X-Men - Die by the Sword #5 - Marvel

What a fantastic ending to this mini-series. It seems that the only person that was lost to us, well . . . other than a multitude of the Captain Britain Corps, was Roma. So now, there's no one to guard the Omni-verse. Saturyn tries to talk Albion in to the job, but he's got something else he has to do. I'm sorry. I'm getting a bit ahead of myself. First of all, Jaspers was defeated. Well . . actually, he was taken over by the Fury. Which is when Brian returned, and, shortly after that Albion. They fought the Fury to a standstill, but it was Blink that provided the decided factor. While it was weakened, she loaded it up with her spires and "blinked" it out of existence, one piece at a time. So it appears defeated. For now. Rouge Mort was also defeated, but not before she stabbed Roma. In the final moments of her existence she transferred all of her knowledge in to Sage. It was her way of denying her father, Merlyn. He was then beaten down by Betsy. Not entirely. But, she definitely weakened him. The rest of the group were about to finish the job when he pulled his vanishing act. "I will deal with you all in good time. And without the slightest shred of mercy!" But, as he's disappearing, you see a piece of the Fury jumping in to him. So that story's probably not over yet either. And now we come to the point of - who goes where? Albion gave his word that he would return to fulfill he sentence when this was over, so he's going back to jail. But Saturyn says she'll work on getting him out. Brian is going back to Earth, as is Pete, Allison and Longshot. It looks like the people that will be staying with the Exiles, in the Crystal Palace, will be Kitty, Betsy, Sage, Thunderbird, Nocturne, Rouge, Morph, Blink and Creed. But where do we go from here? Well, Exiles #100 will be out shortly. The next week, Exiles: Days of then and now will be out. And then, about 2 weeks later, the Exiles will be returning in New Exiles #1. Fan-frikkin-tastic!! I really can't wait. The only thing that would make this better, is if we would see the return of ExCalibur also. One can hope. Right?

X-Men - Die by the Sword #4 - Marvel

It looks like our little band of travelers is starting to form in to a cohesive team. The Captain Britain Corps have been all but devastated by Merlyn, Roma's father. Part of our hybrid group is fighting Jaspers, and part of the group is fighting Rouge-Mort. And Kitty Pryde is back in the observation room of the Crystal Palace trying to figure out what to do to help her fellow X-Men. Also, Brian has been incapacitated as he was attacked by a group of assassins. So, desperate situations call for desperate allies. Pete, Betsy and Sage go to Crossmore to ask Albion to help in their fight. They appeal to his loyalty to the Captain Britain Corps. But, it's his affinity for Brian that ultimately convinces him. Brian is hurt, and they express to him that it was his idea to try to trust him. "We do this for Brian. It's my brother who's trusting you." And when they return to the Starlight Citadel, he actually gives it his all. But really all he's doing is holding Jasper's attention for a short while so the rest of the team can get a breather. Allison is fighting Rogue, and Longshot is trying to get to her to help. But, at the last instant Merlyn decides to take matters in to his own hands and readily defeats both of them. At the same time he's sent a similicrum of Roma out to cause problems. A couple of things are brought up this issue. First the other teammates notice that Morph is fighting more like Proteus right now. Also the connection between Allison and Longshot seems to have been re-established. But, is it to late? The team finds out that the Fury Prime actually resides inside of Jaspers, and at the end of this issue it lets it's presence be known by overtaking his identity. But, the Fury may actually be easier to beat than Jaspers. And, since Brian returns on the final page, looking like he's in his full glory, they may actually have to fire-power to accomplish that. One more issue to go, and then we're in to the new Exiles book and team. I can't wait. I'm sure there will be some characters that will be lost or missed. But, it'll be nice to have the team back, and the multi-dimensional excursions. And, as long as Chris Claremont is at the helm, you can be assured that it'll be a brilliant book.

