Writer Eve L. Ewing
Artist Eduardo Pansica
Color Artist Brian Reber
Letterer C’s Joe Sabino
Variant Cover Meghan Hetrick
I had to go with the Meghan Hetrick variant cover, as it was the only cover with Kitty Pryde, and always cool to get an X-Ladies cover.
This issue finally gets us Bronze with Marigold, and Mal, who we haven’t seen since the first issue.
The Ancient Orc Oaken Arclight Simulation. We catch up to Deathdream, Iceman, Emma Frost, Cyclops, and Rogue. Deathdream finds a way to escape back to Graymatter Lane.
I like how his fellow Outliers are the ones that find him, that’s nice.
Bronze with Marigold, Lochheed’s (hopefully not evil) female clone that Mister Sinister created, and Melee are talking about how Kitty Pryde wouldn’t stand them up. So at least Kitty is mentioned in this issue.
A Few Minutes Later.
All of the students have gathered. Nice to see Indra back.
We learn that all of the adults are gone.
Ms. Marvel wonders if they should get the Avengers, but Sophia shoots that down, this is a mutant problem, and will take a mutant solution.
I like Axo backing Sophia, and Loolo critizing him for it, as Axo and Sophia are very close friends. I so appreciate the cast list in the beginning of this issue.
Match also critizes that they are using Mister Sinister tech, and Bronze keeps to the company line that that is clearly okay, but I have my doubts, especially as I see Marigold in this panel.
I do like Melee Ransom, and Gabby being the ones to take leadership, they are the leaders of their respected cliques.
Meanwhile. Ben Lui is coming to terms with letting Emma Frost into his mind.
Nice that Tiago Palma gets a five fun facts feature in the X-Mentions.
The adults are having a hard time navigating their way through this shadowy realm.
Back at Graymatter Lane.
I guess Laura is considered an adult, as she’s not around.
None of the adults can be located, not even with the Empathy Engine.
They decide they have to break into teams.
Bronze with Marigold sees Mal head off on her own, so they follow her.
Mal does not appreciate this, as turns into monster mode, scary the two of them.
This is such a cool page, and where we get Marigold’s image for the cast page.
The students are going to make a Lousiana team, and an Alaskan team.
Bronze and Marigold come running back, saying something is wrong with Mal, but Mal shows up like nothing is wrong. This is giving Single White Female.
Mal sadly walks away.
Mal is clearly being tempted by the Shadow King, but we don’t know that yet.
Poor Bronze and Marigold look so sad here.
Even Rift is back, as he has to open portals to get the two teams away.
Is it odd or nice that the Outliers are not the full Louisiana Away team? Calico is taking Loolo and another person with her.
Before we can see who is officially on the Alaskan team, Gabby is taken over by a shadowy person, and attacks everyone.
Thankfully this doesn’t last too long, probably as Gabby is pure of heart.
Sophie puts up a pyshic shield, and Jitter, for some reason, has to mention this was without consent, like, she’s saving your life right now! Sophie apologizes, but I’m not sure if that is warranted here, but I guess it is a nice thing to do. She hears the criticism, and takes responsibility for it. That is the right thing to do.
The adults keep getting attacked. Emma can’t do any telepathic attempts as she needs to be in her diamond form. Which feels like it has been forever since I’ve seen her in her diamond form.
Rogue is on the attack, and she’s losing pieces of her outfit. They want to go to the safety of Graymatter Lane.
Unfortunately, Graymatter Lane isn’t that safe either, as the issue ends.
I got my 14th letter published! I didn’t send one in for the fourth issue, I couldn’t’ think of anything positive to say, besides where is Marigold and Mal, but we got them in this very issue.
Shadow and Flame with Magik 