X-amining Uncanny X-Men #211

"Massacre"
November 1986

In a Nutshell
"Mutant Massacre" begins. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Bret Blevins
Inker: Al Williamson
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In the Morlock Tunnels, the Marauders begin mercilessly slaughtering everyone in sight, but one Morlock manages to escape and reach the X-Mansion, alerting the X-Men to the attack. The X-Men are teleported into the tunnels by Illyana, and immediately set upon by Riptide and Vertigo. Nightcrawler is able to subdue Vertigo through a series of teleports, but the effort leaves him open to an attack by Riptide, who severely injuries Nightcrawler before fleeing with Vertigo. Storm sends Illyana back to the mansion along with Nightcrawler and other wounded Morlocks, then splits the X-Men up to search for more survivors. Colossus and Shadowcat locate one group of survivors but are attacked by Arclight and Scalphunter, while Rogue, Storm, Wolverine and Callisto attempt to lead another group of survivors out of the tunnels. They are nearly hit by a stray optic blast, and Wolverine senses the presence of all the original X-Men nearby, including - inexplicably - Jean Grey. But before they can investigate, they are rejoined by Colossus and Shadowcat, having escaped from Arclight and Scalphunter, just as Harpoon, Riptide and Scrambler attack.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #210

"The Morning After"
October 1986

In a Nutshell 
The Marauders make their move as the X-Men hunt for their missing teammates. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In Los Angeles, a Hellfire Club soldier named Richard and his girlfriend Tommy, a former Morlock, are hunted by unseen pursuers. Richard is struck by an energy blast, and urges Tommy to leave him behind. She slips aboard a train heading east. In San Fransisco, Dazzler is possessed by a psychic entity named Malice, a teammate of the group hunting Tommy. In New York, the X-Men search for the missing Phoenix and Nightcrawler. At the mansion, Kitty modifies Cerebro so that non-telepaths can use it. Shortly thereafter, it alarms, indicating one of missing X-Men has been detected, and Kitty, Colossus and Illyana leave to investigate. Meanwhile, Magneto arrives at the Hellfire Club and sees X-Factor from afar, whom he recognizes as the original X-Men. Inside the club, Sebastian Shaw offers Magneto the title of White King, to be claimed in his own name or the name of the X-Men. Magneto agrees to consider the offer.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #209

"Salvation"
September 1986

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men and the Hellfire Club team-up against Nimrod. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Breakdowns: John Romita Jr.
Guest Finisher: P. Craig Russell
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In Central Park, a three way battle erupts between the X-Men, the Hellfire Club and Nimrod. After Nimrod blasts Shaw into orbit and incerates Von Roehm, Storm proposes a temporary alliance between the X-Men and the Hellfire Club in the face of Nimrod's power, and Tessa agrees. Elsewhere in the park, Rachel debates joining the fray, despite her injuries, when she's distracted by music and led to the Body Shoppe, whose mysterious proprietress offers to heal and remake her. Across the park, Storm has Leland use his power to increase Nimrod's mass and lower him to the ground. Seeing an opening, Nightcrawler attempts to teleport a piece of the robot, despite Storm's warning that Nimrod has likely learned to block that attack. Instead of harming Nimrod, Nightcrawler howls in pain, then disappears. Just as Leland manages to get Nimrod to the ground, he collapses, suffering a heart attack.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #208

"Retribution"
August 1986

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men and Hellfire Club come to blows over Phoenix. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In the Morlock Tunnels, the X-Men lambast Wolverine for trying to kill Rachel, despite his insistence that it was a necessary act, then set out alongside Callisto and some Morlocks to track down Rachel, unsure if she's even still alive. Meanwhile, in Central Park, a weakened Selene kills a mugger and his victim to rejuvenate herself, then entreats the Lords Cardinal of the Hellfire Club to seek out Rachel. Though Selene deigns to kill her, Sebastian Shaw insists she's captured alive, so that the Hellfire Club may use her to their ends. Elsewhere, Nimrod detects Rachel's weakened state, and determines this is the best time to eliminate her.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #207

