Sovereign Seven in Seven Parts: An Ant Critiques An Elephant

Gene Kendall here to remind you in our final installment that, sure, Sovereign Seven could be a frustrating read, but it was hardly the total dud the early online fandom believed it to be. Three years on the stands is nothing to sneer at, especially when you consider the comics industry was collapsing right as the book debuted. To this day, a new series reaching thirty-six issues and a few annuals is the exception, not the rule. Actually, most new titles launched after 1995 have never sniffed that kind of longevity. 

Sovereign Seven in Seven Parts: Lo, There Shall Be An Ending (A Rushed One!)

Sovereign Seven bows out with issue #36, which seems to suggest Claremont originally had a three-year deal that just wasn't renewed. By the time these last few issues were on stands, Claremont was already back at Marvel, working now in an editorial role and writing Fantastic Four after editor-in-chief Bob Harras and previous writer Scott Lobdell experienced some undefined falling-out. Maybe Claremont's new position explains why the letter column quietly vanishes, and why the big finale in #36 doesn’t even have a text piece from him.

Sovereign Seven in Seven Parts: Memba The X-Men? I Memba.

This segment is perhaps a little shallow and unfair, but a lengthy discussion of Chris Claremont's work should probably address fandom's complaints about his recurring clichés and recycled X-Men concepts.

Sovereign Seven in Seven Parts: With A Little Help From Their Friends...

A well-stocked supporting cast can both enrich and, if not handled with care, overwhelm a monthly comic book series. Chris Claremont has long been praised for his ability to weave together complex character dynamics and to elevate secondary figures into memorable characters in their own right. At the same time, his tendency to populate a title with sprawling ensembles has led to criticisms that the intricate backstories and sheer volume of cast members bury whatever actual story he was attempting to tell.

Sovereign Seven in Seven Parts: The Only DC Comics Title in the Top 10

Gene Kendall returns, as we continue our retrospective on Chris Claremont’s Sovereign Seven.

Launching a fresh property is never a sure thing, yet DC had reason to be a little optimistic. The release of Sovereign Seven was at least bolstered by the return of Chris Claremont to monthly superhero work and an art style that matched the splashy Image aesthetics of the early ’90s. Of course, this was 1995, not 1992.

The title debuted just as the early‑’90s speculator boom imploded across the industry -- by 1997, overall comic sales would collapse to just 14% of their 1993 high.

Sovereign Seven in Seven Parts: "He invented the contemporary language of comics..."

Gene Kendall here, with the launch of another review series of questionable merit and mainstream interest.

The Week That Was 012725

Skeleton Crew, Russell Dauterman trading cards, and shameless plugs

X-amining Marvel Team-Up #100

"And Introducing Karma! She Possess People!" / "Cry -- Vengeance!"
December 1980

In a Nutshell
The first appearance of future New Mutant Karma

Writer/Co-Creator: Chris Claremont
Artist/Co-Creator: Frank Miller, John Byrne (2nd Story)
Artist/Embellisher: Bob Wiacek, Bob McLeod (2nd Story)
Letterer: A Kawecki
Colorist: Carl Gafford, Robbie C. (2nd Story)
Editor: Denny O'Neil
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Spider-Man is possessed by an unseen figure and made to attack a party hosted by General Coy. The Fantastic Four are in attendance, and defend Coy against Spider-Man. When Spider-Man gets the better of them, Coy's nephew Tran secretly intercedes, breaking Spider-Man's possession. The FF take him to the Baxter Building, where a scan reveals evidence of the possession. Mr. Fantastic contacts Professor X, who confirms the presence of a new mutant in the city. The FF & Spider-Man track the mutant to a church, where they encounter a young woman named Xi'an. She tells the heroes of her childhood in and flight from Vietnam, and how her criminal uncle General Coy and her twin brother Tran have taken her younger siblings hostage in order to force her to work for them. It was they whom she was attempting to rescue using Spider-Man (who she believed to be a criminal, thanks to news reports). The FF & Spider-Man agree to help Xi'an, but when they attack Coy, Tran, who shares Xi'an's mutant ability, takes control of the Fantastic Four and pits them against Spider-Man. This forces Xi'an to use her power to counter her brother's, ultimately killing him. Accepting she shares some her brother's darkness, Xi'an christens herself Karma and is reunited with her siblings, as the FF & Spider-Man marvel at her power.

