X-amining Incredible Hulk #444

"Cable Vision"

August 1996

In a Nutshell

Cable (and Storm) battle Hulk (some more). 

Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Angel Medina
Inks: Robin Riggs
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Glynis Oliver

Enhancement: Malibu
Editor: Bobbie Chase

Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

Storm races after Cable, who's been captured by the Hulk. He leaps away, and lands inside a magazine office, where Hulk spots a pinup of model Betty Page; the name "Betty" causes him to pause in his attack, giving Cable an opening to get inside his mind. He tries to remove the blocks Onslaught has placed around Bruce Banner's mind, to no avail. He emerges from Hulk's mind just as Hulk prepares to attack; Storm intervenes with a tornado that tosses Hulk away, but he sends Cable flying as well. Cable grabs a gun from a nearby sporting goods store and fires a gas pellet at Hulk. Storm ensures Hulk breathes in the gas, leaving him open to a combined attack as she hits him with lightning and Cable goes back into his mind to free Banner. Later, Hulk joins Cable & Storm as they proceed to rendezvous with the rest of the X-Men, determined to get a piece of Onslaught for messing with his mind. 

X-amining Marvel Versus DC #1-4

"DC Versus Marvel Comics: Round One" / "Marvel Comics Versus DC: Round Two" / "Marvel Comics Versus DC: Round Three" / "DC Comics Versus Marvel Comics: Round Four" 

April - May 1996

In a Nutshell

The greatest heroes of the Marvel and DC universes battle one another for the fate of their universes! 

Writers: Ron Marz & Peter David
Pencilers: Dan Jurgens & Claudio Castellini

Inkers: Josef Rubinstein and Paul Neary
Letterer: Bill Oakley
Colors: Gregory Wright

Separations: Digital Chameleon
Editors: Mark Gruenwald & Mike Carlin

Plot

Across the worlds of two different universes, heroes find themselves being transported from their respective home realities into strange surroundings, coming into conflict with the natives of the new worlds. This is the result of the two cosmic entities who comprise each of the universes learning of the other's existence, triggering a battle between them. Caught in the middle is Axel Asher, a young man unknowingly imbued with a shard of the brothers' cosmic power. The two brothers each select champions from amongst their respective creations to do battle, with the winning universe continuing to exist and the losing one wiped out. Though reluctant, the heroes battle one another to save their worlds, until the result comes down to the evenly-matched Batman and Captain America. Axel, embracing his power and taking the name Access, imbues both heroes with a bit of their own universes just as the cosmic beings Spectre and the Living Tribunal force the universal brothers together, attempting a comprise to save both universes. This results in the heroes and villains of both worlds combing into amalgamated versions of themselves for a time, before Access forces the two worlds apart using the shards he embedded in Batman and Captain America. Their battle resumed, the two brothers easily overpower the Spectre & Living Tribunal, leaving Batman & Captain America to convince Access to bring them into the fight. He does, and the two brothers read their minds, realizing the two heroes are like the brothers: unique amongt their worlds, with little interest in the conflict the brothers are perpetuating. This brings them to a halt as they realize the pointlessness of their fight, and the brothers allow both universes to continue, shaking hands and declaring that each has done well. 

X-amining X-Factor Annual #8

"Charon" / "What Have You Got to Hide" / "Crawlin' From the Wreckage"
1993

In a Nutshell
The Chalkers return as part of Charon's first appearance.

Writer: Peter David, Skip Dietz (2nd & 3rd Story)
Penciler: Terry Shoemaker, Buzz (2nd Story), Chris Batista (3rd Story)
Inker: Mark McKenna, Al Milgrom (2nd Story). Jeff Albrecht (3rd Story)
Letterer: Lois Buhalis, Dave Sharp (2nd Story), Pat Brosseay (3rd Story)
Colorist: Joe Rosas, Carlos Lopez (2nd Story), Joe Rosas (3rd Story)
Editor: Kelly Corvese
Group Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Leaving a movie with his parents, Charlie Ronalds is devastated when his parents are killed by an attacker who says he is a mutant. Years later, Charlie is injured during an accident at his school involving Guido Carosella, another mutant. In the present, Guido, along with Polaris, appear on a talk show while the rest of X-Factor trains in the Danger Room. Charlie, his hatred for mutants and Guido in particular still raging, contacts a demon named Cloot. Learning of Charlie's hatred for X-Factor, Cloot grants him powers, and allies in the Chalker family, in exchange for Charlie delivering the souls of X-Factor to Cloot. As Charon, Charlie leads the Chalkers in an attack on X-Factor, but the Chalkers quickly die once more as Charon battles Strong Guy, and when he declares he simply wants Strong Guy to die, Cloot appears, telling Charlie he's broken their deal and sending Charlie to the same hell dimension where his parents reside, leaving X-Factor confused about what exactly has just happened.

