X-Men: Portrait of Strong Leadership

 It is amazing that the X-Men are about to turn 50 years old and Marvel is working on making them beat out Avengers for the top spot again. Charles Xavier is now dead (for good from the looks of everything ... his brain was ripped from his own body and is currently being used by the Red Skull) for good. Yet, Charles has truly fostered some wonderful people to carry on his dream. The following are the "official" leaders of the X-Men over the course of  the last 50 years. I am not counting any other X-team and I am only going with the 616 Continuity cause this list would be Ridiculously large if I added the leaders of all the other X-teams.

 Here are the official torch bearers of the dream over the last 50 years.


CYCLOPS -

   Scott Summers, for decades, was the first and favorite torchbearer of the dream. He lived and breathed Charles Xavier's ideals. He worked hard to fight for Charles' dream, going about it different ways over the course of the last 50 years. He commands respect from every mutant he comes across. This can be clearly seen when he first brought up Utopia after dealing with the then top cop Norman Osborn ... beating Osborn by creating a mutant nation of his own and most mutants following him. Scott was the favorite son.

    Yet, after being absorbed by Apocalypse ... Scott came back a different man. When he came back, he seemed colder ... crueller. More of a dick. And the decimation, death of Jean Grey (for good it seems), slaughter of the majority of the Grey bloodline and his psychic affair with Emma Frost, Scott REALLY changed. He was willing to have blood on his hands. He was willing to protect mutant kind by sending out kill squads. He even decided that having Idie save people by killing Hellfire Club was okay.

  Scott went from being the ultimate leader of Xavier's dream to becoming the new face of mutantkind while turning his back on what Xavier taught him. Yet, Scott moved many X-Men over the course of the last 5 decades. He even made Magneto & Namor respect him ... at the same time. Scott Summers is, as Darryll B Carter would say, that cannon that would show you how to fight for survival and for a dream. It just changed from Charles' dream to his own.


STORM -

  If Scott Summers was the favorite son of Xavier, Storm has more than made her impression as the favorite daughter. Storm, with or without powers, is a formidable commander in her own right. Regal in her own way since she was first worshiped in Africa, Storm learned to get down and dirty too as a thief in the streets of Cairo (and part of the reason why she & Gambit have been close friends up till this day).

  Storm even beat Cyclops ... when she had NO powers. Being one of the first African American women in comics to hold a leadership position to such a popular team, Ororo Monroe paved the way for both creators and heroines alike. Most of her early tenure as leader of the X-Men really focused on a family like atmosphere amongst her, Kitty, Colossus (remember when she used to call him Little Brother) & Kurt. Since then, she lead the X-Men alongside Cyclops, then she was leader on her own again. Then she shared leadership of the X-Men with Emma Frost and Cyclops as heads while her running her own show.

  Storm became one of Charles' shining examples of his dream when she married Black Panther and was Queen of Wakanda. During her time as Queen, she was a member of both the Fantastic Four and the Avengers. Yet, those ended quickly as (according to some that no one could write Storm & Black Panther's marriage correctly since the late, great Dwayne McDuffie) their marriage was annulled (which is still bullshit, in my opinion). Now, after standing behind Cyclops to make sure he doesn't cross the line, and kinda failing at that, Storm returns to the Jean Grey School and go from wife to back to the Wind Rider we know and love ... with Mohawk included. Welcome back Storm.





EMMA FROST -


Her relationship with Charles was adversarial at first but Emma warmed up to Xavier's dream. She ran Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters during her time with Generation X but then , after falling in love with Cyclops, ended up co-leading the X-Men alongside him. During the time the X-Men moved to San Francisco then Utopia, Emma Frost had become the undisputed Queen of Mutant kind. Even with her villianous ways behind her, Emma loved helping mutant kind and being a teacher.

  While she still has her air of superiority, Emma and Scott were strong leaders of the X-Men. Yet, she knew the dark road that Scott was going down. And many blame her as the catalyst as to why Scott Summers is now the way he is now. Yet, when you look at all the decisions, she made some of them but Scott proved himself behind his actions. Her love for Scott changed her ... wanting to make sure her being an X-Man and helping mutants very important to her. Yet, she is still a strong leader in her own right that should be celebrated for going to Charles' enemy to one of his biggest advocates. Yet, while she embraced the dream, she had no problem pointing out the holes in it and many things. Still, Emma Frost definitely earned her spot among the leaders of the X-Men.



HAVOK -

 The younger Summers brother has come a very long way since he first appeared as a tool for the Living Monolith. Alex Summers first showed his leadership skills when he was brainwashed to be a Magistrate for Genosha. Then, at the request of both Charles and Scott, Alex took the job leading the new government sponsored X-Factor. After a jaunt into an alternate reality leading a team called the Six, Alex returned and actually ended up taking leadership of an X-Men team from our next X-Men leader.

  During his tenure as a X-Men leader, Havok displayed confidence in leadership that was akin to his brother but seemed to surpass him with dealing with more volatile personalities ... considering he had Juggernaut, Wolverine, pre-Kyle Northstar & a bratty Iceman on his team ... that is certainly a feat. He made the unit work extremely well together.

 Now, Alex has become the positive face of Mutant kind with him as leader of the Uncanny Avengers.



  ROGUE -

       Rogue has come a VERY long way from the days where she was a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants alongside her Mom, Mystique. She was one of the most unpredictable X-Men, with her multiple personas in her head from all the people she absorbed, Rogue always seemed to be a wild card. Yet, little by little, Rogue worked hard to become a better person and X-Man. She grew in confidence to the point where she ended up taking leadership during a trip to the Shi'ar alongside Bishop, Gambit,  Joseph, Cannonball, Beast & Deathbird (there was a truce and she was banging Bishop).

      She later ended up leading a team of X-Men officially at least 3 times, her first with Thunderbird, Archangel, Psylocke, Nightcrawler & Colossus, 2nd time with Cannonball, Iceman, Cable, Mystique, Sabertooth, & lady Mastermind on it and that didn't turn out well but ...I digress. Rogue's team disbanded but she end up getting her multiple personalities from people she absorbed out of her head then learned to control her powers. She was then given the charge of looking after the Students. She grew to love the job and taking a strong command position in Utopia then again in the Jean Grey School, only having Kitty and Logan be ahead of her. This southern belle has come a very long way. From being very alone and stand offish with no control to her power to a confident, strong leader with full control of her abilities.


GAMBIT -

   Ah. Yes. This was definitely one of the most unpredictable leaders in X-Men history. Yes. Officially, Gambit lead the X-Men. He lead a team with him, Jean Grey, Beast, Cable, Storm and Bishop. Yeah. Gambit was leading a team over Storm, Jean & Cable. But under the very prolific pen of Chris Claremont, it worked. Jean was in mourning for the loss of Scott and was spending time with her 'son', Cable. Storm was getting a bit more free spirited after things went wrong during The Twelve storyline. So, Gambit stepped up. Stopping the Neo was important but the X-Men had been scattered.

    Gambit was an interesting leader but not a bad leader. He had a strong line-up with this group with Brains & power.Plus, this group was more than willing to  go on the wild side a bit more than others. And while Gambit was not leader very long ... he proved himself capable.