The Best There Is At What He Does: The Jason Powell Interview

Jason Powell, whom some of you know from his comments on my X-Men posts here, but many more of you likely know from his own series of articles reviewing every issue of Chris Claremont's X-Men over at Remarkable, has written a book about Claremont's X-Men writing, The Best There Is At What He Does, which is now available for purchase. 

I had the occasion to sit down with Jason (ie we exchanged some emails) to interview him about the book, what it's about, how it came about, etc., as well as get some thoughts from him on his favorite Claremont characters and collaborators. Check it out, but also, you know, go buy his book! 

Force in Focus: Star Wars Annual #1

"The Long Hunt"
1980

In a Nutshell
Luke fights in the shadow of his father as the Star Warriors help free the planet of Skye from Imperial rule.

Guest Writer: Chris Claremont
Guest Artists: Mike Vosburg & Steve Leialoha
Colorist: Bob Sharen
Letterer: John Costanza
Editor: Archie Goodwin
Consulting Editor: Jim Shooter

Plot
On the planet Tirahhn, Luke and Leia are attacked by a pair of Catuman Warriors on orders from Kharys, Majestrix of Skye, who recognizes them as Imperial fugitives. They're rescued by Han & Chewbacca, and Han, who knows Kharys from his smuggling days, decides to take the fight to Skye. However, the Millennium Falcon is shot down by TIE fighters in the skies over Skye. Forcing Luke & Leia into an escape pod, they are found by a rebel faction of the native S'kyri led by Aragh who, recognizing Luke, decide to help them rescue Han & Chewbacca from Kharys. As Han is tortured by Kharys for information about Luke, Leia, Luke & their S'kyri allies attack her citadel. With Luke drawing the attention of Kharys' forces, Leia sneaks inside and rescues Han & Chewbacca. Outside, Kharys joins the fight, drawing her own lightsaber and engaging in a duel with Luke in the sky above the citadel. Eventually, Luke defeats Kharys, killing her and thus freeing the planet from Imperial rule. In the aftermath, Aragh tells Luke that during the Clone Wars, their planet was saved due to the help of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his two pupils. One of those pupils, Darth Vader, later returned and used the debt owed to him to enslave the S'kyri, appointing Kharys the majestrix. Luke asks who Obi-Wan's other pupil was, and Aragh simply tells him he carried the same lightsaber as Luke.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #279

"Bad to the Bone"
August 1991

In a Nutshell
Professor X restore's Colossus' memories and frees him of the Shadow King's control.

Writers: Chris Claremont & Fabian Nicieza
Guest Penciler: Andy Kubert
Inker: Scott Williams
Letterers: Team Append-X
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco
Plot Assist: Jim Lee

Plot
As the Shadow King-enthralled Colossus clambers from the burning wreckage of a car, Xavier and Stevie Hunter race for the X-Mansion's access hatch, barely making it ahead of Colossus. Inside, Xavier turns the mansion's defenses against Colossus before leading him into the Danger Room. However, Colossus breaks into the control room, attacking Stevie, and Xavier is forced to mentally destroy the Peter Nicholas persona in order to free Colossus from Shadow King's control. Meanwhile, on Muir Island, the now-enthralled X-Men hunt for Forge, the only X-Man not claimed by the Shadow King, but he manages to bring Wolverine and Rogue to their senses. Back in New York, Xavier, Stevie and Colossus reach Salem Center, seeking medical attention, only to discover the townsfolk turned into a mob that is attacking a child. Xavier turns them away, but the Shadow King telepathically taunts him, saying the world is his now. With the rest of the X-Men captive, Xavier declares that to defeat the Shadow King, they'll need the help of his original students, X-Factor.

X-amining X-Factor #68

"Finale"
July 1991

In a Nutshell
Cyclops is forced to send his son into the future to save his life.

Plot: Jim Lee & Whilce Portacio
Script: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Whilce Portacio
Inker: Art Thibert
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Colorist: Dana Moreshead
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Face to face with the massive Apocalypse, X-Factor is attacked by the Riders of the Storm and brainwashed Inhumans Medusa and Crystal. Overpowered, they are captured, and Apocalypse gloats that he will use their power to increase his own. However, just then Black Bolt and the free Inhumans counterattack, just as Cyclops and Black Bolt had planned. However, Nathan has been infected with a virus by Apocalypse, and is dying. He instinctively pulls Jean into his mind to face an avatar of Apocalypse, and Jean proceeds to bring Cyclops in as well, who manages to defeat the avatar. Returning to the physical world, Cyclops blasts Apocalypse, destroying him, but Nathan is still dying, and Beast says there's no way to cure him in time. However, Askani declares that she can save him, by taking him with her back to the future, and Cyclops reluctantly says goodbye to his son in order to save his life. In the aftermath, the Watcher once more comments on humanity, applauding Cyclops for choosing hope over despair.