X-amining X-Factor #83

"Painting the Town"
October 1992

In a Nutshell
X-Factor takes the X-Patriots out on the town.

Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Mark Pacella
Inks: Al Milgrom
Letters: Richard Starkings
Colors: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Kelly Corvese
X-Lord: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Tensions remain high between X-Factor and the X-Patriots, moreso when Jenny Ransome & Philip Moreau arrive. Inside the X-Patriots' ship, Rahne meets a young mutant named Taylor who uses his cold fire power to sculpt, while Val admonishes Havok for agreeing to accompany the X-Patriots back to Genosha. They are drawn outside by a commotion to find Cameron Hodge attacking everyone. But Hodge is actually Lukas, lashing out, and Havok shuts him down, before deciding the X-Patriots need to blow off some steam and offering X-Factor as guides to help them explore the city. Elsewhere, Rick Chalker completes an operation to replace his hands with razor sharp fan blades, but when he discovers he's left himself no way to leave his lab, he slaps his forehead in disgust, accidentally killing himself. Back in New York, Havok & Polaris accompany Prodigal to the Statute of Liberty, Strong Guy takes Pirouette dancing and Quicksilver & Lukas con a belligerent drunk at a bar. Meanwhile, Rahne takes Taylor to an art museum, but he wanders off when Rahne starts arguing with Madrox. Outside the museum, Taylor uses his power, drawing the attention of a group worried he's going to burn down the park. They attack and beat him before running off. As Madrox attempts to chase them down and call for help, a distraught Rahne tries to help the unconscious Taylor.

X-amining X-Factor #82

"Sittin' by the Dock of the Bay"
September 1992

In a Nutshell
X-Factor battles the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Rurik Tyler
Inker: Al Milgrom
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Kelly Corvese
X-Titles Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
As local police & immigration officials discuss the situation with the Genoshan mutants seeking asylum, Sauron is revived by the life force of a drunk who strays too close to him. Overhearing the discussion, he decides to contact his Brotherhood teammates about some potential new recruits. Meanwhile,Val is admonishing Jamie for this handling of the Rhapsody situation, but Alex intervenes, saying Val needs to submit her criticisms through him. Their argument is interrupted by the phone. Just then, Lorna returns from the hospital and learns X-Factor has a new mission. Elsewhere, Strong Guy says goodbye to Shrew, her testimony complete with no sign of Cyber. At the docks, an immigration official argues with the Genoshans, saying the situation in Genosha is better now, so the US can't grant them asylum. Suddenly, they're drawn outside by the sound of a fight, as the Brotherhood arrives and attacks the soldiers in the name of the Genoshans. Shortly thereafter X-Factor arrives, and manages to defeat the Brotherhood. Meeting with Prodigal, the Genoshans' leader, Havok reiterates that Genosha is a changed, better, place now, and to prove it, he and the rest of X-Factor will accompany the would-be refugees back to Genosha.

X-amining X-Factor Annual #7

"The Historians of Tales Come (Shattershot Part 3)" / "Drowning in Paperwork" / "Cal & Guido"
1992

In a Nutshell
X-Factor tries to stop Spiral from killing Arize

Writer: Fabian Nicieza, Peter David (2nd & 3rd Story)
Penciler: Joe Quesada, Darick Robertson (2nd Story), Joe Madureira (3rd Story)
Inker: Joe Rubinstein, Andrew Pepoy (2nd & 3rd Story)
Letterer: Richard Starkings, Dave Sharpe (2nd & 3rd Story)
Colorist: Kevin Tinsely, Gina Going (2nd Story), Kelly Corverse (3rd Story)
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Enraged that the pirate network led by Mojo II is beating him in the ratings, Mojo resolves to convince Spiral to kill Arize for him. On Earth, Val Cooper briefs X-Factor on their latest mission: to bring in Spiral, who has been causing trouble, a mission that means more than most to Val since Spiral was once a member of Freedom Force. They track her to South Dakota, where Spiral has in turn located Arize, and interrupt her efforts to kill him. During the course of their fight, Spiral explains that she was once Ricochet Rita, and she wants to kill Arize because he's destined to transform Rita into Spiral. Arize admits as much, as well as the fact that the sorry state of Mojoworld is his fault. He asks Spiral to bring them both back to Mojoworld, so they can begin to make amends, and Spiral agrees.

