The Uncanny X-men first appeared in X-Men #1 in 1963 by creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. In that very first issue Stan and Jack introduced the world to the original five X-men consisting of Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Angel and the Beast, which were lead by their teacher and mentor Professor Charles Xavier. The Xavier school for gifted youngsters would serve as a living quarters for the children and help further their academic development, below the school would provide the Danger Room to sharpen their fighting skills and improve their control over their mutant powers.

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The X-men were first opposed by Magneto, a powerful mutant whom had a history with Professor X. This original team would have many adventures and go on to fight an array of different villains and mutants throughout the years. Issue #66 would be the last new adventure as the book was cancelled and went into reprints for the next few years.

The X-Men would return in 1975 with Giant-Sized X-Men #1 with a cast of new international characters, Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Banshee, Thunderbird and Sunfire, lead by Cyclops to rescue the original team. Soon the X-men ongoing would return and writer Chris Claremont would take over the series and propel them into the industries most popular comic by the late 70s into the 80s. Claremont’s collaborators would include but not limited to talented artists Dave Cocurum, John Byrne, Paul Smith, John Romita Jr, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Lee in his nearly 17 year run on the book. The team would have continued success and popularity after Claremont’s departure well into the mid 90s with a plethora of spin off titles and mega crossover hits like 1995s Age of Apocalypse.

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In 2001 came a blockbuster deal that brought superstars creators Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly to revitalize the team with their New X-Men run. Their 3 year and change run wasn’t without controversy, but it was the shakeup that the franchise needed at the time. Throwing away the bright costumes, going into black leather and school uniforms was a big departure from previous runs. Morrison had heavy focus on the students of the school and the happenings of the campus itself.

Immediately after Morrison’s departure Marvel would launch a new flagship series called Astonishing X-men written by creator and director Joss Whedon and art by superstar penciler John Cassidy. This would return the team to traditional superhero uniforms and adventures. This book was the talk of the LCS and messages boards.

The years following this legendary run were up and down, not all good but definitely not all bad either. Somewhere along the way it seemed the X-men were almost forgotten. They took a back seat to the Avengers and were almost (unsuccessfully) replaced by the Inhumans. The books didn’t seem to matter and many fans didn’t care.

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2019 was the start of Jonathan Hickman’s Karkoa era. This was the first real hype and energy around the mutants in years. At first it was exciting and fresh, and don’t get me wrong there was a lot of fun stuff, but I think the cracks were there early on to see that this was not exactly an X-men story. Death was even more meaningless than it is in ordinary comics, too many titles to follow with some ending extremely fast. Hickman was not on the title to the end so we never got to see his ending to the story he created in the first place. The storyline went on too long after that with not much direction.

This was an extremely long set up to what I think is wrong with the X-Men today. I won’t apologize though, I love talking about the X-Men, good, bad or indifferent. Here are the problems I see with the X-Men today.

Problem: There are way too many X-Books and they all feel pretty disjointed from one another.

Yes, I know my beloved 90s era also had a ton of X-books, but this seems ridiculous. Books start and get cancelled only to come back with a slightly different title as a new mini series. There isn’t a common theme right now, not really. As I write this I believe I counted 17 ongoings and minis combined. Way too much. What is the flagship book ? Uncanny? X-men ? X-men United? We really can’t say.

My solution: Quality over quantity.

Pair down the amount of titles. Have one flagship book that the rest can take the lead from. Mini series are fine too as long as you have a strong to tell. Stories that take place in another era is okay, but way too many of them dilute the market. It’s like they are throwing every possible era out there to see what sticks. These should be special occasions not every week.

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Problem: What is today’s X-men’s Mission ?

Are they a team that swears to protect a world that fears and hates them? Finding and helping new mutant’s along the way? I’m not so sure. It seems they can’t ever get on the same page or they are too busy telling stories set in a more popular era. ( I just saw an Outback X-men mini announced.) In the X-Men title it seems they are now trying to avoid a horrible future. In Uncanny they are teaching a group of new mutants out of a Bed and Breakfast? Books that were cancelled in this From the ashes era like X-force, X-factor and NYX all had completely different missions from everything else.

My Solution: Get back to the Mansion. Protect a World That Fears and Hates.

Get back to one central place that teams can coexist and strategize. If there is the blue team, gold team and a young mutant team all interacting with each other it makes it feel like a more cohesive structure. Have characters from different teams interact with one another and they don’t necessarily have to see eye to eye on everything. Yes, it’s fine to have an X-book like how Exiles or X-static were, they kinda did their own thing, but the main titles would benefit to be more centralized and the school structure will really bring it back the the core of the original 1963 book.

Problem: Way too many Mutants

I feel like we are back at the levels of mutants in the marvel universe, maybe more so than before House of M. New characters debut and never really get developed by the time the next batch of characters debut. With so many characters coming and going and series changing in and out it’s all very confusing.

My solution: It’s time to cut down the amount of characters.

Get the teams down to manageable numbers and make your most interesting characters shine. When introducing new characters bring them along slowly, it’s hard to compete with Wolverine, Rogue, Gambit etc.. Forcing four new characters into the main spotlight too soon won’t do them any favors.

Problem: Magneto the Hero, Professor X absent.

Magneto has been on or with the X-men team for maybe the better part of 20 years now! He really is a shell of his former self.

If Professor X isn’t being portrayed as the bad guy he usually not around at all.

My solution: Bring back Magneto vs Professor X

Have an event or story that turns Magneto back into the villain we all know and love and in doing so bring Professor X back to his former self. Make Professor X the stern but caring father figure to the X-men that really is trying to help young mutants and create a better world for everyone. The two ideas that these characters have is timeless. Seeing this struggle between two former friends, each not willing to to compromise is great storytelling that keeps you coming back for more.

Problem: The Phoenix force is back for the 100th time

I am joking, but it sure feels like it. The original Phoenix saga and the Dark Phoenix saga are some of the best and beautifully told stories of all comics. That was over 40 plus’s years ago and the Phoenix force is still coming back for poor Jean Grey. I believe there even was a mini series called Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of Jean Grey in 2018 that Jean a the Phoenix force “broke up”.

My Solution: Send the Phoenix Force off into the Universe for Good.

At this point I don’t care if it’s an epic send off or done in passing off panel. The Phoenix force story has been beaten to death. I was done with it back in 2012 during the Avengers vs X-men event and it brings little interest to me making Jean the Phoenix once again. So, I say be done with it all together. Find something new.

Problem: No Blink or Morph

This one is a just me wanting Blink and Morph on a main X-men team. Those characters are great.

My Solution: Put them on a main team.

They should use these great characters because I like them haha. That’s my main defense.

Who do you want to see on the main roster? Do you agree, disagree, think this whole thing makes no sense? Please let me know ! The last article on Spider-Man saw a lot of different opinions which I think is great. These are all strictly my opinion of what I would like to see happen. I don’t know if it would work or not sales wise, but if anything it would hope it would generate some new interest. I fear once the X-Men make their debut into the MCU we will get an even more bland version of these characters in the comics and stories and characters will be changed just for the sake of the movies.

Well that’s it for this time. I feel like I wrote a lot but have so much more to say. I’m sure I’ve missed some points, but I hope you enjoy it!

Until next time, Keep it EPIC!

The X-Men were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

My love for comics would not have happened without the work from the great writers, artist, inkers, colorists and editors that the X-men have had throughout the years.

This article featured art from Jack Kirby, Dave Cockrum, Frank Quitely, John Byrne, John Cassidy, Salvador Larroca, Jim Calafiore, Stefano Caselli and Andy Kubert.

X-men, Magneto and all other characters mentioned are registered trademark of Marvel Characters Inc. and Copyright of Marvel Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Peter Parker The Amazing Spider-Man has been a fan favorite ever since he debuted in Amazing Fantasy # 15 way back in 1962. He would later get his very own self titled ongoing comic in 1963. Many know his origin story of how he got his powers, why he is a superhero, and his Uncle Ben’s famous words of wisdom “With great power must also come great responsibility.”

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Spider-Man has had great success in the comic publishing realm, as he has stared in, not only Amazing Spider-Man, but a long list of other titles as well. Spectacular Spider-Man, Sensational Spider-Man, Web of Spider-Man, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Marvel Team-Up just to name a few. Spider-Man was also the star of many mini series throughout the years, having key roles in major line wide event titles such as Secret Wars and Civil War.

Spider-Man wasn’t limited to just the panels of the comic book, he stared in cartoons, movies and video games, he had whole action figure lines dedicated to him and countless other pieces of merchandise based on him.

So why do I think something is wrong with him now? It seems that this character could have continued success for generations to come. Yet when I and some of my colleagues read ASM we can’t help but feel bored, underwhelmed and to be honest annoyed. In all sincerity, since before the infamous One More Day storyline in 2007 and the disastrous Brand New Day retcon in 2008 can you point to anything of note that’s been great about Spider-Man comics?

Here is what I think the problems are with the current character’s situation and what I would propose to fix it.

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Problem: Spider-Man hasn’t been allowed to grow up.

Yes, there have been instances in which Spider-Man did progress in age and maturity. All the way back in ASM # 28 (1968) he graduated high school and ASM #185 (1978) he graduated college. He did get married to Mary Jane in ASM Annual # 21 (1987).

In 1995’s Spectacular Spider-Man #220 Mary Jane announces her pregnancy during another infamous era of Spider-Man, the Clone Saga. During this time Peter would end up losing his powers, move away from NYC and start his life free of the responsibility of Spider-Man. This was all done to make way for a new Spider-Man, Ben Reilly. Ben was the clone of the original Peter Parker, free of marriage or any steady relationship for that matter. Not bogged down with all of the years of continuity baggage, Ben was a fresh new face an a brand new direction of the character. Unfortunately, not many fans at the time liked it. After about a year (real time) Ben would end up “dying” and Peter would once again become the one true Spider-Man. Peter would not go back the webs unscathed, Mary Jane would lose the baby and her marriage with Peter became estranged.

It wasn’t until 2001 when writer J. Michael Straczynski and Artist John Romita Jr. took over Amazing Spider-Man when Peter started to move forward again. He started a new job as a teacher at his old high school. He was introduced to new and exciting characters Morlun and Ezekiel, a whole new mystery surrounding his origin was introduced, he reconciled with Mary Jane and his secret identity was revealed to Aunt May.

To me this was the best the book and the character had been in years. Good things seem to never last. A whole bunch of missteps would follow with storylines Sins Past and The Other, then Peter would willingly reveal his secret identify to the whole world in Civil War, only to switch sides from pro to anti superhero registration.

That act was the final straw that lead to the events of One More Day/Brand New Day. To save Aunt May’s life, Peter essentially makes a deal with the devil (Mephisto) to exchange May’s life with his and MJ’s love for one another. This retconned almost everything prior to this except for him graduating high school and maybe college? And a few other storylines and details in between.

After One More Day and into Brand New Day and beyond Peter was the perpetual college student, down on his luck, with no money, a completely secret identity, and a bachelor with a rocky love life. Stuck in this cycle over and over again.

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My Solution: Let him grow up!

It doesn’t have to happen overnight, but he should make progress moving forward. Let him get married to MJ or whoever is right for him. Let him become a Dad and have more of a stable family life. Let him be a teacher and a mentor to the younger generation. I look at how Tomasi and Gleason’s Superman run was. Clark and Lois raising Jon. Those were some great stories. No reason why that can’t work for Peter. The 2024 Ultimate Spider-Man had some great moments with that. It can be done! If you are afraid of not having a young Spider-Man, Ben or Miles can fill that role. Which brings me to my next problem.

Problem: Spider-Man is not unique

There are way too many Spider people in the marvel universe.

My Solution: The spider verse has got to go.

Spider-Verse stories were told and now it’s time to put them to bed. Yes, I know I love the Scarlet Spider, Spider-Man 2099 and May Day Parker.. but we need to get rid of some of these characters like Spider-Boy that are just there to keep the name. Pair it down to 3 or 4 max spider people other than Peter.

Problem: Peter’s and MJs relationship

These two go back in forth more times than any one cares to count at this point. The unstable relationship and that whole thing with “Paul” has got to come to an end.

My solution: Shit or get off the pot

Either make them get together for good or make them finally end it for good. Either way it’s time for a decision. I’m actually leaning towards them being apart, the way she has treated Peter the last 15 years or so, I’d say move on from her.

Problem: Norman Osborn is Peter’s Friend

In recent years Norman has been on the side of angels. After an encounter with the Sin Eater, Norman had been free of his evil and had not become the Green Goblin.

My Solution: Make Norman Osborn (The Green Goblin) Spider-Man’s Number One Villain Again.

It’s time to stop playing friends and being nice to each other. It’s time to bring the hatred, violence and passion back into this rivalry. As there has been too many failed attempts to bring another villain in as Spider-Man’s top foe, no one can compare to The Goblin. It’s the dynamic that’s been missing for years, an extremely personal enemy.

Problem: Movie Synergy

Time and time again I see this with not only Spider-Man but most of the characters in the MCU. I understand the company feeling like they need to be in sync with the movies, but has a movie really ever brought in a ton of new readers? Let’s face it, the MCU versions of these characters are not the best ones.

My Solution: Stop doing this with the main comic.

You can always put out a comic that is in the MCU continuity and not affect the main universe characters. Sometimes it feels like an unnatural shoehorned plot or insert of a character that makes zero sense to the story they were already telling before the movie was announced or came out.

That’s just my opinion on what I see and what I would do to fix Spider-Man. What would you do? Agree? Disagree? Think I’m crazy? Let me know.

It’s been a long time since I’ve written one of these and I hope I can do more and get back to a regular schedule real soon!

