Spoilers: Saturnyne sends an emissary to all kingdoms of Otherworld inviting their representatives to a parliament. Once all are reunited in the Starlight Citadel – including Roma, Merlyn, Mad Jim Jaspers, Jamie Braddock, the Furies, etc. – most provinces vote against Blightspoke’s request for open border movement between the 10 provinces. Famine and Pestilence claim that the seat that once belonged to Dryador, now belongs to Amenth. Saturnyne warns that they should be concerned with their contest against Avalon first. Jamie Braddock announces that his Champions will be arriving soon. Back in Krakoa, the Swordbearers – Magik, Wolverine, Storm, Cypher, Cable, Captain Britain and Captain Avalon – are joined by Apocalypse and Gorgon, who place their swords on the casting circle.
A flashback sequence shows how each of the Swordbearers of Arakko were convinced to fight in the tournament and raise their swords at Annihilation’s behest. Summoner and the Horsemen reach out to Redroot the Forest, Pogg Ur-Pogg, Bei the Blood Moon, the White Sword and Isca the Unbeaten. They are joined by Solem, Death and War. The Champions of Arakko are now assembled.
Back to the present, the Champions of Krakoa are teleported to the Starlight Citadel. Brian warns them to beware of Saturnyne’s little games while Apocalypse asks for their patience. Saturnyne welcomes them and Betsy demands to know what are her rules. Saturnyne sends them to their chambers to freshen up as they will meet their fellow combatants during the feast. Saturnyne has placed a tarot card for each Champion in their bedchambers:
Captain Britain – Nine of Swords;
Cypher – Two of Cups;
Gorgon – A hidden card;
Captain Avalon – Knight of Pentacles;
Magik – Page of Wands;
Cable – The Fool;
Wolverine – Strength;
Storm – Death;
Apocalypse – The Lovers.
Cypher – Two of Cups;
Gorgon – A hidden card;
Captain Avalon – Knight of Pentacles;
Magik – Page of Wands;
Cable – The Fool;
Wolverine – Strength;
Storm – Death;
Apocalypse – The Lovers.
Apocalypse is greatly upset about what he sees in the card and demands an explanation from Saturnyne as he has had enough of her games. Saturnyne taunts Apocalypse and says he’s too old to be that impatient. Saturnyne then leads Apocalypse to a secret chamber where Annihilation is waiting. Annihilation reveals herself as Genesis, Apocalypse’s long-lost wife, now wearing the golden helm of Amenth. The Lovers face each other again.
“For so long, my life has been out of control. Chaos and serendipity, wrapped in insanity. I have suffered, I have lost. Not just my life, but my very soul, my self. But no more. Now I know who I am.” – Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Braddock, daughter of Otherworld, mutant, telepath, telekinetic, defender of the realm and, above all, X-Man.
14 comments:
Looks interesting.
Is Annihilation one of the Arakko Swordbearers, then? And it's curious that despite all the focus on the Four Horsemen, only two of them will compete in the tournament. Hopefully the battles won't need to end with the death of one competitor, because I want both Death and War to survive this (and at the same time, I don't want Storm to die - and judging from the December solicits, we know she won't).
This arc is compelling and stylish, but I can't let go of the fact that Tarot (the former Hellion and actual tarot card reader/user) isn't included. Seems like a missed opportunity to me.
@EndlessM
I'm hoping this battle or event is the thing Betsy needs writing wise to get Excalibur moving.
When I read up on the history of the Hellions she actually became my favorite based on her abilities & design. I know Marvels got it's hands full with this event & the Phoenix becoming an Avengers plot point, but I'd love to see the Hellions & Moira's X-kids used for something.
Annihilation is a swordbearer
They're using her to explain the tarot readings, she's not in the story, but she's a kind of narrator
All of the baddies here look so iconic already. Im happy the xmen are back to fighting non,humans again. Its gotten stale since majority of evil mutants live on Krakoa.
Excellent issue, so well written and well drawn. Things aren't looking so hot for Betsy, I pray that she doesn't come out of this too scratched up! Saturnyne is as saucy and bourgeois as Emma Frost! The only thing I didn't like is how they are making Apocalypse into a scrub.
The designs for the swordbearers of arakko are on point, they look ancient, organic, menacing and otherworldly at the same time
Guys, I don't think you are seeing the bigger picture, they probably need six matches to win. Don't you find it a bit weird that there are only nine contestant but only 10 swords on the X-men team. The contestant that I believe may lose are Cypher, Gorgon, Captain Avalon and Apocalypse. I think Marvel is also planning on killing of Gorgon early during his matchup because he is holding two swords. This is suppose to set up an uninvited guest from the Hellion book which is Kwannon to take up his sword. Remember Mister Sinister was task to capture the sword from the other side. It seems like they already fail at the job or probably intend on stealing the enemies' swords during the tournament. Let me know what you think.
...Nah, Kwannon isn't that important to be kept as a surprise. The mystery behind a possible 10th swordbearer seems to indicate it's going to be a big name.
Hmmm I'm guessing the FF wouldn't let Franklin participate. Otherwise he'd be a shocking participant.
He lost all his powers and can no longer go through krakoan gates
I honestly do now think Gorgon will be one of the sword bearers to die. Along with Apocalypse. Both are OP af and could use a "nerf" lol if they're brought back different it would be a way to ease up on their abilities. Theyre both literally insanely powerful.
Killing Apocalypse would be less interesting than exploring the reaction he'd have to the loss of his children, his wife and see his goals crumble.
Gorgon, he could easily die.
I'm pretty sure Doug is gonna bite the dust.
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