"Ghosts"
July 1986

In a Nutshell 
Phoenix decides to take out Selene, forcing Wolverine to stop her. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Art: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
The X-Men are staying in the Morlock Tunnels as Wolverine recovers from his recent wounds. Rachel is plagued by dreams in which she's stalked and killed by Wolverine, as she's psychically pulling his mind into hers, forcing him to share the dreams with her. Finding little sympathy amongst the X-Men, who are in some cases still resentful of Rachel having taken their life essences to battle the Beyonder, she leaves the tunnels to wanders the streets of New York. Wondering if it wouldn't have been better for her to die in the future along with her teammates, she falls asleep on the subway. After being awoken by a kindly police officer, she is reminded of the kindness she received from a stranger her first night after arriving in the present, a man who was killed by Selene. Determined to do something good, she sets off to finish Selene once and for all.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #206

"Freedom is a Four Letter Word!"
June 1986

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men battle Freedom Force in San Fransisco. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Colorist: Glynis Oliver 
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In San Fransisco, Storm stops a mugging, to much appreciation from both the victims and the arriving police, including Lt. Bree Morrell. Storm returns to Jessica Drew, the former Spider-Woman's, house as Kitty leaves on a date with Jessica's friend David Ishima. Meanwhile, on a flight bound for Los Angeles, Amanda Sefton questions the state of her relationship with Nightcrawler in light of their recent fight. Back in San Fransisco, Kitty returns from her date just as Freedom Force attacks the X-Men. The X-Men do their best against their old foes, but splitting their focus to help the bystanders caught in the middle of the melee causes them to be overwhelmed, especially after Rogue tries to absorb Spiral's powers but instead finds herself taken over by Spiral.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #203

"Crossroads"
March 1986

In a Nutshell 
Phoenix tries to destroy the universe in order to destroy the Beyonder. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: John Romita Jr.
Guest Inker: Al Williamson
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In San Fransisco, Rogue recalls the last time she was in the city, when she battled Ms. Marvel and effectively killed her, permanently stealing her powers and memories. Returning to the home of Jessica Drew, where the X-Men are staying, Rogue spies Kitty outside. She is wearing Illyana's armor and wielding her Soulsword, and though Kitty remembers her, Rogue remembers nothing about Illyana or the New Mutants. Kitty rails against the Beyonder for having killed the New Mutants, and wonders what chance the X-Men have against him, when Rachel appears. Still flush with the additional power granted her by the Beyonder, she tells Kitty and Rogue her plan to destroy the universe, and the Beyonder with it, in the hope that whatever comes next will be free of his taint. She asks her teammates for their life essences in order to sustain her power, and both pass theirs on willing. Rachel proceeds to take the life essence from the rest of the sleeping X-Men, but a wakened Storm argues with her intention and refuses to give up her life essence, so Rachel takes it by force.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #202

"X-Men...I've Gone to Kill -- The BEYONDER!"
February 1986

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men fight Sentinels in San Fransisco. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: John Romita Jr.
Guest Inker: Al Williamson
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Entering Rachel's room, Rogue triggers a holographic recording from Rachel explaining that she's realized the Beyonder is a threat to everything that exists, and has left to kill him once and for all. Rogue awakens the rest of the X-Men, and Magneto is able to use Cerebro to track Rachel to San Fransisco. Rachel confronts the Beyonder on Alcatraz, but despite all her power, she is unable to faze him. The Beyonder takes her on a journey through her past, taking them into the future she hails from, showing her that her fear and rage come from her failure to save her friends in the future. He then gives her a measure of his power and offers her a choice: she may use it to destroy him, or to save her friends, whom he has transported to San Fransisco and beset by Sentinels from Rachel's future.

