Scripter Chris Claremont
Guest Penciler Walt Simonson
Finisher Bob Wiacek
Letterer Tom Orzechowski
Colorist Glynis Wein
Repints Uncanny X-Men 171
Look at that Adam Hughes’ cover!
This is the issue, that if I had the money, I would totally ask Paul Smith to draw as it really breaks up his run on the title. I would need Claremont’s original script as well. I wish What If? had an issue that was simply What If Paul Smith Drew Uncanny X-Men 171? That would have been amazing! It is a shame that Smith doesn’t get to conclude the Morlock storyline. Though this is mostly known as the issue Rogue joins the team.
Issue opens with Storm declaring that she is the new leader of the Morlocks, and she lays down the new laws.
Nightcrawler is worried about Storm’s new outlook, she is becoming more aggressive.
Madelyn wakes from a horrible dream, and Scott runs in to check on her. I really like the implied intimacy here with how the couple share one pajama set. Madelyn gets the top half, and Scott gets the bottom half. I want to see that more often. Sounds like a for sure way to get pass the censors, as those two are not married.
We get a seen where Carol Danvers is visiting her parents. This is the beginning of Walt Simonson not drawing the women attractively. The men look fine. I suspect it has to do with being the fill-in artist at the last minute.
Kitty can’t find her floppy disks, remember those?
Illyana is unimpress with Kitty’s outbursts, she was always the more mature of the two. Growing up in Limbo for seven years, will do that to you.
Xavier is trying to make his new legs work, Llandra is being the supportive girlfriend.
Rogue comes knocking on the mansion’s door. She needs help. The cover uses the classice “Welcome … hope you survive the experience” line.
None of the X-Men want Rogue there. She stole Carol’s powers and memories and Carol has become a friend to this team.
While Xavier is speaking to Rogue, the X-Men try out a Danger Room sequence run by Illyana.
Unfortunately, the Danger Room sequence is a rehash of Belasco’s realm.
This understandably upsets Illyana. She loses control and fights Kitty. Her soulsword cuts Kitty, while she is phased. Kitty wins this fight.
Illyana cries, remembering her original time in Limbo.
Storm kills her plants, as she over waters them as her powers match her mood and she is very angry.
Xavier has decided to have Rogue join the team.
This upsets the team, right when Carol comes home.
She is Binary at this point, so when she punches Rogue, Rogue goes stellar.
Carol leaves the X-Men, the team agrees to let Rogue on the team on a probationary period.
That image on the third page, John Cassaday would show from a different angle in Uncanny Avengers 2.
Rogue also looks like she isn’t 60 anymore, she will continue to de-age until she looks like she is in her 20s.
Issue ends with Storm wondering if she has to choose, is she Ororo or Storm?
Shadow and Flame with Magik 