CoW: Cover of the Week 3/12/13

It took some time to find this weeks cover. I went through a lot of them and a lot of disappointment too.But once I saw this cover I knew it was the winner. Why? Because it just kicks ass... Look at it.

That's tank. Uncanny X-men #3 is taking home the gold this week.

Uncanny X-Men # 2 Review

UNCANNY X-MEN # 2
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend, Jamie Mendoza, Al Vey & Victor Olazara
Marvel Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Love. Love is a wonderful thing. Then love gets broken by betrayal. And there is more than one betrayal dealt with in the second issue of Uncanny X-Men. Emma really looses her shit … as tweeted by writer Brian Michael Bendis himself. And she does. But not in the way you’d think. No. Emma’s … frustrated. She’s frustrated cause her telepathy is in flux. She’s frustrated cause her relationship to Scott is torn to shreds because of her cheating on him. (HA. Karma Scott. Karma! Aka He cheated on Madelyn with Jean and then on Jean with Emma).  We get a very nice look at her relationship with Scott now. They aren’t together. It is obvious something is still there but they are not together.

            Meanwhile, we get to see the new students of Cyclops’ New Xavier School with a bitching schematic of the new facility while we have character interaction. We get a little more development of the new students as a bunch of X-Men head on to visit Eva’s, new codename Tempus, home to tell her mother she’s okay. And then we get a cliffhanger of an ending as the Avengers show up.


ART:

            Bachalo once again delivers an issue full of innovations and slight usage of propaganda. While the propaganda visuals are far less this issue, there are a couple in certain panels that work well. Yet, some of the innovations in panel work this issue really helped deliver a strong impression.
            We got great panel work that is fragmented which is a physical representation of Emma’s current state of mind. There is an order to it but its shuffled because of her powers being in flux. It is also an interesting way to visually describe her relationship with Scott.  Using 1 part propaganda, one part vacation package and one part schematic, Bachalo and the gang really do a splendid job of showing the schematic of the base in a way that let’s readers know what’s going on, add it to the main story and sell it as part of Scott’s revolution all at once.  It’s gripping to see and I am impressed how the students are taking to it.
            The new costumes are growing on me save for Magneto’s. I’m sorry but white on him just does not feel right. Red. Yes. Purple. Yes. Black. Yes. Even blue and yellow would be better than white on him. But that is more a personal thing.
            All the inkers really do a great job to flesh out Bachalo’s pencils but Bachalo’s coloring this issue feels more vibrant than it did in issue one. Really wonderful job by the art team.

WRITING:

            I like Bendis. I like this issue. Emma and Scott’s early conversation about where she’s act and their relationship was really good. It keyed into what has happened between them. It shows Scott keeping himself strong while show slight vulnerability when it comes to Emma. Emma’s vulnerability was definitely brought to bear for the readers and to Scott. Yet, that’s all who see it. It is good seeing Emma remembering that she’s a damn good teacher. And it is good to seeing the evolution of the characters.

            Magik, honestly, felt nice and fresh here. She knows she’s no good but at the same time, she wants to fight for Scott’s revolution. I can agree with it. And I certainly understand it. Illyana seems to have also grown in a good way. Which makes her reasons being with Scott all the more interesting. And her has a teacher, even though she’s the same age as at least one student makes the dynamic even better. Magneto … honestly, I am loving him right now. He was with Scott till Avengers vs. X-Men and then things when nuts. Magneto, in his own way, must feel some blame for Charles’ death yet is putting it on Cyclops. And this issue continues his Judas ways. Yet, Bendis writes it in such a way that you can’t help but agree with Erik a little.

            The new characters give fresh eyes as we are seeing a brand new generation of Mutants coming in. With that said, characterization is not a problem this issue. The panel work worked extremely well with Bendis’ story. Save for my one gripe … the ending seemed a bit too fast. Like the pacing of the issue was great till the last 4 pages.  The cliffhanger was great. The conversation between Scott and Emma was superb. The students getting used to the new Xavier School was wonderful. Yet, because of the issue having quite a few pages in the beginning devoted to Emma and Scott, the end of the issue didn’t feel balanced. Things felt rushed at the end. Yet, still … Bendis writes a great X-Men book with a distinctly different voice than his All New X-Men Title.

OVER ALL IMPREPSSION:

            While The ending seemed to be go from 30 to 90 within a few pages, the over all issue was really spectacular. We’re getting great character development. The characters feel real. The art was better this issue. And there is a building of investment alongside all the innovations done this issue. Uncanny X-Men may very well redefine the way you look at the mutant struggle both verbally and visually. Solid job by Bendis, Bachalo and crew.

RATING:

            I give Uncanny X-Men # 2 a 8.5 out of 10. Really great job.

Uncanny X-Men # 1 Review

UNCANNY X-MEN # 1
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend, Al Vey & Jamie Mendoza
Marvel Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Normally, I would give you a brief history but the book does that for you. We get an interesting device of the issue being narrated by the person that is the Judas to Cyclops’ revolution. This was definitely a different Cyclops. Yet, it works and fits with everything that has occurred since Avengers vs X-Men. Cyclops is now an outlaw and considered a revolutionary with the mutant population booming again.
            His team scoops in to gather a brand new mutant only  to encounter Sentinels. Magneto, depowered a little bit because of the Phoenix (which still makes me scratch my head since the Phoenix attacked other mutants and their powers didn’t go gaga like his) and a now over powered Cyclops takes them down. The rest of the team gathers a young man  who just dealt with emerging powers. Not much on Magik but Eva who we saw in All New X-Men is now going by Tempus.
            Our narrator seems to be talking to Maria Hill & Nick Fury Jr. At the end, we get a reveal of our Judas. And I will just keep it there.


ART:

            Bachalo’s style has always been very different. I do not know many people with a similar style (the closest being Mark Buckingham but his style evolved differently than Bachalo’s). There are gritter inks to it but there are some definitely uses of propaganda art throughout the comic that helps give it the right feel, thanks to the inking team of Vey, Townsend & Mendoza. Cyclops is indeed leading a revolution now. And I hope this ride is a very, very long one … LIKE AT LEAST A DECADE. Anyway, Bachalo not only pencils the issue but also colors it himself. And Bachalo’s art looks amazing.
            Each panel is distinct and rich but there are pieces where things really work in terms of art that deals with Cyclops’ revolution. It is like the book continues to not only side with Cyclops visually, but shows you dramatic pieces that jump at you as if it were a program. Bachalo does not disappoint with the Sentinels either. Yet, I am not too keen on Magneto’s redesign. There were a couple of panels that seemed a bit  . .. fast. Like the opening panel with Hill, Coulson & Fury walking down a corridor. I have seen Bachalo’s work for years but I don’t know if it was the pencils or inks but it feels like that panel was rushed to get into the “good stuff.”  Each panel, in my mind, is important but that one just looked rushed or lazy. Yet, the coloring makes the panels vivid and working towards a propaganda style that goes along with Cyclops revolution. Otherwise, a solid job by Bachalo.


