I would have bought the Geoff Shaw Fall Fantasies variant cover, if I had seen it by the time I had to submit my DCBS preorder.
We see the full conversation Chairman Beast and Magneto had, where Beast offers him a place on 3K. We are actually in Magneto’s dreamscape, so he is visited by Xavier. It is nice to get a bit of a recap of Resurrection of Magneto, with his wall of names he’s killed.
We get a different take on what could have happened on The Iron Night, where he just collapses, and dies, so this issue is pretty much Magneto’s It’s A Wonderful Life.
Without him living, 70s Beast continues his other experiments. Oya moved on from her Krakoa torment. Ben Liu didn’t have a mentor, so I guess Magneto has been doing more with them than we’ve been treated to.
We are reminded there was a Second Iron Night, when Myraid grew large and in charge, and attacked Merle. Was Magneto important to that fight? I can’t remember, he must have been.
Without Magneto, when Glob Herman was shot (apparently he will always be shot), Quentin Quire and Oya simply burn through Merle. Which brings missiles to Merle.
Xavier questions why Magneto was given the future virus, which I also have questioned, but figured we’ll find out eventually. Magneto suspects it is because he is the Master of Metal, and like metal, he must endure. I guess this is a reason?
Magneto wants to know if this was the real Xavier, but he plays it coy.
Variant Cover Skottie Young, I would have gone with the Dike Ruan or Tony S. Daniel variants that both have Magik on them, but they didn’t reveal those in time for my DCBS order to be submitted.
Issue opens with Agent Lundqvist hanging out in Juniper, looking at the Trask statue that Juggernaut spent an entire day not breaking.
I love it when characters speak in logo. Do you think it sounds differently?
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Juggernaut fights Galatea, who I’m glad we are name checking people. Cyclops tells them to switch, so now Magik is fighting Galatea.
Psylocke fights Psychovore.
The Baxter Building. New York City. Drs. Richards, 70s Beast, and Ben are still chatting about Magneto. Apparently no two mutants share that much DNA, because of their powers, which maybe makes sense? Magneto’s powers are making it so they can’t treat him properly, or remove the Age of Revelation virus code. Just like how Kate Pryde’s phasing power messed up her resurrection.
Reed needs Human Torch and Ben Grimm here to perform a radical operation. I imagine it is because he views all problems through a lens of how can the Fantastic Four solve this?
3K Mothership. Grimm and Johnny are fighting Joseph.
Chairman Beast knows that Cyclsop’ inside man is Schwarzschild, which I figured was the case last issue. He’s just not that much of an inside man, as he’s not on the mothership. Chairman Beast can’t launch the virus because of a computer error, so Wyre has to do it manually.
Psylocke defeats Psychovore with a poison thought, as she’s awesome.
Oya is fighting Juice, so we get to see a cool ice versus water battle. Cyclops helps in this fight.
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Constellation is down.
I like Magik giving Galatea one more chance to surrender, but she’s not one to ever surrender. She can do this all day.
Wyre shows up to manually release the virus, but Juggernaut has been wrecking the place.
I like Johnny making fun of the knock off versions of Magneto and Beast. He doesn’t know Astra, but is assured she is a knock off of somebody, which is very funny.
Chairman Beast does NOT find this funny, as she’s the original Beast.
I do like that Johnny takes the time to recognized that even he is a knock off of the Jim Hammond Human Torch. So, we’re just having lots of fun here.
Johnny performs the Clean Room Protocol and burns all of the oxygen in the room, which doesn’t hurt Grimm at all. I’ve read that he’s essentially immortal, which is very interesting, and sad, as he has quite the family.
Cyclops walks into the room to declare he has defeated 3K. I love these two chatting, this should be the event. Chairman Beast recognizes the weakness of 3K, and now wants the X-Men to help him.
Turns out Chairman Beast had a backup plan. He releases the virus through the Trask statue, which I knew they should have teleported it away when they had the chance. Or at the very least, put a dome around it.
