New X-Men? Special 100th Episode Edition! Awesome!

X-Men #100

“Greater Love Hath No X-Man…”

Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum

Summary

It’s X-Men versus X-Men- Or is it? And what’s up with Steven Lang?

Rolling Commentary

That’s quite the two-page spread on Pages 2 and 3, isn’t it? Also, on Page 1, I’m not sure who it is who’s watching all this nonsense. The figure was seen on the last page of issue 97 too. Is it D’Ken, maybe? Erik The Red? I’m all a-tingle with excitement…

Whooooo! Page 5! First Fastball Special Evah!!!!

On Page 8, Wolverine threatens “Professor Xavier”, something none of the others would even dare to do. I point this out for two reasons- first, it’s badass. But more important, it’s an example of why I think Xavier asked Wolverine to join in the first place. It’s not because of his powers and skeleton, it’s the fact that he’s willing to do whatever it takes. He’s uncompromising, and even willing to take on Xavier himself if needed, something not even Cyclops would do.

Page 14. Okay, the explanation for the X-Sentinels is less than amazing, but whatever. Wolverine is being a total badass here, and dude! Jean just killed someone! And he deserved it too. Rock.

Page 16. Wow. Jeanie’s a little harsh here to Wolverine, isn’t she?

Post Mortem (literally) (sort of)

Jean Grey is dead. Only…. Not really. We all know what’s coming (And if some how you don’t, the cover to the next issue tells you anyway, I don’t feel bad for spoiling it).

It’s a fun issue, and it’s one of the first to hammer home the racism theme that Claremont will come back to so often (with good reason). And though the X-Sentinels are somewhat less than plausible (I mean, do the androids even know that they’re robots?) and the explanation a little rushed, it’s a fun issue, and it covers a lot of ground.

I’m rather glad Lang is dead, since he really was less than brilliant as a villain. Colossus’ words about Havok though… Harsh man. And good stuff. Characterization is really spot on here, and hopefully it will only get better. Next up: The future of the X-Men begins.