Thoughts

There’s a great sense of dread hanging over this issue – even as we mostly follow the main characters enjoying downtime. The X-men are back home, which means being back in the Danger Room. While Phoenix is on Muir Island, subtly scaring everyone with the scale of her powers.

Even Xavier half a universe away suddenly realises something might be up with Phoenix and that he needs to race home. We even get a hint that something dark is hidden in Magneto’s past.

Just a few issues back Brenda Robnett and her subsequent letter-writing allies were told that Phoenix had to be de-powered because a God didn’t fit on the team. If that was ever the reason, it’s been reversed now. Phoenix’s God-like potential is central to this issue, and Claremont brilliantly builds a sense of foreboding about it.

Alongside the creeping dread over what is happening to Phoenix, there’s also a literally creeping dread on Muir Island. And when it strikes suddenly the action is pumped up and we’re ready for next issue.

Fun Panel

A great little transition, hinting at the corruption to come.

None More Claremont

Moira McTaggart is back. Or, to give her her full name under Claremont Moira McTaggart-Highlander-Born-And-Bred.