X-Men # 71-72, Uncanny X-Men # 351-355
In the aftermath of OZT and despite the troubles brewing within the team, Scott and Jean decide to head off to Alaska for some very extended leave. Despite doubts from the both of them, the pair decide to head off after learning that the Avengers and the Fantastic Four are very much alive and back from Rob Liefeld and Jim Lee's wild ride.
Logan, concerned about Marrow's place on the team and in the mansion, confronts her in the Danger Room. A wild brawl follows, concluding with Wolverine nearly killing her. Marrow rushes off, very uncertain as to what she is doing.
Afterwards, Cecilia Reyes decides to go back to work. It's there she faces down racism, a Legacy Virus-ravaged Pyro, anti-Mutant sentiment, and a shot Daredevil. In the end, she heads back to the mansion after being fired.
In the air and on their way to Alaska, Jean and Scott encounter some strange creature on the plane. AIM is after it, but the pair secretly fight them off. The day is saved.
Back at the mansion, Rogue is not doing so well. She's all messed up after the Gambit situation and is struggling more than ever with the temptation to use her powers. After learning that a Doctor Agee has developed a way to surpress Mutant genes, she decides to head off to investigate this claim. Joseph, however, is quite upset with Doctor Agee, but passes out. Meanwhile, a state investigator from the Department of Education pops by to check out the school and firmly decides it is not a very good facility.
Before Rogue has the chance to leave, she stumbles across a power drained Wolverine. She touches Wolverine, but then runs off again.
It's revealed that the one who intiated the original power drain was Sauron, but Rogue gets the blame and she leaves. Sauron attacks the other X-Men, but they handle him. As Wolverine waits with Sauron for SHIELD to haul him away, Alpha Flight shows up, thinking that Wolverine is responsible for a murder up north. A throw-down follows with the X-Men, but the truth is revealed.
Back up in Alaska, Jean walks into her and Scott's living room . . . dressed in the Phoenix costume!
Plus: Bishop is lost in space with Deathbird!
All in all, a good bunch, if not a little slow. It reminds me a lot of the post-"Fall of the Mutants" time peroid when the team was comprised of both older members (Storm, Rogue, Wolverine, etc.) and newer, untested members (Marrow, Maggot, Reyes, etc.) It makes from some good drama and great interaction. Storm finally gets some spotlight time after being underdeveloped for far too long. Rogue's power issues is nice, as it kinda brings her back to her roots. Reyes return to the hospital is very well done, really bringing us a splash of old school anti-Mutant sentiment. The Department of Education's investigator appearance makes for a nice dose of reality.
Unfortunately, besides a really great Marrow/Wolverine fight, there's not a whole lot of action present. The conflicts with AIM, Sauron, Pyro, and Alpha Flight are average at best. This is lucky overshadowed by the nice character development.
The art remains on high with work from Carlos Pacheco and Chris Bachalo topping off the best.
~W~
No comments:
Post a Comment