Look, so much happens that I’m going to focus on highlights here. The X-Men was a hugely complex soap opera, but like most soaps, the daily ins-and-outs are fun and juicy but most don’t “matter” in the end. It’s a great comic and if you haven’t read it, you’re missing one of the best series of all time.
Before Marvel decided that diversity was a “thing” to use to court demographics, creators just made female characters organically. And in The Uncanny X-Men #129-130–just two short issues–Chris Claremont and John Byrne introduced three, count ’em THREE, strong female characters who would last forever.
First, there was the new, youngest X-Man, Kitty Pryde. In issue #129 we are introduced to her as a teen who is beginning to manifest her powers.
The Hellfire Club kidnaps her and Wolverine rescues her–thus beginning Wolverine’s long-running farther-like role in her life.
Second, the White Queen–Emma Frost!–who has now appeared in movies. Along with her, the rest of the Hellfire Club cast gets rounded out.
And finally, fan-favorite Alison Blaire–The Dazzler!
Storywise, in these issues the X-Men essentially restore status quo. Professor X has been traveling through space and the team has been in Scotland. Banshee shows a remarkably compassionate side towards Moira, whose mutant son died last issue.
And Cyclops offers Madrox membership…
…but he declines.
Then, all of the X-Men come home.
Even Professor X returns from outer space, so the whole gang can be back together.
Meanwhile, Jean Grey keeps changing into the Black Queen and hanging out with Mastermind. On her first mission, Kitty has to help rescue Storm, Wolverine and Colossus–who get captured by the Hellfire Club.
To her credit, Emma Frost doesn’t use the old cliche of keeping her prisoners in see-through tubes (see tag below). Instead, they’re in go-go cages.
Colossus is even in his underwear.
Of course, the rescue is successful–especially when the other X-Men arrive.
Kitty learns of a new power–to disrupt electronics by phasing through them.
And the X-Men beat the crap out of Hellfire Club’s faceless, human soldiers.
It hardly seems fair.
Meanwhile, Jean shakes off Mastermind’s hypnosis and fries White Queen…
Oh, and I can’t forget the most important part:
Wolverine reads porn.