X-Men - Die by the Sword #3 - Marvel

As I read through this story-line, and this series, I find myself becoming more and more excited to see what's going to happen, and who the players are going to be, in the new Exiles. Chris Claremont is doing a brilliant job of meshing these two stories together. And with a shelf full of characters to deal with, that's no easy task. Really, the only characters that aren't involved in this issue are Captain Britain, who is in need of medical attention. Which Kitty has gone to another reality to find for him . . . and Nocturne and the Juggernaut seem mysteriously absent. Although, I think Juggy has moved on to other things. We even see Dazzler at the end of this issue. However, Longshot is still lost out there someplace. That or he's waiting to make a grand entrance. Most of this issue is about Roma and Saturnye dealing with the threat of the Fury, that James Jaspers is trying to unleash on them. It take the entirety of the Captain-Corps to even hold them at bay. And it isn't until the Exiles get involved that they even seem to have a chance of beating them. But Roma and Saturnye are smart enough to realize that this battle is only the beginning. And they still have the questions of who unleashed this threat on them, and what do they have to gain by it. Ultimately, I think, it comes down to Roma and her father Merlyn. But, we're not really sure what his game is. Is it one of pure conquest, or is there more at stake here? We aren't going to find out this issue. In fact, this issue ends with Rouge-Morte making a direct assault on lady Roma herself, but then Allison shows up to defend her. I have to say, the first time that we dealt with all this Omniverse stuff . . . Roma, Saturnye and the whole deposing of her father, Merlyn . . . back in the original Excalibur title . . . I thought it was kind of boring. In fact I seem to remember perusing through that story-line rather speedily and not really paying a whole lot of attention. But now . . . now that I know it's all leading to the new Exiles book, and a changing face on the protectors of the Omniverse . . . I have to say, I'm very interested. And nobody would be able to pull this off, and put it all together . . . blow it up, and pick up all the pieces . . . like Chris Claremont. I can't wait to see how this all plays out in the end. It's a fantastic story, and a great series. And . . . . it's only the beginning.

New Excalibur #24 - Marvel

Billy Tan is another guy who always seems to be busy. He does the cover for this issue. Chris Claremont and Jeremy Haun cover the interior talent. And this issue wraps up the Albion storyline. We found out last issue that Albion was actually just another version of Brian. Brittania, or Diana Fox, or Sage is battling Excalibur because she's fully submerged into her identity. Finally when she's fighting Pete and Dazzler, she gets images of herself and comes out of it. But nobody really trusts her, because she became so swallowed by her undercover role. In fact the US and Britain are both looking at pressing charges. The last 2 of the Shadow-X group give up their lives for the cause this issue. Jean dies because of Albion's sword. But not before she can help Nocturne get the crystal that was sapping all the energy from the island. Then Bobby just kind of gives up, because all his friends are gone, and he doesn't want to live alone. And finally Lionheart, has a change of heart, and decides to fight against Albion and with the Captain. It also helps her to reunite with her family at the end of the story. And Juggy is about to head off on his quest. But not before he enjoys a little partying with the group. Unfortunately this issue also heralds another ending. It's the end of the series. After 36 issues, this series is to be no more. Remember, we got 12 issues before the whole M-Day thing, and then they started over with #1 about a year later. But, with this whole crossover with the Exiles, Die By the Sword, I don't think we've seen the last of all these characters. I know that when this whole thing is done, and Exiles re-emerge with a new #1, the lineup is definitely going to be changed. They're also going to be considered the guardians of the Omniverse. Which is Roma's territory. So I'm guessing that at least Captain Britain will be on the new team. As for the rest, I guess we'll just have to wait to see what happens. Anyways, this was a fantastic series and I'm really sorry to see it go. I've been with it ever since issue #1 of the original incarnation. So almost 200 issues. I'm really sorry to see it go. Hopefully it'll resurface somewhere, sometime, in some form of another.

X-Men - Die by the Sword #1 - Marvel

Ok, were getting a start to the team-up here. Two of my favorite X-Men teams, Excalibur and the Exiles. This story takes place immediately after the story in Excalibur where they free the isle of Britain from the self imposed monarch Albion. In fact they're all gathered at a party for just that purpose. Pete's still looking at Sage with suspicion. And Nocturne is still trying to recover from her stroke. But then, there's a knock at the door. Captain Britain opens the door to see his sister Betsy, whom he thought he had lost forever. She explains that she's a part of the Exiles now, and that they're in charge of watching, and fixing, all of cross-time. Shortly behind him is John Proudstar, Thunderbird. When Nocturne see him, she just goes nuts. If you read the Exiles, you know how much they used to be in love. Right up until he died. In fact, I think he gave his life for her. But then later we found out that all the Exiles that died were put in a crystalline stasis until they could be . . . . "fixed". Were also introduced to our nemesis, James Jaspers. A while ago the omniverse was swept by a temporal wave of unimaginable power . . . it tore it to bits and rearranged it. Then I guess it reversed itself and put everything back the way it was. Well, everything except for Jaspers. Now he wants to kill Roma. Captain Britain stopped him once. But since he's changed, the next round may have a different result. Plus he's being asked by Apostate, Roma's father, for a union that would be mutually beneficial to them both. But the issue ends with another knock at the door. This time it's an assassin that calls herself Rouge-Mort. And it looks like she's killed the Captain. Of course it's a brilliant story, because it's written by Chris Claremont. Juan Santacruz does the art. It's ok. But it's nothing fabulous. I do like the painted cover though. From what I understand, this series will lead directly in to New Exiles #1. And I guess both teams are going to be changed by the end of this story. So now . . . we're off and running.

