Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Phoenix Resurrection #1 Spoilers & Art


Spoilers: When Cerebro picks up a new type of reading in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, Kitty’s team was the first to respond. The X-Men found two children floating above the ground and bleeding profusely from the head but showing no wounds. Neither child tested positive for the X-gene and both recovered at the hospital with no memory of the incident. Whatever caused this put Rachel in the infirmary just by being close to it. Using the data pulled from Cerebro, Beast and Kitty tracked unusual energy phenomena in three locations: The Hellfire Club in NY, Mont Saint Francis Monastery in France and the North Pole. Kitty selects three teams to investigate.

Team 1: Kitty, Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Magik and Jubilee head to the Hellfire Club where they fight Hellfire Club guards.

Team 2: Rogue, Teen Cyclops, Teen Iceman, Teen Beast and Teen Angel head to Mont Saint Francis, where they fight Mellencamp.

Team 3: Old Man Logan, Psylocke, Sabretooth, Domino, Warpath and X-23 head to the North Pole and fight the original Wolverine.

They all turn out to be illusions. All three teams look up to the sky and see a Phoenix in flames. Elsewhere, a young woman named Jean works at Annie’s Diner with her boss Annie and her coworker Gladys. She attends a customer named Sean Cassidy and heads home. Jean is welcomed by both her parents and says her day was weird. Her house was soon visited by a Scott Summers.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

X-Solicits for March 2017

Astonishing X-Men #9
Charles Soule (W) • Matteo Buffagni (A)
Cover by: Leinil Francis Yu
Nuke-Clear War Part 3
• As a reality storm batters London and its inhabitants, Psylocke must choose between trusting the mysterious Man Called X and letting her beloved city fall into ruin.
• The Shadow King freed a brand-new threat with his dying throes, but who is this new threat?
• And how can the X-Men hope to stand against an emery that can warp reality itself?


X-Men Red #2
Tom Taylor (W) • Mahmud Asrar (A)
Cover by: Travis Charest
Headshot Variant Cover by: Travis Charest
New Mutants Variant Cover by: Dan Mora
The Hate Machine Part 2
• Jean Grey and her team must infiltrate a top-secret compound in order to save a mutant they’ve never met.
• They’ll have to avoid guards armed with guns, protestors armed with hate and sentinels armed with…well, slightly larger and more dangerous guns than the guards.
• All in a day’s work for the newest X-Men team.


X-Men: Blue #23
Cullen Bunn (W) • Jorge Molina (A/C)
New Mutants Variant Cover by: Clayton Crain
Cry Havok Part 1
• With the X-Men lost in space, Emma Frost, Havok, Bastion and Miss Sinister hatch their devious plans!
• Is there a worse time for their most dangerous enemies to strike?
• And wouldn’t it make matters much, much worse if Polaris once again fell victim to the body-stealing Malice?


X-Men: Blue #24
Cullen Bunn (W) • Jorge Molina (A/C)
Cry Havok Part 2
• The X-Men are missing, but Magneto mobilizes against his enemies! His first target: Sebastian Shaw!
• What lengths will Magneto go to uncover his enemies’ secrets?
• Meanwhile, Jimmy Hudson and Bloodstorm face the Malice-possessed Polaris!


X-Men Gold #23
Marc Guggenheim (W) • Thony Silas (A)
Cover by: David Nakayama
New Mutants Variant Cover by: Jason Pearson
Cruel and Unusual Part 1
• Kitty and her X-Men gold team are in jail.
• While they’re away, who will protect the people of NYC?
• Read on, true believer, to meet the new X-Men Gold!



X-Men Gold #24
Marc Guggenheim (W) • Thony Silas (A)
Cover by: David Nakayama
Cruel and Unusual Part 2
• The New X-Men Gold are doing their best to protect people from the likes of The Shredded Man and other baddies...
• ...but pretty soon a threat bigger than they can imagine will be on their doorstep.
• Something has survived the Negative Zone, and it wants revenge.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Betsy Braddock, Chapter V – Captain Britain