X-amining X-Factor #76

"X-Communication"
March 1992

In a Nutshell
Wolfsbane is captured by a supporter of Farnoq Dahn.

Writer: Peter David
Guest Penciler: Tom Raney and Kevin West
Inker: Al Milgrom
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
An unconscious Wolfsbane is found in the Trans-Sabal desert by Jolel, a fervent believer in Farnoq Dahn, and his sister Sandah. Meanwhile, Quicksilver searchs for Wolfsbane while the rest of X-Factor, searching for Havok, missing since the blast that took out the Hulk, encounters members of the Pantheon. Meanwhile, a bound Wolfsbane awakens inside Jolel's house. He intends to hold her for Farnoq Dahn, and though Wolfsbane insists that she was called in to help by Dahn, Jolel remains convinced she's some kind of demon that Dahn must deal with personally. As X-Factor battles the Pantheon, Quicksilver reaches the city where Rahne is being held just as Prometheus of the Pantheon attacks hims. Wolfsbane manages to escape from Jolel's house to help Quicksilver, but Jolel catches up to her, threatening her with a knife. However, Sandah intervenes, knocking out her brother and allowing Wolfsbane to escape. But when Jolel comes to, he kills his sister, to Wolfsbane's horror. Though he insists it was an accident, an enraged Wolfsbane attacks him. She then emerges from his house and meets up with Quicksilver, telling him to get her out of the place, insisting that she's going to burn for what she did.

X-amining Marvel Comics Presents #85-92: Blood Hungry

"First Scent" / "Two Scents Worth"/"Three Scents"/"Four Scents Worth"/"Five Scents Worth"/"Sixth Scents" / "Seven (And A Half) Scents" / "Eight Scents Worth"
September - December 1991

In a Nutshell
The first appearance of Cyber

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Sam Keith
Letterer: Clem Robbins, David Sharpe (issues #87-89), Steve Dutro (issue #91-92)
Colorist: Glynis Oliver, Pat Garrahy (issues #88-89)
Editor: Terry Kavanugh
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Detecting a familiar scent on the air, Wolverine meets with Tyger Tiger, and learns that General Coy is meeting with a new drug supplier. Wolverine proceeds to investigate, and learns that the supplier is his old foe Cyber. The two fight and Wolverine manages to escape, but not before Cyber gashes his abdomen, drugging Wolverine with his claws. As Wolverine suffers vivid hallucinations, Cyber meets with Tyger, offering to sell the drugs to her instead of Coy. After settling on a price, he double-sells the drugs to Coy, setting up a conflict between the two, while Tyger finds the delirious Wolverine and helps bring him back to his senses. However, he is too scared of Cyber to help her, and when Tyger arrives to take possession of the drugs, she finds Coy waiting as well. Cyber proceeds to kill their men, but before he can attack them, Wolverine arrives. As he and Wolverine resume their fight, Coy and Tyger retire to discuss matters in the wake of Cyber's attack. Though Wolverine is once again doused with Cyber's hallucinatory drug, he fights the effects, and manages to gouge out Cyber's eye before sending him crashing into truck full of the drugs. With the drugs entering his system through his eye injury, Cyber freaks out, running into the ocean, where he ultimately disappears, leaving a weary Wolverine to return to Tyger Tiger for some much needed comfort.

X-amining Wolverine: Rahne of Terra

1991

In a Nutshell
Wolverine & Wolfsbane get transported to a medieval fantasy dimension.

Writer: Peter David
Artist: Andy Kubert
Letterer: Jim Novak
Colorist: Sherilyn Van Vaulkenburgh
Assistant Editor/Designer: Suzanne Gaffney
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
The New Mutants are worried about Rahne, who has suddenly gone mad, raving that she's a princess. On another world, a bloodthirsty Wolverine attacks the Mage, while at the nearby castle, Princess Rain's servant Tabby worries about the prophecy saying a beast will kill her on her nearing birthday. Briefly, Rain sees her guards as the New Mutants. Outside, Wolverine attacks one of the guards, Samuel, who races back to the castle to warn of the beast's approach. Shortly thereafter, the elderly king, Rain's father, dies, Elsewhere, Magnus reveals he's brought Wolverine to his world to fulfill the prophecy, then brainwashes him again. Over the objections of her guards, Rain sneaks out to attend her fathers funeral, encountering a familiar-seeming peasant named Doug along the way. At the cemetery, Wolverine attacks, but Rain transforms into a werewolf, driving him off, before fleeing to the castle.

