X-Men, Vol. 1 #1 - Rubicon
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: October 1991 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: A group of mutants have stolen a shuttle and are being pursued by some agents. Magneto arrives and tears their ships apart before bringing them on board Asteroid M. At the mansion the X-Men are testing the building‘s defenses. They split into two teams, but only Wolverine, with Psylocke‘s help, is able to breach them. The two different crews fight on board the asteroid until Magneto stops them. One of them, Fabian Cortez, has a suggestion for Magneto. Back at the mansion the X-Men Blue team respond to a signal that Magneto is up to something. He has raised a nuclear submarine. The X-Men confront him, but after a brief battle he flies off with the nuclear weapons. Rogue tries to follow him to talk, but is shot down by a russian plane. Magneto is hurt and is healed by Cortez. Rogue is found in Genosha but is pursued by the newly formed Acolytes wanting her to join them. She disagree’s and fights them, and the X-Men arrive to help her. Magneto turns up and declares that Asteroid M will be a haven for all mutantkind. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Mutant Genesis and Marvel Premiere Classic Library Edition Hardcover #48 - Fun Facts: Title Logic: The title comes from the old idiom "Crossing the Rubicon", meaning to go past a point of no return. Rubicon is a river in Italy. The river is notable as Roman law forbade any general from crossing it with an army. When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, supposedly on January 10 of the Roman calendar, to make his way to Rome he broke that law and made armed conflict inevitable.
Variant Information: A. Standard Release Variant. Colossus, Rogue, Gambit, Psylocke Cover. B. Standard Release Variant. Magneto Cover. C. Standard Release Variant. Cyclops, Wolverine, Iceman Cover. D. Standard Release Variant. Full Image Pull-Out Cover. E. Hologram Limited Variant. Polybagged.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #2 - Firestorm
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: November 1991 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Magneto and the Acolytes defeat the Blue team of the X-Men and take them aboard Asteroid X. While Xavier tries to get through to Moira, they are both kidnapped by Magneto as well. Turns out that while Magneto was an infant and in Moira’s care, she manipulated his genetic structure, attempting to cure a possible instability of his central nervous system, suspecting that this condition had turned him into a villain. Magneto gets mad, having now to question his every decision since the procedure, angrily he makes Moira brainwash the Blue team into joining his Acolytes. The other half of the X-Men wonder how to help. The situation gets even more tense when Nick Fury reports that the US and Russia have decided to lauch a plasma cannon against Asteroid X. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Mutant Genesis and Marvel Premiere Classic Library Edition Hardcover #48 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Marvel Legends Edition Variant. Comes packaged with Marvel Legends Action Figure. Same as original with "Not for Resale" Barcode and Marvel Logo printed at bottom.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #3 - Fallout
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: December 1991 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The Gold Team of the X-Men travels to Asteroid M in an undetectable space ship, desperately trying to safe their teammates, before the russians destroy Magneto’s base with a plasma cannon. Aboard the Asteroid Xavier helplessly sees his Blue Team brainwashed by Moira into following Magneto, though some of them seem to realize that something is wrong. Magneto still suffering from injuries received by Wolverine grows more and more dependent on Fabian Cortez‘ cures. When the Gold Team arrives they have to fight both their teammates and the Acolytes, but soon the X-Men remember themselves. Magneto stops the battle, wanting only Xavier, but then he collapses. Moira understands that Cortez has only boosted his powers to make him feel better, In the meantime Cortez has escaped, he intends to turn Magneto into a martyrer and inspire mutants all around the world to follow him. As the plasma canon is fired the X-Men hurry to their spaceship. They want to rescue Magneto and the remaining Acolytes as well, but they prefer to stay aboard Asteroid M and die as it goes down. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Mutant Genesis and Marvel Premiere Classic Library Edition Hardcover #48 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Marvel Legends Edition Variant. Comes packaged with Marvel Legends Action Figure.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #4 - The Resurrection and the Flesh
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): John Byrne, Chris Claremont Release Date: January 1992 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Matsu‘o Tsurayaba has the Hand reanimate Omega Red, though it kills twenty-five of their operatives. Matsu‘o says that he financed Omega Red’s rebirth for one thing, the capture of Wolverine, who Omega Red remembers from his past. Meanwhile at the Xavier institute Moira MacTaggert has nightmares, plagued with feeling guilty for having tried to condition Magneto’s behavior while he was in her care on Muir Island. Moira wakes up screaming and Cyclops, Banshee, and Professor Xavier come to her room to see what’s the matter. Banshee can’t talk from getting his jaw broke so Xavier creates a mind-bridge between the three of them and Moira. Banshee tries to comfort her and talk her out of leaving the mansion, although to no avail because later she calls a taxi and leaves, leaving Banshee behind. Outside, Gambit and Jubilee are winning a non-mutant power game of basketball against Wolverine and Rogue. Wolverine’s team starts to use their mutant powers so Gambit evens the odds using his power to charge the basketball up and throw it at Rogue who goes crashing through one of the windows. Later Gambit and Rogue are leaving on a date when Beast, Jubilee, and Wolverine try to tag along following them. On their bike, Gambit tries to outrun the other three X-Men and doesn’t notice a trap in the road. The Hand and Omega Red capture both him and Rogue, and they cause the jeep of the other three X-Men to explode. Surprisingly they come out of the fire unharmed and start fighting the Hand, but they get taken out by Omega Red’s death spores as well. Shortly before fainting out, Wolverine remembers the smell from his past. The unconscious X-Men are loaded into an ambulance, making it look like a typical car accident to any passers by. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Mutant Genesis and Marvel Premiere Classic Library Edition Hardcover #48 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Marvel Legends Edition Variant. Comes packaged with Marvel Legends Action Figure.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #5 - Blowback
Importance Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): John Byrne Release Date: February 1992 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Beast wakes up in an ambulance along with Rogue, Gambit, and Jubilee. They manage to break free, but can’t stop a second ambulance that they believe is carrying away Wolverine. At the War Room in Xavier‘s Mansion, Forge picks up a signal from Cerebro that a new mutant signature has been detected. Cyclops, Psylocke, and Colossus go to find the source of the signature. Colossus and Cyclops arrive in enough time to stop the other ambulance from getting away, but the Hand causes it to explode. In the debris they find Wolverine’s mask, but they know it’s a red herring, trying to lead them in the wrong direction and they head back to the mansion. In a briefing, the X-men decide that the Gold team will head to help Emma Frost at the Hellfire Club, while the Blue team will go after Wolverine. Beast finds that the airplane carrying the new mutant signature was headed towards Berlin. At Fenris’ secret lab in Berlin Wolverine is being held hostage while Dr. Cornelius examines his memories to find what Logan, Victor Creed and Maverick have done with the Carbonadium Synthesizer they had stolen thirty years ago from this same lab. Meanwhile Maverick is watching all this from the ventilation system and shuts down the lights in the facility, giving Wolverine the chance to break free. He quickly disposes of most of the guards, leaving only him and Omega Red standing. Wolverine knows that he would not win, so he runs from the fight and jumps out a window and drops ten stories down where Maverick rescues him. Meanwhile the Blue team breaks into the facility to try to save Wolverine. In Malibu Lila Cheney, tries to get Dazzler to remember her life with the X-Men. Suddenly Longshot arrives, hunted by Spiral, who is trying to take him back to Mojo and Lila teleports away with her friends. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Mutant Genesis and Marvel Premiere Classic Library Edition Hardcover #48 - Fun Facts: Title Logic: The title makes reference to a military term, Blowback. It is the negative effect one suffers from one's own weapons.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #6 - Farther Still
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: Main Storyline Series Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men are at Fenris’ secret lab in Berlin trying to rescue Wolverine. They have divided in two teams, but Beast, Cyclops and Jubilee run into Omega Red and the three get defeated without effort. The other X-Men are in a different corridor fighting off the Hand when Fenris attacks Gambit, removing him from the fight and Matsu‘o Tsurayaba takes control of Psylocke’s mind who in turn takes Rogue out with her psi-blade. A couple of blocks away in a subterranean cavern Maverick is trying to save Wolverine’s life. While Wolverine is unconscious he remembers his past, thirty years ago when he worked with Team X trying to run from Omega Red. Regaining consciousness, Logan hears the parameter alarm go off and sees Creed (Sabretooth) on a video screen going into Fenris’ lab. Maverick decides to move Wolverine and take him back to the German Embassy to figure out where the C-Synthesizer is, from there. Sabretooth though, was brought in by Matsu‘o Tsurayaba to hunt Wolverine down, so him and Psylocke go off to find Wolverine. Logan senses them coming for him, and tells Maverick that unless he wants to face the two of them on his own he had better release him from his hand cuffs. So Maverick releases Wolverine in enough time, Sabretooth shows up and the battle only lasts around thirty seconds. Later Matsu‘o Tsurayaba sees Sabretooth dragging Wolverine and Maverick through the sewers, and Matsu‘o is pleased. Elsewhere Longshot, Dazzler, and Lila Cheney find themselves trapped in the Mojoverse, as Major Domo is blocking Lila‘s powers. They run from Mojo to find the freedom rebels base and there they start to plan their next attack on Mojo. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Mutant Genesis and Marvel Premiere Classic Library Edition Hardcover #48 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Marvel Legends Edition Variant. Comes packaged with Marvel Legends Action Figure. Same as original with "Not for Resale" Barcode and Marvel Logo printed at bottom.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #7 - Inside Out
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: April 1992 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Sabretooth is carrying Maverick to a holding facility and mysteriously keeps repeating the same sentence over and over again. In the labs, Dr. Cornelius and Matsu‘o Tsurayaba are monitoring Wolverine as they try to read his past memories again. Matsu‘o Tsurayaba gets mad and accuses the doctor of not going fast enough and the Cornelius explains that too fast of a memory extraction could kill Wolverine. Tsurayaba doesn’t care and forces him to speed the extraction up. Wolverine remembers the past when he placed the C-Synthesizer in Janice’s lifeless body to hide it from the rest of Team X. Matsu‘o now knows where the synthesizer is and commands Dr. Cornelius to kill Wolverine. As Wolverine screams Psylocke stops her ruse of being under Tsurayaba‘s influence and attacks Omega Red and Tsurayaba. Elsewhere Maverick hears the commotion and breaks free of his captors. Turns out that Sabretooth was under Psylocke’s mental hold the whole time. Maverick and Sabretooth reach the X-men’s prison and they try to free them, but as Psylocke gets defeated. Sabretooth becomes himself again and fights Maverick. Luckily Beast breaks free releasing Jubilee in the process and she blinds Sabretooth with her powers. The escaping X-men get to Logan and Psylocke in time, as they are being torn apart by Omega Red. Together they defeat Matsu‘o Tsurayaba, Omega Red, and Fenris and escape in the Blackbird as the base explodes. They go to the German Embassy where Maverick and the X-Men part ways. Wolverine has some unfinished business though and next we see the Hand trying to dig up Janice’s body, but Wolverine was waiting for them and attacks them saving the C-Synthesizer and giving it to Maverick. In the Mojoverse, Dazzler witnesses both Lila Cheney and Longshot getting captured by Mojo, she decides that she needs help to battle him. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Mutant Genesis and Marvel Premiere Classic Library Edition Hardcover #48 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Marvel Legends Edition Variant. Comes packaged with Marvel Legends Action Figure. Same as original with "Not for Resale" Barcode.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #8 - Tooth and Claw
Importance Rating: 10.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: May 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Storm and Xavier are giving a tour of the mansion to their newest X-Men Bishop. As Bishop walks in to where the X-Men are waiting to introduce themselves to him, his eyes become wide and is amazed to see all his past heroes in one room. After he hears Gambit talk though, he recognizes the voice as the mysterious Witness from his future timeline. Bishop reveals Gambit’s real name setting Gambit off and Cyclops steps between them to keep them from fighting. Xavier tells them to continue with their plans for a picnic and everyone leaves to get ready. At the lake Cyclops is distracted by Psylocke swimming and does not hear what Jean is saying to him. Storm and Bishop are walking together and she is trying to convince him to not be so hard, that to become better then his enemies he has to choose peace before violence. Elsewhere Rogue has prepared a meal for Gambit, but it is interrupted when Bishop shows up. Gambit picks a fight with him and charges a pie up Rogue had made and threw it at Bishop, but Bishop ducked and it accidentally hit Rogue instead. As Bishop and Gambit begin to laugh and discuss their differences an unknown assailant blasts them off their feet. Gambit stops Bishop from firing back saying that their assailant is his wife Bella Donna. Later in the X-Mansion Belle explains why she needs Gambits help and the Blue team heads off on a train to New Orleans. Although now in New Orleans a cop tries to pull over the Ghost Rider for going over the speed limit, but when the cop notices his face he runs off scared. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men & Ghost Rider: Brood Trouble in the Big Easy - Fun Facts: Up until this comic, no one knew Gambit's real last name was LeBeau. This issue features the first time we see interaction between Gambit and Bella Donna and Bishop in the comics. The story continues in Ghost Rider (3rd series) #26.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #9 - The Not So Big Easy
Importance Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: June 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-Men and Bella Donna watch Ghost Rider turn into a Brood Soldier. As the Brood’s Queen taunts the X-Men an army of Brood Slaymasters crashes through the ceiling. The X-Men fight them with Wolverine lashing out at the Brood Queen, yet the floor gives in, sending the X-Men in different corridors in the caverns below. Gambit and Bella Donna land together and angrily Bella Donna demands the reasons for why he left her behind so many years ago. Gambit explains to her that had had to leave after killing Belle’s brother in self-defense, and despite knowing that she would have wanted to come with him, he did not want her to leave her home and family, so he left alone. He also apologizes for leaving her and they hug. In another corridor Beast and Wolverine face the possessed Ghost Rider and then it runs away because Dan Ketch, Ghost Rider’s host, is fighting the Brood’s control. While yet in another corridor Jubilee runs scared into a chamber full of members of the Thieves Guild that was captured with the intention of assimilating them later after they have transformed the Guild’s special children. Rogue shows up and helps the Guild members from their stasis pods. The possessed Ghost Rider comes in with other soldiers and attacks the two X-Men members. They all come crashing through the wall and near where Cyclops and Psylocke are. Gambit then comes in and takes out the possessed Ghost Rider and Psylocke uses her psi-knife to enter Ghost Rider’s mind. Bella Donna enters the astral plane with Psylocke and finds the Brood soldier trying to take over Dan Ketch’s essence. Bella Donna attacks the Brood soldier distracting it long enough for Psylocke to separate it from Dan Ketch’s essence. Belle then uses all her strength to rip the Brood soldier’s essence apart. The act though ends up apparently killing her and Gambit asks the members of the Thieves Guild to take her dead body home. Then the X-Men and Ghost Rider head off to save the Guild’s children. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men & Ghost Rider: Brood Trouble in the Big Easy - Fun Facts: A little discrepance comes up in this comic... Bella Donna, in argument with Remy about his leaving her when he was exiled, says "You and me been in love since before we could walk..." making it apparent that they have know one another since they were born. In later issues, when Remy's young life is explained, he does not meet Bella Donna until they are around the age of 8, before he was adopted at the age of 10. In that first meeting they both not only were walking, but very good at fighting already. The story continues in Ghost Rider #27. Title Logic: New Orleans is commonly called "The Big Easy". The title is a play on the name.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #10 - Where Happy Little Bluebirds Fly...
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Scott Lobdell, Jim Lee Release Date: July 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Meek transports Dazzler and himself to Xavier‘s mansion where they meet the X-Men’s Blue Team and the professor. Meek betrays them and transports them all into Mojo’s citadel, where they get attacked by Mojo’s army. Cyclops hits a volume control, and absorbing the extra sound, Dazzler escapes but runs into the mindcontrolled Longshot who believes himself to be a security guard. Longshot just stands there as Mojo’s henchmen blast Dazzler into a water pit sinking her out to the ground below the citadel. Later Longshot, Cyclops, Rogue, Wolverine, and Beast are made to act out the earthen version of “the Wizard of Oz”. Longshot finally gains his senses and tries to lead the X-Men to find Mojo. While in the citadel Mojo taunts Xavier and sends the rest of the X-Men and Lila Cheney out to act like the bat people in “the Wizard of Oz’s” movie. When the bat version of the X-Men meet Dorothy’s (Longshot’s) version of the X-Men both teams prepare to do battle with each other. Below the citadel, Mojo 2 the Sequel retrieves Dazzler’s body and takes her, hoping that she can be healed and used in the rebellion. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: In more recent years, enemies that attempt to manipulate Gambit fail and he will use this to his advantage, but in this storyline Gambit is easily manipulated by Mojo. Title Logic: The title are lyrics from the song 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow', sang by the character Dorothy in the 'Wizard of Oz' in which the X-Men are acting out in Mojoverse.
Variant Information: A. Marvel Legends Edition Variant. Comes packaged with Marvel Legends Action Figure. Same as original with "Not for Resale" Barcode.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #11 - The X-Men vs. The X-Men! (Again)
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jim Lee Writer(s): Scott Lobdell, Jim Lee Release Date: August 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Mojo 2 the Sequel asks Dazzler to help him overthrow Mojo. The plan is to get higher ratings than Mojo by broadcasting Dazzler and the rebels fighting Mojo. She agrees and the two of them head off through the Mojo Gardens sub-corridors to try to reach Mojo. While inside Mojo’s Dome the X-Men begin to fight against one another. During the battle though Xavier is able to break Psylocke’s mind control and she in turn helps Cyclops free himself from Mojo’s controls. Cyclops tries firing at Mojo through his shielding but to no avail so they change their plans and Cyclops shoots Rogue sending her through the Dome and out of Mojo’s range of control. Psylocke mentally informs Rogue that they are freeing the X-Men one by one and Jubilee is up next. Mojo figures out what Psylocke and Cyclops are doing and sends Gambit to make them break their concentration which he does. Elsewhere though, Jubilee forces Wolverine to break Mojo’s control, and he also tries to crash through Mojo’s shielding. The earlier attacks weakened the forcefield enough to the point that Rogue is able to break it. Although Mojo defeats Rogue, but that little bit of hope causes the rebels to fight Mojo. The X-Men come in also and Longshot gets mad after seeing Mojo killing more rebels. Longshot then picks up a sword, leaps, and plunges it into Mojo’s chest, apparently killing him. Xavier later tells Dazzler and Longshot that they both will soon be parents as he senses a child within Dazzler. Later Longshot suggests to Dazzler that they name the baby Shatterstar and the X-Men agree to leave with Lila Cheney after a short celebration. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: The group image at the end of the story was later made into a poster. Title Logic: The last time the X-Men were taken to Mojoverse they battled the X-Men against one another in a Mojo TV show, they do it again in this issue.