NIGHTCRAWLER -

    Kurt Wagner is one of the most beloved X-Men. He was always friendly to any other person that ever wore an X ...  till you gave him a reason not to be. Nightcrawler first temporary took over the X-men for Storm when she was getting over losing her powers. He then stepped up as the leader of Excalibur. When he came back to the X-Men, Kurt allowed his experience to work alongside Storm.

   Kurt was a team player till he got his chance to lead again as he lead a team of X-Men alongside Archangel, Iceman, Stacy X, Wolverine  & Chamber. Yet, after he was manipulated by an organization to thinking he became an ordained priest and was being used in order to fulfill some prophecy about the Devil in the Vatican (Chuck Asten wrote it.). That shook Kurt so much that he stepped down as leader and his team was then given over to the command of Havok. Still, Kurt proved himself a strong leader.


BISHOP -

    Bishop was first in charge of the XSE. When he came to the present day, Bishop had to learn to be an X-Man. And slowly but surely, Bishop grew into his role and into being an X-Man. He was no longer shoot first ... unless he found it was warranted. Bishop went from an angry man to seemingly a great investigator and model X-Man, warning the X-Men of a traitor.

   Well, the  traitor first ended up being Xavier himself. Yet, after Onslaught, Bishop roamed a bit till he made his way back to the X-Men. After Storm left her team, Bishop stepped up to lead it. Leading the team for a short time, Bishop led Nightcrawler, Rachel Grey, Psylocke & Cannonball ... he proved himself a leader and earned his command tags left. Unfortunately,  this was short lived after Hope Summers was born and Bishop betrayed the X-Men in order to stop his future from happening. Bishop reemerged recently in Uncanny X-Force # 1 (Volume 2).


WOLVERINE -

      Ever since Schism, Wolverine has stopped up. He has become the premiere student of Charles Xavier and the headmaster and over all leader of the X-Men (even though Storm seems to be working on getting back), Wolverine went from a feral, killing machine to a man who is dealing with his past by being a teacher and stopping these new mutants from making the same mistakes he did.

  Wolverine decided that he needed to be a better man after Cyclops was going "too far" in his opinion. The straw that broke the camel's back was Cyclops pretty much being okay with Idie, a 14 year old girl, killing a bunch of Hellfire Club members in order to save everyone else. Wolverine was the last person we all thought would become the champion of the dream but he opened the school again, renaming it the Jean Grey School and get



  Bis And there you have it. The official leaders of the X-Men in the 616 universe. I know some of you will say but Jean Grey was headmistress ... yet Cyclops was still overall field leader and she still listened to him.

Comic News: Women Reign Over New X-Men Title

            It seems to be that X marks the spot in Marvel. It was announced today that there will be another X-book relaunching, X-Men. X-Men will be relaunched with a new # 1 by writer Brian Wood and art by Olivier Copiel. Yet, the focus of this book will be all of the X-Women. Yes, this book will boaster a cast that includes Kitty Pryde, Jubilee, Storm, Rogue, Rachel Grey & Psylocke.

            The first arc will deal with New X-Men Grant Morrison era creation, Sublime, returning with a baby that may hold the key to the survival of the human race, with Jubliee taking the lead in the story.

            Wood told USA Today, "I feel like as far as the X-Men go, the women are the X-Men. Cyclops and Wolverine are big names, but taken as a whole, the women kind of rule the franchise. If you look at the entire world as a whole, it's the females that really dominate and are the most interesting and cool to look at. When you have a great artist drawing them, they look so amazing and always have."

            X-Men # 1 will hit the shelves this April.

Marvel NOW Updates - Behold ... the Uncanny Avengers & More.

Uncanny Avengers by John Cassidy

 There has been A LOT of buzz around Marvel's upcoming relaunch, Marvel NOW. Marvel NOW, for those of you who have been gone all holiday weekend, will be a 22 title relaunch initiative that Marvel will start this October and will have 1 title, every week, till February 2013. Yep. 22 new titles. So it is not a complete, line wide restart.

  Now more news has come out recently about Marvel NOW ... as I am sure it will throughout the next several months as we do not have full confirmations of what all the 22 titles are. In the previous article, we heard that Avengers, All -New X-Men and Uncanny Avengers are among the relaunch titles. It has also been confirmed that Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca will move from Iron Man to Fantastic Four at the end of Jonathan Hickman's run on the title.



 What do we have now? First, as you can plainly see, the full roster of the Uncanny Avengers, which will be written by fan favorite writer, Rick Remender with art by John Cassidy. The roster will include Captain America, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Wolverine, Rogue and Havok. Yep. The book will start with this group coming together, in the aftermath of Avengers vs. X-Men, as a way to make peace between the two teams. Also, they will have to face off against the Red Skull.

Also, remember we mentioned All-New X-Men by Brian Michael Bendis? Yep. We confirmed that it will open with the original 5 X-Men going into the present from the past. And boy, it is gonna be a shocker. But what is even more interesting? Here are comments from Marvel EIC, Axel Alonso made to CBR:

When we first entertained a story that would bring the Lee/Kirby X-Men into the present, Brian was the one who immediately latched onto it. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who reads Brian's work because he has a special gift for writing compelling, nuanced stories featuring young characters that either come to terms with new powers or deal with strange new situations, or both. No one tells a better ground-level story that introduces readers to a world through a young person's eyes -- and that's apparent from the first two scripts Brian's already written -- yep, already written! [Laughs] This is young Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Iceman and Angel traveling into the future and seeing what happened to Xavier's dream. And some of them will find out they didn't even make it this far! [Laughs] Imagine you're 17-year-old Jean Gray and you crash-land in the present. It'd be, like, "Why is everyone looking at me so strange...?"

And let me be very clear: Once the Lee & Kirby X-Men come into the present, they're here for the long haul. They're here for the foreseeable future, and that's something they -- and the rest of the Marvel Universe -- will have to come to terms with.

  So yeah. The original X-Men are here to stay for a while. So, Jean Grey is back ... sort of. It is before she died though. And the original 5 will be here for a WHILE. Time paradox anyone?


And Jumping back into the Avengers, Jonathan Hickman will be joined by Jerome Opena for the bi-weekly main Avengers book while it has been confirmed that former Avengers artist, Steve Epting, will return to the Avengers franchise as the new artist on New Avengers. It has been confirmed that all these titles will have new #1s. And the only Avengers that we know for sure on the Avengers will be Captain America, Thor & Shang Chi.

I know you've seen this already but just one more time. Let it sink in.

Any other Avengers, we will have to wait and see down the road how that goes. Yet, before we part, many have often compared Marvel NOW to DC's New  52. Here's Axel Alonso talking about that in his own words to CBR:

Well, one thing we did learn is that slapping a #1 on a bunch of cover sure gets you noticed! [Laughs] Look, DC does what it needs to do; we do what we need to do -- and we've been building toward this for some time. Marvel NOW! hearkens back to 11 years ago, when "NuMarvel" employed the simple strategy of "Great writer, great artist, great character, great hook...GO!" Only this time, we're embracing the #1 on the cover -- and we're determined that each issue is earns it -- and we're very conscious that these stories take place in one universe. We're leaning into the concept of shared-universe; while each title tells an independent story, they're part of a larger whole. 