Until next time keep it EPIC!

Spider-Man was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

This article featured art from Steve Ditko, J. Scott Campbell, John Romita Jr, Pat Olliffe and Ron Frenz.

Spider-Man, Green Goblin and all Marvel Characters mentioned are registered Trademark of Marvel Characters Inc. and Copyright of Marvel Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Age of Apocalypse is an X-Men crossover event that ran from February 1995 to June 1995 throughout various newly named X-Men titles. The regular ongoing titles were put on hiatus to make way for A new world! A world in which Xavier was killed before he could form the X-Men, Magneto is a hero and leads the team, as Apocalypse rules over it all!

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Alpha

X-Men Alpha # 1 is our first real look into the world of AOA. This issue does a great job of setting up this new universe, introducing the reader to the new characters and the new roles of the existing characters. It sets up the overall plot that will run through the whole crossover and informs the audience of the stakes.

This issue first focuses on an amnesic Bishop, whom is crawling over piles of dead human bodies. The bodies are as far as the eye can see, filling the crumbling, decrepit city. A hysterical young girl runs right into Bishop, shocked and panicking the young girl tries to plea with him.

Here we are first introduced to Apocalypse’s forces. A group of soldiers lead by Unus the Untouchable. Unus in any universe is kind of lame. I am pretty sure he has been on Wizard’s Mort of the month with a mort-o-meter of at least 7. Anyway, no matter how lame he is this is where we get our first look of the Age of Apocalypse X-Men in action!

Unus and his forces try to take Bishop down, but soon realize that Bishop can absorb Unus’ power energy. They come to the conclusion that Bishop must be a mutant too. They take Bishop down and are just about to deliver the killing blow when the X-men interfere and stop them.

We see different versions of familiar characters, Sabertooth, Wild Child, Blink, Morph, Rouge, Magneto, Storm, Quicksilver, Iceman and Nightcrawler. All part of the main X-Men team.

The fight is quick and brutal. These X-Men may be familiar, but they are much darker and deadlier than what we are used to. Ice Man ends up killing Unus before Unus can shoot the X-Men’s leader Magneto.

After the fight is over Bishop’s face is revealed to the rest of the team and it seems Magneto recognizes him. Bishop seeing Magneto triggers his own memories and Bishop incoherently confronts him. Magneto puts Bishop to sleep and they decide to bring him back to their headquarters.

Meanwhile, we turn our attention to the cast of Factor X, which includes Kurt Russell… just kidding but, doesn’t Cyclops kinda look like him here ? Anyway, it includes Dark Beast, Cyclops, Havok, and Sinister. Quickly we see that the heroes in our world are much darker and in some respects evil. Dark Beast is a twisted individual that gets his rocks off by experimenting with the DNA of live mutants and humans alike. Havok is a jealous and angry little brother to Cyclops, never getting out of his big brother’s shadow. Cyclops is a little darker as well, but still the overachiever and teacher’s pet. And then we have Sinister.. still he has his hands in more than one pot, scheming and undermining his lord Apocalypse. This team is highly dysfunctional, which makes it’s very interesting.

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In a brief encounter, Gambit visits Angel to ask how to get ahold of Magneto. Both Gambit and Angel are clearly not X-men in this world and both have a shady past. It’s interesting to see that Angel is the owner of a club that welcomes both humans and mutants, but has to have some sort of deal with Apocalypse since we see his Sentinels leave the establishment alone. There is an uneasiness between the two, but Angel does give Gambit the information.

We turn our attention to Apocalypse and his horsemen. Sinister, Abyss, and Holocaust (Apocalypse’s son) gather to go over plans, while notably absent is Mikhail the fourth horsemen. As the cabal discuss their plot to betray the humans’ Kelly pact Treaty, Sinister is distracted. Thinking about the information he gave Weapon X and Jean Grey, clearly undermining Apocalypses’ will.

Speaking of Weapon X and Jean Grey, they are two lovers on a mission in London.

When I saw this for the first time back in 1995, it was crazy to me. As 10 year old kid, the comics and cartoon did a great job of explaining the history of these two. She was deeply involved with Cyclops, and they even had gotten married in 1994, but there was always an attraction between them. Maybe for the older fans this was a moment they finally got to see Logan get the girl or maybe some fans hated it.

Logan and Jean deliver the data rods to the human council and have uneasy feelings of working with Sinister. They know it’s crazy, but they also know Sister has much to lose if Apocalypse gets his way.

Back a the X-Mansion Magneto needs Rogue to look into Bishop’s mind to see a world that never was. They talk about how bad this world is and how they hope that they can bring a better life to their young son.

When Rogue touches Bishop to absorb his memories, there is a counterforce strike that shocks the X-Men. The feedback reveals a world that the readers are familiar with. A history of the X-Men through images of past events in the comics we all knew and loved.

This is when Gambit finally makes his presence known by pushing his former lover, Rogue out of harms way.

After all the commotion is settled, Magneto knows deep down that the world Bishop showed him is the correct one. He sets a plan into motion. He tell Nightcrawler he needs to speak with Mystique, Nightcrawler’s mother. He also has plans for Gambit even though they have a very estranged relationship.

By the very end of this issue, Apocalypse knows Sinister has turned on him and Magneto knows he has to fight for a world that’s not his. The final page reveals crystals in space headed towards Earth much like it did at the end of the Legion Quest Storyline.

Wow! What a great first official issue to this mega crossover! I still love it after all these years and over a ton of rereads! I really hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did writing it and rereading this issue. I hope to be back sooner this next time with part two of my AOA retrospective. But until then, Keep it Epic!

X-Men Alpha was Written by Scott Lobdell and Mark Waid, Art by Roger Cruz with Steve Epting, Inks by Tim Townsend with Dan Panosian, Letters by Starkings with the Comics craftsmen, colors by Steve Buccellato with the Electric Crayons and Edited by Bob Harris. Editor and Chief Tom DeFalco.

The X-Men were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

X-Men is a registered trademark of Marvel Characters Inc. and X-Men is a copyright of Marvel Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Legion Quest is a multi part storyline that is the prelude to the X-Men’s Age Of Apocalypse Epic. Starting in December 1994 through February 1995, It stares David Haller AKA Legion, the estranged son of Professor X in a time travel journey to set things right…

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It Begins Here…

X-Factor # 109 begins with Legion waking from a months long coma to discover the X-factor team along with an aggressive and emotional Mystique in his room. Mystique lashes out at Legion, believing that he has killed her friend Destiny, a mutant with the ability to see possible futures. X-Factor tries to restrain her, knowing Legion is unwell, she escapes and the chase is on.

Meanwhile Gabrielle Haller, Legion’s mother consoles him and she is happy that he refers to her as “Mother”. They have a bit of a strained relationship, going back for some time now. Destiny comes to Legion in a vision an he apologies for killing her and vows to make things right. It is here that he gets the idea that would kick off the chain of events leading to the Age Of Apocalypse timeline.

Most of the rest of the issue is X-Factor chasing down Mystique. She confront several members of the team and a bit of a back in forth with Forge, whom she had a relationship with.

Legion catches up with all of them with a message from Destiny that he delivers to Mystique.

“Times not shared, hearts not loved, and destinies not written.”

Legion then teleports X-Factor somewhere else and leaves Mystique alone and confused. He flies off saying “Gonna fix everything… “ … Gonna make it better.”

A Wrathful One

The X-Men Storm, Jean Grey, Psylocke, Iceman and Bishop arrive in Israel at the request of Gabrielle Haller to track down her son Legion in Uncanny X-men # 320. In this the first official part to the Legion Quest crossover, the X-Men discover Legion has used his awesome powers to manifest a Dome of pure energy.

I have said it a million times, but I just love this era of Marvel and specifically the X-men. The look of the books, the paper they used, all the great ads, and most importantly the stories that they told. This story just has the feel of a Summer big blockbuster movie.

The team lead by Storm fund Legion and face insurmountable odds, as it seems Legion is just playing with them in this fight. It seems that Jean is the only one that can get the upper hand on Legion, but ever so slightly.

As the X-Men enter the energy Dome, Legion destroys the Black Bird Jet, leaving the X-Men speechless.

Legion creates a wormhole through time, taking himself, Storm, Bishop, Iceman, and Psylocke with him on this journey, but leaving Jean behind. Jean reaches out with her mind to communicate with the other X-Men, but it is too late. With her last amount of energy, she reaches Professor X as she collapses.

The issue closes out light years away in the Shi’ar empire. Jahf, the guardian of the M’kraan crystal has come to warn Lilandra of the impending doom of all that is…

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Killing Time

X-men # 40 part two of the Legion Quest crossover starts in the past with a young Charles Xavier and Magnus doing work in a hospital. Both characters not having revealed to each other their special gifts that make them mutants just yet. Legion, seemingly having amnesia is a patient at the hospital going by the alias John Doe. He asks Magnus if there is any clue to finding out who he actually is.

Meanwhile back in the present day, the X-men search for Storm’s team that seemly disappeared through a wormhole in Israel. Here is some beautiful 1995 Andy Kubert art, I just love his style and these uniforms.

Professor X uses his psychic rapport with Jean to track her down in the middle of the desert. Once they find Jean she is in shock from the battle with Legion. Once she comes to, she screams the name Legion. She explains that Legion took the other X-Men somewhere, but she doesn’t know where.

Back in the past, the lost X-Men are revealed to be together, but suffer from amnesia too. They are just discovering their powers and that they all have an “X” on their uniforms. They try to put the pieces together for it to make sense.

Back at the hospital, Magnus has an encounter with Legion that shows Magnus images and nightmares of his past. Magnus is outraged and lashes out at Legion, leaving Legion wondering about his own life. Magnus runs to get Prof X and they both witness Legions meltdown.

In the present Lilandra warns the X-Men that everything that is in existence is in danger. Professor X asks how she could possibly know this just as the Watchers of the universe are revealed to him.

Legion’s Rage

Part 3 of the Legion Quest crossover in Uncanny X-Men # 321 starts in the past with a good old fashion bar room brawl. With Charles and Eric standing up for a wounded vet. This event shows the growing camaraderie between the two characters. At one point Charles says “Any dream worth having is a dream worth fighting for.” It’s a nice moment for the two and shows the audience that they really are friends.

Back in the present Cable joins the X-Men and they devise a plan to have Professor X trigger Cable’s latent mutant ability to time travel. This is in hopes of traveling back to where Legion and the lost X-Men are and bring them back to the present.

Back in the past Charles and Eric have a heart to heart about Charles’ love Gabrielle. Legion posing as Charles startles Gabrielle, as he speaks of how great Charles would be without anyone standing in his way.

We cut to a scene that is nearby Gabrielle and Legion’s discussion, of the lost X-Men working on a dock. Cable comes through time in an alarming manner. It looks like his time traveling abilities worked, in a psychic blast he shocks the four lost X-Men to remember who they are and then fades away back to the present.

Erik and Charles rush to a fallen Gabrielle, only to discover an outraged Legion. The whole crossover has been building to this moment, the final confrontation between these three characters.

The Great Unknown

Cable # 20 is a sort of side story of how Cable got to the past to reach the lost X-Men and also progress the story of what happens when he gets back to the present. Reading this issue spoils the ending of the final part of the Legion Quest crossover, but both this issue and X-Men # 41 have important details leading to The Age of Apocalypse.

This issue starts off with Cable back from reaching the lost X-men. He tells the rest of the team that he found them 20 years ago in Israel, and that he made contact with Bishop. Tensions are running high as many X-men fell helpless of the impending doom.

This issue sees a lot of great character moments, between Cable and Domino, Gambit and Rogue, Archangel and Beast and the whole family aspect of Cyclops, Jean, and Professor X. They all contemplate if they made the most of their time here, and if they make a difference in the world.

Cable and Domino finally have a heart to heart revealing to each other their true feelings and the scene ends in a big passionate kiss. This was something brewing for a long time and I think fans really were rooting for these two.

All the X-men gather together in one last moment before the crystal of the M’kraan encapsulates their world.

Dreams End

This is it! X-Men # 40, the final part to the Legion Quest storyline that will kickstart the Age Of Apocalypse! In this issue, we start off with Legion’s assault on Magneto, 20 years ago in Israel. The lost X-Men trapped in the past look on trying to understand the ramifications of Legion’s actions.

Professor X makes his way back to the battlefield, after he gets a psychic call from Psylocke. He recognizes Storm, saying she was a little girl only a few weeks ago that tried to steal his wallet.

It’s a fun little scene, as Charles really tries to figure things out.

There are some great character moments back in the present between Charles and Lilandra, Rogue and Gambit, And Cyclops and Jean.

A one page teaser of Apocalypse who awakened 20 years earlier in this new timeline. Putting this universe on the path to The Age Of Apocalypse!

In the past the battle between Legion and Magneto rages on. Legion goes to deliver the killing blow on Magneto, but it’s Professor X that takes the strike instead. This sends their world into chaos.

Finally, back to the present the X-men helplessly watch on as the Crystal takes over their world. The End?

I know, this was a long one! It took me forever to finish it too! But now we got through this prelude to the Age Of Apocalypse, the real fun will begin! I hope to get the next installment of AOA up soon and keep going into the rest of the summer. I do have a lot more ideas for posts and if there is anything you want me to cover please shoot me a message and I will give it a shot ! That’s it for this time, until then Keep It EPIC!

Legion Quest was written by Scott Lobdell, Mark Waid, Fabian Nicieza, John Francis Moore, Todd Dezago and Jeph Loeb. Art by Roger Cruz, Ron Garney , Andy Kubert, Jan Duursema and Ian Churchill. Inks by Tim Townsend, Matt Ryan, Al Milgrom, Bud Larsosa and others.