WRITING:

            This is probably one of the most inventively written books from Bendis. As I touched on with the art, there is a sense that is book is continuing giving you propaganda. From Cyclops’ image on the first page, to multiple panels which show Mutants getting attacked. Bendis crafts a great opening issue. He gives you the background. He sets up problems with SHIELD. He sets up this new mission of Cyclops’ yet also gives a very interesting look at it. Already, one of Cyclops’ most trusted X-Men are betraying him. Yet, we see loads of propaganda that prove Cyclops’ point visually while we are being told the opposite about Cyclops verbally. It makes an interesting was to go through the issue. It enhances what is going on even more and makes an interesting statement in the causes that Cyclops is now championing.
            Each characters voice was interesting. Yet, I find that for a book called Uncanny X-Men, we seem to have a split focus on SHIELD as well. Still, Bendis writes a bit darker here and it works. The use of propaganda over topped by the Judas’ narrative was inventive. The characters’ voices rang true. A great solid first issue by Bendis.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Bendis continues his mastery over all things X-Men with an inventive start for Uncanny X-Men’s third volume. The flavor of added propaganda mixed with narration from one of the people that is supposed to be one of its champions was a great storytelling device. Bachalo’s art is just as inventive with interesting colors and panel work, yet some of it was a little lazy. Otherwise, I am excited to see where this road takes Cyclops.

 
RATING:

            I give this book an 8.0 out of 10. A few lazy panels aside, I loved the opening of this book and look forward to more.

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: Cyclops RETURNS In New "UNCANNY X-MEN" for Marvel NOW

   Confirmed today by artist Chris Bachalo after last week's Uncanny teaser, Marvel NOW will be relaunching the Uncanny X-Men. Bachalo mentioned that while it was tough to jump from Wolverine & the X-Men to Uncanny X-Men, he described his decision in his personal blog as such:

"It's me an Bendis on a new launch of the series," Bachalo said. "This was a tough one as I was really enjoying my time on ['Wolverine and the X-Men'] but Brian asked for me to help him launch the new Uncanny and how do you turn down that offer?"

  The new image teases that Magneto and Magik (or Emma) are along with Cyclops for the ride. So yeah .... Cyclops is not planning on being a prisoner much longer and considering that many of the Marvel Now titles hinted that Magneto and Magik are wanted fugitives ... it is safe to assume that Scott will be breaking out of jail.

    The new Uncanny X-Men will be "a little darker" according to artist Bachalo as well as he redesigned the entire cast for the book. This will be a decidedly different Uncanny X-Men, keeping in route with the schism that had been put in place when the X-Men split a mere year ago. The new Uncanny X-Men will feature at least  2 "new" mutants and some of the former Phoenix Five will have altered abilities. So, Namor and  Emma may also be in this book as well.

Uncanny X-Men #1 (apart of Marvel NOW) written by Brian Michael Bendis and art by Chris Bachalo will hit stores this February.

Avengers vs X-Men Battle Report # 6 (Super Sized)

 

  Welcome Ladies & Gentlemen. Battle Report comes back with a MASSIVE update and return. We will catch up to date on all things AvX. We are gonna catch you up on all the hard-hitting action and events since the last battle report. There is a  LOT of ground to cover. So, sit back, hold on tight and brace yourselves cause this will be a bumpy ride.






Avengers vs. X-Men Round 6

       If you thought things were crazy before, the first part of the second arc of Avengers vs X-Men will make you go nuts. The Phoenix Five (Cyclops, Emma Frost, Colossus, Magik & Namor) lead the X-Men into helping the world proactively. They grew crops in deserts. They end wars. The Phoenix Five, under Cyclops' direction, mean business. They  rebuild Utopia into a stronger country ... more so than it ever was; which gives Magneto glee while Charles Xavier does not seem to fond of the methods of the Phoenix Five.
   The Avengers, particularly Captain America, Iron Man and Black Panther, are finding all the work that the Phoenix Five are doing disturbing and set the Avengers to go after Hope. Yet, before they go, there is an exchange on how to KILL the Phoenix Five if need be. At which point, Beast is disgusted and quits; stating that he no longer has a home on either side.
    Back on Utopia, Hope talks with her grandfather, Cyclops, about how the Phoenix still calls to her but Cyclops tells her that she does not deserve the power; even though she was chosen to be the true Phoenix host. The Phoenix Five start an attack on the Avengers, stating that the Avengers are now looked upon as renegades. Yet, before they can collect Captain America ... Scarlet Witch arrives. Cyclops touches her, which hurts him. The Avengers escape while Cyclops orders for Scarlet Witch's head after they escape with Hope, who is more than willing to leave with the Avengers.


New Avengers # 25-27 

    The Phoenix/K'un L'un Connection is established as a former Iron Fist was also the host for the Phoenix at one point. And there are legends of the Phoenix fighting a crimson demon ... who points at a particular heroine on the Avengers. It moves from past to present as the Avengers are able to get Hope and have her, Spiderman and Iron Fist take her to the city of K'un L'un.


Secret Avengers #28

    The final part of the Kree connection in Avengers vs. X-Men as Captain Mar-vell has some long words with Carol Danvers. This issue helps set up Carol as the new Captain Marvel.


AvX:Versus #4 

    Psylocke vs. Daredevil. Phoenix Emma Frost vs. Thor. And that fight get brutal as Emma gets shattered during the battle.


Avengers vs. X-Men Round 7 

   Almost picking up where the last issue left off, the Phoenix Five are after the Avengers. Yet, the Avengers know that the Phoenix Five are not found of Scarlet Witch or her powers. They hatch a plan to use special disguises to make multiple people look like Wanda as they fight the X-Men on multiple fronts. Several Avengers are taken captive while Hawkeye is also burned alive. Scarlet Witch, once again, proves herself being able to hurt the Phoenix Five, teleporting Namor back to Utopia from the other side of the world. Yet, at the end of the issue, Emma makes out with Namor and convinces him to go attack Wakanda.

Avengers Academy #32 & # 33

    Emma Frost, powered up by her portion of the Phoenix Powers, decides that it is time to go to the Avengers Academy and make an example of the students there; particularly the young student that controls a  Sentinel. Emma Frost does end up killing the Sentinel but also contends with a hard battle; not only fighting the Avengers Academy staff but also the students themselves; including former New X-Man X-23. X-23 threatens to kill Emma but Emma ends up retreating.

Uncanny X-Men # 14 - #16

  UNIT's control of Danger has her taking down the Generation Hope kids and rewriting their memories. Meanwhile, the main story of these issues deal with Sinister making his ultimate play against the X-Men, hoping to get the Phoenix Five in order to control them. And he attacks the Extinction Team with legions of Sinisters, Madelyn Pryor & Gambit clones. His castle bases rests on top of a clone of Krakoa. And it looks that he is enough of a match for the Phoenix Five; leaving Psylocke, Storm, Magneto and Danger to the rescue.


X-Men Legacy # 268 

    While there are some details of the Phoenix Five dealing with a countries issue of war, this issue focus's on Frenzy and her brother. Readers get a good look to see where Frenzy's head is at these days.

Wolverine & the X-Men # 12 

   Focused on Rachel Grey, Rachel fends off the Avengers as she is tasked with hunting down Wolverine and the Avengers. Rachel is definitely not happy about this as she wonders if she did the right thing. After a disturbing talk with her father, Cyclops, Rachel ends up tracking down Hope ... then letting her go. (Good job Rachel. You are an awesome aunt.)