X-amining X-Factor #67

"Lunar Opposition!"
June 1991

In a Nutshell 
X-Factor teams up with the Inhumans against Apocalypse. 

Plot: Jim Lee & Whilce Portacio
Script: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Whilce Portacio
Inker: Art Thibert
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Colorist: Steve Buccellato
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
X-Factor is pulled from the wreckage of Ship by a passing vehicle, which belongs to the Inhumans. Inside, they learn that Apocalypse has attacked the Inhumans' home on the Blue Area of the moon, capturing many and transforming them into his own army. In the future, Askani is transported back in time one again, given one last shot to save Nathan Christopher from Apocalypse. On the moon, X-Factor and the Inhumans are attacked tauntingly by the Riders of the Storm as they plot their attack on Apocalypse, while Apocalypse tends to Nathan Christopher. Just then, X-Factor and the Inhumans attack his citadel, using a combination of holographic illusions and real people to create a distracting frontal assault while another group attacks from the rear, freeing Apocalypse's captives and turning them loose against him.

X-amining X-Factor #66

"Heroic Effort"
May 1991

In a Nutshell 
Ship is destroyed as Askani arrives to protect Cyclops' son.

Plot: Jim Lee & Whilce Portacio
Script: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Whilce Portacio
Inker: Art Thibert
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Colorist: Oliver/Buccellato
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
An out-of-control Ship is attacking New York, with the city's heroes fighting back to protect the inhabitants. Inside, Jean realizes that Ship is infected with some kind of virus, just before Harrddrive knocks her out. Meanwhile, Foxbat attempts to abduct Cyclops' son, but he's stopped by a mysterious woman who claims to be the child's protector. However, when X-Factor arrives, alerted to the attack by Ship, they misunderstand and attack the woman, allowing Foxbat to teleport away with Christopher. With Ship's attacks intensifying, Beast insists they need to treat the disease, not just the symptoms. Outside, Charlotte Jones and a group of cops try to enter Ship, but only Charlotte gains access. Meanwhile, Beast is able to access Ship's program through a hard wire linkage, and they deduce that the infection is the work of Apocalypse.

X-amining New Mutants

Thought there's technically still one more New Mutants issue to review (the series' seventh annual), it seems as good a time as any to look back on the series that was, starting with some overall thoughts and then delving into some specific favorites. Please sounds off with some of your personal favorites in the comments (and I'm planning on doing a similar retrospect for the original iteration of X-Factor in a few months' time)! 

On the one hand, New Mutants can be considered something of a failure. Intended to fill a specific void in the world of the X-Men, it launched with a very clear mandate to tell stories about kids with superpowers who weren't, first and foremost, superheroes. But it was a mandate doomed to failure by the needs of the genre and its role as a spinoff of a tremendously popular (and big selling) action-adventure series. As noble as series creators Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod's intentions may have been, before long, the New Mutants were fighting super-villains and getting caught up in tremendous adventures.

X-amining X-Factor #65

"Endgame Part 1: Malign Influences"
April 1991

In a Nutshell 
Apocalypse sends his Dark Riders against X-Factor & Ship. 

Plot: Jim Lee & Whilce Portacio
Script: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Whilce Portacio
Inker: Art Thibert
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Colorist: Steve Buccellato
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Following a brief hiccough in Ship's systems, Cyclops leads X-Factor in a training exercise which is watched, unknownst to them, by Apocalypse and his new team of henchmen, who are told that their target is not X-Factor, but rather Ship. After the training session, Archangel visits Charlotte Jones and Iceman visits Opal, while Cyclops expresses his dissatisfaction with the team's performance to Jean, telling her he doesn't want any more of his friends and teammates to die. Later, as Cyclops and Beast are discussing the results of Beast's diagnostic on Ship, Apocalypse's henchmen crash their ship into Ship and proceed to attack X-Factor.