Excalibur #23 - Marvel

I really do like this book. And I'm thrilled to death that Chris Claremont is the writer. The only real problem I have . . I think this whole Albion storyline needs to be wrapped up. It's starting to drag on. There's a few things that I do find particularly interesting though. As this story goes on, we seem to be knocking off Shadow-X one by one. By the end of the story, there won't be any of them left. Also, it seems, as the story moves along, that Nocturne is getting more involved. She recently had that stroke, or heart-attack, or something and hasn't been an active part of the team. But by the end of this story-line, I'm betting she'll be back at full strength. The only question I have is . . . what really was the point of putting her through all of that? I mean usually when something happens like that, it's to implement a significant change in a character. But . . we haven't seen anything like that yet. So . . why? Just to do it? Maybe I'll understand later . . but right now, I just don't get it. Another thing this story seems to be doing is bringing out the inner soldier of Dazzler and Wisdom. Both are part of the team, but both usually play a diminished role. This story seems to be bringing them to the forefront. And also, what's the deal with Sage? Is she really that sunk in to her role that she doesn't know the difference, or can no longer tell who she really is? Or . . is she just biding her time to put herself in the best possible position to bring Albion down? Unfortunately, we won't really know . . . till we know. And on the final page, when Albion takes his mask off, we see that he may be another version of Brion. But, honestly, I think we all saw that one coming. To me, that wasn't that big of a revelation. But overall, I really do like the book. I just wish we could wrap this one up.

New Excalibur #22 - Marvel

Well it looks like Sage has slipped over to the dark-side. But she's done that before. Right? I mean, when she was infiltrating the Hellfire Club, wasn't she in so deep that they thought they lost her? I think it's just all part of her MO. But, this time she has killed 2 people. Scott and Hank of the Black-X team have both died by her hand. And, when someone took a shot at Albion, and it looked like we might've finally got rid of him, she jumped in and took the bullet. Saving his life. So, if she has a plan . . . it's completely oblivious to anyone else. But the one good thing that's come out of Hank's death is that it's cemented the team in their resolve to take the fight back to Albion, and put a stop to his conquest of their island. Pete's shown some courage and resourcefulness this issue. And Allison has really stepped up in her control over her powers. But she always was a fantastic, if underutilized, character. But if they don't get to Albion soon, he's going to have all the civilians on his side. Even though he's the one that's caused the technological disaster, he's also the one that's come to the aid of the people with food and talk of action. Meanwhile, Captain Britain, their true hero, is nowhere to be seen. They're starting to feel a little abandoned by him. Fantastic story by Chris Claremont and good artwork by Pat Olliffe. This is another title that just gets better and better every issue.

New Excalibur #21 - Marvel

Of course this is a fantastic story by the incomparable Chris Claremont. I love this guys work. I'm thrilled that he's on this book, and taking control of these characters. Jeremy Haun does the art this issue. I'm not sure what he's done before, or where he's come from, but I like his style. Well . . . actually I should say . . . I like his style in regards to the feel that it brings to this book. His artwork isn't fantastic. But it's very appropriate to the look and feel of this book. Also, I would guess, that he's relatively new. And with that being said, I think he shows a lot of potential. I think he need to work on the way his frames flow a little bit. But I do see a lot of potential. In this issue, our team is dealing with the aftermath of Albion's attack on England. He wiped out, temporarily I'm sure, all power and technology on the island. In his words, " . . I've taken Britain back to it's beginnings . . . the better to remake it in our image." So for now, as seen on the cover, our team is handling all the immediate dangers of such a loss. Which includes airplanes. Surprisingly the Black-X team also seems to be helping them. I think it's the whole "Enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing. Actually I think they're just biding their time until they can take on Albion directly. And speaking of Albion, Sage, who is posing as a follower of his, was hurt in the last issue. So now this issue, it appears as if she's lost herself in her role. The Black-X Cyclops tries to take out Albion with his beams, but Sage jumps in the way. And with her sword fights the beam back to their source. Which means, to be able to stop it, she has to remove the source. Which she does, in the manner of removing Scott's head. I would say that she's definitely submerged herself in to her role. And this is where the issue ends. I've always been a fan of this team. Ever since their first incarnation. And I really like the way this team is going along. My only complaint is that Nocturne has been knocked out of commission. I'm sure that Chris has future plans for this aspect of the storyline. I just hate to see her riding the bench. But, I guess, we'll wait and see what happens.

