X-amining New Mutants #31

"Saturday Night Fight"
September 1985

In a Nutshell
The New Mutants shut down the Gladiators and reunite with an old friend. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In the arena, Roberto and Amara face off against a gigantic robot containing Kitty Pryde, much to the delight of the Gladiator's mysterious telepathic leader. As a possessed Dazzler uses her power to amp up the crowd, Kitty manages to free herself of her possession, and phases out of the robot. Dazzler is then forced to fight Roberto, Amara and Kitty. Just then, Sam, Illyana and Rachel arrive and join the fight. Illyana teleports Dazzler into Limbo, which frees her of her possession, but leaves the rest of the Gladiators believing Illyana killed their friend. They rush into the arena and attack the New Mutants. Illyana recalls Dazzler from Limbo and when the police arrive, Dazzler urges her friends to break up the Gladiators once and for all.

X-amining New Mutants #30

"The Singer and Her Song"
August 1985

In a Nutshell
Kitty, Rachel and Dazzler help the New Mutants infiltrate the Gladiators.

Presenter: Stan Lee
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Sam, Kitty, Rachel and Dazzler find themselves in Limbo, where Illyana had teleported them in the wake of their encounter with the Beyonder. As a result of that encounter, Illyana's Darkchilde side has been released, causing Limbo to go as mad as its mistress. Wresting her Soul Sword from her, Kitty uses the weapon to restore Illyana to normal. Still seeking to free the captured Roberto and Amara from the Gladiators, Illyana returns the group to Los Angeles, where they once again track down the Gladiators. Dazzler offers to infiltrate the group, and though everyone else decides against it for fear she won't be able to resist the lure of fame, she goes anyway. Welcomed back by her old friends, Dazzler is forced to take an inhibition-lowering drug to prove her loyalty. Later, Kitty, posing as a technician, gets a job working for the Gladiators. As Dazzler revels once more in being a star, she tries to win the trust of Roberto and Amara. Following a practice session, Kitty triggers a blackout and seeks out Roberto.

X-amining New Mutants #29

"Meanwhile, Back at the Mansion..."
July 1985

In a Nutshell
Roberto and Amara are kidnapped by the Gladiators. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterers: Orzechowski & Rosen
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Sam and Illyana race through the Westchester County airport after a kidnapped Roberto and Amara. They catch up to the van containing their friends on the tarmac, only to realize they've been placed on a departing plane. Sam attempts to catch up to the plane, but is unsuccessful. Illyana teleports Sam to Limbo, where they interrogate the driver of the van. They learn that their friends have been captured by a group known as the Gladiators, operating out of Los Angeles. Illyana teleports them to LA, but also accidentally shifts them in time, leading them to arrive a week after they left. They head for Lila Cheney's house, where Sam explains the situation and they learn that one of Lila's recently-hired sessions singers is Dazzler, who has a past history with the Gladiators. Elsewhere, a captive Roberto is taken before Alexander Flynn, the apparent leader of the Gladiators. He and Amara are told they will fight to the death for sport in the arena, or else a group of runaway children the Gladiators have captured will be killed.

X-amining New Mutants #28

"Soulwar"
June 1985

In a Nutshell
Professor X and the New Mutants fight to save Legion's mind. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Within David Haller's mind, Professor X and Jack Wayne climb a mountain, hoping to reach the Arab who is trying to take control of David's mind. Suddenly, they are joined by the rest of Xavier's companions, though that group is unaware of how they found Xavier so easily. As they climb the mountain, they are attacked, first by fighter jets and then a massive storm. Meanwhile, in the Bermuda Triangle, Lee and Magneto discuss their growing relationship, with Lee admitting she's afraid of Magneto. He asks Lee for help in becoming a better person, but she refuses. Back in David's mind, Xavier and Dani combine their powers to attack the Arab, whom they learn is named Jemail. In doing so, they realize the obstacles in their path are illusory. Piercing the dome thanks to this realization, they discover crystals representing David's memories and personality, many of which have been damaged. Jack claims it to be the work of Jemail, attempting to destroy David's consciousness so he can take over, but Professor X realizes someone has been trying to repair the crystals, something that could only be done by a telepath like Jemail. As Jemail attacks the group once more, Gabby is forced to relive the terrorist attack that shattered David's psyche. She viciously attacks Jemail and overpowers him. Just then, Xavier is felled by a tremendous psychic force, leaving Jack face to face with Jemail.