X-amining Excalibur #34

"School Spirit (or Cheerleaders from Heck)"
February 1991

In a Nutshell 
Kitty helps save St. Searle's and is reunited with Excalibur. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Ron Wagner 
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Colorist: John Wilcox
Editor: Terry Kavanaugh
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco
Creators: Chris Claremont & Alan Davis

Plot
Kitty and her classmates see off Miss Rutherford, who is heading to London to meet with Courtney Ross in the hopes of acquiring a loan to save the school, then the girls board a train of their own for the cheerleading competition in London. Meanwhile, Mesmero tests Excalibur's capabilities against some Ministry of Defense drones. Later, Kitty and the girls arrive at Wembley Stadium and meet the professional cheerleaders they have to beat. Elsewhere in the stadium, Mesmero seemingly meets with the individuals extorting him, who turn out to be Fenris. Just then, Mesmero reveals himself as Meggan, destroying Fenris' robotic bodyguards. As Kitty and the St. Searle's girls perform their routine, the rest of Excalibur attack Fenris. Spotting the Phoenix effect, Kitty realizes her teammates are back on Earth, and leaves in the middle of the routine to help them.

X-amining Excalibur #33

"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"
January 1991

In a Nutshell 
Mesmero captures Excalibur while Kitty devises a plan to save St. Searle's. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Ron Wagner 
Letterer: Tim Harkins
Colorist: John Wilcox
Editor: Terry Kavanaugh
Adjudicator: Tom DeFalco
Creators: Chris Claremont & Alan Davis

Plot
Responding to an invitation to appear on Meggan's favorite TV show, she and Captain Britain are hypnotized by Mesmero. At Excalibur's lighthouse, Nightcrawler is practicing teleporting when he's attacked by the ensnared Captain Britain just as Phoenix is attacked by Meggan. Soon, Mesmero has all four heroes under his control. Meanwhile, at St. Searle's school, Kitty hones her martial arts ability, much to the wonderment of some watching underclassmen. When Phoebe arrives and attempts to drive off the underclassmen, they stand up to her, inspired by Kitty, prompting Phoebe to take a new approach, telling her friends to spread the word that everyone is to simply ignore Kitty, as though she doesn't exist. Later one night, Kitty spots Phoebe sneaking around school and follows her to where she's eavesdropping on a meeting between Miss Rutherford and the school's finance council, which declares the school will soon be shut down.

X-amining Excalibur #32

"Someone Will Die For This!"
December 1990

In a Nutshell 
Kitty begins her tenure at boarding school. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Ron Wagner 
Letterer: Tim Harkins
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Terry Kavanaugh
Principal: Tom DeFalco
Creators: Chris Claremont & Alan Davis

Plot
In London, the Queen's First Minister awakens from a hypno-therapy session in which she was Captain Britain leading an all-male Excalibur, unaware that the therapist is actually Mesmero. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde begins her first day at St. Searle's boarding school. Though she takes an immediate liking to the headmistress, Miss Rutherford, she quickly runs afoul of Phoebe Huntsman and her cronies, who she discovers in her room going through her things. The girls fight, and Kitty discovers that she's somehow stuck in a solid state. In London, Vixen oversees a group of criminals robbing the National Gallery, but they're interrupted by Excalibur. Vixen flees, then transforms into Nigel in order to throw Excalibur off his trail.

Force in Focus: Star Wars #17

"Crucible!"
November 1978

In a Nutshell
A tale of Luke's past. 

Writer/Editor: Archie Goodwin
Plot: Chris Clarmont
Guest Artists: Herb Trimpe & Allen Milgrom
Colorist: Marie Severin
Letterer: Rick Parker
Consulting Editor: Jim Shooter

Plot
During his watch shift aboard the Millennium Falcon, Luke thinks back to an earlier time on Tatooine. After bullseyeing a womp rat, Luke returns home and gets permission to attend a party for Biggs the next day, who is leaving soon for the academy. What he doesn't tell his aunt and uncle is that the party is actually a race through the dangerous Beggar's Canyon. The next day, the race begins, with Biggs & Luke pulling out to an early lead. Eventually, Biggs wins thanks to a daring stunt. As Luke and his friends gather afterwards, they're suddenly interrupted by an injured milita scout crashing nearby, carrying a warning that a group of Tusken Raiders have killed some gun smugglers, and are now marching on Anchorhead, well-armed and prepared to take out any farms in between. As the kids come under fire from the Tusken Raiders, Luke and Biggs race to one of the skyhoppers, hoping to warn the farmers, including Luke's family.