new Excalibur #20 - Marvel

This book has really come a long way. But then with Chris Claremont writing it now . . . I would expect nothing less. We have a new artist this issue, Jeremy Haun. I never heard of him before. I'm not overly thrilled about his art. But, he does show promise. I mean it's not terrible, it just isn't my style. But it worked with the story, so I can't complain that much. It looks like Shadow-X is pretty much done, as far as this storyline goes. Last issue they tried to shanghai Lionheart, by offering her up as a new vessel for the Shadow King. He currently lies in their version of Professor X. But Lionheart proves herself strong enough to counter the Shadow Kings attack, making him retreat back in to the Professor's body. Which she then kills. But this puts her at odds with Shadow-X. And this all happens just as our team, Excalibur, finds out where they've gone, and comes busting through the walls. They start fighting everyone, but through the skirmish have made the observation that Lionheart was actually also fighting against Shadow X. Meanwhile, Sage, who is undercover, is having herself indoctrinated into Albion's homemade army. She's waiting for the right moment to slay him, or at least try to wound him. But she hesitates just a little to much. They hear the helicopters coming after them, and Albion has just released a spell that has put the Isle of Britain in to a complete blackout. Not just electricity, but all technology. Our team knows that Albion is behind this attack. But they don't really know where he's at. We also get a little glimpse in on Nocturne as she's going through her rehabilitation steps at the hospital. It really is sad. Overall, I thought it was a very nice book. But I am a little biased as this is one of my favorite teams. And actually . . . my favorite X-team. But in the end, this is just another book that we're going to have to wait until next month to find out the results.

New Excalibur #19 - Marvel

Well it looks like it's inevitable. Our team is going to have to go up against Albion, his student Lionheart and his team of Shadow-X. We get to see a little more about Talia's recovery this issue. There's some touching moments between her and Cain. But I'm wondering if there might be something else going on with her also, because she seems to be having visions or something also. Her words and thoughts are getting mixed up, but there seems to be a pattern here that we aren't privy to yet. I'm sure it'll all play out eventually. Anyways, Albion basically recruits Shadow-X. But it's a tenuous relationship, at best. Shadow-X seems to have their own agenda and aspirations, and Albion realizes this. But I think that he plans on using the team as long as their goals coincide with his. I also think that as soon as they go off in a different direction, he knows he'll have to cut them loose. The Jean character has already made a play on Lionheart, but Albion was prepared for just such an eventuality and gave her a device to overcome her powers. Our team figures out that Albion is trying to recruit meta criminals, and also those who lost their powers on M-Day. So basically he's putting together a lot of angry people. They decide to have Sage go undercover and infiltrate their group. She's got different hair, and a different look to her, so she won't be recognizable. Shadow-X's next goal is to go to London's Crossmore prison and try to free their mentor, the evil Charles. Right now he's being inhabited by the Shadow King. He's tired of Charles' body, plus it's failing him, so he's looking for a new home. Shadow-X offers up that of Lionheart's. But again, Albion was prepared for this eventuality and sent a collar with her that would lock the Shadow King inside of Charles. Then once installed, she kills Charles and thereby kills the Shadow King. She's ready to take on the rest of Shadow-X, but right then our team shows up. So next issue should be an interesting battle. I'm so glad that Chris Claremont is back on this title. I love his story telling prowess. And through that, this book, and these characters have become so much more interesting. I also think that Scott Eaton is doing a fantastic job on the pencils. Again, another severely underrated artist. This is turning in to a fantastic book again. And hopefully, this time, it'll stick around. No more hiatus.

