While “Sinister” plans are taking shape against mutant-kind, Polaris gets a visit from an old “acquaintance” and it’s NOT Alex Summers!
X-MEN BLUE #23
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Jorge Molina
Color Artists: Matt Milla with Jay David Ramos
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: Jorge Molina
New Mutants Variant Cover: Clayton Crain
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need To Know
Marvel Girl, Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, and Angel are off-planet.
Back at the X-Mansion in Madripoor, Magneto, working with his associate Briar Raleigh, is strategizing with Jimmy Hudson and Bloodstorm. They are on the trail of Miss Sinister and her Mothervine Project based on the biotech formula extracted from several people who survived the end of the”Ultimate” universe, now on Prime Earth. Also present at the X-Mansion is Lorna Dane, Polaris, who senses intruders at their very doorstep. Who could it be?
What You’ll Find Out (SPOILERS)
Lorna confronts her uninvited guests.
They are Gazing Nightshade, Norio, Hexadecimal, and Whisper Doll…The Raksha!
They are mutant protectors of Madripoor, devoted followers of “Patch” (Wolverine) and associates of the X-Men.
Magneto gets schooled by Briar.
Seething with frustration and regret, Magneto’s statements incite a curious smile from Briar.
Polaris brings in the Raksha, who insist on seeing Magneto. They have evidence that might prove useful.
Magneto takes his leave and informs the Raksha that Polaris will assist them if needed. Scene shift to Columbia, where we find four Prime Sentinel units about to embark into the “real” world to look for mutants to eliminate when suddenly two familiar faces arrive.
Bastion presses Havok about his loyalties in a subtle way. They must destroy all the Prime Sentinels in order for their plan to work. Havok takes the opportunity to announce the irony.
Back at the X-Mansion, Polaris discusses Havok with Gazing Nightshade, whose soul-searching powers reveal a bit about how Lorna feels. Lorna also confirms what most have assumed.
Over in London, England, we see a determined Magneto stride into the Hellfire Club.
He’s not here to play.
Erik is here to stop Sebastian Shaw, who is very drunk…
…however, Sebastian has never been one to be underestimated.
Meanwhile, in the Mojave Desert, Jimmy Hudson and Bloodstorm are spying on Mach 2 and The Marauders, who may have found someone they wish hadn’t.
In an undisclosed location, we see Miss Sinister, Bastion, Havok, and The White Queen, Emma Frost, discussing their plans.
Then there is an interesting psychic exchange between Emma and Alex.
Back at the X-Mansion, Magneto’s automaton-servant, Ferris, has cause for concern over a piece of jewelry.
As he should…
TO BE CONTINUED…
What Just Happened?
As much as I have enjoyed the adventures of the original, time-displaced X-Men, their absence this issue feels, dare I say, welcome. With so many fan-favorite characters just waiting to be given the spotlight, Cullen Bunn seems to be shifting into high gear with the O5 out of the script. They were almost becoming too much of a story within a story. Here, we get to see the supporting cast shine to a degree that makes me hopeful that this title could continue on without the O5, should they be written off for good.
I’ve said it many times, Polaris has always been so underused, or used as a plot device, for far too long. I’m glad we get to see her finally do so much more in this title other than play McGuffin.
I’m really enjoying Jimmy Hudson and Bloodstorm. The fact that Jimmy’s mother is Magda Lensherr from his timeline is an interesting side-note I hope gets explored soon. Bloodstorm is a great asset to this team and I’m curious to see if romance develops with her and Jimmy, as one with her and Scott was being set up before his departure.
Malice first attacked and possessed Alison Blair, who was touring with Lila Cheney under an assumed identity, in San Francisco. From Uncanny X-Men #210.
I remember when Malice first appeared. Around that time, we found Lorna had once again, been on the outskirts of the X-Men’s life; slowly simmering on not one, but TWO Claremont side-plots! (Malice and The Brood) Her possession by Malice and involvement with Mister Sinister, leading up through Inferno is legendary.
In Uncanny X-Men #219, Malice finally found the perfect host in Lorna Dane, where she stayed until Uncanny X-Men #250.
And later, after defeating the Shadow King in the “Battle of Muir Island”, she was assigned to X-Factor where she remained for many years. Under Peter David’s pen, we saw a much more complex character than we have ever been able to get to know. Seeing Malice return to “haunt” Lorna is interesting, but I hope it is temporary and does not last as long as her original possession.
Speaking of possession, as far as Lorna can tell, Havok has not been the same since Axis. It’s even referenced in a sidenote. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean he is indeed still, in Axis-inversion-mode. Subtleties have been placed here and there throughout his appearances, but this time, we get to see him have a secret conversation with Emma, who also has been displaying questionable behavior. We know they are up to something, and I’m loving it! Lots of layers going on here!
Jorge Molina really seems to ascend this issue as well! Wonderfully expressive faces from Bloodstorm through to Miss Sinister, no smirk goes unnoticed! The look on Lorna’s face, at the end of this issue, when she realizes she is holding a nightmare in her hands is great!
Rating 9.5/10
Final thought:
As I stated before, I didn’t miss the O5 this issue, and I somehow feel as if a weight has been lifted. If it has, it was done magnetically! Magneto, Polaris and the supporting cast taking the spotlight, several running plotlines coming into play, and the fleshing out of characters in both words and art, really set this issue on fire!
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