Variant Information: A. Pressman Mail-In Cover. Was only available thru mail in coupon from X-Men board game.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #12 - Broken Mirrors
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Art Thibert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: September 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: At Xavier’s Institute Gambit and Rogue discuss earlier events with Gambits wife Belladonna and Beast is taking Betsy to the airport to visit her brother in England, while Cyclops watches Betsy leaving from his bedroom window and wondering about his new feelings he has for both Betsy and Jean. In the Danger Room Jubilee is going through a battle simulation against the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants IV, as Wolverine interrupts the exercise demanding that Xavier tell him why he lied about knowing nothing of Logans past. Xavier scolds Logan for going through his personal files. Wolverine apologizes for going through Xavier’s personal files and the professor explains that the file pertains to events in 1964 and his father’s work at Almagordo. In the past Brian Xavier was working along fellow scientists Kurt Marko and Alexander Ryking. Ryking’s son Carter was a mutant and was taken to a hospital where he was held sedated ever since because of his uncontrollable powers. In the present Carter Ryking, aka Hazard, goes out of control after watching CNN’s news report on his father’s death and breaks free. Xavier too saw the news report on Alexander Rykings death and decides to go to the funeral. As Xavier is contemplating the past at the gravesite Carter Ryking mindlinks with Xavier. Carter Ryking explains that he sent the file to Xavier, who tries to calm him down so he does not kill anymore innocent people. Carter takes Xavier to Almagordo to find out about their past. Valerie Cooper informs the X-Men of Xavier’s kidnapping and they leave to rescue him. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #13 - Hazardous Territory
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Art Thibert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: October 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-Men blue team (minus Psylocke and Jubilee) arrive at Almagordo where Xavier is being held hostage by Hazard, aka Carter Ryking. Hazard asks why Xavier didn’t come here to find out about their past when Hazard sent Xavier the file about the place. Xavier says he didn’t believe what he read, which causes Hazard to blow away the side of a wall revealing a secret part of the lab. Rogue and Wolverine find the secret lab too and start to look for Xavier. Cyclops, Gambit, and Beast blow through another wall to enter the complex, revealing Hazard with Wolverine, Rogue, and Xavier captured. Rogue and Gambit try to fight off Hazard and are defeated. Cyclops complains of the team not fighting in an organized style so Cyclops and Beast try to attack Hazard. Beast buries Hazard in debris, but he breaks free trying to attack Cyclops, who fires his double shot from his visor destroying Hazard’s taser firing mechanisms. Unknown to Cyclops though Hazard cannot control his plasma energy without his mechanisms to focus his powers. While the X-Men decide to retreat, Xavier goes into Hazard’s mind showing him how to release his power without hurting himself or the X-Men. Hazard's power explodes destroying Almagordo, but saving himself and the X-Men. Wolverine decides to use Hazard’s temporarily loss of power to his advantage and demands some answers about Almagordo’s past, but Xavier tells Wolverine to let him go. They will not get any answers from him today and if there are any answers to their fathers‘ past it will be found where they lived not where they died. The X-Men leave to head back to the mansion, failing to notice a paper entitled Shiva Scenario, mentioning Kurt Marko, Alexander Ryking and Brian Xavier as involved scientists. Meanwhile back at Xavier’s mansion Jubilee receives a video phone call from Cannoball, who wants to talk only to the senior X-Men. In Istanbul Rusty, Zero, and Skids of the MLF steal an artifact containing an image of Apocalypse. Stryfe is pleased to hold the artifact and he vows to destroy Apocalypse’s past like Apocalypse had destroyed Stryfe’s future. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #14 - X-Cutioner's Song - Part 3: Fingers On The Trigger
Importance Rating: 3.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: November 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Beast and Moira are unable to stop Xavier’s techno-organic infection. X-Factor and the X-Men split up, one team hunting down the Horsemen, who have kidnapped Scott and Jean, the other trying to find X-Force and Cable, who, as the assassin, must have a cure. In Egypt, the Dark Riders awaken Apocalypse to tell his Horsemen attacked the X-Men. Elsewhere, Sinister exchanges the captive Jean and Scott for a canister of genetic material. Later, he attacks Xavier‘s mansion, which is guarded only by Bishop. X-Men Blue and X-Factor track down X-Force, and a fight starts. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: X-Cutioner's Song - Fun Facts: This comic originally came polybagged with a trading card. Gambit also appears in a Gameboy advertisement in the middle of the comic. This issue follows X-Factor (1st series) #84 and continues in X-Force (1st series) #16.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #15 - X-Cutioner's Song - Part 7: The Camel's Back
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: December 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-teams defeat the entire MLF, but have casualties among their own. Boomer’s jaw is broken, and Rogue is blinded by Strobe. At the mansion, Beast and Moira have no idea how to save Xavier from the techno-organic virus that is ravaging his body. In Newfoundland, Cable convinces Bishop and Wolverine that he might not be responsible for the assassination, and so they team up. Elsewhere, Stryfe toys around with the captive Jean and Scott and accuses them of having been bad parents. Later, Stryfe travels to Egypt where he runs into the Dark Riders. He easily defeats them and then confronts Apocalypse. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: X-Cutioner's Song - Fun Facts: This comic originally came polybagged with a trading card. Title Logic: The title refers to the idiom "the straw that broke the camel's back". It is from an Arab proverb about loading up a camel beyond its capacity to move. This is a reference to any process by which cataclysmic failure (a broken back) is achieved by a seemingly inconsequential addition (a single straw).
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #17 - Waiting for the Ripening
Importance Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: February 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-Men are in the Blackbird heading to Siberia to take Colossus home so he can explain about his older brother Mikhail’s recent reappearance and suicide. When they arrive in Siberia, Colossus introduces his friends to his family and they all settle in for the night. Though an agent for the government watches all that is going on and radios in to Colonel Vazhin. The Colonel has just sent Omega Red into Neftelensk where Darkstar and Father Garnoff were recently lost to a mysterious mutant that has taken over the town. Wolverine wakes up the next morning to find Colossus already up and working in the farm fields. Cyclops though is still asleep and having a nightmare. He wakes up and tries to go take a shower but when he finds Psylocke is in the shower he stutters and leaves the room. Iceman walks into the kitchen for a cup of coffee as Jubilee wonders how it must be like for Illyana to become a teenager and then transform back into a kid again. Meanwhile back at Xavier’s school Gambit is trying to help Rogue with her recent temporary blindness and Beast tries to discuss personal issues with Xavier. Although the Beast gets mad and leaves the room when Storm, Warpath, and Cannonball interrupt him to tell Xavier of their need to go to Brazil and tell Magma and Empath about the Hellions‘ having been killed. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #19 - A Skinning of Souls, Part 3: Harvest of the Innocent
Importance Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: April 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: In Neftelensk the Soul Skinner sends Omega Red after Colossus and Vazhin, who have just found the town’s missing children. Colossus gets angry and tries to rescue his sister only to be held back by Vazhin’s protests and Illyana’s guards. Colossus blames Vazhin for their deaths, but Vazhin tries to explain to both the Skinner and to Colossus that it was never the intention of the Flagwatch operation to kill Piotr’s parents and he does not know what went wrong. The Soul Skinner thinks that their country likes to be expedient and they do not care who dies in their way. The Skinner wants to end the threat he poses and activates the acceleration chamber that Illyana is in, so that she can use her mutant power to teleport him to another dimension. Though it hurts him to see his sister in agony, Colossus realizes how futile it is for him to fight the Skinner alone and he leaves to get help. Free again, the X-Men attack the Soul Skinner trying to give Colossus enough time to work his plan. Colossus returns with the town’s children and tells Psylocke to bundle their pure innocence and release it into the Soul Skinner. Not wanting to remember the innocence of his dead daughter, the Soul Skinner shuts down his own mind. Colonel Vazhin then not wanting the Skinner to ever hurt anyone again kills him with a bullet to the head. Colossus frees his sister from the acceleration chamber and the X-Men find that Omega Red has escaped. Jubilee though wonders how the X-Men live everyday with the memories of the pain they have all suffered. At the Xavier Institute Rogue is using Gambit to act like her sonar so she can fly, even though she is temporarily blind. Beast watches the two and remembers to himself how carefree him and the other original X-Men used to be. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #20 - Digging in the Dirt
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: May 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: In the Xavier Institute, Professor Xavier watches on a video screen the recent events of the deaths of Colossus' parents. Afterwards, Xavier asks Jubilee if she is hurting from the recent events in Siberia. She tells him "no" and they head off to check on Illyana who is sick from an apparent flu. Psylocke, dressed very sexily, heads for the Blackbird hanger where she finds Cyclops working on the plane. As she walks up to him, he accidentally falls, knocking her down. As he apologizes, Psylocke passionately kisses him. Cyclops breaks the kiss and leaves the room. Passing Jean along the way, and he tells her that he will have to miss their lunch date. As Jean watches Psylocke leave the hanger with a smile on her face she wonders whether she is prepared for the battle where she may lose her husband. Jubilee, looking for Wolverine, finds him in the grounds outside carving on a tree. He tenses up when he thinks he smells an intruder, only to realize it is just Psylocke, though he does not see her. In the mansion, Cyclops informs Xavier and Storm that he will be going to Alaska on vacation for a couple of days to see his Grandparents and relax. Xavier and Storm try to talk him out of running from his problems, but he is resolute. After watching him leave, Jean runs to the Danger Room to find Psylocke. Once there, she demands Psylocke to tell her if her and Cyclops are having an affair. Enraged, Psylocke uses her psi-knife on Jean and knocks her out. Suddenly, Psylocke sees an image of her previous self who turns out surprisingly real. The new arrival attacks Psylocke, and defeats her. When the rest of the X-Men arrive, the new arrival reveals herself as the original Betsy Braddock, stating that the Psylocke they know is and has been an impostor. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Title Logic: Peter Gabriel's song by the same title, "Digging in the Dirt" was a popular song at the time this comic was made. The song is about finding the dark parts of one's soul.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #21 - The Puzzle Box
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Brandon Paterson Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: June 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: As the X-Men question her loyalty, Psylocke tries to remind her teammates that when it comes to trust she should have earned it by now. Enraged, the British Betsy attacks Psylocke, saying that Psylocke is lying about who she is. Xavier stops them and is then taken aside by Wolverine. Wolverine explains to Xavier that his senses tell him that both women are Betsy Braddock, and both are not. They both agree that the only way to answer their questions is to go to Lord Nyoirin's house for the answers. Meanwhile, Cyclops arrives at his grandparent's house in Alaska. There he prepares them for the truth of the recent events in his life surrounding his wife Madelyne and his son Nathan. In a penthouse in Tokyo, Lord Nyoirin meets with Shinobi to discuss how he can get Clan Yashida's honor back. The X-Men use Nyoirin's absence to their advantage and sneak into his house, only to discover a picture of Psylocke, labelled Kwannon, in Lord Nyoirin's study. Back at Shinobi's penthouse Nyoirin has left, but receives Matsu'o as a new guest. Matsu'o explains to Shinobi that the Gamesmaster has given him permission to kill Psylocke, and Shinobi cannot touch her. As the X-Men digest the revelation of the painting they are surprised by the Silver Samurai, who slices the Beast's back with his sword. Brandishing his sword at the rest of the X-Men, he tells them that in order to accomplish his goal of returning honor to the Clan Yashida, he will have to kill them all. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #22 - The Mask Behind the Facade
Importance Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: July 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: In the state of Lord Nyoirin, the X-Men do battle with the Silver Samurai, whom they manage to defeat. After the fight, Gambit finds a scroll behind the torn painting of Psylocke/Kwannon they noticed earlier. It is Nyoirin's diary. Meanwhile in Tokyo, Japan Shinobi Shaw attends a meeting at a lounge with three of the top crimelord’s of the Jigoku crime underworld. After the meeting, the Gamesmaster appears before Shinobi and Matsu'o and explains to Shaw why he is giving the chance to kill Psylocke to Matsu'o and not to him. Back at Nyoirin's estate, the X-Men study Nyoirin's diary. Written in Japanese, Psylocke says that she cannot read it. Angered, the British Betsy uses her Psi-blade on Psylocke to explain what the scroll said and to mind probe Psylocke to see what she recalls. Through Psylocke's memories, the X-Men see Kwannon on a shipping dock where she finds Betsy Braddock unconscious just after she emerged from the Siege Perilous. Kwannon tries to help Betsy but when they touch both their minds merge and the two people become one mind in two bodies. With the memory finished, Psylocke, who feels angry about what she considers lies from Betsy, attacks her, forcing Gambit to step in and break up the fight. Suddenly, Lord Nyoirin arrives and explains to the two female X-Men that both of them are Kwannon and both of them are Betsy Braddock. While all this goes on, in Alaska Cyclops explains to his Grandparents about having to send his son to the future to save him and of his return as Stryfe. Their conversation is shortened when Mr. Milbury, one of Cyclops' Grandparent's neighbors comes over and asks for help with a fallen tree. Cyclops goes to help him, but when he arrives at Milbury's home he finds the neighbor transformed into Mr. Sinister. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: There is a "S.H.I.E.L.D. File" on Gambit in the center of the comic.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #23 - Leaning Towards Oneself
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: August 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: In Alaska, Mr. Sinister surprises Scott and tells him of Stryfe's final revenge against Scott and Jean: the release of the Legacy Virus. As Cyclops asks Sinister at his comment on his brothers (plural), the Dark Riders appear and attack the two. Sinister surprises everyone by taking out Foxbat and showing that he could win the battle against the Dark Riders by himself. Now having gained their respect, Sinister orders the Riders not to kill Scott, but tells them he has said nothing about not roughing him up. After Sinister teleports away, the Dark Riders attack Cyclops. After Cyclops holds his own in the fight, Hard Drive appears and stops the battle. Cyclops, still angry about the Dark Riders' hand in making him send his son into the future, accuses them of starting the very same war they are testing for. As they teleport away, Barrage tells Cyclops they knew what they were doing. In Japan Lord Nyoirin explains to the X-Men that Shinobi Shaw and Matsu'o are responsible for Revanche and Psylocke's merging of minds and abilities. Gambit and Beast then head off to Tokyo, where they give Shaw a message to send to the Upstarts: the X-Men now know they exist. At the same time, Psylocke and Revanche find Matsu'o at his house in Chosin Japan where they are attacked by him. The two women easily defeat Matsu'o and, both using their psi-powers, have their revenge for his manipulation. In Xavier's mansion, he and Wolverine discuss Wolverine's recent trip to the Savage Land and the evidence he discovered of Magneto's return. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit appears in a Sega Genesis advertisement in the middle of the comic.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #24 - Digging Deeper, Between Hope and Sorrow
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: September 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Gambit and Rogue are sitting in a dinner club that is called Poppa Gumbo. Rogue then asks Gambit why he does not talk about his wife, to which Gambit changes the subject and asks Rogue why no one knows her real name. Meanwhile, in the medi-Lab of Xavier's mansion Jubilee sits on the bed that Illyana recently died in. Holding back her tears, she clutches the same "Bamf" doll that Illyana had carried and held with her till she died. Shadowcat tells Jubilee that she had given Illyana that doll when she was Jubilee's age and now if Jubilee wants to keep it, she can. Outside Poppa Gumbo, Gambit and Rogue ride in a hansom cab, talking of how much emotion both feel for one another. Back at the mansion, Moira Mactaggert and Banshee are in the medi-lab talking about how both of them have seen too much death in their lives. They both begin to leave the lab when Cyclops, Xavier, Beast, and Jean Grey meet and greet them. Cyclops shakes Banshee's hand, and welcomes him and Moira back home. Xavier then tells the group about Cyclops' recent encounter with Mr. Sinister, but questions what Sinister said. Cyclops takes up for Sinister, telling Xavier that even though Sinister lies, he also tells half-truths when it is in his interest. Jean asks the other X-Men, what if Sinister is telling the truth and it was Stryfe who released the deadly virus killing Illyana? Elsewhere, Wolverine walks up behind Jubilee and she begins to cry, pained by the death of Illyana. Wolverine bends down and holds Jubilee in his arms, comforting her. While in Psylocke's bedroom in Xavier's mansion, Revanche and Psylocke decide to come to a stalemate, still unsure though of the extent of their connection. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: "Poppa Gumbo's" does not really exist.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #25 - Fatal Attractions - Part 4: Dreams Fade
Importance Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: October 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: In the White House, the president makes an emergency phone call to Russia, notifying him that the UN Security Council has activated the Magneto Protocols. A few minutes later, a man named Nick Fury awaits the actions of Forge, who is finishing the preparations to start the protocols, which he does. On Avalon, the actions of the world do not go unnoticed. Magneto flies to the middle of the barrier the humans have erected around Earth and realizes that the humans have made a mechanism which would never allow his powers to work while he was on Earth again, or so they think. Magneto concentrates, sending a swath of energy through the electromagnetic field, surrounding Earth, which effectively disrupts every electrical item on Earth. Cyclops informs the X-Men of the recent events and Xavier decides to take the opportunity that Magneto has given them to sneak attack him. After a lot of arguing, the X-Men reluctantly agree to allow Xavier to lead the battle, wearing his new battle armor that allows him to walk by using his mental powers to control it. After saying their goodbyes, the six-team members transport themselves to Avalon to begin their mission. After meeting Rusty and Skids and making their way to a control room, Xavier sends Quicksilver off to place a control disc in the computer’s main frame to allow Xavier control over the station. Xavier commands the station to teleport the Acolytes off of the station. Xavier seizes the opportunity to allow he and Jean to enter Magnus’ mind. Wolverine had attacked Magneto in order to save Quicksilver’s life, as he was about to be killed by his own father. Magneto wounded and kneeling on the floor, begins to use his powers to rip the adamantium from Logan’s body. Xavier, having had enough of Magnus’ killing, removes Magneto’s mind, leaving him exhausted and barely able to move. The X-Men are confused on what just happened until Xavier explains the horrific actions he just perpetrated on Magneto’s mind. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Fatal Attractions - Fun Facts: This issue is the fourth part of the Fatal Attractions crossover, continued from Uncanny X-Men #304 and continued in Wolverine (2nd series) #75.
Variant Information: A. Limited Black & White Hologram Wraparound Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #26 - Bloodties - Part 2: Civil Disobedience!
