If there's one thing I can be labeled a fanatic over it's the Xmen. And proudly. A little background history for the neophytes who have unwarily stumbled onto this page.
The Xmen were created in the 60's by Stan Lee. The basic concept is
they're a group of young people with a specific mutation in there DNA that
imbues them with one superhuman ability or the other. Some of these lucky
or unlucky chaps (depends on your point of view) have more than one power
as they're more commonly referred to in the X universe.
As a result of their fantastic abilities, they are feared, hated and
scorned by the rest of "normal" humanity. This is understandable seeing
as with a single thought just one of these mutants can reenact Hitler's
gas camps and large scale genocide. Understandable but not tolerable. Adding
to normal humanity's resentment is the idea that mutants represent the
next order of man on Darwin's evolutionary scale. These freaks are the
future of mankind and the normals or genetic dead ends are on the way out.
Growing up, comics took up a good portion of my recreation and are yet to loosen their grips on my imagination. Thankfully I 'm not the only person in this lovely predicament or I would be questioning my mental stability. In any case, the Xmen for me are a means of escape from reality, a fascinating story on prejudice and triumph and the inherent nobility of man. Yuck, I disgusted myself with that corny sentence. In any case......
I religiously collect Xmen.
For X-maniacs out of the loop read on.
Unless you've been in some dark corner of the planet, you know that
the X roster has been changed. Gone ar the original five, Maggott and Reyes.
But I've got good news for you. Read on.
Xavier has been found after his disappearance during Operation Zero
Tolerance. In this messy fandango Cerebro gained sentience but now that's
supposedly over. Knowing Marvel, it may resurface years later with some
explanation of how it never really expired. Colossus, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat
and Gambit are back on the team. Maggott's left for parts unknown. Bishop
should be back from space soon as in early next year. Gambit's own series
has begun and good ol' Fabe Nicieza is its scribe. The Magneto War story
line is the next thing in store for the X mythos and the enigmatic Joseph's
origin should be revealed shortly. The original five return in the
middle of the year or so. It's being kept hush hush what exactly they'll
be doing. As long as Iceman's using his powers like he did in AOA I'm happy.
Oh yeah, a return to the metallic wings for Warren already!
And bring Maggott back.
Kelly and Seagle are off. For the interim Alan Davis is scribe. The
permanent replacement remains anyone's guess.
Breaking from the X, Spiderman is being relaunched. The clone saga
really did a number on Spidey. Maybe this will teach those "geniuses" (notice
my cynicism) to leave well enough alone.
Since I brought up the Fantastic Four, I can't help compare, try to compare is the better phrase, the human torch to Iceman. We've got two "elemental" wielders here. Why then is one a lot more developed and feared in the Marvel Universe when they both are of equal potential? You mull that over for a while and you begin to see my point. If not, I'll introduce you to the one on my sword! Oh yeah, and when are we going to see the molecular inversion transportation schtick in this reality? C'mon guys, don't back off now, let's see Bobby become a major player like Wolverine. The guy nailed the almighty Onslaught when Jean couldn't even sense him/it and nailed a sentinel by his lonesome (Xmen 55 or 56) There's no question he's got the power. Hey! Who threw that tomato? Alright! I'm getting off my soapbox. Sheesh!!
Other favored titles include Spiderman (sans the clone disaster), Avengers,
Fantastic Four, Captain America (The Waid era), Iron Man, and Batman. Andy
Kubert is set to pencil Captain America while Ron Garney moves on to a
brand spanking new Cap title. All the success on earth to Andy who was
incredible during his Xmen run .
For my Xmen links, click on Portals.
I'll be beefing up this section of the Dark Realm in the not too distant future. Be sure to catch another wave to this corner.