching them from the Mansion. Hungry, alien eyes!! :evilsmile:

Within the beautiful building, Wolverine has packed and is taking a leave of absence. He and Nightcrawler talk and Logan says he sometimes he needs solitude, and this is one of those times. Logan is headed northwest, up to the Canadian Rockies. He and Kurt now have an exchange over Kitty's move to the New Mutants. Wolverine is very much opposed; as Logan feels Pryde has earned her place in the X-Men's ranks. At that same time, the jerk himself Charles Xavier is in the new Danger Room, trying to walk again, using his clone body. But Charles still collapses to the ground in excruciating agony. Something is halting him from being to walk with his new body! His beloved Lilandra is at his side, helping him recover. But Lil announces when the Starjammers leave Earth soon, she will go with them. She needs to get back to Shi'ar space and retake her throne from Deathbird.

The following morning, Ororo ascends a hill, near the Mansion. All alone in the snow & bitter cold, she removes her robe and bares her naked body to the new sunrise. Ororo wants to become "one" with nature, as she has always done. Bud abruptly, a lightning bolt strikes and dark clouds appear. A feezingwind blows her off the ridge!! Ororo actually feels COLD, though she is supposed to be immune to temperatures. Something is amiss? She is not linked with mother nature like she once was. That day, Kitty Pryde continues to quest to win Charles Xavier and reverse his decision. She attempts logic, passion, co-operation and flattery. All to no avail. Next up: Scott Summers. We join Scott back in Florida. He has returned to the fishing-trawler Arcadia and the blonde woman who helped him recover from Jean Grey's death... Lee Forrester. Lee is overjoyed to see Scott after many months and they embrace. That sunset, Scott and Lee (dressed in VERY revealing clothes) walk along a gorgeous beach and get "reacquainted." Lee is upset over Scott leaving so soon, and there is obvious chemistry between them. They both realize they live separate lives, but for the moment, they can be happy together.

Next up: Amanda Sefton enters her NYC apartment, tired after a grueling airplane ride as stewardess. Waiting in the place is our fuzzy elf... Nightcrawler looking quite sexy on the couch with champagne and his special BAMF doll. Oh, just ask Amanda to marry you, you romantic fool! The action of the issue now begins, as we see Kitty Pryde's room (filled with 1980s stuff like the Rubik's Cube and an E.T. calendar.) Her computer picks up an anomaly in the lower maintenance tunnels. Kitty phases down to the tunnels, where she runs into our cuddly purple dragon, Lockheed!! Somehow the bugger survived UXM #166! Kitty is overjoyed with glee, and Lockheed wraps himself around her neck! But then suddenly some baby Sidrian Hunters, last seen in UXM #154, comes blasting at her! Kitty phases around the lasers, and takes several of them out. The original Sidrian Hunter army must have laid eggs in the tunnels during their #154 attack, and these are the offspring. What could be an invasion of the Mansion ends with Colossus and Kitty defeating the little aliens. Lockheed locates the nest and burns it up or eats them. BURP! Thereafter, Charles Xavier meets Lockheed and decides he seems harmless, and can stay at the Mansion. Charles then says he feels Kitty performed well in her battle with the Sidrian Hunters, and she can remain with the X-Men on a probationary period. Kitty is SO HAPPY!!!

The issue ends with a major cliffhanger, one of the best yet. As Scott, Alex Summers and Corsair have arrived in Alaska to meet Scott's grandparents. They are standing at the small airport, surrounded by snow, as a red-haired woman approaches to pick them up. Scott is dumbfounded!! It cannot be!! The woman says "Welcome to Alaska. My name's Madelyne Pryor." But she looks and sounds just like JEAN GREY!!!

Nevets F

05-19-2008, 08:55 PM

Impessions/Thoughts on God Loves, Man Kills:

-Why is GLMK considered an out-of-continuity story? Does anyone know?

I am not sure why some considered it out of continuity at one point...however, it is no longer considered out. As of GLMK2.

worstblogever

05-20-2008, 02:19 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.168.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #168

"Professor Xavier is a Jerk!"

1st X-MEN appearance: Madelyne Pryor

We now begin a period where the X-Men's personal lives come to the forefront. But before the summary, don't you LOVE the title to this issue? PROFESSOR XAVIER IS A JERK! I bet everyone who's read this issue got a kick out of that first page!! :tongue:

Kitty Pryde turns and yells "Professor Xavier is a Jerk!" Kitty is royally pissed because Mr. Xavier is forcing her to leave the X-Men and join the New Mutants. Or as Kitty calls them...the X-Babies. Kitty calls him "the cruelest, meanest, most heartless man on Earth!" Kitty feels she's earned her place on the main team, and she is hurt he wants to demote her to the junior leagues. She and Illyana Rasputin walk through the snow on their way to dance class with Stevie Hunter. Meanwhile, red eyes are watching them from the Mansion. Hungry, alien eyes!! :evilsmile:

Within the beautiful building, Wolverine has packed and is taking a leave of absence. He and Nightcrawler talk and Logan says he sometimes he needs solitude, and this is one of those times. Logan is headed northwest, up to the Canadian Rockies. He and Kurt now have an exchange over Kitty's move to the New Mutants. Wolverine is very much opposed; as Logan feels Pryde has earned her place in the X-Men's ranks. At that same time, the jerk himself Charles Xavier is in the new Danger Room, trying to walk again, using his clone body. But Charles still collapses to the ground in excruciating agony. Something is halting him from being to walk with his new body! His beloved Lilandra is at his side, helping him recover. But Lil announces when the Starjammers leave Earth soon, she will go with them. She needs to get back to Shi'ar space and retake her throne from Deathbird.

The following morning, Ororo ascends a hill, near the Mansion. All alone in the snow & bitter cold, she removes her robe and bares her naked body to the new sunrise. Ororo wants to become "one" with nature, as she has always done. Bud abruptly, a lightning bolt strikes and dark clouds appear. A feezingwind blows her off the ridge!! Ororo actually feels COLD, though she is supposed to be immune to temperatures. Something is amiss? She is not linked with mother nature like she once was. That day, Kitty Pryde continues to quest to win Charles Xavier and reverse his decision. She attempts logic, passion, co-operation and flattery. All to no avail. Next up: Scott Summers. We join Scott back in Florida. He has returned to the fishing-trawler Arcadia and the blonde woman who helped him recover from Jean Grey's death... Lee Forrester. Lee is overjoyed to see Scott after many months and they embrace. That sunset, Scott and Lee (dressed in VERY revealing clothes) walk along a gorgeous beach and get "reacquainted." Lee is upset over Scott leaving so soon, and there is obvious chemistry between them. They both realize they live separate lives, but for the moment, they can be happy together.

Next up: Amanda Sefton enters her NYC apartment, tired after a grueling airplane ride as stewardess. Waiting in the place is our fuzzy elf... Nightcrawler looking quite sexy on the couch with champagne and his special BAMF doll. Oh, just ask Amanda to marry you, you romantic fool! The action of the issue now begins, as we see Kitty Pryde's room (filled with 1980s stuff like the Rubik's Cube and an E.T. calendar.) Her computer picks up an anomaly in the lower maintenance tunnels. Kitty phases down to the tunnels, where she runs into our cuddly purple dragon, Lockheed!! Somehow the bugger survived UXM #166! Kitty is overjoyed with glee, and Lockheed wraps himself around her neck! But then suddenly some baby Sidrian Hunters, last seen in UXM #154, comes blasting at her! Kitty phases around the lasers, and takes several of them out. The original Sidrian Hunter army must have laid eggs in the tunnels during their #154 attack, and these are the offspring. What could be an invasion of the Mansion ends with Colossus and Kitty defeating the little aliens. Lockheed locates the nest and burns it up or eats them. BURP! Thereafter, Charles Xavier meets Lockheed and decides he seems harmless, and can stay at the Mansion. Charles then says he feels Kitty performed well in her battle with the Sidrian Hunters, and she can remain with the X-Men on a probationary period. Kitty is SO HAPPY!!!

The issue ends with a major cliffhanger, one of the best yet. As Scott, Alex Summers and Corsair have arrived in Alaska to meet Scott's grandparents. They are standing at the small airport, surrounded by snow, as a red-haired woman approaches to pick them up. Scott is dumbfounded!! It cannot be!! The woman says "Welcome to Alaska. My name's Madelyne Pryor." But she looks and sounds just like JEAN GREY!!!

Well, Scott got a little action from Lee Forrester, that's always good. Nothing like shagging a seafaring lass to get you over... OH MY GOD, IS THAT JEAN!?! And so begins the sad, sad story of Maddie Pryor.

Kitty fights baby aliens and her pet dragon kills them, so that earns her a ticket off the New Mutants? Wow. I wish I had new pets to sic on younglings so I could earn my stripes and get a promotion.

To which... Xavier hears about this little dragon eating baby aliens and proclaims him harmless? WTF, Chuck? Lockheed could go through alien dragon puberty and start eating human flesh later! You don't know! Well, turns out he was just an alien spy, all along. But anyway, my point is, quit tryin' to make your new fancy legs work, Baldy, and quit thinkin' with Lil' Charles about runnin' off with your Empress Bird Girl psychic love mate! Scott's in Alaska about to shtup a clone of Jean! Ororo's flashing the neighbors! Kitty's got an alien dragon! Kurt's gonna boink his stepsister! Colossus is home alone with the underage girl he kissed up in space! Damage control Chuck! C-Block your X-Men! I mean, good Lord, Charles... WOLVERINE is the one who seems to be causing the least trouble at the moment! (Until he claws up some racist guy in a bar or something during his road trip...)

Sorry, I mostly kid. Mostly.

Nightcrawler gets some... I'd say awesome... but again, does the issue mention it's his adopted sister? Who's into black magic? That kind of takes some of the luster off that rendevous.

CJ Lentze

05-20-2008, 08:40 AM

david r and Schuimend Mormel and worstblogever:

Excellent discussion about GOD LOVES, MAN KILLS. I have nothing to add. I'm just happy to be reading your insightful, thoughtful, and meaningful observations on this classic graphic novel. Thank you!Coming from you, Rivka, that is a great compliment. GLMK doesn't say William Stryker killed as a soldier. It says he worked for the military nuclear test program. I feel his violent nature stems from his inability to accept he fathered a mutant child. William simply cannot accept his genes gave birth to a "monster". Every horrible act Stryker commits from that moment onward (including the murder of his child & wife) is all "God's doing". God works in mysterious ways, and he is just doing His work.You're right, it doesn't say he killed. I just extrapolated from the words 'tough-as-nails, hell-raising soldier', 'war hero with a class a record'.
'Inability to accept' is key, I think. Stryker seems to suffer from extreme denial. When he finds he has fathered a mutant child, he afterwards concludes that it's not HIS fault, it's his wife's fault. Like you say, he claims that his acts are God's doing. Stryker refuses to take responsibility for himself, and God becomes Stryker's excuse to hide behind. He wants the control, but he doesn't want the responsibility.I thought Ed Brubaker said the new direction for Uncanny X-Men was Cyclops placing his own vision for the X-Men? Apart from Charles Xavier's Dream.The reason I think Cyclops stepping up in Ed Brubaker's X-Men is very different from what Cyclops does in GLMK, is that in GLMK Cyclops holds on to Xavier's ideals, as have been taught him by Xavier, while the man himself was about to turn his back on those ideals and choose Magneto's way. Cyclops post-Decimation, Deadly Genesis, and Messiah Complex, on the other hand, has decided that Xavier's dream is no longer suitable to protect mutantkind in their current, dire situation; Scott has said that the dream is dead.

Remember when I insisted on enforcing that 'no reference to future issues' rule? Well, I decided to get that broomstick out of my @$$.-Why is GLMK considered an out-of-continuity story? Does anyone know?What Steven Faulkner said:I am not sure why some considered it out of continuity at one point...however, it is no longer considered out. As of GLMK2.Plus, GLMK was originally intended to be a stand-alone story that would also be accessible to people who weren't familiar with X-Men's previous storyline. The events in the graphic novel were not meant to have any impact on X-Men continuity, though. I haven't done any research, but I quickly Googled a little and found this:

Chris Claremont said the following, in Amazing Heroes No. 75, 1985:

"People ask me for example: where does the X-Men Graphic Novel fit into the continuity? In my mind, it doesn't. It stands alone as a separate, that's why the characters are in it looking certain ways. For example, Kitty has one costume, whereas Storm has long hair, etc, etc. It takes place in a universe of its own, it is a novel. But there are readers who feel a need to fit it into the continuity. My response is: 'If you find a place, let me know. We'll send you a no-prize'. I don´t feel that's my responsability. Besides, I think the kids get more fun doing it"

(Source Newsarama, http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=869&page=3)
As Steven said, Stryker was brought into continuity when he was introduced in X-Treme X-Men, making GLMK canon. It was in the same year that the second X-Men movie came out.-The director of the movie X-Men 2 denies that GLMK influenced the movie. I've not seen the film, yet heard there are many similarities. To those who've experienced both, how similiar are these stories?It's been a long while since I've seen X-Men 2, but like worstblogever said, it was only loosely based on GLMK, though Singer can't deny that he borrowed elements from it, and I can't imagine why he would deny he drew inspiration from the graphic novel. Stryker isn't a reverend in the movie, but a colonel. Xavier is still used as a weapon to target other mutants. X-Men two is still very much about Wolverine and Rogue as main characters, plus the addition of Iceman. I think others could point out more differences and similarities.

creaky

05-20-2008, 02:18 PM

Nightcrawler gets some... I'd say awesome... but again, does the issue mention it's his adopted sister? Who's into black magic? That kind of takes some of the luster off that rendevous.

I know! Gah, those two could be such an awesome couple if they weren't foster siblings. Their personalities are so kyoot together. It's strange how she still goes by Amanda Sefton and apparently has no German or Romani accent.

I have this vague memory that it was said somewhere that Amanda never delved into black magic like her mother. I think hers is of the white kind. But I'm not positive.

david r

05-20-2008, 05:54 PM

http://1407graymalkin.com/Images/uxm168/uxm168p1.jpg

david r

05-20-2008, 06:34 PM

Worstblogever: Drum roll! He's here all week folks! :smile:

Thank you Steven Faulkner and Schuimend Mormel for answering my question. I guess because of the subject matter, Marvel wanted GLMK out of continuity. I place it after the Brood saga because that is the time it was released. I've always considered it in-continuity, I'm certainly not leaving it out of this thread.

S. Mormel, it seems strange to me the movie made William Stryker a colonel, and not religious. I assume they didn't want to offend religious moviegoers. I really don't like when they make changes like that.

Concerning Uncanny X-Men #168, I wonder why Alex Summers didn't show any surprise when Madelyne Pryor appeared? The issue says he shows no reaction. I must say that artist Paul Smith was the perfect choice for these stories. His work is quite detailed and stellar. Oh...and where can I get my hands on one of those cute BAMF dolls?!

david r

05-20-2008, 07:32 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/96475128300.1.GIF

Wolverine #1

1st appearance: the Yashida Blade

"I'm Wolverine. I'm the best there is at what I do. But what I do best isn't very nice." Thus, begins Logan's first solo story, and one of the first limited series Marvel ever made. It's a classic, by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller.

Having gone on a leave-of-absence from the X-Men in UXM #168, this mini begins with Logan's smiling face on the 1st page! He is hanging precariously from a cliff, on a high mountaintop in the Canadian Rockies. He is hunting the killer of several people, and the killer is still on the loose. Logan approaches a cave in the rough cliffside, and out comes the inhabitant...a huge grizzly bear! Logan pops his claws, and the bear slashes with it's own ferocious claws...and the dance begins! Both beasts fight but Logan's unbreakable adamantium claws chop the bear's right arm in half!! Logan wishes there was another way, but there isn't. The killing strike is fast, and the bear is dead. As Logan leaves the cave, he sees an arrow in the bear's back. Coated with an illegal poison. The bear was shot illegally by a hunter, and this made the bear go insane. The killings weren't the bear's fault. Logan desires revenge, and within days, his enhanced senses locate the hunter in a bar and exacts his own brand of vengeance on the arrogant hunter.

Mariko Yashida: a member of one of the richest and oldest Japanese families. Logan is in love with her, and she with him. He has discovered the many letters he's written her over the past few months, returned unopened. Logan wants to know why, so he boards an airplane headed straight for Japan. Upon arrival at the airport, Logan meets up with an old Japanese friend, Asano Kimura. They go way back. From Asano, Logan learns the truth... Mariko has married! Her father, Singen, has returned from a long disappearance, and has retaken his role as head of the Yashida Clan. As part of some arrangement, Shingen made Mariko marry. Mariko obliged, out of duty and obligation. Logan is completely outraged! Logan dons his brown X-Men uniform....he is going to find out WHY Mariko has betrayed him!

In the dark of night, Wolverine approaches the Yashida ancestral stronghold, and easily sneaks past the defenses and onto the grounds. Wolverine locates Mariko Yashida alone in a garden, worshipping to the Buddha. Wolverine confronts her, and she is startled & wishes he had not come. He wants to know why she married, but then she turns and reveals half her face swollen from a bad beating. Wolverine is enraged! He asks her to leave with him, that he loves her. Mariko replies she loves him too. But she is bound by duty. They enter a main building, and Mariko shows him two beautiful long swords, forged 800 years ago but as strong and unpervious as ever. They are the soul of her family. A tradition of duty and honor. If her father gave his solemn word that she was to marry, she as his daughter, must follow suit. At the worst possible moment, her husband enters threatening her...and Wolverine grabs him and is ready to gut him! But Mariko talks him out of it. Wolverine releases him, but is suddenly assaulted by several poisoned shuriken. He passes out.

When Wolverine comes to, he is before Lord Shingen, Mariko's father. Shingen is unimpressed with the gaijin's arrogance, and the two begin fighting with wooden swords. Wolverine is still numb from the poison, and Shingen cleans him up pretty bad. Several blows by the wooden swords would have killed normal men. Wolverine pops his killer claws, and Mariko sees this as an unhonorable act. Shingen is better trained, better used to sword-fighting. He beats Wolverine and slams his foot into Logan's face! Logan awakens in a dark alleyway in Tokyo. Near a busy street, he can't even stand he's so weak. Some Japanese youths approach him to mug him, but before then can, all are stabbed from behind by swords! A woman stranger appears and grabs Logan by his neck and raises him up! The woman comes close to his face and says "You're mine, Wolverine. Now and forever."

My thoughts: This limited series looks fantastic. I think it's a nice touch to have Japan be it's main locale, as this is a place we haven't seen much of in X-MEN yet. The highlight of the issue was the swordfight between Wolverine and Lord Shingen, and no words can properly describe it's fierceness. Wolverine certainly doesn't handle himself well in it at all. I think bringing him further into this complicated web of intrigue with the Yashida family should make this a worthy book. It would seem Logan's "berserker" character is the complete opposite of the Japanese personality.

worstblogever

05-21-2008, 01:53 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/96475128300.1.GIF

Wolverine #1

1st appearance: the Yashida Blade

"I'm Wolverine. I'm the best there is at what I do. But what I do best isn't very nice." Thus, begins Logan's first solo story, and one of the first limited series Marvel ever made. It's a classic, by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller.

Having gone on a leave-of-absence from the X-Men in UXM #168, this mini begins with Logan's smiling face on the 1st page! He is hanging precariously from a cliff, on a high mountaintop in the Canadian Rockies. He is hunting the killer of several people, and the killer is still on the loose. Logan approaches a cave in the rough cliffside, and out comes the inhabitant...a huge grizzly bear! Logan pops his claws, and the bear slashes with it's own ferocious claws...and the dance begins! Both beasts fight but Logan's unbreakable adamantium claws chop the bear's right arm in half!! Logan wishes there was another way, but there isn't. The killing strike is fast, and the bear is dead. As Logan leaves the cave, he sees an arrow in the bear's back. Coated with an illegal poison. The bear was shot illegally by a hunter, and this made the bear go insane. The killings weren't the bear's fault. Logan desires revenge, and within days, his enhanced senses locate the hunter in a bar and exacts his own brand of vengeance on the arrogant hunter.

Mariko Yashida: a member of one of the richest and oldest Japanese families. Logan is in love with her, and she with him. He has discovered the many letters he's written her over the past few months, returned unopened. Logan wants to know why, so he boards an airplane headed straight for Japan. Upon arrival at the airport, Logan meets up with an old Japanese friend, Asano Kimura. They go way back. From Asano, Logan learns the truth... Mariko has married! Her father, Singen, has returned from a long disappearance, and has retaken his role as head of the Yashida Clan. As part of some arrangement, Shingen made Mariko marry. Mariko obliged, out of duty and obligation. Logan is completely outraged! Logan dons his brown X-Men uniform....he is going to find out WHY Mariko has betrayed him!

In the dark of night, Wolverine approaches the Yashida ancestral stronghold, and easily sneaks past the defenses and onto the grounds. Wolverine locates Mariko Yashida alone in a garden, worshipping to the Buddha. Wolverine confronts her, and she is startled & wishes he had not come. He wants to know why she married, but then she turns and reveals half her face swollen from a bad beating. Wolverine is enraged! He asks her to leave with him, that he loves her. Mariko replies she loves him too. But she is bound by duty. They enter a main building, and Mariko shows him two beautiful long swords, forged 800 years ago but as strong and unpervious as ever. They are the soul of her family. A tradition of duty and honor. If her father gave his solemn word that she was to marry, she as his daughter, must follow suit. At the worst possible moment, her husband enters threatening her...and Wolverine grabs him and is ready to gut him! But Mariko talks him out of it. Wolverine releases him, but is suddenly assaulted by several poisoned shuriken. He passes out.

When Wolverine comes to, he is before Lord Shingen, Mariko's father. Shingen is unimpressed with the gaijin's arrogance, and the two begin fighting with wooden swords. Wolverine is still numb from the poison, and Shingen cleans him up pretty bad. Several blows by the wooden swords would have killed normal men. Wolverine pops his killer claws, and Mariko sees this as an unhonorable act. Shingen is better trained, better used to sword-fighting. He beats Wolverine and slams his foot into Logan's face! Logan awakens in a dark alleyway in Tokyo. Near a busy street, he can't even stand he's so weak. Some Japanese youths approach him to mug him, but before then can, all are stabbed from behind by swords! A woman stranger appears and grabs Logan by his neck and raises him up! The woman comes close to his face and says "You're mine, Wolverine. Now and forever."

My thoughts: This limited series looks fantastic. I think it's a nice touch to have Japan be it's main locale, as this is a place we haven't seen much of in X-MEN yet. The highlight of the issue was the swordfight between Wolverine and Lord Shingen, and no words can properly describe it's fierceness. Wolverine certainly doesn't handle himself well in it at all. I think bringing him further into this complicated web of intrigue with the Yashida family should make this a worthy book. It would seem Logan's "berserker" character is the complete opposite of the Japanese personality.

Is this in fact, the first time that Wolverine fights one of the agents of his rogues' gallery... BEARS!?! Come on, admit it. We've all seen Logan vs. Bears tons of times. I've been waiting for the matchup of where he's at Jellystone Park vs. Yogi & Boo-Boo for years now. But no such luck. I think the only person who battles against ursine opponents more often... Steven Colbert? :biggrin:

Still, all joking about Logan vs. bears (and not the leather daddy kind) aside, this really is classic Wolverine. His healing factor is managable, and he gets beat down as much as he gives. His chivalric attempts to rescue Mariko are really touching, and it's interesting to see such a tough guy have such a soft spot for anyone. I wonder if working on this project in any way inspired Frank Miller for the classic Marv story from Sin City where he avenges Goldie...

david r

05-21-2008, 07:18 PM

His chivalric attempts to rescue Mariko are really touching, and it's interesting to see such a tough guy have such a soft spot for anyone. I wonder if working on this project in any way inspired Frank Miller for the classic Marv story from Sin City where he avenges Goldie...

Wolverine #1 showed a side of Logan we rarely see. Using the word chivalry is interesting, because most people would NEVER think of Wolverine as having chivalry. And yet its right here in this story. He's a complicated man.

Woman of mystery:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dc/Madelyne.PNG/170px-Madelyne.PNG

Fuzzy Elf and Bamf Doll:

http://www.sequentialtart.com/images/0907/x168_2.jpg

david r

05-21-2008, 07:36 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.169.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #169

"Catacombs"

1st appearance: Morlocks, Callisto, Masque, Sunder, Plague

This issue introduces those who dwell in the dark, shadowy corners of New York City. They aren't the mutants you bring home to Mom and Dad. And they aren't pretty. The Morlocks invade the X-Men's world!!!

Angel's girlfriend Candy Southern arrives at their Manhattan penthouse, to find her winged boyfriend missing. She is suddenly attacked by a behemoth!! At that exact moment, Kurt Wagner is having a wet moment with Amanda Sefton in her bathtub. Kurt's romantic moment is interrupted by a frantic mental call from Charles Xavier!! Nightcrawler is soon teleporting to Angel's and saves Candy from death! He teleports back to the bathtub & the two hilariously splash down; sending Amanda right outta there! Kurt always makes a humorous heroic play! Meanwhile, within the dungeons of the Hellfire Club, Sebastian Shaw is recovered from injuries incurred in UXM #152. Shaw enters a room greeted by his servant, Tessa, and is informed that Emma Frost has gone into a catatonic state. No explanation is forthcoming. Only a telepath of tremendous power could strike the White Queen down so. Who could it be? Laughter is heard in the darkened tunnels of the dungeon!!

Back at Amanda's, the X-Men (Colossus, Storm and Kitty Pryde) have arrived to help Kurt and Candy. (Wolverine is on a leave-of-absence.) Storm requests aid from New Mutant Wolfsbane, but Professor X mentally tells her he wants the new mutants to remain students, and NOT go on missions. The X-Men depart to use their min-Cerebro unit to find Angel. They follow it to a subway station, and down a railyard tunnel. They locate a hidden passageway, and descend down spooky stairs into a dark unknown. They are suddenly leaped upon by a gang of transients! They battle and overcome the bum-rush. Lingering in the darkness, several deformed, robed figures watch the X-Men. One is a woman with an eye-patch, and a nose ring, dressed in black punk clothes. Kitty Pryde phases near them, and the one named Plague touches her. Kitty phases, but soon starts to feel ill. Kitty soon collapses in a stream, and Caliban makes his second appearance and leaps to her rescue.

The rest of the X-Men locate a massive tunnel, a thousand feet beneath NYC. Bright lights come on, and they are greeted to Warren Worthington III, almost naked, his wings tied up (see the cover.) Callisto appears and says Angel is to be her prince. She is leader of the Morlocks, who took their name from H.G. Wells' rulers of the netherworld (From the book The Time Machine. Callisto takes a knife and cuts some of Warren's wings off. She plans to clip his wings. Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler leap into action to save Warren! Callisto points, and an army of Morlocks leap from the shadows and a wild battle begins! Callisto uses a sling-shot and shoots a hardball which smashes into Ororo's head!! Colossus fights valiantly but is overwhelmed by the sheer number of Morlocks. Is the jig up for the X-Men??

My thoughts: Another awesome issue, bringing us the tragic Morlocks and more gorgeous Paul Smith artwork. He really shines here. Only Callisto gets fleshed out here, and she seems a little nuts and dressed in proto-typical early 1980s punk outfit. The X-Men again find themselves in a precarious situation, facing an unknown enemy. This was a good start to this story. But I must say, Chris Claremont must like driving us nuts as he DIDN'T follow up on last issue's brain-blowing cliffhanger with Madelyne Pryor!

worstblogever

05-22-2008, 01:38 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.169.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #169

"Catacombs"

1st appearance: Morlocks, Callisto, Masque, Sunder, Plague

This issue introduces those who dwell in the dark, shadowy corners of New York City. They aren't the mutants you bring home to Mom and Dad. And they aren't pretty. The Morlocks invade the X-Men's world!!!

Angel's girlfriend Candy Southern arrives at their Manhattan penthouse, to find her winged boyfriend missing. She is suddenly attacked by a behemoth!! At that exact moment, Kurt Wagner is having a wet moment with Amanda Sefton in her bathtub. Kurt's romantic moment is interrupted by a frantic mental call from Charles Xavier!! Nightcrawler is soon teleporting to Angel's and saves Candy from death! He teleports back to the bathtub & the two hilariously splash down; sending Amanda right outta there! Kurt always makes a humorous heroic play! Meanwhile, within the dungeons of the Hellfire Club, Sebastian Shaw is recovered from injuries incurred in UXM #152. Shaw enters a room greeted by his servant, Tessa, and is informed that Emma Frost has gone into a catatonic state. No explanation is forthcoming. Only a telepath of tremendous power could strike the White Queen down so. Who could it be? Laughter is heard in the darkened tunnels of the dungeon!!

Back at Amanda's, the X-Men (Colossus, Storm and Kitty Pryde) have arrived to help Kurt and Candy. (Wolverine is on a leave-of-absence.) Storm requests aid from New Mutant Wolfsbane, but Professor X mentally tells her he wants the new mutants to remain students, and NOT go on missions. The X-Men depart to use their min-Cerebro unit to find Angel. They follow it to a subway station, and down a railyard tunnel. They locate a hidden passageway, and descend down spooky stairs into a dark unknown. They are suddenly leaped upon by a gang of transients! They battle and overcome the bum-rush. Lingering in the darkness, several deformed, robed figures watch the X-Men. One is a woman with an eye-patch, and a nose ring, dressed in black punk clothes. Kitty Pryde phases near them, and the one named Plague touches her. Kitty phases, but soon starts to feel ill. Kitty soon collapses in a stream, and Caliban makes his second appearance and leaps to her rescue.

The rest of the X-Men locate a massive tunnel, a thousand feet beneath NYC. Bright lights come on, and they are greeted to Warren Worthington III, almost naked, his wings tied up (see the cover.) Callisto appears and says Angel is to be her prince. She is leader of the Morlocks, who took their name from H.G. Wells' rulers of the netherworld (From the book The Time Machine. Callisto takes a knife and cuts some of Warren's wings off. She plans to clip his wings. Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler leap into action to save Warren! Callisto points, and an army of Morlocks leap from the shadows and a wild battle begins! Callisto uses a sling-shot and shoots a hardball which smashes into Ororo's head!! Colossus fights valiantly but is overwhelmed by the sheer number of Morlocks. Is the jig up for the X-Men??

My thoughts: Another awesome issue, bringing us the tragic Morlocks and more gorgeous Paul Smith artwork. He really shines here. Only Callisto gets fleshed out here, and she seems a little nuts and dressed in proto-typical early 1980s punk outfit. The X-Men again find themselves in a precarious situation, facing an unknown enemy. This was a good start to this story. But I must say, Chris Claremont must like driving us nuts as he DIDN'T follow up on last issue's brain-blowing cliffhanger with Madelyne Pryor!

One... you'd think Kurt and Amanda would've stopped taking baths together since their childhood... :eek:

And yay Hellfire Club month gets an interlude! Sebastian's physically recovered from his last appearance in #152... but what's after Emma is a ghost from the past some 20 issues earlier who's out for vengeance... :smile:

And hell yeah! Morlocks! Callisto looks to totally be into bondage based off of tying Angel up and putting him in his undies! Still, the motivations of her huntin' for a man are a bit... odd, to say the least. Give her credit, she has some taste, I suppose. But for what they lack in good looks, the Morlocks make up for in numbers and bizarre powers.

As far as Maddie goes... I always wonder if CC had it in mind to make her last name a play on words... the origins of Madelyne as a name are related to the Magdalene, a name which biblically represents a love who was cleansed of evil spirits (like say the Dark Phoenix?) and "Pryor" being a play on "prior", as in Scott's prior redheaded love. :confused:

DDM

05-22-2008, 07:58 AM

As far as Maddie goes... I always wonder if CC had it in mind to make her last name a play on words... the origins of Madelyne as a name are related to the Magdalene, a name which biblically represents a love who was cleansed of evil spirits (like say the Dark Phoenix?) and "Pryor" being a play on "prior", as in Scott's prior redheaded love. :confused:

Chris Claremont got the name "Madelyne Pryor" from the Steeleye Span (http://www.answers.com/topic/steeleye-span?cat=entertainment) band member, vocalist, Maddy Prior (http://www.answers.com/topic/maddy-prior?cat=entertainment); he makes a reference to the band in Uncanny X-Men #238.

Claremont also used Madelyne's name as a play on words as well given the hints that she may be Jean Grey or may not be her in her initial introduction.

DDM

05-22-2008, 08:11 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.169.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #169

"Catacombs"

1st appearance: Morlocks, Callisto, Masque, Sunder, Plague

This issue introduces those who dwell in the dark, shadowy corners of New York City. They aren't the mutants you bring home to Mom and Dad. And they aren't pretty. The Morlocks invade the X-Men's world!!!