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: November 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-Men fly in the Blackbird, headed towards Genosha, when they receive a transmission about Cortez from Hammer Bay. Watching the same transmission hundreds of miles away on Avalon, Colossus faces a tough decision on whether to betray his new friends in order to help his old ones. Elsewhere, below Avalon, the Avengers fight to allow Wanda and Crystal the opportunity to free a Quinjet and runaway to Genosha. Captain America, Sersi, War Machine, and the Black Knight all sneak away with the two friends as they head off to face the tyrannical despot in Genosha. In Genosha already, Charles Xavier and his entourage are attacked by outside forces. Dawning their gas masks, the Beast and Xavier are able to escape the ambush. Shockingly for the Beast, Xavier knew about the ambush and takes Hank to meet his would-be allies a few yards away. Their new allies take Hank and Xavier to their convoy, where Xavier discusses Trish Tilby’s sad fate and his sadness on how he knows Hank feels. A few hours later, the X-Men arrive, only to be greeted by Cortez’s hounds, the Unforgiven. Talking about his father’s vegetative state, Quicksilver pounds on the first enemy while, unknown to them until the end, Cortez hears every word. While the X-Men face off against the Unforgiven, the Avengers have arrived in Hammer Bay, just in time to stop a riot between two Genoshan factions. Horrifyingly, just as Crystal begins to create gale force winds to stop the riot, Exodus hovers down and destroys every human around them. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Avengers/X-Men: Bloodties - Fun Facts: This comic is part of the Bloodties crossover, it continues in the West Coast Avengers #101.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #28 - Devil in the House
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: January 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Jubilee is running through the woods of the estate as she comes across the dead body of her friend, Logan. Wearing her nightgown, she cries out scared as Sabretooth pounces from a nearby tree. Luckily, seconds later she wakes up, realizing it was only a dream. Hearing the commotion, Jean comes into the room to comfort her. Jean, now mad, sends out a psi-call to Scott, Ororo, and Hank to meet her at Harry’s Hideaway, a local tavern. While there, they discuss Creed’s recent addition to the mansion’s residents and their questioning of Xavier’s motives. In the mansion, Xavier studies Revanche’s condition and is turned down when he asks if he can study her more. Seconds later, Xavier’s attention is diverted, as he has to go check on Psylocke’s failed attempt at giving Creed his glow. While in the Control Annex, Xavier also watches the recording of Rogue and Remy delivering to Creed his evening meal. Later that night, Jean accuses Xavier of not thinking clearly, especially about Creed’s recent admission. Xavier thanks her for her comments and leaves to finally get some rest. Scott questions Jeans anger but their conversation is cut short when Moira calls asking for Jean to help give Creed his glow. Jean agrees and heads off to face her fears. While there, she puts down the forcefield and goes into Creed’s cell. Jean abuses Creed to ease her fears and leaves the cell without giving him the glow he wanted. Instead, she tells him to have the guts to face his past, just like everyone else in the world. In the morning, Jubilee takes Creed’s breakfast to him to try and ease her fears as well but it is not successful as she leaves just as scared as she came. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #30 - The Ties That Bind: The Wedding of Jean Grey and Scott Summers
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: March 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Ororo and Jean talk. As Elaine Grey prepares her daughter for her wedding day, they discuss Logan and his problems. After a brief conversation with her other-reality daughter, Rachel Summers, Jean thinks about her future-husband, Scott, who is in a nearby room preparing himself. He is not alone, because Hank, Bobby, Warren and Alex all accompany him. After Xavier comes in and tells them to all come outside so the festivities begin, they are witness to the awesome sight of their legacy. Many of the X-Men’s allies and friends surround the altar in preparation for the wedding to begin. Jean walks down the aisle and the ceremony ends without a hitch, as Jean Grey becomes Jean Grey-Summers. During the festivities, hearts are drawn to the newly weds and, to finish of the party, Jean requests a dance with Xavier. The feat seems impossible to the earth-bound Professor but, with just a thought, his pupil lifts him off the ground with her telekinesis and they dance the final dance. Later that night, Scott enters the Professor’s office to say his goodbyes and informs Xavier that he does truly love him. After his departure, Xavier finds a note that Logan had left him. The Professor reads the note and, with his thoughts on paper, Xavier realizes Logan is right; he does need to lighten up. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Marvel Weddings - Fun Facts: Gambit catches the garter after the wedding ceremony.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #31 - Soul Possessions, Part 1: The Butterfly and the Hawk
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: April 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Spiral sits in her lair and watches the video monitors flash across the screen about the life of a young woman named Kwannon and the love of her life, Matsuo, seeing also their chance encounters and brief flirtations of love. Inside the mansion, of Xavier’s the young mutant named Revanche leaves a note for the Professor and then leaves the mansion as mysteriously as she came. Moments later, Xavier approaches Betsy and the two of them talk about Revanche’s note and her reason in leaving their team. Waiting for him to leave, she pulls out a present left to her by Revanche, her very own bionic eyes. Inside Spiral’s lair, her transmission is lost and she curses Revanche for removing the implants. Near the town of Chosin on Japan’s Pacific Coast, Matsuo looks over a picture of his love, Kwannon, and remembers a happier time between them. Interrupting his memories, Spiral appears and warns him that Revanche is coming after him. Back at the mansion, Warren offers to take Betsy for a drive, which she graciously accepts. While they go out to eat, Revanche appears to Matsuo and, after probing his mind for answers, he tells her that he was just trying to save their love. Revanche tells him that he failed; showing her Legacy-ridden body to him, she tells him that he placed her in a body fated to die! Feeling like he betrayed her, he honors her last request and that is to kill her before the Legacy Virus does. Back in Westchester, Warren crashes his car, due to Betsy’s panicked convulsions. After freeing themselves of the wreckage, the two X-Men are met by Spiral, who answers Betsy’s question on who has messed with both Kwannon and Betsy’s minds. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #32 - Soul Possessions, Part 2: The Leopards and the Cats
Importance Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: May 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Psylocke and Warren fight for their lives against the villainess, Spiral. Amidst the battle, she informs them that the way to find the truth about her past is to use the eyes that were given her. The other Blue team members arrive to help battle Spiral but, as soon as they arrive, the time-witch disappears into the snow-filled sky. Back at the mansion, Banshee and the Beast rig a device that can scan the memory banks of Revanche’s bionic eyes. After seeing the information they contained about the events surrounding their mind transfer, Psylocke decides to leave for Japan to tie up a few loose ends. Gambit watches her leave and turns to Xavier to request some time with him, to talk about his recent encounter with his wife, Bella Donna, and his relationship with Rogue. Xavier agrees to listen. In Japan, Psylocke goes to the estate of Lord Nyoirin but, too late, she finds that Matsuo has already arrived and killed the Japanese lord. After a brief conversation, Matsuo kisses Psylocke and uses last of Revanche’s powers to steal away all of Kwannon’s memories from the mind of Betsy. With his duty finished, Matsuo grasps Betsy’s Katana and attempts to commit suicide upon it. Betsy talks him out of it and he decides to live his life to honor the life of his butterfly. Two days later, at the mansion, Psylocke hurls the bionic eyes into the lake on Xavier’s estate and meets up with Warren to discuss their future. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit asks the Professor to talk, the subject was about Rogue and her taking on the memories of his wife, Bella Donna (Gambit mini-series #1), but nothing is ever said about the talk between the two later.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #33 - The Hearts of Thieves
Importance Rating: 10.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: June 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Rogue requests that Creed tells her about Gambit's time in Paris. He does as she says, using his image inducer she portrays holograms of Gambit and a woman he once knew named Genevieve. Creed was employed to steal back an item named the Cheating Star from Genevieve. While threatening her for the return of the jewel, Gambit arrived on the scene and saved the damsel in distress. After weeks of passionate days, Gambit breaks Genevieve’s heart by stealing the Cheating Star for herself and revealing that it was the jewel he was only after, not her. Going to his apartment to meet his brother, Henri, he is shocked to find his brother missing. Following a note left by Henri's kidnapper, he goes to Notre Dame, where he finds Sabretooth waiting. Creed has captured Genevieve and Henri and holds their lives in ransom for the jewel. Gambit returns the jewel to Creed but Creed drops Genevieve and Henri, leaving only one of them for Gambit to save. Making his choice, he chooses Henri and leaves Genevieve to die. Back at the mansion, Hank McCoy ponders their next move and hopes that he can find a cure for the Legacy Virus. Elsewhere, on the grounds of Xavier's estate, Gambit meets up with Rogue after finding that Creed and Rogue had talked. Rogue acts hurt and wonders if Gambit really knows what love means. He tells her that he needs her to help him find out if he truly does. Rogue leaves, saddened by the things she has learned today, and Gambit does not follow. Back in the mansion, Hank McCoy tells Creed to prepare for a debriefing tomorrow, because he is going to tell them all he knows about Mr. Sinister. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men Visionaries: The Art of Adam and Andy Kubert - Fun Facts: This is the first time we see the interaction of Gambit and Genvieve Darceneaux. This is also the telling of the first time Remy met Sabretooth, though we have seen interaction between the two in past comics.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #34 - Life and Consequences
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: July 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Following a hint of Sabretooth, a small strikeforce of X-Men, led by the Beast, discover Mr. Sinister’s secret headquarter beneath the orphanage in Nebraska. Rogue is giving Gambit the cold shoulder because of something Sabretooth revealed about him, but the Beast reminds them to stay focused on their mission, which is to find any information on the Legacy Virus. On their way in, the team gets attacked by the Marauder Riptide. He is easily defeated, and curiously Psylocke registers no mental activity, additionally his skin begins to deteriorate. Deeper in the complex they find Threnody connected to hundreds of monitors. She explains that Sinister has stabilized the plasma build up in her system and is using her to scan for Legacy infected mutants. Yet she is also using him, as she has learned a lot from the base’s databanks. The X-Men warn her that Sinister would not give away such information for free, but she says that he only comes to this lab every few months and never stays long. She shows them a chamber filled with genetic material that Sinister uses to clone his Marauders and other people. Turns out that the chambers have recently been malfunctioning, as the slightly damaged Riptide was cloned without command. Threnody explains that the chambers work in pairs, so his matrix partner – Sabretooth – was cloned too. Soon the X-Men find themselves under attack by the clone, but he is in even worse condition than Riptide and falls apart after one of Rogue’s punches. Threnody destroys the cloning chamber as it is too dangerous. She then tells the X-Men not to worry, as it will be months before Sinister finds out. The X-Men reluctantly leave her behind, but Threnody prefers to help their cause from inside Sinister’s organization. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #38 - Smoke and Mirrors
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: November 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Cyclops and Phoenix return to the mansion after their honeymoon, only to discover the school now bears a new name: “Xavier Institute for Higher Learning.” Phoenix later coaches Psylocke in the use of her psychic powers, while Cyclops overviews Sabretooth’s latest training session in the Danger Room. Gambit replaces Cyclops in his post and exhibits his hatred towards Creed, first by submitting him to an almost lethal session and then fighting and almost killing him. Gambit vows that Creed and his insinuations about Gambit’s past will not ruin his relationship with Rogue. Meanwhile, Iceman wallows in self-pity, after Emma Frost made it painfully visible he has yet to tap his potential as a mutant. Beast tries to console him, although he is too absorbed with his research on the Legacy Virus, having discovered that the virus can also affect humans now. Simultaneously, Professor X decides to employ the mutant talents of the villainous Commcast, in order to retrieve his data that were lost during the recent demolition of the Ready Room. In New Mexico, Adam X pays a visit to Carter Ryking, seeking information on the mysterious Millbury. Ryking suggests he should seek Xavier. In Israel, Legion is visited in his coma by the ghost of the late Destiny, who speaks in riddles. Legion wakes up from his coma, wondering what the precog meant. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #39 - Birds of a Feather
Importance Rating: 1.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Terry Dodson Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: December 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The story begins with flashbacks of Philip Summers time in the wars, flying a bomber through the dark sky. In the present his plane has crashed deep in the winter forest, found only by Adam. Adam helps him from the plane wreckage and carries him to safety. Elsewhere, Beast is informing Jean of all the gossip around the mansion when she loses interest to her concern for her husband. Cyclops informs her they must go to Alaska, his Grandfather has gone missing. Far away, Legion wonders through the desert, recently woken from a coma that has left him less then sane. In New Orleans, Bella Donna prepares for the ceremony to make her leader of the Assassins. To honor the new title she vows to kill Remy Lebeau, Gambit. Back in the wilderness Adam informs Philip that he is an alien before they are rescued. Jean and Cyclops met with them at the hospital. Jean conects the minds of Adam and Philip so that they can share their memories of Adam's home. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit does not make an appearance in this comic, but he is mentioned by Beast in conversation and by Bella Donna at her ceremony of leadership.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #40 - Legion Quest - Part 2: The Killing Time
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: January 1995 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Legion has transported himself and four of the X-Men (Storm, Bishop, Psylocke and Iceman) 20 years to the past, where they all emerged memoryless. The rest of the X-Men find Jean Grey in the desert and after receiving medical treatment she tells them what happened previously. Cable arrives to help out just as Lilandra appears to give them a warning directly from the Watchers. In the past the amnesiac Legion has been transported to the hospital in Israel where both Xavier and Eric Magnus Lehnsherr work. A touch from Lehnsherr causes a psychic backlash, resulting in illusions of Eric’s past. Magnus calls Xavier for help and when they both get back to their patient they witness more illusions, this time of the present day X-Men. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Legion Quest - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #41 - Legion Quest - Part 2: The Killing Time
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Ron Garney, Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: January 1995 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Legion is fighting with Eric in the Past. Whilst they are fighting the time-displaced x-men are trying to reduce the damage being caused to the surrounding area. Psylocke contacts Charles and tell him that they need to stop Legion. In the future Xavier realises that the he and the x-men failed, the Mkraan crystal is destroying the universe and there is nothing they can do. The X-men spend their final moments with loved ones. In the Past Apocalypse decides it is the time for ascension. Legion is winning the fight when Iceman freezes him solid. The x-men believe that they have saved the day however Legion hasn't finished and he knocks them all out. He is about to kill Eric when Charles leaps in the way, and is killed instead. Legion and the X-men, apart from Bishop, disappear and the crystallise wave hits Earth in the present. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Legion Quest - Fun Facts: This is the last issue before the current reality turns to the Age of Apocalypse storyline for 4 months, then returns to normal and picks up where it left off before the wave.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #42 - Heaven Can Wait
Importance Rating: 1.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Paul Smith Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: July 1995 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Exodus and the Acolytes have brought a mysterious, unconscious creature aboard Avalon which not everyone trusts. It soon kills Milan and Rusty Collins before waking up and breaking out of its containment field. The creature, Age of Apocalypse’s Holocaust, engages Exodus in battle, tearing Avalon apart. Voght flees to Earth, accidentally teleporting Cyclops and Phoenix back to the station. Meanwhile, Xavier and Storm hear news of a massacre by mutants from Archangel. Rogue, channeling Gambit, tries her hand at theft but is halted by Iceman. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit does not make an actual appearence in this comic, but is channeled through another character and spoke of in conversation.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #45 - The Enemy of My Enemy
Importance Rating: 10.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: October 1995 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Rogue and Iceman continue their cross-country journey amid arguments and painful emotions. A recuperated Gambit flies the Blackbird out to Seattle, where Rogue and Iceman end up as well. After becoming frustrated with her powers in a bar, Rogue flies away, and Gambit rescues Iceman from some mutant-hating college students who witnessed the scene. Gambit’s siphoned memories lead Rogue to an abandoned theater, where her two teammates meet her. Gambit tries to convince Rogue to move on, deal with it and return with him, but she can’t continue unless she finds out the nature of the mysterious memories that cause him so much pain. In the end, he refuses to tell her what happened in the theater, afraid it will ruin everything he has worked so hard to attain. Yet Gambit wants to give himself to her completely to convince her of his love and offers to let her touch him. Rogue refuses. Neither of them is satisfied, but she decides to leave and take some time off from the X-Men. Iceman takes the Blackbird back to Xavier’s, but Gambit remains in Seattle for a few days to sort things out. Sinister approaches him one night, warning him that it is not over. Nothing is settled. He will have to play the hand that Sinister dealt him eventually. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: The theater in which the story takes place is later revealed as the location that Gambit made the deal with Sinsiter to collect the Marauders. There is a slight error in the comic...when Remy drops in on Rogue in the theater she acts as if she had no idea he had waken from his previous coma she put him in, but she had spoke to him on the phone before this encounter and was well aware of him being awake. Title Logic: The title is one of the rules of triadic interaction....the full rule is "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #46 - Onslaught - They're Baaack...
Importance Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: November 1995 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Gambit and Bishop spend a night on the town at a seedy gambling club that Remy has frequented in the past. The uneasy companions discuss Bishop’s suspicions that Gambit may be the man who ultimately betrays the X-Men and leads to their death. Their night is disturbed when they jump in to save five of Mojo’s X-Babies from an angry mob at the club. The miniature versions of the X-Men are fleeing from Gog and MaGog, who are scheduled to terminate the young remnants of Mojo’s former rule. Meanwhile, Iceman and Phoenix discuss Bobby’s concern that Emma Frost may still be lurking in his mind while they shop at a bookstore. Jean tells him that she’s probably not there, and broaches a conversation about the healthy nature at which his powers are slowly developing. Yet their night is also interrupted when two more X-Babies show up at the bookstore. Out in the Midwest, Senator Kelly investigates some mysterious disappearances at a Sentinel research facility, only to discover that Onslaught was the perpetrator. In an unknown location, an amnesiac man resembling Magneto finds himself alone in a barn. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Babies Classic - Fun Facts: This is the first time Gambit meets the X-Babies. The original X-babies did not include a mini Gambit like this group does. Gambit also appears in an advertisement for the Exiles comic in the center of the comic. Title Logic: "They're Back" is a popular quote from the movie Poltergeist 2.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #47 - Big Trouble in Little Italy
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: December 1995 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-Babies continue to flee from Gog and MaGog, who are bent on canceling them. Bishop and Gambit recuperate from their previous engagement with the two hunters and fight them again, to little avail. The X-Babies strike back, buying enough time from Bishop and Gambit to gather themselves once again, but Gog and MaGog are ultimately too powerful. Fortunately, Phoenix and Iceman arrive with two more X-Babies and stall them even more. Yet their combined might is not enough and Gog is about to swallow the X-Babies whole when Dazzler arrives. She sends the two henchmen back to the Mojoverse and offers to let the X-Babies live with her. Everyone is happy with this arrangement and they soon depart for home. Afterward, Phoenix reveals that she no longer sensed a life within the supposedly pregnant Dazzler. The four X-Men wonder how she is doing, but conclude that she has to be free to find her own way. Back at the mansion, Xavier has come to a conclusion regarding Sabretooth and calls Boomer in to discuss it. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Babies Classic - Fun Facts: Title Logic: 'Big Trouble in Little Italy' is a play on the movie title "Big Trouble in Little China".
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #48 - Five Card Studs
Importance Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Luke Ross Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: January 1996 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Storm, Gambit, Beast, Iceman, and guest, Thing, play poker as Sam Guthrie looks on and annoys Beast. Thing leaves and allows Cannonball to join the game. In a diner, Bishop discusses his mental problems caused by the Legion Quest with Jean and Cyclops. The Dark Beast looks on with interest. Back at the game, the X-men find they have been conned by Sam, who played naive to tha game before, but continues to win. He goes up against Gambit alone in the game. At the end instead of showing his last card, Gambit charges it, being deemed a cheater because of it. When Storm picks up the remains of the card thrown by Gambit she realizes that he would have won. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Though Gambit throws the poker game in the issue in an obvious attempt to make the newest team member, Cannonball, dislike him, it is never discussed or said why he did so. Title Logic: Five-card stud is the earliest form of the card game, poker.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #50 - Onslaught - Full Court Press
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Scott Lobdell Release Date: March 1996 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Awaking in a reality that seems strange and deadly to them, four X-Men are horrified to see how much injury their bodies have taken, but the most shocking fact is they cannot remember how they got their injuries. Back at the mansion in Westchester, Xavier awakens at the sense of his former-students’ fears, only to see the Aborigine named Gateway ready to teleport him away, as well. Luckily, for Xavier, both Bishop and Phoenix rush to his rescue and knock Gateway unconscious. After trying to interrogate the silent Aborigine, the team is informed by Hank that he believes Storm, Iceman, Cyclops and Wolverine are being tested by Onslaught. The test has begun and, at the source of Onslaught’s power, they face off against a powerful foe by the name of Post. After being thwarted repeatedly, the four mutants figure out how to defeat their opponent and rematerialize back at the mansion. After their arrival, the psionic form of Onslaught greets them and the other X-Men of the mansion. The psionic tells them that their victory was weak and, once Onslaught comes onto the scene, the world will become remade and there will be nothing the X-Men can do to stop it. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Title Logic: A full court press is a basketball term that refers to a defensive style in which the defense applies man-to-man pressure to the offensive team the entire length of the court immediately after the inbound pass. The figurative sense is 'a vigorous attack or offensive; strong pressure', and is often found in political contexts.