New Excalibur #18 - Marvel

The Captain Britain Corps, the security force for the omniverse, is based on the recruits, picked by Roma and her father Merlyn, choosing the right path when they are offered the sword or the amulet. All the recruits, when given the choice, and told what the Corps stand for, and their responsibilities, have chosen the Amulet. Including our Captain Britain. Well now they've come across 1 recruit who chose the sword. His name is Albion. When he chose the sword, his powers were not supposed to manifest, but they did. Roma wanted to put a stop to it, and take them back. But Merlyn stopped her. The recruit has come from a world in which World War I has never come to an end. And by this time, their whole world is ravaged. So Merlyn suggests, " . . . this creature is human and mortal and utterly alone. His world may just need the sword. Let him go." So he does indeed take the sword, and puts an end to the battles all over his earth. But that doesn't leave them in any better shape, because their world is ravaged. Now they're dying of hunger and disease. In Tibet there are some of those alien slave traders that are actually behind this world's demise. You know, those big fat purple Mojo type looking creatures. Well now that's there's nothing left, they're ready to move on to the next world. Well . . . Albion arrives just before they are able to do so. He takes out the traders, and in the meantime one of the other Corps members arrives through the portal. He's abhorred by the destruction on this world, and since he has arrived just as Albion is taking down one of the trader's henchmen, he assumes Albion to be the bad guy, and of course starts to fight. So even though Captain Britain can beat him in strength, Albion has been fighting his whole life. He bests him, and then kills him. Now he's looking to use the portal to conquer other worlds. And on that note, a team arrives at his door to be his ExCalibur. They look like a negative universe version of the X-men. Fantastic story by Chris Claremont, but then I expected nothing less. Also this art team of Scot Eaton and Staz Johnson is really putting out some nice looking stuff. It looks better and better every issue.

New Excalibur #17 - Marvel

This was a pretty sad issue. Last issue we saw that Nocturne has a stroke. At least that's what we believe it is so far. Anyways, this whole issue is about her attempt at recovery. It's really sad because she doesn't really know what is happening to her. Also because she was the type of person that was so full of life before, that this situation seems like the exact opposite of her nature. Plus even though she does make some progress with the physical part of it, she still has memory problems. Sage is really trying to push her. In fact she doesn't leave her side the whole time she's in recovery. When she starts to feel a little more like herself, Sage offers to let her possess her body so Nocturne can see that she still has her powers. And she loves it. She didn't realize how much she took life for granted, but in Sage's body she's trying to soak in every piece of it. That is until Sage's body gives out with the same physical ailments as Nocturne's. I guess she takes her physical ailments with her when she body-jumps. Good to know. But, it doesn't make her feel any better. But she is starting to trust those around her. And in order to recover she has to have an unflappable support system, which she does. There's some real tender moments in there between her and Juggy, and her and Captain Britain. And like I said last issue, with Chris Claremont back on board at the creative helm, this book has no limit. I can't wait to see what's in store for these characters.

New Excalibur #16 - Marvel

It looks like Chris Claremont is getting back in to the fold of things again. He's come back to script this series also, as well as Exiles. Which is kind of convenient since Nocturne is, or was, on both teams. Also Scot Eaton takes over as regular penciller this issue, and it couldn't have looked better. We start out with the team breaking up a bank robbery, but in the process Allison get's shot. This is the third time she's died and come back to life. What's up with that? That's what every one else wants to know too. Well, everyone except Allison, " . . I pretty much thought this was my new schtick." But everyone, including her doctor, makes her go to the hospital to get checked out. They can't find anything wrong with her, but when the rest of the team come to take her home, Nocturne collapses. We don't really find out what happened to her, this issue, but the doctor's best guess is a stroke. And all indicators would point to that, as when she awakens she can move her left leg and arm, but not her right. Also her speech is severely garbled when she tries to talk. So, everything is pointing at that, but we won't know until next issue. I'm not sure if they're really going to change her character, or if they're just using this to show us all her back story and fill in all the new readers on her character. But if that's the case, this is kind of a mean way to do it. So I'm thinking that Chris is going to shake things up a little bit. And there's nothing wrong with that. I really love my comics, but I hate it when a title gets so in to a rut that you just get the same thing recycled month after month after month. And I really don't expect that from Chris. With the new creative team, I can see this book being at the top of everyone's list, real soon.