And a couple things I want to emphasize: Marvel NOW! starts with the creators, so don't expect writer shake-ups across the line by the fourth or fifth issue, or half the titles to get cancelled and replaced by a new #1. We aren't throwing $#!# at a wall, seeing what falls off and then replacing it with more $#!#. [Laughs] We're building books we expect to last. Retailers that order them, and fans that read them, will be purchasing new ongoing titles, not limited series. Also, Marvel NOW! unfolds across four months, not one. Each week, we will be offering at least one new entry-point into the Marvel Universe for readers -- old, lapsed and new. It's a patient rollout that demonstrates respect for the fan and his wallet. 


Hmm .... sounds like fighting words to me. Let's see how it goes. Keep your eyes peeled here, in the Infinite, for more on Marvel NOW and other comic book news.

Avengers VS X-Men Battle Report # 5

AVENGERS vs X-MEN BATTLE REPORT #5

by Hector Ramirez & Frankie Rodriguez 

 And now it is time to catch you up with Avengers vs. X-Men Battle Report. Now, we are not going to cover the books that came out on June 20th. But we will cover all the other books of the last 3 weeks.





X-Men Legacy # 266 & 267:

   This 2-parter starts out earlier than the rest.We start with Kitty Pryde and Rachel Grey going over what has been going on recently with Cyclops' faction of the X-Men and the Avengers. While there seem to be some that think that Hope can't handle the Phoenix, Rachel thinks she can. (Being her Aunt might have something to do with that). So, Rachel argues that they can no longer sit on the sidelines while Kitty disagrees. While the majority of the staff decide to stay in the school and look after the kids, Rachel and Bobby (Iceman), are the first to go join with Cyclops.

   Shortly after their departure, Falcon, Moon Knight and She-Hulk arrive to ... well, to make sure that no one else is the Jean Grey School joins up with Cyclops' faction. At which point, both Frenzy and Gambit were ready to rip their heads off for coming into their home and telling them what to do. After Kitty asks to speak to either Wolverine or Beast, Falcon answers that they are not available. And Moon Knight chirps how if they want to believe everything will be okay is fine but not to have "you people" add to the problems Which Frenzy replies with . .."Did the guy in the White Hood just say You People." After Kitty lays down the law, everyone returns to class while the 3 Avengers must watch from 100 yards away. That is till Frenzy returns to keep an eye on them. After a brief insult from Moon Knight, Frenzy returns the insult with mocking how Moon Knight was crazy even before he put the costume on. And then ... FIGHT ENSUES. Rogue ends up going old school with her powers and Iron Man shows up .... let's just say that things look bad but definitely an awesome battle to behold.



Wolverine and the X-men #11:


 We start off with Kid Gladiator and Warbird fleeing the planet under Gladiator's orders, but Kid Gladiator decides to join the X-Men in battle. As this happens Hope and Logan are attacked by Shi'ar Death Commandos but Hope dispatches them with a Phoenix burst. Multiple battles ensue including a repeat of Spidey vs Colossus with an inaccurate panel and Gambit being knocked out by Cap again. Iceman turns the table on Red Hulk after a seemingly one sided ass whooping. Bobby's victory was then followed up by Kid Gladiator sucker punching Red Hulk. Now, both teams are in trouble with the arrival of Gladiator looking for his son.


Avengers #27: 

   The Protector betrays the Avengers by getting the Anti-Phoenix machine to the Kree Supreme Intelligence while the original outer space team still is reeling from their confrontation with the Phoenix.


AvX Round 5: 

So the Avengers and X-Men are fighting it out on the moon after Logan betrays Hope to the Avengers and is in turn betrayed by Rachel. Hope loses her temper with all the fighting around her and the close proximity of the Phoenix causing another burst. She pleads with Logan to kill her but Scott stops him. Meanwhile, Tony Stark has built a machine to kill the Phoenix but it instead diverts the Phoenix Force into Scott, Emma, Magik, Namor, and Piotr. As the Phoenix Five the return to Earth with a mission of evolution. No clear battles.


Secret Avengers #27:

     So, Captain Britain seemingly feels like a fish out of water or putting his foot in his mouth with the Secret Avengers. Meanwhile, the Kree have brainwashed Captain Mar-vell but still very much the hero he always was at the core. Seeing him justifying what he's doing while still serving the Kree is proving interesting.


Avengers Academy #31: 

 After spending last issue fighting amongst themselves, Shaw revealed that he was trying to free the Generation Hope Kids from the Avengers Academy staff (including Tigra, Hercules and more). The issue seemed to have a big turn as the two faction as X-23, Richocet, Hollow and Wiz Kid help the Generation Hope kids. Tigra then talks to Shaw and decides to help the children escape.



Uncanny X-Men #13: 

As the events of AvX Round 5 unfold Storm, Magneto, Psylocke, and Mr. Nemesis find themselves in an abandoned building swapping stories of domestic abuse, traitorous children, arm breaking Hulks, and in the case of Nemesis incoherent babbling all results of war. They all of course wish they could be in the thick of things. Meanwhile Hope's friends from Utopia attempt to find their place in the events unfolding by questioning Unit. Unit speaks of a former Phoenix host bringing revolution to hert planet with the help of 5 underlings. Believing they were meant to help Hope do the same seek to do that but Unit has Danger stop for he is curious to see what a Phoenix does without such help. No Avenger/X-Men battles but Danger sure beats the shit out of the would be Phoenix crew.

Vs #3: 

We start off with Red Hulk tearing Colossus up and getting bored so he tosses him to The Thing and thus begins our first fight.Ben starts beating Piotr's(see that writers Piotr not Peter get it right dammit) face into the ground who retaliates by smacking him with a slab of stone.Ben recomposes himself and throws a stone down Piotr's throat then headbutts him in the gut. This sends them flying to an area of the moon with no oxygen where Ben can't keep up and Piotr knocks him unconscious, X-Men's victory. Next, Piotr's little sister Illyana aka Magik takes on the lovely Black Widow. While Natalia is a formidable opponent even when being attacked by demons in limbo (where the writers thought untranslated bits of Russian dialogue was a good idea :/) Magik turns the tables on Natalia by impaling her from behind with her magical blade thankfully only rendering her unconscious with its magical properties. And thus the Rasputin bunch has won this issue for the X-Men.

AVX BATTLE RESULTS:


Rogue vs. She -Hulk;    Winner: No Contest (due to switching fighting partners)


Frenzy vs. Moon Knight   Winner: Frenzy (both verbally and physically) 


Rogue vs. She-Hulk, Moon Knight, Falcon & Iron Man [Drone]   Winner: ROGUE!!!