Variant Information: A. Standard Release Variant. B. Newstand Non-Foil Variant. C. Limited Edition Gold. Numbered 1 of 4,500 on back cover.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #51 - Deathbound Train
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Pascual Ferry Writer(s): Mark Waid Release Date: April 1996 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: While using Cerebro, Professor X discovers a spike of mysterious energy in northern New Jersey. Bishop, Gambit and Beast decide to head out to investigate the disturbance. Their coordinates lead them to a commuter train bound for New York City, which is swarming with mysterious mutates who pass on their “plague” by skin-to-skin contact. Meanwhile, Jean Grey and Scott Summers are at Jean’s parents’ home when Graydon Creed, a long-time thorn in the side of homo-superior, appears on the family television. He announces his candidacy for President of the United States, prompting Professor X to call a contact in the government wondering if he will have his support in case the X-Men need to take drastic measures. Back on the train, Gambit and Bishop head to the engine while Beast stays behind, devising a knock-out anesthetic gas from anything he can scrap together to contain the mutates. Mr. Sinister appears, claims responsibility for the plague and grabs Beast by the throat and proceeds to head to the front of the train. Gambit devises a way to stop the runaway train but doesn’t even know himself if it will work. He proceeds to charge the entire train with kinetic energy, turning it into a one hundred ton bomb! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #52 - Collector's Item
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Mark Waid Release Date: Main Storyline Series Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Gambit, Bishop and Dark Beast (posing as this reality’s Beast) are aboard a train, full of passengers infected with a mutating virus – a train that heads straight into the heart of New York City. In a last ditch attempt to stop the train, Gambit charges it with kinetic energy, which Bishop absorbs and re-channels. The kinetic backlash works and the train comes to a standstill. Before they have time to celebrate, though, they are knocked out and abducted by the perpetrator, Mr. Sinister. Later, they wake up in his lab in St. Louis. Sinister informs them that the effects of the virus were only temporary, although he already plans to develop a new, more formidable strain. Sinister also admits being intrigued by Bishop, since he is a time-traveler from the future, which entails he is not included in Sinister’s collection of data of every known mutant. Fascinated, he pries into Bishop’s head and examines his memories. Terrified, Dark Beast realizes that Sinister, through his investigation of Bishop’s memories from his time in the Age of Apocalypse, is going to discover McCoy also hails from that reality. He fears that discovery could instigate unpredictable reactions on Sinister’s part. Before this happens, though, Bishop and Gambit manage to break free and smash up Sinister’s lab and equipment, causing him to flee. Meanwhile, a mysterious man known as Bastion examines the train wreck, while Rogue sets up a new home in Pine Bluff, South Carolina, trying to leave her life as an X-Man behind. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: When Gambit, Bishop, and Dark Beast escape Sinister's lab, Remy informs them they are in St. Louis, something that was never known to them. Making it aware that Gambit has been to the St.Louis lab sometime before. Dark Beast questions it in his mind, but decides to keep it to himself for future use. He never uses the information in later comics.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #54 - Onslaught - Inquiring Minds
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Mark Waid Release Date: July 1996 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Cannonball worries over a recent lecture he received at the hands of his mentor, Charles Xavier. His worries have to wait, though, as he is called to action on a search for Cain Marko, the human Juggernaut. On their search, Cyclops is startled to realize his psychic rapport with his wife has been severed, so he goes off to find Xavier. Underneath the mansion, Jean leads Cain Marko to the Z’nox chamber, where she can probe his mind for the answers that Onslaught has hidden. Shockingly, she realizes that the door has not been shut all the way, so the being known as Onslaught probably knows they are there. Back in the office of Xavier, he sits perturbed by the presence of Scott Summers. Xavier tells Scott that Jean is a grown woman and perfectly capable of taking care of himself. Berating his mentor, Scott tells Xavier that Jean has met Onslaught. Xavier promises to find Jean. Jean is going through the mind of Cain and commanding him to destroy the wall that Onslaught has built. Cain destroys the wall and Jean learns who Onslaught really is. Jean commands Cain to run and he does but, sadly, he runs into the arms of Onslaught. Onslaught rips the gem of Cyttorak from the chest of Cain, revealing who he truly is… Charles Xavier. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Onsalught the Complete Epic Volume 1 and Onsalught the Complete Epic Volume 1 Hardcover - Fun Facts:
Variant Information: A. Prismatic Etched Hologram Cover Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #55 - Onslaught - Invasion
Importance Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Mark Waid Release Date: August 1996 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: A team comprised of the Avengers, Fantastic Four, as well as Bishop and Iceman of the X-Men, stand atop Four Freedoms Plaza as a witness to Manhattan’s destruction. The teams await more arrivals in the form of Ant Man, Wasp, Gambit, Rogue and a new character, Magneto, who is now calling himself Joseph. After a brief conversation, they all head towards the battle that is awaiting them below, as hundreds of Sentinels attack the populace of New York. A handful of the most intelligent of the group stay behind to prepare offensive weaponry to better take on Onslaught. The X-Men join forces to take on a few Sentinels, but their biggest battle comes from afar. As atop a huge Ebony Citadel, made from the powers of young Franklin Richards, the monster calling himself Onslaught blasts the Sentinel’s attackers to the ground. Even the approaching Blackbird is not left unscathed, as the passengers on board plummet to the ground. Below the citadel, Magneto stirs from the rubble. With a look of anger, he tells them that Onslaught has made his first opening statement. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Onsalught the Complete Epic Volume 2 and Onsalught the Complete Epic Volume 2 Hardcover - Fun Facts: Story continues on in Uncanny X-Men #336.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #58 - Testament
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Bernard Chang Writer(s): Scott Lobdell, Ralph Macchio Release Date: November 1996 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Storm travels into the Morlock tunnels on the anniversary of the Mutant Massacre to pay respects to the Morlocks who died. She realizes that someone else is already down there, and it turns out to be Gambit, also paying his respects with hundreds of lighted candles. She is surprised, as she doesn’t yet know of Gambit’s role in the Massacre (see Uncanny X-Men 350). Storm reveals that she feels responsible for the Massacre, as she was the leader of the Morlocks at the time. Iceman’s father stands up for mutants at a Graydon Creed interview, and at the X-mansion Gambit and Joseph fight over Rogue. Havok spies on J. Jonah Jameson. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #59 - Touched
Importance Rating: 1.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andy Kubert Writer(s): Scot Lobdell Release Date: August 1996 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Cyclops struggles with the loss of Xavier and other problems and is comforted by Jean, while Hercules arrives to pick up Quicksilver. Joseph works on a device that would allow Rogue to touch without absorbing. Bobby and Sam still undercover in Creed’s campaign slowly earn the trust of Graydon Creed and Carly Alvarez. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men vs. Apocalypse Vol. 1 - Fun Facts: Gambit does not appear in the storyline, but is mentioned by Joseph very briefly.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #70 - Homecoming
Importance Rating: 1.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Carlos Pacheco Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: December 1997 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Iceman brings Marrow and Cecilia Reyes back to the mansion with him, following their adventures against the forces of Operation: Zero Tolerance. However, the trio is shocked to discover that Bastion has thoroughly stripped the mansion of everything by use of nanotechnology. Cyclops, Phoenix, Cannonball, Wolverine and Storm also return to the mansion with bad news: Cyclops was planted a nanotech bomb in his chest during the time he and the others were imprisoned by Bastion in the Hulkbuster Base and Jean is barely keeping the bomb from exploding thanks to her telekinesis. Cecilia decides to perform an operation in order to save Scott’s life – as well as theirs. Cannonball brings antibiotics from a drugstore and Storm boils some water while Cecilia uses Wolverine’s middle claw as an impromptu scalpel to open Scott up. Things are further complicated when Juggernaut shows up, together with his lawyer, and announces that he is the legal owner of Xavier’s financial estate, following Charles’ incapacitation. Juggernaut is ultimately enraged by the disdainful way the team treats him and decides to attack. However, at that moment, Rogue, Beast, Joseph, Maggott and Trish Tilby also return to the mansion. Bemused by Maggott’s slugs and amused by the overall condition of the team, Juggernaut departs. Peace restored, Cecilia extracts the bomb by use of Marrow’s bones and Rogue ingeniously tosses it to one of Maggott’s slugs, which devours it, saving everybody from certain death. Eventually, everybody goes to bed, although the current developments, including the animosity between some of the team members, the absences of Gambit, Bishop and Professor Xavier and the arrival of Maggott, Cecilia and Marrow guarantee that things are not going to be easy. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Zero Tolerance - Fun Facts: Gambit does not appear in the comic himself, but is talked about among the characters in the storyline.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #71 - A House in Order
Importance Rating: 1.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Carlos Pacheco Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: January 1998 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Scott Summers and Jean Grey-Summers decide to take a leave of absence from the X-Men so that Scott can recuperate from his injuries. Jean has some last day tasks to complete, including a telepathic cleaning of the mansion to erase all traces of Bastion. Iceman takes Trish back to Manhattan, while Cecelia Reyes accidentally flirts with Beast, much to her embarrassment. Cannonball and Maggott begin to get into verbal spats, which Jean tries to quell. Jean finds Storm and Wolverine in the stables, digging up Storm’s old gold, tiara and lock picks. Storm assures Wolverine that their guests will be fine in the mansion but Wolverine hits a nerve when he mentions Marrow to Storm. Jean, Cannonball, Maggott and Cecelia head into town to get some coffee and fresh supplies but Storm refuses to let Marrow go along with them. Scott and Wolverine discuss their situation and Scott puts Wolverine in charge of the school until he comes back. Wolverine lets Scott know in advance, though, that the rules are going to change and then secretly heads to the basement to deal with the problem of Marrow. Jean’s group return to the mansion after learning that the heroes thought dead in the Onslaught crisis are actually alive and well. Scott and Jean discuss if they should leave and decide it is for the best. In Cairo, a man runs to the airport to deliver a package to Storm, so she can come and save them all from Ananasi. In Venice, Sebastian Shaw is met by a being, who hands Shaw an envelope bearing an emblem of Apocalypse. Meanwhile, in Salem Center, a homeless man is killed and early signs lead to Maggott’s slugs as being the culprits. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit is not in the comic but is in Jean's mental thoughts and she mentions him and his trial.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #80 - Children Of The Atom: Part Two
Importance Rating: 1.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Brandon Peterson Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: October 1998 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Kitty escapes from the “X-Men” and saves Dr. Corbeau from them too. The Blackbird is totaled but everyone is safe except for Nightcrawler. Shadowcat sends a message to G.W. Bridge at S.H.I.E.L.D. then meets up with the others to stop the “X-Men” form hijacking the Benassi Rocket. Xavier turns out to not be himself and hijacks the rocket. Rogue absorbs the powers of Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine to temporarily become one super mutant. The real X-Men destroy the satellite. In the end, the fake Xavier changes himself into a mechanical creature calling itself Cerebro; it reabsorbs the fake X-Men into itself. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit does not appear in the storyline but does appear in a team picture in the back of the comic.
Variant Information: A. Dynamic Forces Exclusive Variant. B. Deluxe Hologram Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #81 - Jack of Hearts, Queen of Death
Importance Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Adam Kubert Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: November 1998 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Following the recent battles and crises, the X-Men are getting back to normal. They have redecorated the mansion and replaced the equipment stolen by Zero Tolerance. With Colossus, Nightcrawler and Shadowcat just having rejoined after being part of Excalibur for many months, Storm wants the X-Men to practice together in the Danger Room, but much to the anger of the rest of the team, Marrow rebels against such discipline. Rogue and Gambit, seeing each other again for the first time since she abandoned him in Antarctica, head out to Boston to have time to talk. While there they are attacked by a powerful wannabe Goddess called Kali, who keeps hearing voices inside her head. Obeying their every command, Kali is convinced that she has to kill the "lovers", much to the annoyance of the two X-Men. Over the battle, Gambit and Rogue realize that they still have feelings for each other. With Kali eventually defeated, apparently overloaded with her own energies, Rogue asks Gambit to tell her that he still loves her, like she still loves him. However Gambit is too afraid to proclaim his love, and Rogue flies off, upset. As Gambit is left alone, a green mist comes out of his body, and speaking in a female voice it claims Gambit for herself. She tells him if he ever touches Rogue again she'll kill everyone he cares about. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: This the first and last interaction between Gambit and the character, Kali.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #82 - The Hunt for Xavier - Part 2: Charly
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Adam Kubert Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: July 1998 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: A fireball crashed into the mountains of Tajikistan. The X-Men, consisting of Storm, Gambit, Rogue and Colossus, arrive at a monastery there looking for Professor Xavier. There are two such mutant signatures of Charles registering in the world, and this is where one of them is found. There they encounter a huge crystal barrier, and upon entering find themselves in a world of altered realities where a little girl called Nina uses her psychic powers to try and keep them away, thinking they are monsters out to get her. Nina is taking her orders from someone that she calls "Charley." The X-Men find a way out of their warped reality; strong emotions. When they escape Nina's guardian, Renée, identifies them as the X-Men. Nina is upset, though; they have let in the very monster that she was trying to prevent access to her. It is called Cerebro, and it has come for Charles Xavier, and it is to eliminate all opposition... (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: The Hunt for Xavier is continued in Uncanny X-Men #363.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #83 - The Hunt for Xavier - Part 4: Tomb Of Ice
Importance Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Adam Kubert Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: January 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Cerebrite Alpha merges with the body of Colossus, and continues attacking the X-Men in the ice monastery of Russia as the young psychic girl Nina and her guardian Renée, watch. The X-Men are beaten down one by one, as it uses the X-Men's own weaknesses against them; Storm's claustrophobia and her belief to have overcome it; Rogue's love for Gambit. But Nina uses her powers to revive Rogue, who in turn helps her team-mates. Meanwhile, across the globe in the Liberty Electric Authority, Cerebro is planning his ultimate goal; the cataloguing of all humans. Back in Russia the X-Men are taken down yet again, leaving Nina unprotected. Storm is apparently killed. Cerebrite Alpha takes Nina and heads off to be with Cerebro, where humanity awaits their final program. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: There is also an advertisement for Battlebooks that Gambit appears in half way through the comic.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #84 - The Hunt for Xavier - Part 6: Dream's End
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Adam Kubert Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: February 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Cerebro tells Xavier that they will bond, and together they will change the course of humanity forever. Xavier fears that his dream is coming to an end. The X-Men not taken by Cerebro (Rogue, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Gambit, plus Renée) are heading out in the X-jet to find Xavier, wondering all the while how Cerebro was created in the first place. Suddenly Cerebrites Bet and Alpha attack the jet.Cerebro explains to Xavier of his creation; Bastion was indeed his accidental creator, and his mission is to scan and catalogue every human on Earth. Once catalogued all hostilities will cease. To do this they need to bond. Xavier wont do it, so Cerebro grabs Nina, threatening to rip the information out of her mind on how to reactivate his telepathic powers. At that moment the X-Men arrive, after bailing out of the jet during a fight with the Cerebrites. Xavier has no choice; he allows Nina to reactivate his powers. Now with the captures X-Men freed they join the others and confront Cerebro. But Cerebro activates the Xavier protocols, and swiftly the X-Men are killed. However, it turns out to be a trick made by Xavier and Nina. Xavier quickly uses his powers to stop the Cerebrites so the X-Men can take them out. But Cerebro's mind is still active, and tries to activate the nanos that will sweep the power-lines and scan and catalogue every human on Earth! Xavier and Nina enter the astral realm, where Nina is able to reprogram the nanos so Cerebro scans human minds instead. Seeing them as individuals confuses him to the point where he dissipates into nothingness. With Xavier returned to them, and Cerebro defeated, the X-Men decide to return home. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: This comic is part of the Hunt for Xavier storyline.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #85 - A Tale Of Two Mutants
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Joe Kelly Release Date: March 1999 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Xavier and Magneto both have a mild crisis of faith. In Manhattan, the X-Men enter a burning hospital to save its residents when they find a room full of babies. Despite their efforts, they are met with hostility from the police, making Xavier wonder if his dream still holds true. Xavier gives up and is going to telepathically take over the minds of the police to save his students, but Storm steps forward and reasons with the authorities, who listen, much to Xavier’s surprise. Thanks to his students, Xavier knows his dream still lives. In Los Angeles, Magneto topples a building and disguises himself as a board member of the company that owns the building. He beings to talk to Bill Jones, head of the construction crew, though is intent is to learn from an everyday man what the opinion on mutants is, as Magneto must be sure that what he is doing is right before he unleashes his latest scheme. Magneto eventually drops his guise and forces Bill to say hateful things in the heat of the moment. Though his “proof” of humanity’s evil is ill-founded, he makes his judgment and heads to the North Pole, where his robotic lackey, Ferris, has completed his new base. There, Magneto sends out the call to his followers. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Magneto: Rogue Nation - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #86 - Thanks for the Memories
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis, Fabian Nicieza Release Date: March 1999 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Joseph has Magneto's memories of the destruction of Avalon, Piotr putting him into an escape pod, and Astra rescuing him after landing in the Arctic. She had been Magneto's first recruit to the Brotherhood, but she argued with his methods and left. Joseph is her tool against him, and she scans his recent memories. At magnetic north, Magneto powers an E-M field; the X-Men are on nearby Ellesmere Island with their crashed jet. Kurt tries to port with Logan to the Acolytes' jet overhead, but the E-M storm throws off his aim, and they fall from mid-air. Rogue, trying to catch them, flies in front of Piotr, who is conducting electricity and shocks her. In Genosha, mutates neverendingly rebel against magistrates, and Huxley makes plans. The Acolytes debate rescuing the X-Men. Xavier sends his astral form to talk to them, but they're mad about his wiping Magneto's mind, and Scanner scrambles him, sending him back to his body. Logan wants to walk north to the coast, but Xavier has a plan. Ferris tells the UN to surrender. The Russians launch non-metallic nukes north. Magneto detects and tries to divert them, and they are triggered to detonate on his power. Magneto tries to divert the blast, while the X-Men take desperate cover under the snow. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Magneto: Rogue Nation - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #87 - Magneto War - Part 4: No Surrender!