New Excalibur #15 - Marvel

This is a good incarnation of the team. I like all the members on it. Right now they're following Juggy to Korea. He's having a problem with the reception he's getting from the Cyttorak gem. Ever since he became a "good" guy, his powers seem to be waning. So anyways, he goes to the Temple of Cyttorak to get his powers back, but he's told that he was never really meant to get the powers in the first place. They were actually supposed to go to Xavier. Somehow, on the way there, the whole team seems to be at odds with itself. Nobody is really getting along. That is until the protectors of the temple show themselves. The Crystal Ninja's, I guess. Anyways, when they show up, everybody just comes together as a team. We get a glimpse of what Pete is actually capable of. It's not nice. So anyways, our team beats the Ninja's, and they enter the cave where Juggy is have a dialogue of self doubt with the Crystal. By the time they show up, he really doesn't believe that he's equal to the task. But the, just as the others arrive, the Crystal reminds him of his first task, he was to raze the village to the ground, of the man that he succeeded, for no other reason than that the man, by being defeated, had disappointed the gem. So without hesitation, he wiped out the whole village and all it's people. Well our team seems to be hooked in to this psychic connection also, so they see the slaughter. They had come to help, but now they're not so sure. They all depart. Juggy catches up with them back in England, coming mainly to pack his stuff. But, he's met by Pete. They talk, and Pete lets on that he's done some things in his past that he's not to sure he'd want everyone to know about, so he gives him a pass. So I guess he's back on the team. But is he going to have to do some evil to keep the gem happy? Only time will tell. Great series. And great set of characters.

New Excalibur #14 - Marvel

This is part 2 of a 3 part story. Cain has been losing his power, because he trying to be on the side of angels. Well, unfortunately, that's not what his power is all about. So he's gone to Korea, specifically to the temple of Cyttorak, to retake the gem and get his power back. Obviously it's not going to be that simple. Cyttorak wants him to earn it. And to piss him off, he let's Cain know that he wasn't even the first choice for the Juggernaut power. It was Xavier. That'll probably get his blood boiling. Anyways, the rest of the team is hot on his trail, but as they enter the woods around the temple, they're all taken over by a form of bloodlust. They're all bickering and snipping at each other. And while they all have legitimate points, they're taking it way. . . . way . . . . overboard. I like the team that they've assembled for this book. It's a great cast of characters. Also Frank Tieri and Jim Calafiore do a fantastic job on the creative side. I hope that this incarnation sticks around as long as the first one.

New Excalibur #13 - Marvel

I really liked Jim Calaflore when he was on Exiles, but, if he had to leave that title, it's nice to see him over here. This is part 1 of a 3 part story on Juggy. It starts out with him getting the snot kicked out of him by the Wrecking Crew. During the melee that follows, one of the crew makes an astute observation. He's talking to Sage and says, "You know I just realized . . . . . you let those two goofs (Pete & Cap. Britian) argue about who's boss, meanwhile . . . . . you're the one really calling the shots." To which Sage replys, "Shh. . . . . not so loud. You'll spoil my little secret." Anyways, I don't know if it's because he's had his chain rattled, or if it has something to do with the Cyttorak gem, but now Juggy is hearing the voices in his head again. At first I thought it was Black Tom, but Juggy goes to the prison he's in to try to talk it out with him. So I think it's something different. That's why I think it's the gem. He's doesn't get to much figured out in his talk with Tom, so it looks like his next stop is the Temple of Cyttorak. I don't think that's gonna' be a whole lot of fun for him either. This is a good book, with great characters. Frank Tieri is doing a great job with the story also.

New Excalibur #12 - Marvel

This book is truly like no other X-book. Last issue the team, with the help of the magic of the "Lady of the Lake", has gone back to the actual Camelot, to save them from a disaster that's not supposed to happen. It appears they are in real danger of being wiped out by dragons. What I think the real reason behind this story arc is, is to get the Black Knight, Dane Whitman, to join their little entourage. Lots of little plots are going on too. Of course we learn a whole lot about Dane's lineage, or more importantly the lineage of the Black Knights. And specifically about Percy, whom Dane has seen many times in the future in ghostly form. There also seems to be something going on between Cain and TJ. It may not be romantic, but there's some kind of friendship brewing. Also it seems that Pete has a thing for Sage. But I can't imagine that she'd let that happen. Pete also, in this time, is responsible for Lancelot and Guinevere hooking up. He got drunk, suprise, and bothered and came on to her so much, that she went to Lancelot for solace. So Sage lays that little piece of wisdom on him to try to make him feel guilty. Captain Britain kind of plays a back seat role in this issue. Even in the triumph over the dragons, it was Sage who realized that they were Makluans, like Fing Fang Foom, and all they needed was some Formosan herb to put them to sleep. With that done, they head back to their own time. Like I said I think this one was all about the Black Knight. We'll have to wait for future issues though to see what exactly his role is going to be. Overall though, very nice issue. Good story, and good art.