Angel's girlfriend Candy Southern arrives at their Manhattan penthouse, to find her winged boyfriend missing. She is suddenly attacked by a behemoth!! At that exact moment, Kurt Wagner is having a wet moment with Amanda Sefton in her bathtub. Kurt's romantic moment is interrupted by a frantic mental call from Charles Xavier!! Nightcrawler is soon teleporting to Angel's and saves Candy from death! He teleports back to the bathtub & the two hilariously splash down; sending Amanda right outta there! Kurt always makes a humorous heroic play! Meanwhile, within the dungeons of the Hellfire Club, Sebastian Shaw is recovered from injuries incurred in UXM #152. Shaw enters a room greeted by his servant, Tessa, and is informed that Emma Frost has gone into a catatonic state. No explanation is forthcoming. Only a telepath of tremendous power could strike the White Queen down so. Who could it be? Laughter is heard in the darkened tunnels of the dungeon!!

Back at Amanda's, the X-Men (Colossus, Storm and Kitty Pryde) have arrived to help Kurt and Candy. (Wolverine is on a leave-of-absence.) Storm requests aid from New Mutant Wolfsbane, but Professor X mentally tells her he wants the new mutants to remain students, and NOT go on missions. The X-Men depart to use their min-Cerebro unit to find Angel. They follow it to a subway station, and down a railyard tunnel. They locate a hidden passageway, and descend down spooky stairs into a dark unknown. They are suddenly leaped upon by a gang of transients! They battle and overcome the bum-rush. Lingering in the darkness, several deformed, robed figures watch the X-Men. One is a woman with an eye-patch, and a nose ring, dressed in black punk clothes. Kitty Pryde phases near them, and the one named Plague touches her. Kitty phases, but soon starts to feel ill. Kitty soon collapses in a stream, and Caliban makes his second appearance and leaps to her rescue.

The rest of the X-Men locate a massive tunnel, a thousand feet beneath NYC. Bright lights come on, and they are greeted to Warren Worthington III, almost naked, his wings tied up (see the cover.) Callisto appears and says Angel is to be her prince. She is leader of the Morlocks, who took their name from H.G. Wells' rulers of the netherworld (From the book The Time Machine. Callisto takes a knife and cuts some of Warren's wings off. She plans to clip his wings. Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler leap into action to save Warren! Callisto points, and an army of Morlocks leap from the shadows and a wild battle begins! Callisto uses a sling-shot and shoots a hardball which smashes into Ororo's head!! Colossus fights valiantly but is overwhelmed by the sheer number of Morlocks. Is the jig up for the X-Men??

My thoughts: Another awesome issue, bringing us the tragic Morlocks and more gorgeous Paul Smith artwork. He really shines here. Only Callisto gets fleshed out here, and she seems a little nuts and dressed in proto-typical early 1980s punk outfit. The X-Men again find themselves in a precarious situation, facing an unknown enemy. This was a good start to this story. But I must say, Chris Claremont must like driving us nuts as he DIDN'T follow up on last issue's brain-blowing cliffhanger with Madelyne Pryor!

The Morlocks make an interesting contrast to the X-Men in that they are mostly undesirable or ugly mutants who wear their scars & mutilations as badges of honor.

I like the unexpected appearance of the Hellfire Club as yet another faction of mutant paradigm is just about as opposite to the Morlocks: The Hellfire Club reeks of physical beauty, wealth, & decadence of virtually any earthly desire. Ironically, one of the Lords Cardinal, Emma Frost, the White Queen, has been struck down by a mysterious foe. Emma Frost has been confronted by her worst fears made real & is now in a self-induced telepathic coma. Sebastian Shaw is not happy. I believe Mastermind had to use another mindtap mechanism to get passed Emma Frost's psychic defenses to her his revenge.

Paul Smith's art is beautiful.

The Morlocks make for interesting supporting characters to contrast with the X-Men, although for these two issues they are villains.

Anodyne

05-22-2008, 10:48 AM

Chris Claremont got the name "Madelyne Pryor" from the Steeleye Span (http://www.answers.com/topic/steeleye-span?cat=entertainment) band member, vocalist, Maddy Prior (http://www.answers.com/topic/maddy-prior?cat=entertainment); he makes a reference to the band in Uncanny X-Men #238.

Claremont also used Madelyne's name as a play on words as well given the hints that she may be Jean Grey or may not be her in her initial introduction.
It's also been suggested that Claremont was paying homage to Alfred Hitchcock's movie Vertigo. The main characters were named "Scotty" and "Madeleine," and the plot involved a striking resemblance between a living woman and a dead one.
Concerning Uncanny X-Men #168, I wonder why Alex Summers didn't show any surprise when Madelyne Pryor appeared? The issue says he shows no reaction.
"No reaction"? That's not what Scott said: "Have I gone mad--But Dad and Alex see it too! Her voice--her face--it can't be! it's impossible!"

I was the one who was surprised--and bewildered--because I couldn't understand why Scott was freaking out. :confused: Other than the red hair and green eyes, I saw no striking resemblance between Madelyne Pryor and Jean Grey; I had to have it explained to me in the next issue.

DDM

05-22-2008, 01:13 PM

It's also been suggested that Claremont was paying homage to Alfred Hitchcock's movie Vertigo. The main characters were named "Scotty" and "Madeleine," and the plot involved a striking resemblance between a living woman and a dead one.

I see the resemblance in the stories from Uncanny X-Men #174-175, but Claremont got the name Madelyne Pryor from Steeleye Span vocalist, Maddy Prior. It's meant to be some sort of inside joke since Madelyne Pryor also appeared as a child in Avengers Annual #10.

"No reaction"? That's not what Scott said: "Have I gone mad--But Dad and Alex see it too! Her voice--her face--it can't be! it's impossible!"

I was the one who was surprised--and bewildered--because I couldn't understand why Scott was freaking out. :confused: Other than the red hair and green eyes, I saw no striking resemblance between Madelyne Pryor and Jean Grey; I had to have it explained to me in the next issue.

Alex basically tells Scott to get over himself; he believes Madelyne is a separate person from Jean Grey & in many respects, Alex is correct. Madelyne shares similar personality traits of Jean, but she is her own woman. At least until it is revealed she is a clone of Jean Grey in Uncanny X-Men #241.

creaky

05-22-2008, 02:22 PM

I suppose being grabbed in mid-air by a naked blue guy appearing out of nowhere and the next second plunge into a jacuzzi occupied by a naked woman would be SLIGHTLY less traumatic than falling from a tall building.

david r

05-22-2008, 05:23 PM

DDM, interesting contrast between the Morlocks and Hellfire Club. One group the lowlifes, and the other the rich and powerful. Ugliness and beauty. I guess the X-Men are somewhere in the middle.

Worstblogever, Callisto's motivation seem to be she enjoys hurting the one she loves. She is attracted to Angel, so she kidnaps him but desires to torture him. Who knows what her motivations are?

Anodyne, that is a provocative parallel between Madelyne Pryor and Vertigo. Kim Novak's character was pretending to be a dead woman, twice! in that movie. Was Madelyne originally meant to be a dead woman, too?

As for Maddie's resemblance to Jean Grey, I just think Paul Smith hadn't quite gotten Jean's "look" quite right. I'm sure she indeed was supposed to be the spitting image of Jean. Can you even IMAGINE Scott with her? His hands were probably sweaty and trembling, and he was probably close to fainting with shock.

Creaky, I felt that part with naked Nightcrawler to the rescue was very humorous. It often seems Kurt is used for comedy.

DDM

05-22-2008, 05:51 PM

DDM, interesting contrast between the Morlocks and Hellfire Club. One group the lowlifes, and the other the rich and powerful. Ugliness and beauty. I guess the X-Men are somewhere in the middle.

I like how Chris Claremont built in these anti-X-Men groups to provide a counterpoint to the X-Men; in this case, it is the Morlocks & the Hellfire Club. Although on the surface, the Morlocks appear to be ugly, a closer inspection reveals the real ugliness is the absolute corrupting evil from the Hellfire Club which ironically has some of the most beautiful people as members.

Worstblogever, Callisto's motivation seem to be she enjoys hurting the one she loves. She is attracted to Angel, so she kidnaps him but desires to torture him. Who knows what her motivations are?

Callisto is bitter about her one time life as a famous fashion model; however, once her latent mutant powers emerged, she lost one eye & her face became scarred. Therefore, she lost everything dear to her. As a reaction of being rejected, she created the Morlocks with the help of Caliban.

Anodyne, that is a provocative parallel between Madelyne Pryor and Vertigo. Kim Novak's character was pretending to be a dead woman, twice! in that movie. Was Madelyne originally meant to be a dead woman, too?

Chris Claremont wanted Madelyne Pryor to be Jean Grey reborn, but the editors said no; however, he played it up with her initial appearance culminating in Uncanny X-Men #174-175.

As for Maddie's resemblance to Jean Grey, I just think Paul Smith hadn't quite gotten Jean's "look" quite right. I'm sure she indeed was supposed to be the spitting image of Jean. Can you even IMAGINE Scott with her? His hands were probably sweaty and trembling, and he was probably close to fainting with shock.

Paul Smith got Madelyne's hair style from Louise Jones. Louise Jones has been an inspiration to many artists since she's appeared in House of Secrets #92:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/41068081142.92.GIF

Louise Jones, at least her face & hair style, also appears as one of the teens in the splash page for The New Mutants #21.

Nevermind, both Mr. & Mrs. Power of Power Pack is modeled after Walter & Louise Simonson.

david r

05-22-2008, 07:18 PM

I agree what you say about the Hellfire Club. They are nearly all corrupted, greedy little people who want to conquer the world. The consequences of their actions mean nothing to them. I wonder if they ever learned the extent of the destruction they unleashed by turning Jean Grey into the Black Queen?

I did not know Chris Claremont had wanted Madelyne Pryor to be Jean Grey. I thought he had much creative license at this time. And he felt resurrecting Phoenix would severely damage the X-Men canon.

Who knew so many comics creators liked Louise Jones? I also have wondered if Lee Forrester was patterned after her.

One last thing: in UXM #169, Storm responds to Callisto's lust for Warren with this thought: I was twelve when I saw a man so gaze at me--a prize to be won. An object to be possessed. My emotions, my wishes, meant nothing. Had I fought, my spirit would have been broken. I would have been used, then slain. So, instead, I ran away from all that I knew and loved, never to return."

Could that "man" have been Amahl Farouk aka the Shadow King?

david r

05-22-2008, 07:23 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/96475128300.2.GIF

Wolverine #2

"Debts and Obligations"

1st appearance: Yukio
1st X-MEN appearance: the Hand

Logan's first solo adventure continues, as Wolverine awakens by the beautiful Asian woman, Yukio, making her debut. Both are confronted by a cadre of lethal ninjas!! Dressed in red robes and brandishing huge swords, they are the brethron of the lethal Hand! They are professional assassins. Unfortunately for them, they should have stayed home. Wolverine launches himself at them and they all go smashing out a window onto rooftops. Logan-san & Yukio leap out, with dozens of arrows swarming around them. (This whole sequence is stunningly drawn by Frank Miller. ) A wild fracas ensues: Wolverine's animal ferocity unleashed against the large number of Hand assassins. Yukio watches in amazement. Wolverine defeats them and stands triumphant! The Japanese police begin arriving, so Logan & Yukio make their exit.

Back at Logan's hotel, they both tend to their wounds. Yukio is amazed at Logan-san's abilities to heal quickly. Yukio makes a move on him, desiring the physical act of love. Logan only sees the face of Mariko Yashida, and retreats. Yukio is hurt, and feels Mariko is unworthy of his love. (Frank Miller doesn't draw Wolverine with hair all over his back, a minor mistake there, Mr. Miller) Yukio soon makes her way to the skyscraper owned by Lord Shingen, leader of the Yashida Clan. We discover the shocking revelation that Yukio was a plant, aimed at luring Wolverine to his death. She is an assassin and under the employ of Shingen Yashida. He orders her to to help assassinate a rival, a man named Katsuyori. He is sending his own daughter, Mariko and her husband to meet Katsuyori, thus luring Katsuyori into a false sense of security. Surely Shingen wouldn't send his own daughter into harm's way. There, Yukio will help murder Katsuyori, and then eliminate Wolverine!

The next day, Wolverine & Yukio stealthly sneak into a Japanese playhouse, where Katsuyori meets with Noburu and Mariko Yashida. They sit to watch the play, a performance of the Japanese 47 Ronins. Logan watches from the shadows. Suddenly, the actors in the play attack! They are assassins and attack Mariko & her husband. Wolverine leaps in and stops the assassination, and another gorgeous sequence of sword-fighting breaks out. The target of the attack--Katsuyori--runs out to his car to escape. But a car-bomb explodes, killing him. Yukio smiles close-by: her mission is accomplished!! And Wolverine has unwittingly helped her. Inside, the bloody dance ends, with Logan again victorious. The assassins lie dead or bleeding. But Mariko stands with her hands over her face, shocked in disbelief. She has never seen Logan in his berserker fury. She runs in horror and disgust from him. Wolverine stands...ashamed.

My thoughts: I've always thought Frank Miller to be an average artist. Could never understand why he's considered this amazing artist. But I must say, his work here is quite impressive. Chris Claremont has drawn back from his lengthy scripting, and often uses a minimalistic style of dialogue and wording here. They are making an impressive series. I like all this wild ninja/Japan intrigue and it's so different from anything I've seen so before. This mini truly stands apart from Uncanny X-Men at this time.

creaky

05-22-2008, 08:41 PM

Creaky, I felt that part with naked Nightcrawler to the rescue was very humorous. It often seems Kurt is used for comedy.

And not for that much else, unfortunately.:frown:

worstblogever

05-23-2008, 12:21 AM

DDM

05-23-2008, 09:08 AM

One last thing: in UXM #169, Storm responds to Callisto's lust for Warren with this thought: I was twelve when I saw a man so gaze at me--a prize to be won. An object to be possessed. My emotions, my wishes, meant nothing. Had I fought, my spirit would have been broken. I would have been used, then slain. So, instead, I ran away from all that I knew and loved, never to return."

Could that "man" have been Amahl Farouk aka the Shadow King?

I believe so. Amahl Farouk is nearly successful in subverting Storm in The New Mutants #32-34 when he attempts to enslave the New Mutants. The Shadow King--at one point before he died in Egypt--was promised Ororo; a point the Shadow King brings up when he attempts to enslave her, although amnesiac, in Uncanny X-Men #253-254 & Uncanny X-Men #264-267. He wants to corrupt Ororo because of her indomitable strong will thanks to her spiritual & emotional link with the Earth through her elemental powers.

DDM

05-23-2008, 09:22 AM

I agree what you say about the Hellfire Club. They are nearly all corrupted, greedy little people who want to conquer the world. The consequences of their actions mean nothing to them. I wonder if they ever learned the extent of the destruction they unleashed by turning Jean Grey into the Black Queen?

The Hellfire Club is truly an evil group, a secret society out to conquer the world; the Lords Cardinal uses real people as chess pieces to either gain more power or hold on to the power they already possess. Therefore, I am certain Emma Frost is aware, due to her telepathy, that the Hellfire Club caused Jean Grey's transformation from the Black Queen into Dark Phoenix. Do they feel pity or remorse? No. Since Mastermind failed to keep Phoenix as the Black Queen, the Hellfire Club withdrew its invitation into the Inner Circle.

After Emma Frost recovered, the Inner Circle went about its business to conquer the world covertly. Evil people feel no remorse; people are objects to be used, a means to an end. for example, Phoenix's corruption into the Black Queen.

Although she cared to a point, the Hellions were also simple commodities to the White Queen to enhance her position into the Hellfire Club.

The Hellfire Club--when written correctly--is evil without being a parody of evil.

CJ Lentze

05-23-2008, 12:21 PM

The Hellfire Club is truly an evil group, a secret society out to conquer the world; the Lords Cardinal uses real people as chess pieces to either gain more power or hold on to the power they already possess. Therefore, I am certain Emma Frost is aware, due to her telepathy, that the Hellfire Club caused Jean Grey's transformation from the Black Queen into Dark Phoenix. Do they feel pity or remorse? No. Since Mastermind failed to keep Phoenix as the Black Queen, the Hellfire Club withdrew its invitation into the Inner Circle.

After Emma Frost recovered, the Inner Circle went about its business to conquer the world covertly. Evil people feel no remorse; people are objects to be used, a means to an end. for example, Phoenix's corruption into the Black Queen.

Although she cared to a point, the Hellions were also simple commodities to the White Queen to enhance her position into the Hellfire Club.

The Hellfire Club--when written correctly--is evil without being a parody of evil.I agree with that final sentiment, that they shouldn't be written as a parody of evil. But we're well past the Silver Age at this point, and even though the Hellfire Club members frequently let out a maniacal cackle, they aren't (or shouldn't be) the one-dimensional card-carrying evil villains of the sixties. Couldn't it be said that there are no evil people, only evil intentions? The heroes we're seeing in these issues of X-Men have their good sides and bad sides, like real people; on an early letters page, a reader commented that it was time the villains got the same treatment. We've seen a villain, Magneto, get his good side highlighted. I don't think the Inner Circle members are incapable of remorse. Or compassion: check Emma Frost's reaction when Shaw is hit with a lightning bolt back in issue 153. It could have been an opportunity for her to rise to power; instead, she's concerned about his life. I think that's more than simply being worried about the Hellfire Club losing its leader. Then there's Tessa's statement in this issue: she says that Emma was trying to protect her. If everyone is a pawn to be used to her, then why would Emma be concerned about Tessa if Emma knew she was going to be knocked out of the game by her assailant anyway? The Inner Circle are primarily concerned with amassing wealth and power, but that doesn't mean they can't feel any friendship toward one another, and I don't think their friendships are always restricted by their greed for power.

david r

05-23-2008, 07:45 PM

david r

05-23-2008, 07:58 PM

The Morlocks:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Callistox.jpg

The Originals:

http://www.megomuseum.com/custom/derekcombs/xmen.jpg

(I like how Jean's got her hand resting on Charles)

creaky

05-23-2008, 07:59 PM

I would still wonder if Dark Phoenix killing five billion people gave them pause. Five billion people!! It's inconceivable to imagine. Has any villain in the history of Marvel ended so many lives at once?

Do they know that she killed five billion people?

pryde15

05-23-2008, 08:24 PM

Do they know that she killed five billion people?

I believe the planet being destroyed was shown on panel. And Jean has stated numerous times during the Dark Phoenix Saga that she killed 5 billion people.

david r

05-23-2008, 09:38 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.170.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #170

"Dancin' in the Dark"

The showdown with the Morlocks, as Storm is forced into a decision she has dreaded her whole life. A major turning point for the wind-Goddess happens in #170.

But first, Scott Summers--the man that no woman seems able to RESIST--is dancing with a mysterious red-head named Madelyne Pryor who looks exactly like deceased Jean Grey. They are in Reindeer Falls, Alaska. Madelyne is a pilot for North Star Airways, and they are on their first date. Madelyne is very forthcoming with Scott, and he's having a fabulous time. Until Scott feels guilt over this whole affair. Each time he sees Madelyne, the knife twists in his heart over Jean. Scott steps away from Pryor and moves to the other side of the room. He looks back to a moody shot of Madelyne standing before a raging fireplace, enshrouded in darkness (a very nicely drawn shot.) Scott comes clean and shows her a photo of Jean Grey. Madelyne is shocked at their exact resemblance, but decides that it's okay.

Meanwhile, back in the "alley", far beneath the streets of New York City, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler have been tied-up and captured by Callisto and her band of outcast mutants named the Morlocks. Kurt & Peter are enraged by their treatment and break free from their ropes. Colossus begins beating on mammoth-sized Sunder. Nightcrawler grabs Callisto and teleports several times; sending Callisto into oblivion! Kurt holds her unconscience body, and replies the X-Men have won! But another Morlock named Plague touches Storm, and she collapses. Plague says give up, or she'll kill Storm. Kurt & Peter reluctantly do. We now switch scenes: blue-skinned Mystique is having a shocking dream. She stands on a grassy knoll, in a beautiful countryside. Riders on horseback appear, with hunting dogs. Mystique realizes she is the prey and runs. But Mystique collapses in a river, and the shocker twist is Jason Wyngarde and Lady Jean Grey are the hunters! Replaying a scene from the Dark Phoenix Saga, Wyngarde hands Lady Grey a dagger to do the "honor" of the kill. Lavishly-dressed Jean Grey takes the knife and slits Mystique's throat! Suddenly, Mystique awakens in her bed...SCREAMING! She realizes it was a dream, and makes her way to the kitchen in the house. Destiny sits drinking coffee at a table. Destiny then stands up in alarm! A time line has become clear to her. Rogue is in danger. Mystique runs to Rogue's room, but the southern mutant has vanished. We then see an concerned Rogue on a bus, riding away.

Back in the alley, the Morlocks Masque is twisting Storm's face, using his disfiguring mutant powers. Kurt screams to stop, and Masque removes his robe to show his horribly mangled face. Then, Caliban appears carrying the sick body of Kitty Pryde. Caliban states the only way to save Kitty is to remove Callisto from leadership of the Morlocks. And only through trial by combat. Storm denies Nightcrawler the task, and orders that she will fight Callisto, hand-to-hand. You know, what exactly ARE Callisto's mutant powers? I've never known. It says here she is a born huntress, her mutant genes giving her enhanced physical abilities that rival Wolverine's. Callisto and Ororo stand apart in the shadowy tunnel, the cheering Morlocks surrounding them. Both are given knives. They encircle each other, and Callisto draws first blood. Ororo's face and arm are slashed, and Ororo seems very clumsy. But she is feinting weakness, as she throws her robe around Callisto's arms suddenly. Pulling Callisto close, Ororo plunges her knife straight into Callisto's chest! The look of surprise on Callisto's face is very satisfying. Callisto falls to the floor, and Ororo just walks right by her. Ororo frees Angel, and holding him in her arms, announces she is now leader of the Morlocks. The assembled crowd have gone dead silent! She asks them all to leave this place and return to Charles Xavier's School. But Caliban speaks that they like it in the tunnels and alleyways. This is where we belong. The X-Men pick up their sick and walk out of the Alley. Ororo with a very determined look on her face.

My thoughts: Oh my, Ororo showed she is made of pretty strong stuff. I feel this has been building for some time now. How can Ororo possibly keep her oath not to kill another, when facing such lethal foes and threats as the X-Men face on a continual basis? Is Ororo betraying everything she holds dear? Or is this instead a new path for her to walk? Growth, no matter how dark it may seem. UXM #170 is a classic for the spectacular knife-fight between Callisto & Storm. Splendidly done by Claremont/Smith. This title just gets better & better.

worstblogever

05-24-2008, 02:33 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.170.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #170

"Dancin' in the Dark"

The showdown with the Morlocks, as Storm is forced into a decision she has dreaded her whole life. A major turning point for the wind-Goddess happens in #170.

But first, Scott Summers--the man that no woman seems able to RESIST--is dancing with a mysterious red-head named Madelyne Pryor who looks exactly like deceased Jean Grey. They are in Reindeer Falls, Alaska. Madelyne is a pilot for North Star Airways, and they are on their first date. Madelyne is very forthcoming with Scott, and he's having a fabulous time. Until Scott feels guilt over this whole affair. Each time he sees Madelyne, the knife twists in his heart over Jean. Scott steps away from Pryor and moves to the other side of the room. He looks back to a moody shot of Madelyne standing before a raging fireplace, enshrouded in darkness (a very nicely drawn shot.) Scott comes clean and shows her a photo of Jean Grey. Madelyne is shocked at their exact resemblance, but decides that it's okay.

Meanwhile, back in the "alley", far beneath the streets of New York City, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler have been tied-up and captured by Callisto and her band of outcast mutants named the Morlocks. Kurt & Peter are enraged by their treatment and break free from their ropes. Colossus begins beating on mammoth-sized Sunder. Nightcrawler grabs Callisto and teleports several times; sending Callisto into oblivion! Kurt holds her unconscience body, and replies the X-Men have won! But another Morlock named Plague touches Storm, and she collapses. Plague says give up, or she'll kill Storm. Kurt & Peter reluctantly do. We now switch scenes: blue-skinned Mystique is having a shocking dream. She stands on a grassy knoll, in a beautiful countryside. Riders on horseback appear, with hunting dogs. Mystique realizes she is the prey and runs. But Mystique collapses in a river, and the shocker twist is Jason Wyngarde and Lady Jean Grey are the hunters! Replaying a scene from the Dark Phoenix Saga, Wyngarde hands Lady Grey a dagger to do the "honor" of the kill. Lavishly-dressed Jean Grey takes the knife and slits Mystique's throat! Suddenly, Mystique awakens in her bed...SCREAMING! She realizes it was a dream, and makes her way to the kitchen in the house. Destiny sits drinking coffee at a table. Destiny then stands up in alarm! A time line has become clear to her. Rogue is in danger. Mystique runs to Rogue's room, but the southern mutant has vanished. We then see an concerned Rogue on a bus, riding away.

Back in the alley, the Morlocks Masque is twisting Storm's face, using his disfiguring mutant powers. Kurt screams to stop, and Masque removes his robe to show his horribly mangled face. Then, Caliban appears carrying the sick body of Kitty Pryde. Caliban states the only way to save Kitty is to remove Callisto from leadership of the Morlocks. And only through trial by combat. Storm denies Nightcrawler the task, and orders that she will fight Callisto, hand-to-hand. You know, what exactly ARE Callisto's mutant powers? I've never known. It says here she is a born huntress, her mutant genes giving her enhanced physical abilities that rival Wolverine's. Callisto and Ororo stand apart in the shadowy tunnel, the cheering Morlocks surrounding them. Both are given knives. They encircle each other, and Callisto draws first blood. Ororo's face and arm are slashed, and Ororo seems very clumsy. But she is feinting weakness, as she throws her robe around Callisto's arms suddenly. Pulling Callisto close, Ororo plunges her knife straight into Callisto's chest! The look of surprise on Callisto's face is very satisfying. Callisto falls to the floor, and Ororo just walks right by her. Ororo frees Angel, and holding him in her arms, announces she is now leader of the Morlocks. The assembled crowd have gone dead silent! She asks them all to leave this place and return to Charles Xavier's School. But Caliban speaks that they like it in the tunnels and alleyways. This is where we belong. The X-Men pick up their sick and walk out of the Alley. Ororo with a very determined look on her face.

My thoughts: Oh my, Ororo showed she is made of pretty strong stuff. I feel this has been building for some time now. How can Ororo possibly keep her oath not to kill another, when facing such lethal foes and threats as the X-Men face on a continual basis? Is Ororo betraying everything she holds dear? Or is this instead a new path for her to walk? Growth, no matter how dark it may seem. UXM #170 is a classic for the spectacular knife-fight between Callisto & Storm. Splendidly done by Claremont/Smith. This title just gets better & better.

Storm knows how to cut a *****. Her whole fight was based on a bluff. Smart stuff, Wind-Rider. Although... if you really, really want to enjoy this fight, picture it happening to the guitar solo from Michael Jackson's "Beat It". Eddie Van Halen's solos were made for knife fights.

Although, why did Storm insist she would be the one to fight? Is it because she had killed before back in Africa, where as despite his prowess with a blade, she didn't want Kurt to become a killer? Hmm...

Meanwhile, that scene with Madelyne sitting in front of a dark fireplace was further teasing of it being Jean... it made the reader wonder if a fiery Phoenix had been reborn. Great imagery on that. Maddie really was too perfect a woman. "Wait, I look just like your dead girlfriend, and you're worried that's why you're attracted to me? That's okay. Feel free to call out her name when we have sex later, too." Okay, that last sentence I made up. :wink:

david r

05-24-2008, 07:27 AM

Although, why did Storm insist she would be the one to fight? Is it because she had killed before back in Africa, where as despite his prowess with a blade, she didn't want Kurt to become a killer? Hmm...

I think Ororo was enraged at the X-Men's treatment. I think she wanted to pay Callisto back. Also, I suspect Ororo knew Callisto would probably kill Nightcrawler. She didn't want that to happen. What we see Ororo commit in Uncanny X-Men #170 has been building for a long time.

"Wait, I look just like your dead girlfriend, and you're worried that's why you're attracted to me? That's okay. Feel free to call out her name when we have sex later, too." Okay, that last sentence I made up. :wink:

As long as Scott doesn't call out Warren's name when they're having sex. :tongue: That's usually a relationship-killer.

DDM

05-24-2008, 07:49 AM

Interesting points about the Hellfire Club. Good points, Schuimend. Emma Frost showed concern when Shaw was struck down. Though I took it they were lovers and that was why. I'm sure if the Inner Circle appeared every issue, we would see even more a human side to them. But really, both Sebastian and Donald Pierce are painted as evil men.

I would still wonder if Dark Phoenix killing five billion people gave them pause. Five billion people!! It's inconceivable to imagine. Has any villain in the history of Marvel ended so many lives at once?

Yes. Thanos made a star go into super-nova stage & the super-nova wiped out every sentient being in the solar system in Avengers Annual #7/Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2 by Jim Starlin; Moondragon telepathically heard the cries of all the victims die in the holocaust & alerted the Avengers; whereas, Captain Marvel sensed it happen with his cosmic awareness. However, Chris Claremont & John Byrne actually show the results when the D'Bari die in Uncanny X-Men #135 in real time.

heretic

05-24-2008, 08:02 AM

"Peter, take Kitty. We will be leaving here directly."

That says a great deal about how far she has changed (for good or ill) from the kid Xavier recruited. The new look coming up is the icing on the cake.
I think Ororo was enraged at the X-Men's treatment. I think she wanted to pay Callisto back. Also, I suspect Ororo knew Callisto would probably kill Nightcrawler. She didn't want that to happen. What we see Ororo commit in Uncanny X-Men #170 has been building for a long time.Yup.

HTG

xfire

05-24-2008, 09:32 AM

Man this is one of my favorite Storm stories she looked so strong and confident in this issue compared to her first appearances

david r

05-24-2008, 04:00 PM

DDM

05-24-2008, 04:08 PM

-I have to wonder if Charles Xavier knew about the Morlocks. The Alley is shielded from his mental probles, but surely, the Morlocks venture up into the busy streets of New York. Charles has kept things hidden before, and I wonder if he precluded them from his School because they don't fit his "ideal" of an X-Man? How could hundreds of mutants so close to home escape Xavier's notice?

I don't think Charles Xavier even knew about the Morlocks until the X-Men went into the Tunnel given a psionic shield exists to keep other telepaths out. I find it strange the Tunnel does possess psionic shielding of a sort & even Psylocke mentions she could not penetrate the psionic shield without Cerebro amplifying her already considerable telepathy in Uncanny X-Men #212-213.

- Mystique is portrayed in a kind way for the first time in UXM #170. I almost felt like I was reading a different person from the archvillain we've seen. Her relationship with Destiny seems very personal and they are close. Mystique's show of worry over Rogue was fascinating as well. Is there more to Mystique that we don't know about?

Hints were shown in Uncanny X-Men #141-142 & Avengers Annual #10 when she considers Destiny a dear friend; the other Brotherhood of Evil Mutants are simply on the parole to help her achieve her own agenda. She lets down her guard around both Destiny & Rogue.

david r

05-24-2008, 04:14 PM

I don't think Charles Xavier even knew about the Morlocks until the X-Men went into the Tunnel given a psionic shield exists to keep other telepaths out.

But what happens when the Morlocks leave the tunnels? With hundreds of mutants down there, some surely go to the surface world. Just as Sunder and Caliban have.

DDM

05-24-2008, 04:17 PM

But what happens when the Morlocks leave the tunnels? With hundreds of mutants down there, some surely go to the surface world. Just as Sunder and Caliban have.

Other Morlocks could have easily placed psychic shields within their minds temporarily. Callisto formed the Morlocks relatively recently not long after Caliban's first appearance in Uncanny X-Men #148. The numbers grew so fast due to Caliban & Callisto's leadership.

worstblogever

05-24-2008, 06:55 PM

Mystique is portrayed in a kind way for the first time in UXM #170. I almost felt like I was reading a different person from the archvillain we've seen. Her relationship with Destiny seems very personal and they are close. Mystique's show of worry over Rogue was fascinating as well. Is there more to Mystique that we don't know about?

IHints were shown in Uncanny X-Men #141-142 & Avengers Annual #10 when she considers Destiny a dear friend; the other Brotherhood of Evil Mutants are simply on the parole to help her achieve her own agenda. She lets down her guard around both Destiny & Rogue.