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis, Fabian Nicieza Release Date: April 1999 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men arrive at the polar tower just in time to see Magneto and Joseph battle it out as Astra watches. Xavier uses his telepathy to discover Astra’s involvement. Nightcrawler teleports to take out Astra, but before he does so, she makes a comment implying she knew him when he was much younger. Xavier, Colossus and Storm approach Joseph, as Rogue and the others take down Magneto. Joseph, no longer under Astra’s influence, works to repair the damage down to the magnetosphere and to stop the spreading electromagnetic storm. With the aid of his friends, who keep his mind and body intact, he is able to fix the damage. The others battle Magneto, though Gambit secretly feels that Rogue is going easy on Magnus, due to her old feelings for him. The X-Men do their best to take down Magneto, but are unsuccessful. Joseph, who has taxed himself in fixing the magnetosphere and has aged into an old man because of it, uses his last strength to end the storm and then converts himself and the polar tower into magnetic energy that becomes one with the magnetosphere. Before he passes on to a higher plane of existence, he tells Xavier that humans and mutants can only live together when Xavier and Magneto work together. Suddenly, a United Nations convoy arrives with Ferris and Dr. Huxley. Huxley, very well knowing that Magneto’s threats are useless without his polar tower, still gives into his claims for her own mysterious reasons. She then cedes over control of Genosha to Magneto! Wolverine is enraged, so Xavier puts him to sleep. The X-Men leave, unable to do anything more for this situation. After the UN leaves as well, Magneto tries using his powers to lift his helmet but fails. Whether it is exhaustion or some other problem, it doesn’t matter. Neither would bode well at this stage in Magneto’s journey. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Magneto: Rogue Nation - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #88 - A World Apart
Importance Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis, Joe Casey Release Date: January 1999 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men are teleported by a being that calls himself Ejulp to a strange, other-dimensional world. Traditional laws of physics do not apply here and their mutant abilities work much differently and, after using her powers, Storm is rendered unconscious. Ejulp explains to the team that Storm is being kept in a protective trance by the Trion, the sentient manifestations of the forces that comprise this dimension. Black Tom Cassidy also shows up, much to everyone’s surprise, and explains that the Juggernaut has been possessed by an evil force and is now rather violently crushing his way across dimensions. It was Black Tom who sent Ejulp to retrieve the X-Men, since Ejulp’s people are pacifists and are unwilling to battle Juggernaut themselves. While Ororo – still locked in her dream – “meets” a younger version of her self, Xavier’s astral form and Wolverine – the two accidentally merged after touching each other – together with Shadowcat and Nightcrawler pursue Juggernaut and soon discover him. Sadly, he is now of gigantic proportions! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #89 - Yesterday's News
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh Release Date: June 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-Men find themselves transported in a place that is not their Earth, yet curiously imitates New York City. Dispatched by the rest of the team to have a look around, Nightcrawler and Shadowcat soon discover that this counterfeit version of New York is flooded with doppelgangers of superheroes. Kitty manages to knock out her own doppelganger and replaces her among the impostors, while Kurt teleports Kitty’s copycat back to Xavier for interrogation. Kitty witnesses the impostors watching dated news reports about Earth’s superheroes in their monitors, before stumbling on the doppelgangers of Captain Marvel, Adam Warlock and Thunderbird, who capture her. Kitty realizes all these impostors are Skrulls, and these three in particular have severed ties with the others. Meanwhile, after examining Kitty’s doppelganger, Xavier also realizes they are Skrulls, planning an infiltration of Earth. Even worse, though, the X-Men were apparently displaced in time, as well as in space: they have been transported to Skrulls’ homeworld just as it is about to be consumed by Galactus! Meanwhile, Gambit decides to wander around on his own, hoping to get medical treatment for the injured Marrow. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #90 - Eve of Destruction
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh Release Date: July 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Stranded a few years in the past, on the moon of the Skrull homeworld, the X-Men are about to bear witness to the consumption of this world by the almighty Galactus. Professor Xavier realizes he has to plead with Galactus to avert the coming catastrophe. His psi-form leaves his body behind and reaches the homeworld, where he implores Galactus to spare this planet, appealing to his finest qualities. Despite his efforts, though, Galactus rebuffs him. In another part of the moon, Wolverine and Shadowcat fight some Skrulls, aided by the three renegade Skrulls that bear the guises of Thunderbird, Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock. During the fight, their three Skrull allies are mortally wounded, but not before one of them transfers his knowledge of piloting a Skrull starship to Shadowcat. Nearby, the previously injured Marrow emerges from the healing medical chamber Gambit placed her in… only now she looks beautiful and with a controlled bone growth! Eventually, the X-Men gather together and Shadowcat pilots the last remaining Skrull lifeboat away moments before Galactus consumes the entire world. Struggling to recover from the shock of bearing witness to this genocide, the team tries to figure out how to return home, considering they are stranded several years in the past. Shadowcat eventually places everyone in suspended-animation, leaving the ship in auto-pilot and programming it to wake them up when they reach their own time and planet. When the team wakes up, they find out that they are, indeed, entering the Earth’s atmosphere. However, they also find out that Kitty miscalculated and programmed them to wake up a bit earlier than they were supposed to, namely, during their most recent conflict against Magneto that ended in bitter defeat for the team! The X-Men consider this a chance to intervene and literally change history by defeating Magneto, when suddenly their ship is struck and violently repelled by energies coming from Magneto’s tower-base. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #91 - Technical Difficulties
Importance Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Andrew Robinson Writer(s): Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh Release Date: August 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Physically exhausted after being away for weeks, the X-Men return to the mansion, eager to rest. A restless Rogue welcomes them, anxious after her recent experience with Magneto in Genosha. The X-Men proceed to examine Marrow, following her recent transformation in the Skrull healing pod. However, her bio-scans reveal nothing alarming. Meanwhile, aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier, Major Remington Sole gives his audience a demonstration of their newest fighting machine: Deathlok. Just then, a S.H.I.E.L.D. scout ship that was investigating Muir Island returns to the helicarrier and its two pilots, both enslaved by Douglock’s Techno-Virus, begin infecting every agent they come across. Douglock himself is being controlled by the nefarious Red Skull, although he struggles to recover his identity. In Muir Island, Shadowcat, Colossus and Nightcrawler discover remnants of Douglock’s techno-organic conversion process. They also discover a tracking device, which leads them to the helicarrier. The trio then infiltrates the helicarrier, in quest of Douglock. Inside, as chaos takes over and infected agents are hunting down the uninfected ones, Director Nick Fury tries to come up with a plan to tackle the situation. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #92 - Dream's End - Part 2: Pressure Points
Importance Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Jeff Johnson Writer(s): Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh Release Date: September 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: At Xavier’s request, Cyclops and Phoenix are summoned to the mansion. Each, in turn, has a private meeting with him. With the exception of Storm, however, the rest of the X-Men are banned from seeing him. Xavier’s erratic behavior, however, takes its toll and an exasperated Gambit is the first to depart. Xavier finally appears before the team and expresses his utmost disappointment, asserting that his students have failed him and asking them all to leave and stay gone. Rogue, Shadowcat and Nightcrawler depart together, intent on vacationing, whereas Colossus and Marrow head for Boston. Meanwhile in outer space, Deathbird neutralizes her fellow companion, Bishop, for reasons unknown. Bishop later wakes up in what appears to be the Nevada desert. Meanwhile, the Mannites have teleported Nina into their hideaway, hoping she can help them with the latest of their kind, a baby called Beautiful Dreamer. The baby has been unable to wake up, after discerning an impending evil with his powers. Nina indeed senses something evil when she touches the baby and decides to enlist Xavier’s aid. However, after she finds herself unable to telepathically contact Xavier, since the Professor has raised a protective wall around his mind, Nina’s psychic form contacts Wolverine, Cyclops and Phoenix instead, begging for their help. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Astonishing X-Men: Deathwish and X-Men: The Shattering - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #95 - Do Unto Others
Importance Rating: 3.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Tom Raney Writer(s): Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh Release Date: December 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: At the mansion, the X-Men are still coping with the shock of discovering that the recently murdered Wolverine was actually a Skrull. Reasonably, they all wonder about the whereabouts of the true Wolverine. Meanwhile, a cadre of Skrulls continues spying on Polaris, acting on behalf of their mysterious ally, who has clarified that Lorna is one of the Twelve and, as such, should not be harmed. However, the Skrull commander arrogantly abducts Lorna and brings her to their headquarters, hoping to snatch a reward from his ally, in exchange for delivering Polaris to him. To his surprise, ‘Polaris’ is revealed to be Cyclops in disguise. The X-Men were aware of the Skrulls’ espionage of Lorna and their plan of using Polaris as bait now leads the entire team to the Skrulls’ base. In the ensuing battle, Cyclops and Phoenix are also revealed to be among the Twelve, while the Skrull known as Fiz slips away, harboring serious doubts that the X-Men are truly mortal enemies of his race. As the fight progresses, Death, Apocalypse’s newest horseman, suddenly appears and blows up the entire base. The X-Men succeed in evacuating the Skrulls’ base and then confront Death, shattering his mask and revealing… Wolverine himself! Visibly brainwashed and with no connection to his previous life, Wolverine claims he now only lives to serve his master, Apocalypse, before he flees through a teleportation device, much to the X-Men’s shock! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Astonishing X-Men: Deathwish and X-Men: The Shattering - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #96 - Apocalypse: The Twelve - Part 4: The Gathering
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis Release Date: January 2000 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Xavier heads out to recruit Magneto. After a heated discussion, Magneto agrees to help him. Back at the institute, the X-leaders are unsure whether Fiz is to be trusted. Jean tries to contact Iceman through Cerebro, but only manages to watch him get captured by Deathbird, the Horseman of War. Wolverine, the Horseman of Death teleports into the mansion. He succeeds in ‘porting Mikhail back to Egypt, but is unable to do it himself. He fights the X-Men, but ends up running away into the sewers. Part of the team is assigned to go after Wolverine, while the rest head to Egypt to rescue their friends. In Japan, Ahab, the Horseman of Famine, captures Sunfire. In the end, we see Apocalypse with all the captured mutants behind him. He believes the Age of Apocalypse will soon be here. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men vs. Apocalypse Vol. 1 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #97 - The End Of The World As We Know It - Part 2
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh Release Date: February 2000 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-Men above are still fighting the Skrulls and cultists. They are severely outnumbered. The mutant Skrulls are thrown into the fray and they attack Fiz. Fiz manages to get through to one of them and eventually all of the mutant Skrulls switch sides and fight along the X-Men. After the tides have turned, Fiz tells the X-Men to go after their friends. Inside the temple, the Monolith receives so much energy that he bursts out of his null orb and grows extremely large. He breaks the rest of the Twelve free as he unleashes some of his power. Cyclops, Phoenix, Xavier and Cable head out to look for Apocalypse while the rest try to stop the Monolith. The Horsemen try to prevent anyone from going after Apocalypse, but Mikhail teleports them away along with himself. Nothing is stopping the Monolith, so Bishop decides to absorb all of his energies. He succeeds and is sent away by the temporal energies. The original search party finds Apocalypse about to bond to the body of Nate Grey. They try to interfere, but Apocalypse is too strong now and easily keeps them at bay. Cyke can think of only one thing to do and that’s to knock Nate out of the machine and take his place. The rest of the X-Men enter just in time to see the horrifying end result. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men vs. Apocalypse Vol. 1 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Standard Release Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #98 - Ages of Apocalypse - Part 5: First & Last, Part 2
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Alan Davis Writer(s): Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh Release Date: March 2000 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men are now in the future. An alien teacher by the name of E’tha goes over a brief history of the X-Men with her class and tells of all the good they’ve done in the universe. The students are distracted by a ship’s arrival. Onboard are Professor X, Storm and Colossus. There’s a big celebration and everyone is there. Magneto shows up with his Brotherhood and we find out that Xavier is dying. We also find out that Phoenix and Charles haven’t been close ever since Cyclops sacrificed his life to stop Apocalypse. They are alerted to a machine that could possible save Charles’ life. It only requires their mutant energies to activate it. After starting up the machine, Cyclopalypse reveals himself. They have energized him once again. He turns back time to when the whole thing first began attempting to take their entire life energies. During the process the circuit explodes and Jean thinks it was Cyclops’ doing. However, nobody believes her. Cable attempts to kill Cyclopalypse, but Jean stops him, allowing Cyclopalypse and the Monolith to teleport to safety. The X-Men have saved the world once again. Back at the mansion, Professor mulls the recent events over in his head. He wonders if Jean and him will ever be close again. In the end, Jean leaves the mansion once more. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men vs. Apocalypse Vol. 2 - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #100 - End of Days
Importance Rating: 1.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Leinil Francis Yu Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: May 2000 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Kurt Wagner, the former X-Men known as Nightcrawler, prays in the Church of St. Michael the Archangel when, suddenly, he is shot in the back with an arrow. Frightened, he teleports away from a group called the Neo, led by Domina. Jaeger absorbs Kurt’s powers and goes after him. Elsewhere in Brooklyn, Nightcrawler teleports himself to Cecilia Reyes for medical attention and, in the infirmary, Cecilia treats his wound. Kurt, however, fears Cecilia will be in danger as Jaeger shoots Cecilia with an arrow. Cecilia recovers from her attack and uses her force field on the offensive to attack Jaeger. Jaeger soon overpowers her and the injured Nightcrawler comes to the rescue. Right as Jaeger is about the kill Nightcrawler, Cecilia’s force field extends itself and skewers Jaeger. Elsewhere, in space, Shadowcat, Colossus, Psylocke, Rogue, and the new Thunderbird are working on making the High Evolutionary’s station habitable. The team finishes their task with Psylocke’s new telekinesis and wait with Peter Corbeau of the new space crew. The new space team arrives at the station aboard the Intrepid and quickly gets to work to get the station on line. During a party, Colossus asks Rogue if she read the letter Corbeau delivered for Gambit. Rogue told her that she ripped it up, because she knows that since Gambit is leading the Thieves Guild, he will one day have to choose sides. Colossus turns into his metal form and kisses Rogue, who is left surprised. Elsewhere on the station, Shadowcat goes down a vertical tunnel where she meets her new boyfriend Seth, another crewmember. Seth, however, attacks her. Kitty rips off her earring as Seth electrocutes her and hides it in her mouth. Right before she fades into unconsciousness, he tells Kitty that off all on board, only they will live. Awakening, Kitty is wrapped up like a mummy and uses her earring to cut her way out. She finds Seth, who is dressed in a new kind of techno-space suit. Seth tells Domina that the station, which destroyed their civilization, will soon be destroyed. Domina questions Seth’s choice to bring Kitty but Seth tells Domina that Kitty is Neo. Domina’s transmission breaks up as she realizes that Jaeger is dead. Kitty attacks Seth, but his explosives go off. The X-Men reveal their identities, which panic the crew even more. Kitty, Colossus, and Rogue battle Seth but he ruptures the hull and tosses Rogue out. Seth says that their races could have lived in peace but they chose war. He says goodbye to Kitty and flies down to Earth. The station falls out of orbit and begins to head towards Earth. The X-Men find that only the Intrepid shuttle is left. Psylocke wraps the shuttle in a bubble to keep the atmosphere in while Colossus and Rogue toss the crew across the space to Thunderbird and Corbeau. Everyone gets aboard but a girder assembly breaks off and heads towards the ship. Shadowcat is tossed by Colossus to the girder and she phases it through the shuttle. Not waiting for Kitty, the team blasts off back to Earth. Kitty returns to where Seth put his suit on and finds one for her. She puts it on and relays a message to the Intrepid to fill them in on her status. Kitty turns the suit on and streaks towards Earth. Domina and Rax see the shuttle heading back towards Earth and let out a howl to mourn their dead. Kurt and Cecilia are nearby and hear the howls, which remind them of their days as X-Men. Kurt realizes he must return to the X-Men. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit does not appear in the storyline, only on the cover. This issue has 9 different variant covers, Gambit only appears on 2 (that are shown to the left). The others are not shown since he has no appearance in them.
Variant Information: A. Dynamic Forces Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #104 - Painted Ladies
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Leinil Francis Yu Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: September 2000 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: In Hong Kong, the five remaining X-Men attack the local Hellfire Club branch in search of another lead to find the Crimson Pirates and the Goth. Phoenix mentally finds their next lead, who is a waitress spying on the Hellfire Club. Wolverine stalks the women to her meeting point with the Goth. The others return to their villa and discuss how their reputation is being hurt by their hit and run tactics on major crime families. They decide that they must do everything in their power to stop this new slave trade, no matter how bad they look. Elsewhere, the captured X-Men make an escape attempt, thanks to Gambit and Storm, but find themselves neck-deep in a giant slave-processing center, where hundreds of kidnapped people are being packaged for transport. They encounter the leader of the Goth, who is appropriately also called the Goth. To evade being recaptured, Gambit proposes a deal to the Goth. Rogue absorbs Phoenix’s telepathy and attacks Killian and the Crimson Pirates at their Hong Kong headquarters. There, she meets Kymri, a friend of Nightcrawler’s who has been converted into a personal Hound for Killian. Rogue escapes and the X-Men head out to face the Pirates and the Goth in final confrontation. In Hollywood, after learning more about Senator Kelly’s plan to use mutants as his presidential campaign topic, Mystique vows to stop Kelly, no matter what. With volume 7 of 13 of Destiny’s diaries, she may very well be able to do so. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit temporarily takes over as leader of the team, with protest from Cable. Title Logic: I am not sure how either apply to the story, but "Painted Ladies" are a type of butterfly. It is also a term to describe Victorian houses which are usually painted in a multi-colored scheme.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #107 - Maximum Security - Part 16: On the Yard!
Importance Rating: 2.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Leinil Francis Yu Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: December 2000 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: In the Danger Room of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, Nightcrawler goes through a practice session when he is interrupted by Cerise, who kisses him. Despite protests from Cerise, Nightcrawler refuses to kiss her, because it would be against his new faith. When questioned about her arrival to Earth, Cerise tells Nightcrawler she was sent by Empress Lilandra to contact the X-Men. By the train station, Rogue broods over how she killed the Goth and contemplates what Gambit told her about the duties of a leader. Nearby, Z’cann, a member of Xavier’s Cadre K, is ambushed by the Blood Brothers, who have been sent to kill her before she reaches the X-Men. Rogue rushes to the site of the battle and defeats the Brothers. Z’cann, who fears that she is dying, touches Rogue to pass on her information, but she uses her telepathy to boost up the process, which causes Rogue’s powers to go haywire. Now, she is manifesting powers of people she has absorbed in the past. Rogue returns to the mansion with Z’cann, but looks like a Skrull. After proving she is for real, she leads the X-Men to Ellis Island to destroy an alien transmat ring. However, Z’cann’s memories are taking their time integrating with Rogue’s. Luckily, at the last moment, she realizes that she has to protect the ring so one of Xavier’s agents can come through. Rogue throws Colossus in the way of Thunderbird’s plasma bolt to save the transmat ring, just in time for Xavier’s agent and former X-Man, Bishop, to teleport through. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Avengers / X-Men: Maximum Security - Fun Facts: Gambit does not really show up in this comic personally, he is in flashbacks and memories only. This issue is part of the Maximum Security story line. It continues from Gambit on-going #23 and continues into X-Men Unlimited #29.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #108 - Dream's End - Part 4: The Future Is Now!