Kitty Pryde and the cast of Astonishing X-Men (Volume 3) are confronting Orbis Stellar, one of Sinister’s alts, the spade one. That’s fun seeing a Krakoa villain in an earlier story.
Logan claws right through him, as Orbis isn’t our main villain here. I’m not that familiar with Orbis Stellar, outside of his design.
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I just love how the X-Men are more annoyed with Logan than anything else. Did he have to do that this way? Probably not. Let’s try not to get someone else’s blood all over your teammates.
Kitty is looking for the egg that brough them here. She offers to phase through some doors, but Beast wants a moment to hack the system. If he can’t do it, he’ll place himself back with the Avengers. I miss Kitty and Beast being pals, so much.
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They were looking for Phoenix eggs, which I guess is a thing, and instead,, found some other sort of egg. dun dun DUNNN
Cyclops’ ‘alert,’ would make for such a great final word, but Beast gets to start a “you look inter,’ then we skip a week, so this explains why Kitty isn’t in the solicitations for the rest of the series. At least she gets a great back up feature that we’ll get to below.
One Week Later, Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. The Blackbird is back, and attached to a bigger ship.
Xavier and Multiple Man are watching the duo ship enter the atmosphere.
We get to see our cast for the issue – Storm (who is completely bald, which isn’t her typical look), Rogue, Psylocke, Hope Summers, Jubilee, Cannonball, Gambit, Nightcrawler, and Colossus.
Storm is wishing she had gone on the mission, but Hope tells her that no mission needs two great leaders.
The ships crash, and instead of the X-Men, we get . . . Xenomorphs!
Poor Cannonball, he was saying his classic line of how he is nigh invulnerable when he’s . . . and he gets got.
Xenomophs acid spit is strong enough to melt Colossus’ metal arm, so we now know that.
One of the Xenomorphs has adamantium claws, so that’s happening. I wonder if we can tell which one Kitty birthed?
One of the Xenomorphs grabs Madrox, because of course they do, his mutant power really is perfect for villains.
We see the Xenomorphs have brought Madrox to Logan, who is also a perfect vessel for more eggs. Logan offers to put Madrox out of his misery, but right before he knows he is in misery, so he hesitated. Which is the greatest commandment, Thou Shall Not Hesitate.
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Ugh, we see Kitty’s dead body, so unfortunately, she is done with the main story. But don’t worry, dear readers, we still have that backup.
Because of Emma is Mother, we see there is a Queen Xenomorph, who also has diamond powers, so good luck there.
Logan births another baby Alien.
Xavier and Storm talk about how these are not the Brood, so that’s nice to address that. They are knockoffs of the Brood, and more feral.
Beast left a recording, and thought he had taken care of the threat.
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Turns out, there is a Xenomorph that is worst than one with adamantium claws or diamond skin, one who can phase through walls. There is no escaping that one.
And now that we think about it, the Mansion is locked down, but not to one that can phase through walls.
This segment ends with a new team arriving – Deadpool, Sage (maybe?), Cable (with a beard), Bishop, and Abigail Brand, who should be doubly invested in stopping this as they killed Hank.
. . .
Writer Chris Claremont
Artist Dave Messina
Color Artist Rain Beredo
Letterer VC’s Travis Lanham
I was really really hoping that someone would remember that Lockheed is the Brood’s greatest nightmare, so he should be involved in a story involving Brood knockoffs.
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Of course, Chris Claremont would remember that. This story takes place during the time Kate Pryde was attending the University of Chicago, working on her doctoral thesis. She is a bartender at Belles of Hell, and sometimes Lockheed is with her at college, and sometimes, he isn’t, and this time . . . he is!
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Kate is surprised by a visit of a Brood Queen Angel. The Brood Queen claims Lockheed trusts her, but I’m not sure of that.
The Brood Queen wants to work with Kate to deal with a greater threat.
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The Brood Queen is very impress with Kate, she has great skills, and of course, in the right place, and right time, and has great instincts. Plus, Kate has a reputation, and hope.
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Kate needs Rachel, as this is written by Claremont.
