Fantastic Four Annual # 22, X-Factor Annual # 5, The New Mutants Annual # 6, The Uncanny X-Men Annual # 14
We're getting into a very important time for the X-Men. We're seeing a lot of old plotlines getting resolved as the Claremont/Simonson era of the X-Men comes to an end. In celebration of that, I have decided that these next few entries will bare the name "Cleaning Out the X-House" as that is what is basicaly occuring: a lot of the old sub-plots, character arcs, and danglers are being resolved . . . or at least touched on.
For example, this New Mutants/Fantastic Four/X-Factor/X-Men crossover that builds from "The Days of Future Past."
An adult Franklin Richards appears in the past, seeking out his former one true love, Rachel Summers. Franklin - as it turns out - somehow used his powers right before his death in the future and sent himself back. Powered by Rachel (who has Phoenix powers) and young Franklin, adult Franklin causes all sorts of problems. Among them are trying to create his perception of the world.
Eventually, Franklin is tracked down by the Houndmaster, Ahab. Ahab had once had Rachel as his main Hound, so any opportunity to get at her is good for him. So, with all this happening, various factions of the X-World come together. We see a short clip with Excalibur (which I feel bad for ignoring with this blog); Cable and the New Mutants enter the fray; Storm and Gambit are reunited with the X-Men (or really, just Banshee and Forge); and X-Factor has to deal with their own emotional problems.
There are some good moments in this story, despite it being a fairly flimsy plot. True to Claremont/Simonson form, the characters shine out above all the others. Scott, Jean and Rachel make for interesting characters - Rachel and Jean esspecially. I'd even say that Jean steals the spotlight. Having turned down Scott's marriage proposal, the two are all bent outta shape. Add to that that Rachel decides to reveal to them that she's their daughter from the future, and Scott and Jean suddenly have a ton of issues to deal with.
Franklin is interesting character as he really doesn't mean any harm. I wish there was more time to get in the Richards clan's head. As good as a crossover as this is, it's nothing compared to "X-Men vs. Fantastic Four" limited series. Ahab is a bit of a generic character, though. A bit more depth into is origins would have been nicer.
The art is crap though, save for the Art Adam's issue. And is it just me, or is seeing the Phoenix effect for the 1 billionth time lessening the effect?
Pretty interesting. The use of two very prominent families in the Marvel Universe (Summers and Richards) is very well done.
~W~
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