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Brett Booth, Leinil Francis Yu Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: January 2001 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Rogue, Bishop, Wolverine and Rahne fly across the Atlantic on a jet to get back to the mansion to deliver the dying Moira MacTaggart, who holds the cure for the Legacy Virus in her head. Rogue begins the surgery on Moira, but the X-Men head right into a storm, which makes things more difficult. While no one is around, Wolfsbane promises the unconscious Mystique that, when she kills her, she will make sure she screams. At the mansion, the other X-Men return home to tell their other members of their victory against the Brotherhood. However, Colossus is not happy and begins to realize that the dream of peaceful coexistence will never be fulfilled. Xavier talks to Colossus and apologizes for replacing the Russian’s dream with his own, but Colossus tells him not to and that it was his choice to join and stay with the X-Men. Rogue realizes that they will not make it to the mansion in time and is about to absorb Moira to get the data, but finally Xavier hears Moira’s calls in her mind. Xavier and Jean reach Moira and the two lovers begin the data transfer, but Xavier begins to flat line, as he does not want to live without Moira. Kelly begins his new speech on equality with mutant kind, but Cable temporarily leaves him to save Xavier. Cable and Jean convince Xavier to let Moira go, who finally passes away, after announcing her love for Charles. Cable returns to Kelly just in time to see him assassinated, not by a mutant, but by a human. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Dream's End - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #109 - Ceremonies
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Thomas Derenick Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: February 2001 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: On Christmas Eve, a group of X-Men have a snowball fight in Salem Center, which eventually leads to Psylocke and Thunderbird rolling down a hill, where Neal and Betsy start to flirt, much to the annoyance of Warren. Storm meets with Gambit and Beast to discuss the diaries of Destiny and Storm decides that the diaries must be found, but Xavier must never know. That night, Betsy meets Warren at the wreckage of his penthouse, where he confronts her about Neal and breaks up with her. Betsy tries to convince Warren that she has no feeling for Neal, but Warren disagrees and tells her that their relationship is going nowhere. In Japan, Wolverine goes to Mariko’s grave and is found by Viper, who delivers a message from the missing Shadowcat. That night at the mansion, the X-Men gather to celebrate. Storm handpicks a group of X-Men to go with her to find the diaries of Destiny and the new team of X-Men rejoins the others to spend their last few nights at the mansion. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Dream's End - Fun Facts: This comic also has 3 reprints of past Christmas related comics. One being Uncanny X-Men #341 which also includes appearences from Gambit.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #140 - Murder at the Mansion
Importance Rating: 1.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Phil Jimenez Writer(s): Grant Morrison Release Date: June 2003 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Bishop and Sage arrive at the Xavier Institute, having been invited as impartial investigators of the apparent murder of Emma Frost. The two quickly determine that Emma was killed by a diamond bullet, which hit a flaw in Emma’s diamond body. Bishop and Sage question student and instructor alike, including the Beast, Professor Xavier, Xorn, Angel Salvadore, the Stepford Cuckoos and Jean Grey. Jean is the only one Bishop rules out as a suspect, after Jean convinces him through a telepathic rapport that he cannot even explain. Wishing to investigate a possible lead involving the recent drug, Hypercortisone D, Bishop visits Omega Gang member, Redneck, in prison, who tells Bishop that he obtained the inhalers from Quentin Quire, who purchased them in the woods behind the school. Back in the Institute, Beak confesses tearfully to the Beast that is was he who was selling the Kick drug and it was he that killed Miss Frost. Meanwhile, following Bishop’s lead, Sage discovers a set of inhalers in the woods as well as an old cabin. Entering the cabin, Sage discovers dozens of cocoons hanging from the ceiling. She also discovers the murder weapon, which is unfortunately in the hands of someone who is pointing it at Sage. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit does not appear in the comic itself, only on the cover.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #157 - Day Of The Atom, Part 1: Black Holes
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chuck Austen Release Date: July 2004 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Havok and Annie Ghazikhanian get into an argument about whether or not she did anything with Iceman the night of Polaris’ bachelorette party. But the discussion goes unanswered, as Havok, now a team leader, has X-Men responsibilities to attend to, such as tending to Jay Guthrie, who at his mothers’ request is going to be attending the Academy. Jay is going to be roommates with Squidboy, and they show Jay around, eventually running into Iceman, angry that the Juggernaut is allowed to know certain X-Men secrets and is using the Danger Room, not to mention that Havok is his team leader. Havok thinks Bobby’s attitude has something to do with the fact he has permanently become ice, and on the way to see Cyclops, who is now headmaster, they run into Rogue and Gambit, who also want to be taken off Havok’s team, but won't say why. Upon entering Cyclops’ office, they discover that everybody else has some problem with their team, or in Northstar’s case no team, however Cyclops will not let anyone change teams. Soon, Havok and all his team – Polaris, Iceman, Wolverine, Rogue, Gambit and Juggernaut – meet with Emma Frost who has an assignment for them, hoping it may help them to work as a team, and the seven journey to China, where sometime ago a disaster happened. It was prophesied by the local monks as an “apocalypse”, but it went as far as to affect the Earth’s magnetic field, causing Lorna some pain. However as they search the rubble of the village, they discover someone who looks remarkably like…Xorn! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #158 - Day Of The Atom, Part 2: Immortals
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chuck Austen Release Date: August 2004 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: In China, the X-Men, while continually bickering amongst themselves, throw around various ideas as to who this “Xorn” could be, Juggernaut informing everyone that the original Xorn had a star for a brain, and suggests that a leak in his helmet had something to do with the destruction of the surrounding area. The X-Men are about to take Xorn back to the mansion, despite several protests, claiming that they don’t know what should be done, considering the circumstances, when they are stopped by Eight Chinese Immortals. The Immortals attack, one of them seriously injures Polaris, while Gambit gets trapped in another Immortal’s controlled vines as his playing card blows up while he was holding onto it, and he is blinded. Havok manages to knock out any remaining Immortals and they board the plane, to get Gambit back to the Institute, when something leaks from Xorn’s cracked head and begins to tear apart the X-jet. Meanwhile at the Institute, Squidboy befriends Jay Guthrie, and they almost have a run in with a mysterious person lurking around the Institute, asking students about Juggernaut. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: This issue starts the short storyline of Gambit being blind.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #159 - Day of the Atom, Part 3
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chuck Austen Release Date: September 2004 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: In China, Havok manages to keep Xorn from opening another black hole by channeling his power through himself, though it is not a particularly viable solution. However, the Eight Immortals return and remind the X-Men of the helmet Xorn was kept in which prevents his powers from acting out of control. They reveal that it is being held at a nearby military base, and so while the Eight Immortals lead Wolverine, Polaris, Rogue and the blinded Gambit some of the way, the squabbling Iceman and Juggernaut remain to keep an eye on Havok and Xorn – until the Collective Man shows up with some military aid, informing the heroes that they will die for setting Xorn free. Wolverine, Polaris, Rogue and Gambit are also confronted by the Collective Man when they arrive at the military base. At the Xavier Institute, Jay Guthrie has a run-in with Mindee of the Stepford Cuckoo’s while Squidboy tries to warn the White Queen that Black Tom Cassidy is on campus, but she doesn’t believe him. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #160 - Day of the Atom, Part 4: Forces Of Nature
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chuck Austen Release Date: October 2004 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: In China, the X-Men fight off the Collective Man and the Chinese army, Iceman and Juggernaut having to set aside their squabbling as they protect Havok from danger, for Havok is protecting Xorn, preventing him from creating any more black holes. When the Collective Man becomes a giant, Iceman matches him in height, and manages to fell him. Elsewhere Wolverine fights his way through more Collective Men, as Polaris clears the base of all the other Collective Men and soldiers, before using magnetic resonance imaging to locate Xorn’s helmet and displaying her incredible powers further by bringing it to them, before flying them all back to Havok and the others. When Cain asks Havok how he ever let Lorna go, Havok replies that sometimes he wonders. Later, back at the Institute, Havok and Annie make up after their fight, Havok telling her that he doesn’t want to know if she and Bobby slept together, while Bobby himself spends the night looking at photos of him and Lorna and him and Annie. Squidboy tries to convince Juggernaut that Black Tom Cassidy is amongst the trees, but Cain pretends to not believe him, however after sending Sammy inside, he calls out to his long time friend. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #161 - Heroes and Villains, Part 1
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chuck Austen Release Date: October 2004 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: A new Brotherhood consisting of Sabretooth, Exodus, Black Tom Cassidy, Avalanche, Nocturne and Mammomax attack a presentation in Philadelphia, but the X-Men are there and prepared for them - only during the course of the battle, the Brotherhood escape, and the X-Men do not learn what it is they want. At the Institute, Squidboy is looking for Juggernaut, which causes Iceman to argue with his teammates, reminding them that Juggernaut is on parole and needs to be accounted for at all times, especially as he was not with them during the mission. Squidboy’s mother also asks Sammy how he would feel if she started dating Juggernaut, which the boy doesn’t like. Rogue apologizes to the still-blinded Gambit for her part in his injuries, but when he goes off at her, she leaves. When Havok lets slip that the Brotherhood got away to Annie, she panics, and fearing the Brotherhood will come to the Institute she realizes she cannot be there anymore. Havok suggests she go somewhere safe, but what he doesn’t know is that she packs up and leaves for ever, telling only Polaris. The Brotherhood argue about how the X-Men could have known they were going to attack, when Black Tom brings in his back up plan, which he has had in plotting for quite some time - Juggernaut! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #163 - Heroes and Villains, Part 3 - Foreshadowing
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chuck Austen Release Date: December 2004 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: As they drive out of the Institute, Carter complains to Annie that they cannot leave without saying goodbye, when Annie’s close friend Northstar appears before them and converses with Annie about her departure. Suddenly the telepathic Carter reveals to them that Sammy has been killed and now the Institute is under attack. The blinded Gambit has a vision of the Brotherhood attacking and seeks help, but can only find the snobbish Mindee of the Stepford Cuckoos, who is reluctant to help him, until Sabretooth attacks them and she uses her telepathy to guide Gambit’s kinetically charged cards. Avalanche joins in the battle, only to be taken out by Mindee as Sabretooth is rushed away by Northstar. Northstar uses his super speed to push Sabretooth through the forest as the ferocious mutant tells Jean-Paul he is more of a girl than his sister was. The mention of his missing sister Aurora gets Northstar so worked up that he beats Sabretooth until he is unconscious, ready to get an explanation as to his sister’s whereabouts when he wakes. Wolverine and Polaris discover the body of Sammy when they are approached by Nocturne, who is worried she may have helped the Brotherhood kill everyone at Xavier’s. Juggernaut and Iceman bicker as they dig for the buried Havok and Xorn, eventually uncovering them as Gambit and Mindee are cornered by Exodus and Rogue begins to get crushed alive by Black Tom. Wolverine, Havok, Polaris, Iceman, Northstar, Juggernaut, Xorn and Nocturne all regroup and prepare for battle against the Brotherhood. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: Gambit has a premonition, a vision to be exact, of the upcoming attack of the mansion. This ability has been touched on a few other times throughout the years, but it has never been brought up again since he got his eyesight back.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #164 - Heroes and Villains, Part 4 - Full Circle
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chuck Austen Release Date: January 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Icarus rescues Mindee and Gambit from Exodus, as the school chef Marilyn takes on Black Tom, who has trapped Rogue. Wolverine, Havok, Polaris and the others regroup and run into Sabretooth. Logan is left to deal with Sabretooth on his own as Exodus, Avalanche and Mammomax argue and try to move onwards with the plan - until Havok, Polaris and the others arrive and begin to battle them. Northstar comes and breaks the plant-mutant into nothing but twigs and leaves. However, Black Tom is not defeated, and vines spring forth from all over the Institute grounds, trapping the X-Men and their allies. Mindee is unable to use her telepathy to take control of Black Tom’s mind because it is so scattered, but Nocturne is able to phase into Tom, but finds herself unable to centralize his consciousness. Shen Xorn believes he has the only answer, which involves taking off his helmet and opening the black hole within his head. Mindee mind wipes the Brotherhood in case they are able to return from wherever it is that they are going to be sucked away too, and Juggernaut agrees to be sucked away with them so that he can protect Nocturne wherever they may wind up. With that, Juggernaut, Avalanche, Mammomax, Exodus and Black Tom with Nocturne inside him vanish into Xorn’s black hole. Xorn then requests to leave his place at the Institute, to which Havok agrees. The X-Men find Wolverine, who claims to have finished off Sabretooth, and Northstar is about to inform Havok that Annie has left, when Havok reveals that he already knows. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: The school chef that was in the battle with Black Tom was called 'Marilyn' in this comic, but was named Hannah in earlier comics.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #165 - Hark How The Bells--!
Importance Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Chris Claremont Release Date: December 2004 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men help rescue survivors of a major car crash that happens near their home. X-23 gets into a fight with one of the boys she is trying to help, and later, Wolverine places her as roommates with Shadowcat and Marvel Girl. Hellion, much to his annoyance, is forced to go on a trip with other students to help at a hospice, and Archangel and Husk come home for Christmas, also go to help. Iceman, Gambit, Kitty, Rachel, Beast and X-23 play a prank on the students at the Institute, resulting in a huge snowball fight. Lila Cheney puts on a concert for the students, while Storm teaches Wind Dancer about her powers. Archangel and Cannonball play a prank on Hellion while Polaris surprises Iceman by kissing him. Elixir and Sage come up with a plan to restore Gambit’s eyesight, and it works. Rachel gets an interesting gift in the form of getting to meet Jean Grey’s parents - John and Elaine Grey. Xavier and Magneto watch the Christmas party via astral projection, and when a family that the X-Men rescued from the crash come by, including the boy who hit X-23, the family are invited to join the party by the forgiving X-23. Charles and Magneto see that moment as representative of this season of joy, and hope. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Day of the Atom - Fun Facts: Remy regains his sight once Sage jumpstarts his powers again.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #166 - Golgotha, Part 1: And What Dark Beast
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: March 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Havok, Polaris, Iceman, Rogue and Gambit arrive in Antarctica after receiving distress calls from a mutant colony trying to set up their own Utopia. Discovering masses of mutant bodies, either dead by suicide or killing each other, the X-Men also discover “Golgotha” scrawled on the wall in blood. The White Queen telepathically informs them the biblical meaning of Golgotha, before a mutant reveals himself to be alive still - only to kill himself in front of them. Iceman comforts Polaris, who blames herself, until Havok scolds him. Polaris is then attacked by a perverse mutant, and ends up killing him. Havok scolds Lorna for using her powers to kill, which is not what X-Men do, when a group of zombie like mutants approaches them. Rogue uses her powers to go into the mind of one of them and learns little, before they are attacked by another group of mutants. They manage to subdue one of them, who, after telling them that they will never escape, that it will destroy them too, bites his tongue off so he doesn’t have to tell them anything about Golgotha, The White Queen then arrives, and after riling Havok, the mutant has a heart attack, but before he dies Emma learns who Golgotha is, and where it is. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Golgotha - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #167 - Golgotha, Part 2: Night of the Mutant
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: April 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men find Golgotha and debate whether or not to bring him back to the States. The White Queen wants to study him, but Havok thinks he is too dangerous, eventually Wolverine convinces them to compromise. Some of the X-Men comment about Polaris’ mental stability, while Iceman makes a joke about Gambit and Rogue not being able to touch - Gambit admits that it is getting to him, and later Rogue reveals that it is getting to her also. Some of the X-Men travel to Calvary, which turns out to be only one of several possible Calvary’s, but while there, Rogue and Gambit discover a small trinket shaped like the Golgotha they found in the South Pole. The White Queen hooks herself up to Cerebra and links to Golgotha - and suffers for it, as she is collapses while trying to leave and warn the others of something. Meanwhile, a mutant called Boy is let go by his rich human employers who used him as a servant. He recruits dozens of mutants in Las Angeles, and later they murder the rich family and their friends, leaving “Golgotha” scrawled on the wall in blood. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Golgotha - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #168 - Golgotha, Part 3: The Crazy Gang
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: May 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Emma regains consciousness and warns the X-Men in Calvary, who are fighting a second “Golgotha” that there is still trouble in LA, and Boy and his gang kill restaurant patrons, before making their own headquarters at a Western film set, and later kill some television executives. After Wolverine comments that Havok does have a problem with Iceman and Polaris, the three of them go to LA and after Wolverine gives Bobby some advice on how to deal with Polaris and Havok, they locate Boy and his followers, and bring Boy back to the Institute. Boy’s arrival sparks some trivial problems between the friends and teammates in the X-Men, and he jibes Wolverine by telling him he is too old to be hanging around the X-Men. Later, Wolverine considers what Boy said and decides to leave to clear his head - only to discover that Emma has imposed a twenty-four hour quarantine on them all. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Golgotha - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #169 - Golgotha, Part 4: Quarantine!
