Thoughts

This unheralded, unmarketed run of UXM NM crossover issue ends here, with Kitty and the White Queen storyline being told here. I mentioned before these crossing storylines really do play merry hell with the reprints. The above is needed in the New Mutants Epic where I read this issue.

That aside, this is a fun issue and a great set-up for a little three issue story. One of the things I love about it is the “street level” (or should that be school level?”) it takes place in. The New Mutants learn that Kitty is in trouble and, in the absence of all the obvious super hero trappings of the Big Teams, they have to raid their piggy banks to get the money to get the bus to where Kitty is.

This helps make the New Mutants feel distinct as a team, but also gives Claremont the chance to write some nice moments for all the team members as they travel on the bus.

Fun Panel

Just what is it about the incredible sexy evil woman in a kinky lingerie outfit that means Claremont keeps bringing her back? Quite simply we’ll never know.

None More Claremont

Things are coming to a head for the controversial Kitty/Peter romance and I think one of the reasons I feel inclined to give Claremont the benefit of the doubt on it is his handling of it before and after the break-up. Having read Kitty’s mind, the White Queen is able to reveal that Kitty loves Doug.

This doesn’t feel like an Epic Love that comics tend to give the likes of Scott and Jean. It shows that Kitty, like any teenager, develops intense feelings pretty quickly.

And this puts her feelings for Colussus into perspective. It isn’t a Love For The Ages. It’s a Crush. That’s all.

It’s a nicely handled moment in the issue, coming as it does as we realise that Doug behaves like pretty much any straight or bisexual teenage boy and has a crush on Kitty. Which the White Queen (boo hiss) is manipulating.

It was a Product of its Time

Magnum *and* Garfield! Not sure I recognise the other two furry toys. Teddy Ruxpin maybe on the chair by the bed. Bottom right? No idea.