X-amining X-Factor #70

"Ends and Odds"
September 1991

In a Nutshell
The X-Men & X-Factor deal with the aftermath of the Shadow King's assault.

New Writer: Peter David
Guest Penciler: Kirk Jarvinen
Guest Inker: Joe Rubinstein
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Colorists: Glynis Oliver/Steve Buccellato
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
As Xavier probes Legion's mind for some remnant of his son, Cyclops, Marvel Girl & Storm worry about Xavier's physical condition and the strain he's putting himself under. Outside, Beast, Colossus and Forge attempt to clean up some of the damage wrought on the island by the Shadow King, while Rogue reconciles with Mystique, learning how she survived her apparent assassination by Val Cooper and came to take Val's place alongside the Shadow King. Elsewhere, Wolverine gives Jubilee some upsetting news, and Polaris is practicing her regained magnetic abilities along with Guido when the pair is approached by Val about joining a team intended to replace Freedom Force. Back inside the research facility, Xavier continues to search Legion's mind to no avail, and Marvel Girl brings herself along with the rest of X-Factor into his mind in order to convince Xavier to let Legion go. Regaining consciousness, word spreads on the island that Xavier will be alright, while he quietly says goodbye to his son, then ponders what he's to do with fourteen X-Men.

X-amining X-Factor #55

"Desperately Seeking Vera"
June 1990

In a Nutshell 
Beast encounters his old girlfriend Vera, under the sway of Mesmero. 

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Terry Shoemaker & Colleen Doran
Inker: Al Milgrom
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Colorist: Tom Vincent
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Out searching for Archangel, Beast comes across his old girlfriend Vera Cantor, seemingly working as a prostitute and with no memory of him. Meanwhile, Bobby is saying goodnight to Opal after a date when he spots a shadow he thinks is Archangel, but it just turns out to be a kite. However, Archangel is nearby, hallucinating that the city is in flames as a result of Apocalypse's final triumph. The next day, Iceman and Beast continue searching for their teammate, and Beast spots Vera once more, this time a cellist on the way to practice. When she leaves her cello case behind, Beast tries to return it to her, but it explodes. When Beast catches up to her again, she's working as a hot dog vendor, and Beast is attacked by a monster hiding in the hot dog cart.

X-amining Incredible Hulk #369

"Silent Screams"
May 1990

In a Nutshell 
Freedom Force battles the Hulk. 

Writer: Peter David
Penciler:Dale Keown
Inker:Bob McLeod
Letterer: Joseph Rosen
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
Bruce Banner is taken in by a family whose home was recently destroyed by a hurricane, and he sees in their young son Jack a lot of himself. Meanwhile, Crimson Commando, Blob and Pyro are flying to South Carolina in pursuit of the Hulk, while Mystique follows up another lead on his location in New York. Posing as an FBI agent, she meets with an older woman who painfully reminds her of Destiny, but the creature she spotted turns out to be something other than the Hulk entirely. In South Carolina, Freedom Force tracks down Banner and tries to take him into custody quietly, without triggering the Hulk, but night falls, bringing him forth. Hulk proceeds to fight back, smothering Pyro's flame monster and easily tossing aside Crimson Commando.

X-amining Wolverine #15-16

Wolverine #15

"Homecoming"
Early November 1989

In a Nutshell 
Wolverine returns to Madripoor in the hunt for the Gehenna Stone. 

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: John Buscema
Inker: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bob Harras
Boss: Tom DeFalco

Plot
In Madripoor, Wolverine rescues Lindsay from a group of police officers attacking her for information about the stone O'Donnell recently acquired. Returning to the Princess Bar as Patch, he oversees a confrontation between Lindsay and O'Donnell, and learns that both of them, like Jessica, knew Patch was actually Wolverine. Just then, Archie bursts in saying Burt has gone missing. O'Donnell tells them of how the Prince acquired the stone from O'Donnell, just as a group of cops arrive led by Chief Tai. Out on the streets, Burt helps save a woman from Ba'al's followers. who want to use her as a blood sacrifice. When he's overwhelmed, Jessica intervenes, helping fight off the last of the followers.