The Brood Queen teleports them to the Danger Room, where we see Gambit (I imagine so someone, me, will tell people to check out Claremont’s Gambit Wanted), Gambit has a face hugger on his . . . face. Rachel, no facehugger, and Logan, who does have a facehugger.
I looked it up, facehuggers are the second step in the Xenomorph life cycle, and are called, Ovomorphs.
We hear Magik’s voice, and we see that she turned Lockheed into a gauntlet, which seems very rude. Though he does make for an interesting looking gauntlet.
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I can’t believe we are given a backup story, written by Chris Claremont, that features Kate Pryde, Lockheed, and Magik! Plus, Rachel!
Illyana claims Lockheed is her dragon, and transformed him like she will transform Kate.
Illyana even changed Kate’s outfit to be her yellow and blue suit, instead of her X-Treme X-Men suit.
Kate is very much looking forward to turning evil with Illyana.
This entire page is very charged.
Plus, now my mind is racing about how this places Rachel into the role of good girl to Illyana’s bad, and Kitty having to choose between them. While the entire time, Lockheed is a gauntlet, for some reason. Let him be a dragon!
Oh, and Illyana mentions how her new friends have done something to her, so more on that later, as she’s definitely not showing any signs of becoming a Xenomorph.
It is interesting that Jeph Loeb isn’t writing the fallout of X-Men of Apocalypse, but leaving that to Steve Orlando. I wonder if that mini had a different ending, and they decided to add an extra page to set up this mini. This is the mini where Age of Apocalypse Gambit switches lives with 616 Gambit.
Issue opens with the Uncanny X-Men (Jubilee, Monet, Nightcrawler, Rogue, and Quicksilver) fighting a giant amoeba, when AoA Gambit arrives. In a very gross choice, Gambit goes in for a kiss with Rogue, but she stops him, immediately, as that’s not her husband. But why would he even attempt a kiss with her? This was the fans concern, that our Rogue would be tricked into being with this Gambit, and Orlando is smart to immediately shut this fear down, and hard.
We see 616 Gambit (or Wyrn, maybe?) in AoA, and AoA Rogue and Magneto seem to be chatting with Remy like they don’t realize a switch has happened. 616 Gambit wants to know where Annalee is, which is interesting.
AoA Gambit meets up with 616 Vig, hinting that there is an AoA Vig, who is also gross to deal with. They fight fight fight.
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We get a flashback to the Mutant Massacre, the first one, where we see Callisto, Storm, Colossus, Rogue, Logan, and Nightcrawler. There is a lady with short hair between Storm and Colossus, and they are clearly coming out of a stepping disc. Does this issue make it to the collection?
So, 616 Gambit made the choice to switch, as he feels compelled to save the AoA Morlocks, due to his eternal guilt over his involvement in the Mutant Massacre? That does seem worth of a miniseries. Though a lot of work to set up this miniseries, and an interesting choice to not just have two Gambits working together, but I guess it is also an exploration of 616 characters’ opinions on Gambit that we see through AoA Gambit?
We’re off to an interesting start.
Do we think Gambit plays a major role in Avengers Doomsday, and that’s why we are getting all of these Gambit miniseries?
Jubilee drops Logan off at what appears to be a giant mansion. Logan confirms he can smell Glob Herman, Madrox, and others, would be nice to know who else Infernal Hulk has, but from what I can remember, it is those two named characters.
Infernal Hulk references how Damacus was ages ago, but Logan doesn’t remember that. For pages upon pages, which looks very cool, Logan and Infernal Hulk fight, tearing large parts of their flesh off. Then Jubilee shows up, and Logan gets very concerned.
I am reminded that this is the same Jubilee that went head first into danger in Tomb of Apocalypse 1, so I guess this is a new character trait of hers. She is tired of being on the sidelines.
Jubilee blows up instead a great light, who we hear the voice of Angler come out. Logan’s true curse is to outlive everyone, and probably be there when he loses everyone. The bright light eventually turns into Captain Marvel. Iron Man sent her to find The One Above All, and came back with Nick Fury Sr, so now Hulk War is truly in danger.