Iron Man [Drone] vs. Gambit      Winner: Iron Man [Drone]


She-Hulk vs. Frenzy    Winner: No Contest


Hellion, Match & another Mutant vs. She-Hulk      Winner: She-Hulk 


Sebastian Shaw vs. Avengers Academy Staff       Winner: No Contest (stopped by Students)


Avengers Academy Students vs. Generation Hope, Ricochet, Wiz Kid and Hollow.     Winner: Gen Hope


Unit & Danger vs. Generation Hope             Winner: Unit & Danger 


The Thing vs. Colossonaunt                  Winner: Colossonaunt 


Black Widow vs. Magik                   Winner:  Magik

Protector vs. The Avengers                 Winner: Protector


Iron Fist vs. Marvel Girl (aka Rachel Grey)     Winner: Marvel Girl 


Iceman vs. Red Hulk                     Winner: Iceman 


Death Commandos vs. Hope Summers & Wolverine             Winner: Hope Summers & Wolverine


Black Panther vs. Storm          Winner: No Contest 


Avengers vs. X-Men (Match 5)     Winner: The X-Men 


The Phoenix vs. Iron Man & his Anti Phoenix Buster      Winner: THE PHOENIX 

INJURY LIST:

- Gen Hope got some minor concussions and their minds tampered with.

- Any Avengers or X-Men on the Moon were burned by Hope and the Phoenix.

- Magik has a slightly cracked jaw

- Black Widow has to deal with the Soul Sword messing with her soul.

- Psylocke has a broken arm.

 - Thing's skin got cracked

 - Cyclops has some cuts and concussions thanks to both Wolverine and Captain America.

- Red Hulk has frost bite.

 - Iron Fist has to deal with massive headaches.

 - The Avengers Academy staff and Sebastian Shaw have bruises.

 - The Death Commandos are ... well, mostly dead.

 - Hope has bullet holes and cuts in her ... no ... wait  ... she mimicked Wolverine. She's good.

- Danger is dealing with being hacked by Unit.

 - The Phoenix got split into 5 thanks to Tony Stark.

- Hellion has ruptured Ear drums.

- Captain Britain is eating crow like it's going out of style.

- Dr. Nemesis is still reeling from Black Widow's stingers.



NOTES:


- So yeah. Thanks to Tony Stark ... the Phoenix now has 5 hosts. 


- Scott Summers is a host of the Phoenix. So is Emma Frost. So is Namor. Heaven help the Avengers. 


- You know, with Falcon, She-Hulk and Moon Knight rolling up to the Jean Grey School like they did, the Avengers are REALLY starting to look like Bullies. 


- Magneto, Storm & Psylocke toast wishing they were with the others on the Moon. Let's thank God that they weren't there. 


- Unit is reminding me of Sinister. 


- First, we get implied racism from Moon Knight. Then we get nearly overt racism from She-Hulk when she calls a mutant a Monster. Pot CALLING Kettle bitch!


- The Death Commandos ... glad they are dead but wish Rachel had killed them. 


- Rogue beats the Avengers . ...AGAIN. 


- Gambit is faster than Iron Man (Drone) targeting systems. Go on Gambit. 


- Frenzy is proving herself quite the X-Man. 


- Storm is gonna start calling T'Challa her Estranged Husband. That's NOT GOOD! Bad enough one marriage is on the rocks (Luke  & Jessica Cage) but now Storm and Black Panther too?!


- So Colossus now has his own power, the powers of the Juggernaut AND the powers of the Phoenix. Oh my GOD! 


- Iceman beating Red Hulk ... DAMN!!!


- Thank Tony Stark for trying to kill the Phoenix. 


NEXT: And now ... The Scarlet Witch! (This time, for sure.)

  

THIS WEEK IN AWESOME # 8

Welcome Clashers. We are back with an ALL NEW, THIS WEEK IN AWESOME, featuring epic moments in comics we read this past week. And Get ready cause they are insane!




Hector Ramirez: 


 From Batman # 8: Alfred and Bruce are in the Batcave dispatching the Bat-family to engage the Talon all over Gotham. When a swarm of Talon descend upon them, Bruce gets Alfred to safety then emerges in a suit of armor ready for battle.


Jake Estrada: 

 From Prophet # 24: Okay the setting opens there are a bunch of status pods abroad a space ship in space, a colony of other pods, and it has John Prophet Awakening and it says, John Prophet is awake. That scene opening with this bold new world as Prophet is among the wreckage.





Darryll "YTC" Carter: 


The YTC epic moment this week is actually- epic moments.

The first is from Wonder Woman #8. A bullet penetrates Diana’s Bracelets of the Aegis, passing through her forearm and into her chest… WTF?!

Secondly, this one made up for the depressing shock of the first, is from Suicide Squad #7.  Savant is trying to apprehend the escaped clown femme fatale, Harley Quinn. After insulting her lovely taste in fashion he is lured into stepping on a mine Harley planted and locked in a cell. Harley had this to say. Lmao. Love my Harl.


Frankie Rodriguez: 

   Honestly, it's from X-Men Legacy 260. Rogue's speech as to why she leaves to go to the Jean Grey School. One of the most epic speeches in recent history. I am not saying the speech again cause it is in my review of X-Men Legacy: Lost Tribes.

X-MEN LEGACY: LOST TRIBES REVIEW

X-Men Legacy

Issues 260.1 – 263

Written by Christos Gage

Art by David Baldeon & Jordi Tarragona

Coloring by Sonia Oback

Marvel Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

            For the last six years, Mike Carey has taken this book and made it a very special book within the X-Titles. While it started off as a team book featuring Rogue as leader of her own squad as was still called “X-Men” at the time, it evolved. It began to focus on Professor X for a while than transformed when it became a Rogue centric book. Gambit, Magneto and other younger, new characters all took center stage throughout the run but Rogue seemed to be the crown jewel of the title.

            And it work. Fans loved seeing Rogue truly evolve from the timid, slightly reckless girl she once was, to the in-control leader and teacher that she became. Carey had written great stories that many X-fans will fondly remember. And after 6 years, switching Frenzy over to the side of the angels, giving Rogue, Gambit and Magneto new depths of character and bringing back Rachel Grey, Havok and Polaris, he ended his run. Which worked to coincide with Schism. Cyclops and Wolverine had very different views that split the X-Men in half. Cyclops said since there were too few mutants left, they are all soldiers; no matter the age. Wolverine, on the other hand, believed that the children should be children till they are old enough to decided to fight or not. And while those 2 had big roles in that split, when Carey ended his run on X-Men Legacy, he decided to put Rogue, the character that he helped redefine, in the center of a hard decision. Yet, Rogue left Utopia to join the staff of the Jean Grey School and left Cyclops with probably one of the best speeches I have heard in X-Men history:

            Rogue: I see you grown into this job. I knew the doubts you had. I knew the problems you were dealing with. You decided to push those doubts away cause you had to be that strong or no one would have followed you.  And I understand. But at some point, you when from “Ah can't afford to make a mistake” became “Nothing Ah do could ever be wrong,” You hid this doubts so deep that you maybe couldnt find them again now if you wanted to. But you got to try. Because Ah think they're what's gonna save you.”

            Those were the last words to Cyclops before she left Utopia and Carey left X-Men Legacy. Now, Enter Christos Gage and the Jean Grey School. What new adventures Rogue, Gambit, Frenzy and Rachel will have? What are the teachers of this school going to deal with? And it seemed like the right idea. Gage has gotten acclaim for writing Avengers Academy.  But the writer stated before he started his run that Avengers Academy was a student book and X-Men Legacy was going to be about the teacher. So, let’s see what this new era brings to the teachers of the Jean Grey School.