Before the X: In this fifth and final chapter, we delve into the events from Captain Britain vol. 2 #1-14 (1985-1986), marking the concluding phase of Betsy Braddock’s early life. Jamie Delano assumed writing duties from the first issue, recommended by Alan Moore and with the approval of Alan Davis. Davis initially provided plot ideas but later took over as the writer in issues #13 and #14 due to dissatisfaction with the direction. Throughout this run, Betsy asserted herself as an equal to her brother, standing up for her beliefs and engaging in frequent arguments with Brian. The narrative delved into her connections with the magical realm of Otherworld, retroactively establishing her father’s origin from this mystical domain. Betsy, in the absence of her brother, emerged as a formidable Captain Britain, facing harrowing challenges, including a rape attempt by a doppelganger and a brutal assault by the villain Slaymaster, resulting in her permanent blindness. The flashback depicted in Uncanny X-Force #17 (2011), showcasing Betsy meeting Warren for the first time, aligns with this run’s timeline for several reasons. Firstly, after Betsy and Brian’s reunion in Daredevils #3, they quickly became entangled in James Jaspers’ Warp. Secondly, Betsy was romantically involved with Tom Lennox before, with any flirtation likely occurring post his demise. Lastly, the initial issues of this run were relatively calm, allowing Brian and Betsy the opportunity to attend parties. And so, this marks the conclusion of Betsy Braddock’s early life—until the arrival of Mojo and Spiral led to the birth of Psylocke in the pages of New Mutants Annual #2 later that same year. Thank you for following this project; we hope you enjoyed the journey!

CHAPTER V - Captain Britain

Betsy and Brian enjoyed a predominantly happy and peaceful life at Braddock Manor, accompanied by their guests Alison Double and Meggan. Despite her playful teasing of Brian, Betsy often reminded him of the loneliness she felt when he vanished from her life. Meggan, describing Betsy as kind and gentle, cherished their friendship. Engaging in nostalgic conversations about Brian’s tenure as Captain Britain, Betsy couldn’t fathom her brother’s affinity for combat. The lingering grief over Tom Lennox’s death continued to weigh heavily on her. One morning, perusing the personal ads in the newspaper, Betsy stumbled upon an absurd yet intriguing ad from the Crazy Gang, seeking a clever leader. The address provided in the ad served as Brian’s sole lead to the Crazy Gang’s hideout. [Captain Britain v2 #1, #2 / Excalibur: The Sword is Drawn #1]

During this period, the siblings maintained connections with the Hellfire Club. Both Betsy and Brian were entitled to their father’s seat as Black Bishop in the London Chapter’s Inner Circle, yet neither displayed a keen interest in claiming the position. On a trip to America, the twins attended a party hosted by the Hellfire Club’s New York branch. Bored by the monotonous conversation of the White Bishop, Donald Pierce, Betsy sought refuge by captivating the attention of the charming Warren Worthing III, asking him to rescue her from Pierce’s dull banter. No introductions were necessary; Betsy was already aware of Warren’s identity as an X-Man, aristocrat, and playboy, just as he knew her as the daughter of Sir James Braddock and the twin sister to Captain Britain. The duo quickly forged a connection, toasting to their shared hereditary obligations. It was a memorable night for both of them. [Uncanny X-Force v1 #17 / Excalibur v1 #96]

Days later, back in England, the mercenaries known as the Technet were hired to capture Kaptain Briton, a vicious doppelganger of Brian Braddock from an alternate universe. However, the Technet mistakenly apprehended the real Brian instead. Seizing the opportunity, Kaptain Briton masqueraded as the genuine Brian, a ruse that caught Betsy’s attention due to his peculiar appearance. The Technet eventually realized their error, freeing the authentic Brian to confront his malevolent counterpart. Startled by the sight of two identical Brians, Betsy, along with Emma, Alison, and Meggan, gathered to witness the intense battle. As the skirmish unfolded, Kaptain Briton, in a brutal turn of events, knocked Brian unconscious. The Technet, grappling with confusion, once again captured the wrong Captain Britain, leaving Betsy unable to discern the genuine article. Subsequently, Kaptain Briton took advantage of Betsy’s vulnerability, deceiving her into believing he was her brother. In a distressing moment, he forcibly kissed her and attempted to rape her. Betsy, shocked and desperate, unleashed her telepathic power to connect with her attacker’s mind. Immersed in the sadistic memories and fantasies within Kaptain Briton’s psyche, Betsy felt a surge of disgust and anger. Responding fiercely, she launched a powerful psychic blast, shattering his mind and wreaking havoc in her room. Tragically, Briton became the first person Betsy had killed, leaving her traumatized and in a state of shock. Upon the real Brian’s return, Betsy, haunted by the traumatic assault, found herself naturally averse to him. The scars of the ordeal lingered, casting a shadow over their relationship. [Captain Britain v2 #4, #5, #6, #7]