This comic has a friendly Time Bomb, and 3K X-Men have a deadly Time Bomb. That’s interesting.
Wolverine explains to Time Bomb how The Quiet Council made some decisions, but no one is going to lock up Time Bomb for learning how to use her powers. She could also take a second to explain who there is no more Quiet Council.
We see a giant hole in the floor, that reveals a secret stairwell inside a secret lab, which is never good.
I love how Logan is getting along with the Generates. Gabby thinks Wolverine and Logan should hang back, as they are adults, and Nanny’s whole deal is to protect young mutants. They both say, No, at the same time, and Logan says he rather be an adult than the alternative. With guesses like, a baby, or dead, and Logan smirks that he’s been both a baby, and dead. Which is funny, and also, it is weird being an X-Man.
I’m so happy we kept the Krakoa Nanny redesign, with the lips. Why would we ever get rid of that?
Is Nanny always this huge? She’s like two Logans combined. Wolverine notices Nanny seems off, as starts asking questions.
I love Wolverine trying to rationalize with Nanny. She asks Nanny, who she is calling, Elenor, to humanize her, for help. Nanny mistakes help for raising, and becomes very intrigued.
Nanny recaps, in song, how her and Peter, Orphan Maker, got to this lab, which is very fun.
Logan is a lot of fun this issue. Laura wants to split the team, Logan stays with the Generates, and Laura & Gabby went with Nanny. They see all of the babies, and Laura is trying to piece everything together. Then Port opens a portal, and Logan an the Generates arrive. He was outnumbered.
I also like how Time Bomb is confused by the names, Arnold & Tabitha, as she is used to numbers being used for names.
Logan is going to make some calls, to see where the babies came from, which I’m sure whoever he call is going to have some issues with Nanny.
Issue ends with X-Infinite approaching a sleeping Lobster armored gal, so we’re not quite done with him. But first, we have a road trip to plan.
Midnight X-Men 3, is that Kitty Pryde on the cover, or a very brunette Jean Grey? Most likely, a very brunette Jean Grey, but I’m hoping it is Kitty.
. . .
Maximum X-Men 1, we have been treated to preview pages, and we see Magik in Colossus’ thoughts, so I’ll be buying the first issue for sure. For anyone using DCBS, this issue is already available to preorder, so don’t miss out.
. . .
Fugitive X-Force 1, is it silly to relaunch a title that is just issue 11 of Inglorious X-Force? Yes, but I like Boom Boom having a leadership position in this title. Plus, Ms. Marvel is along for the ride. Plus plus, this title has the best team dynamics in the X-Office.
. . .
Infernal Hulk vs Avengers 1, I know I keep being burned by the lack of Kitty Pryde and Magik in Infernal Hulk issues 8, 9, and 10, and none to be seen in Infernal Hulk vs Wolverine, but here I am, being “tricked” into ordering this one shot as it hints “all of our greatest heroes,” so maybe we’ll see those two here? Also, this available on DCBS now.
. . .
Amazing Spider-Man 1005, is going to have a guest appearance by boy Wolverine.
. . .
Black Cat 17 appears she is going to Alaska to visit the X-Men. Hopefully Magik is on one of the two variant covers. Odd how Felicia being a mutant turns her into a brunette, but there are some famous platinum blonde mutants, so I get the hair change.
. . .
Spectacular Spider-Man 7 celebrates 50 years of the title, even though it hasn’t been an active title that entire time. But hey, we are getting a new JM DeMatteis story, so that’s all I ever want.
Jessica Jones Alias 1, we’re getting Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos back with Jessica Jones for her 25th Anniversary, so that’s pretty cool.
Wolverine Origin III The Dark Age, so we’re still doing this. Logan in the 1950s, as we build ever so closer to the Weapon X program.
. . .
X-Orcists 2, if the other variant is just purely Magik and Madelyne Pyror, I’ll get that one, otherwise, the main cover is just fine for me.
. . .
Jean Grey 2, I feel pretty confident that Jean Grey isn’t replacing Magik on the Alaskan X-Men team, so it appears Marvel has found a way for me to buy a Jean Grey miniseries.