Avengers vs. X-Men Round 8

      It is devastation. It is gore. It is a Phoenix Namor, bringing a large tidal wave into Wakanda. Wakanda is devastated by this attack and the Avengers Assemble, with Scarlet Witch as they go all out against Namor ... and win. Finding that once they defeat a Phoenix powered member of the Phoenix Five, it leaves them and splits between the remaining hosts. Plus, Professor Xavier threatens Cyclops to stop this and Cyclops decides NOT to heed his old teacher.

New Avengers #28

   We see Spiderwoman, Hawkeye and Luke Cage escaping from their cells on Utopia as they fight off Magma, the Cuckoos and more, only to be stopped by Phoenix Colossus, Havok, Polaris, Gambit and Psylocke. They look as if they still are going to escape when .... oh no. It was a dream. Made by Unit and Danger. Nice try though.

Wolverine & the X-Men # 13 

   The origin of Warbird. Plus, an angry Gladiator, who is the Emperor of the Shi'ar. The Death Commandos and more. Gladiator takes on the Phoenix Five ... and Loses.

X-Men Legacy # 269 -270

  Rogue takes center stage these issues as we look at how far she has come. It is the long anticipated rematch between Rogue  and Ms. Marvel ... which she wins. When Phoenix Magik shows up, she introduces Rogue to the new prison they have been sending the Avengers . .. a mountain that Magik has transformed to be part of Limbo. This leads to Rogue deciding to help Ms. Marvel ... only to have them fight Phoenix Magik ... and lose. Ms. Marvel is put back to her hellish prison while Rogue is banished to another dimension.

Avengers #28 

   Red Hulk deals with why he's even involved in this conflict then decides to try to assignate Cyclops. And he gets his big Hulk self beaten badly by the Phoenix Five for his trouble. They even break Red Hulk's arm!

Wolverine & the X-Men # 14

   Phoenix Colossus drops by the Jean Grey School, being looked after by Kitty Pryde with flowers. The two go on a date and Colossus pops the question. And Kitty says ... NO. Meanwhile, Iceman, Rachel, Angel and more decide to defect from the Phoenix Five's side.

The King and Queen of Mutants Take a Stroll.

Avengers vs. X-Men Round 9 

    Wakanda starts to work on healing itself as Black Panther annuls his marriage to Storm after she admits that he was right. (BOOOOOOOOOOOO!) The Avengers numbers are dwindling till Scarlet Witch works her magic while Spider-man gets his moment to shine as he takes down BOTH Phoenix Colossus and Phoenix Magik by himself. Now, the Avengers got most of their comrades back: Spiderwoman, Luke Cage, Ms. Marvel, Hawkeye, Thing & Thor. The stage is being set for the final showdown. And the only 2 Phoenix bearers left are Cyclops and Emma Frost.


AvX Battle Results: 

Red Hulk vs. Phoenix Five    Winner: Phoenix Five
Psylocke vs. Daredevil      Winner: Draw
Magik vs. Hawkeye        Winner: Magik
Spiderwoman, Hawkeye & Luke Cage vs. Utopia   Winner: Danger & UNIT

Dogpile Phoenix powered Namor.

Rachel Grey vs. Thor   Winner: Draw
Rachel Grey vs. Iron Fist   Winner: Rachel Grey
Rachel Grey vs. Black Widow   Winner: Rachel Grey
Scarlet Witch vs. Namor       Winner: Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch vs. Magik      Winner: Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch vs. Cyclops & Emma Frost    Winner: Scarlet Witch
Gladiator vs. The Phoenix Five     Winner: Phoenix Five
Death Commandos vs. The Phoenix Five   Winner: Phoenix Five
Wolverine vs. Cyclops    Winner: Cyclops
Rogue vs. Ms. Marvel          Winner: Rogue
Rogue & Ms. Marvel vs. Magik    Winner: Magik
Captain  America & Black Panther vs. Emma Frost  Winner: Emma Frost

Emma Frost vs. Avengers Academy Staff    Winner: Emma Frost
Emma Frost vs. Sentinel                Winner: Emma Frost
Emma Frost vs. Entire Avengers Academy   Winner: Avengers Academy
Emma Frost vs. Thor    Winner: Emma Frost
Iceman vs. Spiderman   Winner: Spiderman
Sinister vs. The Phoenix Five    Winner: Sinister ... kind of.
Namor vs. The Avengers     Winner: The Avengers
Spiderman vs. Magik & Colossus Winner: Spiderman




Injuries

 Where do I begin?

 - Emma as shatter and put herself back together.
- Hawkeye was burned alive then healed by the Phoenix Five
 - Namor got a few concussions after that battle in AvX Round 8
- Red Hulk's arm was busted with some other parts of him.
- Almost everyone has cuts and bruises
- Storm & Black Panther's marriage is pretty much broken
- Wolverine has burns, cuts, broken bones and more.
- Colossus's mind must be so messed up as he has the Phoenix & the Juggernaut in him. Well, had the Phoenix.
 - Rachel is hurting mentally because of being forced to hunt down the Avengers and her own niece.
 - Iceman was shattered several times.
- Rogue must deal with demon power and getting thrown into another dimension.
- Sentinel is dead.
- Hawkeye, Spiderwoman, Luke Cage & Gen Hope all got mind fucked by Danger & UNIT

Spidey gives Hope a pep talk about a person's moment in time.

- Danger being a slave to UNIT

- The Avengers egos got hit hard.

And those are just for starters.






NOTES

  We are seeing the beginning of the end.

- The Illuminati are coming back together for this event which means they may use the Infinity Gauntlet.

- What will Professor Xavier's role be if he goes up against Scott and Emma.

 - The X-Men seem to be leaving Scott's side. Which means ... WOLVERINE WAS RIGHT.

- The Avengers Academy might be ending soon with the recent announcement from Tigra and Hank Pym that they are closing the school.

- No matter what happens, both the X-Men ... well, Scott's X-Men more than the others and the Avengers are gonna need some major looks into their leadership. It is clear that this whole situation could have been avoided with better leaders.

- What the hell is up with Havok & Polaris showing up but no lines?  And siding with Scott?

- Spiderman proves why not only he deserves to be an Avenger but why the group NEEDS him.

- Scarlet Witch is a BAD BITCH! Werk it mija!

She is saying "Yes, I'm Back. And I'm a Baaaaaaaaaad Bitch!"

- Vision seems to be lightening up on Wanda ... a little.

- Where are Scarlet Witch's sons? I would figure they would want in. Well ... Speed more than Wiccan.

- Carol giving Rogue the benefit of the doubt and said that she proved herself speaks volumes on how far these women have come.

- Emma maybe getting too corrupted by the power, hmm?

- Storm and Black Panther's annulment is pure BULLSHIT!

- Again, Scarlet Witch is a BAD BITCH!



In 2 Weeks: More Battle Report. I promise.

Marvel NOW starts One New Beginning & A Whole Lot of Endings

As we inch closer to Marvel NOW, the solicitations for October has come out. And as such, things are gonna change very much for the Marvel Universe. We got 1 new title in October. Well ... technically 3.

