Writer Devin Grayson
Art and Colors UDON with Long Vo, Charles Park and Saka of Studio XD
Letterer Randy Gentile
Cover Dated July 2002
When I added the bulk of the series to my Wishlist, I had thought these issues were just adaptations of episodes from the series. Which may still be true, but this issue is its own unique story.
On my Wishlist are issues – 1, 4, 5, 6 and 9. I ordered 7 and 8. I’m pretty sure issues two, three and four are retellings of those episodes that deal with the origins of Cyclops, Jean and Kitty. Which made me think that the entire nine episode series was just retellings of episodes but issue seven is not that at all.
This takes place sometime after the start of season two when Hank McCoy has transformed into Beast and can no longer teach at Bayville High School due to racism.
Which I like the idea of the comic series telling stories that happen in-between the episodes as I’m sure there are a lot to tell. At least, nine of them. Or possibly five of them, if I’m right about the first four issues.
I’m glad to finally read a Devin Grayson comic. She’s a popular writer over at DC, especially with Nightwing. I sort of followed her from panel to panel one year at San Diego Comic Con (way back in 2002) but I was really into the Bat-titles back then, also supporting ladies in the comic field – which I’m still supportive of.
UDON, the art team, I know is a group of people but I don’t follow them at all. I do associate them with comic coloring, which they do a great job in this issue with. It feels just like an episode of the show, but static. Which makes sense.
If you like classic X-Men baseball game stories, then this issue is for you. We get two of them in the issue! One proper outdoor one where powers are not allowed and another within the Danger Room where powers are allowed.
There is an awkward moment in the comic when the Senior Staff are talking about how one of the students should be a sort of Student Leader. Which is odd as I’m pretty sure from the offset of the show, that Cyclops was without doubt, the student field leader but who knows what the comic was trying to established.
Onto the issue itself –
Xavier shows Beast around the mansion. Beast will be the first official teacher at the school.
Wolverine is in the Danger Room, giving Kitty, Kurt and Spike a work out.
Xavier tells the students that Beast will be their Physical Education teacher. He will also teach Chemistry, just like he did at Bayside.
Kitty hugs Wolverine, I do enjoy how the show and the comic kept their friendship.
Kittt is super excited to have Dr. McCoy as her Chemistry teacher.
Storm wants to know what the chain of command is now that a fourth adult is present.
Storm also wants a student leader.
First Baseball Game. X-Men v New Students. Spike proves why he was a horrible creation, he wants to win at all cost.
There is a fun sight gag where Multiple Man goes after the ball but runs into Havok, creating three duplicates.
Spike’s exchange with Beast gets him kicked out of the game. Cyclops shows up, in time to become the new team captain. He has a better venue.
Second Baseball Game. Now that they are in the Danger Room, they can use their powers.
Kitty gets to bat, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t at the first game. She makes it to first base.
Cyclops’ turn at bat. In a great use of one of Cyclops’ weaknesses, Boom Boom gets a brilliant idea to turn the security light on. Now the room is bathed in red light, which I’m always a fan of. Also, Cyclops can barely see outlines of things. Such a fun two page sequence. Jean helps him by telling him when to swing.
Spike bunts the ball. Kitty makes it home. The X-Men win the game.
Beast tells Cyclops that he is the new leader of the students.
Issue ends with Beast getting a mysterious email. We will learn more about that next issue, which I have plans to review next.
Beast’s email address is : HMcCoy@xnet.edu
The other party’s email is : Xessen@sciencescene.net
They want to work with him and are willing to give him a grant.
Shadow and Flame with Magik 