CLASH FACTS

            Now, we are doing things a little differently cause I am actually doing 2 different stories within the 4 issues but there are a couple of things that carry over that I wanted to keep up with; hence why it’s 260.1-263 and not just 261-263. We open 260.1 with  . . . something we haven’t seen in a little while. Mutants playing sports. But no. Not baseball. At least not yet, according to some. What we have actually is the students with Rogue, Rachel, Frenzy and Gambit playing a game of football  . .. with powers being allowed to be used. And it’s sudden death too. Gage and Baldeon immediately paint a picture of students we know and love: Armor, Anole, Rockslide, etc. having fun. Rachel points that out but what I liked that it was shown before it was stated.

Rogue telepathically relates to the other teachers that they are gonna do their best to save their students from pain and make things better. She then touches Frenzy to absorb some of her super-strength and invulnerability and crashes through Rockslide. Hmm … I like Rogue’s teaching style already. Rachel inquires to Rogue if Rockslide can reform himself and she says yes but then goes on about how that is not enough. Rockslide reforms his body two more times, only for Rogue to break it down, this time with some power from Rachel.

            Rogue: Don’t worry about me pushing these stones away. You can form your body out of any rock. Reach out. Use whatever is available. Don’t just rebuilt your body. Build a better one.

            Rockslide takes the hint, reforming his body again, this time, using all sorts of rocks. (PLOT POINT!!!) The final result is a new body that is twice the size of his old one. Meanwhile, Gambit muses … let’s be honest …  pines and goes one about how great Rogue is as a teacher but Frenzy cuts that out quickly, pointing out how lovesick Gambit is for Rogue. Gambit goes on to defend himself, stating that he’s been teaching most of his life and that what he does is about teaching, not about Rogue. Frenzy states how Gambit probably thinks his chances with Rogue will improve with Magneto (Yes folks. Rogue is dating Magneto in the 616 universe. And it is not a tease this time. It is a FULL ON RELATIONSHIP.) Gambit fires back about how Frenzy, who was a professional soldier for hire, is at this school to stay away from seeing Cyclops and Emma together. (Note: During the Age of X storyline: that alternate reality had Frenzy and Cyclops, then called Basilisk, together in a very … Klingon relationship; Frenzy still retains all the memories of that reality and it does have last effects.) Frenzy begins a threat but Gambit says let the past be the past.

Oh yeah. Some of those rocks Rockslide used , opened some kind of hole with light. Hmm . .. maybe it’s a cave of fireflies. Or it’s the time hole where Kagome falls into to see Inyasha.  Ah well. I doubt we’ll get back to it.

            Everyone else is still outside when telepathic pain strikes Rachel and Rogue. (Remember: she just took some of Rachel’s powers. Of course she’ll feel it.) Little black aliens seem to be coming out of the woods and Rogue wants the kids back inside. Rachel is about to suggest otherwise but Rogue tells Rachel to alert the faculty and that it will NOT interrupt the school day.

            Inside the faculty lounge, Cannonball is complaining about a lack of memorials on campus then about Husk’s issues with her powers. Seems Husk’s skin is molting a lot of late. Beast and Iceman just listen in when they get Rachel’s telepathic call. Rockslide, Armor, Anole and others head to class as Iceman runs out, the students noticing. When Beast welcomes them to class, he starts a lecture  … on the very things, aka The N’Garai, the other teachers are about to fight. There’s some irony for you, Alanis.

            Wow. The N’Garai. Haven’t seen them since … X-Men #75. When the team had Maggot, Marrow and Cecila Reyes on it. Good times.

            A group of X-Men (Rachel, Rogue, Iceman, Gambit and Frenzy) are beating back the N’Garai when Cannonball blasts in . .. and through one of the creatures.. Rogue then immediately tells him to go back to his Ethics class while he’s got alien blood and guts on him. (Wait … wait … I thought Kitty Pryde was teaching that class. Ah well. I can deal with Sam teaching it.)  Cannonball complies with Toad (yes, Toad is there … as a janitor), cleaning him up while he teaches. The X-Men seem to be winning when the big back N’Garai General comes through; wanting the souls of the children to feed off of and open the portal … the hole that Rockslide had made earlier when he reformed himself. Told you it was a plot point.

            The X-Men fight hard but Rachel notes that they can’t keep them away from the school much longer. Rogue then takes some abilities from Gambit and Iceman and rushes off. She has Husk head off and take out the few N’Garai that were closest to the school as she enters Beasts class, touching all the students and telling the students not to neglect their studies.

            Rogue: You will sit here and do your work. Your school day will not be interrupted. Ah trust ah’m clear about that.

The X-Men outside find their wall isn’t gonna cut it when Rogue comes out, using multiple powers at once, taking down the N’Garai General while the other X-Men finish off the grunts.

            Afterwards, Gambit and Frenzy are out and about. It is at this point we find out that Gambit had smashed Frenzy in the past. (eww.) And then they kiss.

Next thing we know, our next issue starts with Rogue and Marvel Girl (oh! So they are still calling Rachel that. Good), teaching  … Zero Gravity Mobility 101. 

Um … I want to take that course.

            And while they yuck it up, Frenzy and Gambit go on about how them kissing was a mistake. Wow. Folks … remember when Gambit was this awesome rogue (irony, haha) character that would kiss whoever he pleased and who would jump into things with no regrets. Yes. He has evolved. But damn … the pining over Rogue.  Character development.

            There is a whole conversation between Marvel Girl and Rogue about why she has not called Magneto yet or why he has not called her since she moved to the school. And what it comes down to is pride. Marvel Girl (Rachel) points out how silly Rogue’s being when they get a visit from the precog known as Blindfold. Marvel Girl telepathically alerts to the students to go to Safe Rooms while Wolverine joins them. Wolverine, Rogue, Cannonball, Frenzy, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Gambit and Beast head outside to find Exodus waiting. And boy … he’s not happy.

            Exodus comes in starting off about how Professor Xavier showed him that mutantkind will only survive if they are united. Frenzy and Exodus shoot off about his throwing everything away that they once believed in. Exodus demands that everyone go back to Utopia and that they must put their differences aside. Rogue goes on stating that it isn’t that simple and that they are not just do what he says. Which then starts the first battle between the JGS X-Men and Exodus. And it gets pretty varied.

            From Cannonball rushing in to Wolverine, Frenzy and Beast attacking him to Marvel Girl holding him off on the psychic plane. Rogue is able to absorb Exodus’s power of teleportation (which really isn’t much cause Exodus can have nearly any power he wants) and uses it to absorb a little of Kid Gladiator’s powers … much to the disgust of Warbird. ( the new Shi’ar bodyguard to Kid Gladiator, not Carol Danvers).

            Frenzy and Exodus have a few more exposites of how they both changes their beliefs (more like betrayed) and Exodus tries to telepathically remove Frenzy’s memories of Age of X or the X-Men from her .. . only go get hit hard by Rogue. To end the first fight, Rogue and Wolverine allow Exodus to read their minds and catch him up on all he missed: the X-Men/Dark Avengers crossover, the Second Coming crossover, Beast leaving the X-Men, the death of Nightcrawler, Hope’s introduction, Schism. Exodus stops attacking them and states that he was wrong. He apologizes and leaves.