Space Knights mini series #1 and the Dexter adaption hits stores alongside the much anticipated Uncanny Avengers; as we showed the cover in a previous post.

Yet, For this new beginning, we are getting a LOT of endings.

The Following titles are having their final issues during the month of October:


Captain America (with issue #19)
The Mighty Thor (with issue # 22)
Invincible Iron Man (with issue # 527)
Incredible Hulk (with issue #15)
Fantastic Four (with issue #611)
FF (with issue # 23)
Uncanny X-Men (with issue # 20)
New Mutants  (with issue # 50)
X-Men Legacy (with issue # 275)


 Most of these titles are not a surprise. Unfortunately, New Mutants and X-Men Legacy are two of the biggest surprises. I know Astonishing X-Men and Wolverine & the X-Men are still focusing on the Jean Grey School but damn ... I love X-Men Legacy. *sigh* Forgive my fanboy moment. It does look like they are not going to cancel Wolverine & the X-Men anytime soon. Although, Avengers and New Avengers are on their final arcs, so they'll be ending next.  But at the very least, we are gonna see quiet a few changes with the restarts of most of these series. I say most cause I doubt that X-Men Legacy, New Mutants or FF are coming back.

I guess we'll find out. Keep your eyes here for more news. The end is coming.

Marvel NOW aka Marvel Relaunches 22 Titles Starting October

A Look Into Marvel's Future with Marvel NOW!

 Hello Infi-Knights! It's your EIC here. Big news today is that Marvel ... in their infinite wisdom has confirmed that it will be relaunching 22 ... yes, 22 titles starting this October as a result of the events of Avengers vs X-Men. And while there was speculation that this was gonna lead to a Flashpoint/New 52 reboot like DC Comics, many from Marvel say that is not so. There will be one new book a week from October till February 2013. In a recent article of in Entertainment Weekly, Marvel had unveiled some of their plans:


Uncanny Avengers: written by Rick Remender and John Cassidy.

   Relaunching this October, the new team will include Captain America, Wolverine, Havok, Thor and Rogue. Recently released news details that this team will deal with Captain America realizing that he has not helped mutants much lately and steps up Havok into the lime light. Their first threat ... why the Red Skull. and no, not Sin. But her father! Well, his consciousness anyway. It has been called the bridge book between Avengers and X-Men post-AvX.


Avengers by Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena

   It will be a bi-weekly book that will include up to 18 members; including recent Secret Avenger, Shang-Chi. The book is to go between galaxy spanning arcs to one issue stories to help rebuild the Avengers. The book starts in December.
 

All-New X-Men by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen

  The original 5 X-Men will be time traveled to the present, technically returning Jean Grey to the Marvel universe without a resurrection. Bendis promises to focus on the character development compared to science fiction. Bendis stated, " It's not a time-travel story like Back to the Future. It's a time-travel story like Pleasantville."


Other titles that have been rumored for the new Marvel NOW relaunch include:

Nova
Fantastic Four by Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca
Guardians of the Galaxy
and more.

With all this, we have yet to get confirmation of  whether or not this is a soft reboot or a relaunch. There have been statements that seemingly contradict each other. Keep your eyes and ears here for more news about this latest development from Marvel.

AVENGERS VS X-MEN BATTLE REPORT #3

Hey there Clashers, we’ve been covering  one of the most major clashes in comic history. Avengers vs. X-Men has been phenomenal so far and  just keeps getting better.  This week is action packed with the release of VS issue 1, containing two battles too epic for just a few panels. Now to jump into things.


AVENGERS VS. X-MEN BATTLE REPORT #3 

by Hector Ramirez, Darryll "YTC" Carter & Frankie Rodriguez


Avengers Academy # 29

   The teens that were left on Utopia (Gen Hope crew), were all captured and being "held" at the Academy. And what do we get for it ... A race between Transonic and Lightspeed , Sebastian Shaw planning something to free the Gen Hope crew and NAKED HERCULES! *sigh* NEXT!!!

Uncanny X-Men # 11

   Red Hulk vs. Colossonaunt. And it ain't pretty. Winner of said bout is in the bottom.


New Avengers # 25

  The secret history of the Iron Fist ... and the Phoenix. And when we say they have history and they are connected ..  . we're NOT kidding.

Secret Avengers #26
A  team has been sent into space to try to intercept the Phoenix. Those of Kree influence realize that the Phoenix reaching Hala is in the best interest of the Kree and they cannot let their teammates capture it. As they contemplate that, Captain Marvel shows up and propose they kill the Avengers. No battles but the Phoenix put a serious hurting on War Machine and Thor.

AvX: VERSUS # 1

Oh how glorious. There is no plot in this title, only the two fights. First was Iron Man vs. Magneto which Tony won only because Magneto was caught by the gravity of the situation when he sensed the Phoenix destroy one of the planets he was drawing power from. Stark ceased this distraction knocking Erik out as he floated there barely conscious he says “Wanda, find Wanda. You’re going to need my daughter.” Next, Namor goes up against The Thing, although Namor would have seemingly been at an advantage since they were fighting underwater. Keyword being seemingly. Namor employs the help of a large carnivorous fish but Ben rips two of the fishes fangs out and uses them to pin down Namor by the throat.


Avengers vs. X-Men Round 3

   Logan fails to dispatch Hope Summers and is incinerated down to the bone. Captain America finds out about his attempt and isn’t happy about it. The Avengers split up to locate Hope and as they were flying over the ocean Cap confronts Logan  and with the help of Antman knocks him out and throw him into the water. In a sense that’s a win for the Avengers, but it also removes Wolverine and his cohorts from their ranks.


AvX BATTLE RESULTS

Red Hulk vs. Colossus (Juggernaut powered) - Winner: Red Hulk ;
     Not out of strength but because Thunderbolt Ross is an cunning bastard.

Magneto vs. Iron Man - Winner: Iron Man ... wait ... really? Um ... yeah. 
     Just attack Magneto when he's distracted by sucker punching him.

The Thing vs. Namor - Winner:  The Thing ... 
    That's just brutal.

Wolverine vs. Captain America ... and Giant Man . . . Winner: Captain America & Giant Man
     Wow, Cap. Showing that you have class. But then, the stakes being what they are, I guess I understand.

Avengers: 4 
X-Men: ZERO
Wolverine: Zero

AvX Round 3 Impressions
   Now with every Battle Report, one of the CBC will give their impression of the particular Round Issue at the time. And now for this Battle Report's Round Impressions, we got to Darryll "YTC" Carter:


Leave it to MARVEL to have an event that gets me reading there comics again. I havent read a MARVEL comic in so long and have been meaning to jump back in. AvX seemed like a good place to start. I’m more partial to X-men myself and I’m somewhat impressed with how Cyclops has managed to outplay the Avengers. While, Hope is in the wind and Wolverine as well, I’m feeling more confident about my fellow mutants chances in this whole shindig. I also feel like Cap might be headed toward one of those rude awakening scenarios. Let’s hope not, though he’s been surprisingly obtuse and cavalier about this whole thing in my opinion. And as far as Rachel is concerned, She was the last person I expected to help Scott and his mutants out. I was expecting Rogue. I guess Wolverine nose isn’t working as well as it used to. Or maybe it is…



Injury List
Namor got a fang to the throat but will live.