On that fateful night, the computer Mastermind revealed to the twins their Otherworld origins and the pivotal role their father, Sir James, played in Merlyn’s grand design. As Betsy delved into the knowledge of Otherworld, she began to regard it as her home, reading about its diverse domains such as the Forest of a Thousand Sorrows through her father’s journals. When Mastermind proposed a more active role in guiding them, Betsy was open to the idea, but Brian remained suspicious. She contended that their father had designed the computer for this very purpose, chiding Brian for his perceived short-sightedness. [Captain Britain v2 #7 / Excalibur v2 #1 / Uncanny X-Force v1 # 21]

Braddock Manor received unexpected visitors in the form of Captain UK and Agents Michael and Gabriel from the R.C.X., the agency that had succeeded S.T.R.I.K.E. Betsy joyfully recognized ‘Gabriel’ as Matthew, her former colleague from S.T.R.I.K.E. Tensions arose when Brian, reluctant to aid in preventing an impending coup d'état, clashed with Betsy, who believed he lacked foresight. Amidst the confrontation, the Warpies—children mutated by the Jaspers Warp—were accidentally set loose, prompting Betsy, Brian, Linda, and Meggan to unite in defeating them. Later, when Gabriel extended an invitation for Betsy to join the R.C.X., she declined but insisted on providing sanctuary for the small Warpies. Though Brian wished them gone, Betsy asserted her ownership of the house and insisted on offering the Warpies protection, education, and love. The Warpies, in turn, developed a particular fondness for her. When Betsy sided with the R.C.X., Brian chose to leave Braddock Manor with Meggan. [Captain Britain v2 #8, #9]

As Braddock Manor fell under the control of the R.C.X. and the Warpies, and with Brian departing, Betsy yearned for solitude to rebuild her life as a fashion model. However, Gabriel had different plans, urging her to take up the mantle of Captain Britain. Initially hesitant, Betsy relented when the safety of the Warpies was at stake, and Linda offered to be her partner for a temporary period. Mastermind, in turn, modified Kaptain Briton’s uniform to align with Betsy’s sense of style, instilling in her a sense of power and the thrill of flight. The dynamic duo of the new Captain Britain and her partner, Captain UK, captured public attention and worked seamlessly for several months. Betsy even developed a romantic relationship with Agent Gabriel during this time. However, the partnership faced a turning point when Linda decided to leave. On the same day, crime lord Vixen challenged Betsy to a duel at the South Bank building site on the Thames. Despite sensing it was a trap, and with Agent Gabriel cautioning against it, Betsy proceeded at the insistence of Agent Michael. The confrontation unfolded as Vixen orchestrated a showdown with Slaymaster, who subjected Betsy to a brutal beating and gouged out her eyes. Brian, experiencing a psychic flash of Betsy’s pain, rushed to her rescue in a berserker rage, ultimately killing Slaymaster by smashing his head with a rock. Brian returned Betsy to Braddock Manor and entrusted her care to Mastermind, blaming the R.C.X. for her blinding. However, Betsy affirmed that her choice was voluntary. This traumatic incident marked a turning point, prompting Brian to reclaim the mantle of Captain Britain. [Captain Britain v2 #12, #13]

In the ensuing days, Betsy experienced a remarkable recovery from the traumatic incident, devoting much of her time to bonding with the Warpies. Particularly, Beetroot viewed Betsy as a loving mother, and during Christmas, she joined the children in unwrapping presents. When she went skiing outside Braddock Manor with Gabriel, she declined his offer to implant cybernetic eyes. Betsy explained that her psychic abilities more than compensated for her lack of sight, allowing her to ‘see’ the world through the minds of others. Sensing that the Manor no longer felt like home, Betsy invited Gabriel to travel to Switzerland, to Alison’s château, which she considered an ideal place for a holiday or even a honeymoon. Subsequently, Betsy, Gabriel, and Alison embarked on a vacation in Switzerland, and for the first time in a while, Betsy found happiness. [Captain Britain v2 #14 / Excalibur v1 #62]

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Artist Phil Noto introduces a new take on Charles Xavier!

