X-amining Imperial Guard #1-3

"Imperious Wrecks" / "Up From The Depths" / "A Mad God Awakens"

January - March 1997

In a Nutshell

An Earthbound Imperial Guard get embroiled in the machinations of the Kree Supreme Intelligence. 

Writer: Brian Augustyn
Pencils: Chuck Wojtkiewicz
Inks: Ray Snyder
Letterer: J. Babcock, Phil Felix (issue #2), Janice Chiang (issue #3)
Colorist: Brad Vancata 
Editor: Terry Kavanagh

Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

Issue #1: In the wake of Onslaught's attack and the death of many of Earth's heroes, Lilandra has sent eight members of the Imperial Guard to Earth to observe and aid the planet. Though the Guardsman rankle at being kept away from the Shi'ar Empire while it's fighting its own war, they obey their orders. For the most part, they keep a low profile, until a mysterious new group called the Underground Militia begins speaking out against Earth's remaining superheroes. Gladiator decides its within the Guard's mandate to oppose the group, but when they move against them, the militia and their mysterious leader Primus deploy mysterious weapons, and easily overpower the Imperial Guard. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #65

"First Blood"

June 1997

In a Nutshell

Operation: Zero Tolerance launches their opening salvo against the X-Men.

Writer: Scott Lobdell

Pencils: Carlos Pacheco 
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: RS/Comicraft
Colorist: Lichtner/Lusen/Liquid
Editor: Mark Powers

Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

In the wake of Operation: Zero Tolerance's attack on the X-Men's jet, Jean Grey suddenly finds herself somewhere else, confronted by a very much alive Iron Man. Before she can learn what's going on, she's pulled back to her reality, as Cyclops and Wolverine try to prevent the plane from crashing. Cannonball and Storm take to the air, trying to fight off their attackers. The whole confrontation is being broadcast, with people all over the country watching. Henry Peter Gyrich appears on CNBC, arguing for the legality of Operation: Zero Tolerance and the threat of mutants. In the skies over Colorado, Operation: Zero Tolerance unveils their human-sized Prime Sentinels against the X-Men. One-by-one, the heroes are overpowered and captured. Meanwhile, Bastion and his forces converge on the mansion. As Iceman watches the assault on his former teammates, Bastion holographically projects himself before the captive Xavier as he storms the mansion and accesses his files. Gloating, Bastion tells Xavier that his sacred dream is over. 

The Week That Was 040225: Top 5 Posts & Top Chef!

Top 5 Posts in March

1. Game of Thrones 5x07: The Gift 

2. Game of Thrones 3x07: The Bear and the Maiden Fair

3. X-amining X-Man #28

4. X-amining X-Factor #135

5. X-amining New Mutants #87