Colossus let himself get knocked out by the Hulk.

Wolverine just recovered from being burned and tgot beat up by Cap and Giant Man. Yay.

Iron Man is still feeling it from Magneto.

Magneto's jaw ain't as strong as it used to be.


NOTES 

- So ... the Utopia kids are prisoners in Avengers Academy ... For what crime?

- Hope burned you Wolverine and you want more. That won't spell disaster.

 - Iron Man won by sucker punching Magneto ... I'll let that one slide as long as it doesn't happen again.

- Hope is gonna be like her dad and do what she feels she has to.

- Looks like Danny Rand will have no choice but to help Hope soon as we learn more about the connection of the Iron Fist and the Phoenix.

- CAPTAIN MAR-VELL is back and he is asking Carol and Protector to betray the Avengers. Well, Protector, I wouldn't be surprised. He TORTURED Scarlet Witch's son: Wiccan and some of the other Young Avengers during Civil War.

- Rachel helped her daddy. I am a little surprised but not at the same time.

-So Mar-vell is back. Scarlet Witch is coming. So, with Hulkling and Wiccan be driven apart by their parents?



NEXT: SCARLET WITCH

AVENGERS VS X-MEN BATTLE REPORT # 2

by Hector Ramirez & Frankie Rodriguez

   Welcome once again Clashers to Avengers vs X-Men Battle Report. We are gonna catch you up to the event as well as lay out what happened, who got hurt and more. One thing I will express is an apology to you all and especially Hollatchaboiy who was correct, Nova is in a coma right now. 

In New Avengers #24:

    This issue actually takes place right before the fighting begins in AvX # 1. It shows Captain America gathering the troops together. And when he does, we get marital discord. First, we have Storm who walks out after the mere mention of the Phoenix. Then, we have Luke Cage and his wife, Jessica Jones-Cage. After a heart felt plea for his wife and daughter to come home on national tv, Luke Cage sees his wife returning with daughter and Squirrel Girl. Yet, what happens later is that Jessica has decided to leave the Avengers, with their daughter ... forcing Luke Cage to have to choose between his family or the Avengers; a choose that Jessica did not like to give to Luke. 

Wolverine & The X-Men # 9: 

The staff and students of the Jean Grey School are made aware of the approaching Phoenix Force through technology and telepaths. Captain America comes to ask for Logan and Hank's help. Logan tells the staff and Gladiator tries to inform Warbird of the Phoenix but can't. So,he is coming to Earth. 

Avengers # 25: 

Thor returns in time to raid an AIM facility. Cap is feeling the stress of being leader of the Avengers. Meanwhile, the Supreme Intelligence of the Kree Empire (thought he was dead) sends Noh-Varr (aka Protector) to stop the Phoenix Force no matter what.

Avengers vs. X-Men Round 2: 

    The fight has begun between the two teams and boy, is it big. We got Namor saying he is beating up the Avengers with a heavy heart. We got Red Hulk going up against Colossus. We have Iron Man vs Magneto and  Emma Frost. We have Quicksilver joining the Avengers vs Magneto. We have Magik vs Dr. Strange. Wolverine being called a traitor by Domino and Sunspot. And the reveal that Storm and Black Panther have been seeing a marriage counselor. 

   Meanwhile, Beast, Valkyrie, War Machine, Ms. Marvel, Protector, Vision, Captain Britain & Thor are in space ... about to take on the deadly Phoenix. And Hope, angry that she is being put out of the fight, figures out that all this is for her and Wolverine tries to kill her. TRIES being the operative word. 

INJURY REPORT:

Avengers: 

 - Luke Cage & Jessica Jones-Cage's marriage is pretty damn broken. 

 - Black Panther & Storm's marriage is hurting pretty bad.

X-Men: 

 - Cyclops must have several concussions ... as does Captain America.

- Bruises and cuts from all combatants.

- Beast JUST had his stomach fixed up after having Sabertooth rip his guts out.

- Multiple members of Generation Hope have broken noses including Transonic.

- Wolverine, Spiderman & Generation Hope suffering burns because of our little Mutant Messiah.

CASUALTIES: 

  None ... yet. 

NOTES: 

 - First, while Cyclops believes all mutants are soldiers ... he has Generation Hope hang back with Hope. Hmm ... how very ... Rogue-like for him. 

- Captain America is in full war mode here. He reminds me of how he was during Civil War. And Red Hulk is more than happy to follow orders. Red Hulk's military man like personality shines through. 

- Wolverine tries to kill Hope instead of just take her and Spidey tells him to stop. Like that was gonna work. 

- Dr. Strange vs. Magik. I don't know about you but we are looking forward to this. 

 - Countess Von Doom has a thing for Hulks. And it is kinda nasty. 

 -  The space team is staring down the Phoenix, with only Beast having any real experience with it. 

 - Wolverine is honest and upfront with the staff of the Jean Grey School about the Phoenix. 

- Quentin & Rachel feel the Phoenix coming and it knocks them out. 

 - This it the second time that Jessica Jones-Cage has ran away from her husband. The 2nd! Does not bode well, that marriage. 

 - Storm and Black Panther stop to have a martial spat between the war. I would normally say that that is insane but this is Black Panther and Storm we are talking about. 

  - The Battle between Red Hulk & Colossus shakes the shoreline. Oh wow. 

 - Sunspot calls Wolverine a traitor after saying that he and the other mutants in Utopia had their head up Cyclops' butt too long. 

 - Captain America went into the Jean Grey School; had a Danger Room pop quiz ... and only got a B-. 

- The Protector is planning to stop the Phoenix for the Supreme Intelligence. But at what cost? 

 - Thor vs. The Phoenix ... another battle that we have never seen but always wondered about is about to happen.

 - Hope developing her Phoenix powers more and more as it gets closer. And notice ... she did NOT kill Wolverine or Spidey. 

- There isn't much reaction from the JGS X-Men yet but I am sure we will see it soon enough. 

- Gladiator is heading toward Earth to save his son; to hell with the rest of the planet & the X-Men. 

 - Second part of that, Gladiator said it was okay to activate the Death Commandos ... you know them. The Shi'ar force that was responsible for killing nearly every single member of the Grey blood line save for Cable, Nate Grey & Rachel. And Rachel got to watch it all. So ... yeah ... Rachel is gonna be PISSED.

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.

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN BATTLE REPORT # 1

by Frankie Rodriguez

This has been a long time coming. Marvel's Premiere super hero teams having a battle ... again. But this time, the stakes are FAR higher than last. And the Avengers and X-Men are a lot different from what they were the last time both teams fought each other.

For the next 6 months, this bi-weekly series will take a look at the players, the books and the variables involved with Avengers vs. X-Men. What it means to both teams? What it means to individual characters and more. With the first round down and the fight just starting, we are gonna look at AvX #0 & # 1 as well as some interesting facts that we want to keep in mind during this storyline.

The Gauntlet has been thrown and now the begins the epic from Marvel: Avengers vs. X-Men. Who's side are you on and what will you do?


