Thoughts

This issue is most famous for Rogue joining the X-men, but even though that would normally be more than enough, its so much richer than that. It’s an issue that focuses the storytelling on the trauma and suffering of three characters, and in doing so sets up dramatic arcs that are going to be some of the most memorable moments of the Claremont Run.

What’s more, all three characters are women.

Claremont’s been building up women within the supporting cast of the comic for many, many issues now but the core of the team has remained numerically male-dominated. That’s pretty much changing at this point – Rogue joining Storm and Kitty on the team (while Cyclops already has one foot out the door) isn’t some tokenist appointment. It’s practically a mission statement as to what this comic is going to focus on.

In this issue, Rogue joins. Having pleaded with Xavier for help to assist the problems she’s having after absorbing the powers and memories of Carol Danvers. Illyana’s traumatic abuse at the hands of Belasco is revisited, introducing the idea that this story is not yet over. And Storm continues to evolve into a leader, while struggling with her own doubts and the failure of those around her to take her position seriously. All these lay down ideas and plots that the title will be exploring for years to come.

And that’s not even all of it. Cyclop’s new (ahem) flame Madelyne Prior gets her own moment as we learn she was involved in a plane crash on the same day Jean Grey died. And Carol Danvers returns to the mansion to discover Rogue there and make the decision that if they want her as a member, she’ll be off. A story arc opening and another closing. This is fantastic stuff.

Fun Panel

Walt Simonson comes on board for a guest penciller spot and knocks it out the park like… well like a Carol Danvers meeting Rogue in the Xavier Mansion.

None More Claremont