X-amining X-Force #59

"Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been?"

October 1996

In a Nutshell

X-Force launches an investigation into Shatterstar's origins

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Penciler: Anthony Casrtrillo
Inker: Bud LaRosa
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Marie Javins
Confused by it all: Bob Harras

Plot

With Shatterstar growing increasingly more unsure of his true identity - Mojoworld warrior bred or comatose mental patient Benjamin Russell - Cable interrogates him hard, psychologically & telepathically, to find the truth, much to the dismay of the rest of the team. As Rictor returns in Shatterstar's hour of need, the team sets out to find clues to his identity. Cable meets with Detective Charlotte Jones, only to learn that Benjamin Russell's file - as well as all the files on X-Force - have gone missing. Similarly, when the team investigates the Weissman Institute, they find it seemingly long-abandoned. Just then, the group is attacked by bounty hunters from Mojoworld, Gog and Magog, who teleport away with Shatterstar. But Cable manages to leap into their teleportation field and follow them, leaving the rest of the team behind on their crashing ship. Luckily, they land safely, thanks to the presence in the pilot's seat of none of other than Longshot! 

X-amining X-Force #58

"...Before the Dawn"

September 1996

In a Nutshell

X-Force is rescued from Onslaught by a representation of Professor Xavier's goodness.

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Penciler: Anthony Castrillo 
Inker: Bud LaRosa
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Marie Javins
Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

Sunspot finds himself back in Brazil, playing soccer, his father & Julianna looking on. But instead of the Hellfire Club attacking, he wins the game and the adulation of the crowd. Later, in the locker room, he is approached by a small boy, who tells him he needs the help of Sunspot, the heart of soul of X-Force, to gather the others. At the X-Mansion, Siryn emerges from the wreckage caused by Mister Sinister's attack to find her teammates unconscious; she telepathically calls out for Cable, but he is caught up fighting Onslaught and can't immediately help her. She proceeds to do what she can, and tries to revive Meltdown. Meanwhile, Meltdown confronts Sabretooth, but Sunspot & the young boy arrive, and convince her to join them. They then retrieve Caliban, followed by Warpath, who is once again forced to say goodbye to his brother, and then Shatterstar, and finally Domino. With the team gathered, the young boy urges them to step into the light to fulfill their dreams. But the boy, believing himself to have won, arrogantly reveals himself as Onslaught, and Sunspot leads them in standing up to him, refusing to go into the light. Just then, in the real world, X-Force wakes up, much to Siryn's delight. They then see the young boy again, but this time, he reveals himself to be a manifestation of Xavier's goodness; he reminds them they are the next generation of mutants, and X-Force finds renewed hope amidst the ongoing tragedies. 

X-amining X-Force #57

"In the Company of Stranger Part 2: The Best Laid Plans"

August 1996

In a Nutshell

X-Force & X-Man battle Mister Sinister! 

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Penciler: Anthony Castrillo
Inker: Mark Morales
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Marie Javins
Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

As Mister Sinister takes control of Nate Grey's mind, he is attacked by Caliban, attacking savagely in response to a subconscious trigger implanted in him by Apocalypse. Taking advantage of the ensuing opening, Domino triggers the self-destruction of Cable's armory, creating a massive explosion that puts some distance between X-Force, Nate and Sinister. Meanwhile, Warpath & Risque arrive at the mansion. As Meltdown comforts Caliban, distraught at having lost control, Nate attempts to draw knowledge of the Askani from Sunspot's mind in order to gain control over his powers, but this results in an energy backlash which takes the form of Blaquesmith. Elsewhere, Sinister comes across Siryn, and nearly kills her, but Shatterstar intervenes. When Sinister knocks him aside, Warpath & Risque attack, and Sinister is shocked to realize he has no idea who Risque is. During their fight, Nate tries to use his powers to read Sinister's thoughts, but Sinister redirects the attack, knocking everyone else out. He then departs with the unconscious Nate Grey.