The Follow Summaries contain SPOILERS, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!:


On AvX # 0: It served as a prelude with 2 major players of the story, one from each side: An Avenger and an X-Men.

  For the Avengers, Brian Michael Bendis weaved a tale with Scarlet Witch, returning to her super hero roots in order to atone for her sins committed while under the control of Dr. Doom during Avengers Disassembled. (Yes, this has been confirmed during the Avengers: Children's Crusade maxi-series). She takes down M.O.D.O.K. and A.I.M. with assists from Ms. Marvel and Spiderwoman.

  Carol, in her infinite wisdom, takes Wanda back to the Avengers mansion. Wanda protests this idea but both Carol (Ms. Marvel) and Jessica (Spiderwoman) go on about how the Avengers have been worried about her till ... the Vision shows up. (The original Vision that is). And he tells Wanda that she does NOT belong there and that he will never forgive her for using him in order to kill their friends ... most of those friends were resurrected during Avengers: Children's Crusade. (Seriously, Scott Lang is alive again and I am happy!!!)
   So Vision is a douche as Carol is about to call him out on it but he stops her. Carol flies the crying Wanda away as Vision walks back into the mansion, shedding tears himself.

On the X-Men side of things, Jason Aaron tackles Cyclops, Emma Frost and Hope Summers for the first time since Schism and does not miss a beat. Hope wants answers and Cyclops just goes on about how important Hope is to the mutants. Since Cyclops wasn't gonna give her an answer, Hope blasts him, mimicing his force blasts and flies off, using his jetpack.

  Then we see what Hope does best ... Kick butt. She takes down the Serpent Society single-handedly as Cyclops and Hope come in to bring her home. Our #0 issue ends with the Phoenix force . . . and its coming.

-------   ----------         -------------------------             --------------------------           ----------------
Now, during AvX #1: This is where things get real.

Our book opens the way the #0 issue ends ...  with the Phoenix .. . this time, destroying a civilation.

Nova crashes on Earth violently. So violently, that the Avengers respond, saving people in the process.

Captain America and Iron Man tell the President the lowdown on the Phoenix force then ask Wolvie for help.

On Utopia, Cyclops is proving to be a harder drill instructor than his son, Cable. Cyclops sparring with Hope ... with him using his powers and Hope not being allowed to. During the session, we see the 2nd manifestation with Hope as the Phoenix as the bird comes up and burns Cyclops a little. Good job there Cyke. Pissing off your granddaughter. Must be so proud.

The Avengers pick this up and Cap drops by Utopia, TELLING Cyclops that they are taking Hope into protective custody while (unbeknowst to Scott, there is an Avengers team heading to space to try to head it off or destroy it. hahahhahahhahahahhhahahaha).

 Scott tells Captain America, " Respectfully, get the hell off my island."

Captain America again states that he wasn't asking and Cyclops blasts Captain America.

Our story ends with a Helicarrier coming off of cloak with a bunch of Avengers on it while the Extinction Team and some of the Security Team X-Men looking from the beach.

 ----

   Injury & Casualty List: 

Avengers: 

Injuries:

Nova: Epic crash onto Earth. Some burns and damage.

People of New York City: due to Nova's crash on Earth.


 X-Men: 

Cyclops: After  Hope gives him a bit of Phoenix Power and he got burned for it.


Casualties: 

The civilization that was destroyed by the Phoenix during the first few pages of AvX#1.


Notes:

 - Cyclops threw the first hit. Battle between Avengers and Extinction Team imminent.

- Hope Summers is not happy with Cyclops but definitely does not seem to want to be taken by the Avengers.

- Vision is a douchebag. Yes. A douchebag.

 - Scarlet Witch is doing her best to atone for her past. What does that mean during the course of this crossover? We will have to wait and see. But there is a chance that we might see her WITH her two sons: Wiccan & Speed of the Young Avengers.

- No word on who THIS Nova is.

- Captain America wastes no time to see Wolverine. And Wolverine seemingly sides with the Avengers pretty quickly.

- Emma Frost and Cyclops have seemingly switched personalities. Back in New X-Men (# 34, I think), Ms. Marvel had visited during Civil War to convince the X-Men to join Tony Stark's side. Emma telepathically showed Carol what the Avengers decided to take a blind eye too: Stating where were the Avengers during all these massacres of mutants. Cyclops told Emma to stop and walked Carol out.
   Yet, Emma recently went to Cyclops, telling him that Hope needs to choose for herself. And Cyclops then tells Captain America where were the Avengers when they needed them. Interesting circle, huh?

NEXT TIME: The War Begins. And we look at the variables.

THE REPLACEMENTS # 2 - UNCANNY X-MEN

THE REPLACEMENTS

Anime X-Men 
            Since the X-Men are divided after the whole Schism miniseries; we are gonna to do not 1 but 2 lists of X-Men:  Those on Cyclops’ Side & Those on Wolverine’s side: And why all the X-Men will NOT be on this list, a good chunk of them will be. We can deal with other incarnations and other X-teams at a later date. Each character selection will be based on either similar power or similar personality. And with that said, we’re ready to role. So, for this first team of X-Men that we will replace with Anime characters. Here are the results. 

UNCANNY  X-MEN:

Extinction Team –

COLOSSUS – RANDEL ORLAND from Pumpkin Scissors 

   There are few anime characters that could match Piotr Rasputin’s strength, especially now that he has the energies of the demonic Juggernaut within him. Piotr is both an engine of pure destruction and a bouquet of artistic thought. The dueling sides of Piotr seem to hit right on the mark with Pumpkin Scissors’ Randel Orland.'

    The corporal in the anime has many skills and is often seen being very peaceful with a jovial smile; much like Piotr. Yet, once the battle begins and he turns on his ghostly blue gas lantern, Orland becomes a driven monster of destruction much like Colossus. One minute, Orland displays a great sensitivity to people and looks at the beauty of life. The next, he is taking out Tanks with only his gun and a dead look in his eye. And Piotr pretty much is the same way . .. without the gun. They even love the same type of woman as there are eriely similarities between Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) and Alice (Pumpkin Scissors).

    If you are looking for a man to take up Colossus’s role as a being of destructions while still being gentle, Randel Orland is the guy you are looking for.

MAGNETO – MASTER ASIA from G Gundam

            Erik Lensheer, the man known as Magneto, has been something of a grand mystery over the course of his creation. He is the undisputed Master of Magnetism. He has been one of the biggest mutant terrorists in the history of Marvel Comics. He has killed a whole lot of people. He has created a sanctuary for mutantkind on more than one occasion. His disdain for humanity had made him decide that humankind needed to die and/or fall under the sway of mutants in order to save the world. And he’s sought redemption before . .. only to throw it away once. Now, after Cyclops had united mutant kind for a time, Magneto has acknowledged his own misgivings and joined the X-Men in hopes of redeeming his past deeds but not necessarily his soul.

            Master Asia, the former King of Hearts till his pupil Domon Kasshu took the mantle, was the former champion of the Gundam Fight; a tournament where each country sent 1 Gundam to fight instead of all out war. And as Master Asia won his Gundam Fight, he saw the world turned into a broken battleground and that humanity needed to die in order to save the planet. Hmmm . ..