Marvel.comSeries writer Charles Soule keeps throwing curveballs at his Astonishing X-Men team. And they might not be ready for the latest twist heading their way.

When Part One of the new storyline “A Man Called X” begins with Astonishing X-Men #7, the merry mutants must reckon with a resurgent—and slightly unfamiliar—Charles Xavier. Written by Soule with art by Phil Noto, this epic tale starts with a bang.

We caught up with Noto to discuss teaming up with his Poe Dameron partner on a different series, getting to know a few mutants better, and developing a new look for Professor X.


Marvel.com: There has been an all-star lineup of artists contributing to this run of Astonishing X-Men so far. What most appealed to you about joining in on the fun?

Phil Noto: I was flattered to be included with those artists in the lineup. It’s also been awhile since I’ve worked on an X-book, so that appealed to me.

Marvel.com: This book contains a pretty eclectic group of X-Men. Did any of them offer a surprising challenge when you started digging into the issue?

Phil Noto: Well, I’ve drawn most of them in one form or another—except for Bishop. I think this might be my first official Bishop work, which has been fun because I’ve been a fan of the character since the old X-Men cartoon. Other than a few costume changes with Gambit and Rogue, I felt like I had a pretty good handle on them.

Now, creating a young Xavier definitely felt like a bit of a challenge. He’s more cocky and laid back than his future self. He’s also walking around. I just tried to make him read as X as much as I could, and I think it worked.

Marvel.com: What’s it like shining the spotlight on Professor X this way?

Phil Noto: It was fun to do a Professor-centric issue. I’ve never really spent much time drawing him. And the way Charles has written this new incarnation of Xavier is very cool!

Marvel.com: What can you tell us about the threat Professor X and his team find themselves up against as “A Man Called X” begins?

Phil Noto: After the defeat of the Shadow King, London remains swarming with psychic zombies, with Bishop being one of them. Suddenly, a young Xavier appears—dressed as Fantomex—and tells the team that it’s cool, that he’s got it under control. Next thing you know, there’s a crazy green sun, which can’t be good. Don’t want to spoil more than that!

Marvel.com: You’ve worked with Charles Soule before—how has your collaborative relationship evolved over time?

Phil Noto: Charles and I go way back. We did a Thunderbolts issue together years ago. Working on Poe Dameron with him has been a delight. From planning out the initial story and characters to doing the book together, we definitely have a good rapport. It’s nice to have that kind of relationship with a writer. I usually instinctively know what he’s going for on the page. If I have any questions about something, I can just text him. I think we make a pretty good team!

Writer Charles Soule and artist Phil Noto’s ASTONISHING X-MEN #7 drops on January 3!

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Betsy Braddock, Chapter IV – Jaspers Warp

Before the X: In this fourth chapter, we delve into the pivotal event known as the ‘Jaspers’ Warp,’ a Marvel UK storyline featuring Captain Britain. The adventures covered here spanned from Daredevils #8-#11 (1983) to The Mighty World of Marvel #7-13 (1983-1984). Notably, these stories mark the only mainstream Marvel Universe work by Alan Moore, with Captain Britain and Betsy Braddock being the only major Marvel characters Moore wrote on a regular basis. During these events, Betsy faced life-altering traumas. First, she experienced the death of her lover, Tom Lennox, through their shared psychic rapport. Second, she endured imprisonment in a concentration camp. In the camps, Betsy formed an unusual friendship with Victoria Bentley, a supporting character from Dr. Strange, though this pairing received no further development. Artist Alan Davis, who penciled Moore’s entire run, assumed writing duties and reintroduced Betsy with enhanced powers in The Mighty World of Marvel #16. Now capable of generating psi-bolts to stun others, Betsy emerged as a more active hero. Join us in the next chapter as we continue to explore Betsy Braddock’s extraordinary journey.