            And you think that would be it. But no. Rogue realizes that Exodus has gone to kill Cyclops. Rogue suggests that they warn the X-Men on Utopia but Wolverine and Beast concur that this is their issue to fix. Rogue stays behind only to teleport in moments later as the Blackbird catches up with Exodus. Another fight ensues. During the fight, Rogue said she left a message on a timer for the X-Men on Utopia, in case they fail and Wolverine has a fit. Cannonball reminds them of their battle with Exodus and they return to it. And the X-Men do their best. Marvel Girl fights him in the psychic plane again while the rest of the X-Men pile on against him … till Exodus uses Wolverine to knock Marvel Girl out and then telepathically takes control of them.

            Exodus is hit from behind and suddenly, they are free. Rogue tells Wolverine that her little treason isn’t such a bad idea now till she sees who showed up to save her: Generation Hope. Hope and Exodus meet. Exodus proclaims that he will serve Hope . . . once he rids her of Cyclops’ influence. Rogue questions why Generation Hope, aka the other kids that stayed on Utopia, are here and not the Extinction Team (aka the Uncanny X-Men). Hope explains that she got the call and they came.

            As Gambit explains to Wolverine and Rogue, they have no choice but to fight alongside the kids. Both groups pile it on and end up taking down Exodus. Exodus smirks that he’s won. That only united could they have defeated him. Yet, the real meat happens at the end of the fight. Rogue talks to the group, particularly Dust and Pixie (who she once was their main teacher for pre-Schism) and offers a place in the school for all the kids where they would be safe. Surge starts the burn when she reminds them of the time 44 students were killed by the Purifiers. Dust adds that she felt that being a mutant meant to fight. Hope adds that they just used kids as soldiers when they had no other choice. Rogue tries to counter, saying they she does not want them to end up like :

Pixie:  Like Magneto? Like Wolverine? Like you? We’re okay with that.

            BURN TIMES TEN!!!!

            Rogue then tries to talk to Wolverine who flat out says that he can’t trust her and will be planning accordingly. Marvel Girl talks to Rogue later, wanting to cheer her up and stating that the faculty think Wolverine was being a jerk. Rogue asks what she thought of what she did. Marvel Girl said that they never said that the kids would NEVER fight and that it was a smart move. Yet, she did tell Rogue that her decision was partially cause she wanted to see Magneto and that she needed to figure out her relationship with him soon cause they don’t have the luxury in their roles.

            The comic ends with the kids returning. Anole says that it is over but Blindfold points out … no, it’s not.

CLASH TACTICS

            You know, since X-Men Regenesis, the X-Men books have definitely felt like they have all changed and try to specialize each book a bit more. With Uncanny X-Men, you have Scott’s Extinction Team, who want to be the World’s Greatest Heroes. With X-Men, you got Scott’s covert ops who handle threats proactively but not killing them. With Wolverine & the X-Men, you have a book about the Jean Grey School dealing with a mix of faculty and students; making it feel like New X-Men with a touch of old school Claremont X-Men. Yet, with X-Men Legacy, you get to really dive into the faculty, the majority of them not in Wolverine and the X-Men. You get to seem them with and without the students and how they function.  And I believe that is a very good move on Marvel’s part.

            That said, X-Men Legacy is off to a great start. Baldeon’s style is a bit unusual at first to the art styles that have been showcased in this book. Yet, it definitely helps give X-Men Legacy it’s own distinct flavor. The pencils are strong and everyone looks distinct. There is a simplicity to it that is very welcome. It feels like an animated show being turned in for panels but I do enjoy it. What helps Baldeon’s style flesh out are the inks from Jordi Tarragona and the colors from Sonia Oback. While the simplicity of the style might make others think that everyone will look like each other, Tarragona’s inks help prevent that. And Oback’s colors … which seem to be a mix of digital and water colors in some cases, really help breathes life to these panels.

            Writing wise, Gage is off to a solid start. He picks up character beats and plot threads from Carey and really weaves in something new. Using Rogue as a central character helps keep the flow of the book from Carey to Gage. Yet, how he uses Rogue, Rachel, Gambit, Frenzy and more really helps this book shine. Picking up the pieces left by Carey, Gage begins to really help humanize Frenzy more. Her multiple retorts with Exodus help develop her, giving her more layers. Gambit is very love sick about Rogue but Gage is careful to still make him Gambit. Which is good. Cannonball’s scenes were a joy, using him effectively each time he showed up. Particularly during Rogue and Wolverine’s argument in the middle of battle. All 3 have been or are leaders and understand the stakes. Nice to see Sam make sure they focus. Rogue’s over character is well displayed and the fact that there is a new vulnerability because she is in JGS and still dating Magneto was excellently displayed. But honestly, the character MVP here would have to be Marvel Girl. Rachel’s scenes always seem to show her being the strong woman that she has become. You can see her love of life but knows her duty well. Besides Rogue, she has had the most scenes. While they didn’t dive much into Rachel personally, having her be Rogue’s new bestie is working wonders for her.  The overall pacing of the issues were great too. Nothing felt rushed and the fact that the conclusion of the Exodus story was not the end of the fight, but another touch on the philosophical debate started at Schism was a nice touch.

            Overall, X-Men Legacy is a great book that stands shoulder to shoulder with it’s big sister, Wolverine & the X-Men. It does not need anything from the other book and Gage really helps keeps things going as he picks up from Carey with ease. Baledon’s style is a little odd but you get used to it and enjoy it. Particularly during both battles with Exodus. It is not perfect but it is damn close.

So, I give X-Men Legacy: Lost Tribes (260.1-263) an Intercontinental Championship Contendership (4 out of 5). Baldeon will get to perfect if he keeps it up. And the book is in great hands.

Countdown: YTC's Top 10 Mutants

Countdown: YTC’s Top 10 Mutants

by Darryll YTC Carter

      Happy New Comics Wednesday Clashers.  With Avengers Vs. X-Men going on, it seemed appropriate to take a look at both sides.This week's countdown is a list of my favorite mutants. We'd love to see your favorite mutants as well. Drop us your list in the comments below.

1. Rogue 

     Undoubtedly my favorite mutant by a landslide. Rogue has been the apple of my eye since my early days watching Fox Kids. She introduced me to the lure of a southern belle and the attraction of a woman who can toss a forklift like a soft ball. While I do really miss her 90’s jacket fashion, they’ve kept her in good form and her character has really evolved from a member of the team to a leadership position at the Jean Grey School.

2. The Phoenix

      The Phoenix is a force to be reckoned with. While the read head is a strong point, the Phoenix has reached the top of this list by making Jean Grey a legend. Jean came a long way from the girl who buckled every time she employed her abilities, to a flaming celestial goddess immortalized and honored with a school in her name and a tenacious daughter who honors her original moniker.

3. Cyclops

     Former Ward Cleaver incarnate, Scott was the leader of the original X-men and leader of the remaining mutants until they split during Schism.  I love stand up traditionally heroic characters that fight with honor. (Captain America is also the ish.) While I somewhat detest Scott’s current demeanor I have to applaud him for stepping up to the plate and trying to get things done. He was always a good leader and he would always do what needed to be done to help his team. Is that Cyclops really gone? Or is he just finally looking at a bigger picture?