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: June 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men are under quarantine, and are searching for the real Golgotha, which is smaller than a pea, but grows as it feeds on peoples fears and demons. As the X-Men search for Golgotha, they all deal with their own fears: Polaris deals with insanity, Iceman has to contend with everything around him turning to ice. Gambit and Rogue are forced to confront not only their feelings for each other, but Rogue kisses Wolverine and absorbs his life energies, believing that she is actually Wolverine. Gambit also fights an imaginary Mr. Sinister. Wolverine is confronted by his age and whether he still belongs with the X-Men, as Havok is compared to Cyclops and must deal with Polaris and Iceman being an item. The White Queen meanwhile looks into a mirror and sees herself old, and is about to perform plastic surgery on herself, until Havok stops her. Believing him to by Cyclops she attacks him, believing that he has feelings for Polaris. Eventually, Polaris rises above the madness and after seeing Golgotha on the x-jet which she apparently checked, she knows she is not insane. The X-Men regroup and destroy Golgotha. However it is not all over, as a mutant known as Gazer who lives aboard a space station informs Emma that there is some kind of space storm headed for Earth, and indeed, hundreds of Golgotha are making their way to Earth. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Golgotha - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #170 - Golgotha, Part 5: Fall-out
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salavador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: July 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The X-Men try to convince General O’Shea to let them go into space to deal with the Golgotha, but he doesn’t like the idea - until, as Emma Frost later reveals, he realizes that they probably wont survive, which suits his anti-mutant agenda. After taking a NASA space ship to a space station, the X-Men prepare for the battle against over three hundred Golgotha, while dealing with all the emotions and events that Golgotha has recently caused them. Havok suggests to everyone that they pretend what Golgotha did to them never happened. Everyone has mixed feelings about that, before they don their space suits and head into space for the battle, where Havok and Polaris, the two most powerful X-Men, will be using their powers to tear through the Golgotha, and the others are to pick up any they miss. Iceman is annoyed about Lorna having to work with Havok, and soon Alex and Lorna are separated from the others after a large power surge from Havok. While Wolverine, Emma, Iceman and the others discuss what to do, Alex and Lorna soon return, with Havok deciding that perhaps they shouldn’t pretend what Golgotha did never happened. Polaris is acting rather strangely, before suddenly unleashing a powerful blast which kills the remaining Golgotha after she whispers that it looked right at her. Afterwards though, Lorna reveals that she cannot remember what happened. Later, O’Shea and the President discuss what happened, with the President stating that he doesn’t want the world to know that the world was saved by mutants, not that he has anything against them, but because he doesn’t want them turned into heroes. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Golgotha - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #171 - Bizarre Love Triangle, Part 1: Dangerous Liaisons
Importance Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Lorroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: August 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: A young mutant girl dubbed Foxx finds sanctuary at the Xavier Institute, which leads to Havok and the White Queen being at odds about which squad to put her on, Alex wanting her on Iceman’s, while Emma wants her on Gambit’s, both pointing out that this girl may cause trouble for either Remy or Bobby. Foxx is introduced to Gambit and her squad-mates, and asks Gambit if she can have one-on-one lessons to catch up on what she has missed out on, which Gambit refuses. In telepathic therapy, Rogue and Gambit attempt to have sex, but even in the mind, Rogue’s powers absorb Gambit, and he ends up nearly a withered husk, though Emma slowly brings him back to normal. Foxx informs Rogue how much she admires her, but Rogue isn’t interested, and when one of Foxx’s squad-mates tries to get to know her, Foxx threatens him. After his recovery, Gambit seems to take his frustrations out on training his squad, and later, in the showers, Foxx practically throws herself at Gambit in the steamy showers, pointing out that he is past his prime, and every day he spends celibate the more his libido fades. In a conversation with Wolverine, Rogue is rather confident that Remy would never cheat on her. Meanwhile, Havok pesters Polaris about what it is she saw in space, but Lorna claims she cannot remember - or doesn’t want to remember. Iceman tells Havok to back off, until Lorna asks her past and present boyfriends to stop talking about her like she isn’t around. Iceman also encourages Lorna to speak about memories she may have with Havok, claiming he is not jealous. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Bizarre Love Triangle - Fun Facts: This issue features the first time we see interaction between Gambit and Mystique as Foxx.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #172 - Bizarre Love Triangle, Part 2: Temptation
Importance Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: August 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Gambit wakes up, due to dreaming that he and Foxx did indeed hook up in the shower room. Rogue, who is sleeping in the bed beside Gambit at the White Queen’s suggestion, wakes up and tries to get Gambit to talk about his “nightmare”, but he refuses. Gambit and Rogue have another telepathic therapy session with Emma, but as they are about to kiss, Gambit no longer sees Rogue, instead he sees Foxx and breaks the link, Rogue soon realizes who it is he saw - Foxx - someone he can actually touch. Gambit takes his squad away on a field trip, which results in Foxx trying to seduce him some more, but the rest of Foxx’s squad are on to her, but Foxx denies everything, which ensures a fight between her and Bling. The boys (Flubber, Onyxx and Rain Boy) confront Gambit, but Remy just tells them to mind their business. Upon returning to the Institute, Gambit finds that Rogue has moved out of his room, and after searching the Institute for her, he finally finds her, only for Rogue to suggest that perhaps he does get involved with Foxx, after all, he will be able to touch her - but Gambit claims that he doesn’t want any other woman. However, later that night, Foxx is in Gambit’s room, trying to seduce him again - until she reveals herself to be Mystique. Mystique explains that she is here in the interest of her daughter, and suggests to Gambit that he has some physical release - even though Mystique is slightly disturbed by the idea of it herself. However, after transforming into Rogue, she and Gambit move closer together. Meanwhile, Havok enlists Nightcrawler to help him find out what it is that Polaris saw in space - but Lorna isn’t telling anyone, claiming that she still doesn’t remember. - Trade Availability: X-Men: Bizarre Love Triangle - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #173 - Bizarre Love Triangle, Part 3: The Foxx in the Attic
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: September 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Mystique contacts an associate who is currently breaking and entering and asks for another “fix” , but her associate is unable to, and warns her that she best be careful the telepaths at the Xavier Institute don’t pick up on what she is up to. Gambit informs Rogue that Foxx is leaving the Institute, so Rogue goes to see her off - until the White Queen, Havok, Iceman and Gambit come to prevent her from leaving - as Emma has discovered Foxx isn’t who she claims to be! Mystique drops the disguise, surprising everyone, especially Rogue, except that Emma telepathically learns Gambit isn’t surprised - that he already knew. Rogue argues with her boyfriend about this, as Mystique prepares her getaway, only to be stopped by Havok, then Gambit, the two engaging in a serious fight. Rogue breaks them up using her new fire powers, and Mystique reveals that she couldn’t resist in showing Rogue what a loser Gambit is, and that she wants to join the X-Men, as it has been some time since she last worked with a team. The X-Men deliberate Raven’s request after they put her in a containment cell. Rogue wants her thrown out ASAP, but Polaris thinks Mystique should be given a chance to present her case. Emma decides that this involves the other X-Men, and decides to contact them so everyone can be a part of the decision making process. Gambit tries to talk to Rogue, who wants nothing to do with him. Emma reveals to Cyclops that she couldn’t probe Mystique’s mind properly, while Rogue confronts Mystique alone, asking her if she “gave herself” to Gambit. Meanwhile, Havok continues to pester Polaris about what she saw in space, but Emma refuses to enter Lorna’s mind. Havok wonders if what Lorna saw in space is having some effect on the Institute after Emma mentions the telepaths have all been a little “off”. Havok then admits to Lorna that he still loves her, that he made a mistake in leaving her for Annie. But Lorna replies that even if she still felt the same way, she couldn’t go back to him, for it would upset Iceman so much and she reminds Havok that he broke her heart. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Bizarre Love Triangle - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #174 - Bizarre Love Triangle, Part 4: Election Day
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: October 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Rogue has a heated argument with Mystique, and in an attempt to discover whether her foster mother and Gambit slept together, tries to absorb Mystique’s thoughts, but is unsuccessful. A furious Rogue discovers Gambit tutoring his student Bling, and tells Bling to leave, before she gets into an argument with Gambit, again, demanding to know whether or not he and Mystique slept together, to which Gambit claims that nothing happened. The next day, Bling and her squad mates watch as all the X-Men gather and wonder what is going on. Bling informs the boys that it is because Mystique was pretending to be Foxx and now she wants to join the team. Onyxx had a crush on Foxx and is rather upset. Rogue asks Emma to read Gambit’s mind to discover if he and Mystique slept together, which Emma refuses to do. Mystique gives her reasons for wanting to join the X-Men.The X-Men begin to debate whether or not Raven should be allowed on the team, which brings up all sorts of issues. Back in her cell, Mystique is attacked by Onyxx, but he is no match for her, and she soon takes him down. Nightcrawler informs his mother of how he felt when he heard she wanted to join the X-Men and asks her to disappear for a while, after everything she has put him through, he thinks it is the least she can do. Once the X-Men have finished deliberating, it is agreed that Mystique will be given probationary membership, but when Rogue goes to tell her of the verdict, Raven is gone. Later, Mystique has met up with her mysterious friend, Augustus, who asks if Rogue knows about him yet. Mystique replies that she doesn’t, but will soon. Augustus wants to know what happened between Mystique and Gambit, to which Raven tells him that the details hardly matter, as his relationship with Rogue has turned into a wound which will fester. Augustus still wants to know what happened, but Mystique isn’t giving any details out. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Bizarre Love Triangle - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #175 - Wild Kingdom - Part 1
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: November 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Strange happenings are going on in the turmoil-ridden nation of Niganda in Africa, including the appearance of apparent mutant animals, one of which kills a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter on camera. The X-Men, including Storm, journey to Africa to investigate. Storm recalls her childhood in Africa and when she was worshipped as a goddess, and wonders why she is not happy to be returning. The X-Men are then attacked by giant mutant crocodiles, and Havok and Polaris team up to stop them, they both seem to be happy working together, while Polaris’ boyfriend Iceman is not. Havok gives the team orders, but Storm flies off on her own, telling Havok that she would appreciate him not telling her what to do. Wolverine follows Storm and the come across a wicked general who is killing innocent people. They manage to save a woman and her child, and Logan sends the general to his death. Rogue and Gambit continue to argue since their break-up, while Storm wonders why she is chasing after mutant crocodiles when there is so much suffering on this continent. After obtaining some information from the woman she saved, Storm and the others arrive at a place called “the Factory”, where people who started working here went missing from. Searching the factory, which Iceman believes is a monster factory, the X-Men soon come across the Black Panther! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men / Black Panther: Wild Kingdom - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Wizard World Boston Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #176 - Wild Kingdom - part 3: The Apes of Wrath
Importance Rating: 2.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: December 2005 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The Black Panther is rescued by his female bodyguards, which upsets Storm as she thinks there is something going on between them. While they search for a creature that has been kidnapping the locals, Storm and the Black Panther argue, before discovering the beast and destroying it. The White Queen contacts Storm telepathically, informing her that the other X-Men are in trouble, so Storm goes to help them, despite T’Challa not wanting her to. The Red Ghost explains his plans to turn Niganda into a socialist Simian society. However, that conflicts with Dr. Paine’s money-making plans. Paine displays the captured X-Men - Wolverine, Havok, Polaris, Iceman, Rogue and Gambit - to Kragoff, and explains his plans to turn them into practically zombies. Kragoff leaves and the X-Men are soon let out of their stasis chambers, where Paine blackmails them into helping him stop Kragoff, by keeping Lorna a prisoner and having her drip-fed snake venom. The X-Men are torn about what to do, when Storm arrives. Meanwhile, the intelligent apes plot against the humans that transformed on them, and the Black Panther finally arrives at the complex. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men / Black Panther: Wild Kingdom - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #177 - Decimation - House Arrest, Part 1: Losing It
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: January 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Polaris realizes she has lost her powers when a group of X-Men outside begin to attack the Sentinels that have surrounded the Institute. The Sentinels declare that they are not here to fight, but nevertheless several of the X-Men don’t believe them, and continue the attack, eventually getting knocked out. Havok tells the powerless Iceman that he should be involved, while Lorna decides not to tell her teammates she has lost her powers, yet they wonder why she doesn’t use them against the Sentinels. The White Queen uncovers a startling revelation about the Sentinels, that she thinks they are human, and one of the Sentinels falls on the mansion, destroying much of it. One of the Sentinels picks Polaris up and tosses her in the woods, where she is surprised to see her old friend Dr. Valerie Cooper! Meanwhile, the Sapien League are still hiding out in the forest nearby, and two of the members discuss the mysterious Leper Queen. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Decimation: X-Men: The Day After - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #178 - Decimation - House Arrest, Part 2: The Transmogrification of Robert Drake
Importance Rating: 3.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: January 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Valerie Cooper agrees to keep Polaris’ secret that she apparently not longer has her mutant powers, while Iceman also seemingly powerless, searches the woods for her. Valerie informs Cyclops, Havok and the other X-Men that the Sentinels are here for the X-Men’s protection, and introduces them to Alexander Lexington, the leader of the Sentinel Squad, the men and women who control this new generation of Sentinels. The X-Men are seriously unimpressed about this, but some of the Sentinel Squad aren’t too keen on the idea of protecting the X-Men either. Meanwhile, also in the woods is the Leper Queen and the other members of the Sapien League, who launch another attack on the X-Men, forcing them to accept Valerie’s offer to help them. Bobby finds himself in more trouble when the Sapien League find him, and the Leper Queen prepares to kill him, however the White Queen picks up Bobby’s distress and alerts the X-Men to his plight, while she does something to him…and to the Leper Queen’s distress, the mysterious villainess finds her arm covered in ice. As the X-Men arrive on scene, they see a confused Bobby once more in his ice form. Meanwhile, in Egypt, an Archaeologist stumbles into a hidden chamber at a dig site, and is greeted by a mysterious shadow on the wall, while at a space station, Gazer realizes he too has lost his powers, and converses with the mysterious "Phantom Torso", before the mysterious green thing he has been trying to make contact with comes into view on his screen. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Decimation: X-Men: The Day After - Fun Facts: Title Logic: "The Transmorgrification of Robert Drake" is a play on a popular children's book called the "Transmogrification of Roscoe Wizzle". It is a story about a boy who slowly turns into a bug with the underline look at just what can happen when you get too much of a good thing.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #179 - Decimation - House Arrest, Part 3: Togetherness
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: Main Storyline Series Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Iceman once more has his powers, which surprises his teammates, while Polaris is still without hers, but is still doing her best to fight the Sapien League. The Sentinels who are now protecting the X-Men come to their aid during the battle against the Sapien League, and Cyclops expresses his dislike of this to Valerie Cooper. Val explains to Cyclops that it is for the protection of the few mutants who remain. Outlaw and Peepers arrive at the Institute, seeking refuge, and are attacked by the mysterious Leper Queen, though they manage to survive. When the Sapien League retreat, the X-Men gather to discuss the return of Iceman’s powers, and the White Queen explains that Bobby never lost his powers, he merely willed them away, so to speak. Polaris asks if Emma can help her get her powers back, but the White Queen explains that it isn’t that simple. Bobby was seemingly unaware that his girlfriend lost her powers, though the others had already figured it out. Lorna realizes that without her powers she has no place at the Institute and reminds everyone of her ordeal in space, and reveals she feels whatever she saw in space is heading for Earth, and that she is going to be there when it lands. Iceman tries to talk her out of it, until Havok tells Bobby to stay away, and announces that he will leave with Lorna. Meanwhile, Mystique and her friend Augustus a.k.a. Pulse do a little thieving, and Raven reveals to Pulse that he of all the men she checked out has the best chance of making her daughter Rogue happy, while in Egypt, the archaeologist who fell through the ground discovers Apocalypse lying in his tomb. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Decimation: X-Men: The Day After - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #181 - What Lorna Saw, Part Two: The Leper Queen
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Roger Cruz Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: March 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: While Lorna and Alex quarrel over Daap, the alien whom Lorna saw in space and believes she can get her powers back from, the Leper Queen and a member of the Sapien League make their way through the forest also. The Leper Queen reveals to her associate that her baby was born a mutant with pyrokinetic abilities. The Leper Queen believes her daughter was born a mutant because when she was pregnant with her, a mutant looked at her. As a result of the girl’s powers, it seems that the Leper Queen’s home was burned down, which is how her daughter died, and how her face became so disfigured. After telling her story, she then kills him. Eventually, the Leper Queen attacks the powerless Lorna. Alex comes to her rescue, before using his powers to blow up Daap. Only it results in the discorporate form of Daap taking a hold of both Lorna and the Leper Queen and flying off into the air. At the Xavier Institute, Mystique shows up with her protégé, Augustus, and announces she is joining the X-Men after what happened last time - before making it very clear that she is going to set Augustus up with Rogue. In space, Gazer still has no luck communicating with Phantom Torso, before leaping out of the space station into open space, deciding that if he is going to die, he is going to do it out there. Meanwhile, Apocalypse shows his disgust at what has happened to the mutant community since he has been gone, and seemingly teleports his tomb to the same forest where Havok is. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: Decimation: X-Men: The Day After - Fun Facts: Title Logic: : The Leper Queen is from the famous king, Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, known as the Leper King. Though the king was diagnosed with lepracy at a young age he ruled his kingdom as a great warrior until his death.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #182 - The Blood of Apocalypse, Part One: The Messiah
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: April 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Gazer is “rescued” from the emptiness of space by Apocalypse, then forced to fight the Egyptologist responsible for finding Apocalypse in a death match to see who will become his Horseman, War. Dr. Foster is winning, until he is slain by Ozymandias, who holds Gazer in his debt. While the new Pestilence goes about absorbing various deadly diseases and bacteria, Apocalypse travels to Aspen where Sunfire is recovering from the loss of his legs, and offers the former X-Man a chance at renew life. At the Xavier Institute, Pulse reveals to Rogue that he has the power to disrupt another mutant’s powers, meaning they will be able to touch, while Mystique asks Gambit if he will ever give Rogue the chance of being happy. To everyone’s surprise, Havok returns without Polaris and reveals that she is missing. Iceman argues with him until Apocalypse’s Sphinx appears over the Institute. / Sunfire is chained up and regrets accepting Apocalypse’s offer. He is about to be taken to Apocalypse by Ozymandias, but he knocks Ozymandias out and begins to escape, only to hear someone screaming. It is Gazer, being transformed into the Horseman War. Sunfire then has an important decision to make - will he, a legless former mutant go back to rescue someone he doesn’t even know? (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: The Blood of Apocalypse - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #183 - The Blood of Apocalypse, Part Two: The Hunger
Importance Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: April 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Apocalypse stands over the Xavier Institute offering the X-Men and the 198 hope and salvation in these dark times. Valerie Cooper tells Cyclops to let the Sentinels handle this, but Scott isn’t interested and goes to rally the other X-Men while Havok looks after the 198. However, certain members of the 198 like Karma and Scalphunter point out that Apocalypse might be able to do more for them than the X-Men can. Before much more thought can be put into the situation, Famine strikes and everyone begins to think they are hungry. While several members of the X-Men try to attack Famine, unaware that he is actually Sunfire, Apocalypse and Ozymandias discuss the plan, before Apocalypse offers the mutants an elixir, provided they join his side. A starving Skids is first in line, but Karma stops her, pointing out that they don’t know what is in it. Some members of the Sentinel Squad also race to get the elixir, leaving the Sentinels all unmanned, except for Lexington, who stands his ground - until Gazer, now transformed into War, attacks him. Some mutants begin taking the elixir, though it is unknown who exactly. In his Sphinx, Apocalypse is soon joined by Gambit, who is ready to take him up on his offer of salvation, and drinks some of his blood. (Second Story) Sunfire decides to free Gazer, only he is too late, and Gazer has been transformed into War. Sunfire is then recaptured, and the process of transforming him into Famine begins. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: The Blood of Apocalypse - Fun Facts: Gambit joins Apocalypse and agrees to become one of his Horsemen.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #184 - The Blood of Apocalypse, Part Three: War--What is it Good For?