The X-Men were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Welcome to the very first edition of Paperback Flashback! This will be a series that we will look back at classic stories collected into trade paperback form. For this first installment I have two classic stories that are on sale this week. Marvel Premiere Collection which collects Civil War 1-7 and DC Compact Comics which collects DC: The New Frontier 1-6. Both stories are vastly different in tone and style, but both feature an ensemble cast, written and drawn by top creators in the early 2000s.

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DC: The New Frontier

Written and Drawn by Darwyn Cooke with Colorist Dave Stewart.

Price: $9.99

Page count: 416

The New Frontier takes place right after World War II in the DC Comics’ Silver age. This out of continuity tale is set right before the Justice League of America officially forms. When the world was full of hope and promise, but also in a time of uncertainty. This story touches all of the cornerstones of the DCU at that time in history.

Starting out with the long forgotten team named The Losers in an adventure on Dinosaur Island, the team comes across lost soldier Colonel Flagg. The meeting between them introduces paranoia about the Cold War and the threat simply named “The Source.”

Washington has declared war on the masked men that helped win WWII, without a war to fight and to root out communism the heroes were deemed UnAmerican and dangerous. They were forced into retirement or worse. This story introduces the new heroes that will lead America into the new frontier! Heroes like Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, Martian Manhunter and Aquaman.

This story is full of great moments in a silver age style with beautiful art and colors. For 10 bucks this is a lot of great story for a little cost. A must bye for any comic book fan.

Highly Recommended.

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Civil War

Written by Mark Millar, drawn by Steve McNiven, inked by Dexter Vines, Mark Morales, John Dell and Tim Townsend, colored by Morry Hollowell.

Price: $14.99

Page count: 264

Whose Side Are You On?

That was the question being asked during this mega event back in 2006. After a tragic accident caused by inexperienced superheroes, The New Warriors, the US government has issued the Superhero registration act. When the act becomes law the Marvel Universe is spilt in half with pro registration side lead by Iron Man and the Anti-Registration side lead by Captain America.

These two titans of the Avengers lead an all out war against each other, with both sides standing for compelling arguments. Caps side goes underground and into hiding, hero’s switch sides, lives are lost, lines are crossed, and questionable decisions are made.

This story is a big blockbuster movie that has twist and turns at every page.

Another comic I highly recommend. I understand why this storyline is sometimes harshly criticized, but in my opinion Mark Millar and Steve McNiven deliver a great story that had ramifications for the whole Marvel Universe for years and years.

Well that is for this time. Do you like articles like this or more of the deep dives? Please let me know either way. Do you like these stories or are these just not your thing? I’d love to know.

Until next time, Keep it Epic

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Fantastic Four (vol. 1) #1 - 102, Annual #1- 6 (1961-1970)

When Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created Fantastic Four # 1 back in 1961 they set off the Big Bang that launched the whole Marvel Comics Universe. In that first issue Lee and Kirby would introduce the world to Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Girl, The Human Torch and the Ever-Loving Blue- Eyed Thing. The issue starts at the very beginning of the FF’s career in which we see Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), a brilliant scientist recruits his college buddy and pilot, Benjamin J Grimm (The Thing), Love interest Susan Storm (Invisible Girl) and her Younger Brother Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) on an exploratory trip to outer space. At first it’s seems like the mission was a complete failure, but during that trip the team is exposed to cosmic rays granting each one unique powers and abilities and thus, The Fantastic Four was born!

The Fantastic Four wasn’t just a team they were Marvel’s First Family. The team has had different members and configurations, but it always comes back to the original four, which has lived on for more than 60 years.

Stan and Jack introduced Marvel readers to a slew of characters, some of whom are the most popular comics characters to this very day.

In the 102 issue run Lee and Kirby created Dr. Doom, The Mole Man, The Skrulls, The Puppet Master, Alicia Masters, The Impossible Man, Black Panther, The Red Ghost, Uatu The Watcher, The Mad Thinker and his Awesome Android, The Super-Skrull, Rama- Tut, The Molecule Man, Diablo, The Inhumans, The Frightful Four, Galactus, The Silver Surfer and many more.

They also introduced concepts, devices and places like The Negative Zone, The Baxter Building, The Fantasticar, Unstable molecules, Monster Isle, The Ultimate Nullifier, Wakanda, Latveria, Attilan, the list goes on and on.

Of all the famous stories Lee and Kirby collaborated on, none of which are more famous than The Coming of Galactus Trilogy. A truly timeless piece of comic book history.

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John Byrne

Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) # 232-294, Annual 17-19 (1981-1986)

Hot off his legendary Uncanny X-Men run with Chris Claremont, John Byrne took over Writing and Artist duties for the title the started it all. With his first issue, Fantastic Four # 232 aptly titled Back to Basics, Byrne focuses on the family aspects which made this book so great in the first place. Centered around the big personalities of each member, the team would go on some of its wildest adventures and face off against the deadest villains.

Byrne would set up the FF against Galactus, Dr. Doom, Diablo, The Puppet Master, Ego the Living Planet and many more villains. They traveled to the far reaches of the galaxy and back, the stories were big, but the characterizations made it personal.

In issues # 241-244 Galactus comes to earth in perusing his former herald Terrax. Terrax has a plan to use earth’s heroes to help defeat Galactus and free himself from his grip. Galactus ends up consuming Terrax, but the energy isn’t enough to sustain him. He is weak but, still powerful enough to destroy the World, the FF have to fight to save Manhattan and Earth from becoming devoured. With the help of many guest stars the Fantastic Four do the unthinkable, and defeat Galactus. Galactus falls…

Galactus lies dying, and are heroes are left with a dilemma let Galctus parish or save him, and hope he doesn’t destroy the world.

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Walt Simonson w/ Art Adams

Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) # 334-350, 352-354 Annual 23 (1989-1991)

A short but memorable run Walt Simonson’s fun and energetic style splashed the Fantastic Four across the time stream. With tales of being lost in the far dystopian future, the FF are still joined by guest starts like Thor, Iron Man, Death’s Head and Gladiator. The team goes up against villains like the council of Kangs, the Celestials and The Time Variance Authority (TVA). Saving the future and freeing themselves from the TVA, the FF return to home but things aren’t quite the same.

In the most polarizing issues of this run #347-349, Walt is joined by superstar artist Art Adams for the NEW Fantastic four storyline. The FF are missing and Spider-Man, Wolverine, Ghost Rider and Joe Fixit Hulk form a new team to replace them. They battle the Mole Man and his monsters reviling that the Original team was replaced by Skrulls.

This run isn’t complete without a classic throw down with the one and only Dr. Doom. Mr. Fantastic and Doom literally fight in time in-between the seconds of each minute. Walt’s run ends with Ben scarfing himself in becoming The Thing once again and defeating Doom in a classic Lee/Kirby manor.

Tom DeFalco and Paul Ryan w/ Carlos Pacheco

Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #356-416 Annual 25-26 (1991-1996)

You might think I’m crazy for adding this run to my list, but it IS the ultimate 90s run for those of us who love 90s comics. It’s the run that ends the 1st volume of Fantastic Four and they go out in an insane 90s fashion.

DeFalco and Ryan put the FF through some crazy changes and unbelievable challenges from the very beginning. With the first few issue of the Run they revealed that Human Torch was not really married to the Things long term girlfriend Alicia Master, but really a shape changing Skrull that had took her place! Lyja was the name of the female Skrull that was tasked to infiltrate the FF and take them down from within. It would be later revealed that she was carrying Human Torch’s baby, well that actually turned out to be a bomb. The craziness would continue, even having Lyja and Human Torch actually fall in love with each other.

DeFalco and Ryan would navigate complicated tie in issues to the Infinity War crossover, they would disfigure the Thing’s face, change all the uniforms especially a risqué version of the Invisible Woman’s costume, they would kill Mr. Fantastic and Dr. Doom, add Scott Lang Ant Man to the team, send a young Franklyn Richards into the future with him to return as a powerful teenager, and much more wild changes to the team.

By the end of the run the core four team members were back together in full force. The team would sacrifice themselves to defeat Onslaught, seemingly sending them all to their death and closing out the 416 issues of the Volume 1 series.

Mark Waid & Mike Weiringo w/ Karl Kesel

Fantastic Four (Vol. 3) # 60-70, #500-524 (2002-2005)

Waid and Weiringo’s imagnuats era of The FF was a fun, energetic, emotional and character driven experience that the team needed at the time. They had a nice balance of humor, drama and action throughout the whole series.

Waid’s story along with Weiringo’s art really makes you care about these beloved characters and the story is full of heart. It makes you feel like this is exactly what a family should be. It’s not them happy and them always getting along the whole time. It’s about them struggling, coming apart, suffering loss and still coming back together, stronger than ever.

In the “Unthinkable” storyline the Fantastic Four go up against their arch enemy Dr. Doom. This time it isn’t Doom with an elaborate scheme with cutting edge technology to defeat the FF. No, this time he fights the FF, and more specifically Mr. Fantastic with his greatness weakness, sorcery and magic. Doom tares the team apart, kidnaps Valeria and sends Franklin to hell. The FF eventually defeat Doom, but it is a great cost as all the members suffer from the encounter.

Waid and Weringo take the Fantastic Four to the depths of Hell all the way to the heights Heaven and the team comes out stronger and more resilient than ever.

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Johnathan Hickman & Dale Eaglesham, Neil Edwards, Steve Epting, Nick Dragotta, Barry Kitson.

Fantastic Four (Vol.3) #570-588, FF (Vol.1). # 1-23. Fantastic Four (Vol. 3) #600-611 (2009- 2012)

Hickman’s run on the FF actually begins with Fantastic Four Dark Reign which introduces The Councils of Reeds which is a key element in the main series. Once his official Fantastic Four ongoing duties start with issue # 570 it’s a Reed centric story titled “Solve Everything” calling back to more recent pervious runs of the title. Hickman balances a lot of characters, and I mean a lot in this run. He does a great job giving the main characters their moments and the book doesn’t feel too overcrowded.

The run is on a huge epic scale, but the quiet personal moments are still there in the series. Moments like when The Thing can turn back into human form, he can be Ben for one week a year but cannot choose when. The random transformation happens at the worst time, Thing becomes Ben a few days before an invasion from the negative zone. Ben and Johnny are trying to hold back the Annihilation wave from coming through from the Negative Zone portal, Johnny locks Ben outside the portal wall to save him and the future foundation kids. In a dramatic fashion as the Annihilation wave comes for the Human Torch, Ben transforms back into the Thing, but leaving him helpless from saving The Torch . It’s one epic and heroic sacrifice and a heartbreaking scene.

Hickman would end the series and relaunch a new title simply named FF. Which could stand for Fantastic Four or Future Foundation. Spider-Man would take the place as the fourth member of the team, as those were the wishes of the late Human Torch. The team would get new uniforms too, these ones would be white and black primarily. Made out of third generation unstable molecules they could change color and markings, as well as being able to access the Omega Drive. Sometimes titles ending, relaunching as a new title then going back to the old title with legacy numbering only to have the new title continue as well can be a little confusing, but that’s what happened here. FF would go 11 issues and then Fantastic Four would start up again with issue # 600. FF didn’t stop though, and would continue as long as Hickman’s Fantastic Four run lasted.

Hickman would bring back the Human Torch as a little older, more mature and someone that’s been through hell and back. Hickman’s run would end about a year later, but he wasn’t done with the characters as he would use them heavily in the 2015 Secret Wars event.

James Robinson & Leonard Kirk

Fantastic Four (Vol. 5) #1-14, # 642- 645 Annual 1 (2014) (2014-2015)

A run that was cut short over movie rights at the time, James Robinson and Leonard Kirk still managed to make a memorable run, that had heart, and a real sense of danger. Of course they did have those red uniforms?? I not sure why they went with that other than the fact that in Hickman’s run they had white uniforms with black that could change for whatever purpose they needed. So maybe it’s like go back to blue or do something completely different.

The run starts off with them pulling the team apart due to a breach in the FF’s security. A portal from the Heroes Reborn dimension rips open in the Baxter Building letting out millions of creatures. These creatures fly through the city, creating mass destruction and getting all the other NYC heroes involved. In the end of this conflict, Reed manages to stop the attack, but in doing so he inadvertently stripes the Human Torch of his powers.

The FF win the day but are served paper to appear in court and the authorities lock them out of the Baxter building and relocate the children from their custody, pulling the team apart even more.

Just when you think things can’t get any worse, a Watcher dies and sins from the past are revealed. The Thing witnesses a lie that Reed and Johnny kept from him and it tears their friendship apart. Later on The Thing is caught with a dead Puppet Master and is arrested for murder.

The last stories of the run include “East of Eden” which introduces a New Frightful Four, and in “The End is Fourever” we see the team pull back together Johnny getting his powers back and finally defeat the Quiet Man.

This is the last run of the Fantastic Four series for a few years. They would later show up in Hickman’s Secret Wars, which sends Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Women off exploring the multiverse and raising their kids ended the team.

The FF would return as a team and a monthly comic in 2018 and then relaunched in 2022 and yet again relaunched in 2025 as the legacy continues to this very day.

I hope you all enjoyed this one as much as I did researching it and writing it! It makes me happy that people are talking about the FF again, for a few years they didn’t even have their comic being published!

That’s it for this time. I think I will have my Age of Apocalypse prelude article up in about a week or so. Until next time, keep it EPIC!