. . .
X-Men 42, so nice that Magik is on the regular cover as we’re experiencing DNX Aftermath.
. . .
X-Men 43, unfortunately, we are still double shipping X-Men. Magik is on the main cover, so I’m covered.
. . .
Uncanny X-Men 40, Scavenged has captured and flipped one of the Outliers, so hopefully that isn’t Calico.
Wolverine 30, Logan goes feral.
. . .
X-Men United 10, I’ll be getting the Mason cover with Daredevil and Kitty Pryde, and others. Is this the final issue? We’ll find out in January. This issue is also available to preorder now on DCBS.
. . .
Wade Wilson Deadpool 11, he and Blind Al are going to Texas.
Gambit Gone 4, is this where we resolve Gambit’s issue with the dragon? I doubt it.
Tomb of Apocalypse 5, who will become the newest member of Apocalypse’s Horsemen? Jubilee, Logan, Rictor, or Shatterstar? Obvious answer would be Rictor, but we’ll have to see.
Wolverine Paradise 3, with Dazzler, and now . . . Luke Cage and Iron Fist! This mini does seem to be fun focus, which I love.
Iron Man 12 & 13, must be successful if it is double shipping. Carmen Carnero is only the artist for issue 12.
Fantastic Four 20 is not a DNX Aftermath issue.
Punisher 11, he’s going to a zoo, so that can’t be good. Also, double shipping with issue 12. 12 appears to be giving him a winter reverse suit.
Marvel Zombies War Zone 4, Gorgon is trying to set his Zombies loose on the rest of the Marvel Universe.
. . .
Marvel Winter Break Special 2026, I am a sucker for a Marvel Season Special. I’m hoping for a Magik appearance on one of the three un-revealed covers. At least the main cover and Marguerite Sauvage’s cover as mutant representation, so I’ll be getting one of those, if not. This is also available on DCBS. The Sauvage variant cover is $30, so I am going to take a chance on Nick Bradshaw having an X-Men focus cover.
. . .
Alien vs X-Men 4, here is hoping the variant cover has Kitty Pryde on it, but they got my money either way.
. . .
11 comics, which isn’t the worst, plus, two of them I already have ordered for November, so that’s nice.
I will be buying :
Midnight X-Men 3, any cover
Maximum X-Men 1, any cover
Infernal Hulk vs Avengers, any cover
Black Cat 17, hopefully a variant cover with Magik on it.
X-Orcists 2, regular cover, unless the other variant cover has only Magik and Madelyne Pryor on it.
Jean Grey 2, any cover
X-Men 42, the regular cover
X-Men 43, the regular cover
X-Men United 10, the Mason cover with Kitty Pryde
Marvel Winter Break Special 2026, regular cover or the Sauvage variant cover.
I had to recheck the original Incursions announcement as I was super hyped on X-Men Incursions 1, fearing Kate Pryde of Days of Future Past, and I can only hope for, Ms. Pryde of House of M, teaming up.
when I rechecked, we knew there was going to be an X-Men 92 Incursions, but now we know who they are incurring with . . .
X-Men Evolution!!!
I’m buying both of these covers, or at the very least, the Evolution Rogue, my favorite Rogue.
With Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost writing, it would have been fun to have X-Men Evolution incur with Wolverine and the X-Men, as both of them were involved in both shows, but I understand X-Men 92 is the property at the moment.
Evolution Kitty Pryde is on both covers, which makes sense as they are mirrored versions of each other.
Joshua Cassara’s lovely wife, Martha, announced that on September 22, we lost Joshua Cassara due to heart complications.
Joshua Cassara was such an amazing and talented artist.
The amount of times I have used X-Men V6 32 to show off my three favorite characters, would be too much to count.
Heck, I even used it for the one meme I’ve created.
I love this cover so much.
Joshua Cassara was always so nice to engage with me over at Twitter. He would post art, and I would compliment him, and sometimes it was no more than a “thank you,” but sometimes we would interact, and it was always cool to get a response from him.