X-amining X-Men: Heroes for Hope Starring the X-Men #1

"Heroes for Hope"
1985

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men battle a psychic scavenger named Hungry in Africa

Story: Claremont, Nocenti, Wrightson, Starlin & Shooter
Editors: Ann Nocenti & Chris Claremont
Assistant Editors: Pat Blevins & Terry Kavanagh

Plot
One by one, each of the X-Men suffer a series of psychic hallucinations that turn their fears, hopes and desires against, leaving them feeling worn out and exhausted. Rachel is able to pinpoint the source of the attacks, and the shaken team travels to famine-stricken Africa. They stop their search for the entity attacking them in order to aid relief workers ministering to a village of starving and sick people. A few nights later, Rogue absorbs each of her teammates' powers and locates the temple which contains their foe: a psychic scavenger named Hungry. Rogue and Hungry battle, but when Rogue tries to absorb the creature, it takes over her body. As Rogue, Hungry attacks Storm, but gradually, the rest of the X-Men awaken, reclaiming their powers and weakening Hungry to the point where Rachel is able to drive it from Rogue's body, and the creature flees. In the wake of their confrontation, the X-Men accept that Hungry will always exist so long as humans suffer, but also that they, and all of humanity, must battle the despair it spreads with hope.   

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #200

"The Trial of Magneto!"
December 1985

In a Nutshell
Magneto goes on trial.

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterers: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In Paris, Magneto stands trial at the Palais de Justice, defended by Gabrielle Haller and Professor Xavier. Watching a news report that recounts Magneto's past and the conditions of the trial, the two hunters who shot Storm in Africa decide the time is perfect to repay their oldest debt. That evening, the X-Men and New Mutants suddenly materialize in Paris, sent to Xavier's side by Loki. A few days later, terrorist attacks are carried out all over the world, declaring that Magneto must be set free and framing the X-Men. Professor X meets with Cyclops, telling him the X-Men must clear their name, and though he tries to conceal the extent, Cyclops is more worried about Xavier's declining health. As Magneto's trial begins, the X-Men investigate the attacks, and though they stop an attack on a children's hospital in Paris, they nevertheless are blamed. At the X-Mansion, Madelyne is visited by Corsair and Lilandra, who has sensed Xavier's pain through their rapport and hopes to save his life using the Starjammers' medical equipment. After directing them to Paris, Madelyne goes into labor. In Paris, Rachel is able to telepathically locate the terrorists, and the X-Men are able to intervene in their latest attack.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #199

"The Spiral Path" 
November 1985

In a Nutshell 
Rachel becomes Phoenix, Freedom Force debuts, and Magneto surrenders. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterers: Orz & Parker
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
After working out in the Danger Room, a visiting Cyclops meets with Moira and Wolverine, and learns that Professor Xavier is dying. In Washington DC, Val Cooper arrives home to find Mystique waiting for her. In light of rising anti-mutant sentiment, she gives Val a proposal: so as to avoid ending up in jail, or worse, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants will work for the government as Freedom Force. Tempted by the offer, Val agrees, on the condition that the Brotherhood successfully completes a trial mission: the capture of the Brotherhood's founder, Magneto. In upstate New York, Rachel visits the home of her grandparents. Remembering the heroic actions of her mother, both in this timeline and her own, Rachel claims the mantle and power of Phoenix for herself, determined, in the event of Xavier's death, to defend mutants from both the forces of hatred and the Beyonder, and to make amends for all the bad things both she and her mother have done.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #197

To Save Arcade?!?
September 1985

In a Nutshell 
Kitty and Colossus fight Dr. Doom for the life of Arcade. Sort of. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Colossus awakens from a dream in which he's unable to stop the women he loves from transforming into monsters to find himself, along with Kitty, in a strange place. Suddenly, Arcade enters the room, welcoming the X-Men to Murderworld. Meanwhile, in Alaska, Cyclops, having been contacted by Moira and asked to return to the mansion, packs for his trip and says goodbye to Madelyne. In Murderworld, Arcade explains to Colossus and Kitty that Dr. Doom is trying to kill him as payback for their previous failed partnership, and that if they don't help him, his associate Miss Locke will go after their families. Though Kitty and Colossus are suspicious of Arcade, they agree to play along simply to find out what's really going on.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #196