In his nearly 90 years of existence Superman has become an American icon. Debuting in 1938 in the pages of Action Comics # 1 by co-creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman quickly became one of the most popular comic book characters of all time. He has been written and drawn by some of the greatest comic creators in history, thousands of issues have been made staring him, he has had movies made about him, cartoons, toys, clothes, lunch boxes and so much more. In the publishing world of comics it seemed they had done everything they could possibly do to a character, kill him, brought him back to life, marry him to his long time girlfriend Lois Lane, change his powers, change his costume, split him into two separate beings and the list goes on and on…

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In 2006 the unlikely Superman team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely redefined the character for a whole new generation. Prior to their run on All Star Superman, Grant and Frank had teamed up numerous times on other projects. One of the most successful and memorable projects they worked on was New X-Men from Marvel Comics. Taking these characters with a rich history and turning the whole thing on its head. It worked! It may have been controversial at times and some fans did hate it, but some absolutely loved it and boy were they sure talking about it!

After their Marvel work finished up, it just so happened that DC was looking for a new line of comics that was easily accessible to new readers yet, still enjoyable for life long diehards. The “All Star” line was that line. Often compared to Marvel’s Ultimate universe, The All Star comics were not bogged down with years of continuity and didn’t have to worry about effecting the rest of the comics DC published. Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely had the freedom to create the definitive Superman story.

All Star Superman is a story about Superman’s greatest power, his humanity. This heartfelt tale starts with the revelation that Superman is dying. An interesting concept, what would this larger than life hero do in his final days when faced with his own mortality? Something he has not really had to worry or even think about in the past. Superman goes on a mission to save a group of astronauts that tried to land on the sun. The mission was sabotaged by Lex Luthor, knowing Superman would try to save them.

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Superman’s cells get super charged by the exposure to the sun, but it’s too much for him to process. The very source of his power is what begins to kill him. This series introduces to a wonderful character named Dr. Leo Quintum, whom I think is similar to the eccentric Willy Wonka. Superman has about a year to live and Dr. Quintum vows to find a cure. Superman wants to keep his diagnosis a secret as he has some things to do. By the end of issue # 1 Clark Kent reveals to Lois that he is Superman.

A reluctant Lois agrees to go on a date with Superman at the fortress of solitude. I really love these issues, it really shows the creativity of Grant and Frank. Not to mention, the colors on the whole series by Jaime Grant are magnificent. They really set the mood for each scene and the colors just pop off the pages. By the end of issue # 2 Superman gifts Lois her very own Super suit and a potion that gives her powers just like Superman for 24 hours. The ultimate gift to the woman he loves, letting her see the world the way he does. The series is filled with beautiful moments just like this.

Subsequent issues would see Superman battle Atlas and Samson, Jimmy Olson turn into a Doomsday monster, Clark Kent interviewing Lex Luther from prison, witnessing the death of Johnathan Kent, a Bizarro invasion and fighting and saving the replacement Supermen.

In the final issues Lex sits on death row, with three weeks before his execution, Supermen tells him that Lex has won. That he is dying and that there is good in Lex. That he could’ve saved the world. The ever defiant Lex spits in the face of this conversation. As Lex sits in his cell, the dying Superman still manages to visit sick kids at the hospital and finish his last will and testament.

Lex survives and escapes his execution by taking a serum that gives him Superman like powers for 24 hours. Much like the serum that was given to Lois. Lex starts with the destruction of Metropolis and with the help of the artificial sun Solaris, compromises the Earth’s sun turning it red. The red sun weakens an already dying Superman. Superman defeats Solaris, but the toll on his body is too much. Clark Kent makes it to the Daily Bugle and as he is writing his final article about the death of Superman, he dies.

The final issue of this epic sees Superman wake in the afterlife on his home planet Krypton. His father, Jor-El gives Superman the choice, remain in the afterlife or return to earth to defeat Luthor. Superman chooses the latter. Confronting Luthor, Superman hits him with a shot from a gravity gun which wraps time for him. This speeds up the process of having Superman like powers and his abilities begin to fade. In a moment Luthor sees the vision Superman has for the world and cries just before his defeat.

Superman tells Lois that he loves her until the end of time. With only moments left to live he flies off into the middle of the sun restoring it and saving the world.

All Star Superman one of the finest comics ever created. Fascinating story with brilliant art and colors that stay true to the core of this beloved character.

That’s it for this time, I hope to be back in a few weeks with a Fantastic Four piece. Until then, keep it EPIC.

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If you grew up in the 80s or 90s chances are at some point in your childhood you owned trading cards. In the early 90s the card market was booming. Card sets were sold everywhere, in pharmacies, grocery stores, department stores, specialty shops, you name it, they carried them.

I really don’t remember what my first pack of trading cards were. I know we had GI Joe, TMNT, all kinds of sports cards, and even packs of the Desert Storm cards.

My first comic book card came inserted in a Marvel Toybiz action figure. I think it was a Marvel Universe Series One Apocalypse card or maybe it was the Blob ? I can’t remember. But I do remember thinking how cool it was to get a card with a toy. The cards had all this information on the characters. Power sets, intelligence levels, fighting abilities. They had win-loss records and fun facts or brief bios. It was all this information in one spot without having to pick up a ton of back issues. Back in 1992 there was no internet to conveniently look up all this information. We would get all the knowledge from the monthly comics themselves, or Wizard Magazine, sometimes comic specials like Official Handbook Of The Marvel Universe or DC’s Who’s Who.

So when I got my first taste of collecting marvel cards, I was hooked. Early on I must’ve come across an X-Men series one card, with all that beautiful Jim Lee art. He did the whole set of 99 cards plus the hologram subset. This was some of the best art my 7 year old eyes have ever seen. They had my favorite characters and a bunch of ones I didn’t know! All with its own unique information that I could soak up.

I remember going to local card conventions and stores with my father, trying to pick up all the X-Men ones I could get. Cards were so big then, that even my Dad, who collected nothing was collecting football cards. It was a time that we could bond over a common interest and it gave me some of my favorite childhood memories.

Looking back at these cards hits me with instant nostalgia. Like the many things that I used to collect, it takes me back to a simpler, happier time. So it’s no surprise when I saw sealed boxes of both X-Men series one and series two at an LCS six years ago I knew I had to buy them both!

The Jim Lee Card set had a few categories that it was split up into. Here are my favorites from some of the categories.

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Super Heroes

Wolverine

In the Classic brown and tan uniform, Wolverine leaps into action with a ferocious energy and intensity. Jim Lee’s Wolverine is one of the best looks that the character ever had! It’s a kick looking at the stats on the back of the card seeing what 1992 knew about all these characters.

195 lbs? Maybe without the Adamantium skeleton. Other fun facts, his first appearance is Hulk 180 …. Most sources list that as a cameo as to his first full appearance is in Hulk 181. Issue 181 goes for far more money now.

Nightcrawler

It’s just fun seeing Jim Lee draw Nightcrawler. How man times did he do that? Doesn’t seem like that many to me, but this one really knocks it out of the park. It really catches his swashbuckling nature.

In 1992 I feel like it might’ve been hinted that Mystique was his mother but not confirmed yet. That fun fact will reveal itself soon, but in ‘92 it was still a mystery.

Psylocke

Another look and design by Jim Lee that I absolutely love. This is Psylocke at her very best. Simple ninja look, but absolutely beautiful and deadly.

Before seeing this card, I had no idea that Captain Britain was Psylocke’s brother back in the day. Cool little fact about a character I was just learning about back then.

Domino

Little was known about the Mutant Domino at this time. Yet another character that Jim Lee rarely drew since she was a Rob Liefeld & Fabian Nicieza creation. I feel like he nails the characters look perfectly.

We would learn later that Domino’s real name is Neena Thurman, her first appearance overshadowed by it also being Deadpool’s first appearance. We would find out later that she was actually the Shape Changing mutant Copycat and not actually Domino in New Mutants # 98.

I like how much of a mystery this great character was that, the card doesn’t even describe her powers. A mystery I was curious about, for years to come.

Gambit

Having only been around for a little over a year at the time this card set comes out, they don’t even know that Gambit’s real name was Remy LeBeau. An ultra cool character for the 90s, this is Gambit’s ultimate look. No other design of the character comes close to touching this one.

These mysterious characters were so interesting and intriguing, couldn’t help but wanting to find out more !

Super-Villains

Magneto

Looking at this card makes me miss when Magneto was a true villain. The X-men were always at their best when they had these epic battles with the master of magnetism. I can’t believe Magneto’s real name wasn’t revealed by ‘92 but it could be possible.

Jim Lee updated his look from the classic ‘63 design and reinvigorated the character into being the badass villain he always should be.

Sabretooth

The truly deadly and dangerous Sabertooth, a villain I loved to hate in the ‘90s. Wolverine vs Sabretooth was always a must buy for me. This savage animalistic look was the best the character has ever been. Even in this card they have to mention his passionate hate for his arch foe Wolverine.

Omega Red

I know I’m not alone when I say that I absolutely love this character’s look. Another enemy of Wolverine’s past, Omega Red is more cerebral and calculating. Having debuted a few months before this card series released, Jim must’ve know that he would be a hit and make a huge impact.

Teams

X-Men Gold

The X-Men Gold Team stared monthly in the Uncanny X-Men series starting with issue # 281. This was the “other” book that ran parallel with the mega hit X-Men series. Uncanny would be drawn by Whilce Portacio, a great artist in his own right. The team would be lead by Storm and introduce the fan favorite, time traveling mutant Bishop.

I like the mention about the BlackBird Jet, The X-Men’s main form of transportation. I always thought that Jet was cool, even though all the changes it has had throughout the years.

X-Men Blue

It doesn’t get any better than Jim Lee drawing the X-Men Blue Squad in my opinion! The team that launched the 1991 X-Men comic that sold over 8 million copies right here for a team photo!

If you can’t tell by now this was my absolute favorite configuration of the X-Men team. It was a nice mix of new and veteran members, that had strength, brains, and the attitude of the 90s!

Just this card alone made me want to write about the card series. I can go on and on about it, but I need room for one last thought!

The Danger Room

The last nine cards of the main set is this beautiful connecting Danger Room Sequence. Incorporating characters from both Blue, Gold, Excalibur and X-Force, it is a nice collage of the mutants in action. I used to love when the comics showed the 90s Danger Room in use. Deep below the institution, this is where the X-men hone their skills and strategies. An important part of X-Men lore the Danger Room is somewhat a character in its own way.

The Timeless X-Men

If you are a fan of the X-Men this set is a must have. Jim Lee’s art is amazing in each and every card. All the cards do a really nice job with the information they had at the time about each character. This set is still talked about highly today. A timeless piece of art work that inspires 30 plus years later.

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This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Epic X-Men crossover The Age of Apocalypse. AOA is a look at the how the Marvel’s mutant world would be if Professor X never formed the X-men, but if Magneto did. Professor X was accidentally killed by his son David aka Legion, when he travelled back in time to kill Magneto. In Legion’s twisted mind, he thought the death of Magneto at that point in time would create peace between the mutants and humans and his dad’s dream would be realized. His monumental mistake caused their world to be transformed into one in which Apocalypse rules.

One the best parts of the AOA is all the different looks, styles, attitudes and allegiances of this world without Xavier. Just because the world is ending, doesn’t mean you can’t have a little style!

It’s kinda crazy to think that Marvel would cancel all of its best selling titles, rename them and change the characters all around. This huge risk paid off and we got some of the best comics of the mid 90s. Here is a look at my favorite designs and what makes them so iconic to this very day. These are in no particular ranking or order, but please comment on your favorites and what I got right or wrong!

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Blink

If I had to pick a favorite, Blink would definitely be my number one. In the regular Marvel Universe Blink aka Clarence Ferguson was a shy and timid young mutant. She never reached her potential having died in the Phalanx Covenant event after saving future Generation X members from the alien horror.

AOA Blink a whole different story, her cool almost Robin Hood like attire, with sharp javelins in tow that she uses to teleport herself or others to different locations. She can also teleport parts of objects, even parts of an adversary. Her teleportation powers make a “Blink” noise when she uses them, hence the name. She is a young member of the Astonishing X-Men squad, whose defining moment comes when she stands up to Holocaust (Son of Apocalypse) a much more powerful mutant, after she thought he killed her mentor, Sabretooth. Not only does she hold her own, she get the best of Holocaust and ends up defeating him with the help of the other X-men.

Blink became extremely popular among comic fans during this event, and a few years later stared in her own mini series. In 2001 she became the lead in the dimension hopping team book the Exiles which original run lasted 100 issues.

Weapon X/Wolverine

If you are looking for an even more raw and wild Wolverine look no further than the Weapon X of the AOA. This Weapon X is a real loner and not as heroic as his 616 counterpart, he isn’t even on an official X-Men team in this world. After disobeying Magneto’s orders on rescuing Jean, Weapon X goes it alone. He lost his hand while battling Cyclops (taking his eye in the same fight ) but frees Jean from Sinister’s clutches. Logan and Jean decide to leave the X-men and from a partnership and romantic relationship.

The dark blue and black suit with red accents is in some ways a throwback to the uniform he wore in the beginning of his first ongoing series in ‘88. Not as flashy as his yellow and blue suit, this suit fits his personality well in this universe, not to mention his wild man hair. A more feral more violent version of Wolverine is exactly what the Age of Apocalypse was all about.

X-Man/Cable

Is there a more drastic change than there is when X-Man aka Nate Grey takes the place of the of the gruff and older Cable? Most of the characters of the Age of Apocalypse have a darker, more aggressive personality, but this is not the case with X-Man. Sure, he still is made out of the genetic material of his worlds Cyclops and Jean Grey, but this version is not plagued by the techno organic virus that harms his alternative reality counterpart.