X-amining Wolverine #13-14

Wolverine #13 

"Blood Ties"
Early October 1989

In a Nutshell 
The origin of the Gehenna Stone is revealed.

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: John Buscema
Inker: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
In Madripoor, twin brothers enter the Princess Bar carrying a stone they claim they're going to make a lot of money selling. In San Fransisco, Wolverine helps Archie evade the police as Burt agrees to tell everyone about the Gehenna Stone. In Madripoor, the two brothers rent a room from O'Donnell. In San Fransisco, Archie tells the history of the Gehenna stone, which is the repository of the soul of a demonic being named Ba'al who, in Biblical times, was slain outside Jerusalem by a warrior named the Hand of God. The warrior smashed the stone into fragments and scattered them, never to be reassembled. However, over the last few year, archaeologists have begun unearthing the stone fragments, after which the fragments started to disappear.

X-amining Wolverine #12

"Straits of San Fransisco"
Late September 1989

In a Nutshell 
Wolverine and friends evade the Followers of Ba'al on the streets of San Fransisco

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: John Buscema
Inker: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
In the courtroom, Wolverine helps fight off the Followers of Ba'al, whom he quickly realizes aren't actually vampires. When Jessica arrives to court late, she's drawn into the fray, leaping onto the back of Burt's horse as he tries to escape. Two of the Followers waiting outside in a car see him leave, and take off after him. As the police arrive, Wolverine and Archie escape the courtroom, stealing a cop car to follow Burt while another group of Followers steals their own car and pursues them. Elsewhere, the Followers' leader waits for the ones he seeks to be driven to him.

X-amining Wolverine #11

"Brother's Keeper"
Early September 1989

In a Nutshell 
Wolverine accompanies Archie Corrigan to San Fransisco. 

Writer: Peter David
Penciler: John Buscema
Inker: Bill Sienkiewicz
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak
Colorist: Mark Chiarello
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
In San Fransisco, two apparent vampires try to steal a jewel from a museum, but it turns out to be a fake. In Madripoor, Archie Corrigan storms into the Princess Bar and proceeds to tell Wolverine about his wealthy brother Burt, a film fanatic who's facing a competency hearing launched by their aunt. Worried the aunt will have his otherwise harmless brother committed, Archie is planning on going to San Fransisco to help his brother, and convinces a reluctant Wolverine to come along with him. Overhearing this, Jessica Drew decides to tag along as well. Arriving in San Fransisco, the three check in on Burt and thankfully find him seemingly normal, working on a dissertation on ancient cultures. He promises to attend the hearing the next day, but when everyone leaves, he pulls the jewel the vampires were after from his desk drawer.

X-amining Wolverine #9

"Promises to Keep"
July 1989

In a Nutshell 
In a flashback story, Wolverine stalks a group of mercenaries.

Writer: Peter David
Art: Gene Colan
Inker: Al Williamson
Letters: Bill Oakley
Colors: Mark Chiarello
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
In the past, a group of mercenaries, on the run from Wolverine, rent a cabin, but he tracks them down, killing one of them then disappearing into the night. One of the remaining mercenaries, Rollins, takes first watch. As another merc, Malone, sleeps, he dreams of when this first started, back in Iraq. He wakes with a start to find Rollins dead. Malone, along with the remaining mercs Bruno and Needle, head out into the woods, recalling their job in Iraq, in which they helped a group of militants take over the American embassy, and how Malone tormented one of the female hostages until special forces retook the embassy and they fled. They suddenly realize Wolverine was amongst the operatives that freed the hostages, an operation which ended five years ago tomorrow.

X-amining Incredible Hulk #340

"Vicious Circle"
February 1988

In a Nutshell 
Wolverine vs. the Hulk

Writer: Peter David
Art: Todd McFarlane
Lettering: Rick Parker 
Colors: Petra Scotese
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Plot
The X-Men arrive in Dallas just as a restless Hulk leaps into the air. Forced to avoid their plane, Hulk accidentally crashes into a commercial jet, prompting the X-Men to help it land safely. Investigating the damaged plane, Wolverine recognizes Hulk's scent. Shortly thereafter, Hulk is confronted by the National Guard, triggering a fire which threatens a nearby apartment building. As the X-Men help evacuate the building, Wolverine runs afoul of Hulk. Though he accidentally cuts Hulk with his claws, Wolverine apologizes and tries to leave, more concerned with helping the X-Men then fighting, but an angry Hulk attacks Wolverine.