Mystique and Destiny were totally lovers. They knew each other way too long, and Mystique took her death very hard. The only other time Mystique ever shows any level of caring for anyone genuinely seems to be Rogue, and even THAT gets pretty disturbing and inconsistent (like when she shoots her from time to time). No, I think there's got to be some serious secret history between Raven and Irene, and it seems highly likely that it doesn't remain platonic the whole time, IMO.

david r

05-24-2008, 07:23 PM

Man this is one of my favorite Storm stories she looked so strong and confident in this issue compared to her first appearances

Ororo sure did. I especially like the shot of her standing defiant before Callisto, ready to do battle. Her long legs never looked better. I thought it would be an extended knife fight, but it was over REAL quick. Ororo wasn't playing games.

david r

05-24-2008, 07:30 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/96475128300.3.GIF

Wolverine #3

"Loss"

Pretty powerful image there on the cover. Logan does serious soul-searching here, as his first limited series keeps the ninja action moving along like a locomotive.

#3 begins with a barroom brawl, as Logan-san battles a sumo-wrestler. If you've wanted to see Wolverine fight a sumo wrestler, this issue is for you. :smile: Logan is even drunk, which makes this a fair fight. Barely. Logan still sends the cheating wrestler right out a glass panel into the street. This is Logan's way of "relaxing". As Logan and Yukio (lovers now) leave the bar, they are met by Japanese secret service agent Asano Kimura, who requests Logan's aid in stopping Shingen from seizing power over the whole country. Lord Shingen, leader of the Yashida Clan, has consolidated his power over all the Japanese gangs, and is planning to take over the nation. But Logan has zero interest and intimidates his old friend, Asano, to buzz off.

Drunken Logan and Yukio stumble their way to the train-tracks. A bottle of booze in Logan's hand, they laugh and kiss as the partying continues. They fall in a heap on the track, and get close to some love-making. But Logan notices his beer bottle shatter, and in his drunken stupor, notices vibration. A TRAIN!! A train comes upon them at full speed!! Logan barely grabs Yukio and the two roll out of the way, in the nick of time!! Was Yukio trying to kill him? Logan doesn't know as he finally passes out from the alcohol. Yukio stands, just as Hand assassins, dressed in dark-red robes and brandishing swords, confront her. The Hand orders her to murder Logan, or Lord Shingen will be angry. Yukio agrees, hesitates, and instead knifes the assassins. Yukio realizes she just made a fatal error, and tries to awaken Logan. His eyes open slightly, and he mumbles "mariko"... Yukio is enraged at this slight, and kicks him. Logan passes out again, and Yukio storms out.

Logan awakens eventually, sore and achin'. He returns to his hotel, to find the dead body of his Japanese friend, Asano Kimura!! A knife protruding from his neck; Asano is very much dead. Logan examines the knife. It is Yukio's knife...and Logan connects everything. Yukio is working for Shingen. She has all along. He senses her behind him. He says "You better kill me now. You'll never get a second chance." A sob/laugh comes from Yukio, as she barrels out the window into the Japanese night. With Wolverine right behind her. A harrowing rooftop chase occurs, finally Yukio smashes into someone's private garden. Wolverine is about to claw Yukio, when Hand assassins hit the spot, and Wolvie goes all-out berserker fury against them. The battle is another artistic triumph for Frank Miller, who draw this stuff well. Wolverine defeats them all, but Yukio has fled. Good riddance, Wolverine thinks. He is ashamed to have disturbed the tranquil Japanese garden, and Logan feels weary. He thinks "No matter how much he strives for inner serenity, he always fails." He has lost himself. He comes to an epiphany. The key isn't winning--it's the attempt that is important. Win, lose doesn't matter. He must at least TRY to become the human being he sees himself as. "You took my dreams from me, Shingen. But only for a time. Because I'm a man, Shingen. Not a beast! A MAN! That mistake is going to cost you!"

My thoughts: This was another classic issue of the classic mini. I especially enjoy the sequence with a drunken Wolverine and Yukio partying. Logan has had more female-issues happen in these 3 issues than his whole X-MEN run so far. Who knew he could be so deep? He is becoming the "failed samurai".

david r

05-25-2008, 10:34 AM

Wolverine's moment of truth:

http://www.nighthawkcomics.com/art/wolverine.jpg

david r

05-25-2008, 10:42 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.171.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #171

"Rogue"

1st appearance: the Soul Sword

WELCOME TO THE X-MEN, ROGUE...HOPE YOU SURVIVE THE EXPERIENCE!

This superb issue begins with Storm standing before the legions of Morlocks, in the "Alley". Ororo's word is now law. For she is the new leader of these mutants. She orders they can no longer hunt humans, or kidnap them. Any who challenge her rule, can suffer the same fate as Callisto. Storm heads down a tunnel to leave, and is confronted by a hurt Callisto, who vows to regain her leadership. Ororo grabs her head, and says "Don't push your luck." As they leave, Nightcrawler worries. Kurt sees Ororo changing before his eyes. The Ororo he knew would have died rather than kill another. It terrifies him that she doesn't seem to care. Back in Alaska, Madelyne Pryor awakens from a nightmare. Scott Summers rushes into the room, and Madelyne recounts her horrible airplane crash. She was a stewardess on a 747, and was the lone survivor of the raging crash. It happened on the SAME DAY THAT JEAN GREY DIED!!!

Meanwhile, Colossus is at the Mansion, trying to decipher a cookbook. Professor Xavier alerts him of a visitor. Colossus runs to the front door adn opens it: to find a young woman standing there, with two white-stripes running through her hair. It's ROGUE!! A member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and the woman who stole Carol Danver's memories!! Colossus is ready to punch her out, as Rogue falls to the cement yelling "Don't hit me, please--DON'T HIT ME!" Soon, the X-Men, Charles Xavier, Empress Lilandra and Illyana Rasputin are sitting in the guest room. All eyes are fixed on the shaking Rogue, who cannot even hold her coffee because she is shaking so strongly. We learn that Charles Xavier cannot read her mind, for she possesses two diametrically opposed thought patterns, which cause an interference Xavier cannot penetrate. Rogue is sweating, and anguishly says her powers are out of control. The slightest touch of someone triggers the transfer. She no longer knows which thoughts--and memories--are her ow. How horrible!! Nightcrawler says it an apt punishment for her crimes. Mystique just can't help, so Rogue has turned to the X-Men for help. Charles Xavier senses the extreme hostility the X-Men are feeling for Rogue, and brusquely orders them all out of the room. Rogue has curled up in her chair, and is crying in her hands.

The X-Men decide to head for the Danger Room for a quick training session. Illyana Rasputin & Kitty Pryde go to the command center and Illyana begins a program. But suddenly...the Danger Room turns into Belasco's demonic realm, with Belasco himself sitting on a throne. S'ym by his side, and it's just like the hellish scene from Uncanny X-Men #160. Illyana is shocked to see Belasco, even just a fascimilie of him. Kitty shuts down the program, and the room reverts to normal. But Illyana's eyes have turned RED! A huge sword, with energy crackling around it, swoops out of Illyana's hands, and she attacks Kitty! In her astral form, the sword actually cuts Kitty's face!! The two scuffle, and the sword is knocked out of Illyana's hand. Suddenly, she's normal again and curls up in a ball, weeping in Kitty's arms.

Ororo retreats to her attic hideaway, very unhappy with the day's proceedings. Ororo summons a small rain to water her beloved plants. Ororo cannot believe the things she's done. Her duel with Callisto flies in the face of everything she's ever believed in. And yet, the metamorphosis is making her a better X-Men leader. Ororo feels she stands at a crossroads. She becomes agitated, and realizes her small rain has become a storm, smashing some plants. She quickly extinguishes it. Charles now mentally contacts her to the study. Ororo says "It is because of YOU that I became an X-Man, old man--and that decision is DESTROYING ME!" And she throws a dagger at Xavier's mental head! In the study, Charles Xavier announces that Rogue is to become a student at the School,and a probationary member of the X-Men. Rogue says "No. I lead the X-Men, Professor. I think that entitles me to some say in this matter. You know about Rogue's history. Are we expected to fight beside someone who we do no--dare not--trust...who might betray us at any time?!" Binary now arrives at the scene; she flies in and enters the Mansion. The next panel, we see a stunned Rogue show through the roof and all the way TO THE MOON!! Rogue doesn't know who this is, but returns to Earth to find out!

Rogue flies back to Earth, but Binary punches her again. Carol Danvers desires revenge on Rogue. Carol is outraged that the X-Men are admitting a villain. Storm and Nightcrawler both say they'll quit the team if Rogue joins. Charles Xavier replies they were willing to give Wolverine a chance. They even stuck up for him, when others hated him. Their true reason for being, is to help mutants achieve their potential. The same argument holds for Rogue. Deny her, and we deny ourselves. The X-Men reluctantly agree to give Rogue a chance. All except Binary, who cannot forgive Rogue for what she did. She has no real ties to break here. That makes this decision easy for Carol. She says, I'm not an X-Man--and all of a sudden, I'm GLAD! And she flies away. The issue ends with Storm standing before the Mansion, realizing she herself is at a moment of truth. She wants to leave, yet duty demands she stay. Ororo or Storm, which is it to be?

My thoughts: This issue rocked. Walt Simonson was guest penciller, and did a topnotch job. It's interesting here that both Wolverine and Storm are having turning points in their lives, at the same time. But it's been slowly building for both for quite awhile. It's been masterfully plotted by Chris Claremont. All the personal lives of the team are at the surface right now, and it's fascinating. As for Rogue, she seems very traumatized and emotional in this issue. Only time will tell if she fits in. But I think Charles Xavier made the right decision in admitting her.

worstblogever

05-25-2008, 11:35 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.171.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #171

"Rogue"

1st appearance: the Soul Sword

WELCOME TO THE X-MEN, ROGUE...HOPE YOU SURVIVE THE EXPERIENCE!

This superb issue begins with Storm standing before the legions of Morlocks, in the "Alley". Ororo's word is now law. For she is the new leader of these mutants. She orders they can no longer hunt humans, or kidnap them. Any who challenge her rule, can suffer the same fate as Callisto. Storm heads down a tunnel to leave, and is confronted by a hurt Callisto, who vows to regain her leadership. Ororo grabs her head, and says "Don't push your luck." As they leave, Nightcrawler worries. Kurt sees Ororo changing before his eyes. The Ororo he knew would have died rather than kill another. It terrifies him that she doesn't seem to care. Back in Alaska, Madelyne Pryor awakens from a nightmare. Scott Summers rushes into the room, and Madelyne recounts her horrible airplane crash. She was a stewardess on a 747, and was the lone survivor of the raging crash. It happened on the SAME DAY THAT JEAN GREY DIED!!!

Meanwhile, Colossus is at the Mansion, trying to decipher a cookbook. Professor Xavier alerts him of a visitor. Colossus runs to the front door adn opens it: to find a young woman standing there, with two white-stripes running through her hair. It's ROGUE!! A member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and the woman who stole Carol Danver's memories!! Colossus is ready to punch her out, as Rogue falls to the cement yelling "Don't hit me, please--DON'T HIT ME!" Soon, the X-Men, Charles Xavier, Empress Lilandra and Illyana Rasputin are sitting in the guest room. All eyes are fixed on the shaking Rogue, who cannot even hold her coffee because she is shaking so strongly. We learn that Charles Xavier cannot read her mind, for she possesses two diametrically opposed thought patterns, which cause an interference Xavier cannot penetrate. Rogue is sweating, and anguishly says her powers are out of control. The slightest touch of someone triggers the transfer. She no longer knows which thoughts--and memories--are her ow. How horrible!! Nightcrawler says it an apt punishment for her crimes. Mystique just can't help, so Rogue has turned to the X-Men for help. Charles Xavier senses the extreme hostility the X-Men are feeling for Rogue, and brusquely orders them all out of the room. Rogue has curled up in her chair, and is crying in her hands.

The X-Men decide to head for the Danger Room for a quick training session. Illyana Rasputin & Kitty Pryde go to the command center and Illyana begins a program. But suddenly...the Danger Room turns into Belasco's demonic realm, with Belasco himself sitting on a throne. S'ym by his side, and it's just like the hellish scene from Uncanny X-Men #160. Illyana is shocked to see Belasco, even just a fascimilie of him. Kitty shuts down the program, and the room reverts to normal. But Illyana's eyes have turned RED! A huge sword, with energy crackling around it, swoops out of Illyana's hands, and she attacks Kitty! In her astral form, the sword actually cuts Kitty's face!! The two scuffle, and the sword is knocked out of Illyana's hand. Suddenly, she's normal again and curls up in a ball, weeping in Kitty's arms.

Ororo retreats to her attic hideaway, very unhappy with the day's proceedings. Ororo summons a small rain to water her beloved plants. Ororo cannot believe the things she's done. Her duel with Callisto flies in the face of everything she's ever believed in. And yet, the metamorphosis is making her a better X-Men leader. Ororo feels she stands at a crossroads. She becomes agitated, and realizes her small rain has become a storm, smashing some plants. She quickly extinguishes it. Charles now mentally contacts her to the study. Ororo says "It is because of YOU that I became an X-Man, old man--and that decision is DESTROYING ME!" And she throws a dagger at Xavier's mental head! In the study, Charles Xavier announces that Rogue is to become a student at the School,and a probationary member of the X-Men. Rogue says "No. I lead the X-Men, Professor. I think that entitles me to some say in this matter. You know about Rogue's history. Are we expected to fight beside someone who we do no--dare not--trust...who might betray us at any time?!" Binary now arrives at the scene; she flies in and enters the Mansion. The next panel, we see a stunned Rogue show through the roof and all the way TO THE MOON!! Rogue doesn't know who this is, but returns to Earth to find out!

Rogue flies back to Earth, but Binary punches her again. Carol Danvers desires revenge on Rogue. Carol is outraged that the X-Men are admitting a villain. Storm and Nightcrawler both say they'll quit the team if Rogue joins. Charles Xavier replies they were willing to give Wolverine a chance. They even stuck up for him, when others hated him. Their true reason for being, is to help mutants achieve their potential. The same argument holds for Rogue. Deny her, and we deny ourselves. The X-Men reluctantly agree to give Rogue a chance. All except Binary, who cannot forgive Rogue for what she did. She has no real ties to break here. That makes this decision easy for Carol. She says, I'm not an X-Man--and all of a sudden, I'm GLAD! And she flies away. The issue ends with Storm standing before the Mansion, realizing she herself is at a moment of truth. She wants to leave, yet duty demands she stay. Ororo or Storm, which is it to be?

My thoughts: This issue rocked. Walt Simonson was guest penciller, and did a topnotch job. It's interesting here that both Wolverine and Storm are having turning points in their lives, at the same time. But it's been slowly building for both for quite awhile. It's been masterfully plotted by Chris Claremont. All the personal lives of the team are at the surface right now, and it's fascinating. As for Rogue, she seems very traumatized and emotional in this issue. Only time will tell if she fits in. But I think Charles Xavier made the right decision in admitting her.

I have a weird beef with this issue. I like, because it's the issue where Rogue joins the X-Men. And, the team has a realistic reaction to taking in a villain. Binary, in particular.

But hold up a second... are all of the women in this comic seriously emotionally unbalanced? Storm shivs someone and then talks tough about it, and starts throwing her weight around the mansion to even Xavier. Binary punches Rogue to the moon! The freakin' MOON!

On the other end of the spectrum, you have Rogue and Ilyana, who when faced with conflicts they seem ill prepared for... just break down in tears sobbing, helpless. Show some mettle, girls. Think about that... Rogue's first day on the X-Men, she wailed, then got a lunar beatdown.

When Kitty Pryde, she who throws around racial epithets in between trying to be Lolita to Colossus' Steely Dan has an issue where she's the most psychologically sound female under the X-Men's roof... that... my friends, is scary.

CJ Lentze

05-25-2008, 11:42 AM

Issue 171 is a great issue.

In GLMK, it was Xavier who had to learn a lesson when he thought his dream was no longer worth following, and Scott reminded him why it was worth it. Here, the Professor is back to being the teacher, as all X-Men reject Rogue, in almost similar fashion to how society has rejected some of them. The X-Men's doubts and distrust are justified, but giving a mutant who struggles with their powers a second chance, is one of those things the X-Men are all about.
Even at this point, we know, of course, that Rogue's presence at the Mansion is not part of a scheme by the Brotherhood; Mystique and Destiny are equally confused about her departure. In retrospect, it's kind of ironic that our mystery villain -the master of illusion- was, in attempting to take down all his enemies, responsible for giving the X-Men one of their greatest assets, Rogue.

Parallels between Storm's change and Wolverine's change are interesting, and couldn't it be said that they have their roots in earlier issues around 150-ish, when Storm first showed signs of ruthlessness and Wolverine stopped her from killing Emma? Wolverine and Storm will both notice the change in one another when they finally meet again soon.

One comment on how quickly relationships develop in these issues, though: before, we saw Claremont take lots and lots of time slowly establishing the friendships and bonds between the all-new X-Men. Now, we seem to have instant friendships/romantic relationships: take Kitty and Illyana. They're best friends now, even though Kitty and Illyana only had time to really, really bond in the short time they've had together after the Brood Saga concluded. I'm not really counting when Illyana was six. Likewise, Madelyne and Scott immediately connect, although they both comment on how fast they're moving, which helps echo the reader's (read: my) feelings. It all seems slightly artificial.

There was a mighty backlash of reader feedback when they learned Rogue would join the team. I must dig up the letters' page of a few issues later (which, naturally, was answered by 'Rogue herself'!), it featured replies such as: 'When Binary hit Rogue, she should have kept flying', and 'I hate Rogue. The X-Men hate Rogue. Half of the free world hates Rogue.'

heretic

05-25-2008, 12:31 PM

I have a weird beef with this issue. I like, because it's the issue where Rogue joins the X-Men. And, the team has a realistic reaction to taking in a villain. Binary, in particular.

But hold up a second... are all of the women in this comic seriously emotionally unbalanced? Storm shivs someone and then talks tough about it, and starts throwing her weight around the mansion to even Xavier. Binary punches Rogue to the moon! The freakin' MOON!

On the other end of the spectrum, you have Rogue and Ilyana, who when faced with conflicts they seem ill prepared for... just break down in tears sobbing, helpless. Show some mettle, girls. Think about that... Rogue's first day on the X-Men, she wailed, then got a lunar beatdown.

When Kitty Pryde, she who throws around racial epithets in between trying to be Lolita to Colossus' Steely Dan has an issue where she's the most psychologically sound female under the X-Men's roof... that... my friends, is scary.Is it being emotionally unbalanced, or is it being something this side of Spock?

Rogue is going insane (and knows it) atop the whole physical isolation. Illyana had a flashback to one of the more traumatic childhoods imaginable. Carol has just seen the woman who strip-mined her soul sitting in the front room of her closest friends on Earth. Ororo... is convinced her life path has torn her soul asunder.

How many guys do you know, seriously, would hold it together under this kind of stress?

HTG

worstblogever

05-25-2008, 12:36 PM

Is it being emotionally unbalanced, or is it being something this side of Spock?

Rogue is going insane (and knows it) atop the whole physical isolation. Illyana had a flashback to one of the more traumatic childhoods imaginable. Carol has just seen the woman who strip-mined her soul sitting in the front room of her closest friends on Earth. Ororo... is convinced her life path has torn her soul asunder.

How many guys do you know, seriously, would hold it together under this kind of stress?

HTG

Just one character could keep it real under such circumstances...

http://image.comicvine.com/uploads/item/20000/19354/123912-peepers_150.jpg

Oh yeah. I went there.

heretic

05-25-2008, 12:37 PM

One comment on how quickly relationships develop in these issues, though: before, we saw Claremont take lots and lots of time slowly establishing the friendships and bonds between the all-new X-Men. Now, we seem to have instant friendships/romantic relationships: take Kitty and Illyana. They're best friends now, even though Kitty and Illyana only had time to really, really bond in the short time they've had together after the Brood Saga concluded. I'm not really counting when Illyana was six. Likewise, Madelyne and Scott immediately connect, although they both comment on how fast they're moving, which helps echo the reader's (read: my) feelings. It all seems slightly artificial.
Given the lack of a time-skip from Kitty's perspective this is somewhat understandable... and Illyana has her own reasons to link with Kitty here.

The Maddie thing, that I agree on (although I suspect Claremont was setting up an out for the DPS at this point)

HTG

CJ Lentze

05-25-2008, 12:56 PM

Given the lack of a time-skip from Kitty's perspective this is somewhat understandable... and Illyana has her own reasons to link with Kitty here.

The Maddie thing, that I agree on (although I suspect Claremont was setting up an out for the DPS at this point)

HTGThe part where, after her attack on Kitty with her sword, Illyana collapses and Kitty comforts her, telling the other X-Men to just leave her be, is haunting. The theme of Illyana having been abducted by a demon sorcerer, and 'having her childhood stolen from her', could that have been a metaphor for something far worse?

david r

05-25-2008, 01:12 PM

Worstblogever, the X-women are unbalanced. They've been through a lot. Rogue is wracked with guilt. Illyana is horrified about what Belasco did to her. It's tough. Charles Xavier doesn't help with his rough demeanor in #171.

Schuimend Mormel, you got it right that Charles Xavier has returned to his mentor role. He sees the light, while the X-Men only distrust Rogue. (I wonder which side Cyclops would have been on? If he'd been there.)

I like your idea that the mystery villain (don't tell me who!) unwittingly has Rogue join the X-Men. Very well-said, Schuimend. Oh, and connecting that scene with Wolverine & Storm where he stops her from killing, was nice to recall.

One comment on how quickly relationships develop in these issues, though: before, we saw Claremont take lots and lots of time slowly establishing the friendships and bonds between the all-new X-Men. Now, we seem to have instant friendships/romantic relationships: take Kitty and Illyana. They're best friends now, even though Kitty and Illyana only had time to really, really bond in the short time they've had together after the Brood Saga concluded. I'm not really counting when Illyana was six. Likewise, Madelyne and Scott immediately connect, although they both comment on how fast they're moving, which helps echo the reader's (read: my) feelings. It all seems slightly artificial.

I think Kitty and Illyana Rasputin bond so fast is because they're the same age. None of the other X-Men are teens, so the 2 teens bond that much faster. I've seen it happen in real life. And they're both girls, which gives them even more reason to connect. (I agree with you that Madelyne Pryor seems WAY too cozy with Scott. She hasn't even seen his EYES, and they're dancing and kissing. My solution is no woman can resist the attractions of Slim Summers.) :wink:

I hope Chris Claremont wasn't alluding to rape, concerning Belasco and Illyana Rasputin. I await reading Magik to find some answers.

CJ Lentze

05-25-2008, 02:30 PM

I hope Chris Claremont wasn't alluding to rape, concerning Belasco and Illyana Rasputin. I await reading Magik to find some answers.I shudder at the thought; I think there's some symbolism implied in Illyana having her childhood taken away, but only symbolism-- though she was forced to do some horrible things while in Belasco's daemonic realm.

david r

05-25-2008, 07:40 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/96475128300.4.GIF

Wolverine #4

"Honor"

The pulse-pounding finale to Wolverine's first ever mini-series. And a classic it is. Logan makes major turning points in this series. And #4 ends with another one.

#4 begins with Wolverine, in his brown uniform, roaming Tokyo disrupting Lord Shingen's criminal operations. He interrupts drug transactions, chases down operatives, etc. All to upset Shingen. And it works. Shingen must respond to Wolverine's challenge. Shingen orders the Hand to find the gaijin and exterminate him permanently. The next page, we learn Wolverine has ALREADY FOUGHT the Hand assassins....and exterminated them. He has a wide variety of weapons the assassins brought. He decides to carry a few himself, though he seldom uses weapons. His claws are enough. Meanwhile, Yukio sneaks onto the Yashida Clan's estate, but is eventually caught by the assassins. She is brought before Lord Shingen. He is angered at her, his best assassin. She seems to hold allegiance to the gaijin over him. Shingen's daughter, Mariko enters and stops Shingen's beating of Yukio. At that moment, Shingen learns that Wolverine has entered the compound.

Unfortunately for the Hand, they are no match for Wolverine. He gets past them all. Creepily, their bodies all discorporate upon death. Mariko's husband, Noburu, grabs her to leave the place, but in the hallway, Wolverine's darkened form appears. Noburu puts his pistol to Mariko's head. "Let us go, or I'll kill Mariko." But Yukio knives him Noburu down from behind. Mariko's husband falls to the floor....DEAD! Yukio kisses Logan, and then departs. Wolverine stands and enters Shingen's lair. Shingen walks and take the "Honor Blade" of the Yashida Clan, the most treasured sword they own. He prepares final battle with the mutant gaijin. The sword-fight commences, and several awesome pages showcase the duel. Shingen's mighty blade against Wolverine's unbreakable claws!! Shingen gets many painful thrusts into Logan, including one that drives right through his right side. But in the end, Logan's fist meets Shingen's face and...... SNIKT!

Shingen lies dead on the floor. Mariko Yashida enters the room. By rights, she should pick up the Yashida Blade and avenge her father's death. Mariko picks up the beautiful sword. She says this sword represents her clan. It was forged 800 years ago, and is a symbol of perfection. Mariko says her father dishonored the Clan by his actions, and thus the sword should not belong to him. She offers it to Logan. He says no, he is not worthy. But Mariko says Logan fought for the good of others, and not himself. He put everything on the line, and he survived. Logan & Mariko embrace in the darkness, with the light of the Yashida blade shining brightly.The final page shows Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. We see the beaming, smiling faces of Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Storm, Cyclops and Nightcrawler. They are looking at an invitation. It reads:

His Imperial Majesty Hirohito, Emperor of Japan, Requests the pleasure of your company at the Wedding of Lady Mariko, of Clan Yashida, to Logan." And Logan has scribbled the words----"Hey elf, don't forget the beer! W"

My thoughts: This limited series is a masterpiece. Definitely one of the greatest solo stories Wolverine has embarked on. I like that Claremont/Miller used the exotic location of Japan to give this tale a completely unique look unlike anything Marvel was producing at the time. Frank Miller's artwork is memorable and conveys so much action in each & every panel. Truly, each panel showcases emotion and depth that most artists seldom achieve. I like how Claremont trimmed down the words and used a more focused, disciplined style in his writing; a phenomenal achievement in plotting & script. This is a major turning point in Wolverine's life, and it justifies it's legendary status. I also liked how the X-Men appeared on the last page. A nice touch, and I was more than surprised by the final panel.

worstblogever

05-26-2008, 02:41 AM

Worstblogever, the X-women are unbalanced. They've been through a lot. Rogue is wracked with guilt. Illyana is horrified about what Belasco did to her. It's tough. Charles Xavier doesn't help with his rough demeanor in #171.

True enough, it just seems a shame that some might say the X-women at this time were strong female characters, but emotionally, I'd say they were about ready to crack and kill somebody. A whole room full of Dark Phoenixes, so to speak.

david r

05-26-2008, 11:01 AM

True enough, it just seems a shame that some might say the X-women at this time were strong female characters, but emotionally, I'd say they were about ready to crack and kill somebody. A whole room full of Dark Phoenixes, so to speak.

I would say Storm is growing stronger. In fact, that is why Ororo is struggling right now. She is growing and isn't entirely happy with the change. Does she stay the "Goddess" who doesn't kill? Or transform into a hardened leader of the X-Men, where killing may be required? And in so changing, betray everything Ororo's life has stood for? I would agree with you that Ororo could crack & kill somebody. Hell, she threw a dagger at Charles Xavier's psionic face!! Kitty Pryde is showing a lot of anger right now. But she's been through a lot. I suspect her parent's divorce is the root of it. She is confused, but as Schuimend Mormel said, Kitty is a teenager and they are known for wild mood swings. Kitty is just struggling to handle it all.

**** One other note: this period really is a renaissance period for the mutants. With the amazing Brood saga, the New Mutants debut, God Loves, Man Kills, the Morlocks, and now Wolverine's solo series, I would say this rivals the classic Claremont/Byrne for a bounty of magnificent stories and character moments. It is a true golden era for the X-Men.

heretic

05-26-2008, 12:16 PM

The part where, after her attack on Kitty with her sword, Illyana collapses and Kitty comforts her, telling the other X-Men to just leave her be, is haunting. The theme of Illyana having been abducted by a demon sorcerer, and 'having her childhood stolen from her', could that have been a metaphor for something far worse?Possibly so. It is one of those references that would fly over the heads of younger readers and is ambiguous enough to say no... but given what is known about Belasco and his pets you _cannot_ rule such out (as much as you want to).

HTG

Darkchylde

05-26-2008, 05:58 PM

I shudder at the thought; I think there's some symbolism implied in Illyana having her childhood taken away, but only symbolism-- though she was forced to do some horrible things while in Belasco's daemonic realm.

I definitely think that Belasco and Illyana's relationship is open to interpretation. On the surface, it would seem that Illyana was Belasco's captive and apprentice; beneath that, however, it's possible much more happened during Illyana's time in Limbo than was shown to the reader.

The first time I read this issue and saw Illyana's reaction to the facsimile of Belasco in the Danger Room, I, too, wondered if Claremont may have been hinting at a much darker relationship. Though such elements are not overtly noticed in the Magik limited series (in case you were wondering, DavidR), that doesn't mean they didn't exist in the first place. Re-read Chris Yost and Craig Kyle's recent "Quest for Magik" in New X-Men; in it, the Stepford Cuckoos reveal a shocking truth about Belasco - he was in love with Illyana, whom we all know was but a child when she was abducted to Limbo. That revelation only adds to the subtext of their master/apprentice relationship.

Again, it is entirely speculative, and I suppose it was purposely done that way.

david r

05-26-2008, 06:32 PM

Origins of the limited series: Wolverine

Following the San Diego Comic Convention, Chris Claremont and Frank Miller were driving north along I-5, back to Los Angeles. Instead of being bored, they began talking comics. And soon, an X-Man who was becoming more important: Wolverine. Chris was considering doing a limited series with him, and ever on the look-out for new artists, questioned if Frank Miller (riding high with Daredevil, ), might be interested. Frank wasn't sure. He didn't feel any enthusiasm to draw a homicidal maniac. Claremont then mentioned his vision for Wolverine---as a failed samurai.

As Claremont says: "To samurai, duty is all, selfless service the path to their ultimate ambition, death with grace. Every facet, every moment of their lives, is absolutely under control. Wolverine, however, is almost a primal force, totally beyond control, as graceless as can be." Throughout the six-hour drive, Miller and Claremont discussed Wolverine and his character. The only story element they agreed upon was they wanted to "utterly, ruthlessly and seemingly irrevocably, destroy him. And then maybe, make him better." Through their discussion, a story emerged. And a shared vision for Logan and the changes they would bring to him.

Claremont said in the Legend of Wolverine DVD interview that he felt the early version of Wolverine, as a psycho, mean, argumentative and unpredictable character was cool. But what do you do 50 issues later? Eventually, the schtick wears off and it's time to evolve a character or they become stagnant. And the readers grow bored. So he and Frank Miller decided it was time to move Logan a pace or two in a new direction.

A lot of X-Men fans call this mini his first series. It certainly is one of his greatest.

http://chrisbrown.blogspot.com/wolverine86.jpg

[http://www.marvelmasterworks.com/marvelhcs/images/panel_bwolv1_f.jpg

worstblogever

05-26-2008, 08:36 PM

I would say Storm is growing stronger. In fact, that is why Ororo is struggling right now. She is growing and isn't entirely happy with the change. Does she stay the "Goddess" who doesn't kill? Or transform into a hardened leader of the X-Men, where killing may be required? And in so changing, betray everything Ororo's life has stood for? I would agree with you that Ororo could crack & kill somebody. Hell, she threw a dagger at Charles Xavier's psionic face!! Kitty Pryde is showing a lot of anger right now. But she's been through a lot. I suspect her parent's divorce is the root of it. She is confused, but as Schuimend Mormel said, Kitty is a teenager and they are known for wild mood swings. Kitty is just struggling to handle it all.

I guess the difference between the X-Women being portrayed as emotionally unstable, and the X-Men either being downright stoic (like Colossus), or lighthearted (like Nightcrawler) makes it more pronounced.

Imraith Nimphais

05-28-2008, 02:34 PM

Though essentially this was Ms. Marvel's/Binary's story..despite the cover art (imo) I loved this issue as it showcased some dramatic, brilliant and unexpected character developements. Storm's in particular. This was a prelude to the changes to come for Ororo. We get a glimpse of her "dark side" and the ensuing inner turmoil and aguish she has to deal with. And as a complete 180 deg. (to Storm) there was Rogue, who, having lived and embraced her darker nature, must now find and contend with the hero that lay within.