X-Man is the chosen one to defeat Apocalypse, he just has to figure out how his powers work first. Young and inexperienced, X-Man is the epitome of cool 90s teenage heroes. With cool hair and neat jacket to go with all that angst, Nate actually outlasts the AOA. Once the event ended, X-Man issue #5 comes out and readers come to find that he is in the regular marvel universe. His solo series lasts for 75 issues, no small feat for this alternative reality kid.

Sunfire

Shiro Yoshida was Japan’s ultimate hero, but after being captured by Apocalypse and his forces, he was tested on and transformed. He became the ultimate killer, with his fire abilities bursting out through his very skin, Sunfire was left tortured and deformed.

Eventually, rescued by the X-Men Sunfire vowed to get revenge on Apocalypse for destroying his home and life.

Sunfire’s Age of Apocalypse design is simple, but effective. A more detailed Human Torch with more attitude and vengeful energy that makes him way cooler than the 616 version.

Morph

I’m sure many of you know Morph from the X-Men animated series and recently in X-Men ‘97 he has adopted a similar look to his AOA design. Back in the original marvel universe, Kevin Sidney was known as the Changeling, and died posing as Professor X in the early adventures of the original team.

In this reality, Morph is the comedic relief and is often the source of annoyance to his teammates. There is more to Morph than just a jokester, he really has a big heart and is caring. On one occasion he morphed into Charlie, Rogue’s son to help her find the strength to keep going in a fight with Holocaust.

A very, and I mean very similar version of this Morph ends up costarring alongside side Blink in the Exiles ongoing series in 2001.

Rogue

This version of Rogue is one that did not absorb Ms. Marvel’s powers and memories, However she did in fact absorb the powers of Polaris. Having has a very similar power set as the master of magnetism Magneto, Polaris is hinted to be his daughter.

Rogue in this world is wiser, a leader and a mother. She has grown up a lot and leads the Astonishing X-Men squad. Having a romantic relationship with Magneto whom she has a son with named Charlie, Rouge is practically royalty. She has a sleek body suite with similar features to her 90s Jim Lee design, but this one they added puffy sleeves giving her a regal look. If you haven’t noticed by now I really liked the styles of Joe Madureira, it’s a flash of Manga with a 90s comic twist.

Sinister

Sinister is the ultimate schemer in any universe, and it’s no different in the AOA. Having orchestrated the creation of X-Man after obtaining the genetic material from Jean Grey and Cyclops. X-Man is his ace in the whole, the ultimate weapon to defeat Apocalypse as he makes deals behind the scenes to undermine Apocalypse. Just waiting and lurking for his chance to take Apocalypse’s thrown.

Sinister’s look is almost religious or holy like with his long black hair and goatee. The uniform itself is a variation of the one he wears in the 616 universe with same color scheme, but with an extra flair and more complex cape design.

Apocalypse

I couldn’t do an Age of Apocalypse list without the Big guy himself, now could I? Apocalypse the ruler of the world in the AOA universe was not exempt from a redesign. Out is the dark blue and grey and in is more color of a lighter blue and cherry red accents. His stature is bulkier with a more regal look and long flowing cape that gives it a classier tone.

Apocalypse rules this world with his Four Horsemen and legion of followers. Uneasy alliances, with destruction and death at every corner. He is the definition of evil in this storyline.

These and all the other characters designs were created by extremely talented people that captured the attention and imagination of many young kids in 1995 just like me. Here’s to 30 years of The Age of Apocalypse.

Special Announcement! I have recently joined The Retro Network to write articles on comics and possible other topics! So you can also check my work out there. I’m so excited and humbled by this opportunity! I can’t wait!

That’s it for this time. Keep it EPIC !

Operation: Galactic Storm is a 19 part crossover event that ran in the Avengers Family of books from March 1992 through May of 1992. The Avengers find themselves trying to play peacemaker when an all out war breaks out between The Kree and The Shi’ar Empires! As these three factions clash across the galaxy, loyalties will be questioned, lines will be crossed and the Avengers will face repercussions for years to come!

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Death Of A Galaxy

A path of destruction left in the wake of the Nega-Bomb explosion, bodies and debris scattered across the galaxy. Avengers #347 the final part of the Operation Galactic Storm crossover opens up with a very somber scene. Quasar alone in space witness the detonation first hand. Sites and structures destroyed and characters stare in shock as Hala falls.

Billions of lives lost. The Kree Empire is no more. Quasar finally comes to as he comes across Iron Man’s team of Avengers floating lifeless through space.

The scene changes back to the Kree home world Hala, as Deathbird finds a beaten down Captain America. Deathbird has been pondering her sister Lilandra’s actions and is she the one responsible for pushing Lilandra this far? She fears herself and her sister for the first time.

Back in deep space Quasar encounters Thor and the rest of his team of his Avengers. Miraculously, they find Wonder Man and the Vision drifting in space still alive. These two were at the heart of the Nega-Bomb blast, and they explain that actually being so close was an advantage, as the blast formed a vacuum at the center.

Starfox looks after the Iron Man team of Avengers whom are aboard the reunited Avengers Team Ship. They still lie lifeless, until Starfox realizes Sersi trick. Sersi used her Transmutation powers to change the Avengers molecular structure into inert matter to survive the blast.

Now with most of the Avengers reunited and alive they set a course for the Kree home world Hala.

Captain America is awakened by a kiss from Deathbird. In their awkward embrace, the Supreme intelligence reveals that he too is alive. He alludes that he maybe be the one pulling all the strings to the Kree’s destruction… but one has to ask why?

The Supreme Intelligence explains that he set in motion this war. He planned for the Shi’ar to retaliate with the Nega-Bomb. He elaborates, that yes 80 percent of the Kree population has parished, but in the wake of the billions that died, the ones that survived will be the Kree’s future. The Bomb radiation will change the nature of the Kree and the generations to come will be superior to the rest of the Kree. Captain America and Deathbird shocked and disgusted by the Supreme Intelligence, they leave him alone in the rubble of the once mighty Kree world.

The Avengers arrive on Hala and witness the destruction firsthand. They encounter Kree warriors Captain Atlas and Dr. Minerva. It seems Dr. Minerva knew of the whole plane concocted by the Supreme Intelligence. Captain America and Deathbird arrive and confirm everything about the Supreme Intelligence.

Angered and frustrated the Avengers quickly get in a rather heated debate on how to deal with the Supreme Intelligence’s transgressions. Some Avengers (Iron Man, Sersi, Black Knight and Others) want the Supreme Intelligence to pay with his life. The reasoning behind it is the understanding that the Supreme Intelligence isn’t really alive, it’s just a Construct. Other Avengers (Cap, Hawkeye, Quasar etc.) think that being Judge, Jury and Executioner is not a place that the Avengers should put themselves in. After arguing their points, Cap lets the strike team out for vengeance go..

After a brief battle with constructs that the Supreme Intelligence sent to fight off the Avengers, Black Knight delivers the killing blow. They mention how easy it was to defeat the constructs, alluding that this may be all apart of The Supreme Intelligence’s plan.

After the dust settles we see the two man pillars of the Avengers at odds with each other. These characters are so different in their ideology, having lived in very different eras and very different paths. I like the tension between the two, it is a story thread that gets pulled much later in history with 2006’s Civil War.

Lilandra having been responsible for the Nega-Bomb decides to put Deathbird, her sister in charge of Hala. Probably another poor decision, but I am unsure how that plays out in the future.

In the end of this monumental battle, Cap utters the words “things will never be the same”

And how right he is.

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After the Storm

Captain America # 401 is a story of how Cap is dealing with what the Avengers are becoming. He asks the team if he should step down from his leadership role, but the team won’t vote for that. Explaining a difference in opinion on how to handle the mass murder, the Supreme Intelligence.

It’s a good dilemma that we are presented with. No easy answers here, I see both sides of the argument and that’s what makes it compelling.

After spending weeks in space fighting a long battle that ended in billions dying and a strained relationship with teammates, Cap tries to pick up the pieces of his life. He soon realizes that it won’t be so easy.

His girl left him, his best friend is gone and D-Man is the only one that wants to team-up with him…I don’t know about you guys, but man I’ve been there before.

Cap calls a meeting, but only three Avengers show up. Hopeless and depressed, Cap walks out defeated. Hawkeye who can’t stand seeing him depressed, decides to cheer Captain America up by taking him to a bar. It doesn’t really work but Tony Stark shows up to have a chat. They rehash past events of the two not seeing eye to eye. Iron Man and Captain America finally patch things up, but it’s still an uneasy relationship.

And with that, it brings an end to this Operation Galactic Storm series. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed rereading and writing about this series! What a fantastic journey. This era of Avengers isn’t looked upon as one of the greatest, but this story really holds up to any of the other Epic stories throughout the Avengers long storied history. The ramifications of the events of this series are felt for years to come.

Well that’s it for this time. Be sure to comment, critique or asks questions about this series of posts or any of my other articles that I have written. I’m always happy to discuss comics! I hope next time I’ll be able to announce some new and exciting news! But we shall see. I’ll be coming back shortly for a new series covering the X-men’s Age of Apocalypse storyline! One of my all time favorites! I hope you can join me on an Apocalyptic journey! Until next time, keep it Epic!!!!

Operation Galactic Storm was written by Mark Gruenwald, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas, Gerard Jones, Bob Harras, Len Kaminski and Tom Defalco with art by Rick Levins, Dave Ross, Greg Capullo, Jeff Johnson, Steve Epting, Paul Ryan, Pat Olliffe, Rurik Tyler and Steven B. Jones.

Operation: Galactic Storm is a 19 part crossover event that ran in the Avengers Family of books from March 1992 through May of 1992. The Avengers find themselves trying to play peacemaker when an all out war breaks out between The Kree and The Shi’ar Empires! As these three factions clash across the galaxy, loyalties will be questioned, lines will be crossed and the Avengers will face repercussions for years to come!

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The Starforce Must Die !

After defeating the Kree Starforce, The Thor Avengers squad is at odds with the Shi’ar once again. Avengers West Coast # 82 starts with Lilandra declaring the execution of the Starforce.

Yet again another huge battle begins, this time it’s Avengers vs The Imperial Guard. The fight goes back and forth for a while, then abruptly ends when the Living Lighting strikes Lilandra’s right hand man, Araki. The lightning bolt strike reveals that Araki was a Skrull in disguised! More uneasiness would follow with the exposure of the Skrulls infiltrating the most inner workings of the Shi’ar.

This reveal actually surprised me a little and was a nice change of pace since it started to seem the action was getting formulated.

Lilandra would then release the Kree Starforce, wondering how much have the Skrulls been manipulating this entire war. By the end of this issue Lilandra reminds the team and the readers that the Nega-Bomb has disappeared. Running out of hope, Quasar contacts the Avengers telling them he knows where the Nega-Bomb is.

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Fire in the Sky

Quasar #34 part 17 of the OGS crossover starts with the title character in hot pursuit of the Skrull driven Nega-Bomb. The exact same Nega-Bomb threatening billions of lives. Before Quasar can stop the Nega-Bomb, he must deal with the Super-Skrull and the increasing solar waves from Earth’s Sun caused by the use of the nearby stargates.

Quasar tries to devise a plan to save the sun and Earth, but encounters Her and Binary in the middle of a space battle with each other. Quasar explains to Binary how the volatile sun is threatening the Earth and they don’t have time for this squabble.

Quasar thinks he has the plan to save the sun, but Binary knows Quasar is not nearly powerful enough. Binary flys into the sun and forms a white hole to traps all the Anti-Matter and collapse it into nothing.

Binary and Quasar are successful and escape the solar backlash in the Sun. The issue ends with Quasar returning Binary to Earth as Jarvis makes him a sandwich.

This issue felt a little out of place for me. Seemed more of a Quasar ongoing than a part in this epic saga. It still was an enjoyable read though. Binary contemplating whether to go after the Nega-Bomb (orders from Lilandra) or Save the Sun (and her home planet Earth) was an interesting dilemma for the character. In the end she makes the right decision for herself and her home.

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NEGA-BOMB

Wonder Man #9 the penultimate issue of OGS crossover involves Wonder Man and The Vision aboard the Skrull driven ship that is hauling the Nega-Bomb. Wonder Man frantically attempts to diffuse the bomb while fighting a hoard of Skrulls throughout the ship.

The Vison whom has lost his empathy for humanity would let billions die to end the war and bring peace to the galaxy. A fight between Wonder Man and The Vison starts physically and philosophically. This is a battle that is extremely personal for Wonder Man, as The Vision’s thought patterns were a copy of Wonder Man’s. The battle comes to a halt when Wonder Man finally reaches The Vision by showing him the chaotic energy of the negative zone threatening the galaxy. The Vision concedes to Wonder Man’s decision to stop the bomb.

Meanwhile the Thor lead team of Avengers have tracked down the Nega-Bomb, when it passed through the Stargate. The battle inside and outside the ship heats up, but both Wonder Man and The Avengers are too late. Before anyone can react the Nega-Bomb detonates!

Wow, what an ending to this part of Operation Galactic Storm! It’s setting up an unpredictable and dangerous situation for the final chapter. As this crossover comes to an end, I can’t help but wonder where is Rick Jones in all of this ? I feel like it’s been forever since we saw him, and this whole thing started with him being a focal point of the story.

This story has been a fun ride across the galaxy, with twist and turns along the way. Can’t wait to get to the final part and see the aftermath of the event.

That’s it for this installment. Please, if you have any questions or comments let me know! I try to get back to everyone in a timely matter. Until next time, keep it EPIC!

Operation Galactic Storm was written by Mark Gruenwald, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas, Gerard Jones, Bob Harras, Len Kaminski and Tom Defalco with art by Rick Levins, Dave Ross, Greg Capullo, Jeff Johnson, Steve Epting, Paul Ryan, Pat Olliffe, Rurik Tyler and Steven B. Jones.