             There is no denying that while Master Asia does not have the Magnetism like Magento, there are some very interesting character traits that both share that would make Master Asia the best replacement for Magneto. Both share this need to subjugate or destroy humanity, being ruthless to everyone, including people they love, in order to achieve that goal. Both have strong beliefs that their way is the right way and see little reason to compromise . . . until startling factors make them face who they are and what they’ve done. With Magneto, it was Cyclops’ resolve and unifying the remainder of the mutant race. For Master Asia, it was his final battle with his pupil where Domon pointed out that while Master Asia wanted to use the Devil (Dark) Gundam to purify the planet; humanity is part of the planet too. And both are ridiculously powerful. And have white hair.

STORM – THREADMASTER KAZUKI from GetBackers

   Storm is one of the most iconic of the X-Men for many reasons. And she more than proves it time and time again. She is regal with her presence. She is kind and loving to those in her life she finds important. Yet, she is a fierce leader, a good tactian and one of the smartest fighters (with or without her powers) in the Marvel Universe. And while she recently married Black Panther, she still very much is the wild yet beautiful untamed force like the weather she controls.

            Threadmaster Kazuki . .. okay. I know. I can hear the are you kidding me’s from here. Once the leader of a gang known as Elegance within the building known as the Limitless Fortress, Kazuki soon ascended to the role as one of the 4 Kings under the Lightning Emperor.  With that, Kazuki was know leader of a much larger group and worked his way up the ranks. With his powers over ancient thread . ... wait … why are you laughing? Seriously, this thread can tie you up or rip the flesh from your bones. Loving to crossdress, Kazuki always gives this regal yet friendly aura when not in battle. Yet, when battle, he’s as deadly as they come.

Make no mistake, Kazuki definitely shares the most traits with Storm than any other character I know in anime. And while yes … he is a man, Kazuki is . .. well, a crossdresser who seems (at least that is the way he’s drawn) to be as regal yet fierce as Storm. Both always seem to be regal and stylish while still proving to be deadly in their own right. Both have a loving nature to friends. Both are proven leaders and tactians. Both can be warm and loving one second and dangerous the next. This seems fitting that Storm’s replacement first her personality cause I don’t think anyone could match her power.

MAGIK – GU from Hare Hare Gu

   Magik, aka Illyana Rasputin, is a woman who has been through a lot. Kidnapped as a child, she was taken to Limbo by the demonic Belasco who brought her up on the ways of sorcery. She takes him out to take over Limbo as its Queen but eventually comes back to Earth, as a teen. She caused some mischief but deep down, was still a hero. She then died but got better … yes, comics . .. and she manipulated the X-Men at a chance to kill the evil hell gods that tormented her, alongside Belasco. And she won. Now she’s looking after her brother and provides teleportation to another dimension with her portals.

            Gu is . .. manipulative. She loves to put Hare through some kind of trouble. And not just Hare. She, at times, puts other characters in some kind of mischief. She loves to do that. Oh yeah . .. she seems to have another realm in her stomach .. . in which she can put you in and put you out based on if she shallows you. I am serious. Deep down, Guu does like to help and is a good person. It is just had to see that with all the manipulations.

            What makes these 2 fight is that they are both very similar in terms of personality. They tease. They manipulate. Yet, deep down, they want to do good. They may be outcasts but they are still forces to be reckoned with. And while Magik is not as deadpan as Gu is, they are very protective of the men in their lives. Plus, the fact that their powers a somewhat similar makes it that much of a better fit. Sure Magik’s realm wasn’t in her stomach but still …they transported people into another realm. That works for me.

PSYLOCKE – TWILIGHT SUZUKA from Outlaw Star

            Psylocke is sleek, dangerous, deadly and one of the most beautiful fighters out there. She’s a ninja with telepathic (and telekinetic) power who knows what to do to take down her enemies. In her downtime, she is personable, with an air of dignified upper crust superiority to her. Yet, it is never in a demeaning way. She always exuded class. Besty Braddock. Ninja. English Woman in Asian Body. X-Man.

            Twilight Suzuka was an assassin for hire who never missed a kill … till she met Gene Starwind. And then, she changed. Still as deadly as she ever was, Suzuka had new priorities. She decided that she would join Gene Starwind and help him combat the pirates that were attacking him. Always with an air of refinery about her, Suzuka presents herself as a multifaceted character besides just a killing machine.

            Obviously, these women are very similar in terms of personality and near similar power set. Both are assassins. Both are beautiful Asian women (well, yes that does count for Psylocke). Both are refined, upper crust women but they don’t look down on others. Each of them have sides that seem vunerable to others (like when Psylocke lip locked with Fantomex or when Gene derobed  Suzuka during battle) that just make these women that much more awesome. So Betsy, allow me to introduce your stand-in … Twilight Suzuka.

HOPE SUMMERS –  C C. (aka C2) from Code Geass

          Hope Summers is the adopted granddaughter of mutantkind’s current grandpooba, Cyclops. Raised by Cable, Hope never had a regular childhood. She was too busy trying to survive and learning the art of war from her father to ensure her survival. Oh yay! Another Winning Summers’ Upbringing. Yet, why all the work on Hope? Simple. She is the prophesied Mutant Messiah who will either bring destruction to mutantkind or be its savior.With her teenage self staying in the  present, Hope’s arrival brought back the first active brand new mutants since M-Day; the day where Scarlet Witch’s 3 words of :No More Mutants deactivated the mutant gene for the majority of mutantkind. Now, she leads that new group of Mutants with some of the remaining mutants a part of Cyclops’ army on Utopia known as Generation Hope as well as take an active spot here on the Extinction Team. Hope is a girl who is on a mission while trying to be a girl . .. with little idea how to be a regular teen.

          CC from Code Geass is a woman who seemed to have no childhood but what we find out is much different. CC helps along Lelouch so that her own mission can one day be completed . .. see Lelouch in power and hopefully die in the process. You see, CC is the opposite of Hope in one respect; she’s immortal.  Don’t believe me? Watch the first episode of Code Geass to see what I mean. C.C. has spent much of her immortal life dealing with other immortals that have tried to control her, ruin her plans or outright want to kill her before she’s ready.

          CC is a lot like Hope as they are both beings out of time. Both of them don’t know what a regular life is. They are both very driven, determined woman who will do just about anything to accomplish their mission. Hope wants to fulfill her role as Mutant Messiah in honor of all who died for her while CC wants to help Lelouch complete his mission so she can die. Both are very awkward when it comes to regular life; seemingly having very little use to regular lives. Both have intense emotions that they share with no one but perhaps one or two people closest to them. Both are deadly and do not have a second thought about killing. Thus, these are what makes CC a good fit to replace Hope Summers. Sure she does not have Hope’s mimicry powers, but CC is immortal. That is a great replacement.

NAMOR – HAJIME SAITO

   Namor has been a lot over the course of Marvel history. He’s fought in World War II alongside Captain America and the Invaders. He’s been an Avenger. He’s the ruler of Atlantis. Now, he’s an X-Man. And yes, Namor is a mutant. People seem to not think that. Namor has ALWAYS Been a mutant. They have been saying that since the 60s. I’m just saying. And Namor is .. . brash at times, abrasive, calculating, often ready to prove himself in battle and living by his own code. He’s not afraid to kill in order to take down those he feels are his enemies. And Namor demands respect as part of his stations. With a yell of “Imperius Rex”, Namor has proven himself just as deadly and strong as an X-Man as any other in history.