DDM

05-28-2008, 06:04 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.171.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #171

"Rogue"

1st appearance: the Soul Sword

WELCOME TO THE X-MEN, ROGUE...HOPE YOU SURVIVE THE EXPERIENCE!

This superb issue begins with Storm standing before the legions of Morlocks, in the "Alley". Ororo's word is now law. For she is the new leader of these mutants. She orders they can no longer hunt humans, or kidnap them. Any who challenge her rule, can suffer the same fate as Callisto. Storm heads down a tunnel to leave, and is confronted by a hurt Callisto, who vows to regain her leadership. Ororo grabs her head, and says "Don't push your luck." As they leave, Nightcrawler worries. Kurt sees Ororo changing before his eyes. The Ororo he knew would have died rather than kill another. It terrifies him that she doesn't seem to care. Back in Alaska, Madelyne Pryor awakens from a nightmare. Scott Summers rushes into the room, and Madelyne recounts her horrible airplane crash. She was a stewardess on a 747, and was the lone survivor of the raging crash. It happened on the SAME DAY THAT JEAN GREY DIED!!!

Meanwhile, Colossus is at the Mansion, trying to decipher a cookbook. Professor Xavier alerts him of a visitor. Colossus runs to the front door adn opens it: to find a young woman standing there, with two white-stripes running through her hair. It's ROGUE!! A member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and the woman who stole Carol Danver's memories!! Colossus is ready to punch her out, as Rogue falls to the cement yelling "Don't hit me, please--DON'T HIT ME!" Soon, the X-Men, Charles Xavier, Empress Lilandra and Illyana Rasputin are sitting in the guest room. All eyes are fixed on the shaking Rogue, who cannot even hold her coffee because she is shaking so strongly. We learn that Charles Xavier cannot read her mind, for she possesses two diametrically opposed thought patterns, which cause an interference Xavier cannot penetrate. Rogue is sweating, and anguishly says her powers are out of control. The slightest touch of someone triggers the transfer. She no longer knows which thoughts--and memories--are her ow. How horrible!! Nightcrawler says it an apt punishment for her crimes. Mystique just can't help, so Rogue has turned to the X-Men for help. Charles Xavier senses the extreme hostility the X-Men are feeling for Rogue, and brusquely orders them all out of the room. Rogue has curled up in her chair, and is crying in her hands.

The X-Men decide to head for the Danger Room for a quick training session. Illyana Rasputin & Kitty Pryde go to the command center and Illyana begins a program. But suddenly...the Danger Room turns into Belasco's demonic realm, with Belasco himself sitting on a throne. S'ym by his side, and it's just like the hellish scene from Uncanny X-Men #160. Illyana is shocked to see Belasco, even just a fascimilie of him. Kitty shuts down the program, and the room reverts to normal. But Illyana's eyes have turned RED! A huge sword, with energy crackling around it, swoops out of Illyana's hands, and she attacks Kitty! In her astral form, the sword actually cuts Kitty's face!! The two scuffle, and the sword is knocked out of Illyana's hand. Suddenly, she's normal again and curls up in a ball, weeping in Kitty's arms.

Ororo retreats to her attic hideaway, very unhappy with the day's proceedings. Ororo summons a small rain to water her beloved plants. Ororo cannot believe the things she's done. Her duel with Callisto flies in the face of everything she's ever believed in. And yet, the metamorphosis is making her a better X-Men leader. Ororo feels she stands at a crossroads. She becomes agitated, and realizes her small rain has become a storm, smashing some plants. She quickly extinguishes it. Charles now mentally contacts her to the study. Ororo says "It is because of YOU that I became an X-Man, old man--and that decision is DESTROYING ME!" And she throws a dagger at Xavier's mental head! In the study, Charles Xavier announces that Rogue is to become a student at the School,and a probationary member of the X-Men. Rogue says "No. I lead the X-Men, Professor. I think that entitles me to some say in this matter. You know about Rogue's history. Are we expected to fight beside someone who we do no--dare not--trust...who might betray us at any time?!" Binary now arrives at the scene; she flies in and enters the Mansion. The next panel, we see a stunned Rogue show through the roof and all the way TO THE MOON!! Rogue doesn't know who this is, but returns to Earth to find out!

Rogue flies back to Earth, but Binary punches her again. Carol Danvers desires revenge on Rogue. Carol is outraged that the X-Men are admitting a villain. Storm and Nightcrawler both say they'll quit the team if Rogue joins. Charles Xavier replies they were willing to give Wolverine a chance. They even stuck up for him, when others hated him. Their true reason for being, is to help mutants achieve their potential. The same argument holds for Rogue. Deny her, and we deny ourselves. The X-Men reluctantly agree to give Rogue a chance. All except Binary, who cannot forgive Rogue for what she did. She has no real ties to break here. That makes this decision easy for Carol. She says, I'm not an X-Man--and all of a sudden, I'm GLAD! And she flies away. The issue ends with Storm standing before the Mansion, realizing she herself is at a moment of truth. She wants to leave, yet duty demands she stay. Ororo or Storm, which is it to be?

My thoughts: This issue rocked. Walt Simonson was guest penciller, and did a topnotch job. It's interesting here that both Wolverine and Storm are having turning points in their lives, at the same time. But it's been slowly building for both for quite awhile. It's been masterfully plotted by Chris Claremont. All the personal lives of the team are at the surface right now, and it's fascinating. As for Rogue, she seems very traumatized and emotional in this issue. Only time will tell if she fits in. But I think Charles Xavier made the right decision in admitting her.

Magik's Soulsword first appears in Magik #4 when she duels with Belasco then she uses it frequently in The New Mutants. However, Uncanny X-Men #171 hints of Kitty's connection to Magik's Soulsword given she is cut by Illyana's Soulsword, although she is phasing at the time. Kitty's connection to Magik would become more revelatory in latter issues of The New Mutants...

I believe Binary punched Rogue into Earth's orbit, but not to the moon. Given Rogue now possesses Ms. Marvel's powers, she can now, ironically, survive Binary's punch.

david r

05-28-2008, 08:06 PM

Imraith Nimphais, you're right that Ororo is changing, and dramatically. I hadn't really noticed how Ororo is becoming "darker", while Rogue is becoming "heroic". A lot of the X-characters are changing right now.

The cover to #171 makes me want to laugh and cry!! The X-Men are actually chasing poor Rogue right out of the gates and away from the School. How could they be so cruel?

DDM, isn't that the Soulsword we see in UXM #171?

david r

05-28-2008, 08:09 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.172.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #172

"Scarlet in Glory"

This is just another kickass great issue! This issue follows up on the events from the seminal Wolverine mini-series. My copy of #172 is autographed by Paul Smith as well! :cool:

It's been ten weeks since Mariko's father, Lord Shingen, was killed by Wolverine. Mariko Yashida is now ruler of the Yashida Family. And she and Logan are engaged!! #172 begins with Ororo, Kurt, Peter, Kitty (and a few others) arriving at their hotel apartment. Logan dressed in fancy Japanese-style clothes. The X-Men are overjoyed to be reunited with the pint-sized hero after so much time. Logan is introduced to Lockheed, which he's not too sure about. But then soft-spoken Rogue enters, and Logan is not AT ALL happy to see her. He's a little blown-away at the sight of her. But Mariko accepts her into their home. Meanwhile, outside in the dark across on the next building, Mariko's step-brother, the Silver Samurai is watching. He has plans to get rid of Mariko. Yukio watches from the shadows; she takes out her little knives and attacks the Silver Samurai. Wolverine's enhanced sense hear the scrap, and Nightcrawler teleports them over there. In an awesomely drawn scene, Wolverine launches himself at the Samurai. But after a few seconds, the SS teleports away.

Back in Mariko's apartment, Storm says she recognizes the Silver Samurai. He and his mistress, Viper, recently fought the New Mutants...and Xi'an Coy Manh was killed! While they discuss, green-clothed Viper sneaks in and karate-punches Mariko out. She then poisons the tea the X-Men are to drink. There is one sad panel, with the X-Men all sitting together, and Rogue on the other side of the room, sitting all alone. <sob> Logan speaks to Ororo how he cannot believe his life has taken his path. He's about to be married in Japan! But before they can celebrate, the poisoned tea knocks the X-Men out...all except Storm, who hadn't drank hers. The X-Men have been poisoned!! We now shift scenes to Alaska, as Scott Summers has snuck into a file room and is reading up on Madelyne Pryor's mysterious past. His brother, Alex Summers finds him and they talk at length about her. Alex feels Scott should leave it alone. But how...Madelyne survived a plane crash on the same day Jean Grey died! Even at the exact same moment!

The action smashes in as Mariko Yashida meets with Viper, the Silver Samurai and the head of a Japanese crime-family in an old warehouse. However, it isn't Mariko at all, but Yukio in disguise. She attacks them and the knives start a'flying! Storm swoops in to help, but her weather powers are still acting strange. She tries to zap the Samurai, but somehow Ororo draws her lightning back into herself, and it actually attacks her, and she screams in mortal agony! The lightning seems to be eating Storm up from the inside!! Yukio leaps to her aid, and they fly out the window. Just as the entire warehouse explodes !! All the participants survive! Yukio finds this whole adventure quite fun! In a disturbing scene, flames from the warehouse form the Phoenix effect! What is that all about?#172 ends with Wolverine donning his brown costume, to track down Viper and co. Mariko begs him to stay, but he declines. Rogue wants to help, and finally talks a reluctant Logan into it. But she better play by his game...or else!

Also, this issue brings us cute Kitty Pryde answering questions in the letters page. Apparently, Chris, Louise and Paul were too busy to answers questions. So Ariel reads the letters & gave the X-fans her spirited responses. These are really fun to read now; it was a neat idea. I wonder who ACTUALLY wrote these responses?

My thoughts: This issue rocked again. This series is just on another high right now. Excellent writing & art. I liked seeing a continuation of the Wolverine limited series and they didn't skip a beat. The twist with Yukio/Mariko was cleverly done. And they even connected this with New Mutants ; even better. So many things are going on right now in this title. This was just a vintage period for our X-Men!

DDM

05-29-2008, 08:13 AM

[ DDM, isn't that the Soulsword we see in UXM #171?

Yes. Magik kept her demon sorceress aspect a secret from the X-Men & New Mutants; therefore, that's why Kitty is mystified about the sword. However, Uncanny X-Men #171 is not the Soulsword's first appearance. It first appears in Magik #4:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/50342827210.4.GIF

Imraith Nimphais

05-29-2008, 12:55 PM

DDM

05-29-2008, 01:08 PM

Another aspect I love about these arcs is how much imortance the secondary characters are given within the main story. This is essentially Logan's story, but Claremont does a brilliant job in (re) defining Rogue's character with this issue (and those that follow immediately). By the end of this book, I had completely forgotten that Rogue was ever a villain...The X-men, as a team and as individuals are shown to be evolving via par-excellence writing and without any of the much-over-hyped "events" that have/will become the norm.

Don't you mean Uncanny X-Men #171 is Storm's story? Wolverine is still in Japan from Wolverine #1-4. And the primary reason the X-Men return to Japan for Logan's wedding in the following issues, Uncanny X-Men #172-173. Storm's story has been building since her long stay in space & being violated by the Brood when the Brood Queen implanted a Brood Queen egg in her body from Uncanny X-Men #161-167.

However, Rogue & Binary play the primary characters in this particular story given Rogue's mental state & the X-Men objection over Xavier allowing her to stay.

I do agree that I like the addition of important secondary characters (New Mutants) & supporting characters. The event heavy-handiness came mostly from editor, Bob Harras who is given Uncanny X-Men in 1988 from Ann Nocenti after she became a full time writer.

david r

05-29-2008, 07:42 PM

Imraith Nimphais, I couldn't agree more about all the X-characters getting to shine. We seem to be exploring all their personal lives right now, and some are going through life-altering ones (Storm and Wolverine). Rogue definitely is a dangerous new ingredient into the X-Men's ranks. Is she friend? Foe? How do we treat her? It all adds up to a intricate book without any hype.

I especially like seeing Kurt and Logan such close friends. We've discussed this before, but as the X-Men reunite with Logan, it is Nightcrawler who Logan first embraces. Well.....a manly embrace, anyway! I didn't recall those two being so close, but you can see a real bond there.

Focusing on #172 again, Yukio must be torn up inside over Logan's engagement to Mariko Yashida. This might account for her fearless and devil-may-care attitude. I suspect she is seriously hurting inside. For she loves Logan.

Again, I found Kitty Pryde answering fan letters very cute. But I especially found this letter surprising:

"If you don't put the letters page back in the X-MEN and stop the flood of complaints I'm receiving, I'll go mad and become a killer vampire pervert, and murder you by draining all the blood from your body through an artery in your finely turned, delicate little ankle. Heh, heh, heh, heh, Heh, Heh, heh.
Sincerely, and with love and bloodlust,
BIG JIM SHOOTER"

david r

05-29-2008, 07:50 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.173.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #173

"To Have and Have Not"

This issue spotlights Wolverine & new recruit Rogue, on the prowl in Tokyo. Rogue still has to prove herself, and has a rough time of it. Nobody likes her, and she gets the worst treatment of any X-Man yet. However, the real suffering happens to Logan at the end. It's a tear-jerker! :frown:

Most of the X-Men have been poisoned by that green-loving assassin, Viper. Wolverine and Rogue are hunting across Tokyo, Japan, looking for clues as to her whereabouts. At Japanese gang-leader Nabatone's estate, the two mutants sneak in shrouded in darkness. Rogue mistakenly sets off a security laser, and Wolverine kicks her off her feet....saving her from the deadly blast. On his back, Logan looks up at Rogue, who says "Mah hero. A save like that deserves a reward." Rogue bends down to kiss him on the lips, but then she feels his clinched fist under her chin. Ready to pop his claws. Rogue backs off....Logan stands and says "Don't ever pull a stunt like that, make a threat like that--t' me, or any other X-Man---even as a joke understand?"

They soon discover the week-old dead body of crimelord Nabatone! Wolverine realizes they've been set up!! As all this is going on, Yukio and Storm are taking care of baddies as well. Ororo's white hair seems frazzled or something, and she is using her lightning to hurt the gangmembers. And Ororo is enjoying it. Switching to the hospital where Peter, Kitty and Colossus are hurt with poison, Viper and some henchman arrive to murder the X-Men once and for all. Luckily, Rogue and Wolverine arrive in time and the two begin taking them out. Wolverine confronts the Silver Samurai, and the two hustle for several pages. Another beautiful layout by Paul Smith, whose work here is similiar to Frank Miller in Wolverine's limited series. A sword actually cuts straight through Wolverine's stomach, as the deadly fight continues. But in the end, Wolverine breaks the Samurai's arm, and his claws prove the deciding factor. Mariko Yashida runs out to save her step-brother, but it's a costly error. As Viper stands at the far end of the hall, ready to blast both Mariko & Logan. She shoots....and Rogue flies in harm's way and stops the shot! Viper keeps blasting, and Rogue absorbs each shot. But even the southern sugah isn't invulnerable. As Viper's gun backfires, Rogue collapses in serious pain. Viper and the Silver Samurai teleport away, as Rogue lays on death's doorstep. Wolverine says she saved Mariko's life....so he'll save hers. And he kisses her and she absorbs his powers. His healing factor saves her life!!

A week later, at the ancestral home of Clan Yashida, Mariko is before the Buddha, thinking how happy she is on the day of her wedding to Logan-san. She loves him so much, she thinks. But a man appears to disrupt her wedding tranquility. He appears to be wearing a fine-tailored suit and says "A friend, Lady Mariko. Who wishes you...and your consort...well" A flash appears in Mariko's eyes. Meanwhile, the X-Men, Charles Xavier and Empress Lilandra have all assembled at the Yashida estate on the day of Logan & Mariko's wedding. Lorna Dane, Alex Summers and Corsair have arrived. Scott and Madelyne Pryor arrive....much to the shocked astonishment of the X-Men. My god, she looks just like Jean Grey!! But the biggest shock of all is when Storm appears dressed in a black punker outfit...with a MOHAWK instead of her white longlocks!! Everyone is stunned, but none more so than Kitty Pryde, who runs from her in shock! Finally, the wedding ceremony begins, as Mariko Yashida solemnly walks down the aisle in traditional Japanese garb. She stands at the altar as Logan beams. Mariko turns and says "Stop the ceremony! Most Imperial Majesty, Honored guests--there will be NO WEDDING." Logan replies "Why?" Mariko says, "Because, gaijin.--you are not worthy." Logan's friends stand up and slowly leave the room...and leaving Logan standing with a tear in his eye.

My thoughts: God, a lot happens here. Storm with her mohawk hair!! I cannot believe my eyes!! Madelyne Pryor meeting the X-Men! A certain villain's surprise return! The showdown with Viper & Silver Samurai! But my favorite parts were when Logan saves Rogue's life. I'm not ashamed to say that scene brought a small tear to my eye. Logan could have lost it all, but his honor came first. And then the heart-breaking wedding scene. Poor Logan.....love just isn't fair for our mutants. Scott Summers looking back at him as they file out, just reaches an emotional climax with that final panel.

worstblogever

05-29-2008, 11:49 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.173.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #173

"To Have and Have Not"

This issue spotlights Wolverine & new recruit Rogue, on the prowl in Tokyo. Rogue still has to prove herself, and has a rough time of it. Nobody likes her, and she gets the worst treatment of any X-Man yet. However, the real suffering happens to Logan at the end. It's a tear-jerker! :frown:

Most of the X-Men have been poisoned by that green-loving assassin, Viper. Wolverine and Rogue are hunting across Tokyo, Japan, looking for clues as to her whereabouts. At Japanese gang-leader Nabatone's estate, the two mutants sneak in shrouded in darkness. Rogue mistakenly sets off a security laser, and Wolverine kicks her off her feet....saving her from the deadly blast. On his back, Logan looks up at Rogue, who says "Mah hero. A save like that deserves a reward." Rogue bends down to kiss him on the lips, but then she feels his clinched fist under her chin. Ready to pop his claws. Rogue backs off....Logan stands and says "Don't ever pull a stunt like that, make a threat like that--t' me, or any other X-Man---even as a joke understand?"

They soon discover the week-old dead body of crimelord Nabatone! Wolverine realizes they've been set up!! As all this is going on, Yukio and Storm are taking care of baddies as well. Ororo's white hair seems frazzled or something, and she is using her lightning to hurt the gangmembers. And Ororo is enjoying it. Switching to the hospital where Peter, Kitty and Colossus are hurt with poison, Viper and some henchman arrive to murder the X-Men once and for all. Luckily, Rogue and Wolverine arrive in time and the two begin taking them out. Wolverine confronts the Silver Samurai, and the two hustle for several pages. Another beautiful layout by Paul Smith, whose work here is similiar to Frank Miller in Wolverine's limited series. A sword actually cuts straight through Wolverine's stomach, as the deadly fight continues. But in the end, Wolverine breaks the Samurai's arm, and his claws prove the deciding factor. Mariko Yashida runs out to save her step-brother, but it's a costly error. As Viper stands at the far end of the hall, ready to blast both Mariko & Logan. She shoots....and Rogue flies in harm's way and stops the shot! Viper keeps blasting, and Rogue absorbs each shot. But even the southern sugah isn't invulnerable. As Viper's gun backfires, Rogue collapses in serious pain. Viper and the Silver Samurai teleport away, as Rogue lays on death's doorstep. Wolverine says she saved Mariko's life....so he'll save hers. And he kisses her and she absorbs his powers. His healing factor saves her life!!

A week later, at the ancestral home of Clan Yashida, Mariko is before the Buddha, thinking how happy she is on the day of her wedding to Logan-san. She loves him so much, she thinks. But a man appears to disrupt her wedding tranquility. He appears to be wearing a fine-tailored suit and says "A friend, Lady Mariko. Who wishes you...and your consort...well" A flash appears in Mariko's eyes. Meanwhile, the X-Men, Charles Xavier and Empress Lilandra have all assembled at the Yashida estate on the day of Logan & Mariko's wedding. Lorna Dane, Alex Summers and Corsair have arrived. Scott and Madelyne Pryor arrive....much to the shocked astonishment of the X-Men. My god, she looks just like Jean Grey!! But the biggest shock of all is when Storm appears dressed in a black punker outfit...with a MOHAWK instead of her white longlocks!! Everyone is stunned, but none more so than Kitty Pryde, who runs from her in shock! Finally, the wedding ceremony begins, as Mariko Yashida solemnly walks down the aisle in traditional Japanese garb. She stands at the altar as Logan beams. Mariko turns and says "Stop the ceremony! Most Imperial Majesty, Honored guests--there will be NO WEDDING." Logan replies "Why?" Mariko says, "Because, gaijin.--you are not worthy." Logan's friends stand up and slowly leave the room...and leaving Logan standing with a tear in his eye.

My thoughts: God, a lot happens here. Storm with her mohawk hair!! I cannot believe my eyes!! Madelyne Pryor meeting the X-Men! A certain villain's surprise return! The showdown with Viper & Silver Samurai! But my favorite parts were when Logan saves Rogue's life. I'm not ashamed to say that scene brought a small tear to my eye. Logan could have lost it all, but his honor came first. And then the heart-breaking wedding scene. Poor Logan.....love just isn't fair for our mutants. Scott Summers looking back at him as they file out, just reaches an emotional climax with that final panel.

Do punks make Kitty Pryde uncomfortable... or was it her "friendship" with Yukio that weirded her out? I'm not calling her a racist for freaking out about Storm though... Kitty just usually forgot to say the n-word around her during this stretch.

Rogue, in this issue, is amazing. Some would say she's hungry to prove herself and not be in the doghouse. Others might say she has a deathwish, because her powers have made her miserable, and she still felt alone. Either way, it's an amazing interaction between her and Logan with the "save" earlier, and Rogue taking bullets for Mariko... just a great opening between the two of them.

Shame Mastermind had to go and screw up the wedding. Jerk.

creaky

05-30-2008, 12:14 AM

I especially like seeing Kurt and Logan such close friends. We've discussed this before, but as the X-Men reunite with Logan, it is Nightcrawler who Logan first embraces. Well.....a manly embrace, anyway! I didn't recall those two being so close, but you can see a real bond there.

Definitely. Or we can at least derive from it the conclusion that Kurt did indeed bring the beer.

But the biggest shock of all is when Storm appears dressed in a black punker outfit...with a MOHAWK instead of her white longlocks!! Everyone is stunned, but none more so than Kitty Pryde, who runs from her in shock! Finally, the wedding ceremony begins, as Mariko Yashida solemnly walks down the aisle in traditional Japanese garb. She stands at the altar as Logan beams. Mariko turns and says "Stop the ceremony! Most Imperial Majesty, Honored guests--there will be NO WEDDING." Logan replies "Why?" Mariko says, "Because, gaijin.--you are not worthy." Logan's friends stand up and slowly leave the room...and leaving Logan standing with a tear in his eye.

Storm is such an attention hog that she chooses to debut her new punk look on her friend's wedding?? Pff. And poor, poor Logan. This scene always tore my heart.:frown:

heretic

05-30-2008, 11:03 AM

Focusing on #172 again, Yukio must be torn up inside over Logan's engagement to Mariko Yashida. This might account for her fearless and devil-may-care attitude. I suspect she is seriously hurting inside. For she loves Logan.To be fair, she was that nuts to begin with.

That being said, while she did step aside I seriously doubt she is happy about it. I hope Ororo was not a mere rebound relationship

BTW, Storm did get a lot of her hair burned off so a new look was inevitable. Althought the reasons for it's... drastic nature were more internal.

HTG

david r

05-30-2008, 08:41 PM

HA! I love that!! Kurt DID bring the beer, thus why Logan was overjoyed to see him. Thanks, Creaky! :smile:

I never thought of Storm trying to gain attention at Logan's wedding. But I guess you could say that. Her reaction was a bit stupid. Didn't she THINK her new looks would raise some eyebrows?? I think there is a real storm brewing inside Ororo right now. Her transformation is complete.

I'm not touching the possible "Yukio/Storm" relationship thing for a million dollars. :wink:

More thoughts on classic UXM #173:
-I found deeply sad the scene with Mariko Yashida in the Buddha garden. She leaves behind that bouquet of roses I think symbolizes her losing love for Logan. :frown:
-Maddie Pryor's reaction to meeting Lockheed was hilarious. I especially like it when she snatchs Scott's tie and says "Who are these people??"
-I'm surprised Sean Cassidy, Moira and Carol Danvers weren't at the wedding.
- Paul Smith drew a killer battle sequence between Wolverine and the Silver Samurai. Though highly reminiscient of Frank Miller's work, I still liked it. The panel of a sword punched thru Wolverine's body was shocking!

david r

05-30-2008, 08:44 PM

http://www.a-diction.com/featr/images/storm_mohawk.gif

http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08122/artadams-stormpencil498.jpg

http://powet.tv/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/SDCC_Storm_Mohawk_Bust_1.jpg

http://images.elfwood.com/fanq/r/o/rocambe3/xmen_storm.jpg

Uncanny X-Men #173 has Colossus writing responses in the letters page! Apparently, his Kayta volunteered him for fan-mail duty. We learn:

-New mutant Siryn is staying with her father at Cassidy Keep, in Ireland. And she is getting to know Sean better.
-Xi'an Coy Manh works as Charles Xavier's secretary!
-The X-Men no longer use Magneto's island as a base because there is no need---and the magical aspects of the place concerns them. It is a gateway between Earth and Limbo...and who knows where else??

worstblogever

05-30-2008, 11:41 PM

-I'm surprised Sean Cassidy, Moira and Carol Danvers weren't at the wedding.

Sean, Moira, and Siryn are a surprise no-show.

Carol though... she just stormed off mad at the X-Men for taking in Rogue and forgiving her for that big ol' violation of her psyche. She probably stayed away to not bring any unwanted drama.

jeannie

05-30-2008, 11:52 PM

Sadly, Ororo broke the cardinal rule regarding wedding attendance: never overshadow the bride.
Party foul.

CJ Lentze

05-31-2008, 05:16 AM

-Maddie Pryor's reaction to meeting Lockheed was hilarious. I especially like it when she snatchs Scott's tie and says "Who are these people??" I'm touched by Madelyne's overall first reaction to the X-Men. When Scott blasted a hole in that coin, revealing himself to be a mutant, she simply said "I read the papers. I know mutants aren't very popular." It will take her some getting used to to adjust to the world of Scott and the X-Men, but she kept her cool admirably when Lilandra tried to attack her, and when Storm came flying down. Of course, her resemblance to Jean, (and the plane crash being tied to the exact moment Phoenix died on the moon) is a big indication that there's something strange about Maddy (duh).

I think we see far too little of Wolverine's reaction to her, even though Wolvie had other things on his mind. If Madelyne really could have been Jean reincarnated, then Logan would have recognised her on scent.

It was a bit disappointing that Storm and Yukio didn't show up for the final battle with Viper and the Samurai. The battle between Wolverine and the Samurai was brutal and personal, and it looked good, but it could have used a couple of smaller panels so it would be less pages long. I'm glad they left Sunfire out of this story. Though he and Mariko are cousins, I think it's wise they let Mariko have her separate life and storylines.

Rogue was indeed amazing in this issue. It was fun when the thug tried to stab her with a sai at the beginning, and the metal just bent on her shoulder. As Imraith Nimphais said, Rogue is struggling between her old ways as a crook and her new life as a hero. She mainly came to Xavier to have him help her with her powers - not for the hero thing; I also think she was quite happy that she was allowed to scrap a little on this mission. At the same time, Rogue remembers those who treat her kindly- when she saves Mariko. Her first real heroic act?

She was only a villain because she didn't know any better. Both the old and new incarnations of the Brotherhood were -not unlike the X-Men- groups of mutants who had been cast out by society. Humanity didn't want them, so why not take from humanity what they could take? It's how Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch got involved with the Brotherhood; Rogue's story is similar to theirs. Sometimes, a 'bad guy' needs someone to listen to them, understand them better, and then offer a helping hand or a solution.

david r

05-31-2008, 07:25 AM

Carol Danvers is an old friend to Logan. And he wasn't responsible for Rogue joining the X-Men. He wasn't even there. So it was a little bitchy of her not to attend his wedding. But WBE is correct she didn't show up because of her anger with his teammates.

As for Madelyne Pryor, she is dumbfounded by a small dragon, yet moments before she just met a blue-furred elf with a tail......and didn't bat an eye?? :confused: I know Scott is hot, but most girls would run the other way so fast his glasses would spin!!

Sunfire.... huh, yes, why was he a no-show in this affair? The Japanese crime-gangs are fighting over Tokyo and Sunfire, protector of the Home Islands, is nowhere to be found.

UXM #173 is Rogue's first ever mission with the X-Men.

david r

05-31-2008, 06:47 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.174.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #174

"Romances"

A very handsome cover, I must say. Paul Smith's work here is a beauty to behold. A whole lot of romantic subplots and character moments go on in #174.Romances begin, others end. Ain't love grand. :rolleyes:

The issue begins before the Starjammer ship, as those space pirates are soon to leave Earth for good. Carol Danvers, aka Binary is to leave with them and explore the stars! Empress Lilandra too will be leaving with them, and she wishes her beloved Charles Xavier was coming with her. (I'm sure Teri Martin's heart is breaking somewhere!) There is a memorable sequence with Scott and Madelyne Pryor, with the moon in the background (Is Jean Grey watching?) We now switch to northern Japan, as Wolverine smashes his way onto the Yashida Clan's estate, demanding an answer from his beloved Mariko Yashida. She broke up their wedding, saying he was not worthy. Mariko says it again, in very cold terms. Her half-brother, the Silver Samurai steps forward and takes the Yashida Blade, the "Honor Sword", away from Logan. Mariko demands Logan leave her sight, her house, her land...forever. Wolverine turns and walks slowly away.

At Charles Xavier's Mansion, Kitty Pryde is reading a Star Wars comic. Kitty gets up and makes her way to Peter Rasputin's quarters, where we see Peter painting for the very first time. Peter feels he isn't getting it right. Kitty says she has a surprise for him; and lugs the hesitant Rasputin down the hallway where she orders him to stand with his eyes close. Kitty thinks "What a maroon!" She then leaps into his arms and KISSES HIM! Peter's eyes open wide and they crash into the wall. Kitty stops kissing and laughs! They then phase up to Ororo's attic room, where the REAL kissing begins. Mohawk Storm soon swoops down into her attic, to discover Peter & Kitty making out. TEENAGERS IN LOVE! Storm says "Oh, dear!" However, the real surprise is on Kitty, who realizes Ororo has removed all her plants from the attic. Another change for the wind-rider.

Switch again to Rogue and Nightcrawler, Rogue is recuperating from injuries sustained in UXM #173. Rogue is now residing in Jean Grey's old room. Rogue asks who this Jean Grey was, and Nightcrawler tells her the tragic tale of Dark Phoenix. Kurt Wagner then returns to his own room, to discover an Amanda Sefton-witch doll, similiar to his BAMF doll. Cute! The main action of #174 happen as Scott and Madelyne are flying up to Anchorage, Alaska. Scott runs into a peculiar priest, who just happens to have a photo of Jean Grey. The priest is apparently twisted Mastermind, up to his naughty tricks again. Back at Maddie's home, we learn that Scott has proposed marriage to Madelyne, and she said yes. However, one thing is still eating away at Cyclops...he asks her if she is the reincarnation of Jean Grey. Are you Phoenix? Madelyne is shocked and punches Scott flat in the face!! However, Scott gets hurt worse as flames surround him and in walks the resurrection of.......................................wait for it................................................ DARK PHOENIX!!!

My thoughts: This is yet another classic issue, filled with treasured moments. The most beloved by X-fans being the "making out" scene between Kitty Pryde and Peter Rasputin. Though they've kissed before, this time it seemed longer and more tongue involved. I like how #174 touches bases on so many of the ongoing lives of the mutants, some plots ending, others beginning, and others still moving along to conclusion. And behind the scenes to it all, a malevolent force that is guiding two lovebirds to tragedy!! Oh no!!

worstblogever

05-31-2008, 07:24 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.174.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #174

"Romances"

A very handsome cover, I must say. Paul Smith's work here is a beauty to behold. A whole lot of romantic subplots and character moments go on in #174.Romances begin, others end. Ain't love grand. :rolleyes:

The issue begins before the Starjammer ship, as those space pirates are soon to leave Earth for good. Carol Danvers, aka Binary is to leave with them and explore the stars! Empress Lilandra too will be leaving with them, and she wishes her beloved Charles Xavier was coming with her. (I'm sure Teri Martin's heart is breaking somewhere!) There is a memorable sequence with Scott and Madelyne Pryor, with the moon in the background (Is Jean Grey watching?) We now switch to northern Japan, as Wolverine smashes his way onto the Yashida Clan's estate, demanding an answer from his beloved Mariko Yashida. She broke up their wedding, saying he was not worthy. Mariko says it again, in very cold terms. Her half-brother, the Silver Samurai steps forward and takes the Yashida Blade, the "Honor Sword", away from Logan. Mariko demands Logan leave her sight, her house, her land...forever. Wolverine turns and walks slowly away.