Operation: Galactic Storm is a 19 part crossover event that ran in the Avengers Family of books from March 1992 through May of 1992. The Avengers find themselves trying to play peacemaker when an all out war breaks out between The Kree and The Shi’ar Empires! As these three factions clash across the galaxy, loyalties will be questioned, lines will be crossed and the Avengers will face repercussions for years to come!

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We’ve Got A Problem, Shellhead

Iron Man # 279, the 13th part of the crossover starts off with the Avengers separated from Iron Man and Hawkeye. They see a news update explaining that Deathbird had killed the Kree leadership and that she’s at large and the Avengers are in custody.

Iron Man devises a plan to spilt up with Hawkeye. Iron Man will locate the Avengers as Hawkeye will find and capture Deathbird. Easier said than done!

I absolutely love the chemistry and the back and forth between Hawkeye and Iron Man. Friends, but they still will take their shots at each other. We know that this two have had a long history together, even back then in 1992. Heck, Hawkeye’s 1st appearance was as a villain against Iron Man.

Iron man still reeling from his battle with Shatterax, finds the Avengers in custody by the Kree warrior Ronan. A showdown between these two is inevitable. Meanwhile, in the same facility the Supreme Intelligence absorbs the intellect of the slain Kree leaders. This really shows how ruthless and dangerous he can be.

As this issue comes to an end we see Iron Man just about to make the ultimate sacrifice against Ronan. He realizes he is out manned and outgunned. Just before he hits the self destruct button on his suit the Avengers break in to save the day. Hawkeye shows up with knowledge from Deathbird that the Shi’ar are going to set off that Nega Bomb.

Cap has disappeared somewhere on the Kree facility and Iron Man decides to head off the Nega Bomb leaving Cap behind. Hawkeye doesn’t like the idea and starts to go off in search of Captain America. He doesn’t get very far as Iron Man shoots him down. The rest of the Avengers are in shock, but follow Iron Man’s lead.

We really are seeing the desperation that Iron Man is feeling as this fight gets more intense and the stakes are getting higher and higher. He leaves teammates behind and strikes a so called friend because he thinks he knows best. Great issue, very fast paced with moving the overall story closer to its conclusion.

Now Strikes the Starforce!

Thor # 446 part 14 of the OGS crossover starts off with the Avengers in the Shi’ar Throneworld palace being escorted by the Imperial Guards. There are a few exchanges between Starfox and the Imperial Guards’ Astra that really made me chuckle. Starfox kinda a charasmatic charmer, you really don’t know if he is trying to dupe Astra or he really just trying to get some.. possibly both ! He is a fun character and the brother of Thanos, it’s strange in all the years of his existence, he really never got to be in the spotlight as a main character.

Tensions are high between the Shi’ar and the Avengers as Thor makes it worse with an immature outburst. They get sent away by Lilandra, and to make things worse the Kree super team Starforce arrives!

We briefly cut to a scene where we see the Vision and Wonder Man aboard the space craft hauling the Nega-Bomb. Vision, curious on who is navigating the ship sneaks a peak into the cockpit only to reveal that Skrulls are driving! This really throws a curve into the story.

Back on the Shi’ar Throneworld, the Avengers and Shi’ar team up to take on the Kree. It is an exciting battle with many characters mixing it up between the panels.

In the closing pages of this story an outmatched Starfox takes on Ultimus to help Lilandra. Just when it seems like Ultimus has his number, Lilandra shoots Ultimus from behind, saving Starfox. Starfox’s act of bravery impresses Lilandra and she decides to recall the Nega-Bomb. Unbeknownst to her, the Skrulls have taken control of the Nega-Bomb and it’s on course to detonate!!

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Ride the Shockwave!

When we last left Cap he was left by the other Avengers alone on the Kree Throneworld, a decision made by Iron Man. In Captain America #400, Cap recounts events that lead him to where he is. He suddenly gets interrupted by a host of his old villains.

He soon is in a battle with The Red Skull, Flag Smasher, Viper, Crossbones, Cobra and Batroc. Cap runs the gauntlet of villains, he fights valiantly, but soon is outmatched. How did all these villains get millions of miles away from Earth to the Kree empire?

Cap soon gets the opening he needs and defeats his villains one by one. It all seems to be a plot that the Supreme Intelligence has run Cap through to see what he is made of. The issue ends the exact same way as the last Part of the crossover.

Captain America # 400 was probably the weakest of the crossover, it didn’t really move the overall plot forward and was definitely just a filler issue. At no point in the issue do you feel Cap is in any real danger and you know the villains are most likely not really there.

That concludes this edition of my Operation Galactic Storm retrospective! Be sure to check out the pervious parts if you haven’t already. If you have any comments or questions please let me know ! Next time we will be covering Parts 16-18 of OGS. We are coming closer to the end of this epic and the drama really will ramp up! Until next time, keep it EPIC!!

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Who are the Young Avengers?!? This was the question me, my friends and other customers and colleagues had all around my local comic store in late 2004 early 2005. There was this type of frenzy and hype over this new teen team being advertised in previews, ads and most definitely Wizard Magazine.

The Avengers were seeing a ton of success at this time, hot off Brian Michael Bendis’ and David Finch’s Avengers Disassembled. They had torn down the old version of the Avengers and after this storyline, the New Avengers title would launch with the same creative team. The Avengers started to rival and then surpass the popularity of the X-men. This book was a must read each and every month with a new take on this storied franchise.

It made perfect sense to expand into another team book, but what book should that be? Many of us speculated that Marvel would resurrect Avengers West Coast, since many of the former members were not currently starring in any monthly titles. That was soon to be proven untrue after see one ad…

Who are these characters?!? Teen version’s of Cap, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk?? Well not exactly, and that’s where the fun came in. That whole tagline “They’re Not What You Think…” really got everybody guessing, who these characters were and what were their connections to the Main Avengers team. Marvel never really had their own “Teen Titans” book a kind of teen version of their main superhero team JLA. Of course Marvel did have the New Warriors back in the 90s, but the connection to the Avengers weren’t as strong and it soon faded as those characters went their separate ways.

In February of 2005 we were introduced to Iron Lad, who had Armor more advanced than the modern day IronMan. Patriot, a teen who seemed to have the super soldier serum running through his veins. Wiccan, with powers similar to the Thor. Hulking.. which looked like the Hulk. And a young teenage girl Kate Bishop, who was skilled in archery.

I was hooked with the very first issue, especially after seeing the last page cliffhanger. All of the characters were unique in personality and each had a mystery behind them. Eventually we would be introduced to Stature the young teenage daughter of the late Ant Man, Scott Lang and another character named Speed, who looked and acted a lot like the mutant Quicksilver.

The series was written by a newcomer to comics Alan Heinberg. I had known him from his TV show writing career, he was working on the OC, another favorite of mine. He knew how to write young characters, and kept the emotions and drama high which translated very nicely into this comic series.

The Art was by Jim Cheung who had had runs on X-force and Legion from DC. An artist with a beautiful style and enthusiasm which captured the spirit of a teen book. His art alone would make me pick up the book, the collaboration between the writer and artist made me a fan for the long haul.

The whole creative team really made this book come to life. John Dell on Inks, Justin Ponsor on Colors and Cory Petit on Lettering.

I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since this first series came out. I still think about the times surrounding the release of the first issue and each and every Wednesday that the title was on sale. It was a great time for comics, Marvel, The Avengers and Fans alike!

If you haven’t already read this series, please check it out! The Epic collection just came out this past Wednesday which collects the first 12 issues and also a special and the directors cut of issue 1.

Well that’s it for this time, until next time keep it Epic!

Operation: Galactic Storm is a 19 part crossover event that ran in the Avengers Family of books from March 1992 through May of 1992. The Avengers find themselves trying to play peacemaker when an all out war breaks out between The Kree and The Shi’ar Empires! As these three factions clash across the galaxy, loyalties will be questioned, lines will be crossed and the Avengers will face repercussions for years to come!

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Cracks in the Quantum Shield

The following Tag Team contest is scheduled in Quasar # 33 part 10 of the Operation Galactic Storm crossover! The issue starts with a battle in space near the Shi’ar stargate between our heroes Quasar and his partner Her vs The Imperial Guard’s Neutron and Starbolt! Her is kinda like the female version of Adam Warlock. She’s very gold and very powerful. Quasar not being able to get the upper hand on Neutron, decides to outsmart him leading him to the quantum zone and leaving him there. Her makes pretty quick work of Starbolt and Quasar makes a plan to leave Her to guard the start gate while he goes through it to catch up with the Shi’ar starship that stole the Nega-Bands.

Once onboard the ship Quasar threatens the Shi’ar that he will severely damage their ship if they do not give him Captain Atlas and the Nega-Bands. The Nega-Bands are not on the ship, and the crew tells him they do not know the plans for them. Quasar leaves the ship with Captain Atlas in tow, figuring out how to find the Bands.

Meanwhile we see the Thor led team of Avengers on the Shi’ar Throne World demanding to see the Queen. Nearby Quasar closes in on the Nega-Bands location. We see a host of starships in the space surrounding the planet, Quasar meets the hero Binary. Binary real name is Carol Danvers, now a member of the Starjammers, she was also known as the Avenger Ms. Marvel at this time in history.

Quasar is caught off guard by another group of super powered aliens and another battle in space begins. Meanwhile we learn the Shi’ar’s plan for the Nega-Bands. They have split open the bands to create a sphere of anti-matter to power a Death-Light throughout the solar system. As the issue ends Captain Atlas is rescued by a mysterious figure!

This issue is kinda all over the place, but it sure isn’t boring. Learning the plans of the Nega-Bands was also a good part in the issue even if I have know idea what a Death-Light is, but it probably isn’t anything good!

Starjammed

The Empress Lilandra finally decides to meet with Thor’s team of Avengers, but they have to do it while she gives orders to the Starjammers. Wonder Man # 8 part 11 of the OGS crossover starts with a heated debate between the Empress and Starjammer leader, Corsair whom is the biological father of X-Man Cyclops. Lilandra is ordering the Starjammers to transport a weapon from stargate to stargate through Corsair’s home solar system, which is the one Earth resides. Corsair tells her that he will sit this mission out, but the other Starjammers will carry it out. They use their ship to tow this massive weapon into space and as they do so Wonder Man has to stop them. He realizes that there is so many lives at stake and he grabs the Vison and gets on board the container that is holding the weapon. While aboard theirs is a confrontation between the two Avengers and the Starjammers.

A fight breaks out on the container ship carrying the weapon. Wonder man explains to them that it is a massive Nega-Bomb that turns the power of the negative zone into pure destruction. They come to an agreement to not go through the stargate. The Starjammers back in their ship realize that they are going to fast to avoid the stargate so in a haste the disconnect the container carrying the bomb as their ship passes through the stargate alone. This leaves Wonder Man and the Vison stranded with a Nega-Bomb floating aimlessly through space !

This issue was fast paced and easy to read. It really gets to the point and there is a few character moments between Vison and Wonder Man that are playing out in the over all ongoing title, but not that important to this storyline in particular. The cliffhanger at the end really amps up the drama, making the reader wonder what will happen next.

Storm The Citadel

It feels like it’s been awhile since we’ve seen the Cap lead team of Avengers floating on that blimp. Part 12 of the OGS crossover in Avengers #346 starts with that very team on their way to the Kree Citadel. This issue is a pivotal moment in the history of the Kree and their leadership. The Kree are currently run by Ael-Dan and Dar-Benn… I don’t about these names … but Ronan the Accuser has to report to them. They are unhappy that Ronan has not taken care of the Avengers that our still at large on the Kree Throne world. As Ronan grovels to them, the former leader, The Supreme Intelligence looks on as his plan is falling into place.

Meanwhile, lurking in the background of the Throne world is Deathbrid of the Shi’ar. She kills the man that smuggled into the planet, clearly on a mission to destroy the Kree.

The Supreme Intelligence has assembled his own team of super powered beings called Starforce to take on the Avengers. They find the Avengers that have finally made their way to the Citadel, and a brawl between the two super teams begins. It’s a hard fought and exciting battle, which finds the Avengers getting overwhelmed by Starforce.

The action suddenly stops as the Avengers are surrounded. The Kree have stopped fighting when Kree leaders Ael-Dan and Dar-Benn appear. They are full of questions as to why this Kree super-powered team exists and why the lapse in security has occurred. They order that The Avengers as well as Starforce will be executed.

As the words roll off the Kree leaders tongue, a flash of white light shines on the area. With Starforce and Avengers incapsulated in a Kree bubble, this gives Deathbird the opening she needs. She attacks and kills the two Kree leaders in a brutal, savage way. Deathbird slithers away from the scene. At that moment Starforce and the Avengers are transported to the Supreme Intelligence’s headquarters. He has now taken over leadership of the Kree and orders Ronan and Starforce to travel to the Shi’ar throne world to bring the head of their leader, Lilandra. The issue ends with the Avengers in Kree custody, as this war has become more complex and violent!

Wow! What an absolutely amazing ending to this chapter of OGS! That issue had to be one of my favorites of this storyline. A lot going on, tons of drama and suspense! Really leaves you wondering how will this all end ??

Thank you all for sticking with me, I know I haven’t been as active on here as I would like. Hopefully I will change that for 2025! Happy New Year everyone! Until next time, keep it Epic!!

Operation Galactic Storm was written by Mark Gruenwald, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas, Gerard Jones, Bob Harras, Len Kaminski and Tom Defalco with art by Rick Levins, Dave Ross, Greg Capullo, Jeff Johnson, Steve Epting, Paul Ryan, Pat Olliffe, Rurik Tyler and Steven B. Jones.