4. Scarlet Witch

     Often viewed as the favorite child of Magneto, Scarlet Witch is a top tier mutant not to be trifled with. Scarlet Witch manipulates probability fields and reality via her hexes. While she has been deemed unstable on more than one fair occasion, Wanda once firmly warmed a seat in the Avengers alongside her love, Vision. To put into perspective just how powerful Wanda is, I only need to mention House of M. Don’t know what that is? Google it or go buy it. Man I love women with power.

5. Domino

     Domino, the female Longshot with an edge. Domino stands out from the rest as a mutant who uses her abilities to augment the tools of her trade. Not to mention the alabaster/grey skin tone with the black spot on the eye individualizes her and makes her memorable.

6. Wolverine

      He’s the best at what he does, but what he does isn’t very nice. You darn skippy it isn’t. (Who says skippy anymore?) Wolverine has proven time and time again that he can make the hard call and cut off your head if it needs to happen. While Wolverine is the X-men’s resident badass the bulk of my appreciation for his character comes from the many layers of emotion and compassion that lay under his cool fierce waves of his surface.

7. Mystique

     Manipulator supreme, Mystique is a bonafide femme fatale. Mystique uses everything at her disposal to accomplish her goals, from guns to people. Her best tool is her shape shifting ability. She can be any woman or man you want. I like blue women myself. Who do you think my love interest was in Mass Effect?

8. Shadowcat 

    Kitty Pride… She had the cutest nose on X-Men evolution. But she was sort of a tool. However, Kitty redeems herself in the regular Marvel continuity having been trained in various martial arts by Weapon X himself, Wolverine.  Her spot was cemented when she decided it was a good idea to date the amazing Spider-Man of the Ultimate Universe. Till this day, I think that was the best relationship Peter ever had.

9. Forge

      There are two powers that would totally suit my personality. One is the power that comes from being a Green Lantern (or probably a yellow or red lantern) and all the constructs I could create with my mind. The other is the Forge’s ability to literally create anything he can think of. I mean his power is ridiculous. I could think, “I need to forge world peace. But how do I do it? Frick’n Voltron!” Boom, it’s done. I know exactly how to make it and get it to perform the way it needs to. I won’t really know how until I reverse engineer it, but hey. Who the hell would take the lions apart once they had them anyway?

10. Magneto

      Last but not least is the master of magnetism, Magneto. Magnus first reared his tactically villainous head before me on the Fox Kids X-Men cartoon. Back then I saw the world in a more black and white tone. Good and evil. Right and Wrong. Magneto showed me that it wasn’t that simple. When you look at the world from Magneto’s point of view things start to make sense. You start to see why he thinks and does the things he does. You see the genius and you see at his core a man whose purpose is to ensure that his people survive. I can relate to that and I respect that.

VALENTINE'S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL # 2: X-MEN # 30 (THE WEDDING OF SCOTT SUMMERS & JEAN GREY)

VALENTINE’S DAY REVIEW # 2

 X-Men (Volume 2 aka X-Men Legacy) # 30

“The Ties That Bind”

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art by Andy Kubert & Matt Ryan

Marvel Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

   Ah. Welcome to another Valentine’s themed review. This time, we are gonna go in the way back machine to the 90s. Yes. The 90s. Where big guns and artist reigned surpreme and the X-Men was the biggest comic book franchise! Between the 90s cartoon and the comics, the X-Men were household names. And it was at this point and time that the X-Men comics were really milking as many mutant as possible . .. well, until the recent Regenesis that is. 

  Before Emma Frost became the premiere love of Scott Summers’ life, there was one other. The love that Scott Summers was meant to be with . .. at least according to many fans at that time. Jean Grey. Yes. Marvel Girl or Phoenix, Jean Grey was a character who really brought you in with her warm and made you awe in her badassery ( yes I just made that word up.)

  Scott and Jean had gone through so much to be together before they got married: particularly the revelation that Cable was Scott’s long lost son, Nathan who he gave away to Mother Askani (aka a future version of Rachel Grey Summers) back in X-Factor #68. The recent crossover with the other X-teams during X-cutioner Song and Bloodties (which featured the Avengers). Wolverine had left the team to heal from having his Adamantium ripped out of his body by Magneto. So the time was ripe for the couple. Which brings us to  “The Ties That Bind”

CLASH FACTS

   Our book opens with a lovely little letter from Logan and there are 2 things I notice right away: 1 – feminine hands holding it & 2 – while the paper of the letter looks pretty beaten up . . . Logan’s got some pretty handwriting. Seriously, that is the best cursive I had ever seen from a guy. The letter is addressed to the wedded couple to be as it was a bit awkard sounding “I’ve never been too good at what I feel inside . . .” to oddly poetic “You go together like fire and ice …like a hurricane and its eye . .. “ all leading that they should look with new eyes as they take the next step in their lives.

  Not bad Logan. Then we get some narration that we are not quite sure who it’s from at first but admits that he’s effected by the day. And honestly, so was I. When this first came out, I screamed at the pages “It’s about time.”  Give me a break. I’m a lover AND a fighter. Back to the comic.

  Jean is complaining about breathing in her dress as Storm and Jean Grey’s mother hit at Jean’s nervousness. Jean admits she wished Logan was there (and with most X-Men fans now, they wished he was there too . .. to take you away from Scott) Storm reminds her best friend (and yes X-fans, Storm and Jean are best friends. People seem to forget that.) that Logan needs time to heal his wounds and while he’s not there physically, he’s there in spirit. Or so you think Storm … or so you think.

 Jean has a heartwarming moment with Ororo as Jean’s mother says to stop hugging or they will never get done. Jean goes on about how her mom is one in a million, Elaine Grey retorts that so is Jean with the genetics to back it up. If only Jean could have seen her mother about a decade later … (That will be a review for another time)  Jean talks with Rachel, who recently fixed their very broken relationship. Jean hugs her future daughter warmly, proud that this day could very well lead to Rachel being born one day.

*grabs a tissue for my eye* I’m not crying. I swear. There was something thrown into my eye.

The narrator continues and while it does not flat out say it, the moment when the narrator says Robert instead of Bobby for Iceman, I figure it was the Professor. Bobby comments how Storm came through for Scott and Jean today with a sunny, 70 degree day . . . in January. (in Upstate New York mind you). And then Bobby points out how embarrassing it would be for the bride to be ready before the group. And we see Scott sitting on a chair with his brother Alex (Havok) across from him, huddled by the other 3 original X-Men, Beast (Hank), Archangel (Warren) and Iceman (Bobby). Beast goes on to say they have “encountered an opponent far more dangerous than Magneto, more devious than Mr. Sinister, more dastardly . . .”

 FOR THE LOVE OF FRELL HANK! IT’S A BOW TIE!

Oh wait, Warren echoes my sentiment while Alex teased his big brother that this is the first day of the rest of his life. (Rest of her life maybe …) Bobby replies that marriage is a death trap while Warren and Hank STILL can tie the bow tie. The narration from Professor X tells of how big the day is starting to sit with Scott when the Professor reveals himself to his students; immediately chiding Bobby for his cynicism. And Charles easily slides in, grabbing to bow tie from his Warren and Hank , admits that this day has him nervous as it clearly shows that they are adults, while he finishes a bow tie and ask if they need the “old Prof” anymore. Scott asks if that was a set up but Charles admits he stumbled upon everything. Scott admits his nervousness with the normal grace you come to expect from ole Cyke:

  “Truth to tell Professor, without you by my side, I’d feel safer walking into the Danger Room alone and naked right now rather than face what’s coming next.”