X-amining New Mutants #27

"Into the Abyss"
May 1985

In a Nutshell
Professor X and Dani enter Legion's mind to save their friends. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Professor X, Gabby Haller and the New Mutants examine the unconscious forms of Rahne and Moira, marveling that despite the destruction to Moira's lab caused by the explosion, their bodies are unharmed. However, just like Tom and Sharon, Xavier determines that their minds are gone, and suspects David Haller is behind the attacks. With Rahne still in her wolf form, Dani reasons she may be able to contact her through their psychic link via the Astral Plane. Xavier and Dani enter the Astra Plane, where they're attacked just as Gabby Haller and Doug are pulled onto the Astral Plane as well, leaving a despondent Warlock behind. Determined to end the threat, Xavier begins attacking the psychic walls around David's mind. In the process, he discovers that David is his son, a revelation that distracts him enough that the others are get sucked into David's mind. Coming face to face with the three dominant personalities which control David's powers, Xavier plunges into the boy's mind after his companions. He finds himself in a war-torn representation of Paris, dominated by a massive black dome in the distance.

X-amining New Mutants #26

"Legion"
April 1985

In a Nutshell
The first appearance of Professor Xavier's son, Legion. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
On Muir Island, Tom Corsi marvels at the strength of his new body as Sharon Friedlander looks on. Suddenly, they see the astral projection of a young Arabian man. He screams, then vanishes, just as an alarm sounds. They rush to David Haller's room and discover him crying for help in the midst of a telekinetic storm. As Tom and Sharon duck for cover, David's hands burst into flames and he starts to laugh with the voice of a girl. Then the room explodes. The next morning, Professor X and several of the New Mutants arrive on Muir Island, responding to a call from Moira for help. She shows Xavier Tom and Sharon, whose bodies are unharmed but whose minds are seemingly gone. A surprised Xavier is then reunited with Gaby Haller, his former lover, and the mother of David. Meanwhile, at the Massachusetts Academy, the White Queen admonishes Empath for his recent actions, and after he attempts to take control of her with his power, she telepathically blocks his access to it as punishment. Back in Scotland, the New Mutants explore the town of Ullapool as Xavier attempts to telepathically help David.

X-amining New Mutants #25

"The Only Thing to Fear..."
March 1985

In a Nutshell
Cloak and Dagger reclaim their powers, curing Rahne and Roberto. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterers: Orzechowski & Buhalis
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter
Presenter: Stan Lee
Stars: New Mutants

Plot
Cloak and Dagger announce their willingness to help the New Mutants, and then Dagger is reunited with Father Bowen, who is her uncle. Scared that this means she'll leave him, Cloak angrily lashes out at her and storms off. Illyana tells Professor X about her attempts to cure Roberto and Rahne through magic, which failed due to the need of Cloak and Dagger's abilities be hosted by someone. Then Xavier telepathically speaks with Cloak, and helps him realize that even though his powers aren't a curse, his fear of them makes them one. Cloak agrees to do his best to not let his fear overwhelm him, and Xavier decides on a course of action. He has Illyana teleport everyone to Limbo, and with Sam and Dani guarding against any demonic incursions, helps Rogue use her power to purge Rahne and Roberto of Cloak and Dagger's abilities.

X-amining New Mutants #24

"The Hollow Heart"
February 1985

In a Nutshell
Professor X attempts to cure Roberto and Rahne. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterers: Orzechowski and Buhalis
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
The horribly transformed Roberto begs Moira MacTaggert to run before he consumes her, but Moira refuses to abandon the unconscious Xavier. Just then, Rahne enters the room and transforms into a beautiful woman, who is able to generate a light that sates Roberto's hunger and returns him to normal. But when Sam and Dani burst into the room, Roberto panics and teleports away with Rahne. Sam and Dani tell the awakened Xavier about their discovery of Cloak and Dagger's involvement in Rahne and Roberto's condition. They worry that their friends can't be cured, but Xavier says their first concern is finding them. Meanwhile, in Manhattan, Cloak and Dagger leave the hospital, worried the New Mutants will return and force them to take back their powers. In the Bermuda Triangle, Magneto apologizes to Lee for his ingratitude. Back in Manhattan, Roberto and Rahne arrive at St. Anne's, the church of Father Bowen. Roberto begs him for help, then collapses, unconscious. 

X-amining New Mutants #23

"Shadowman"
January 1985

In a Nutshell
Dani and Sam investigate Rahne and Roberto's strange behavior. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Seinkiewicz
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
At the Hellfire Club, Sebastian Shaw introduces the newest members of the Inner Circle, Emmanuel Da Costa and Selene. In Salem Center, at a local tavern, Colossus finishes a game a chess with the owner when a waitress asks for his help in escorting a sullen Roberto out of the bar. When Colossus confronts him, Roberto lashes out and attacks. Mentally alerted by Colossus, Professor X sends Sam and Dani to assist. At the bar, Roberto is knocked out by Colossus, but Colossus mysteriously falls unconscious in the process. Meanwhile, in the Bermuda Triangle, Lee Forrester returns an injured Magneto to his island home, and though he rebuffs her assistance, stays to help him. At Xavier's mansion, as Xavier and Moira examine Roberto and Colossus, Dani receives a phone call from Rahne. Dani and Sam fly to a ritzy Manhattan hotel, where they find a confused Rahne, clutching a necklace, with no memory of how she got to the hotel.