At Charles Xavier's Mansion, Kitty Pryde is reading a Star Wars comic. Kitty gets up and makes her way to Peter Rasputin's quarters, where we see Peter painting for the very first time. Peter feels he isn't getting it right. Kitty says she has a surprise for him; and lugs the hesitant Rasputin down the hallway where she orders him to stand with his eyes close. Kitty thinks "What a maroon!" She then leaps into his arms and KISSES HIM! Peter's eyes open wide and they crash into the wall. Kitty stops kissing and laughs! They then phase up to Ororo's attic room, where the REAL kissing begins. Mohawk Storm soon swoops down into her attic, to discover Peter & Kitty making out. TEENAGERS IN LOVE! Storm says "Oh, dear!" However, the real surprise is on Kitty, who realizes Ororo has removed all her plants from the attic. Another change for the wind-rider.

Switch again to Rogue and Nightcrawler, Rogue is recuperating from injuries sustained in UXM #173. Rogue is now residing in Jean Grey's old room. Rogue asks who this Jean Grey was, and Nightcrawler tells her the tragic tale of Dark Phoenix. Kurt Wagner then returns to his own room, to discover an Amanda Sefton-witch doll, similiar to his BAMF doll. Cute! The main action of #174 happen as Scott and Madelyne are flying up to Anchorage, Alaska. Scott runs into a peculiar priest, who just happens to have a photo of Jean Grey. The priest is apparently twisted Mastermind, up to his naughty tricks again. Back at Maddie's home, we learn that Scott has proposed marriage to Madelyne, and she said yes. However, one thing is still eating away at Cyclops...he asks her if she is the reincarnation of Jean Grey. Are you Phoenix? Madelyne is shocked and punches Scott flat in the face!! However, Scott gets hurt worse as flames surround him and in walks the resurrection of.......................................wait for it................................................ DARK PHOENIX!!!

My thoughts: This is yet another classic issue, filled with treasured moments. The most beloved by X-fans being the "making out" scene between Kitty Pryde and Peter Rasputin. Though they've kissed before, this time it seemed longer and more tongue involved. I like how #174 touches bases on so many of the ongoing lives of the mutants, some plots ending, others beginning, and others still moving along to conclusion. And behind the scenes to it all, a malevolent force that is guiding two lovebirds to tragedy!! Oh no!!

I still find it disappointing that a scene with a 19-odd year old Colossus and a 13-14 year old Kitty is "beloved". That road leads to statutory.

Mastermind, credit to the guy for knowing all the right buttons to push in both Logan, and Scott.

Although... doesn't it seem odd that all of a sudden Mariko has the Silver Samurai working with her and but a short time ago he and Viper were attacking her and Logan? How could Wolverine not think mind control was involved?

pryde15

05-31-2008, 09:43 PM

I didn't think the make out scene was that long. It was just panels where Kitty is obviously stuffing her tongue down his throat (I assume by the noises he is making.) I love how he starts to blush afterwards though.

david r

06-01-2008, 07:23 AM

Doesn't it seem odd that all of a sudden Mariko has the Silver Samurai working with her and but a short time ago he and Viper were attacking her and Logan? How could Wolverine not think mind control was involved?

I suspect Silver Samurai would have killed Mariko. He wants Yashida Clan leadership that badly. Mariko is so brainwashed that she doesn't know she's in harm's way. What exactly did Mastermind do to her? And do we learn why he's not curled up in a corner at the local funny farm??

I didn't think the make out scene was that long. It was just panels where Kitty is obviously stuffing her tongue down his throat (I assume by the noises he is making.) I love how he starts to blush afterwards though.

Peter Rasputin is a big ol' lug. He looks and reminds me a bit of Clark Kent. Put some glasses on him, and he's perfect.

Something look different?

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/commissions-xmc/images/XMGS4.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/commissions-xmc/images/XM133-new.jpg

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

david r

06-01-2008, 07:42 AM

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

Logan the Duck:

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/257.jpg

What could this have been?

http://www.nightscrawlers.com/gallery/albums/Artists/Dave_Cockrum/Cockrum_X-Men/normal_256.jpg

david r

06-01-2008, 08:02 AM

John Byrne, Terry Austin and Chris Claremont at a late 70s convention:

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/photos/images/XMenPhoto.jpg

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/cover-crazy/images/crazy82.jpg

DDM

06-01-2008, 09:26 AM

I suspect Silver Samurai would have killed Mariko. He wants Yashida Clan leadership that badly. Mariko is so brainwashed that she doesn't know she's in harm's way. What exactly did Mastermind do to her? And do we learn why he's not curled up in a corner at the local funny farm??

Mastermind recovered from his catatonic state Phoenix put him in Uncanny X-Men #134; however, he's in a constant state of never-ending torment since Jean literally put Mastermind into touch with the universe & God. He'll explain it next issue.

david r

06-01-2008, 10:49 AM

OK, thanks DDM for the explanation.

-In Uncanny X-Men #174, Rogue mentions she resides in Jean Grey's old room. But how can that be? :confused: The entire mansion was smashed to rubble by those alien invaders in UXM #154. Jean Grey has never stepped foot in that room!

-Focusing on the Acanti again, Kitty Pryde had this to say about them in UXM #172: "Before we left, to return to Earth, the ProphetSinger reestablished his mindlink with Ororo and then, through her, with all of us, to sing us farewell. It wasn't music, or speech--there were no words--just sensations, emotions. For that time, the Acanti became a part of me--or us all. Every note, every concept, touched a resonant chord. We were all bound together and then, gently, let go. It broke Ororo's heart to sever her link with the ProphetSinger. After that, I understood why. I'm glad it wasn't me who melded with him because I don't think I'd've had Ororo's courage. I'd have stayed with them forever."

Anodyne

06-02-2008, 03:35 PM

Back in Alaska, Madelyne Pryor awakens from a nightmare. Scott Summers rushes into the room, and Madelyne recounts her horrible airplane crash. She was a stewardess on a 747, and was the lone survivor of the raging crash. It happened on the SAME DAY THAT JEAN GREY DIED!!!
Actually, Madelyne was the pilot, not a stewardess--at least in her memories.

Rogue says "No. I lead the X-Men, Professor. I think that entitles me to some say in this matter. You know about Rogue's history. Are we expected to fight beside someone who we do not--dare not--trust...who might betray us at any time?!"
I assume you meant to type, "Storm says.":smile:

Chris Claremont wanted Madelyne Pryor to be Jean Grey reborn, but the editors said no; however, he played it up with her initial appearance culminating in Uncanny X-Men #174-175.
Where did you read that? I thought Claremont said the resemblance was supposed to be coincidental. But since he didn't provide an alternative explanation, he may have wanted to keep the readers guessing.

[IMG]There is a memorable sequence with Scott and Madelyne Pryor, with the moon in the background (Is Jean Grey watching?)

Back at Maddie's home, we learn that Scott has proposed marriage to Madelyne, and she said yes.
"Learn"? We saw him proposing.

Maddie: "Scott, about your Dad's offer ... please don't hold back on my account."
Scott: "suppose I ask you to come with me."

Readers who claim that Maddie forced Scott to leave the X-Men need to be reminded that she was willing to leave Earth with him, if that was what he wanted.

david r

06-14-2008, 08:11 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.175.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #175

20TH ANNIVERSARY! 20TH ANNIVERSARY!! :smile: :smile: This issue celebrates 20 years of X-Men adventures! 1963 thru 1983. And like waay back in the day, when Jean Grey arrived at the School with #1, Jean returns to the School in #175 (sort of). Only instead of joining the group......Jean wants to kill them!! :evilsmile:

Twenty years ago, more or less, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Uncanny X-Men. A lot has changed since then. The current roster of Charles Xavier's fabled mutant team, the X-Men, are outside his School for Gifted Youngsters, chopping down a diseased tree & using it as a training exercise. The current lineup includes Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Rogue and Storm. Suddenly, in the sky above them is a startling light----the SINISTER IMAGE OF THE PHOENIX!!! It vanishes quickly, and a lone figure is seen plunging to earth. Rogue takes to the air and snaps up the body of Scott Summers--- Cyclops, one of the original X-Men. Scott informs them that Dark Phoenix has returned! The team don their signature uniforms and meet Professor X in his study. Charles dons his Cerebro helmet, to find Phoenix. But a tremendous power surge incapacitates the professor; sending his own psi-powers right back at him! The unholy image of Dark Phoenix rises from Scott's body. Blazing with flame and red-fire, evil Jean Grey smiles and says, "Hi guys! Miss me?"

The battle begins, as the X-Men attempt to take down the resurrected mad Goddess. But Dark Phoenix's cosmic power is too much for them. But just as she's winning, DP dematerializes, saying she has errands to run. The X-Men rise from the floor, in shocked disbelief. They attempt to contact Empress Lilandra and the Starjammers, still in orbit above the Earth. They watch as a wounded Corsair tells them their ship has been attacked. In the next instant, Corsair & and his pirates are blown to smithereens. The X-Men next try to contact Avengers base, but they see Dark Phoenix obliterate New York City!! Meanwhile, Cyclops is taken to the infirmary, where he is badly burned from wounds. Scott has an out-of-body experience, where he floats above his body. His soul leaves our Earthly plane, and Scott sees a white light. He attempts to enter it---to Heaven--but the spirit of his departed mother greets him and says it is NOT his time. Scott's soul returns to his body.

Scott now suspects who the TRUE villain is here. The majority of #175 is with Scott Summers running around the mansion, being chased by the X-Men. They mistakenly believe Scott to be Dark Phoenix, and try their hardest to defeat him. Someone is casting illusions to make them think Cyclops is DP. Scott shows just how skilled a fighter he is, as he single-handedly stomps down on the newer mutants. He utilizes the Danger Room's new illusion abilities to confuse the X-Men. In the end, we learn the true baddie is Mastermind, desiring revenge for what Jean Grey did to him in Uncanny X-Men #134. He has been casting illusions for awhile now, using several guises. Including Nabatone, the Japanese crimelord seen in the Wolverine mini-series and the pleasant priest Scott met on that airplane. Cyclops wins the day, by forcing Rogue to absorb Charles Xavier's psi-powers, thus he is able to mentally tell his teammates that he is NOT DARK PHOENIX!! They are being misled. Wolverine senses a "blind spot" in the room, and Storm is outraged. She created a mindblowing storm, which brings out their nemesis---Jason Wyngarde, Mastermind. He lays unconscious from the ferocious winds, and is captured.

#175 ends with Scott standing at Jean Grey's grave. Scott will always love her, but now he loves Madelyne Pryor. He's glad Maddie isn't Jean Grey, resurrected. Scott says, Goodbye, Jean. Farewell...my Heart." We now witness the wedding of Scott Summers & Madelyne Pryor. A large gathering on the grounds behind the Mansion. Many people are there, including the Beast, Angel and Iceman. Other attendees include Empress Lilandra, Corsair, Scott's grandparents, Banshee & Moira MacTaggert, Amanda Sefton, Carol Danvers and the New Mutants. The Starjammers watch from their ship. Alex Summers is Best Man. Kitty Pryde is maid-of-honor. As the vows are read, Kitty glances over at Peter Rasputin. Wolverine sits watching with a rather glum, dour look on his face. The final page shows Scott and Madelyne embracing and kissing.

My thoughts: This is a classic anniversary story. It was clever how they "brought" Dark Phoenix back ,without REALLY bringing her back. Perhaps I came away from #175 realizing how skilled a tactician Cyclops truly is. He beat up on the newer members here. I have one criticism of the whole issue and that is when Scott has his out-of-body experience and nearly enters Heaven. If his burns were all illusions, he would not have died at all. There would be no out-of-body experience. That played false to me, though his emotional reunion with his mother was well-written. The return of Mastermind was sinister, and I like how Chris Claremont had incorporated his various disguises over the last many months of X-Men stories. Overall, another A+ issue by a cracking-good creative team.

DDM

06-14-2008, 08:52 AM

Uncanny X-Men #175 [/B]

20TH ANNIVERSARY! 20TH ANNIVERSARY!! :smile: :smile: This issue celebrates 20 years of X-Men adventures! 1963 thru 1983. And like waay back in the day, when Jean Grey arrived at the School with #1, Jean returns to the School in #175 (sort of). Only instead of joining the group......Jean wants to kill them!! :evilsmile:

Twenty years ago, more or less, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Uncanny X-Men. A lot has changed since then. The current roster of Charles Xavier's fabled mutant team, the X-Men, are outside his School for Gifted Youngsters, chopping down a diseased tree & using it as a training exercise. The current lineup includes Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Rogue and Storm. Suddenly, in the sky above them is a startling light----the SINISTER IMAGE OF THE PHOENIX!!! It vanishes quickly, and a lone figure is seen plunging to earth. Rogue takes to the air and snaps up the body of Scott Summers--- Cyclops, one of the original X-Men. Scott informs them that Dark Phoenix has returned! The team don their signature uniforms and meet Professor X in his study. Charles dons his Cerebro helmet, to find Phoenix. But a tremendous power surge incapacitates the professor; sending his own psi-powers right back at him! The unholy image of Dark Phoenix rises from Scott's body. Blazing with flame and red-fire, evil Jean Grey smiles and says, "Hi guys! Miss me?"

The battle begins, as the X-Men attempt to take down the resurrected mad Goddess. But Dark Phoenix's cosmic power is too much for them. But just as she's winning, DP dematerializes, saying she has errands to run. The X-Men rise from the floor, in shocked disbelief. They attempt to contact Empress Lilandra and the Starjammers, still in orbit above the Earth. They watch as a wounded Corsair tells them their ship has been attacked. In the next instant, Corsair & and his pirates are blown to smithereens. The X-Men next try to contact Avengers base, but they see Dark Phoenix obliterate New York City!! Meanwhile, Cyclops is taken to the infirmary, where he is badly burned from wounds. Scott has an out-of-body experience, where he floats above his body. His soul leaves our Earthly plane, and Scott sees a white light. He attempts to enter it---to Heaven--but the spirit of his departed mother greets him and says it is NOT his time. Scott's soul returns to his body.

Scott now suspects who the TRUE villain is here. The majority of #175 is with Scott Summers running around the mansion, being chased by the X-Men. They mistakenly believe Scott to be Dark Phoenix, and try their hardest to defeat him. Someone is casting illusions to make them think Cyclops is DP. Scott shows just how skilled a fighter he is, as he single-handedly stomps down on the newer mutants. He utilizes the Danger Room's new illusion abilities to confuse the X-Men. In the end, we learn the true baddie is Mastermind, desiring revenge for what Jean Grey did to him in Uncanny X-Men #134. He has been casting illusions for awhile now, using several guises. Including Nabatone, the Japanese crimelord seen in the Wolverine mini-series and the pleasant priest Scott met on that airplane. Cyclops wins the day, by forcing Rogue to absorb Charles Xavier's psi-powers, thus he is able to mentally tell his teammates that he is NOT DARK PHOENIX!! They are being misled. Wolverine senses a "blind spot" in the room, and Storm is outraged. She created a mindblowing storm, which brings out their nemesis---Jason Wyngarde, Mastermind. He lays unconscious from the ferocious winds, and is captured.

#175 ends with Scott standing at Jean Grey's grave. Scott will always love her, but now he loves Madelyne Pryor. He's glad Maddie isn't Jean Grey, resurrected. Scott says, Goodbye, Jean. Farewell...my Heart." We now witness the wedding of Scott Summers & Madelyne Pryor. A large gathering on the grounds behind the Mansion. Many people are there, including the Beast, Angel and Iceman. Other attendees include Empress Lilandra, Corsair, Scott's grandparents, Banshee & Moira MacTaggert, Amanda Sefton, Carol Danvers and the New Mutants. The Starjammers watch from their ship. Alex Summers is Best Man. Kitty Pryde is maid-of-honor. As the vows are read, Kitty glances over at Peter Rasputin. Wolverine sits watching with a rather glum, dour look on his face. The final page shows Scott and Madelyne embracing and kissing.

Oddly, the priest Mastermind assumes turns up in Incredible Hulk #319 to marry Bruce Banner & Betty Ross:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/41319167562.319.GIF

I think this is John Byrne's jab at Chris Claremont again since it is clear this is the real priest & not Mastermind in disguise. Mastermind assumed the role of the priest first in the flashback sequence shown in Uncanny X-Men #125 (in context it happens a little after Uncanny X-Men #117) on Jean's flight to Greece then Mastermind stalked Jean Grey through other disguises shown in Classic X-Men #24. Mastermind assumes the same illusion of the priest again to torment Scott & the X-Men in Uncanny X-Men #174-175.

Hi-Fi

06-14-2008, 09:00 AM

This was an amazing issue and Cyclops was pretty much f*cking brilliant in it. I absolutely LOVED how he defeated all the X-Men. I especially loved that we could see exactly what he was thinking before his actions. That's the Cyclops I adore.

HOWEVER (LOL), the way he defeated Rogue was super lame! Some magical dust that makes her sleepy??

DDM

06-14-2008, 09:21 AM

HOWEVER (LOL), the way he defeated Rogue was super lame! Some magical dust that makes her sleepy??

Every X-Man has a weakness keyed into the computer system. Rogue's weakness was special poppies to affect her unique mutant/Kree hybrid cells to knock her out given her Ms. Marvel's powers made her quite formidable.

Anodyne

06-14-2008, 09:42 AM

I see the resemblance in the stories from Uncanny X-Men #174-175, but Claremont got the name Madelyne Pryor from Steeleye Span vocalist, Maddy Prior. It's meant to be some sort of inside joke since Madelyne Pryor also appeared as a child in [B]Avengers Annual #
Where does it say a writer can't have multiple sources of inspiration for a story? What if the coincidence of names gave Claremont the idea for the Vertigo homage?

CJ Lentze

06-14-2008, 10:48 AM

Yeah, this was very much Cyclops' issue. Hi-Fi is right about this story giving us a nice peek into Scott's strategist's mind.

I think the illusions of Mastermind are powerful enough to make the mind think the body is fatally injured and die as a consequence.
Though I'm an atheist, I really, really like the idea of Scott's mother contacting him from across the afterlife and telling him to go on.

It's neat how Claremont took a two-bit Brotherhood flunkie like Mastermind and turned him into this major villain in his own right. His schemes are fun to trace back over the past few issues.

DDM

06-14-2008, 02:44 PM

It's neat how Claremont took a two-bit Brotherhood flunkie like Mastermind and turned him into this major villain in his own right. His schemes are fun to trace back over the past few issues.

Mastermind tried to subvert the Beast in Steve Englehart'sAmazing Adventures into joining the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, but, went into a catatonic state after his illusions backfired. Sound familiar? The only difference is Mastermind's powers are enhanced artificially by the White Queen's mindtap mechanism to give him artificial telepathy & keep Phoenix's own telepathy spotting Mastermind's illusions. Unlike the Beast, Mastermind--with the Hellfire Club's help--succeeds in subverting Phoenix into the Black Queen, but, she breaks free thanks to Mastermind's arrogance for underestimating his foes. The Hellfire Club & Mastermind do succeed into turning Phoenix into Dark Phoenix, although they are unaware of the consequences.

After this story, Chris Claremont does not touch Mastermind's character again. I guess he figured Mastermind to be a one trick pony from a story point-of-view.

DDM

06-14-2008, 02:45 PM

Where does it say a writer can't have multiple sources of inspiration for a story? What if the coincidence of names gave Claremont the idea for the Vertigo homage?

I never said a writer cannot have multiple sources for his own stories.

david r

06-14-2008, 08:02 PM

DDM, hmm, that is interesting about the priest. Have you verified that John Byrne used the priest as a slap to Chris Claremont? They definitely seemed to have a row going in the mid-80s.

Hi-Fi, I did find the "poppy-dust" sequence rather weak. But let's face it, after 80 issues of X-MEN, even the best writers need to come up with new and unique ways to knock out the characters.

S. Mormel, I liked how Scott Summers thinks it's Jean Grey's soul, at first. Reaching out to him, but it turns out to be his mother. Nice touch. The Summers' mom sure doesn't get much mention ever.

Mastermind may be a one-trick pony. But I like how he's one of the few 1960s villains to be raised to a more sinister-level in these later years. And of course, there's the rumor he's being possessed by the Shadow King during this whole period. :tongue:

Imraith Nimphais

06-15-2008, 12:49 PM

This issue holds a very special place in my heart as it was the VERY FIRST X-men comic I ever bought...this got me uber hooked on Storm...I loved everything about this issue...the art, the story, the characters...everything. A benchmark, well-written issue imo, as I was able to grasp the characters on first read...it did not matter that I knew nothing about them (where they were, wot brought them to that particular moment, why were they together) I read a family with (individual) issues but a cohesive family none-the-less...as to your point David R. about the plausibility of Cyclops' "tunnel" experience...initially I thought the very same as you, then I figured that his mind was so deeply affected by Mastermind's illusions that he actually hallucinated the entire scene...it was not a real "near-death" experience...it was a sort of "side-effect" to Mastermind's attack on his mind.

DDM

06-15-2008, 01:03 PM

DDM, hmm, that is interesting about the priest. Have you verified that John Byrne used the priest as a slap to Chris Claremont? They definitely seemed to have a row going in the mid-80s.

I just noticed the same priest showed up after rereading Hulk Visionaries: John Byrne TPB. It is no accident though given Byrne is the writer & artist. Byrne will still not speak directly to Chris Claremont to this day; therefore, the man knows how to hold a grudge.

Mastermind may be a one-trick pony. But I like how he's one of the few 1960s villains to be raised to a more sinister-level in these later years. And of course, there's the rumor he's being possessed by the Shadow King during this whole period. :tongue:

I would have liked to have seen more of Mastermind & the extension the Hellfire Club to be pawns for the mysterious Shadow King.

Nevets F

06-15-2008, 02:44 PM

I just noticed the same priest showed up after rereading Hulk Visionaries: John Byrne TPB. It is no accident though given Byrne is the writer & artist. Byrne will still not speak directly to Chris Claremont to this day; therefore, the man knows how to hold a grudge.

That is not cool of you to accuse someone of doing something when you have absolutely no proof of it.

DDM

06-15-2008, 03:30 PM

That is not cool of you to accuse someone of doing something when you have absolutely no proof of it.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/41319167562.319.GIF

The picture speaks for itself; furthermore, the priest is shown throughout the same story. He is exactly the same priest Mastermind assumed way back first shown in Uncanny X-Men #125.

Nevets F

06-15-2008, 04:31 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/41319167562.319.GIF

The picture speaks for itself; furthermore, the priest is shown throughout the same story. He is exactly the same priest Mastermind assumed way back first shown in Uncanny X-Men #125.

You are still putting your own beliefs as fact, which I realize you tend to do...but the fact is, it may have been a shot at Claremont...or not.

david r

06-15-2008, 07:47 PM

Some more observations on the 20th anniversary issue of X-MEN:

-Storm's punk outfit looks more & more like Callisto. Is she trying to tailor herself after the Morlock's former leader?

-Ororo's mohawk look was HUGELY controversial in 1983, and for years to come. It seemed you either liked it, or hated it. It should be ranked as arguably the most dramatic change for an X-Man ever.

-Whereas Kitty Pryde's new outfit looks similiar to Corsair's pirate look.

-It's interesting to parallel this time-period with 1963. The most startling change is how many more female characters are present. Back in the 1960s and 70s, we had only 1 female X-Man. But by 1983, we have a lot more women characters and Chris Claremont should be applauded for this change, which few books had even in the 80s.

-What kind of woman is Madelyne Pryor? She barely even knows Scott Summers....and yet she's marrying him?? With his crazy life and friends? It seems rash on her part, after what she witnessed with Mastermind.

david r

06-15-2008, 08:12 PM

Imraith Nimphais, I too love this issue. A great way to celebrate the Anniversary. My only wish would be Warren, Bobby and Hank had been involved. To truly celebrate the 20 year thing. But other than that, it was great.

And you're right, you don't need to know the 20-year history to love #175.

I'm going to take your theory on Cyclops' near death experience as gospel. I think he just imagined it. But it was still a heartfelt scene.

Anodyne

06-15-2008, 09:05 PM

-What kind of woman is Madelyne Pryor? She barely even knows Scott Summers....and yet she's marrying him?? With his crazy life and friends? It seems rash on her part, after what she witnessed with Mastermind.
We're supposed to believe the Phoenix Force made her do it. In X-Factor #38 Maddie tells Jean, "I had no choice but to love Scott...the Phoenix loved him so--with your love."

heretic

06-16-2008, 09:41 AM

We're supposed to believe the Phoenix Force made her do it. In X-Factor #38 Maddie tells Jean, "I had no choice but to love Scott...the Phoenix loved him so--with your love."*sigh* I do wish we could know what Chris had in mind for Maddie before Editorial decided to ressurect ressurect Jean while keeping the whole Phoenix Must Die For Her Sins mandate intact....

HTG

worstblogever

06-16-2008, 11:37 AM

DDM

06-16-2008, 11:56 AM

*sigh* I do wish we could know what Chris had in mind for Maddie before Editorial decided to ressurect ressurect Jean while keeping the whole Phoenix Must Die For Her Sins mandate intact....

HTG

Madelyne Pryor allowed Scott Summers to officially retire from the X-Men & "live happily ever after." That was really the point of her character--to write Scott out of Uncanny X-Men so Storm could make the sole decisions for the team. Given Storm became the deputy leader in Uncanny X-Men #139, this was a long time coming. Cyclops would come out of retirement for certain stories, but Storm was meant to remain the nexus of leadership for the team of mutants. Then X-Factor came along...

DDM

06-16-2008, 12:00 PM

You are still putting your own beliefs as fact, which I realize you tend to do...but the fact is, it may have been a shot at Claremont...or not.

Okay, then how do explain the same exact look for the priest shown in Incredible Hulk #319 to Mastermind's priest--who looks exactly the same as the Hulk priest--who shown up also in Uncanny X-Men #174-175 when, again, it is Mastermind in disguise? John Byrne is always careful about even the smallest details with even the most obscure references. This priest fits in with a reference to Mastermind as the priest in the Uncanny X-Men Hellfire Club stories. Why else would he place this priest in the Incredible Hulk book than to have another knock at Claremont?

Mitteloss

06-16-2008, 12:10 PM

-It's interesting to parallel this time-period with 1963. The most startling change is how many more female characters are present. Back in the 1960s and 70s, we had only 1 female X-Man. But by 1983, we have a lot more women characters and Chris Claremont should be applauded for this change, which few books had even in the 80s.

Two! Jean Grey and Lorna Dane!

"Bobby's fun, Jean -- But I'm nobody's 'girl'!"- X-Men #60, Lorna ws an early days feminist!

Anodyne

06-16-2008, 12:35 PM

Okay, then how do explain the same exact look for the priest shown in Incredible Hulk #319 to Mastermind's priest--who looks exactly the same as the Hulk priest--who shown up also in Uncanny X-Men #174-175 when, again, it is Mastermind in disguise? John Byrne is always careful about even the smallest details with even the most obscure references. This priest fits in with a reference to Mastermind as the priest in the Uncanny X-Men Hellfire Club stories. Why else would he place this priest in the Incredible Hulk book than to have another knock at Claremont?
I can't speak for Byrne's intentions, but in-story why not assume that Mastermind "borrowed" the real priest's likeness for his disguise?

DDM

06-16-2008, 01:10 PM

I can't speak for Byrne's intentions, but in-story why not assume that Mastermind "borrowed" the real priest's likeness for his disguise?

Why would this exact priest show up though? Mastermind can make any illusion he wishes; therefore, he created the Jason Wyngarde physiognomy from his imagination. He also created the Nikos persona shown in Classic X-Men #24 & hinted at in Uncanny X-Men #125 at the same time Mastermind was shown as the priest in Uncanny X-Men #125. I doubt Mastermind would assume the identity of someone else given the risks of leaving a trail. It would be better for him to make up everything--including the various identities--as he done with the false Jason Wyngarde Hellfire Club image.

Imraith Nimphais

06-16-2008, 04:03 PM

Some more observations on the 20th anniversary issue of X-MEN:

-Storm's punk outfit looks more & more like Callisto. Is she trying to tailor herself after the Morlock's former leader?

-Ororo's mohawk look was HUGELY controversial in 1983, and for years to come. It seemed you either liked it, or hated it. It should be ranked as arguably the most dramatic change for an X-Man ever.

Not so much "taylor" as "reflect" the "hard-bitten" warrior she (Ororo) felt she'd become and needed to be as leader of the X-men. Remember, this was a period of profound change for Storm. She not only cast aside the beliefs that gave her existence meaning but she also fully embraced the dark and destructive aspect of her "nature"...in this very issue she reflects that viloent weather comes "easily" and doing wot needs to be done regardless of the consequence...to friend or foe...and, bear in mind that, at the time, the whole "punk scene" was all the rage...to which I can personally attest:biggrin: ...very anti-social and angst-ridden...which suited Storm's demeanor at the time to a perfect T .
As to yer 2nd point...I LOVED the mohawk. as a teenager at the time (and into the whole leather-spiky hair-studded belts/boots-make-up wearing-don't give a damn wot anybody else thought/said-scene) I could've have totally related.

david r

06-16-2008, 07:27 PM

Mitteloss, sorry. #50-66 did include TWO female characters. It is an interesting point that Lorna Dane's portrayal in the 1960s was more independent than maybe any Marvel female heroine up to that point.

As for the priest and his mystery identity, anyone want to ask John Byrne himself at his message board? Surely he could answer this one.

Imraith Nimphais, I'm sure you are correct that Storm was meant to symbolize the punk scene of the early 1980s. X-MEN has always been anti-social and angst-ridden, now Ororo takes it up a notch and goes full-out with her look. The social changes in England and America (reflected in the music of the Clash, Sex Pistols, Black Flag, etc.) must have been noticed by Chris Claremont. I never would have thought Storm would have been the one used to express the outrage during the Reagan/Thatcher years. More Kitty or Rogue.

I'm really surprised we haven't seen a more radical reaction from the other X-Men. And I don't entirely like Ororo's blatant and dangerous use of her powers, even putting her own teammates in danger. She seems to enjoy it, which I don't think I like.

Nevets F

06-16-2008, 07:30 PM

Okay, then how do explain the same exact look for the priest shown in Incredible Hulk #319 to Mastermind's priest--who looks exactly the same as the Hulk priest--who shown up also in Uncanny X-Men #174-175 when, again, it is Mastermind in disguise? John Byrne is always careful about even the smallest details with even the most obscure references. This priest fits in with a reference to Mastermind as the priest in the Uncanny X-Men Hellfire Club stories. Why else would he place this priest in the Incredible Hulk book than to have another knock at Claremont?

Since I didn't write or draw it...I don't know the answer. But guess what...neither do you.

david r

06-16-2008, 07:31 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97904389460.7.WIACEK.SGN.GIF

Uncanny X-Men Annual #7

"Scavenger Hunt"

A rollicking-good time of an Annual. I might say my favorite Annual so far. The cover gives away the mischief-maker of this story!! That unashamedly-nutty Impossible Man cut loose against our merry mutants! This story has more in-jokes and guest-appearances than any X-Men story yet.

Beginning with the X-Men playing a game of baseball, they are suddenly flattened by a huge spacecraft from the sky! Out comes Galactus.... except he's GREEN!! Punk Storm assaults him with her weather-powers....and you know something is amiss when Galactus replies "Wow! This is Neat!" Not something the cosmic ravager of worlds would ordinarily say!! HA-HEE! This green Galactus actually steals the entire Mansion! Creating a huge pit in it's place. He then POP! vanishes!! The X-Men, Charles Xavier and Empress Lilandra hit the Blackbird and are in hot pursuit!! Our mischievous greenie continues to steal unique artifacts of the Marvel Universe. Next stealing Nick Fury's eye patch, during a hilarious moment when Ariel, Lockheed and Nightcrawler have an uproarious moment aboard SHIELD's helicarrier! Smiles a'plenty in this part.