"What Was That?!!"
August 1985

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men work with Magneto to prevent a murder at Columbia University. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Romita Jr.  
Inker: Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Professor Xavier is conducting a lecture at Columbia University when he telepathically picks up on a stray thought regarding a planned murder. Due to the limitations on his power as a result of his recent injuries, he's unable to probe deeper and identify the culprit, but resolves to bring in the X-Men to help prevent the crime from being carried out. Meanwhile, in Kenya, Storm is shot and left for dead by the hunters she had earlier fought at the bush station. Back in New York, the X-Men gather at Columbia and are briefed on the situation by Professor X. They are joined by Magneto, something which, despite their previous alliance against the Beyonder, leaves many of them feeling uneasy. Rachel is distracted by a familiar presence, and realizes the Beyonder is at the school, but he disappears before Rachel can confront him. Elsewhere, Nightcrawler meets with Father Bowen and discusses with the crisis of faith the existence and power of the Beyonder have triggered in him. That evening, a group of students sneak into an office at Columbia and set a bomb.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #194

"Juggernaut's Back in Town!" 
June 1985

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men save Juggernaut from Nimrod

Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: John Romita Jr.  
Finishers: Dan Green & Steve Leialoha
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
A bemused Juggernaut walks the streets of New York as the town reacts to news of his return. Upstate, the X-Men, still recovering from their confrontation with Thunderbird and the Hellions, are awoken to reports of the Juggernaut being seen in New York. Though Nightcrawler is reluctant to send the weary X-Men into a confrontation with the villain, he agrees they're best suited for the job. Meanwhile, at a bush station in Kenya, Storm encounters a hunter assaulting a waitress. She intervenes, fighting off both the hunter and his sister. In New York, Rachel and Kitty keep watch as Juggernaut conducts some legitimate business in a bank. Suddenly, Nimrod, having located Juggernaut, attacks the villain, as well as Kitty and Rachel, whom he identities as members of the outlaw X-Men. Nimrod blasts Juggernaut across town, where he lands at a construction site, dazed.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #193

"Warhunt 2"
May 1985

In a Nutshell
Thunderbird kidnaps Banshee to avenge his brother's death.

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
On Muir Island, Banshee is attacked and captured by John Proudstar's brother, James, who has taken up his brother's mantle as Thunderbird. Meanwhile, Professor X awakens in the Morlock tunnels, taken there by a Morlock who found him after he was left for dead by the group of students who attacked him. His life saved by the Healer, Callisto warns him he must allow his body time to heal, then takes him back to the mansion. In the Rocky Mountains, Thunderbird visits the site of his brother's death, declaring his intent to extract revenge on Xavier. Despite having stated his desire to carry out this attack alone, he's joined by three of his Hellion teammates: Empath, Roulette and an enthralled Firestar, who merely want to cause trouble. Meanwhile, Storm's ship nears Africa. In New York, the X-Men are contacted by Thunderbird, who tells them he's taken Banshee to the NORAD facility within Cheyenne Mountain, and will kill him in 24 hours unless the X-Men intervene. Though doing so will invariably brand them as outlaws in the eye of the government, they agree they cannot abandon Banshee.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #192

"Fun 'n' Games!"
April 1985

In a Nutshell
The X-Men battle Warlock's father, Magus. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Special Thanks: Steve Leialoha
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In the woods near the mansion, Nightcrawler, Rogue and Colossus play a game of hide-and-seek as an improvised Danger Room session. Suddenly, the night lights up as bright as day as something falls from the sky, crashing into an abandoned house nearby. Meanwhile, Storm, Professor X, Rachel and Illyana wait at the airport for Kitty and Wolverine to return from Japan. As Storm and Professor X discuss a course Xavier is teaching at Columbia University, Rachel's mind wanders. She recalls the moments just before she went back in time, as she and an older Kate Pryde attacked the government's Project: Nimrod facility. Under fire, Kate triggered a post-hypnotic command which sent Rachel back in time. She snaps out of her reverie just as Kitty and Wolverine arrive, and Rachel is surprised to discover that Kitty remembers her from when Kitty's consciousness was in her elder counterpart's body.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #191

"Raiders of the Lost Temple!"
March 1985

In a Nutshell 
The transformed X-Men and Avengers attempt to overthrow Kulan Gath.