X-amining New Mutants #22

"The Shadow Within"
December 1984

In a Nutshell
Rahne writes a fairy tale story. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Seinkiewicz
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In the Danger Room, Nightcrawler works on agility with Sam, hoping to help him become more maneuverable while flying. As Sam practices, Nightcrawler reaches out to a watching Rahne, hoping to help her see that he shouldn't be judged by his appearance, but frightened, she runs off. Rahne rushes past a sparring session between Colossus and Roberto. Roberto is suddenly filled with rage, his hands becoming claws, and he lashes out at Colossus, making the older mutant feel like he's come down with the flu. In one of the school's laboratories, Rahne watches as Professor X and a newly-arrived Moira MacTaggert study the alien Warlock. She then visits Dani, who is on the phone with her parents, but Rahne takes off before Dani finishes, leaving Dani to worry about both Rahne and Roberto's recent edginess.

X-amining New Mutants #21

"Slumber Party!"
November 1984

In a Nutshell
Warlock and Doug Ramsey join the team. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Seinkiewicz
Letterers: Tom Orzechowski & L. Lois Buhalis
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
At Xavier's mansion, a group of local girls arrive to have a slumber party in celebration of Dani's release from the hospital. Meanwhile, in outer space, Magneto detects the approach of Warlock, who smashes into Asteroid M, destroying it, en route to Earth. Back at the party, the girls rush Rahne and give her a makeover, while Sam and Bobby return from a baseball game. They're shooed out of the house by the girls, and are swimming when Warlock crashes into the lake. Believing his inert form to be a meteorite, Sam fishes him out and takes him back to the school for Professor X to study. Inside, Warlock awakens, and seeks out power to rejuvenate himself. Plugging into an outlet, he shuts down the power to he school. Moving through the house seeking further sustenance, Warlock is attacked by Lockheed and Illyana before the rest of the team intervenes.

X-amining New Mutants #20

"Badlands"
October 1984

In a Nutshell
The New Mutants defeat the Demon Bear.

the writer: Chris Claremont
the artist: Bill Seinkiewicz
the letterer: Tom Orzechowski
the colorist: Glynis Wein
the editor: Ann Nocenti
the editor who is much taller, and coincidentally, Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
In the Demon Bear's domain, a dimension which resembles an untainted American West, the New Mutants watch as the bear transforms Officer Tom Corsi and Nurse Sharon Friedlander into American Indian demons. As the New Mutants battle the demons, the bear attempts to pierce Illyana's wards protecting the doctors operating on Dani back in the real world. As the battle rages, the bear grows more powerful and his corruption fills the land. Amara saves Roberto from one of the demons, leaving her open for an attack by the bear, which transforms her into a demon as well. Illyana uses her Soulsword to fight off the bear, then plunges it into the possessed Amara. Believing Illyana has been consumed by her dark side and killed Amara, Sam attacks her, but a restored Amara admonishes Sam, telling him Illyana saved her. As the New Mutants regroup and debate their next move, Illyana convinces Rahne to re-establish her rapport with Dani so they can learn why the bear fears her. As the bear continues to attack Illyana's wards, she uses her Soulsword to destroy the demons possessing Tom and Sharon.

X-amining New Mutants #19

"Siege"
September 1984

In a Nutshell
The New Mutants defend Dani from the Demon Bear. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
A critically injured Dani is rushed to the hospital and put into surgery. The New Mutants explain to Officer Tom Corsi of the Westchester County Police that as near as they can tell, Dani was mauled by a bear. As the kids wait at the hospital for word on Dani, they're tended to by a nurse named Sharon. Musing that the Demon Bear is likely to come after Dani to finish her off, Sam has the New Mutants suit up and stand watch. Rahne shifts into her wolf form to monitor Dani through their rapport. Dani tells Rahne that the bear is afraid of Dani, but Rahne pulls back before she can explain further when Dani fights against her anesthesia to communicate with her.

X-amining New Mutants #18

"Death-Hunt"
August 1984

In a Nutshell
The debut of new series artist Bill Sienkiewicz. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot
Outside the mansion, a ratty red-haired girl works up the courage to approach the school. Inside, Cannonball, Sunspot and Magma practice in the Danger Room as Dani and Illyana observe. Illyana can tell something is troubling Dani, but Dani refuses to tell her about the recurring dreams she's experienced of the Demon Bear since their return from Massachusetts. The doorbell rings and Illyana answers it to find the red-haired girl. She asks to see Professor X, but Illyana tells her he's away, spooking her after Illyana introduces herself. Meanwhile, in space, a being named Warlock is pursued by his powerful father. Back at the mansion, Illyana runs Dani through a Danger Room sequence in which she fights a large bear.