Then Zabu disappears in the Savage Land. We see Rogue, Kitty Pryde and Charles Xavier visit the Savage Land for the 1st time! Followed by Impy hitting Avengers Mansion and nabbing the Wasp's entire wardrobe of colorful costumes! Rogue knocks the crap out of She-Hulk!! More sinister is when the Impossible Man enters a dungeon of the Hellfire Club and steals Emma Frost's dress. The notorious White Queen is still in a coma, and Sebastian Shaw sees this as a threat. He attacks the X-Men, who only want to stop the green intruder!

But the best is yet to come....as the X-Men actually enter the halls of fabled Marvel Comics circa 1983. Cameos abound, with Mark Gruenwald, Mike Carlin, Jim Shooter, Larry Hama, Michael Golden, Louise "Weezie" Jones, Paul Smith and yes...Claremont himself all appearing and poking fun at themselves. Zabu is set loose in the halls and causes much chaos within Marvel. Yes folks, this is fun to read! Impy is here because he wants to snatch Stan "The Man" Lee himself! The X-Men chase him around, sending papers, comics and desks all askew! Jim Shooter himself gets beaten up by somebody!! Rogue attempts to touch Impy and absorb his powers, but it doesn't work. Since the Impossible Man is an alien. Wolverine and Impy almost come to blows, but we then learn this whole affair is a scavenger hunt, between Impy and his family, as to who will be leader of their clan. Whoever collects the most treasured artifacts on different worlds...wins.

In the last act, the mutants and Impossible Man travel to the Gobi Desert, where Impy is holding his prized stolen possessions. More in-jokes abound as his ill-gotten booty includes the Millennium Falcon, the large coin from Batman's cave, and the giant arrow which points to Superman's Fortress of Solitude. I guess DC Comics let this one slip by. Oh crap, Impy's homeplanet of Poppup has been destroyed! An alien brigade lands in the desert, ready to tear Impy limb-from-limb for his sacrilege. But the X-Men talk them out of it. Impy hopping into Xavier's wheelchair and wrapping himself around our rumpled professor X. The last page is another funny scene, as Illyana Rasputin and Kitty eat popsicles around the returned Mansion's swimming pool. Impy transforms himself into Tom Selleck to swoon the teenage girls. And then turns into Garfield when he receives his popsicles!!

My thoughts: This and the Dracula annuals are definitely my favorite ones so far. But I think this one edges out #6. This was a wonderful and wacky story with superb use of the Impossible Man to bring humor and hijinks into a normally angsty book. And I like how they still hint to future stories like the Hellfire Club sequence without veering away from the fun moments. Chris Claremont wrote this, with a cavalcade of artists involved, like Michael Golden, Terry Austin, Bill Anderson and Al Milgrom. It was fun all around.

Imraith Nimphais

06-17-2008, 12:08 PM

well, quite.

DDM

06-17-2008, 01:10 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97904389460.7.WIACEK.SGN.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #7

My thoughts: This and the Dracula annuals are definitely my favorite ones so far. But I think this one edges out #6. This was a wonderful and wacky story with superb use of the Impossible Man to bring humor and hijinks into a normally angsty book. And I like how they still hint to future stories like the Hellfire Club sequence without veering away from the fun moments. Chris Claremont wrote this, with a cavalcade of artists involved, like Michael Golden, Terry Austin, Bill Anderson and Al Milgrom. It was fun all around.

Michael Golden pencils the entire annual, BUT several different artists perform the inking duties.

Imraith Nimphais

06-17-2008, 05:56 PM

Storm sure looks great on the cover...that JRjr-boy really did a great job back in the earlies...and...is still doing a great job now-a-days...one of my all-time top-five favourite artists...ever.

david r

06-17-2008, 07:40 PM

The letters page for Uncanny X-Men #175 is answered by Professor Charles Xavier! Big Daddy X himself!

What is purloined here:
We learn Kitty Pryde is taking a computer class with a boy named Doug Walsh, which Xavier thinks will have surprising results. I guess Doug Walsh was the original name for Cypher--DOUG RAMSEY!

Kitty Pryde reads voraciously-mostly at night, long after she should be in bed asleep.
Charles does not object to Kitty's romantic interest in Peter Rasputin. (What say you, Wortblogever? :tongue: )

Xavier in response to Storm's recent changes: "I, too, have noted Storm's recent and ongoing--inner conflict. And I, too, wish very much to help. Unfortunately, she is a very proud and independent young woman, determined at all costs to go her own way. When she asks, I and the X-Men will do what we can--but we are virtually helpless unilt that moment."

worstblogever

06-17-2008, 09:27 PM

Charles does not object to Kitty's romantic interest in Peter Rasputin. (What say you, Worstblogever? :tongue: )
[/I][/B]

I say that makes him an accessory! And not like a fab purse or scarf or something like that.

creaky

06-17-2008, 10:50 PM

I say that makes him an accessory! And not like a fab purse or scarf or something like that.

Well, considering that he himself was crushing on 16-year old Jean, it's not very strange, is it?

worstblogever

06-17-2008, 11:02 PM

Well, considering that he himself was crushing on 16-year old Jean, it's not very strange, is it?

Ah, Chil-Mo Chuck... one of the greatest pre-Onslaught reveals. :redface:

Chuck defenders are quick to point out the Onslaught entity may have just been trying to drive Jean away from Charles, and prevent her from saving him, of course.

Me? I'm on the fence. But he sure did like surrounding himself with mutant kids like Michael Jackson does kids with cancer. And they very often meet horrible ends before they can tell the outside world of what goes on at the Xavier Mansion.

Make your own judgements. :biggrin:

(For the record, I keed, I keed.)

CJ Lentze

06-18-2008, 11:10 AM

I'm really surprised we haven't seen a more radical reaction from the other X-Men. And I don't entirely like Ororo's blatant and dangerous use of her powers, even putting her own teammates in danger. She seems to enjoy it, which I don't think I like.On the other hand, she was quick to shut off her monsoon once she had flushed Mastermind out, AND she urged Wolverine not to kill the man. Even now, Storm herself is concerned about the changes she's going through, and she tries to incorporate her darker side into her personality without making herself less than a superheroine. Rogue noticed an enjoyment in Storm when she was creating that wild weather, but that may have been subconscious more than anything else. While Storm is going through fundamental changes, some of it -in her appearance and the way she acts- may also be a front put up by Storm to hide her own insecurities about her 'transformation'.

david r

06-18-2008, 09:09 PM

Concerning Charles Xavier's romantic feelings for Jean Grey, I myself just pretend that little exchange never happened. I think Stan Lee made a boo-boo, realized he'd made a mistake and never brought it up again. Chris Claremont tried to explain it in Uncanny X-Men #101.

Schuimend Mormel, I think Storm has become a little reckless. She's letting a side of herself lose she's always repressed. But I agree she is TREMENDOUSLY insecure during this period. Her abandoning her "No kill" beliefs would be a hard thing to leave behind. Ororo has lost her innocence, and it's the X-Men's fault.

And losing her grip on her weather-powers, and the stresses of being X-Men leader. I think joining with the Acanti changed her in many ways, also. But it's fascinating to read all these changes coming gradually.

Stephane Garrelie

06-19-2008, 10:21 AM

Maybe. Or Byrne is right and Charles was supposed to be 29 (or maybe even younger). Wich means not much older than the X-men.

I wonder if Byrne didn't even say 22.

After all with his intelect (and his powers... in the sense that they make it easier to acquire knowledge.) he could have got the titles to teach at a relatively young age. And originaly, he opened the school right after being back from the corea war.

david r

06-19-2008, 07:43 PM

Stephane Garrelie

06-20-2008, 06:19 AM

I don't think Charles Xavier was 29. I just don't see him being that young. MAYBE I'd say he was 39. But I picture Charles being in his early 40s at the launch of the X-Men.

Like I said, I like to pretend his little "moment" with his pipe thinking about Jean Grey NEVER HAPPENED!!
I think the same, but our view of Charles is influenced a lot by Claremont's version.
Re-thinking of the Lee Kirby issues without taking in count what came later, Byrne's afirmation seems credible.

david r

06-20-2008, 06:53 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97892800856.1.GIF

X-Men and the Micronauts #1

"First Encounter"

The Children of the Atom meet the Micronauts! They Came from Inner Space! This is another interesting mini-series I'd like to explore. Co-written by Chris Claremont & Bill Mantlo, with art by Butch Guice. Two of the best, most colorful teams of the late 1970s meet in a wonderful limited series. Here we go!

The epic begins with the Micronauts---Acroyear, Bug, Huntarr, Fireflyte, Marionette and their leader, Commander Arcturus Rann, leading a space fleet against an unknown foe.Some entity from Earth has invaded the Microverse, the home of the Micronauts, and laid waste to many worlds and civilizations. Our assembled micro-sized heroes stand aboard their Bioship, a large craft in the shape of their fallen robot comrade, Biotron. However, standing with them is their most despised enemy, Baron Karza! Think of him like Darth Vader, but even more sinister!! They unleash an army of dog soldiers against their voluminous forces ranged against them. The mysterious entity has taken over an entire planet, D'arnel, and possessed all the inhabitants. The Micronauts watch the battle from their ship, and wonder if they should really have allied themselves with one such as Baron Karza!!

The mite-sized heroes don their spacesuits and take to the space-fight themselves. But an asteroid appears, carrying the "entity" himself. It is a figure wearing a suspiciously familiar outfit! He snaps his fingers.... and the planet D' Arnel completely explodes!! The space debris is tremendous, and shatters the heroes' fleet! The entity uses a strong psychic assault and binds the Micronauts to tiny asteroids. Baron Karza within the Bioship escapes...to Earth!

Professor Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Earth. Charles himself is readying a training session in the Danger Room for his newest charges...the New Mutants. Sunspot, Cannonball, Wolfsbane and Spellbinder (a new name for Danielle Moonstar) are ready. Suddenly, Baron Karza smashes into the Control Room and the heroes are sent sprawling to the Danger Room's floor!
Karza is still pint-sized, and prepared to murder everyone. The Bioship has taken him to the source of the "entity" ravaging the Microverse, and he will spill blood to stop the entity. Karza battles the 4 erstwhile new Mutants, but they are no match the battle-tested Baron. The X-Men enter the fray--Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Ariel. Wolverine's imprenetrable claws slash Baron Karza's strong armor, and Karza is wounded. Ariel attempts to phase through him....and this results in them both switching bodies. Karza's mind is within Kitty Pryde, and Kitty transfers unconscious into Baron Karza's tiny form. The Bioship now materializes inside the Danger Room, and the friendly robot informs the X-Men and Professor X what is transpiring within his microverse.

The X-Men agree to help. But all notice Kitty Pryde acting odd and distant. The Bioship uses it's Reduca-Beam to turn them small & tiny like the Micronauts. They board the craft, and vanish back into the unexplored domain of the Microverse. Professor Xavier remains and hopes all goes well.

My thoughts: An awesome issue! The Micronauts were one of my favorite teams from the late 70s, so the X-Men and Micronauts joining up is a treat! Butch Guice's artwork is gorgeous, and he draws all these colorful characters so well. The space battle at the beginning was memorable, and it's fun to see Baron Karza squirm when confronted with defeat! But I don't trust him as far as I can throw him!! I also enjoyed seeing the New Mutants have an appearance. This limited series looks like nirvana for me!

DDM

06-20-2008, 07:00 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97892800856.1.GIF

X-Men and the Micronauts #1

"First Encounter"

The Children of the Atom meet the Micronauts! They Came from Inner Space! This is another interesting mini-series I'd like to explore. C-written by Chris Claremont & Bill Mantlo, with art by Butch Guice. Two of the best, most colorful teams of the late 1970s meet in a wonderful limited series. Here we go!

X-Men-Micronauts #1-4 is an unofficial sequel to Uncanny X-Men #106 (also written by Bill Mantlo) when Xavier's dark side first manifests. Xavier's dark side is known simply as The Entity:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.106.GIF

Stephane Garrelie

06-20-2008, 07:10 PM

Great stuff, by two of my favorite writers: Claremont & Mantlo.
And one of the comics i reread the most often.
The 4 issues where published as a trade here.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j252/StephaneGarrelie/7.jpg

Nevets F

06-20-2008, 08:35 PM

It is such a pleasant surprise every time you throw a mini-series or one-shot into these threads...don't forget the AMAZING X-Men/Alpha Flight mini series when that time comes. :D

david r

06-21-2008, 08:13 AM

Stephane Garrelie

06-21-2008, 11:02 AM

DDM, yes, it's fairly obvious who the mystery villain is here. "Dark Shroud of the Past", indeed.

Stephane, those are beautiful books you displayed. I have never seen those covers before! If I may ask, why do you reread this mini often?

I like the story, well writen, nice art and excellent characters. It's not like many team-up or crossovers, realively empty.
Here the plot is solid, and the structure of the story well done. The interaction between the characters is interesting.
Thats the meeting of two universes, differents, but compatibles.
The X-Men visit the Microverse like they visit the Shiar galaxy.
And the Entity is the best version of a concept that we saw before and after, but not done as well as here.
The Micronautes too are well used, and so is Karza.
Simply: It works.

The fact that it is self-contened also plays a part in the frequent rereadings of course.

And in France i think thats were we saw Ororo's mohawk first. Somehow at this time this mini was like a window on the near futur. It showed us the changes that were to come but had not happened yet in the french edition of Uncanny.

david r

06-21-2008, 07:13 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97892800856.2.GIF

X-Men and the Micronauts #2

"Into the Abyss"

The team-up with the X-Men and the (tik) Micronauts continues. This is another fabulous issue. As the Micronauts find themselves in a nightmare realm, each hunted down my a cadre of green-skinned, lizard-like "weirdlings". In each case, Bug, Marionette, Acroyear, Huntarr, Fireflyte, and Space Glider are transformed into their most awful nightmare. Bug literally turns into a bug. Acroyear finds his beloved Cicilia, who is with child but hates him nonetheless. Each member falls prey to the devious "Entity".

The Entity, wearing golden-armor and a helmet that looks oh-so-familiar, breaks the Micronauts to his psychic will. They fall, and he transforms them wearing yellow-and-blue training costumes of the Original X-Men. Hint-hint. Meanwhile, the X-Men and Baron Karza aboard the Bioship descend into the Microverse. None of our mutants have been in this microscopic realm. They see Homeworld and see the ravaged state it is in, following Baron Karza's battle with the Micronauts and any who oppose him. They confront the Baron over this. But he simply says he is the rightful ruler of Homeworld, and any who oppose him must be vanquished. Besides, do they want the Entity to win? They do not yet know Baron Karza is actually within Kitty Pryde's body. Baron Karza transports down to Homeworld, with Ariel's consciousness trapped in his armor.

Telepathically linked with Commander Arcturus Rann, the Bioship hones in on the planet where the Micronauts are held. The ship lands awkwardly in the grass, and the microscopically-shrunken X-Men leave Bioship and journey into the huge-sized grasslands. However, to their dismay, what stands before them is an exact replica of Professor Xavier's School!! They smash through the front door--ready for anything. Within the study, Charles Xavier sits in his wheelchair, with a spooky grin on his face. Behind him stand the Micronauts--clad in the training costumes, and human-sized! Charles says "Welcome all to Professor Xavier's Alternate School for Gifted Youngsters." His new cadets are to replace the X-Men. Charles orders the Micronauts to kill the X-Men. The problem is the X-men are now tiny-sized, and the Micronauts the large ones. The X-Men are overwhelmed by the assault, and easily defeated. Charles Xavier picks up the broken bodies of his mutants, and transforms into the Entity!!! The Entity/Xavier says "With these X-Men--once I've broken their spirits as I did the Micronauts--I shall play such a game--as will shake the UNIVERSE to it's very FOUNDATIONS!"

My thoughts: Another stellar issue. This mini-series has very high quality, and is packed with action and adventure. I'm sad to see the cool Micronauts be taken down so quickly and easily. I hope the X-Men fare better. I especially enjoyed the novelty of the X-Men being small-sized against the human-sized 'Nauts. That was a surprising touch. And it looks like Charles Xavier has gone evil! Are we witnessing Dark Xavier?!

david r

06-22-2008, 07:35 AM

http://www.drewgeraci.com/images/Micronauts1200.jpg

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/pages/53491064630.2.WHITMAN.P1.GIF

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/53491064630.2.WHITMAN.GIF

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david r

06-22-2008, 07:59 AM

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X-Men and the Micronauts #3

"Mine Eyes Have Seen the Gory!"

The Microverse epic continues, with our X-Men having been brainwashed into obeying the evil "Entity". Much like the realm's heroes, the miraculous Micronauts, the Children of the Atom are under the thrall of the Entity. Worse, he seems to be their founder....Charles Xavier. Are we witnessing DARK XAVIER! :evilsmile:

#3 begins with both squads, X-Men & Micronauts, attacking an asteroid outpost of Dog Soldiers. Both teams are under the complete control of the Entity. Using their formidable powers, the heroes vanquish the Dog Soldiers. Back on Earth, Professor Charles Xavier is asleep in bed, sweating as he watches the gory goings-on. (Which is strange, since #1 said Xavier's mental powers could NOT penetrate the SpaceWall and peer into the Microverse.) The X-Men try to hold back on the killing....all except their youngest member, Ariel. Kitty Pryde enjoys the brutality, and even phases and solidifies a poor soldier into a wall. The Entity lands in his golden armor and odd-helmet, and basks in the glory of the victory. All the heroes bow down before his obvious might.

Back on Earth, Charles Xavier screams and falls out of his sleeping bed. The New Mutants scramble in the room wearing their pajamas. What has happened to Charles? Sam & Roberto help the professor back into bed. None see a tear roll down his face. Back in the Microverse, ruthless dictator Baron Karza stands on Homeworld. Except this isn't really Karza. Kitty Pryde is trapped within his form. She is terrorfied of being trapped in this body forever. And changes into Karza's Centaur form! At that same moment, the Entity is trying to seduce the body of Kitty Pryde (with Baron Karza's psyche inside) into having sex. (YUCK!) Close by, the X-Men & Micronauts are laying asleep in a filthy cell. Wolverine awakens and realizes they are being used as pawns. He would rather die, and is about to slice his claw into Ororo's head (to free her from the oppression) when Colossus stops him. Everyone awakens, and Storm says they must locate the Entity's source of power and destroy it. Everyone realizes the futility of the operation, and begin laughing. Their laughter makes them know they still have independent thought and free will.

Back on Earth, Danielle Moonstar is wiping the sweat from Charles Xavier's face, worried over him. Suddenly, he grabs her hand, and seizes her mind! Using Dani's mind, Xavier frees his own mind from his imprisoned body, and enters his Astral form. Xavier enters the Astral Plane where he meets and confronts the Entity. A wild psi-battle begins between Xavier and his mystery opponent. Meanwhile, the Entity's body has gone limp. Laying next to him, Kitty Pryde notices and stabs him with a knife. On the Astral Plane, the Entity registers the blow, and Xavier seals him in a psychic "Fist". Xavier removes the helmet... to reveal the face of Charles Xavier!! The Entity is Professor X!!! Charles is stunned, and the Entity laughs and engulfs Charles in his own psychic "fist". The Entity assums the physical form of Xavier, and has won the Psi-War!!! Even worse, the X-Men have fled from their cell, but Kitty Pryde/Baron Karza has a rifle and is poised to blow Storm's brains out with it!!!

Flâneur

06-22-2008, 08:11 AM

Wait ... evil Xavier manifestation tries to rape Kitty while she has an extra mind in her head??? And people complain about the Xavier/Jean stuff.

worstblogever

06-22-2008, 08:13 AM

Wait ... evil Xavier manifestation tries to rape Kitty while she has an extra mind in her head??? And people complain about the Xavier/Jean stuff.

This is an interesting development in this issue.

It's like... they acknowledge that an adult doing anything to Kitty's underaged body is dastardly and wrong, and yet... if Colossus does it, everything's Kosher.

I guess there's a difference between enforcing statutory laws, and the actions of a flat-out pedophile, to Claremont.

david r

06-22-2008, 07:11 PM

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X-Men and the Micronauts #4

"Doppelganger"

The cover says it all: DARK XAVIER!

Speaking of the lurid sexual desires of Charles Xavier, #4 begins with him psychically committing foreplay with Danielle Moonstar. And Danielle likes it. The "Entity" has seized control of Xavier's Earthbound body. And is about to play havoc on the Microverse! Back in that microscopic place, Baron Karza--trapped in the body of Kitty Pryde--shoots her rifle to blow Commander Rann's head off. Wolverine and Colossus help to divert the shot. Up above, Karza's battle fleet continues to barrage the Entity's world. And the X-Men & Micronauts are caught in the crossfire! Our heroes chase Kitty to the room where the Entity's physical form lies with a knife in it's back. Baron Karza beams down, as the Entity stands up. Luckily, it has the mind of Charles Xavier. Xavier and the Entity have switched forms. However, Charles is dying thanks to the knife in his back.

Now comes the good stuff. The entity, controlling Xavier's body on Earth, puts on the Cerebro helmet and disengages the safety protocols. He amplifies his power to undreamed of degrees, and readies to destroy the entire Microverse! The Entity/Xavier's psi-power breaches the Spacewall and begins actually destroying worlds within the Microverse! The devastation is vast! Baron Karza's entire space fleet is wiped out, including traitorous Degrayde is killed in the onslaught! The X-Men & Micronauts board the Bioship and using Fireflyte, who is tied to the Enigma Force, they breach the Spacewall to the 616 Earth. Landing at Charles Xavier's School. The New Mutants attack the odd-looking ship. They are possessed by Dark Xavier by this point. Our heroes, still tiny-sized, fight back against the teenaged mutants.

Xavier, within the Entity's body, is bleeding to death. Nightcrawler takes him to Bioship's infirmary. Back in the battle, the newest member of the NMs, Magma, erupts a volcano which seeps hot lava against the Bioship. The poor craft is alive and feels the pain. While all this is going, distracting the Entity, Charles Xavier himself reverts to his Astral Form and enters the mind of his own body. He guides himself into the maze of his own mind. We readers see a collage of seens from previous X-MEN issues, which represent his memory. This part is rather cool, using artwork from Kirby, Cockrum, Byrne, Smith etc. to illustrate the past life of Charles Xavier. Culminating with Dark Phoenix before Xavier. But none of it is real. Astral Xavier solidifies himself within his own brain, and begins shooting bolts! This could cause a lobotomy, and the Entity panics and tries to stop him. Meanwhile, Kitty and Baron Karza have phased back into one another, and regained the use of their own individual bodies.

The lava is ravaging poor Bioship, and Nightcrawler is forced to teleport away with the dying Entity's body. In the end, Charles Xavier used deception to fool the Entity. Making the enemy believe he was causing a major stroke to his own body. The Entity fled back to his own body....only to find it was dead from blood loss. The entity then ceased to exist. However, poor Bioship is dying. In it's last moment, it returns the X-Men to their full human-size. Arcturus Rann says farewell to his roboid friend, Biotron, and the Bioship passes away. The Entity is dead. Charles Xavier is safe and sound. The Microverse is saved. And the Micronauts use Fireflyte to pass thru the Spacewall to their universe. Ther heroes have won the day.

My overall thoughts: This limited series was fantastic, from both art & writing. This wasn't some forgettable mini, as Stephane Garrellie posted, the plot is solid, with high-quality. Sadly, we will never see this reprinted in a trade paperback since Marvel lost the rights to the Micronauts and characters like Baron Karza, Acroyear, Time Traveller, and Centauri are off limits now. A shame. The Entity was pretty freaky a villain. I now seriously wonder HOW Charles Xavier can be trusted, since a person's dark side never leaves them. How could his dark side have created it's own distinct persona which killed MILLIONS of souls within the Microverse? Charles has committed an atrocity as horrendous as Dark Phoenix. I'm surprised this has never come up again. Butch Guice's art rocked, and I especially enjoyed the panel showing the Micronauts wearing the yellow-and-blue training uniforms of the X-Men. That was great. I also liked how the new Mutants were given a supporting role here. Just an excellent mini-series all around, and recommended. You won't be disappointed.

worstblogever

06-22-2008, 11:06 PM

Xavier...foreplay... Moonstar...

There are not other words I can use, without Cronin having to come and having to edit them.

Dan'L

06-23-2008, 03:40 PM

The Entity was pretty freaky a villain. I now seriously wonder HOW Charles Xavier can be trusted, since a person's dark side never leaves them. How could his dark side have created it's own distinct persona which killed MILLIONS of souls within the Microverse? Charles has committed an atrocity as horrendous as Dark Phoenix. I'm surprised this has never come up again.

Wasn't the Entity the basis for Onslaught?

-Dan'L

DDM

06-23-2008, 04:39 PM

Wasn't the Entity the basis for Onslaught?

-Dan'L

As originally conceived? Yes. However, the editors fundamentally changed the story to make Onslaught an amalgam of Xavier & Magneto's dark sides then split Onslaught off completely from both Xavier & Magneto, making Onslaught a separate autonomous character from Charles Xavier & Magneto. Therefore, the answer is no.

david r

06-23-2008, 07:35 PM

Xavier...foreplay... Moonstar...

There are not other words I can use, without Cronin having to come and having to edit them.

This brings up some points I'd like to make about out this X-Men/Micros mini. Was this "Entity" a momentary lapse of reason on Charles Xavier's part? Temporary insanity? Or something deeper? We all have a dark side. But it was never adequately explained HOW Xavier's dark side manifested itself into a separate being. How could the most powerful telepath on Earth not notice a part of his "essence" was breaking away from him? Unless that is the answer right there.

---Where was Jim Shooter? We witness Charles Xavier's evil side destroy several worlds within the Microverse; presumably killing billions of souls in the process. Sound familiar? Yet as far as I can read, there are no consequences for Charles. If EIC Jim Shooter felt Jean Grey/Phoenix should suffer severe consequences for ending the life of five billion people--and FORCED Claremont/Byrne to change the end of Dark Phoenix-- where is the severe consequences for Charles Xavier and the billions of lives he snuffed out in the Microverse? Why didn't Shooter call CC on this one?

Dallan and Sepsis! I loved seeing Bug and Nightcrawler on the same page. Seeing the X-Men and Micronauts interact was so much fun. :cool:

david r

06-23-2008, 08:12 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/50342827210.1.GIF

Magik #1

"Little Girl Lost"

This mini series details Illyana Rasputin and her travails in Limbo. What happened to her there, following Uncanny X-Men #160? According to Belasco, nothing good!

This first issue begins at the pulse-pounding climax to UXM #160. With the evil Demon-Lord Belasco attempting to pull young Illyana into his satanic realm. The uncanny X-Men are trying their hardest to free her and escape back to their reality. According to this issue, they lose. Belasco frisks Illyana away, much to the horror of an old Storm: a woman we met in #160, who wears a dark robe and uses magicks. Belasco covets his new prize, placing Illyana on a slab. He raises Illyana's soul from her pre-teen body,and transforms the soul into a demon. She is supposedly bound to Belasco now...body and soul. He smashes her soul into a Bloodstone, and places it inside a Talisman. Belasco zaps old Ororo, who is no match for him. But we now meet a new character..... CAT! Kitty Pryde swoops in wearing a nifty new costume and mask. Cat whisks out her sword and begins to do battle. But Belasco simply teleports away.

Ororo lifts little Illyana and takes her to a bed, within Ororo's hidden sanctuary in Limbo. It is surrounded by plants and trees, much like Ororo's attic home in Charles Xavier's Mansion. Cat says Ororo is getting too old for this stuff. These are all alternate versions of our 616 X-Men. And Ororo is considerably aged. Too old to use her weather-powers, she now uses sorcery. Ororo now uses her magic to become an Astral Form, and slips into Illyana's mind. Ororo locates the core of Illyana's being. It is a dark and spooky place. With a towering gothic-style castle! Ilyana's soul seems to already be corrupted. An older Illyana struts out of the castle on a horse, mocking the sorceror Storm. Ororo tries to stop her, but she is too aged. Illyana overwhelms her, and exposes Ororo's true face. She is also a kindred spirit with Belasco. But Ororo denies this, and ushers up wind and lightning to somehow zap her back to her Limbo sanctuary.

Cat greets her there, and ponders whether they should simply kill young Illyana Rasputin. This Kitty Pryde is much harder than our version. Ororo wonders how her Kitten could say such a thing. Cat responds, "I'm not your "Kitten" anymore, Ororo! Thanks to Belasco, I'm not even HUMAN! I''m CAT! In looks, as well as name!" Kitty takes off her mask, revealing her facial features now look like a feline cat itself! Cat runs away, saying she'd rather see Illyana perish than become like herself. In the next sequence, Ororo takes young Illyana around her garden. They both sit beside a massive tree, and relax. Ororo speaks and soon both rise out of their bodies, into astral forms. Illyana marvels at the beauty of the garden, now seeing auras over everything. They speaks philosophically about things. Illyana notices her physical body resting, and notices something in her chest. Ororo replies that is a portion of Belasco which lives within her. Illyana then notices the same thing in Ororo's resting chest. Ororo awakens them now, and Illyana has aged an entire year during this interlude!

That night, Ororo hears a sound on her balcoy, and looks out. Cat knocks her into the swimming pool, knocking her unconscious. Cat then steals Illyana Rasputin, saying she will help her get back to her reality. Ororo merely wants to turn Illyana into her apprentice, and this Cat cannot ALLOW!

My thoughts: Another provocative foray into the magic & sorcery world. Chris Claremont does like to explore this from time-to-time. The artwork by John Buscema is beautiful and I really enjoyed that. I'm intrigued by this "Cat" person---I wonder if she is somehow the same Cat from New Exiles? The Ororo depicted here seems much sadder than our 616 version. Her use of sorcery, instead of weather-powers, is a bit jarring at first. I certainly feel sorry for poor Illyana in all this. She must be pretty damn special for Belasco to desire her so badly. This whole "alternate X-Men/Limbo" idea is a little odd. I'm still not sure what to make of it. I certainly hope we get explanations to Illyana and her mutant powers, because it's been a long wait.

worstblogever

06-24-2008, 02:02 AM

This brings up some points I'd like to make about out this X-Men/Micros mini. Was this "Entity" a momentary lapse of reason on Charles Xavier's part? Temporary insanity? Or something deeper? We all have a dark side. But it was never adequately explained HOW Xavier's dark side manifested itself into a separate being. How could the most powerful telepath on Earth not notice a part of his "essence" was breaking away from him? Unless that is the answer right there.

---Where was Jim Shooter? We witness Charles Xavier's evil side destroy several worlds within the Microverse; presumably killing billions of souls in the process. Sound familiar? Yet as far as I can read, there are no consequences for Charles. If EIC Jim Shooter felt Jean Grey/Phoenix should suffer severe consequences for ending the life of five billion people--and FORCED Claremont/Byrne to change the end of Dark Phoenix-- where is the severe consequences for Charles Xavier and the billions of lives he snuffed out in the Microverse? Why didn't Shooter call CC on this one?

Dallan and Sepsis! I loved seeing Bug and Nightcrawler on the same page. Seeing the X-Men and Micronauts interact was so much fun. :cool:

Jim Shooter must believe tiny creatures are proportionately less important. So Xavier killed about half a full person by killing so many creatures in the Microverse. Thus, his total being <1, he got a free pass.

And diddling Moonstar and comtemplating violating Kitty? He didn't get 'em pregnant or give them VD, so it was all on the up and up. :rolleyes:

This miniseries is both so good creatively, and so bad editorially and in terms of continuity... So much is going on, but it does what should be irreparable moral damage to Xavier.

And it's largely not regarded as part of the X-mythos. A real head scratcher.

Dan'L

06-24-2008, 09:54 AM

As originally conceived? Yes. However, the editors fundamentally changed the story to make Onslaught an amalgam of Xavier & Magneto's dark sides then split Onslaught off completely from both Xavier & Magneto, making Onslaught a separate autonomous character from Charles Xavier & Magneto. Therefore, the answer is no.

Right. I didn't say that the Entity WAS Onslaught, only the basis. Once they added Magneto's dark side, it was no longer "The Entity," but something new -- "Onslaught." It was the Entity's ability to take on physical form separate from Xavier that allowed Onslaught to do the same.

I don't know how I managed to miss the X-men/Micronauts mini, but it's not in my collection :frown: Guess I've got something to go track down! :biggrin:

-Dan'L

david r

06-24-2008, 08:12 PM

WBE, you say X-Men and the Micronauts is not a part of the X-Mythos? I've never heard that. It pretty cleanly fits in right here. Do you mean because of the irreparable damage it causes Charles Xavier that it's mostly ignored, because HOW do you explain his dark side causing so much havoc?