Importance Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: May 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Story 1: Rogue retrieves Famine and discovers that it is the former X-Man Sunfire, while the other X-Men are concerned that with the Sentinels all down, The 198 are going to do something bad. The X-Men and The 198 argue, when suddenly, Apocalypse presents his newest Horseman - Death - but Rogue knows that it is really Gambit! Story 2: Gambit prepares to undergo his transformation into one of Apocalypse’s Horsemen, and wants to do it without painkillers. He warns Apocalypse that he is not doing this because he hates the X-Men, but because he loves them, and so he can this way keep an eye on Apocalypse. Apocalypse and Ozymandias jibe Gambit and inform him that once the transformation is complete, there will be nothing of the Gambit the X-Men knew left. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: The Blood of Apocalypse - Fun Facts: There are two stories in this comic that Gambit appears. The main storyline he has only a cameo appearance, but it is the first time we see him as Death. The second story is about his tranformation and why he agreed to become a Horesman. Title Logic: The title is lyrics from the famous song 'War' by Edwin Starr.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #185 - The Blood of Apocalypse, Part Four: Love and Death
Importance Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larroca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: June 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Havok, Iceman, Rogue, Mystique, Pulse and Bling contend with Apocalypse and Gambit who is now the new Death. Rogue reminds Gambit of their love for one another, but Apocalypse tells Death to ignore her. Havok and Apocalypse battle, resulting in the vat of Apocalypse’s blood - the antidote for Pestilence’s meta-plague - being shattered, and the cure all lost. War, formerly Gazer, attacks the White Queen to try and retrieve Sunfire a.k.a. Famine, but Sunfire comes to Emma’s aid, before passing out, and Emma informs Cyclops and Colossus that it is too early to tell how much of Sunfire still exists, adding that he may not survive. Apocalypse sets the sphinx’s control panel to take him somewhere else, so the X-Men make a quick exit, though Rogue thinks she should have stayed with Remy. Ozymandias also remains onboard the sphinx, despite Havok’s suggestion that he comes with them. Apocalypse and Death crash a United Nations meeting and reveal Apocalypse’s original plan to wipe out the human race with the meta-plague, before declaring that the new plan is for the humans to wipe ninety percent of themselves off the planet so ten percent will survive to compete with the remaining ten percent of mutants, and they have one week to comply, or else he will release the meta plague. Val Cooper takes Havok and Cyclops to New Mexico where she introduces them to two new kind of Sentinels which are badly needed to stop Apocalypse before the deadline is up, as there are already world leaders that want to accept his offer. Apocalypse meets with Pestilence, to make sure she knows who she is no longer and she is revealed to be…Polaris! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: The Blood of Apocalypse - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #186 - The Blood of Apocalypse, Part Five: The Battle of the East River
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: July 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Apocalypse orders Pestilence to go and spread her plague, while the New Avengers attack his Sphinx. Several of the X-Men - Havok, Rogue, Iceman, Cyclops, Mystique and her ally Pulse - arrive along with the two new Sentinels and engage in battle also. The heroes manage to pull the Sphinx down into the East River, and the X-Men make their way inside, battling Apocalypse, Death and War - until Ozymandias returns and kills War. At the Xavier Institute, Sunfire, somewhat stronger, learns of Apocalypse’s whereabouts, and leaves, arriving at the Sphinx when Pulse manages to use his powers to neutralize Apocalypse, and Sunfire attacks his one-time master, before leaving with Death. However, Apocalypse escapes into another part of the Sphinx, where he prepares to destroy the Sphinx and everyone in it. The X-Men try to stop him, but Apocalypse blasts himself out through a rift in space. In the aftermath, Wolverine finds Polaris, barely alive, until Havok breathes life into her, despite the risks to his own health. Sometime later, Rogue walks hand-in-hand with Pulse, wondering why Sunfire took Gambit, while the White Queen informs Havok that he saved Lorna’s life, and gives him something to drink to cure his cold - something that is most likely to be the Blood of Apocalypse. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: The Blood of Apocalypse - Fun Facts: Title Logic: The East River is a tidal strait in New York City in the United States. It connects Upper New York Bay on its south end to Long Island Sound on its north end. I am assuming the battle takes place along this river in the story arc.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #187 - The Blood of Apocalypse, Epilogue: The Future
Importance Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Salvador Larocca Writer(s): Peter Milligan Release Date: August 2006 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Sunfire convinces Gambit that they are a new breed, and that they must get Polaris, also a former Horseman, to join them. But Polaris is having problems of her own which the X-Men are trying to figure out. Although she cannot get over Gambit, Rogue cruelly flirts with Pulse, and Iceman thanks Havok for helping Polaris despite the risks to himself. After conducting more tests, the White Queen and Beast learn that whatever Apocalypse did to Polaris has resulted in some form of powers residing within her, though they are most likely not to be mutant abilities. Sunfire and Gambit make their presence known, demanding Polaris, so of course a battle breaks out. Rogue tries to help Gambit, but he makes it perfectly clear that he only wants her to die, and begins to bash her head in. Pulse comes to Rogue’s aid, but even still, Rogue is not able to seriously harm Gambit. Sunfire tries to get to Polaris, but Lorna has awoken now, and announces that she belongs to no one, and fights Sunfire off. Sunfire decides that this was a bad idea, and grabbing Gambit, they escape without anyone having a chance to stop them. Later, Valerie Cooper informs Havok that more Sentinel’s are on their way, while Polaris announces that she is leaving to find out why Apocalypse gave her these powers - and that she is going alone, leaving Havok and Iceman behind. Pulse assumes that Polaris is going to Egypt, and tries to make a move on Rogue now that Gambit is completely out of the picture, but Rogue makes it quite clear that she never wants to hear about romance ever again, and storms off. Sunfire and Gambit are soon approached by their future - Mr Sinister! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: The Blood of Apocalypse - Fun Facts: There is a technical error on the colorist's part and I guess overall the editor's error as well. The X-Men, thrown to the floor by an attack by Sunfire and Gambit, are Havok, Iceman, and Emma Frost. The colorist, instead of coloring the figure of Emma in as all white, colored her in all black, mistaking the character as Gambit in Death form. So essentially you have Gambit as Death in drag, high heals and all, saying things that are out of character.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #200 - Endangered Species - Blinded by the Light, Part 1 - Endangered Species: Chapter 1
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Humberto Ramos, Chris Bachalo Writer(s): Mike Carey Release Date: August 2007 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Scalphunter, Vertigo and Riptide kill a couple of people in New Orleans, while on what’s left of Providence Island, Cable picks up the pieces, until he is attacked by Gambit and Sunfire. They mention to him “one minute before dawn”, and he tries to find out what that means, but Gambit and Sunfire continue their attack, forcing Cable to blow up his vast array of knowledge - including himself. Rogue, Iceman, Mystique, Cannonball, Omega Sentinel and Lady Mastermind arrive at Mystique and Rogue’s old home in Mississippi to gather themselves for a while, during which time Iceman and Mystique get intimate, Karima accidentally becomes possessed by Malice, and Wolverine, Cyclops, the Beast and the White Queen arrive to examine Rogue, who, as the White Queen explains, is lost among the countless other minds she absorbed from the Hecatomb. It’s not long though, before the X-Men realize they have an intruder, which is quickly revealed to be several intruders - the Marauders! Lady Mastermind is revealed to be on side with them, and soon Karima’s possession is made general knowledge as the Marauders attack the X-Men. Rogue wakes and goes to help them - only to be shot by Mystique, who gives the Marauders orders to kill the X-Men! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Blinded By the Light, X-Men: Endangered Species and X-Men: Endangered Species Hardcover - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: A. Humberto Ramos Variant. B. David Finch Variant. C. 2nd Printing Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #202 - Endangered Species - Blinded by the Light, Part 3 - Endangered Species: Chapter 9
Importance Rating: 3.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Humberto Ramos Writer(s): Mike Carey Release Date: October 2007 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Iceman and Cannonball discuss the recent targets of the Marauders attacks - all people or objects with some pre-cognitive powers, or connection to the future. They then question Sunfire, and cryptically learn that all these attacks are not about killing the X-Men, but blinding them. Cannonball enters telepathic conversation with the White Queen, who along with Cyclops, Beast and Wolverine are still trapped under the rubble of Mystique’s mansion. They discuss the situation, and Emma tells them to go West. Meanwhile, at the X-Mansion, the Acolytes begin searching for Destiny’s Diaries after discovering their next target - Blindfold - is already dead. Random and Frenzy have a chat about right and wrong before discovering the Diaries. Shadowcat, Colossus and the Xavier Institute students engage the Acolytes in battle, and Exodus demands to know where the real Diaries are, as the ones Frenzy and Random found were blank, however Shadowcat doesn’t see them as blank. The Acolytes take their leave, while the New X-Men are relieved to learn that Blindfold is not dead, but in a deep stasis that she put herself in, for being pre-cognitive, she knew Exodus was coming to kill her. Meanwhile, at Sinister’s lab, the Marauders, Acolytes and traitorous X-Men gather. Gambit and Mystique discuss Rogue’s condition, before Mr Sinister accesses his own Cerebro to locate the X-Men! (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Blinded By the Light, X-Men: Endangered Species and X-Men: Endangered Species Hardcover - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #203 - Endangered Species - Blinded by the Light, Part 4 - Endangered Species: Chapter 13
Importance Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Humberto Ramos Writer(s): Mike Carey Release Date: November 2007 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Shadowcat works to save the life of Blindfold, while Colossus is en route to Mississippi to collect Cyclops, Wolverine, the White Queen and the Beast. At the same time, the White Queen draws Shadowcat into the Astral Plane to discuss the Destiny Diaries, confirming that the ones the Acolytes found were decoys, while the real ones are hidden in Michigan. Cannonball and Iceman arrive in Michigan at some run down old warehouse to collect the Diaries, but the Marauders are hot on their trail. The Marauders find Sunfire, and he joins Scalphunter’s squad, while Mystique, Gambit, Lady Mastermind and the Malice-possessed Omega Sentinel form another squad to find Iceman, Cannonball, and the Diaries. But Cannonball and Iceman know that the Mystique and the others are on to them and form a plan in which Iceman floods the area with ice, which soon begins to melt, causing the Diaries, encased in a protective container, to float to the surface. Iceman and Cannonball try to escape with the Diaries - but Mr. Sinister arrives and swiftly takes them out. Gambit and Scalphunter both attempt to kill Cannonball, but this backfires, although he is soon left in a near-mindless state by Sinister, though he manages to flee for safety. During the commotion, Iceman dives into the water and swims away. Mystique, despite Scalphunter’s objections, follows her one-time lover, eventually tracking him down, she gives him a warning to stay away from what is about to come, adding that of all the X-Men, who is the only one who gets the courtesy of a warning, and with that, a choice. Mystique fires some shots into the air to make it out like she has shot Iceman, before leaving him to escape with Cannonball in the Blackbird. Meanwhile, Shadowcat revives Blindfold, who cryptically reveals that the X-Men are still blind. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Blinded By the Light, X-Men: Endangered Species and X-Men: Endangered Species Hardcover - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #204 - Endangered Species - Blinded by the Light, Epilogue - Endangered Species: Chapter 16 & 17
Importance Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Mike Choi Writer(s): Mike Carey Release Date: December 2007 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The Beast and Iceman discuss Cannonball’s serious injuries, before the Beast visits his other patient, Blindfold, who cryptically informs him that things are going to get much worse. The White Queen interrupts Cyclops’s thoughts - again - a time when he, Cable, and Jean were together. Cyclops and the White Queen discuss Cable’s death, before they meet with the other remaining X-Men to discuss what to do about Mr. Sinister. Various plans are made, and after the meeting, Iceman asks Cyclops about what is going to happen to Rogue’s team. Cyclops points out that it is non-existent, and they argue about Rogue’s leadership and the events that took place involving her team. Later, Iceman visit’s the recovering Cannonball, and they discuss their battle with the Marauders, before the power goes out, and Blindfold utters yet another cryptic message. Meanwhile, at Sinister’s base, Mystique and Sinister argue about the best way to treat Rogue, among other things, while Gambit remains at Rogue’s side, talking to her, unaware that she is dreaming of him and some of their past situations. Rogue wakes briefly, but she is still clearly messed up. Mystique and Gambit exchange words, and Raven warns him that things are going according to plan, while Exodus asks Sinister if he was right to align himself and his Acolytes to Sinister’s cause, as the rebirth of the mutant race has not happened yet, while Sinister assures him that things will fall into place - and then the X-Men will not even know what it is they are fighting for. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Blinded By the Light, X-Men: Endangered Species and X-Men: Endangered Species Hardcover - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information:

X-Men, Vol. 1 #205 - Messiah Complex - Chapter Five
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Chris Bachalo Writer(s): Mike Carey Release Date: Main Storyline Series Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Angel and Nightcrawler confront Mr Sinister and his Marauders, the Acolytes, and the traitorous X-Men (Mystique, Gambit, Sunfire and Lady Mastermind), where an all-out battle follows with the psionic presence of the White Queen, in the hopes of retrieving the mutant baby and the incapacitated Rogue. Wolverine and Gambit have a little one-on-one in which Wolverine learns that Sinister and company do not have the baby - one of the X-Men does! However, Wolverine is soon seriously injured by the Malice-possessed Omega Sentinel and is teleported away by Nightcrawler who just received injuries from Scalphunter. In the meantime, the Xavier Institute Students fought Lady Deathstrike and her Reavers, and are soon aided by Rictor. Eventually, Pixie manages to teleport everyone to safety, during which the White Queen learns of their plight, and loses her astral projection with the active team, however, she also learns that the Purifiers do not have the baby either. Iceman goes to collect the students, while two of the Sentinel Squad - Slayton and Lex - inexplicably become merged with their Sentinels, and begin battling the X-Men who are still at the Xavier Institute. Elsewhere, the X-Man that has the mutant baby is revealed to be Cable, very much alive, while in the future, Multiple Man and Layla Miller discuss how to get inside the mutant concentration camp. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Messiah Complex - Fun Facts: This is the 5th chapter in the Messiah Complex crossover, it follows New X-Men (2nd series) #44 and is followed by Uncanny X-Men #493.
Variant Information: A. Standard Release Variant. B. 2nd Printing Variant.

X-Men, Vol. 1 #207 - Messiah Complex - Chapter Thirteen
Importance Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Chris Bachalo Writer(s): Mike Carey Release Date: March 2008 Marvel Digital: Yes Comic Summary: The battle on Muir Island continues to rage, with Predator X now on the loose. Cyclops sends Wolverine’s X-Force team against Predator X, while ordering the White Queen to send the students against the Marauders and Acolytes, as they are not as familiar with the students powers as they are with the X-Men and X-Factor’s. Cyclops and Professor X confront Cable, each giving his own views as to what should happen to the baby. While Wolverine and company take on Predator X, no one notices Bishop rise from where Predator X had left him for dead. Omega Sentinel, possessed by Malice, takes on Pixie, until Pixie stabs her with her soul dagger. The White Queen and Dust take down Exodus, while Wolverine destroys Predator X once and for all by climbing inside the creature’s mouth and ripping the creature up from the inside. Cable finally gives the baby to Cyclops, and the baby pulls out from under Cyclops’ uniform a locket with a photo of Cyclops and Jean Grey inside it. Cyclops recalls important times in his life. Meanwhile, Rogue wakes, and is furious to learn that Mystique used the baby to cure her, even though the baby survived. Rogue and Mystique debate their causes, before Rogue takes a bare hand to Mystique’s face, absorbing her - but not killing her. It’s only then that Rogue realizes she was indeed cured of all the minds inside her, she was herself - but now has Mystique inside her. Deciding she has to get away, Rogue departs, warning Gambit not to follow her. Finally, Cyclops gives the baby back to Cable, as he believes the baby should choose for itself its own destiny. Several of the others voice their concerns, but Cyclops has made his decision. Cable then begins to teleport away, which is when a mad Bishop opens fire, missing Cable and the baby, but shooting Xavier in the head. Cyclops blasts Bishop away with an optic beam, and the others, who have all regrouped after taking down the last of the Marauders, check on Xavier. It’s not long before the Beast announces that Xavier is dead. Cyclops then declares that there are no more X-Men, and suddenly, Xavier’s body mysteriously vanishes. In the future, Cable and the baby watch the sunrise, and Cable remarks ‘Now comes the hard part’. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: X-Men: Messiah Complex - Fun Facts: This is the 13th chapter in the Messiah Complex crossover, it follows New X-Men (2nd series) #46 and concludes the storyline.
Variant Information: A. Standard Release Variant.

X-Men Annual, Vol. 1 #1 - Shattershot - Part 1: The Slaves Of Destiny
Importance Rating: 6.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): P. Craig Russell Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza Release Date: 1992 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Mojo and his soldiers close in on Arize, the leader of the slave-uprising in the Mojoverse. However, before they can capture him, Arize escapes to Earth, arriving in the Hindu Kush. The X-Men detect his mutant signature using Cerebro and the Blue Team, led by Cyclops, heads to Afghanistan to investigate. They find him lying unconscious in the care of some Afghani rebels. While Psylocke uses her telepathy to ascertain his identity, a retrieval team from the Mojoverse arrives to take Arize back to Mojo, but the X-Men easily defeat this incompetent recovery squad. As they retreat back to the Mojoverse, the tracking team makes an offhand comment about Longshot that sufficiently intrigues Rogue and Wolverine. They try to follow them through the portal, but Cyclops stops them, insisting their mission is complete. Meanwhile, Mojo is so humiliated by his team’s embarrassing defeat on live television that he declares he can create his own race of slaves instead of retrieving Arize. Nearby, a mysterious onlooker plots Mojo’s demise. (Brief description courtesy of uncannyxmen.net) - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit also appears in several pinups in the back of the comic.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men Annual, Vol. 1 #2 - A Bluer Slice Of Heaven / Beast Foot
Importance Rating: 4.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Ian Churchill Writer(s): Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza Release Date: 1993 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Jean works to find where Kwannon ends and Betsy Baddock begins. The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attack. Kwannon reveals that she has contracted the Legacy Virus. - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men Annual, Vol. 1 #3 - Heart & Soul / A Moment Of Silence
Importance Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Gene Ha, Steve Yeowell Writer(s): Ian Edginton, Jim Krueger Release Date: 1994 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Shinobi Shaw sends Storm roses at the mansion, delivered by Angel. She is stuck by one of the thorns as she reads the card, Shinobi invites her to dinner. Twelve hours later Storm appears in the hall of the mansion with a whole new look, ready for dinner with Shaw. Even though the other warn her not to go, she leaves. Outside, Gambit appears on his Harley and Storm asks him for a ride to her date and he agrees. At dinner with Shaw he offers her a place in the Hellfire club. She stays the night in his home as a guest to give him an answer in the morning. In the night the process of taking her mind is interupt by Storm waking to a nightmare. Knowing she is in trouble Gambit, Bishop, and Professor arrive to rescue her. After battling the Hellfire the provail and Storm leaves with the other X-Men to go home. - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Gambit also appears in several pinups in the back of the comic.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men Annual, Vol. 1 #5 - One Day At the Mansion
Importance Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Anthony Castrillo, Roberto Flores Writer(s): Larry Hama Release Date: 1996 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: The X-teams enjoy a day of relaxation playing a game of baseball. In the middle of the game a Sentinal attacks. After attacking the Sentinal it falls into the power lines. It tells the X-men they are in danger and that it wanted to help, but the Setinal shuts down. They begin to argue about if the robot was alive or if it was just a malfunction. They decide to let it go and continue with their day. Everyone joins together and goes swimming and enjoys the day. - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

X-Men Annual, Vol. 1 #6 - Not a Cloud in the Sky
Importance Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Penciler(s): Steve Epting Writer(s): John Frances Moore Release Date: 1997 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Bobby and Joseph run for there lives through the streets of Salem Center. Finally making it to the car their only attackers are a mob of love crazy girls. After amusing them for a few moments they make it back to the mansion to find Gambit and Rogue cooking lunch and sharing intimate moments with one another once thought to be impossible. In the lab below Beast cures the Legacy virus. Joseph hears the news of the Pro-mutant Policy and the arrest of Bastion and the FOH. He then realizes that something is wrong with the reality around them. After telling everyone they are skeptical and ignore his warnings. Trying to find the truth he realizes that Jean is missing, not only from the group, but from history itself. He finally convinces them to search for jean, even though she is unknown to the X-men. They find her in a local supermarket, held by Gamesmaster. Gamesmaster makes Joseph an offer, Gambit's life for the perfect world he has created for the mutants. Joseph complies and beings to give Gambit a stroke by manipulating the iron in his blood. The deed works as a diversion so that he can free Jean and end the manipulations, bringing the world back to the way it was. - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: Title Logic: The issue title "Not a Cloud in the Sky" are lyrics from the Carpenters song "Top of the World".
Variant Information: None.

X-Men Annual, Vol. 1 #8 - Metal Works
Importance Rating: 2.5 out of 10
Penciler(s): Terry Kavanagh Writer(s): Alan Davis, Rick Leonardi Release Date: August 1999 Marvel Digital: No Comic Summary: Douglock activates the new Deathlok and the old Machine Man to help the X-Men wrest control of the SHIELD Helicarrier away from the Red Skull. - Trade Availability: None. - Fun Facts: None.
Variant Information: None.

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