Operation: Galactic Storm is a 19 part crossover event that ran in the Avengers Family of books from March 1992 through May of 1992. The Avengers find themselves trying to play peacemaker when an all out war breaks out between The Kree and The Shi’ar Empires! As these three factions clash across the galaxy, loyalties will be questioned, lines will be crossed and the Avengers will face repercussions for years to come!

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Battle of the Behemoths

A Quinjet soars through the empty vacuum of space carrying 7 Avengers on a journey to confront the Shi’ar empire in their involvement in an intergalactic war. This how Thor # 445, part 7 of Operation Galactic Storm starts out. During this era of Thor comics, Thor is actually Eric Masterson whom, would later become the hero Thunderstrike. This new version of Thor is inexperienced and unsure of himself.

This issue wastes little time getting to the action as the Shi’ar are under attack by a Kree ship. Gladiator, the leader of the Shi’ar imperial guard, is alerted of the attack and makes his way to the location. Before Gladiator can take down the Quinjet, the Avengers suggest someone take him on. Before Thor can volunteer, Wonder Man heads out for the fight. Gladiator makes pretty easy work of Wonder Man, and Vison suggests that he will be the next to confront Gladiator. Thor knows that this is his moment and yells “No”! In protest. “My Turn!”

A true superhero slobber knocker begins between these two warriors. Destruction all around this epic battle, with large cracks of sound popping off the page with each blow. The characters seem to be pretty evenly matched. Trading haymakers all over this planet, Thor finally connects with a knockout punch of his hammer.

With Gladiator no longer defending himself, the other Avengers have to step in to stop Thor from taking his life. Visibly upset, Thor sends Gladiator’s limp body through the Shi’ar star-gate and using his hammer he seals the star-gate forever stranding the Avengers in deep space with no way to get home! As this issue ends the Quinjet is surrounded by a host of spaceships!

Prisoners of The Shi’ar

Part 8 of the crossover in Captain America #399 starts with our Cap lead team of Avengers prisoners of the Shi’ar Empire. Walking through the halls of the spaceport the Avengers are in awe of the mass of the Architecture. As they get to their destination Ronan the Accuser and Shatterax in a rather heated conversation, give Cap and the Avengers the opening they need. Cap signals to Sersi and she transforms the team into Kree Accusers, blending in perfectly in the crowd.

As the Avengers get away to a more private area, Iron Man snaps at Sersi demanding that she change him back.

This whole scenario adds fuel to the fire of an already strained relationship between Cap and Iron Man. Iron Man demands to stay in his armor defiantly, and Hawkeye convinces Cap to keep an eye on him. Using Pym particles, they can shrink down out of sight. Later Iron Man contacts Cap to tell him that he has found the central government building and he will enter in an hour with our without the team. Cap’s team decides to take control of the wanted poster blimp to get a better view of the city. Once they take control of the blimp, Korath the Pursuer attacks. Cap has a short tussle with Korath leading him away from the blimp and sending him falling from a great height. Cap gets back on the blimp and they are on the path to meet up with Iron Man and Hawkeye.

Back To Earth

Avengers West Coast # 82 takes place back on Earth right in the middle of a US Agent meltdown. This character, for me is pretty unlikable, but it’s probably the whole point. He gets into a pointless fight with She Hulk about taking over Watch guard duties. Eventually he and Mockingbird take their place looking over the Kree and Shi’ar prisoners. US Agent gives Mockingbird a backhanded compliment on how shes only an Avenger because of her looks. Mockingbird takes offense to that, knocking him on his ass, but while they were in their argument the Shi’ar alien Nightshade slips into the prison room and attacks them. The Prisoners eventually are free and an all out brawl starts.

In the chaos of the fight the Kree warriors Captain Atlas and Dr. Minerva escape with the Nega-Bands in a Shi’ar starship. They get caught in a Shi’ar star cruiser tractor beam, and while aboard Dr. Minerva reveals herself to be the Shi’ar shapeshifter Hobgoblin! They now have control of the Nega-Bands, but Captain Atlas only wants to know what happened to the real Dr. Minerva.

The real Dr. Minerva is back with the Avengers, and they ask her to help locate the Shi’ar ship. She does, and it just so happens to be headed straight for Quasar’s location in space. Before Quasar can intercept the ship on its way through the stargate, he is attacked by Neutron and Starbolt of the Imperial Guard!

I have probably said this a lot, but these issues are really enjoyable and it keeps you guessing just where is this story going? People being captured, escaping, stealing powerful artifacts and all the other excitement going on really keeps you on your toes. Sure there is a few parts that I’m not crazy about, but overall the writers did a great job juggling a lot of characters and their personalities over a bunch of titles in one cohesive story. Great storytelling in my opinion, and not easy to do. That’s it for this time. I will be back soon with another part of this great story.

Until next time, keep it Epic!

Operation Galactic Storm was written by Mark Gruenwald, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas, Gerard Jones, Bob Harras, Len Kaminski and Tom Defalco with art by Rick Levins, Dave Ross, Greg Capullo, Jeff Johnson, Steve Epting, Paul Ryan, Pat Olliffe, Rurik Tyler and Steven B. Jones.

Operation: Galactic Storm is a 19 part crossover event that ran in the Avengers Family of books from March 1992 through May of 1992. The Avengers find themselves trying to play peacemaker when an all out war breaks out between The Kree and The Shi’ar Empires! As these three factions clash across the galaxy, loyalties will be questioned, lines will be crossed and the Avengers will face repercussions for years to come!

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Man of Wonder

I know everyone back in 1992 was running to the store to get Wonder Man comics right? No? Well, I know some of you had to! I did not sadly, but to be honest I really enjoy Wonder Man # 7, which is part 4 of Operation Galactic Storm.

As of the last part of this crossover, Wonder Man has been named personal bodyguard for Rick Jones. The only problem is, Captain Atlas has switched places with Rick, via the Nega Bands! The issue starts off with Captain Atlas throwing a punch at a surprised Wonder Man. They have a discussion on what is happening and how Captain Atlas got there, conversely Quasar and Rick Jones have a similar conversation. The bulk of the issue concentrates on the fight scene between Atlas and Wonder Man as Atlas keeps hitting the Nega Bands together and switching places with Rick. After some near misses on hitting Rick, Wonder Man finally gets the timing down and lays a haymaker on Atlas, putting him down for good. This part of the issue was humorous and entertaining and gave a nice break from the seriousness of the situation.

All parties involved in this fight meet at the WCA compound with tensions running high between Rick and Wonder Man, but by the issues end they bury the hatchet. The issue ends with a major solar flare headed towards the space station Starcore!

Starcore

Hard to believe that we don’t get to the main Avengers title in this crossover until part 5! Avengers #345 continues the story with the solar flare already engulfed the space station Starcore. This issue is a major tone change from Wonder Man #7. The weight of the situation starts to increase and stress and tension between Avenger teammates grows.

A Team consisting of Thor, Sersi, Quasar and Vision are in space investigating the solar flare event. Quasar using his powers senses human life nearby and the Avengers follow his lead. They find a life pod containing the crew of Starcore. Starcore explains the solar flare event and states that it cannot be natural. The conversation stops as a wormhole forms right before their very eyes! A whole Armada of Shi’ar warships shows up through the wormhole and starts firing at the Avengers! The space battle continues with the Avengers eventually forcing themselves into a warship. The attack from the Shi’ar on the Avengers was unprovoked and this team will not take it lightly. Seeks threatens the life of the Shi’ar captain if they don’t let them take over their ship and bring them all back to Earth.

Back at the Avengers Mansion, Cap is unhappy with the space team to say the least. The west coast and east coast teams all gathered in the Mansion debating on how to move forward in this conflict. If the Kree and Shi’ar keep using energy from the Sun to create wormholes, the Sun will become unstable threatening every living thing in the solar system.

I always loved big splash pages with all the members of the squad together. Back then it always seemed like something huge, something epic was going to happen and I still get that feeling on this reread. High drama and conflict as we see all our favorite Avengers not seeing eye to eye.

Cap decides to break up the team into 3 groups. One team will go to the Kree empire, one team to the Shi’ar empire and a team to stay on earth. Hawkeye, chosen to be on the earth team, is upset for being overlooked. After a conversation with Hank Pym, Pym understands Hawkeye’s anger and gives him some Pym partials to use. In the past Hawkeye has used Pym partials to become the Avenger Goliath, a powerhouse that can grow in size and strength. After a conference with Cap, Hawkeye will replace US Agent on the Kree team. Yet again adding to the tension amongst teammates.

As this issue ends the leader of the Shi’ar, Lillandra is becoming more desperate and in that moment her estranged sister Deathbird comes with a proposal for her! The history between these two is long and full of hate and jealousy.

Space Iron Man

Iron Man #278 starts with Captain America’s team in deep space meeting with the Kree in a gigantic space station. As the Avengers dock and explore the facility, they are attacked not by Kree, but Shi’ar warriors!

Meanwhile Iron Man finds the primary network system and begins to hack into the entire station’s computer network. The battle rages on and Iron Man gets access to the computer system. He comes across a transmission of a Kree commander telling the Avengers to stand down and prepare to surrender when the Kree arrive. Iron Man flys off, not listening to Caps warning as the Kree Villain Shatterax sets his sights on the Avengers.

Shatterax and Iron Man battle through space outside the space station. Shatterax attempts to destroy The Avengers Quin Jet a few times as Iron Man keeps playing defense. The battle continues between the two, Shatterax sends Iron Man reeling as the Kree war ships approach. Iron Man runs the probability of survival on his suits computer system, with the highest percentage of survival being surrender to the Kree. He makes an announcement on behalf of the Avengers declaring their surrender. The issue ends with the Avengers in shackles, and Cap increasingly angry at Iron Man’s decision.

The tension between these two characters continues to grow and it reminds me a little of the storyline from 2006, Civil War. A long and storied history between these characters, sometimes on the same page, sometimes not. It really amps up the drama when these two heavy hitters of the Avengers are at odds with each other.

Well that’s it for this time. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement! I really appreciate all feed back, and I hope that I can continue to grow this page. I have a lot of ideas I want to write about more stories I need to talk about. Until next time, keep it epic!

Operation Galactic Storm was written by Mark Gruenwald, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas, Gerard Jones, Bob Harras, Len Kaminski and Tom Defalco with art by Rick Levins, Dave Ross, Greg Capullo, Jeff Johnson, Steve Epting, Paul Ryan, Pat Olliffe, Rurik Tyler and Steven B. Jones.

Operation: Galactic Storm is a 19 part crossover event that ran in the Avengers Family of books from March 1992 through May of 1992. The Avengers find themselves trying to play peacemaker when an all out war breaks out between The Kree and The Shi’ar Empires! As these three factions clash across the galaxy, loyalties will be questioned, lines will be crossed and the Avengers will face repercussions for years to come!

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An Epic Collection

I have somewhat of a confession to make. When Operation: Galactic Storm came out in 1992 didn’t buy any of the issues. During this time the Avengers were not the juggernaut franchise that they are today. It was even hard to find their comics at the newsstand, and when I did they were among the last on my list to buy. I had an understanding of who they were and what they were about from other crossover appearances in the titles I was buying, plus I would read the articles about them in Wizard Magazine. I would first read OGS in 2018, while I was working at my comic book shop. I was near the end of my time as a store owner and was pretty unimpressed by the current crop of comics that were coming out every week. I was browsing our Marvel Epic Collection section and saw the trade paperback of the whole story. It was a slow Saturday at the store, the weather that day was absolutely beautiful. I cracked open the book and read all 19 issues that day. Maybe because I had low expectations of the story, but this crossover blew me away. I was pleasantly surprised and this soon became a book I recommend to others and was in my reread rotation of great stories.

The Wrath Of Warstar

It all starts with a dream Rick Jones has about his former partner Captain America In Captain America #398. Cap standing over an alien planet’ s death and destruction, then revealing that it’s not Cap at all, but the Supreme Intelligence. Rick awakens and seeks counsel over this dream. After a conversation with Delphi ? (I don’t know I never read the Hulk books) He calls Cap and meets with him. They go to a diner in Benson, Arizona, and right before they eat breakfast they are attacked by Warstar. The dream seems to be coming true, Warstar is a member of the Shi’ar Empire’s Imperial Guard. A battle breaks out and they realize that Warstar is after Rick Jones not Cap. Rick takes off in Cap’s Sky cycle, and Cap get the upper hand on Warstar. As Rick is flying off his mind is taken over by someone or something and the sky cycle get caught in a tractor beam. As the issue ends The Supreme Intelligence is launching his plan to combat Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!

The West Coast

Avengers West Coast # 80 begins following Rick Jones being held captive by the Shi’ar. They want information of the Kree warrior Captain Marvel, whom was once had ties to Rick. Rick doesn’t give up the information freely, but he didn’t have to because Oracle can read his mind.

I really enjoyed the history they told of Captain Marvel and Rick Jones. Captain Marvel at this point in history was mostly forgotten and taking a look back at his history throughout the 70s and 80s was a great touch to understanding these characters.

We are introduced to the West Coast Avengers at their Palos Verdes, California Compound during an outdoor training session. The exercise is interrupted by a call from Captain America asking for assistance to help him in Benson, Arizona.

This phone call exchange shows that there is tension between the Avenger teams and more specifically between Cap and Iron Man.