CHAPTER IV - Jaspers Warp

On a chilling January night at Braddock Manor, Betsy, Brian, and their eclectic group of guests—Tom Lennox, Saturnyne, and the aliens of The Special Executive—gathered to watch a televised speech delivered by Sir James Jaspers, M.P., cautioning against the danger posed by superheroes. Betsy noticed an unsettling glance from the alien Fascination towards her lover, Lennox. Despite Tom’s pleas for them to leave the house while they still could, Betsy paid him no heed. In that moment, she experienced a precognitive vision of a dark future—a concentration camp, a sky obscured by smoke, heads on pikes, captured superheroes, screaming people, and one of them was her. Captain Britain, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Betsy herself—all met their demise. Unbeknownst to the Braddocks, they were mere pawns in a master game orchestrated by Merlyn. [Daredevils v1 #9]

Later that night, Captain UK fell prey to the Fury—a lethal cybiote designed to annihilate all superhumans—in the surrounding bushes of Braddock Manor. Betsy, using her mental powers, sensed Brian’s fear. The unexpected arrival of the cybiote disrupted Merlyn’s carefully laid plans, leaving both Betsy and the alien Cobweb in a catatonic state. The heroes rallied to bury the Fury in the caves of Braddock Manor, with Brian tenderly holding a stunned Betsy in his arms. The members of The Special Executive decided to distance themselves from Captain Britain’s mission, leaving Betsy, Brian, Lennox, and Saturnyne to face the unfolding events at Braddock Manor alone. [Daredevils v1 #10, #11]

Amidst the unfolding chaos orchestrated by Sir James Jaspers’ anti-superhero campaign, which won him a resounding election victory, Betsy and Brian chose to keep a low profile to survive the perilous times. Pretending to be ordinary humans, they attempted to navigate the challenges brought about by the Jaspers Warp, where superbeings across Britain were confined to concentration camps. However, their attempts to blend in were shattered when Brian was exposed as a superhero during a routine food line. Forced to confront the Beetles—Jaspers’ enforcers—Betsy and Brian managed to escape, sparking a glimmer of hope among the imprisoned superbeings who caught wind of their daring getaway. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #7]

Following this incident, Betsy, Brian, Linda, Lennox, Saturnyne, and Alison Double abandoned Braddock Manor, seeking refuge in a London cellar. Betsy frequently utilized her precognitive abilities to determine the safest times for the group to venture out of hiding. As Alison’s health declined, Betsy, relying on her psychic powers, collaborated with Saturnyne to raid a drugstore and procure the necessary medicine. Betsy harbored deep resentment for the transformed England, now plagued by concentration camps, storm troopers, and curfews. In the midst of the upheaval, she lost all sense of time, unable to recall how long they had been living in this dystopian reality. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #8]

The following day, Betsy’s heightened senses detected the approaching Beetles closing in on their hideout. Lennox, aware of the danger, instructed Betsy to leave with the others while he sacrificed himself to buy them time. Attempting to escape through another exit, Betsy and Alison Double were both captured by the Beetles, leaving Saturnyne and Linda to manage a narrow escape. Lennox, tragically shot multiple times, succumbed to his injuries. Betsy, connected through their psychic rapport, experienced his death vividly, feeling every bullet on her mind. The shock left her in a state of tears, lying helpless on the floor. In the realm of Otherworld, Merlyn removed the pieces of Betsy, Lennox, and Double from his chess game. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #9]

Subsequently, Betsy and Alison endured imprisonment in a concentration camp until the demise of Jaspers. During their time in captivity, Betsy formed a bond with Victoria Bentley, a young woman possessing formidable mystic powers and an ally of Dr. Strange. Upon the liberation of the concentration camps, Victoria took on the responsibility of caring for Betsy, recognizing the depth of trauma from the loss of Tom and the mental scars it left. Betsy and Alison relocated to Victoria Bentley’s castle. As reality gradually restored itself six months later, with only a few people, including Betsy, retaining memories of Jaspers’ Warp, she struggled to fully recover from the psychic shock triggered by Tom’s death. Victoria played a crucial role in guiding Betsy to channel Lennox’s death and utilize her powers in a more assertive manner. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #13, #14, #16]

Three months later, Betsy and Alison returned to Braddock Manor, where they were warmly welcomed by Brian and Emma Collins, their longtime nanny. Observing Betsy’s subdued state, Emma kindly offered to bake her favorite cake, walnut cream. Brian introduced his sister to Meggan, a mutant residing at Braddock Manor. Brian shared his intention to reopen the Braddocks’ farms. Betsy, still haunted by the madness of the concentration camps and Lennox’s death, expressed her lingering turmoil. When the twins were unexpectedly ambushed by mysterious bounty hunters, Betsy unleashed a powerful psychic blast to assist Brian. Although the attackers vanished, an uneasy feeling lingered, hinting that new challenges were on the horizon. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #16]