Dan'L, you won't be sorry getting this mini. It's well worth the money and time in finding it. :smile:

Here are some more thoughts on Magik #1:

- John Buscema's artwork is perfect for placing mood & atmosphere here. Full of mists, monsters, demon and gargoyles. Buscema captures a brooding feel for Limbo which feels perfect.
-It's sad how trusting and innocent 8-year-old Illyana Rasputin is in #1. Children don't see how dangerous the world can really be. Illyana even trusts Belasco because he simply says he loves her.
-Cat's costume is quite revealing! Showing so much flesh, all her legs and up her sides. A definite improvement over Kitty Pryde's current costumes.

david r

06-25-2008, 07:15 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/50342827210.2.GIF

Magik #2

"Cold Iron, Hot Blood"

Is that Jabba the Hutt on the cover? That cover definitely has a Return of the Jedi vibe; at least the part in Jabba's fortress. And why is Assistant Editor Eliot Brown on the cover? He sure seemed to be everywhere back then. :rolleyes:

Illyana Rasputin's journey through Limbo continues, as she and Cat continue their quest through this weird Wonderland of horrors. Fighting monsters and creatures along the way. Cat promised to send Illyana home, but she seems to have reneged on that promise. During one fight, Illyana falls through a Circle of Light, and winds up next to the dead body of her brother, Colossus. I found that sequence shocking. The large behemoth S'ym lights a cigar and walks in on Illyana. S'ym introduces himself to Illyana, and Cat shows up, piercing his tail with her sword. The 2 female heroines escape using Cat's phasing ability. They appear in a dry, desolate desert, where once stood our own Savage Land. Belasco laid waste to the fertile terrain of the Savage Land...leaving this wasteland.

Cat takes her sword and attacks a two-headed tiger. The battle is ferocious, but Cat is up to the challenge. She slays the tiger and stands & screams a victory cry!! Cat rips off her mask, showing her true feline features to Illyana!! This Kitty Pryde is very different from our own. Thus, begins the teachings; as Cat and Illyana begin running thru this desert. Cat teaching Illyana the skills of sword-fighting. By the time they reach a mountainpass, Illyana has aged another year of her life. And become very skilled in swordplay. Storm appears in her Astral Form, begging Cat to return Illyana to her. Cat refuses, and Storm vanishes, saying they will not meet again. Above Cat & Illyana is Belasco's mountaintop citadel. They climb to it and phase through, into a torch-lit, spooky and dark fortress. Filled with demon-heads and gargoyle statues.

An evil, twisted version of Nightcrawler awaits them; last seen in Uncanny X-Men 160 This Kurt Wagner has none of the humanity or love-of-life our Kurt does. He attacks the 2 fighters, holding two swords with his hands...and a 3rd sword with his tail. Very inventive! Kurt fights Illyana and uses his teleporting power to confuse her. But Cat wins, and she phases his foot....and then makes it solid in the hard floor. Nightcrawler screams in agony, and to my shock, Cat now stabs him through the chest with her sword!!! Nightcrawler falls to the floor, dead. The two heroes seem close to victory, when Belasco whisks them back, laughing and taunting them. Belasco transforms Cat into a true, feline version of the real thing. Cat becomes a human-sized cat, with fur and a tail. She purrs as Belasco pets her. And then, again to my disgust, begins to *eat* Nightcrawler!?! Belasco now turns to helpless Illyana. He hands her a dagger, and she cuts her own wrist. A part of her welcomes becoming his apprentice. A blood droplet lands in the damned locket, filling a second Bloodstone. Illyana smiles devilishly! Ororo watches what transpires in a crystal ball. Ororo is outraged and smashes the crystal ball! She must now kill both Cat & Illyana!!

My thoughts: WHEW! This was a great, harrowing issue! Limbo has beauty, and horror. I felt when the evil Nightcrawler was killed, this mini hit a whole higher level. I was NOT expecting that. I feel sorry for Illyana Rasputin, as her innocence expressed in #1 will surely be lost after this sojourn through Hell. Cat is a hard taskmaster; I sense she has been through a lot. Especially her sadness when she informs us her beloved Colossus gave his life to save her. I'm enjoying this limited series quite a bit.

david r

06-26-2008, 07:07 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/50342827210.3.GIF

Magik #3

"Soulquest"

Illyana Rasputin's focus here is long overdue. Too long she has been in the shadows in Uncanny X-Men, a supporting character with not much to do. Marvel would hint to mysterious things with her, but never follow through with answers. At last, this mini-series delivers a focused tale on Illyana. It may be one of the most gut-wrenching stories any mutant has ever endured.

As #3 begins, Illyana Rasputin has become the apprentice of Demon-Lord Belasco. He is teaching her the dark, demonic teachings of Eldritch magick within Limbo. We learn that Belasco created Limbo, and he cannot be killed there. As for Illyana Rasputin, she is growing older. And most frightening of all, there is a part of her that is enjoying learning the satanic ways of Belasco. Limbo's version of Kitty Pryde, named Cat, has actually been turned into a human-sized feline. After one session with Belasco, Cat chases poor Illyana back to her dungeon room, and phases through the door! Illyana hides in her bed, and Cat pounces. But instead of killing, Cat attempts to say Illyana's name...I...Illll...Yaaaana! Cat tries to communicate. It's more than Illyana can bear. She throws her pillow (!) and lashes at Cat with a spell, hurtling her to the floor. Cat leaves.

Illyana creates a circle on the ground, with a star within. This is a spell that Ororo showed her. The spell seems to conjur the Astral Form of Storm, who says she is on the way to aid Illyana in an escape from Belasco's citadel. Illyana reveals she still wants to escape Belasco, and attempts to formulate a plan. Soon, Ororo departs. Illyana is afraid and wishes to leave her room. Suddenly, one of the Circles of light appears (did Illyana conjure it up?) and she enters. The New Mutants make a brief, inexplicable cameo, riding up in an automobile inside the tunnel Illyana pops up in. She doesn't know who they are! They pop away just as fast! Illyana next enters another light circle and winds up in the past...watching a younger Storm battling Belasco for her immortal soul. Storm appears to destroy Belasco...but it is in fact her innocence being crushed. By murdering another person, Ororo has become as bad as any villain. (I wonder if this really in reference to Ororo's recent battle with Callisto in UXM #170?)

When Illyana finally returns to the present, she finds the castle has been attacked by aged Storm. Storm is in a sorcerous confrontation with Belasco!!! Cat comes up behind Ororo and slashes Ororo in the back with her razor-sharp claws! Illyana runs to help, and lashes out her a flame-torch. Cat and Illyana fight, with the younger girl climbing onto Cat's back. And then comes the excruciatingly awful moment when Illyana Rasputin snaps Cat's neck!! Cat falls to the floor....dead!! Illyana crawls to the dying body of Storm, who says the key to victory is found within the heart and soul. Do not cry for her, for she now goes to those she loves. But Belasco approaches and mocks Ororo. He has other plans for her. He is now going to strip her body of her soul while she lives, and offer it up as a sacrifice to the Dark Ones!! Death will not herald freedom, but eternal damnation!

My thoughts: I found the death of Cat very sad. I was expecting her to be rescued and returned to normal. Not this! It was a shocking thing for Illyana, such a young girl, to have to do to someone she loved. I wonder why the hell Storm has taken so long to come to the rescue? Years have gone by since #2. This issue's events happened over a much smaller timeframe. I also wonder about Belasco and how exactly he CREATED Limbo. After reading this I worry over the blackening of Illyana's heart and how she will ever fully recover.

david r

06-27-2008, 08:04 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/50342827210.4.GIF

Magik #4

"Darkchild"

Illyana: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural. :evilsmile:

I love that final cover. Especially the freaky eye in the book, staring at Magik. And cover artist Tom Palmer's name written on a forgotten book of lore! Illyana Rasputin's descent into Hell (and her inner demons) concludes in this issue. This mini holds one of the darkest X-Men stories yet.

Ororo lays dying in Illyana's arms, with Demon-Lord Belasco and his monstrosities looking on. Belasco hands Illyana a dagger to murder off Storm and send her helpless soul to the Dark Ones. Ororo smiles, but Illyana has another idea. She plunges the dagger into Ororo, killing Storm! The result is in Ororo's death-moment, a huge cauldron of lightning shatters into the castle!! Killing many of Belasco's beasts and sending the whole place into disarray! Illyana has outsmarted the Demon-Lord, and she manifests her mutant power to create a Circle of Light and teleport her and Ororo away. The heroes return to Ororo's hidden Garden. But with Storm's death, the place changes to freezing snow and wind. After burying Ororo, the form of Storm rises hideously rotted and reaches out for her!

Illyana teleports again to her parents home in the Soviet Union. Illyana attempts a reunion with her parents, but they do not recognize the 14-year old. THIS cannot be their daughter, Illyana! She is 6-years-old, and in America. They close the door in her face. Illyana falls to the ground in despair....just to be confronted by gruesome, monstrous versions of the X-Men! Illyana faints. When she awakens, Belasco is standing before her. He is disappointed in her rebellion, and banishes Illyana back into the wilderness of Limbo. She is teleported back to Ororo's Garden, now a frozen, snowbound waste. She hides within the massive oak tree that Storm had created. As time goes, Illyana forages for food and much time passes. Illyana grows more older, and is barely able to stay alive. She continually tries to create an "acorn" of her inner innocence, only to fail time and again.

As time passes, Illyana realizes the only way to create this "acorn" is not out of vengeance on Belasco, but out of love of life. She tries again...and the Soulsword appears in her hand! It worked! Illyana regains her mutant power, and creates a Circle of Light and teleports back to unsuspecting Belasco's inner chamber. Illyana assaults Belasco with the powerful Soulsword! S'ym enters the chamber & Illyana slices his midsection with the sword. S'ym falls to the floor, and Illyana smashes many ancient books of supernatural knowledge. But Illyana has READ THEM ALL! Illyana grins as she begins to turn into a red-demon herself. She corners Belasco....Illyana becoming devilish as Belasco, while the Demon-Lord himself turns into a helpless human! She is about to stab him to death, when her "self" realizes what she's become. She turns away, and spares Belasco's life! Belasco is outraged! She is not worthy to be his apprentice! No matter, for she will still be his instrument to escape Limbo and conquer Earth. He vanishes, and Illyana walks through the empty citadel. She holds the Bloodstone Medallion, and teleports back to Earth. Returning at the climax of Uncanny X-Men #160, if you've read that issue.

Magik ends with 14-year-old Illyana Rasputin standing in the snow, near Professor Charles Xavier's School. She says a farewell to the Limbo X-Men who fought to save her. She begins walking back to the Mansion, and sees the New Mutants outside playing. An ending....can also be a beginning.

My overall thoughts: This mini-series was truly something different. Full of supernatural elements, gloomy corridors and enchanted spells. Though we have little time to get to know the Limbo Storm and Kitty Pryde, I still felt sadness over their deaths. Cat was a provocative take on Kitty. I cannot underscore more what hardships and horrors Illyana Rasputin suffers through in this. I'm surprised some vocal parents didn't complain about this in 1983. I especially liked John Buscema's art in #1 and 2 and wished he had finished out the series. I wonder if at the end, Belasco was playing Illyana for a fool like he did Ororo. In #4, when Illyana is turning into a demon herself, and Belasco transforms to human, if he was just playing her and if she HAD slain him, it simply would have stolen her innocence, and had no effect on Belasco. The very thing that happened to Limbo's Storm. But most frightening of all, Illyana is still tied to Belasco, and this story isn't truly over yet. The Medallion awaits more blood!! Overall, this was a superb and chilling story not for the squeamish. But well worth reading.

david r

06-29-2008, 07:49 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.176.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #176

"Decisions"

1st appearance: Valerie Cooper

Cyclops is BLASTING the cover logo!! While being drowned by a giant octopus!! Only in X-MEN!! :rolleyes: :biggrin: This issue is very much Cyclops-centric! As he and Madelyne Pryor head out for their honeymoon. But romantic bliss is cut short...as usual in our mutants' world!!

Scott and Madelyne Summers are piloting their own plane over the Pacific Ocean, headed for a small tropical island for their honeymoon. They engage the autopilot often so they can schmooch and do other things that newlyweds do! You know what I mean. But soon they fly into a horrendous storm, and the plane is hit by lightning!! Down they go! They narrowly survive plummeting into the ocean, and begin repairs on the craft. Continually blowing kisses at each other along the way! Scott is almost eaten by a huge JAWS like shark! But in the end, they are assaulted by another awful storm....and a giant octopus which attack them in the ocean and tries to drag them down to Davy Jones Locker. Scott's eye-blasts save the day, as he cuts loose on the octopus (or is it octopi ?) and blasts his way to freedom! The 2 loverbirds climb back aboard the plane, kiss, try the engines again, kiss, and at last the engines start and they're on their merry way.

After kissing some more, Scott decides not to join his father, Corsair, and the Starjammers in their voyages in outer space. Scott wants to be selfish for awhile; he wants a life, a family--all the things he never had before the X-Men. He wants to be happy. Madelyne cuddles with him, and they fly off into the sunset. The Beginning!

Meanwhile, in Japan, Wolverine sneaks into Mariko Yashida's room and delivers to her the Honor Blade of Clan Yashida. It had been sent to him via mail. Though Mariko is now free of Mastermind's brainwashing, Mariko has decided they can still not marry. Logan is still hurt and wonders why? This whole sequence is well-drawn, with Wolverine's face constantly in shadow. Mariko wants him to have the sword, so Logan takes it with him. After he departs, Mariko bursts into tears. She still loves him. On other fronts, more menaces are brewing as Valerie Cooper debuts, as a staff member of the United States' National Security Advisor. A Project Wideawake meeting is being held, with Henry Peter Gyrich and heads of every national security agency. Blonde-haired Valerie Cooper addresses them all, saying more and more mutants are being born each day. The events of Magneto's confrontation with Soviet Russia from Uncanny X-Men #150 are recounted. Cooper states the US is no longer alone with mutants; more mutants are cropping up in other countries, like Canada. Cooper says mutants are a clear and present danger to America, and must be dealt with TODAY!

Also, the Morlocks return as Callisto, Masque and Sunder confront poor Caliban in his lonely, underground room. They convince him that Kitty Pryde lied to him, and a plan is hatched to deal with her.

My thoughts: John Romita Jr. debuts as new artist, and I like his work quite a bit. Romita would get the deadlines down back when X-MEN was suffering from lateness. Welcome, John. I especially like Romita's cover & Cyclops blasting the logo. This was a nice issue spotlighting the changes in Scott Summers' life. He deserves his romantic bliss, and I hope he's happy. Luckily, Jaws and the octopus didn't bring it to a premature ending. Not a classic issue, but a fun one.

Dr. Ghost

06-29-2008, 04:34 PM

I've been going through this thread because I'm also reading it from the beginning.
I'm on issue 40, and damn, these early stories are painful.

Anyway, good thread; it's entertaining.

Seres

06-29-2008, 05:31 PM

This is where I can jump on; my first time reading the X-Men. I got a hold of this issue and flicked through, and there were these two happy people having a nice honeymoon and everything's nice and sunny and calm AND THEN SHARK!

And then they got attacked by a squid. I realised at this moment that Uncanny X-Men was the most amazing thing ever. Also: Caliban scared the heck out of me here. I mean, of course there's nothing anyone would want more than to settle down with a nice Jewish girl, but this was maybe a step backwards for the poor feller.

One question: was this one of the first times anyone messed with the cover logo on an X-Men title? It's pretty attention-grabby and brilliant.

DDM

06-29-2008, 05:52 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.176.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #176

"Decisions"

1st appearance: Valerie Cooper

Cyclops is BLASTING the cover logo!! While being drowned by a giant octopus!! Only in X-MEN!! :rolleyes: :biggrin: This issue is very much Cyclops-centric! As he and Madelyne Pryor head out for their honeymoon. But romantic bliss is cut short...as usual in our mutants' world!!

Scott and Madelyne Summers are piloting their own plane over the Pacific Ocean, headed for a small tropical island for their honeymoon. They engage the autopilot often so they can schmooch and do other things that newlyweds do! You know what I mean. But soon they fly into a horrendous storm, and the plane is hit by lightning!! Down they go! They narrowly survive plummeting into the ocean, and begin repairs on the craft. Continually blowing kisses at each other along the way! Scott is almost eaten by a huge JAWS like shark! But in the end, they are assaulted by another awful storm....and a giant octopus which attack them in the ocean and tries to drag them down to Davy Jones Locker. Scott's eye-blasts save the day, as he cuts loose on the octopus (or is it octopi ?) and blasts his way to freedom! The 2 loverbirds climb back aboard the plane, kiss, try the engines again, kiss, and at last the engines start and they're on their merry way.

After kissing some more, Scott decides not to join his father, Corsair, and the Starjammers in their voyages in outer space. Scott wants to be selfish for awhile; he wants a life, a family--all the things he never had before the X-Men. He wants to be happy. Madelyne cuddles with him, and they fly off into the sunset. The Beginning!

Meanwhile, in Japan, Wolverine sneaks into Mariko Yashida's room and delivers to her the Honor Blade of Clan Yashida. It had been sent to him via mail. Though Mariko is now free of Mastermind's brainwashing, Mariko has decided they can still not marry. Logan is still hurt and wonders why? This whole sequence is well-drawn, with Wolverine's face constantly in shadow. Mariko wants him to have the sword, so Logan takes it with him. After he departs, Mariko bursts into tears. She still loves him. On other fronts, more menaces are brewing as Valerie Cooper debuts, as a staff member of the United States' National Security Advisor. A Project Wideawake meeting is being held, with Henry Peter Gyrich and heads of every national security agency. Blonde-haired Valerie Cooper addresses them all, saying more and more mutants are being born each day. The events of Magneto's confrontation with Soviet Russia from Uncanny X-Men #150 are recounted. Cooper states the US is no longer alone with mutants; more mutants are cropping up in other countries, like Canada. Cooper says mutants are a clear and present danger to America, and must be dealt with TODAY!

Also, the Morlocks return as Callisto, Masque and Sunder confront poor Caliban in his lonely, underground room. They convince him that Kitty Pryde lied to him, and a plan is hatched to deal with her.

My thoughts: John Romita Jr. debuts as new artist, and I like his work quite a bit. Romita would get the deadlines down back when X-MEN was suffering from lateness. Welcome, John. I especially like Romita's cover & Cyclops blasting the logo. This was a nice issue spotlighting the changes in Scott Summers' life. He deserves his romantic bliss, and I hope he's happy. Luckily, Jaws and the octopus didn't bring it to a premature ending. Not a classic issue, but a fun one.

John Romita Jr's first official issue is Uncanny X-Men #175; he pencils Scott & Madelyne's wedding.

DDM

06-29-2008, 05:58 PM

Reading Daredevil #180, this could have been the inspiration for Chris Claremont's Morlocks. Why? Frank Miller's story has strange people with green skin living beneath Manhattan in the sewer system led by some sort of monstrous leader. Daredevil defeats him & returns to the surface:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/21267019774.180.SIGNED.GIF

I believe Daredevil #180 pre-dates Uncanny X-Men #169-170:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.169.GIF

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.170.GIF

The Hand, another Frank Miller creation, turns up in Wolverine #1-4; whereas, the Hand plays a major role in subverting Psylocke into their fold in Uncanny X-Men #256-258.

david r

06-29-2008, 07:19 PM

Dr. Ghost, I'm glad you are enjoying this thread. :smile: I'm sure you may have noticed the reviews evolved over time. I didn't post covers in the early days. I wished I'd thought of that from the beginning.

Yes, those early issues are different and more humorous to read now. But there is a definite charm in the 1960s X-Men; I have a newfound appreciation for the Original X-Men and like the innocence of that era.

Seres, you must have been confused with #176 because so few X-Men appear! Where are all of they?! :biggrin: And who is the man with the red glasses?? It was a nice, Cyclops-heavy issue. I hope you will continue to contribute. :smile:

DDM, those Daredevil issues came out in 1981. I think you're right that Chris Claremont may have "borrowed" that group for his Morlocks. As Claremont has said, "Great minds think alike!"

I think I will pretend that Daredevil actually met an offshoot band of Morlocks in those issues. I don't see how they could be anyone else BUT Morlocks!

david r

06-29-2008, 07:32 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.177.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #177

"Sanction"

This issue focuses on dark-skinned, red-haired Mystique! It begins with Mystique taking on the current X-Men team single-handedly. She is fighting them at a VERY familiar looking carnival. Mystique finds unique and cunning ways to take down each X-Man...even her so-called daughter-- Rogue! But when it comes to stabbing Nightcrawler...... Mystique hesitates!! That is her undoing, as Kurt Wagner punches her out!

Mystique awakens on a couch, being helped by Irene Adler, otherwise known as Destiny. The X-Men were all a sham, robots by that maniacally-amusing Arcade! Arcade and his "associate" Miss Locke enter the room and Arcade toasts Mystique on a job well done---defeating his robotic X-Men. The lively Arcade is amused, and Mystique asks if her entire Brotherhood of Evil Mutants can train against the robot X-Men. Arcade says, "Of course." Mystique is enraged that her adopted daughter, Rogue, has left her. And is convinced that Charles Xavier is mindcontrolling her. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde is finishing up dance class with Stevie Hunter. Kitty is horribly upset over Storm's recent physical and emotional changes---I guess going mohawk has that affect. Storm enters and is saddened to see Kitty act so. Storm wonders if she indeed has become a monster. Also, we finally bid farewell to Lilandra and the pirate band of Starjammers. Charles Xavier, Scott and Alex Summers are all present to say their goodbyes, and beam back to Earth. Lilandra and Corsair wonder about the war which awaits them----retaking Sh'iar from Deathbird. (It's hard to believe this is a story that has been going on since UXM #154!)

The action occurs as Kurt, Amanda Sefton, Peter and Kitty are all together attening a ballet show at New York's famous Lincoln Center. Nightcrawler is brooding over whether he is related to Mystique (they look so much alike), and what his adopted mother, Margali Szardos, knows about it. Peter learns about a new friend of Kitty's named Doug Ramsey, but before you know it, there is an explosion atop a nearby abandoned NY building. Peter becomes hardened-steel and enters the building as Colossus, where he encounters the rotund Blob! The new Brotherhood of evil Mutants are ambushing him! Colosuss battles Blob, Pyro and Avalanche, who use their combined powers to turn Peter red-hot and then freeze him with liquid nitrogen! Kitty hears an explosion and scream, and runs to his aid to find Colossus frozen alive in solid ice! (At least, I THINK it's ice! Can't quite tell from the picture.)

My thoughts: I can already tell the team of Claremont/John Romita Jr. are going to work great together. I guess they felt it was time to focus back on Mystique because she plays center-stage here. I think it's always fun to see the outrageous Arcade. The saddest moment was the scene with Kitty and Storm. Usually it's the TEENAGER that would be punk & mohawk, and the adult upset over it. Here, it's the opposite. I must admit, it's interesting to see the multiple changes happening to Ororo Munroe. I'm glad to see Colossus get a chance to show some muscle...even if he may die in the effort.

Hi-Fi

06-29-2008, 07:34 PM

I love this issue. I love getting inside Mystique's head. Learning she loves the circus. Learning how cold she can be while fighting the X-Men. And how Kurt means something to her.

Dr. Ghost

06-29-2008, 07:34 PM

I guess growing up watching the X-Men show on Fox and checking out random X titles from the library in the early/mid 90s made me biased.
Still, the roots are always important.

CJ Lentze

06-30-2008, 10:46 AM

One question: was this one of the first times anyone messed with the cover logo on an X-Men title? It's pretty attention-grabby and brilliant.Yeah, it was one of few times they did something to the cover logo. I think the very first time was during the Dark Phoenix Saga, issue 135, on which Dark Phoenix crushes the letters 'X' and 'N'; and in issue 136 the letters still have cracks in them. The cover of issue 56 was supposed to feature the X-Men all tied to the letters 'X-Men', I believe, but editors thought it would obscure the title, so Neal Adams re-designed it.

Inside issue 176 there's actually a column where Jim Shooter comments on Cyclops optic blasting his own logo on the cover, and he says he wasn't too pleased to see that (I'm not sure why- maybe because Cyclops is one of the good guys)-- but instead of throwing a fit over it, he decided to leave the cover as it is anyway.

I think it would have been cool if the Brotherhood would have continued using Murderworld for their training, like a Danger Room for bad guys.

worstblogever

06-30-2008, 01:34 PM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.177.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #177

"Sanction"

This issue focuses on dark-skinned, red-haired Mystique! It begins with Mystique taking on the current X-Men team single-handedly. She is fighting them at a VERY familiar looking carnival. Mystique finds unique and cunning ways to take down each X-Man...even her so-called daughter-- Rogue! But when it comes to stabbing Nightcrawler...... Mystique hesitates!! That is her undoing, as Kurt Wagner punches her out!

Mystique awakens on a couch, being helped by Irene Adler, otherwise known as Destiny. The X-Men were all a sham, robots by that maniacally-amusing Arcade! Arcade and his "associate" Miss Locke enter the room and Arcade toasts Mystique on a job well done---defeating his robotic X-Men. The lively Arcade is amused, and Mystique asks if her entire Brotherhood of Evil Mutants can train against the robot X-Men. Arcade says, "Of course." Mystique is enraged that her adopted daughter, Rogue, has left her. And is convinced that Charles Xavier is mindcontrolling her. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde is finishing up dance class with Stevie Hunter. Kitty is horribly upset over Storm's recent physical and emotional changes---I guess going mohawk has that affect. Storm enters and is saddened to see Kitty act so. Storm wonders if she indeed has become a monster. Also, we finally bid farewell to Lilandra and the pirate band of Starjammers. Charles Xavier, Scott and Alex Summers are all present to say their goodbyes, and beam back to Earth. Lilandra and Corsair wonder about the war which awaits them----retaking Sh'iar from Deathbird. (It's hard to believe this is a story that has been going on since UXM #154!)

The action occurs as Kurt, Amanda Sefton, Peter and Kitty are all together attening a ballet show at New York's famous Lincoln Center. Nightcrawler is brooding over whether he is related to Mystique (they look so much alike), and what his adopted mother, Margali Szardos, knows about it. Peter learns about a new friend of Kitty's named Doug Ramsey, but before you know it, there is an explosion atop a nearby abandoned NY building. Peter becomes hardened-steel and enters the building as Colossus, where he encounters the rotund Blob! The new Brotherhood of evil Mutants are ambushing him! Colosuss battles Blob, Pyro and Avalanche, who use their combined powers to turn Peter red-hot and then freeze him with liquid nitrogen! Kitty hears an explosion and scream, and runs to his aid to find Colossus frozen alive in solid ice! (At least, I THINK it's ice! Can't quite tell from the picture.)

My thoughts: I can already tell the team of Claremont/John Romita Jr. are going to work great together. I guess they felt it was time to focus back on Mystique because she plays center-stage here. I think it's always fun to see the outrageous Arcade. The saddest moment was the scene with Kitty and Storm. Usually it's the TEENAGER that would be punk & mohawk, and the adult upset over it. Here, it's the opposite. I must admit, it's interesting to see the multiple changes happening to Ororo Munroe. I'm glad to see Colossus get a chance to show some muscle...even if he may die in the effort.

Would superheating and then quickly freezing Colossus in this manner cause him to potentially split and have stress breaks, like most of the chemistry classes I've ever taken have taught me? :redface:

Imraith Nimphais

06-30-2008, 02:40 PM

Would superheating and then quickly freezing Colossus in this manner cause him to potentially split and have stress breaks, like most of the chemistry classes I've ever taken have taught me? :redface:

That's exactly wot happened...and that's why...well...just read on.

david r

07-01-2008, 08:32 PM

So.....I wonder if Kitty and Peter have still been smooching since their moment in the attic? They are together going to a ballet in UXM #177, like they're going steady. Are they an item now? Or was Kitty a hit-and-run kisser?

david r

07-01-2008, 08:38 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.178.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #178

"Hell Hath No Fury"

Colossus is imprisoned, frozen in liquid nitrogen!! Is he starting to crack!? Kitty Pryde stands with tears in her eyes, terrified! Kitty forgoes getting X-Men help and instead rushes to the Baxter Building to "borrow" a device from Reed Richards that can save Peter.

Meanwhile, the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche and Blob) continue their ambush of the X-Men at New York's Lincoln Center. Wolverine & Storm arrive to tackle their nefarious foes! Back at the Mansion, Charles Xavier is perusing a letter from Scott & Madelyne on their honeymoon (with a rather risque photo!) when Charles is hit by a powerful psychic mental bolt, like a scanning wave.) Charles has no idea where it is coming from. Back in the heat of battle, the X-Men (with Amanda Sefton's magical help) are tackling the Brotherhood. The Blob is the most amusing in this fight. The X-Men eventually defeat them.......but the Brotherhood don't seem to care. Blob laughs and says they were a diversion, you slobs! The real target is..............

..........................Charles Xavier. Sitting alone is his wheelchair, sweating and realizing interference is keeping him from contacting his X-Men. Rogue enters with some tea, except she has a gun hidden, and [B] she blasts Xavier. Charles instinctively turns but is still hit, and collapses from his chair!! Has Rogue turned traitor!? This "Rogue" is none other than Mystique in disguise, as the real Rogue enters the room and is shocked! They confront one another, and Mystique says that Rogue is now free to leave with her. But Rogue argues that No! She has no intention of leaving the School. Her powers are out of control,as she cannot touch another living soul, for fear of draining them. She needs help, desperately. Help only Charles Xavier can provide. Rogue has no intention of leaving the School. This assassination attempt was a failure. Mystique reluctantly agrees, and bargains with the X-Men. She will spare Xavier's life, if they let the Brotherhood go. Storm agrees.

However, Destiny turns to the heroes and states a timeline for Kitty Pryde intersected at the Baxter Building, but did not proceed. We then see Kitty's smashed body lying bloodied on a street, having fallen from the roof of the Fantastic Four's headquarters!!

My thoughts: I think my favorite part was Mystique's attempt on Charles Xavier's life. The whole battle with the Brotherhood was a diversion and this was a shocking twist. It was quite suspenseful. I genuinely got worried that maybe Rogue had been a plant all along to liquidate Professor X. But Rogue's impassioned speech to Mystique tells me she is a good person, and needs help. It was also fun to see Amanda Sefton in action-mode. As for the Brotherhood, the Blob is still the most crazy. He just comes across as some gonzo with a Brooklyn accent. Though I think he's from Texas, eh? Still, Colossus is in mortal danger and remains so. Now Ariel is down. The X-Men aren't out of the woods yet.

worstblogever

07-02-2008, 01:44 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.178.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #178

"Hell Hath No Fury"

Colossus is imprisoned, frozen in liquid nitrogen!! Is he starting to crack!? Kitty Pryde stands with tears in her eyes, terrified! Kitty forgoes getting X-Men help and instead rushes to the Baxter Building to "borrow" a device from Reed Richards that can save Peter.

Meanwhile, the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche and Blob) continue their ambush of the X-Men at New York's Lincoln Center. Wolverine & Storm arrive to tackle their nefarious foes! Back at the Mansion, Charles Xavier is perusing a letter from Scott & Madelyne on their honeymoon (with a rather risque photo!) when Charles is hit by a powerful psychic mental bolt, like a scanning wave.) Charles has no idea where it is coming from. Back in the heat of battle, the X-Men (with Amanda Sefton's magical help) are tackling the Brotherhood. The Blob is the most amusing in this fight. The X-Men eventually defeat them.......but the Brotherhood don't seem to care. Blob laughs and says they were a diversion, you slobs! The real target is..............

..........................Charles Xavier. Sitting alone is his wheelchair, sweating and realizing interference is keeping him from contacting his X-Men. Rogue enters with some tea, except she has a gun hidden, and [B] she blasts Xavier. Charles instinctively turns but is still hit, and collapses from his chair!! Has Rogue turned traitor!? This "Rogue" is none other than Mystique in disguise, as the real Rogue enters the room and is shocked! They confront one another, and Mystique says that Rogue is now free to leave with her. But Rogue argues that No! She has no intention of leaving the School. Her powers are out of control,as she cannot touch another living soul, for fear of draining them. She needs help, desperately. Help only Charles Xavier can provide. Rogue has no intention of leaving the School. This assassination attempt was a failure. Mystique reluctantly agrees, and bargains with the X-Men. She will spare Xavier's life, if they let the Brotherhood go. Storm agrees.