New Excalibur #11 - Marvel

I really missed this book, when it was gone for the M-Day thing, for a while. Then a year or so later, I kinda' forgot about it and "BOOM" there it was again. Cool. I've liked this book ever since it's first inception. And I really like the cast of characters they've put together for this one. What they're dealing with now is the Black Knight. Actually the original one, Sir Percy of the Knights of the Round-Table. As a defender of the realm, he has seen the demise of both Camelot and Merlin. And he knows that they're both events that happen before they're supposed to. So he decides to go into the future, to his heir Dane Whitman, the current Black Knight, and enlist the aid of the current defenders of the realm, our Excalibur team. He does this with the help of the Lady of the Lake.
No sooner do they get to Camelot, than Sir Percy leads them in to battle with a trio of mystical dragons that are trying to assassinate Merlin. After defeating them, they return to Camelot to warn King Authur that they will be returning the next day, with and army of dragons, to destroy Camelot. Authur decides the best thing to do is have a celebration. Lots of wine, women and song. While this is going on, Merlin has sent some scouts out to find the lair of the dragons. One is successful, but losses his life in the process. That's where the book ends. Frank Tieri and Michael Ryan are really doing a great job with this book. In it's previous incarnation, Chris Claremont was writing it, so I was worried when he wasn't on board this time. But, these guys are really living up to everyones expectations. Props guys!!! Can't wait for the next one.

New Excalibur #10 - Marvel

This issue focuses on Dane Whitman, the Black Knight. Excalibur is going to recruit him. However, as we learn through the history lesson, Sir Percy of Scandia, the original Black Knight, is making an attempt to become immortal. In his original time, the early 6th century, he is in posession of the Sword of the Black Knight, and Excalibur, after the fall of Camelot. Somehow these dual swords, and the magic linked to them, is driving him crazy. So with the help of the Lady of the Lake, he is transported from his time to the body of his kin, Dane, in our time. His goal, it appears, is to find Excalibur. But, is it Excalibur the Sword, or the team. He breaks into the case holding his original body, thinking that there is a map to the sword in there, but, it's a map that shows the characters of the Excalibur team. And, being confronted by them, he becomes extremely disoriented. Which is when the Excalibur team finds there likeness on this 1400 year old parchment. I like the way this X-team blends the mystical and magical side of things, with the mutant side of things. Which makes sense, because at some time mutant powers would've seem magical. Plus I really like all the characters they've brought together for this team. I was disappointed when they stopped this book, before the big mutant meltdown. So, I'm extremely glad they brought it back. And I'm glad that all of these characters were left in tact.

New Excalibur #9 - Marvel

As you can see, I'm an X nut. I get everything X related. Although, I'm not doing the X-Myths or all of the solo mini series. But, I do all the team books. And this one looks like it's going to be a good one. I really like Scott Kolins being on this book now too. I like the feel that he brings to the stories. Hopefully he'll stay here for a while. He was the only reason I bought Marvel Team-Up. But eventually I couldn't even buy it for him. I just couldn't feel it anymore. He didn't stick around much longer either, so I'm glad I dropped it. Anyways, we're dealing with Chamber this issue. After M-Day, when he lost his powers, he went to Weapon X. With an implant embedded in his chest, he was made more normal. Eventually this blew up in his face though, literally. Well, come to find out, he's actually a descendent of Apocalypse. Or at least that's what he's told by Ozymandias who is posing as Apocalypse. Excalibur comes in thinking that they are going to save him, but Jono isn't looking to be saved. The "Brotherhood of Apocalypse" or the BofA, I wonder if they have a lodge?, actually the Clan of Akkaba, have given him a semblance of normalcy, although he does bear a resemblance to Apocalypse, and he has a marking permanentaly emblazened across his chest. By the time Excalibur gets into the house where they were holding Jono, it's been cleaned out and the only thing Pete Wisdom has to go on is the markings on Jono's chest. This is another book that has huge potential. I really like the group of characters they've assembled for this incarnation. I can't wait to see what happens next.