Once the WCA pick up Cap they search for Rick Jones and soon encounter him. He is still with the Shi’ar who are exploring the lower levels of an Outpost they found. They are interrupted by Kree Sentry 372, and a fight between the Sha’ir, the Sentry and the Avengers breaks out. The fight is quickly resolved and the Avengers defeat the Sentry, as they are collecting themselves they realize the Sha’ir have taken off again into space. They Avengers not have space travel capability at the time contact an Avenger that does, Quasar!

A Man Named Wendell

A fun fact about Quasar # 32 there was a misprint on a bunch of copies, I believe the newsstand edition had the issue number # 1 on the cover instead of # 32.

This issue starts with Quasar hot on the tail of the speeding Sha’ir Star craft, but he is stopped by a solar flare and cannot continue. He stops at a nearby space station that is a solar observatory for some answers. When he is there he receives a transmission that there is some activity at the tomb of Captain Marvel and he will go to investigate at the request of Star Fox.

Quasar and Star Fox find the Kree warriors Captain Atlas and Dr. Minerva in the Tomb. While they are questioning the Kree they all are ambushed by the Shi’ar Imperial Guard. A giant battle begins between the teams. The characters are having a hard time getting a solid hit on the Guards, they find out that actually it’s only one character, Manta that can project solid beams of light. They take her down and the illusions dissipate.

Captain Atlas has stolen the Quantum bands from Captain Marvel’s Tomb and attempts to use them, as he clings them together he switches places with Rick Jones!! Rick now in the vacuum of space, grabs his throat gasping for air!!

These first three installments of this epic storyline were fast paced and action packed, but still gave enough information to keep the reader informed. I liked how they started off slow in Cap’s solo book and starts to build upon that first meeting between Cap and Rick. There is a lot of characters and much more to be introduced very soon.

That’s it for this time and I apologize for the lateness of this piece, but I hope to be back to a regular schedule very soon.

Until next time, keep it Epic!

Operation Galactic Storm was written by Mark Gruenwald, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas, Gerard Jones, Bob Harras, Len Kaminski and Tom Defalco with art by Rick Levins, Dave Ross, Greg Capullo, Jeff Johnson, Steve Epting, Paul Ryan, Pat Olliffe, Rurik Tyler and Steven B. Jones.

Maximum Carnage is a 14 part crossover storyline that ran through the Spider-Man series of books from May 1993 to August 1993. It stared Spider-Man forming an uneasy alliance with Venom and teaming with other New York City heroes to battle Carnage and his evil cabal. It would spawn a wildly successful video game, many toys and action figures, apparel and numerous reprints and trade paperbacks.

Wave Of Violence

This is my 4th and final installment of my Maximum Carnage retrospective. As I sit here on a cool October night writing this, I can’t help to think about how great this story fits with Halloween! Can you believe they did this event in the summer? Spider-Man # 36 kinda Scooby Doos the cliffhanger of the last issue when Cap, Spidey and the gang were surrounded by a hateful mob of NYC residents. The wrap it up in a sort of flashback through a TV news spot. Kinda lame in my opinion, but it gets us where we need to get to.

Free Venom

We see Carnage still torturing Venom from like four issues ago. Finally Venom makes up a plan to free himself. He acts cowardly to really dupe Carnage. Carnage takes out the Sonic gun and pulls the trigger, but instead of Sonic waves, its parts of the Venom symbiote reconnecting with Eddie and breaking them free. He breaks free of his chains and of the facility that he was kept in.

The other heroes are still dealing with the NYC mob and Cloak is going through a crisis of his own searching for answers at a church. Carnage shows up and it seems a little embarrassed that he let Venom get away. He takes out his anger on his team, mad that they are killing without him. Just before the evil cabal is going to split up they see the heroes and decide to deal with them. Soon a bright ray of light shines through the battlefield and Cloak reveals the return of Dagger!

The Penultimate Battle

Spectacular Spider-Man # 203 starts right were part 12 left off with the reveal of a resurrected Dagger. Most of this issue explains how Dagger came back (with the power of love! Of course) and how she still forgives Shriek for killing her. She even tries to help Shriek, and for a moment it looked like it was really going to work. Shriek declares that she hates Dagger and the fight between the two is back on. The heroes seemly run away leaving Spider-Man alone.

In reality Spider-Man is there to distract Carnage and crew, while the heroes strap a big contraption on to Deathlok which they call a “good bomb.” He uses this big cannon that shoots out laser like energy beams, which reverse Shriek’s hate influence. Deathlok turns the beams on Carnage, who keeps struggling against its effects. Stating that there is no redemption for him, only lies and death. In a big crescendo the threat of Carnage is finally over. He is confirmed dead, but as Spidey sit near the water reflecting on this victory, Venom returns. He is still clearly injured, and is upset that he didn’t get a chance to end Carnage.. but as he collapses Carnage pops out of the water alive and well!!

Maximum Conclusion

It’s Spider-Man & Venom vs Carnage in the ultimate showdown. This crossover has had many twists and turns and a ton of characters and guest stars, but this is it. The original story started with these three characters and it’s fitting it will end with them. We start off this chapter with the three characters all hurting from the battles they have fought. Carnage limps away to regain strength and Venom chases after him. Spider-Man goes to see MJ in the hospital.

After a heartfelt conversation between the two and MJ seeing all the good the heroes have done she begins to understand why Peter does what he does. She doesn’t like him putting himself in danger all the time, but realizes all the lives he saves. Peter has a renewed passion and goes back out to find Carnage and he does in a warehouse fighting Venom. They take the fight outside and near some large generators.

Venom yet again goes for a kill shot, but Spider-Man stops him. I feel like this is getting really old hitting the same story beats again and again. The ending of the story could’ve been wrapped up last issue for sure. Anyway, Carnage almost kills Spider-Man with a deathly stab, but Black Cat shows up with the save. This leaves Venom and Carnage in a one on one fight again. This time when Venom gets the upper hand he tackles Carnage right into the generators causing a big explosion!

Maximum Carnage ends with Carnage barely breathing and taken into custody by the Avengers. Venom escapes from the explosion alive and leaving the audience wondering what happens next time Spider-Man and Venom meet? Will they be friend or foe?

Maximum Carnage was written by David Micheline, Tom DeFalco, Terry Kavanagh and J.M. DeMatteis with art from Mark Bagley, Ron Lim, Alex Saviuk, Tom Lyle, Sal Buscema and Steven Butler.

Video Game

The Maximum Carnage Video game would come out almost a year after the storyline in comics took place. I remember getting this game for Saga Genesis. It was a side scrolling beat ‘em up type of game. It was extremely entertaining, and the cool part was you could play as Venom too! It was pretty faithful to the storyline and featured a lot of the characters in the comics. And that packaging and art was pretty great!

This storyline would be featured in many trading card series of the time and so many action figures too. The popularity of Carnage would die down over the years, but recently the character has seen a resurgence.

The 90s comics were wild and Spider-Man was no exception. This wasn’t my very favorite of the era, but it holds a special place in my heart!

I hope you enjoyed this look back and until next time, keep it Epic!

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Maximum Carnage is a 14 part crossover storyline that ran through the Spider-Man series of books from May 1993 to August 1993. It stared Spider-Man forming an uneasy alliance with Venom and teaming with other New York City heroes to battle Carnage and his evil cabal. It would spawn a wildly successful video game, many toys and action figures, apparel and numerous reprints and trade paperbacks.

Subscribe now

Welcome To My Nightmare

Spider-Man #36 starts with the heroes striking a deal with Jameson to run a story that will set a trap for Carnage. It works! Carnage takes his gang back to the place he grew up. We get to see a little background on Cletus’ life and childhood. It doesn’t go into much depth, but it looks like he was bullied and beaten by his Dad.

This was an issue I did not get when it came out. I would miss this one and the next two in this series. I guess I was getting X-men books! I joke but probably..

Deathlok was still strung up on the side of the building, until Iron fist comes by and cuts him down. Wait? Iron Fist? What the hell is he doing here? Seems random. But that’s cool..

Back at Carnage’s place the heroes show up the fight is on again! This time Venom has the Sonic gun and Firestar is there to help weaken Carnage. With Carnage’s symbiote dissolving off, Venom goes in for a killing blow only to be stopped by Spider-Man?!? Spider-Man explains to Venom that they have limits, no killing. Shriek see her opening, and takes it. She cuts Carnage, allowing the symbiote to regenerate as the issue closes out!

Morality And Sin

The line that the heroes won’t cross begins to blurr in Spectacular Spider-Man #202 part 9 of this epic. Spider-Man is still questioning his choices in allies, and really how far they are willing to go. I started thinking about this when I was reading the issue. Maybe, this group can’t defeat the villains this time because they aren’t really heroes we need. They aren’t entirely good, and maybe that’s what this city needs. Someone incorruptible to save the day. As this issue moves on, the heroes realize that the Sonic gun will no longer work on Carnage, but he still is quite vulnerable to Firestar’s microwave flames. Spider-Man doubts himself and ends up agreeing with Venom. The try to convince Firestar that once she gets Carnage down with her power, to keep going and not let up. Firestar begins, and really starts pouring it onto Carnage, but she lets up at the last minute realizing the error in her ways. She’s so a hero and cannot kill, even the most despicable human being.

There is one part that I absolutely loved! Demogoblin pumpkin 🎃 bombs Morbius, and the picture above is the result! I know I’m biased, but I just don’t like that guy and I laughed so hard at this!

Venom is exceptionally upset at Firestar not ending Carnage’s life. He attacks Shriek and Carnage by himself and gets stripped of his suit and incapacitated for his efforts. Carnage takes Venom for hostage and leaves the other heroes scattered all around the battlefield. With all hope seemingly lost, a new hero emerges. Captain America reaches out his hand to help Spidey! This may be the moment the tide will turn in the heroes favor!

A New Hope

Cap, Spidey and Firestar kick off Web of Spider-Man # 103 in a partially destroyed Baxter Building, the home of the FF. While Cap is accessing some files he sees something odd. He talks a bunch of 90s computer mumbo jumbo and then Deathlok appears on the screen. It looks like Deathlok and Iron Fist are here to join the team.

Spider-Man decides to go check on his home life and we cut to a scene where Black Cat, Cloak and an unburnt Morbius are trying to track down Venom. The run into Carnage’s crew and a fight breaks out again. A character named Nightwatch shows up. And I know, you’re like who? Well, he is a Spawn looking guy that gets his powers from his suit and had a short lived series that lasted 12 issue back in 94-95.

All this is happening while Carnage and Shriek are torturing Venom. Spider-Man reunites with Cap , Firestar, Deathlok and Iron Fist with a renewed focus to take down Carnage as the issue closes out.

Battle Royal

ASM # 380 was the next issue that I got when it came out at the grocery store. Man, how I miss those days! This issue brought back some great memories! Carnage is still torturing Venom as the heroes try to track down the source of insanity that spread to the residents of NYC. They find it, or better said they find her. Shriek is the one who has the power to spread such hate and unrest influencing the regular folks. The heroes take down Shriek, but the city people are still acting awful. This is my favorite part of the comic. The heroes get all after school special on the citizens, and Deathlok has the best one. I couldn’t help but laugh, but it also made me feel good about the heroes.

The heroes spread a lot of hope to all in the city and the people start to get out of Shriek’s trance. The tide starts to turn on Shriek and she is heavily outnumbered. In a last ditch effort she pours on her hate influence to the max and turns all the city folks back against the heroes. The issue ends with all of NYC full of hate surrounding the shocked heroes.

Thats it for the third part of my retrospective. I hope you enjoy this ride back to 1993 and the world of Maximum Carnage. I have one more installment of this series coming soon! We will take a look at the video game and other merchandise too!

Until next time, keep it Epic!

Maximum Carnage was written by David Micheline, Tom DeFalco, Terry Kavanagh and J.M. DeMatteis with art from Mark Bagley, Ron Lim, Alex Saviuk, Tom Lyle, Sal Buscema and Steven Butler.

You’ve probably heard this a million times before, but fall is my favorite season. A few years ago while I was trying to get into shape I started going on walks. I was getting bored of seeing the same things in the neighborhood and someone took me to a park for a hike in the woods. I absolutely loved it. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but soon I was going multiple times a week. All throughout that summer I would go during the week and on weekends, but then the fall came.

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I really enjoyed the views of the summer, but nothing compared to the beauty of fall. I would soon seek out new hiking spots, traveling around to nearby State Parks and trails. I realized that there was so many great places to visit all around Upstate NY and the areas that were only about a one or two hour drive from me. What the hell was I doing in my early 20s? Why the heck didn’t I do this sooner?

Hiking always clears my mind and I’m at peace. I forget my struggles and stress in those moments. A few times it helped me think through a situation or a problem I was worrying about.

Taking hikes alone is sometimes fun, but having someone to share these adventures is the best. I’m so blessed to have someone that loves sharing in these moments. On our trips to other counties we always take “the small roads” no highways. I always look for small towns to visit and explore. Try to find local restaurants and shops we would enjoy to see.

Fall is wonderful for the hikes, but I can’t forget the beautiful drives to local farm markets. Getting apples, cider and doughnuts. Seeing all the pumpkins and going on a haunted tour! The trips are full of surprises and I can’t imagine spending them with anyone else, but my beautiful girlfriend.

If you are in the Rochester, Buffalo or Syracuse NY areas or planing to visit them, here is a list of places I suggest.

Fillmore Glen State Park

Stoney Brooke State Park

Watkins Glen State Park

Chittenango Falls State Park

Letchworth State Park

Green Lakes State Park

Grimes Glen Park

I hope you enjoyed my non comic book post and have a chance to experience these amazing places! I know I’ve seen pictures of other states during the fall and they are simply stunning. Let me know what are some of your favorite places to visit during the fall.

Until next time, keep it Epic !