However, Destiny turns to the heroes and states a timeline for Kitty Pryde intersected at the Baxter Building, but did not proceed. We then see Kitty's smashed body lying bloodied on a street, having fallen from the roof of the Fantastic Four's headquarters!!

My thoughts: I think my favorite part was Mystique's attempt on Charles Xavier's life. The whole battle with the Brotherhood was a diversion and this was a shocking twist. It was quite suspenseful. I genuinely got worried that maybe Rogue had been a plant all along to liquidate Professor X. But Rogue's impassioned speech to Mystique tells me she is a good person, and needs help. It was also fun to see Amanda Sefton in action-mode. As for the Brotherhood, the Blob is still the most crazy. He just comes across as some gonzo with a Brooklyn accent. Though I think he's from Texas, eh? Still, Colossus is in mortal danger and remains so. Now Ariel is down. The X-Men aren't out of the woods yet.

david r, give yourself a cigar, Fred Dukes, the Blob, is in fact from Lubbock, Texas, originally. Although, his accent could be tougher to place when you think about how he was in a travelling carnival for a bit. He could've had it fade while moving about the country. I picture his voice like the obscure Beavis and Butthead character "Billy Bob" from the show's early days, before the animation got better and MTV sanitized the content just a tad in light of criticism from parents groups. A large, perverted, chronically angry Texan who chainsmokes cigars, has a neverending demand for fatty foods, and is due for a coranary every hour, practically.

But, back to our story... this aassassination by Freedom Force/The Brotherhood on Xavier makes a little more sense to me than when they attempted to shoot Sentator Kelly using their blind member, Destiny, as the trigger-woman back in Uncanny #141-142. :biggrin: And really, the only hitch in the plan this time, was that Mystique's heart proves to still exist, albeit in a very twisted way. She gets too focused on winning Rogue back to just finish Xavier off, and assumes that her adopted daughter would be more like her, and just gleefully switch sides back to her side. Too bad, Raven, so sad.

And for the record, Destiny coldly stating the timeline on Kitty, and showing her broken form? That's just cold ***** evil, Irene. Well done. It's rare when Destiny comes off as anything but morally grey, to me. This is one time where it's quite clear, she is a villain.

CJ Lentze

07-02-2008, 09:50 AM

Back at the Mansion, Charles Xavier is perusing a letter from Scott & Madelyne on their honeymoon (with a rather risque photo!) Typo Lad once commented on this panel in his 'What WERE They Thinking?' blog, and was especially curious about WHO could have shot the photo of Scott and Maddy lying in bed. Did they already have automatic timers on photo cameras back then? :tongue:

I must say I love the part where Nightcrawler refers to the Brotherhood as 'the X-Men's opposite number'. More than the Hellfire Club, more than the Marauders and Acolytes who will be introduced later, but have all been referred to as 'evil versions of the X-Men' or 'perfect foils' for our heroes, the Brotherhood are the X-Men's real villain counterparts. And maybe I'm over-excited, but I honestly think that it shines through in the fight scene of this issue, and in fights to come. The X-Men vs (Mystique's) Brotherhood fights are always nicely written, it's almost choreography, almost a dance. The members of the Brotherhood are practically as attuned to each other as the X-Men are. Or am I blithering?

It's nice to see that Rogue doesn't reject Mystique, but still loves her. It's also telling that Mystique finally lets her stay with Xavier. I'm certain that Mystique was beating herself up over Rogue's running away from home, thinking about what she could possibly have done wrong (blaming it on Xavier's mind tricks, but she's probably partly lying to herself?), and now she finds that it had nothing to do with her. Sure, it was impulsive of Rogue, but she's growing up and making her own decisions now, as she says. A nice mother-daughter conversation set to the background of an assassination attempt. (And we get an idea of how much Rogue hates that her powers are out of control, and what that does to her.)

I have a minor problem with Mystique infiltrating the School so easily. Sure, she had a defence against Professor X's telepathy, but even with her expertise in stealth, how did she get past any other security the mansion surely must have? I guess she's just THAT good.

One thing about Caliban in previous issues; it said that Callisto, Sunder, Masque, and Caliban founded the Morlocks. Callisto spoke as if they and Caliban had been friends for years. But if this is true, then it takes away some of the desperation of Caliban's situation in issue 148, where he felt so terribly lonely, and longed for the company of other mutants. It can only have been months since issue 148, a year tops. If he had the Morlocks, why reach out to the X-Men?

DDM

07-02-2008, 10:00 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.178.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #178

"Hell Hath No Fury"

Colossus is imprisoned, frozen in liquid nitrogen!! Is he starting to crack!? Kitty Pryde stands with tears in her eyes, terrified! Kitty forgoes getting X-Men help and instead rushes to the Baxter Building to "borrow" a device from Reed Richards that can save Peter.

Meanwhile, the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche and Blob) continue their ambush of the X-Men at New York's Lincoln Center. Wolverine & Storm arrive to tackle their nefarious foes! Back at the Mansion, Charles Xavier is perusing a letter from Scott & Madelyne on their honeymoon (with a rather risque photo!) when Charles is hit by a powerful psychic mental bolt, like a scanning wave.) Charles has no idea where it is coming from. Back in the heat of battle, the X-Men (with Amanda Sefton's magical help) are tackling the Brotherhood. The Blob is the most amusing in this fight. The X-Men eventually defeat them.......but the Brotherhood don't seem to care. Blob laughs and says they were a diversion, you slobs! The real target is..............

..........................Charles Xavier. Sitting alone is his wheelchair, sweating and realizing interference is keeping him from contacting his X-Men. Rogue enters with some tea, except she has a gun hidden, and [B] she blasts Xavier. Charles instinctively turns but is still hit, and collapses from his chair!! Has Rogue turned traitor!? This "Rogue" is none other than Mystique in disguise, as the real Rogue enters the room and is shocked! They confront one another, and Mystique says that Rogue is now free to leave with her. But Rogue argues that No! She has no intention of leaving the School. Her powers are out of control,as she cannot touch another living soul, for fear of draining them. She needs help, desperately. Help only Charles Xavier can provide. Rogue has no intention of leaving the School. This assassination attempt was a failure. Mystique reluctantly agrees, and bargains with the X-Men. She will spare Xavier's life, if they let the Brotherhood go. Storm agrees.

However, Destiny turns to the heroes and states a timeline for Kitty Pryde intersected at the Baxter Building, but did not proceed. We then see Kitty's smashed body lying bloodied on a street, having fallen from the roof of the Fantastic Four's headquarters!!

My thoughts: I think my favorite part was Mystique's attempt on Charles Xavier's life. The whole battle with the Brotherhood was a diversion and this was a shocking twist. It was quite suspenseful. I genuinely got worried that maybe Rogue had been a plant all along to liquidate Professor X. But Rogue's impassioned speech to Mystique tells me she is a good person, and needs help. It was also fun to see Amanda Sefton in action-mode. As for the Brotherhood, the Blob is still the most crazy. He just comes across as some gonzo with a Brooklyn accent. Though I think he's from Texas, eh? Still, Colossus is in mortal danger and remains so. Now Ariel is down. The X-Men aren't out of the woods yet.

Storm is really dangerous here when she creates a monsoon to douse Pyro's flame; he is taken aback by its ferocity. She literally almost drowns the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants is a cascade of rain! The changes to Ororo's character is more than skin deep. Storm, in her previous "goddess" state, would never have created a monsoon with the intensity she created in this story. It also would have taken much of her own energy to direct the storm. This new Storm has no problems though since embracing her humanity.

Rogue is also in the spotlight when Mystique is beside herself in confusion about Rogue's leaving the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. She does care for Rogue in her own twisted way.

I like that Destiny is keeping things in check that no harm comes to Nightcrawler. Why is Mystique so interested in Kurt Wagner?

Kitty will get into more trouble with Morlocks though...

Uncanny X-Men #177-179 is one very intense, well written story; it's a favorite of mine.

CJ Lentze

07-02-2008, 11:00 AM

I like that Destiny is keeping things in check that no harm comes to Nightcrawler. Why is Mystique so interested in Kurt Wagner? It's interesting that they seem to be trying to connect the two -beside their indigo skin- through the circus. Mystique loves the circus, is a skilled trapeze artist, and so is Kurt.

Seres

07-02-2008, 12:20 PM

david r

07-02-2008, 07:57 PM

WBE, so my powers of clairvoyance work again! The Blob is from Texas!! I have always heard a "Brooklyn accent" on Fred, I think because of the way Stan Lee wrote him. "Billy Bob" I can see, actually I'm always curious what "voices" people hear the characters in. That is an inspired choice! :biggrin:

I don't agree with you about Destiny telling the mutants that Kitty Pryde is hurt. She doesn't show them anything, just informs them that Kitty's timeline abruptly ended. She was warning them to go help their teenaged teammate, something awful is happening at the Baxter Building.

Schuimend Mormel, yes that photo of Scott & Madelyne was a tad risque. Why would they send Charles Xavier a photograph of them in bed, with a giant red-heart behind them. And Scott with no shirt on. Too shame!! :tongue: And no, you're not blithering, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants ARE the X-Men's counterparts. But is Mystique's band more evil, or Magneto's faction?(Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing both versions fight one another!! That would be a cool rumble.)

I agree with you that Mystique is upset over Rogue's leaving ,and she blames everyone....but herself. Surely Rogue wouldn't leave me! It must be Xavier's accursed mental powers!! (I am curious about all this hinting concerning Kurt Wagner, Irene Adler and Mystique!) As for Mystique breaking the School's defenses, I was thinking the same thing myself. But that was such a suspenseful moment I'll let it slide.

david r

07-02-2008, 08:01 PM

One thing about Caliban in previous issues; it said that Callisto, Sunder, Masque, and Caliban founded the Morlocks. Callisto spoke as if they and Caliban had been friends for years. But if this is true, then it takes away some of the desperation of Caliban's situation in issue 148, where he felt so terribly lonely, and longed for the company of other mutants. It can only have been months since issue 148, a year tops. If he had the Morlocks, why reach out to the X-Men?

Yes, that is a good observation. I assume Caliban HAD helped form the Morlocks, but perhaps much time had passed since then. And Caliban had been left to his own devices and had grown lonely. Yeah, that's the ticket.

DDM, I too have noticed many changes to Storm. Ororo is wielding her powers more ferociously than ever before, sometimes even endangering her fellow X-Men. It's hard to believe this is the same innocent, trusting girl we met in the jungles of Africa in Giant-Size X-Men #1. I also note she has a new outfit in UXM #178; kind of a mix of her punk, leather clothes and her classic "Goddess" design. I rather like.

Seres, I would pick a photo of "prettykitty" over Callisto and Masque also. Kitty is much prettier. Of course, you know she's underage, right? What does that make us???

UXM #178 had Angel answering fan letters. Warren Worthington had this to say about Wolverine & Storm: "He (Logan) may be calmer than he used to be, but he's no less dangerous. Or, to my mind, scary. I don't like him. And I don't like what's happening to Storm. I appreciate what she did--considering it was my life on the line alongside hers--but I wish there'd been some other way. She always seemed blessed with a serenity of spirit that few of us even aspire to, much less achieve, and I wish there was some way to for me to help her return to it. The awful thing is, unless she asks--unless she wants--my/our help, there really is nothing we can do. She has to acknowledge the problem herself and want to put it right. I hope she does--before it's too late."

Dr. Ghost

07-03-2008, 12:34 AM

DDM

07-03-2008, 02:47 PM

I figured this thread is where I would get the best answers to my question:
I read all the x-men comics and now i'm ready to read giant size #1.
now, is there some stuff between issue 66 and giant size #1 that's important?
the only thing that broke up a story in the first 66 issues was the one with magneto and the avengers.
so, will i be missing anything?

Amazing Adventures #11-17 is important since these issues feature the first appearance of the classic furry Beast; they are also a transition to him joining the Avengers in The Avengers #137. The X-Men made guest appearances in various books, but this is the only real important story before Giant Size X-Men #1.

Dr. Ghost

07-03-2008, 03:07 PM

ok, thanks.

david r

07-03-2008, 07:08 PM

I figured this thread is where I would get the best answers to my question:
I read all the x-men comics and now i'm ready to read giant size #1.
now, is there some stuff between issue 66 and giant size #1 that's important?
the only thing that broke up a story in the first 66 issues was the one with magneto and the avengers.
so, will i be missing anything?

You could also consider reading X-Men: The Hidden Years, a series which tries to fill the gap between #66 and Giant-Size X-Men #1. It's with the Original X-Men and all written/drawn by John Byrne. It lasted 22 issues.

If you are curious, I made a thread for it and reviewed all 22 issues. You can search for it and read some and consider if you'd be interested in it. :smile:

david r

07-04-2008, 07:40 AM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.179.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #179

"What Happened to Kitty?"

1st appearance: Healer, Leech

A night of troubles continues for the X-Men, as young Kitty Pryde comes close to marrying Morlock Caliban. And Colossus' life still hangs by a thread, frozen into a statue. It's not easy being mutant. :frown:

Kitty has been captured by the Morlocks, a large group of mutants that live underground, in the "Alley" a thousand feet below bustling New York City. Kitty said she would stay with Caliban in UXM #169-170, and now the Morlocks plan to keep her at her word. Meanwhile, Storm, Wolverine and Rogue are at the local morgue, seeing ANOTHER Kitty Pryde. One who fell off the FF's Baxter Building and is very much dead. But Wolverine's enhanced senses can tell this ISN'T the real Kitty. Back at the Mansion, Nightcrawler (who seems to be the team's medic now) tries to locate Peter Rasputin's heartbeat. He can't hear any. Illyana Rasputin watches the proceedings, worried over her brother. Suddenly, Professor Xavier is SEIZED by another psychic scanning wave, which sends him falling from his wheelchair and dazes him. He is knocked unconscious, as Nightcrawler is terrified! Storm must be informed the professor is down. The X-Men are getting hit from all sides tonight!!

Back in the Alley, the wedding commences, with Kitty Pryde in a wedding gown. A Morlock mindspell clouds her mind, so she sees a real wedding, with well-dressed onlookers, and Caliban is "seen" as a handsome prince. But when the spell ends, Kitty is horrified to see the groom is white-faced Caliban!! Callisto reminds Kitty of her vow to stay with Caliban....forever. Kitty says if the Morlocks save Colossus' life, then she'll stay with them. Kitty runs away into the depths of the Alley, and eventually sloshes down in water and filth. A new Morlock named Leech appears, very small and looking like a reptilian. He is able to erase mutants' power abilities (thus why Kitty cannot phase.) Leech takes Kitty's hand and leads her back to the Morlocks. As Callisto begins marrying Kitty & Caliban, Storm, Rogue and Wolverine arrive to rescue her. Fighting begins, as Callisto gleefully attacks Storm, wanting to kill Ororo for stealing Morlocks' leadership away. In the end, the Morlocks stop fighting, and save Colossus' life. Healer debuts, and saves Piotr from certain death. Kitty takes up her part of the bargain, and descends into the Alley again, to live with Caliban. But Caliban is a good-hearted soul, and seeing she does not wish to stay, sets Kitty free from her bargain. Caliban wanders back into the darkness, hoping she remembers him as the Prince, and leaves a rose in her hand. Aww..........

My thoughts: John Romita Jr. can stay. He has fit right in with this book. He especially draws a menacing Wolverine and Logan looks very lethal here. This issue is the 2nd Morlocks adventure, and a nice bookend to the first one (#169-170.) Rogue takes her life in her hands helping to save Colossus, and it seems she is finally fully excepted by the other X-Men as one of them. I also liked seeing Callisto and Storm battle it out again. There is no love lost between them. Callisto certainly seems to enjoy being nasty! It's interesting here how we have one set of mutants (Morlocks), vs. another set of mutants (X-Men). The Haves & the Have-Nots??The mutant world is expanding to where we have different divisions forming. Charles Xavier apparently has little interest in trying to help the outcasts in the "Alley". But this is another outstanding issue.

worstblogever

07-04-2008, 08:08 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.179.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #179

"What Happened to Kitty?"

1st appearance: Healer, Leech

A night of troubles continues for the X-Men, as young Kitty Pryde comes close to marrying Morlock Caliban. And Colossus' life still hangs by a thread, frozen into a statue. It's not easy being mutant. :frown:

Kitty has been captured by the Morlocks, a large group of mutants that live underground, in the "Alley" a thousand feet below bustling New York City. Kitty said she would stay with Caliban in UXM #169-170, and now the Morlocks plan to keep her at her word. Meanwhile, Storm, Wolverine and Rogue are at the local morgue, seeing ANOTHER Kitty Pryde. One who fell off the FF's Baxter Building and is very much dead. But Wolverine's enhanced senses can tell this ISN'T the real Kitty. Back at the Mansion, Nightcrawler (who seems to be the team's medic now) tries to locate Peter Rasputin's heartbeat. He can't hear any. Illyana Rasputin watches the proceedings, worried over her brother. Suddenly, Professor Xavier is SEIZED by another psychic scanning wave, which sends him falling from his wheelchair and dazes him. He is knocked unconscious, as Nightcrawler is terrified! Storm must be informed the professor is down. The X-Men are getting hit from all sides tonight!!

Back in the Alley, the wedding commences, with Kitty Pryde in a wedding gown. A Morlock mindspell clouds her mind, so she sees a real wedding, with well-dressed onlookers, and Caliban is "seen" as a handsome prince. But when the spell ends, Kitty is horrified to see the groom is white-faced Caliban!! Callisto reminds Kitty of her vow to stay with Caliban....forever. Kitty says if the Morlocks save Colossus' life, then she'll stay with them. Kitty runs away into the depths of the Alley, and eventually sloshes down in water and filth. A new Morlock named Leech appears, very small and looking like a reptilian. He is able to erase mutants' power abilities (thus why Kitty cannot phase.) Leech takes Kitty's hand and leads her back to the Morlocks. As Callisto begins marrying Kitty & Caliban, Storm, Rogue and Wolverine arrive to rescue her. Fighting begins, as Callisto gleefully attacks Storm, wanting to kill Ororo for stealing Morlocks' leadership away. In the end, the Morlocks stop fighting, and save Colossus' life. Healer debuts, and saves Piotr from certain death. Kitty takes up her part of the bargain, and descends into the Alley again, to live with Caliban. But Caliban is a good-hearted soul, and seeing she does not wish to stay, sets Kitty free from her bargain. Caliban wanders back into the darkness, hoping she remembers him as the Prince, and leaves a rose in her hand. Aww..........

My thoughts: John Romita Jr. can stay. He has fit right in with this book. He especially draws a menacing Wolverine and Logan looks very lethal here. This issue is the 2nd Morlocks adventure, and a nice bookend to the first one (#169-170.) Rogue takes her life in her hands helping to save Colossus, and it seems she is finally fully excepted by the other X-Men as one of them. I also liked seeing Callisto and Storm battle it out again. There is no love lost between them. Callisto certainly seems to enjoy being nasty! It's interesting here how we have one set of mutants (Morlocks), vs. another set of mutants (X-Men). The Haves & the Have-Nots??The mutant world is expanding to where we have different divisions forming. Charles Xavier apparently has little interest in trying to help the outcasts in the "Alley". But this is another outstanding issue.

I think this might be the last issue where Callisto is portrayed clearly as a villain. From here on out, she's shown to be kind of "grey", IMO. But it's good to see they're developing more Morlocks, with some more distinct personalities and powers as they go.

Caliban really was a good guy... but the road he takes gets dark and twisty... thoughts of tragedy, vengeance, and perceived self-weakness cause him to go through many physical and mental changes. Still, great character.

Seeing the first Healer and Leech is nice. Healer's probably the reason why the Morlocks all don't die of e.coli skin infections down in that sewer years earlier.

I always wondered who the homeless girl the Morlocks find dead in Uncanny X-Men #176 actually was, and if her loved ones ever learn her fate. Because all we learn in this issue, and ever, is Wolverine sniffs her to discover she isn't Kitty. Masque seems to get more and more sociopathic the longer he's around, too....

david r

07-04-2008, 07:14 PM

I suspect the homeless girl's identity is never revealed. Which brings up some problems. The X-Men tell the coroner in UXM #179 that the dead body is indeed Kitty Pryde. How are they going to change that? I assume Professor X will mindwipe the coroner over that detail (though he promised not to mindwipe people any longer.) That still leaves a dead body with Kitty's face, and the identity of the homeless girl is lost in the pages of time.

As for Masque, I think I'd get more sociopathic too if I had his face!!

--UXM #179's letters page is done by beautiful Rogue. She mentions that Angel is recovering from his ordeal in UXM #169-170, and she says "That story will be told in upcoming issues of Marvel Fanfare, by Chris Claremont, Bill Mantlo and Bret Blevins." Does anyone know what story she is referring to? What issue numbers? And any other Marvel Fanfare stories written by Claremont?

--Rogue talks about stealing Carol Danvers memories, and she strongly suggests here that Carol has STRONG feelings for Wolverine.

Rogue's accent is really thick in her responses. This whole idea of having the X-Men answer fan letters was inspired. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL!!

david r

07-04-2008, 07:36 PM

http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.180.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #180

"Whose Life Is It, Anyway?"

#180 is a quieter issue, beginning with Charles Xavier not only STANDING, but playing basketball like he owns the court! In fact, his behavior on the court is very UN-Xavier like. I assume it is his joy over being able to walk again. We learn Charles played college basketball and was quite good. But he had to stop because of reading the players' minds, and he felt it was an unfair advantage. While playing Charles has another mindblast from an unknown entity, sending him falling to the floor!! What is causing these horrible assaults on the professor? :confused: Storm wants to help the stricken Charles, but the conversation soon turns to Storm's exotic change in appearance and demeanor. Ororo says she cannot deny her feelings, and the changes they have caused. She wonders if she is going insane, but Charles probes her mind and finds no anamoly. Charles wants to help her, but Ororo must find her own path.

The year is 1983, and arcades are HUGELY POPULAR. We find Kitty Pryde and Doug Ramsey at one, playing one arcade game. Unfortunately not Ms. Pac-Man or Galaga, the philistines. But they are thrown out for hogging the games. Doug and Kitty hit the local McDonalds and Kitty spills her heart out to Doug. She is worried about Storm's changes. Why does everyone she loves keep changing?? Her parents divorce, Storm, and now Peter Rasputin is acting cool. Meanwhile, Colossus is chopping down a tree on the Xavier estate, with Wolverine watching with his new cowboy hat on, and a beer. Peter feels his feelings for Kitty are changing. He wonders about her wish to spend her life with Caliban in #179.

In New York, Storm is visiting the Bronx Botanical Gardens, and her attic plants which are relocated there. Ororo witnesses a mugging and easily dispatches of the muggers in due order. Ororo seems to like this. She soon high-tails it back to the Mansion, where a full-team meeting is taking place. Kitty Pryde is requesting going to the Massachusetts Academy, to help Doug Ramsey make his place there. The only problem is...the Academy is ran by the Hellfire Club!! Storm and Xavier decide she can go, though it is dangerous. Xavier will constantly monitor her. As Kitty returns to her room, a strong gust of wind blows her out a window, and into a direct confrontation with STorm!! Ororo understands that her changes have shocked Kitty, but why has it run so deep?Kitty doesn't understand why Ororo changed. When Ororo became team leader, she found she was having to sacrifice all her fundamental beliefs. Ororo says, "We each have our lives to live. Our own roads to walk to our individual destinies, friends--and lovers--may walk by our side...but ultimately the journey is made alone. I am learning things about myself I do not like...but I must keep learning, striving to find my true self--my place in the scheme of things. I must know WHO I am. I must live my life as I see fit. If you love me Kitten, you must let me do so." Kitty embraces her, and tears are coming forth now.

Soon, Kitty and Doug Ramsey disembark on an airplane for Massachusetts, but who is awaiting them on the plane? EMMA FROST!!! And Charles Xavier has pinpointed the location of his psionic mind attacks. They are coming from Central Park. The X-Men leave the Rolls-Royce, head into the park, see a giant mechanical structure inside, enter it....and vanish without a trace.

My thoughts: This was more a downtime issue. I liked the exploration of Charles Xavier and his freedom, Storm's inner searching, and Kitty's lovelorn questions. More & more, this book is getting tied into events found in New Mutants. It's fascinating how the two books are interweaving stories together. Definitely my favorite part was Storm and Kitty's sky-high conversation. It was very heartfelt.

worstblogever

07-05-2008, 02:04 AM

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97792366288.180.GIF

Uncanny X-Men #180

"Whose Life Is It, Anyway?"

#180 is a quieter issue, beginning with Charles Xavier not only STANDING, but playing basketball like he owns the court! In fact, his behavior on the court is very UN-Xavier like. I assume it is his joy over being able to walk again. We learn Charles played college basketball and was quite good. But he had to stop because of reading the players' minds, and he felt it was an unfair advantage. While playing Charles has another mindblast from an unknown entity, sending him falling to the floor!! What is causing these horrible assaults on the professor? :confused: Storm wants to help the stricken Charles, but the conversation soon turns to Storm's exotic change in appearance and demeanor. Ororo says she cannot deny her feelings, and the changes they have caused. She wonders if she is going insane, but Charles probes her mind and finds no anamoly. Charles wants to help her, but Ororo must find her own path.

The year is 1983, and arcades are HUGELY POPULAR. We find Kitty Pryde and Doug Ramsey at one, playing one arcade game. Unfortunately not Ms. Pac-Man or Galaga, the philistines. But they are thrown out for hogging the games. Doug and Kitty hit the local McDonalds and Kitty spills her heart out to Doug. She is worried about Storm's changes. Why does everyone she loves keep changing?? Her parents divorce, Storm, and now Peter Rasputin is acting cool. Meanwhile, Colossus is chopping down a tree on the Xavier estate, with Wolverine watching with his new cowboy hat on, and a beer. Peter feels his feelings for Kitty are changing. He wonders about her wish to spend her life with Caliban in #179.

In New York, Storm is visiting the Bronx Botanical Gardens, and her attic plants which are relocated there. Ororo witnesses a mugging and easily dispatches of the muggers in due order. Ororo seems to like this. She soon high-tails it back to the Mansion, where a full-team meeting is taking place. Kitty Pryde is requesting going to the Massachusetts Academy, to help Doug Ramsey make his place there. The only problem is...the Academy is ran by the Hellfire Club!! Storm and Xavier decide she can go, though it is dangerous. Xavier will constantly monitor her. As Kitty returns to her room, a strong gust of wind blows her out a window, and into a direct confrontation with STorm!! Ororo understands that her changes have shocked Kitty, but why has it run so deep?Kitty doesn't understand why Ororo changed. When Ororo became team leader, she found she was having to sacrifice all her fundamental beliefs. Ororo says, "We each have our lives to live. Our own roads to walk to our individual destinies, friends--and lovers--may walk by our side...but ultimately the journey is made alone. I am learning things about myself I do not like...but I must keep learning, striving to find my true self--my place in the scheme of things. I must know WHO I am. I must live my life as I see fit. If you love me Kitten, you must let me do so." Kitty embraces her, and tears are coming forth now.

Soon, Kitty and Doug Ramsey disembark on an airplane for Massachusetts, but who is awaiting them on the plane? EMMA FROST!!! And Charles Xavier has pinpointed the location of his psionic mind attacks. They are coming from Central Park. The X-Men leave the Rolls-Royce, head into the park, see a giant mechanical structure inside, enter it....and vanish without a trace.

My thoughts: This was more a downtime issue. I liked the exploration of Charles Xavier and his freedom, Storm's inner searching, and Kitty's lovelorn questions. More & more, this book is getting tied into events found in New Mutants. It's fascinating how the two books are interweaving stories together. Definitely my favorite part was Storm and Kitty's sky-high conversation. It was very heartfelt.

I really think Xavier dunking on Storm with an afro would be one of the most hilarious panels in the history of comics. I'm sort of conflicted on how I feel with the Storm/Kitty interaction in this issue. It just seems to take up too much time. I mean, the only real point of danger in this whole issue... is Kitty wants to change schools and accidentally stumbles upon the White Queen, who has wanted her as one of her students since Kitty's debut? Other than that twist... it's like the whole cast spends this whole issue going:

Character 1: "Boy, things sure are changing."
Character 2: "Yep."

Kitty has a moment like this with Cypher, Storm has one with Chuck, and Colossus has one with Wolverine. To boot, then Storm and Kitty meet up for another one. As touching as the Kitty/Storm part might be... there's a distinct lack of action in #180, and I find the interaction redundant. Not the best issue, but still far from the worst.

Correct me if I'm wrong... but Kitty and Doug's story continues in New Mutants #15, right? And Xavier's... well... that continues in Secret Wars, does it not? I peeked ahead to Uncanny #181 and it says it takes place after said 12 part Marvel Crossover...?

david r

07-05-2008, 07:07 AM

I think the lack of action is because Uncanny X-Men #180 is a set-up issue for the Secret Wars limited series. Marvel couldn't move forward with a new adventure because they had to tie-in into Secret Wars and that held things up. I understand all your criticisms of #180, but still found it a nice issue. More soul-searching, less action.

I don't know about Kitty & Doug, but yes, the rest of the X-Men are now on their way to meet the Beyonder and Secret Wars on another planet far away. The scanning wave hitting Professor X lately was the Beyonder checking out Earth.

CJ Lentze

07-05-2008, 07:37 AM

But is Mystique's band more evil, or Magneto's faction?(Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing both versions fight one another!! That would be a cool rumble.)Hmmm... The original Brotherhood had Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, who questioned the cause of the group and who went on to become heroes... plus the Toad, who only WANTED to be mean to please Magneto but has a bigger heart than he's aware of... and Magneto himself has chosen to walk a different path than he has in the past since issue 150.
Avalanche, the Blob, and Pyro are all thugs who enjoy cruelty - just look at what they did to Colossus. And Mystique is more dangerous and merciless than the three of them put together. I think Mystique's group can potentially do a lot more damage.

Am I the only one who was as disturbed by Professor X's thoughts when he was with Ororo in the gym as by the panel way back in issue 3 where it says that he's in love with Jean? He looks at Ororo and thinks 'Gee, she's gorgeous. I never thought of her as a woman before. I thought she was ABOVE such things as gender" Which, frankly, I think is a weird, archaic view on gender for someone like the Professor, plus he's moving once again into the territory of romantic feelings for a student, who sees him as a teacher and a father figure. Thank goodness they dropped that one as well.

Note that, ever since she dropped the name 'Sprite', the book has referred to Kitty Pryde by her real name, not by the new codename Ariel.

I can only nod in agreement about the Kitty/Storm parts. They're both going through changes, and this downtime issue was needed so that Storm could confront Kitty with her aloof/resentful behaviour toward her ever since Ororo had changed her look. It was great to see them patch things up between themselves. I also like that Storm is back in touch with the Earth.

david r

07-05-2008, 07:50 AM

Hmmm... The original Brotherhood had Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, who questioned the cause of the group and who went on to become heroes... plus the Toad, who only WANTED to be mean to please Magneto but has a bigger heart than he's aware of... Magneto himself has
Avalanche, the Blob, and Pyro are all thugs who enjoy cruelty - just look at what they did to Colossus. And Mystique is more dangerous and merciless than the three of them put together. I think Mystique's group can potentially do a lot more damage.

You have to admit though, in a "Get Ready to Rumble!" fight----the 2 Brotherhoods beating up on each other would be fun!! But I agree that Mystique's outfit is more lethal.

Am I the only one who was as disturbed by Professor X's thoughts when he was with Ororo in the gym as by the panel way back in issue 3 where it says that he's in love with Jean? He looks at Ororo and thinks 'Gee, she's gorgeous. I never thought of her as a woman before. I thought she was ABOVE such things as gender" Which, frankly, I think is a weird, archaic view on gender for someone like the Professor, plus he's moving once again into the territory of romantic feelings for a student, who sees him as a teacher and a father figure. Thank goodness they dropped that one as well.

I don't think that passage was meant as sexual. Though I did think odd that Xavier had not noticed Storm's obvious beauty from the beginning. He was just remarking that she's grown into a beautiful woman. And yes, attractive. But the difference between this & his feelings for Jean Grey is he never thinks he secretly loves Ororo.

Note that, ever since she dropped the name 'Sprite', the book has referred to Kitty Pryde by her real name, not by the new codename Ariel.

That is true. I think Marvel were not happy with ANY of Kitty's codenames so far.

I can only nod in agreement about the Kitty/Storm parts. They're both going through changes, and this downtime issue was needed so that Storm could confront Kitty with her aloof/resentful behaviour toward her ever since Ororo had changed her look. It was great to see them patch things up between themselves.

I think these exchanges were long overdue. Though wordy, #180 filled a void in showing the other X-Men's reactions to Ororo's dramatic changes.