Thoughts

One thing about reading this in Omnibus format is that it sticks this issue after Annual 4. Now this is really the only place that the annual fits in terms of continuity but it does really lessen the impact of this issue being her debut.

It’s a fantastic start for Kitty Pryde/Ariel/Sprite. Once again Claremont brings his A-Game when it comes to downtime. It’s when the X-men relax after a Danger Room session, or when Kitty and Storm check out a dance studio that the characters seem to come alive. And more importantly, make you want to follow them all the more.

There also four more debuts (of sorts). Firstly the Angel returns to the team. He’s added to the faces on the front cover too, alongside Kitty, making it feel like its long-term. I’d forgotten he gets another stint in the team at this, which probably reflects on the fact that they didn’t really find much to do with him as a character.

Secondly Wolverine gets a new costume, a visually far more striking brown and yellow number. It works instantly and pretty much remains his look for the rest of the Claremont Run.

Thirdly, and rather fantastically, there’s the debut of Nightcrawler/Wolverine working as a duo. Their friendship is one of my favourite aspects of this run and its great to see it really start here. I mentioned in the previous blog that Nightcrawler hasn’t really come into his own so far in the title. But set against Wolverine he gets the chance to really define his character. (His internal monoligue in the face of Kitty’s unease around him is another great piece of character work from Claremont)

Fourthly there’s Heather Hudson, the wife of Alpha Flight’s James Hudson aka Vindicator. As a characgter she really comes into her own in Byrne’s Alpha Flight run – but its a neat little introduction. In just a few panels – we’ve got such a strong handle on the character.

Finally there’s Stevie Hunter. Kitty’s dance teacher. As with Heather, Claremont is building a strong stable of female supporting characters on the title. There’s instantly well-drawn, and already feels like this should probably be reflected on the actual team itself. Which is maybe why bringing Angel back didn’t work so well. It’s not the sort of characgter or direction Claremont wanted to take the title.

Fun Panel

You and your best friend should always aspire to Wolverine and Nightcrawler levels of cool.

Any Googling

The issue refeneces Hulk 180/181. Aka Wolverine’s debut. Aka some of the most expensive comics an X-fan might wish to buy.

It also surprisingly referenced Hulk 162, which I’d not really heard of. A quick search revealed was the first appearance of Wendigo and his rather grisly origin.

But also it mentions that half of Alpha Flight are off in Machine Man 19 having Steve Ditko drawn adventures. Marvel Unlimited suggests that this, in fact, is Machine Man 18. The cover of which features a surprisingly blond Northstar and Auroroa.

Mutant Mailbag Mayhem

“Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

You meant so much to me

Hast though heard my Song, Jean Grey?

I shed a tear for thee”