          Hajime Saito is one of the few members of the Shinsengumi left. Saito is abrasive and not above being a little manipulative in order to stage the right battle or capture an enemy. He is smart and just commands respect by his mere presence. He has a strong sense of duty and follows the simple code of  “Slay Evil Immediately.”  He will battle to his last breath but he is highly skilled. Driven and somewhat territorial at times, Saito is definitely the last swordsman you want to cross.

          Okay. This match was interesting. Because finding someone of Namor’s power set and personality seemed extremely hard (with the exception of possibly Kenpachi from Bleach), Saito seemed to match Namor more than any other anime character. Both are stubborn. Both love battle. Both demand respect and you have to earn theirs. Both will not hesitate to kill you when need be. They are both brilliant tacticians. Both are very experienced in battle. They will only follow people they respect and Namor respects Scott like Saito respects Kenshin. Kenpachi almost took this but the biggest problems are his lack of control of his powers and his need to have his Lieutenant on him at almost all times.  Not these two. They will go at it alone or with a group if it gets the job done. The only trait the 2 do not seem to share is way with women. Saito is married while Namor . ..  likes to break up relationships. Yet over all, if Namor needed a replacement with the right attitude, Saito would be the one you’d call.

DANGER -  ANDROID 18

   Yes. I know. But wait. Let me explain. Danger was a villain of the X-Men at first but her story is kind of twisted. You see, she was the Danger Room at one point that gained sentience over time. Professor Xavier had found this out and surpressed her on purpose in order to train the X-Men. Yay. Great guy that Xavier is huh? Thus, when she was finally free, she figured that humanity (mutants included) needed to die and that the X-Men were gonna be the first to pay. She attacked the X-Men till the truth came out. At that point, Cyclops berated Xavier again, saying that he is done just going by Charles’s word.  The X-Men followed suit and allowed Danger to go away. After another battle, the X-Men were able to convince Danger that they would not have done what Charles did and that humans were all different. She joined them, being the main jailor of evil mutants for a time. She is now on the Extinction Team to help with analysis and provide more fire power to the team.

          Android 18 kind of had it rough to. It seemed that she and her brother were taken in by Dr. Gero; who turned them into powerful Androids. They were no longer human. They weren’t even cyborgs. All they were where just beings with human brains and some other human parts (I don’t remember off hand). When she awoke, she was the enemy of the Z Fighters. She broke Vegeta’s arm with a kick while he was Super Sayian the first time they met. And it seemed she was gonna be nothing but a machine of pure evil . .. till she met Kirlin. She fell in love with the bald headed, short Z Fighter and vice versa. After she was absorbed into Cell and later spit back out, Kirlin asked the Dragon to make her her human enough and take out a bomb. She ended up marrying Kirlin and having a child together. Android 18 is a no nonsense woman who will get the job done with a soft spot for humanity.

          Okay. This fit better than I ever hoped. And before you go “are you kidding me?” allow me to tell you why. Both beings are female machines. Both are driven, at first, to want to destroy humanity. Both women are not for joking around. Both of them eventually believe in redemption. Both are protective of their personal part of their lives. Now, both females have reformed and will do what they can to help reform.


EMMA FROST – LUST

   This was one of the hardest to decide on. Why? Cause Emma Frost is one of the most multifaceted characters in all of the X-Men. She started out as a villain who was responsible for murder, turning the Phoenix into Dark Phoenix and many more atrocities while being the White Queen of the Hellfire Club. Yet, after a coma and her mind being displaced inside Iceman’s body for a while (a long while actually), she reemerged; convinced that Xavier’s way is better. She became teacher of the short lived second Xavier Schoolalongside Banshee as they formed Generation X. Yet, as that teams end came at bitter and hard pills, Emma moved to Genosha, the first mutant country to teach; till it was bombed with millions of mutants being killed all at once. Emma developed her 2^nd mutation then to turn herself into diamond. She joined the X-Men, where she is a mainstay and is now having sex with Cyclops since shortly after his wife died. Yay Emma. Emma is probably the most snotty, refined and sexually charged of the X-Men. But she is a teacher, a little bit of a manipulator but she truly does love Scott Summers. She has worked very hard to redeem herself and now stands proudly as an X-Man.

          And now we get to Lust. At first, I was going to choose Kaouri Koganei aka Lady Diamond from Speed Grapher. She had the same 2^nd mutation as Emma. She acts very refined. She is evil. She feels she is above the Tennozu Group. She was about to grab this title. Then I decided to do a quick search and then hit my head cause I should have realized this sooner. The perfect person to take Emma Frost’s place is Lust from Full Metal Alchemist; not the Brotherhood version. And let me break down why. Lust was very much like Emma when she was evil. Snotty, refined, seductive. And like Emma, she felt the weight of the Hellfire Club weighing heavily on her. Lust reformed during the course of the series, manipulating the other Homunculi away from the boys and even down right abandoning them to help Edward & Alphonse Elric. She kept her refined-ness and her sexuality but was fighting for the good guys; much like Emma. She was very much the leader and second mother figure to the Homunculi; second to their master. Lust was originally sent to take out the Elric Brothers but she changes her mind and takes a different path; wanting to be human her own way. And while she does not have the telepathy or the diamond skin, Lust is just a vicious in the battlefield.

CYCLOPS  - ROY MUSTANG

          I was REALLY trying to avoid a group having 2 people from the same anime. Yet, Roy fits so perfect to be Scott Summers. Scott, right now, has become the monarch of mutantkind with their island nation of Utopia.  He believes with so few mutants left, that all mutants, no matter the age must fight. He is not above a little manipulation. He is not above killing to find out what is going on. He does this to protect the mutants that remain and does so to the point where he does not think he’s wrong. Scott has his tender moments but those seem very few and far inbetween these days; saving most of them for Emma.

          Roy Mustang is a perfect replacement for Cyclops. Roy was trained to be a soldier and moved up in the ranks. When he started, he used to have doubts about his abilities till the happenings in Ishbala harden him. He commands respect from his peers and underings . . . even from the Further himself; till Roy finds out he’s a homunculus. And Roy stops at nothing to lead his own forces to take down the Further. Roy will do whatever he have to, kill whoever he has to, to protect that which he thinks is right.

          At this point, I think Roy pretty much can put on Scott’s uniform and just run Utopia. Roy is trained like Scott. Roy is driven like Scott. Roy is respected and even fired like Scott. Roy’s cold demeanor at times is like Scott when he wants to prove that nothing can break him. The two do so much to prove that they are right that they started ignoring their own mistakes from time to time. It would not surprise me if Roy actually is Scott’s long lost twin brother. That is how much in synch personality wise these two people are. Sure, Scott’s got force blasts while Roy plays with fire but both will leave you dead if they need to. They will also others to do what they need to if it comes down to it. Douches yet good guys, Roy Mustang is the perfect anime Cyclops.

And there goes the EXTINCTION TEAM.


NEXT WEEK: WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN