X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #-1

"I Had A Dream"

July 1997

In a Nutshell

Professor X and Magneto reunite on the verge of their philosophical differences exploding into open conflict.

Writer: Scott Lobdell

Pencils: Carlos Pacheco 
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Chris Lichtner & Aron Lusen

Associate Editor: Mark Powers
Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

At his mansion, Charles Xavier continues his physical therapy, under the guidance of his nurse/girlfriend, Amelia Voght. She urges him to rethink his plans regarding mutantkind, but he insists they can't simply hide in his mansion and do nothing. He then asks her to teleport him to the remains of concentration camp in Europe, where he knows his old friend Erik will soon appear. Meanwhile, aboard Asteroid M in orbit around the planet, Wanda and Pietro Maximoff discuss their recent alliance with the man known as Magneto Despite having saved their lives, Pietro remains unconvinced Magneto is a good man. Magneto arrives and brings the twins down to the concentration camp, where he finds Xavier and Voght waiting. The two former friends each try to convince each other, for the last time, to give up their respective plans to chart the course of mutantkind's future, with Xavier arguing that places like the concentration camp will rise again if Magneto launches his war on humanity. Both men acknowledge their ability to kill the other, but leave each other in peace for the last time, with Magneto declaring there will be only one onclusion to their conflict, and to the victor will go the spoils. He then scoops up a handful of earth, and returns with the Maximoffs to Asteroid M.

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) Annual '97 #1

"Not A Cloud In The Sky"

May 1997

In a Nutshell

The Gamesmaster traps the X-Men in a world that seems too good to be true!

Writer: John Francis Moore
Pencils: Steve Epting
Inks: Dan Green
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft/KF 
Colorist: Brad Vancata
Editor: Kelly Corvese

Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

Life is good for the X-Men: they are treated like celebrities, chased through the streets of Salem Center by autograph seekers. Rogue and Gambit are happily dating, Beast has cured the Legacy Virus, and Cyclops can control his optic blasts. The government has shut down the Friends of Humanity, and Bastion has been arrested. But something doesn't feel right to Joseph. Looking at old photos of the X-Men, he realizes what it is: Jean Grey is missing, and none of the other X-Men seem to have any idea who she is. Worried about his sanity, Rogue and a reluctant Gambit humor Joseph as he uses Cerebro to track down Jean, discovering she is a captive of the omnipathic Gamesmaster. He explains that he's given the X-Men a perfect world in exchange for Jean — the one member of the X-Men whose psychic abilities could pierce the illusion. If they give her up— or sacrifice one of the other X-Men in her place —  they can live in a paradise. If they refuse, he'll revert reality, but they'll always remember what they lost. Joseph manages to distract the Gamesmaster long enough for Jean to escape and attack him on the Astral Plane. She tries to learn as much as she can about him, but he escapes, leaving behind only an address of his possible location. The X-Men investigate it, but find the house abandoned, save for a TV playing a news report about crimes against mutants, making it clear the Gamesmaster's perfect reality has crumbled.

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #65

"First Blood"

June 1997

In a Nutshell

Operation: Zero Tolerance launches their opening salvo against the X-Men.

Writer: Scott Lobdell

Pencils: Carlos Pacheco 
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: RS/Comicraft
Colorist: Lichtner/Lusen/Liquid
Editor: Mark Powers

Chief: Bob Harras

Plot

In the wake of Operation: Zero Tolerance's attack on the X-Men's jet, Jean Grey suddenly finds herself somewhere else, confronted by a very much alive Iron Man. Before she can learn what's going on, she's pulled back to her reality, as Cyclops and Wolverine try to prevent the plane from crashing. Cannonball and Storm take to the air, trying to fight off their attackers. The whole confrontation is being broadcast, with people all over the country watching. Henry Peter Gyrich appears on CNBC, arguing for the legality of Operation: Zero Tolerance and the threat of mutants. In the skies over Colorado, Operation: Zero Tolerance unveils their human-sized Prime Sentinels against the X-Men. One-by-one, the heroes are overpowered and captured. Meanwhile, Bastion and his forces converge on the mansion. As Iceman watches the assault on his former teammates, Bastion holographically projects himself before the captive Xavier as he storms the mansion and accesses his files. Gloating, Bastion tells Xavier that his sacred dream is over. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #64

"Games of Deceit & Death Part 3"

May 1997

In a Nutshell

The X-Men, Kingpin, and Sebastian Shaw faceoff over the Elixir Vitae. 

Plot: Scott Lobdell

Script: Ben Raab
Pencils: Carlos Pacheco 
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Chris Lichtner, Aron Lusen & Liquid Color
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

The X-Men confront Wilson Fisk, the former Kingpin of New York crime, who has control over the Elixir Vitae now that he's the CEO of Fujikawa Enterprises. When Wolverine threatens Fisk, he reveals that he's captured Cannonball, and threatens to inject him with an experimental Legacy Virus vaccine. Meanwhile, Sebastian Shaw infiltrates the Fujikawa building. Upstairs, Cyclops tries to reason with Fisk. The villain refuses to hand over the elixir, as he plans to use it in the same way as Shaw, to create a Legacy Virus cure and corner the market for it. But Fisk does release Cannonball as a peace offering. Elsewhere, Bastion taunts a captive Jubilee. In Hong Kong, Shaw confronts Fisk and the X-Men. Fisk calls in his Si-Fan ninjas. But before violence erupts, Storm calls down a bolt of lighting, destroying the Elixir Vitae rather than risk it falling into Shaw or Fisk's hands. Later, as the X-Men are flying home, Jean is suddenly hit by a burst of psychic energy just as their plane is attacked by Operation: Zero Tolerance. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #63

"Games of Deceit & Death Part 2"

April 1997

In a Nutshell

The search for a Legacy Virus cure gets complicated as Sebastian Shaw returns and the Kingpin reveals himself!

Plot: Scott Lobdell

Script: Ben Raab
Pencils: Carlos Pacheco 
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colors: Chris Lichtner , Aron Lusen & Liquid Graphocs
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

The X-Men an Shang-Chi battle the cyber ninjas, who reveal they are working for Sebastian Shaw, who shortly thereafter reveals himself to the X-Men. After a brief scuffle, Storm brokers a truce, while Cannonball slips away underneath a rickshaw headed towards Fujikawa Enterprises. At the Hong Kong branch of the Hellfire Club, Shaw admits he's seeking a cure for the Legacy Virus — and a financial interest in the production of it — but claims there is some altruism to his motives. He also secretly receives all of Moira MacTaggert's data on the Legacy Virus from Rory Campbell. Shortly thereafter, the X-Men depart for Fujikawa Enterprises, where Shaw believes the Elixir Vitae sought by Shang-Chi's father and key to the cure, is being held. However, Cannonball is already inside, and learns the new head of the company is none other than the Kingpin, who shortly thereafter reveals himself to the intruding X-Men!

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #62

"Games of Deceit & Death Part 1"

March 1997

In a Nutshell

The X-Men team-up with Shang-Chi to hunt for a Legacy Virus cure! 

Plot: Scott Lobdell

Script: Ben Raab
Pencils: Carlos Pacheco 
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Chris Lichtner & Liquid Color
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

Outside the Scottish home of an old associate, MI-6 agent Clive Reston, Shang-Chi, Master of Kung-Fu, is attacked by a group of ninjas. He fights them off, only to be attacked in turn by Wolverine, who wants to test him. Their fight is ended by a lightning bolt from Storm, angry at Wolverine's actions. Cannonball arrives, and the group is introduced to Shang-Chi, after which they go inside Reston's home, where Reston, Cyclops, and Phoenix are waiting. They explain that Sebastian Shaw, leader of the Hellfire Club, is seeking the Elixir Vitae, which he hopes to use to cure the Legacy Virus (and make massive profits in doing so). Since Shang-Chi's villainous father created the elixir, the X-Men need his help. Later, Shaw is at his Hong Kong offices when he's told the X-Men are en route to the city; he orders a "reception" for the group. Shortly thereafter, as the X-Men and Shang-Chi make their way through the streets of Hong Kong in a pair of cars, they are attacked by a group of Cyber-Ninjas. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #61

"Bolt"

February 1997

In a Nutshell

Storm defeats Candra and learns the truth about Jamil!

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Cedric Nocon
Inks: Hunk & Miller
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

In Manhattan, Archangel returns home to the sound of Psylocke in a fight, but when he bursts into the apartment, he finds her calmly sitting. Just then, Gomurr the Ancient appears, and tells them there is a price to pay for the Crimson Dawn having saved Psylocke's life. Meanwhile, at the museum, Storm battles Jamil for Candra's heartstone, as Jamil manifests both the Shadow King and Juggernaut. But when Cable appears and offers to help Storm, she realizes something is amiss: it is the young girl Karima manifesting everyone, including Jamil. Her mutant power is the ability to give form to people's desire, in this case, Candra's desire to attain the stone and Storm's desire to stop her. Outside, as the X-Men race to help Storm, Jean Grey briefly finds herself completely alone on the street. Back at the museum, Karima explains how Storm's old mentor taught her to manifest Jamil in order to disguise her power and give herself a companion. As Jamil and the other villains fade away, Candra lunges for the stone, but Storm simply tosses it at her. However, the X-Men arrive at that moment and Cyclops blasts it, destroying the stone and with it, Candra. Storm admits she knew the X-Men had arrived and were confident they'd back her up. Meanwhile, Sebastian Shaw is in Hong Kong, plotting to retake control of the Hellfire Club. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #60

"Night"

January 1997

In a Nutshell

Storm returns to Egypt to battle Candra

Story: Scott Lobdell

Script: Ralph Macchio
Guest Pencils: Cedric Nocon
Guest Inks: Chad Hunt
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas

Enhancements: Graphic Colorworks
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

Storm is attacked in her attic room by Cyclops, but she quickly realizes he is being possessed by Candra, who says she wants something Storm stole from her before releasing him. Storm tells Cyclops of the time when, as a child thief, she stole a gem which her mentor, Achmed El-Gibrar, later told her was the heart-stone of Candra, housing her soul. She then leaves to confront Candra. Meanwhile, Jean and Cannonball meet in Washington DC and discuss the recent assassination of presidential candidate Graydon Creed. In New York, Storm arrives at a museum housing a replica of an Egyptian temple. Candra emerges, holding hostage Karima, the young girl who took over from El-Gibrar. She also reveals it was Jamil, another former student of El-Gibrar who joined Candra's side, who discovered Storm possessed the heart-stone. Jamil uses his mental powers on Storm, distracting her long enough for him to obtain the gem, at which point he reveals himself to be the Shadow King!

X-amining X-Men '96 #1

"One Day at the Mansion"

1996

In a Nutshell

The X-Men, X-Force and Generation X gather at the mansion for a barbecue. 

Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: Roberto Flores & Anthony Castrillo
Inks: Nathan Massengill & Al Milgrom
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Paul Becton

Enhancements: Malibu
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot
In the wake of Onslaught's defeat, the X-Men, X-Force and Generation X gather at the mansion for a day of rest and relaxation. After an intra-team baseball game, a Sentinel suddenly lands on the mansion grounds. The combined heroes attack, but the Sentinel reveals it gained sentience during Onslaught's attack and decided to warn the X-Men. It then succumbs to the damage inflicted by the X-teams, with Jubilee holding its finger as it dies. Later, the Summers family hosts a barbecue as the teams gather for a group picture, followed by fireworks compliments of Sunspot, Cannonball, Jubilee and Meltdown. Afterwards, Phoenix and Cable telepathically meld everyone's minds together briefly, in an effort to help everyone heal from their recent ordeals. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #59

"Touched"

December 1996

In a Nutshell

Cyclops goes to the movies while Hercules visits the X-Mansion. 

Story: Scott Lobdell

Script: Ralph Macchio 
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft AD
Colorist: Joe Rosas

Enhancement: Graphic Colorworks
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

In the aftermath of his recent encounter with his brother, Cyclops is watching Mr. Smith Goes to Washington at by himself at a theater, until Jean finds him. Meanwhile, Hercules arrives at the X-Mansion, seeking out surviving Avengers. Quicksilver is brooding by the lake, and Wolverine tries to help him deal with the loss of his wife and sister. Later, Quicksilver encounters Joseph, and angrily reminds him of all the lives he ruined as Magneto before running off. At Graydon Creed's campaign headquarters, the undercover Iceman worries about his father, who was arrested for speaking out against Creed, while Cannonball has a strange conversation with Creed about his parents. Back at the X-Mansion, Quicksilver leaves with Hercules, who cautions him not to hold grudges. At the theater, Cyclops and Jean discuss Professor X and conclude that Xavier never took the time to appreciate the simple things in life, while Cyclops and Jean at least have each other. With Xavier gone, it's up to them to carry on his dream. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #58

"Testament"

November 1996

In a Nutshell

Gambit & Joseph comes to blows on the anniversary of the Morlock Massacre. 

Story: Scott Lobdell & Ralph Macchio
Pencils: Bernard Chang
Inks: John Holdredge
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas

Enhancements: Graphic Colorworks
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

On the anniversary of the Morlock Massacre, Storm journeys into the former Morlock tunnels to pay her respects, and is stunned to find Gambit there, doing the same. Meanwhile, Trish Tilby conducts an interview with Graydon Creed, who is assisted by an undercover Iceman. During Tilby's debate with Creed, one of the members of the studio audience loudly calls out Creed's anti-mutant rhetoric, and Iceman is stunned to discover it's his father. At the X-Mansion, Joseph wakes a sleeping Rogue, telling her he may have found a way to allow her to make physical contact with someone. He waits outside while she gets dressed, where Bishop and Wolverine are discussing Bishop's future now that he knows who betrayed the X-Men. Just then, Gambit returns home and, spotting Joseph hovering outside Rogue's window, attacks him. Joseph fights back, but Rogue eventually breaks up their tussle, telling them she's not terribly impressed by either of them. Elsewhere, J. Jonah Jameson continues his investigation into Graydon Creed even as he is unknowingly watched by Havok, who says to himself that if Jameson learns too much, he'll end up dead. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #57

"Man"

October 1996

In a Nutshell

Professor X leaves the X-Men! 

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas 

Enhancements: Malibu
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

As Xavier ponders his lack of powers & culpability for the damage wrought by Onslaught, Val Cooper arrives at the mansion, intent on taking Xavier into custody in order to prevent the emergence of another Onslaught. The X-Men object. Meanwhile, Beast meets with Trish Tilby, and the pair begin to rekindle their relationship together. Elsewhere in the city, J. Jonah Jameson meets with Bastion, who orders him to end his investigation into Graydon Creed; instead, Jameson says he intends to look into Bastion's "Operation: Zero Tolerance" as well. Back at the X-Mansion, the arguments between the X-Men and Val continue, until Xavier himself intercedes, and agrees to leave with Val, saying that in order for the world to know peace, he must allow himself to be taken into custody. Xavier departs as the X-Men say goodbye to their mentor, while at Archangel's loft in Soho, Psylocke arrives looking for him, but finds, curiously, only feathers. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #56

"Invasion"

September 1996

In a Nutshell

Joseph meets Xavier & Dr. Doom joins the fray as the heroes prepare for their final assault on Onslaught! 

Plot: Scott Lobdell

Script: Mark Waid
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inks: Art Thibert
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas

Enhancements: Malibu
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

Atop Four Freedoms Plaza, Joseph tells Captain America of he and Rogue's recent encounter with a Sentinel, and how they were saved by Doctor Doom. Cap then proceeds downstairs to continue planning for the assault on Onslaught, while Joseph is greeted by Professor Xavier. The two commiserate on the roles they played in the creation of Onslaught. Xavier tries assuage Joseph's fears of becoming like Magneto, then sends him down to join the others. Meanwhile, in his Citadel, Onslaught reads the mind of the captive Nate Grey to learn more about Nate's home reality; he becomes enraged upon seeing how even in a mutant-dominated world, mutants cast off their domination, then absorbs Nate's power for himself. Back at Four Freedoms Plaza, Professor Xavier disables the tracking on his hover chair and sets out alone. Jean senses his departure during Captain America's briefing, and warns Cyclops that Xavier intends to face Onslaught himself. Cyclops tells her to telepathically rally the X-Men: Xavier won't have to face Onslaught alone. Meanwhile, Xavier arrives outside Onslaught's citadel. Onslaught leaps down to confront him, and Xavier insists that humanity's destruction is not mutantkind's gain. To his surprise, Onslaught agrees, then declares that no one, neither human nor mutant, will survive Onslaught!

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #55

"Invasion"

August 1996

In a Nutshell

The combined might of the Avengers, Fantastic Four & X-Men face off against Onslaught's Sentinels!

Story: Mark Waid
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inks: Dan Panosian
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas

Separations: Malibu
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

As Onslaught's Sentinels descend on Manhattan, the X-Men & Avengers gather with the Fantastic Four on the rooftop of Four Freedoms Plaza, watching as chaos engulfs the city. Joined by Rogue, Gambit & Joseph, Captain America leads the heroes off to help the city and rescue Franklin Richards. Meanwhile, Onslaught tries to harness the captive Franklin's powers. Elsewhere, the Blackbird races back to New York, carrying Cyclops, Phoenix, Archangel & Psylocke, as well as the information from the Xavier Protocols which will hopefully help defeat Onslaught. At Four Freedoms Plaza, Reed Richards, Hank Pym and Iron Man attempt to come up with a way to counter Onslaught's powers. As the heroes continue their fights against the Sentinels, a massive citadel suddenly appears in Central Park, the result of Onslaught manipulating Franklin's powers. From atop the citadel, he declares the day marks the ultimate ascendance of the mutant race, then triggers a massive electro-magnetic pulse which sends the Blackbird crashing and leaves the heroes at Onslaught's mercy. Elsewhere, Ozymandias finds himself carving a statute of Onslaught, not as he is, but as he will be, while standing atop the ashes of the world. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #54

"Inquiring Minds"

July 1996

In a Nutshell

The identity of Onslaught is revealed! 

Story: Mark Waid
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inks: Dan Panosian
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas

Separations: Malibu
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

Cyclops is consoling Cannonball, upset over the lecture he received from Professor X, when Gambit & Bishop, leading a charge of X-Men, announce that Juggernaut is somewhere on the mansion grounds. As Cyclops splits the group into search parties, Jean enters the psychically-shield Z'Nox chamber beneath the mansion with Juggernaut in order to dig into his mind and learn Onslaught's secret undisturbed. When she seals the room, Cyclops feels his telepathic rapport with Jean end, prompting him to seek out Xavier. As the rest of the X-Men continue the search, the real Beast breaks out of the prison where Dark Beast had been holding him, only to be confronted by two shadowy figures. At the mansion, Cyclops informs Xavier about Jean, and he promises to search for her. When Cyclops tells him about Juggernaut, Professor X tells Cyclops to lower the mansion's defenses in order to lure Juggernaut to his target, Xavier, at which point the X-Men can defeat him as they so often have before. As Jean works to open Juggernaut's mind, Xavier begins to search telepathically for Jean, but is distracted by his frustration over his many recent failures, until he finally expresses all his pent-up anger in a burst of rage. Below, Jean is able to pull Onslaught's identity from Juggernaut's mind; horrified, she tells him Onslaught is inside the mansion, and he needs to run as far away as possible. Juggernaut does so, but as soon as he emerges from the chamber, he is mentally snared by Onslaught, who leads him to Xavier's study, where a waiting Onslaught rips the gem of Cyttorak from Juggernaut, removing his powers, before revealing himself as none other than Charles Xavier. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #53

"False Fronts"

June 1996

In a Nutshell

Onslaught reveals himself to Jean Grey

Writer: Mark Waid
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inkers: Cam Smith & John Dell
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Digital Chameleon
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

Jean Grey is shopping in Salem Center. Entering a dressing room to try on a dress, she is pulled onto the Astral Plane by Onslaught. Meanwhile, an imprisoned Beast accidentally breaks the apparatus delivering him food & water, but in doing so, reveals a possible escape route. On the Astral Plane, Onslaught confronts Jean with the duplicity & hypocrisy of humans, showing her the thoughts of the clerks at the clothing store then taking her Graydon Creed's campaign headquarters. Jean is nonplussed, saying that she buoys herself up by being surrounded by honest friends. In Colorado, Juggernaut emerges from the shadows threatening Archangel & Psylocke. Frightened, he tries to tell them crucial information, but discovers his mind is blocked from speaking it. He proceeds to march off towards the X-Mansion, convinced only Xavier can help him. Back on the Astral Plane, Onslaught brings Jean to the mind of Xavier, revealing his one-time romantic love for Jean, a secret she never knew. Onslaught ponders the possible consequences of Xavier keeping his emotions locked away so tightly. In South Carolina, Joseph wanders into a county fair. Elsewhere, Onslaught asks Jean to join him. She refuses, attacking him and asking who he really is. He says that he is a god, then sends her crashing back into the dressing room, his final words echoing in her mind - "know my name" - as she looks in the mirror and sees the word "Onslaught" telepathically etched onto her forehead. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #52

"Collector's Item"
May 1996

In a Nutshell
Gambit, Bishop and (Dark) Beast stop the mutant train but are captured by Mister Sinister. 

Writer: Mark Waid
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inks: Cam Smith
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Marie Javins

Enhancements: Malibu
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot

Trying to stop a runaway commuter train filled with passengers infected by a virus mutating their genetics, Gambit charges up the train with kinetic energy, then advises Bishop to absorb that energy and re-channel it; the resulting kinetic backlash brings the train to a stop. However, the X-Men, including Beast, are knocked out by Mister Sinister. Meanwhile, Rogue rents an apartment in South Carolina, hoping to start a new life away from the X-Men. Back at the site of the train incident, local investigators have their evidence confiscated by the mysterious Bastion. In Sinister's lab, Beast awakens to find himself restrained. Sinister tells the captive X-Men the effects of the virus are temporary, then turns his attention to Bishop, who, hailing from the future, isn't part of Sinister's vast collection of mutant DNA. As he proceeds to examine Bishop's memories, Beast (who is actually Dark Beast in disguise) becomes terrified that Sinister will discover him. However, Gambit is able to escape and free sBishop & Beast, and in the ensuing fight, Sinister is chased away as his work on the virus is destroyed. The X-Men emerge from Sinister's lab, which Gambit recognizes as being outside St. Louis, prompting Dark Beast to suspect Gambit & Sinister shares some secrets, a revelation he plans to keep to himself until it proves useful. 

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #51

"Deathbound Train"
April 1996

In a Nutshell
Bishop, Gambit & (Dark)Beast attempt to stop an out-of-control train filled with wildly-mutating humans.

Writer: Mark Waid
Pencils: Pascual Ferry
Inkers: John Dell, Mark Morales, Vince Russell 
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Marie Javins

Separations: Malibu Hues
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot
After finishing the repairs on Cerebro, Professor X detects a sudden surge of mutant energy in New Jersey. Bishop takes Gambit & Beast to investigate, and they find a commuter train out-of-control & overrun with mutates, humans infected with a disease that triggers mutations and is passed by physical contact. Meanwhile, Cyclops & Jean Grey are visiting Jean's parents when Graydon Creed announces his candidacy for president on TV. This prompts Xavier to contact Ambassador St. Croix and prepare him for the fact that the X-Men may need to take drastic action to stop Creed. Back on the train, Bishop & Gambit head for the engine while Beast cobbles together an anesthetic to knock out the mutates. After he does, Mr. Sinister appears on the train, claiming credit for the virus. At the head of the train, Bishop & Gambit are unable to stop the train, but Gambit comes up with an idea, and begins charging the train with kinetic energy, effectively turning it into a massive bomb heading right into Manhattan!

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #50

"Full Court Press"
March 1996

In a Nutshell
Cyclops, Storm, Iceman & Wolverine are captured by Post, herald of Onslaught!

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inker: Cam Smith
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Joe Rosas
Separations: Electric Crayon
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot
Waking up in a strange location with no memory of how they got there, Cyclops, Storm, Iceman & Wolverine are shocked by the apparent damage they've sustained: Cyclops is missing his visor, while Iceman is missing a sizeable chunk of his chest. Back at the X-Mansion, Xavier awakens to find Gateway on the verge of teleporting him away. Quick action from Bishop & Phoenix knock out Gateway. Meanwhile, Wolverine senses the presence of a cloaked figure, and is able to force a mutant named Post to reveal himself. He briefly battles the X-Men, stating that Onslaught is impressed, before re-cloaking himself. At the X-Mansion, Xavier & Jean attempt to telepathically interrogate a revived Gateway, but are unable to do so, and the assembled X-Men are probed by a violent psionic entity. As the missing X-Men continue their fight with Post, Beast reasons they were captured specifically because their powers are not psionic in nature. Just then, Cyclops & Wolverine are able to pierce Post's armor, completing Onslaught's test and sending the four captive X-Men back home.After they arrive, the psionic entity addresses Gateway, telling him that while he thought these beings would serve as the last line of defense against the coming danger, he was wrong. Their victory today was minimal at best: Post was the weakest of Onslaught's emissaries, and his coming will be the X-Men's devastation!

X-amining X-Men (vol. 2) #49

"Eyes of a New York Woman"
February 1996

In a Nutshell
Bishop battles Fatale as Dark Beast discovers the existence of regular Beast

Plot: Scott Lobdell
Dialogue: Mark Waid
Pencils: Jeff Matsuda
Inks: Dan Panosian
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Colorist: Kevin Somers
Separations: Malibu Hues
Editor: Bob Harras

Plot
At Harry's Hideaway, Bishop attacks Pamela, the waitress, believing her to be spying on him. Beast intervenes, but Bishop hurls him across the room, calling him a pet of Apocalypse. Responding to the disturbance, a police officer enters & Bishop's disarms him, but Pamela, not wanting to make things worse for Bishop, offers to take him back to her apartment to clear his head. Meanwhile, Gateway abducts Chamber from Xavier's School in Massachusetts; the only word Monet was able to get out of Gateway's mind before he disappeared was "Onslaught". Back in New York, Beast searches for Bishop, who is being watched by Dark Beast through Pamela's eyes. When Bishop wakes up, Pamela reveals herself as Fatale and attacks him. Their fight spills out into the street, drawing Beast's attention, but Dark Beast calls it off when he spots his doppelganger for the first time, as he is inspired to start a new, more sinister, plan.