Shadow and Flame with Magik

Writer Brian Michael Bendis

Artist Brandon Peterson

Color Artist Israel Silva

Flashback Art Brent Anderson with James Campbell

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

I simply adore that Marvel brought Anderson back to recreate the atmosphere of X-Men : God Loves, Man Kills.  Such a genius move and so great to see that he hasn’t lost a step.  My only problem is, it only lasts four pages.

I still maintain that if you have anyone quote from the Bible, outside of church, and it comes off both creepy and menacing.

We return to the present day, with the X-Men of the past, Kitty and X23.

Stryker Junior wants to kill the past X-Men.  Luckily, a few of his Purifiers think this is a bad idea and want a second opinion.

While they wait, X23 is woken up.  I like how she is chained, so her claws are not angled to slice the chains.  Turns out, the events of Avengers Arena were broadcast around the world.  I am not sure if this is correct, or if only villains and subscribers had access to it.  I didn’t read that series but from the shown footage, X23 had to do horrible acts to survive.

Styker moves on to Scott, who makes jokes. I like how him knowing his future lightens him up.  He doesn’t need to be so serious, all of the hard work and decisions have been made already.

Dr. Monica Rappaccini of AIM is the second opinion.  I know her from Uncanny X-Men 15, she is conducting experiments on the new Inhumans.  She wants the Purifiers to release the past X-Men, as she wants to not damage time – nice that someone doesn’t.

The floating X belt buckles are not very good, what are they holding up?  Do they serve a purpose?

I like Jean waking up and getting in touch with the team, telepathically.  I even like Bobby screwing it up.

Dr. Rappaccini reveals she can help Styker with his headaches, also that AIM and the Purifiers have a long history of working together.

Dr. Rappaccini states they can kill Kitty, as she is from the present.  She tries to cut her and phases through.  Then Scott does his thing and the X-Men are loose.  Chris Sims must be happy as Hank kicks a fool to the face!

The X-Men are escaping.  Scott runs across X23, she hugs him.

Issue ends with Stryker telling the X-Men, that the whole world will know about the past X-Men.

Which he doesn’t know the half of it, the universe will know as we enter the four part crossover with the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Trial of Jean Grey.

Bendis shared a page on his Twitter account, of Kitty being in space so I figure I am getting at least the first part for sure.