And Havok immediately chants what the majority of fans were thinking: “Gee. There’s an image that’s stuck in my head now fro the rest of the day . .. “ THANKS CYCLOPS! *facepalm*

 Professor Xavier gives a speech about moving forward and taking the next step and the Heart of the Cards, blah blah blah.  Oh hey. I did that right.

 The Groom, best man and groomsmen all begin to walk out the door as Professor’s narration reveals that while his speech seemed to calm and help out his students a great deal, it did little to give him solace. He goes on about how he’s afraid of losing Scott and Jean forever and wishing he had a better social life so he had some kind of frame of reference. As Charles was transferring himself from his hoverchair to his wheelchair (can’t show all the civilians the fun and wacky Shi’ar tech) he drops his own note from Logan which Rachel picks up. Charles comments that he’s yet to read it and Rachel points out “Goodbyes are always tough . . .especially if you think there’s still a lot left to be said before parting.”

 Charles says he’ll read it later when he catches a glimpse of Jean. You know, this is made creepier when we find out that Charles was in love with Jean himself. EEEEWWWWWWWWW.

  We go outside to see Scott and Alex stand on the altar with the priest with Scott being nervous with all eyes on him. Alex points out the obvious to Scott : “Of course they are. We’re Standing in front of them” and tells his brother to look at them all. Xavier narrates how much satisfaction and pride he has at seeing the X-Men and most of the groups of the X-Men extended family are there for this joyous occasion. He also reveals Scott’s pride in the X-Men and what they stand for when . ..

 Ororo comes out as the Maid of Honor, motion for the wedding march from . . . DEATHKLOK?!  . ..

 SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKKKKKKKKEEEE!!!!

  The wedding band is lead by musical artist and mutant Lila Cheney. Geez! You couldn’t bring back Alison (Dazzler) for this occasion? Ah well. Charles, being the upper class guy that he is reveals that he was never a fan of Lila’s music … until now. Storm walks by when Gambit says how good she looks and finds Scott there: telling her he’s ready to explode.

 Storm taunts that they couldn’t have that and that he’s about to sent to another world where whatever she’ll or anyone will say won’t matter. When he’s about to ask . . .

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNN!!!

 After Jean’s father hands over his daughter to Cyclops, the minister starts a great ceremony that the Professor was kind enough to let us hear. They used a sash as a way to symbolize wedding ties and exchanged rings till the minister proclaimed them husband and wife and tells them “Let’s see a kiss now.”

  Then the couple and the rest of the X-Men gets down to boogie with Professor Xavier still narrating the whole peace. As Xavier oohs and ahs over the happy bride and groom, Lila reveals that the song the couple have chosen was “One” by U2.  Scott and Jean got good taste.

  While the X-Men are having fun, a metal gloved and mouth covered Sabertooth just goes on about how dumb the X-Men are and thinks about making trouble . .. till he is send face furst into the snow with a small little note saying: Don’t Even Think About It!

  Back with the X-Men, Jean throws the bouquet at a stunning collection of X-Men: Storm, Polaris, Domino, Boomer,Wolfsbane, Jubliee, Psylocke and nd more when . .. Rogue flies up to catch the bouquet.  Then Scott takes out Jean’s garter belt when she asked why they agreed to it. Scott answers that Hank told him that Guido (X-Factor’s Strong Guy) would sulk for a week; Jean promises a lecture to Guido latter and Scott throws. Quicksilver, Archangel, Beast, Forge, Guido and more dive for the garter belt .. . if for nothing else but to slip it on Rogue. And with an explosion . .. Gambit ends up holding the belt.

   Gambit’s reply: Now, Mes Amis. Y’ Didn’t think I’d give anyone ELSE a chance t’slip this on the little lady, did you? I t’ink not.

Smooth Gambit. Really smooth.

   And just when you and the professor thought the festivities were over . . . Jean saves the last dance for Charles. Charles protests at first, worried about people who don’t know about their gifts …  HEY CHARLES! Why not start with protesting when Rogue flew the catch the bouquet. Or when Gambit used his powers to make sure he got the garter belt. Or when you have Beast, Nightcrawler and Warren there .. . all with blue skin.  A LITTLE LATE TO WORRY, AIN’T IT CHARLES?!

  Jean says she wants to dance with the Professor and makes it happen with her telekinesis. And after Charles’s start to protest comes one of the best lines I have ever read in an X-Men comic from Jean Grey:

  “ .. . And what if they did know about us, Charles? That I’m a mutant? Or that I’m a woman who wants to celebrate the best day of her life? If dancing with you is what makes me happy and if being a mutant gives me the opportunity to do that then there’s nothing in this world I would rather be than a mutant. And I’m proud to dance with the man who taught me that being one should in no way limit the happiness I can enjoy or the love I might share with those I’m blessed to call my family.”

 . . . I seem to have . .. something in my eye again . ..

 Charles and Scott have a quick exchange, partially on how Havok is coping with the loss of Madrox (look at X-Factor # 100) and then Charles going on about how a great guy Cyclops has grown to become. Cyclops gives the credit to being the man that he is because of Charles, telling the professor than he loves him then leaves the room. And our comic ends with Xavier looking over some papers, opening Logan’s note that simply says:

  “Dear Chuck,

    Lighten up.

   Yer Ol’ Pal,

   Logan “

And again, Charles reflects the same reaction I did to that note .. . laughter.

CLASH TACTICS

   I admit. I am a sucker for a good wedding. And, even with my knowledge of what will happen to this couple, this is a GREAT wedding. The combination of Xavier’s evolution to mentor to friend with the great character bits throughout the issue were fun, insightful and enjoyable.

   It was so good that so many things were touched up on while at the same time making sure it did not affect that pace of the book. And while sure, this was a Cyclops, Jean heavy issue, it was great to see everyone from Rachel, Cable to Wolfsbane and Quicksilver having lines in the book. Nicieza made this issue a stunning wedding cake in comic book format. Layers and layers of sweet, wonderous goodness with a topping of some great Jean/Scott on top. This wedding seemed to really signal a lot of things for the X-Men and these characters.

  Andy Kubert’s art is near breath taking during must of the book and he and Matt Ryan’s inks when Jean came in was a showstopper. There were not inconsistencies artistically as the team renders a beautiful wedding issue. The only real issue I have with X-Men # 30 is Charles’s whole . .. what if the people who don’t know we’re mutants see us. That really seemed to be very misplaced cause he should have said it a lot sooner. I doubt they all had image inducers. And while I love Jean’s speech that spawned from Charles’s line, it was out of place in my mind.

 So overall, a great solid wedding issue. And while it is not the best wedding issue I have read, it is certainly one of my favorites. Even though we know Scott is a man slut.

  X-Men Vol. 2, # 30 gets a Intercontinental Title Spot ( 4 out of 5). It was a strong issue but just that misstep opened a hole bigger than what could be ignored.

And that is all for this particular Valentine’s Day Review. Check out our other Valentine’s Day stuff here on Comic Book Clash and on J1 Studios. Till next time, Keep Clashing.