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Kulan Gath tortures the captive Spider-Man, telling him the blood of innocents will provide the power to spread his spell over the entire planet. He then sends the New Mutants and Morlocks out in search of the rebels. The rebels arrive at what was once the New York Public library, seeking weapons and knowledge to use against Kulan Gath. Just then, they're attacked by Gath's soldiers. Rogue is killed, while Storm is rescued by Warlock. As the remaining rebels head towards Kulan Gath's temple via the Morlock tunnels, Warlock attempts to help Storm remember the real world. That evening, the rebels sneak into Gath's temple, but are discovered. They fight their way into Gath's throne room, both sides taking heavy losses. Watching the melee, Spider-Man summons the strength to break free, intent of stopping Gath once and for all, but is quickly killed by the wizard. Above, Storm and Warlock arrive at the temple, and Warlock is able to make Storm understand that Gath's amulet is the source of his power. Warlock becomes a pair of wings, and together they swoop down, snatching the amulet away.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #190

"An Age Undreamed Of"
February 1985

In a Nutshell 
The X-Men find themselves in a world transformed by the evil wizard Kulan Gath.

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Kulan Gath has transformed New York City into a medieval world of magic under his control. In Washington, DC, Val Cooper briefs the NSA on the situation, revealing that anyone or anything who crosses the mystical barrier around the city is transformed into their historical equivalent. As a result, any hope to prevent the spread of Gath's spell and save the world may reside with the handful of transformed superheroes that have been spotted inside the city. In New York, Storm awakens a prisoner of Kulan Gath's Morlock guards. Attempting to escape, she fights with Callisto, the captain of the guard. The pair end up in the river, where the current takes them through the magical threshold, returning them to normal. Meanwhile, Kulan Gath taunts the imprisoned and mutilated Dr. Strange as he magically fuses Professor X and Caliban into one being, who summons the New Mutants.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #189

"Two Girls Out to Have Fun!"
January 1985

In a Nutshell 
Magma and Rachel fight Selene at the Hellfire Club

Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: John Romita Jr.  
Guest Inker: Steve Leialoha
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Rachel and Amara are visiting the Statute of Liberty. As Rachel gazes out over the city, she remembers her time as a Hound in the future, tasked with hunting down fellow mutants. Nearby, the X-Men have gathered on a cruise ship bound for Africa to say goodbye to Storm. At the South Street Seaport, Jamie Rodriguez chases off two dock workers trying to steal the necklace he found. The necklace tells Jamie that in exchange for his soul, it will grant him the world, but he resists the temptation and decides to destroy the necklace. Meanwhile, after some shopping, Rachel and Amara visit a recreation of the Roman baths at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Suddenly, Rachel senses the presence of Selene, and rushes out into the street to see a limo pulling away. Rachel realizes Amara knows Selene as well, and Amara tells her that Selene killed her mother. The two women follow the limo to the Hellfire Club and sneak inside, dressing themselves as staff to blend in better.

X-amining Uncanny X-Men #188

"Legacy of the Lost"
December 1984

In a Nutshell 
The Wraiths are defeated and Nightcrawler questions the purpose of the X-Men. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: John Romita Jr. & Dan Green
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In Eagle Plaza, the X-Men and Forge are attacked by a mass of mystical Shadowbeings called forth by the Dire Wraiths. In Forge's sanctum, the Wraith who has taken Naze's form attempts to contact the Great Spirit, offering Earth in exchange for its help, but another entity reaches out, destroying the Wraith and claiming Naze's form. Nightcrawler teleports into the building along with Amanda Sefton, followed shortly by Illyana, who are able to disrupt the Shadowbeings enough to free the X-Men. However, they aren't able to seal the rift in reality through which the Shadowbeings are coming to Earth. Storm suspects the Wraith she stranded on the roof is still alive and countering Amanda's magic. Nightcrawler teleports Forge to the roof, and he slays the Wraith, ending the threat. Storm tells Forge the X-Men are leaving and not to try and find them. She says she and Forge will meet again, though he may well wish they had not.