mutantpowerlist

[mutantpowerlist]

X-Men (1963) [issues #101-#102]

It's the last moments of this young women's life. The young women; Jean Grey. For the last 20 minutes she's been piloting the Starcore space ship back towards Earth through the worst solar flare in living memory.

Her fellow X-Men in the ships radiation-proof life-cell. It was an all or nothing gamble. Thinking her TK powers would protect her from the cosmic radiation long enough for her to safely fly into the Earth's atmosphere. For her friends, it might have. For Jean?

A blip drops into radar from out of no where. 200 miles down range and heading for Kennedy Airport at 1500 knots. An air traffic controller slapping his panic button, immediately clearing all air traffic from the flight's unknown path, trying to contact the ship only to be in vain.

There was no time to get ready, one minute it was a blip on the outer edge of the radar. The next, it's screaming low over Long Beach in a desperate attempt to land before coming apart in air. Though it didn't make much difference at the end.

The X-Men didn't expect to make it this far. When the solar storm hit and the radiation sensors going off the scales. They all knew Jean Grey was as good as dead, them as well. With the ship under human control they began to think they might have a chance after all. Until the landing.

The ship wreckage scatters and burning fuel across the Kennedy's runway complex as it slams through the last crash barrier and arcs out over Jamaica Bay. Skipping 3 times of the water before sinking.

Colossus alerting everyone that there's something happening where the ship sank. The scummy garbage-strewn water now glows with iridescent, rainbow fire then explodes. Shooting out of the water, Jean, with a new costume, declaring "Hear me, X-Men! No longer am I the women you knew! I am fire! And life incarnate! Now and forever, I am Phoenix!"

The next second, Jean is in incredible pain. Her mind burning. Memories, sensations, and pain tearing her apart from the inside. Wondering whats happened to her, what have she done? Yelling for Scott as she drops into the water.

Cyclops rapidly swims to her and grabs her. Assuring that her that he's got her, that she's safe now. The flight's over, they're all back on Earth, she's going to be okay. However, she's lying so still, barely breathing with almost no pulse. Scolding himself to stop thinking like that. Jean will pull through, she has to!

As they're getting out of the water, Colossus comments on Jean's new costume. Cyclops tells him that there are more questions here than they can handle. Creating a costume out of nothing using powers she never had before doesn't matter right now, she's still alive and he'll settle for that.

Xavier tells the others that perhaps the fewer of costumed super-beings present when the police come, the better. Nightcrawler using his image inducer while Storm using her powers to re-polarize the unstable molecules of her costume into her Starcore uniform.

Nightcrawler's question goes unanswered. With the crowds and confusion, no one notices 8 mutants slip away from the crash site. Xavier using his mental powers, no one remembers them being there. Leaving Corbeau the ships "sole survivor" leaving the X-Men free to their own lives once more.

Wolverine walking in the city, stops to buy some flowers. Thinking he must be crazy. Acting like a school-kid with a crush on some broad. What's Jean Grey to him anyway? She's someone he likes and wants, and whatever Wolverine wants, he gets.

He's never felt like this before though, all hot-an-bothered over her. He's never cared about anyone and always liked being a loner. Walking into hospital, Wolverine hopes to surprise Jean with the flowers and maybe that gets them talking.

Walking in, he's surprised to see everyone, though he should have expected Jean's friends would stay as close to her as possible until they know her fate. Then again, he's never had any friends. He throws his bunch of flowers into the garbage.

Moira notices that Jean's been with the doctors for a long time, asking Xavier if there's something he can do using his telepathic powers. He tells her he wishes he could but can't. Every time he uses his powers at great extent his mind is savaged by his cursed nightmare. Even the mass hypnosis at the airport nearly brought on another seizure.

Scott waits alone. His mind racing. All those wasted years. When he loved her and she loved him but either told the other. If she dies now, it'll all be for nothing. What is there even to do when the light of his life goes out. Letting her go to live in the city and build a life for herself outside the X-Men.

He thought that it was the X-Men that gave his life meaning but it wasn't. It was Jean. It's always been Jean, only now realizing it when he could lose her forever.

The doctor talking to Corbeau surprises Scott. He nervously asks how she is. He tells Scott that it's going to be touch and go for a while, but with rest, proper care and friends to look after her, he thinks Jean is going to be just fine. Everyone celebrates with relief.

Except Scott, as he goes off by himself. Kurt noticing he slipped away when they were cheering goes to check on him. The good news must have rattled him pretty bad which isn't surprising the way the strain of the last few days been eating at him.

He sees Scott sobbing into the side of a bed in an empty room. Kurt understands and there's times where everyone needs to be left alone.

Since everyone is snippy, Xavier wants to send the rest of the X-Men on an enforced vacation. Wolverine tells him to stick it in his ear, claws popped, saying that none of them are going anyway until Jeannie is better. Xavier scolds him, for him to once in his life just listen and think. Jean's recovery depends on the care and attention she receives. He and Scott will be there for her.

They can't give Jean the care she needs while also running the X-Men. Xavier telling him that this brief and well-earned vacation is order. Plus he doesn't them all staying around the hospital, they'll just be in the way.

Sean tells Xavier that he's not sure he agrees with him, but he's the boss, and if he didn't know where to send them, he has an idea. His lawyer, Mr. Flaherty wrote to him that he inherited the Cassidy ancestral home.

Showing the note to Xavier, Sean adds that it's a remote part of the country, out on the Atlantic coast. Xavier tells him that that's an excellent idea and they shall all leave once arrangements can be made.

Xavier had made sure everything was in order, everyone having America identities and American passports. Spending a week in Dublin, sight seeing before heading west towards County Mayo.

However, some are getting sore and Wolverine asking Sean to watch it with the bumps and asks if has he even learned to drive before. Sean tells him not to get himself in an uproar, it's just the way the roads are out here.

Ororo suggests the car would be build with springs and softer seats, adding that she could have better flying. Sean tells her it's a beautiful day for it but reminds her that Xavier told them not to draw any attention to themselves.

Piotr comments that Xavier isn't the one riding in this four-wheeled torture chamber. Sean asks Piotr is cracking a joke, asking will the wonders never cease. Their torment is almost over though, they have arrived.

A castle atop a rocky cliff. Cassidy Keep. First build over a thousand years by Liam Cassidy to defend this stretch of the coastline of viking raiders.

Over the centuries it stood against every invader who tried to conquer it. It stood tall, ever proud, ever defiant. Walls stained with the blood of a hundred sieges. In all of the castle's glorious history, the walls have never fallen to force of arms.

Cassidy keep has never fallen to force of arms, but treachery. That's something else entirely. Watching in another room, Black Tom saying that Sean brought five files into his web and never escape alive.

Black Tom reminds O'Donnell of his orders, escort them in, make them comfortable but give them no inkling as to anything's amiss. O'Donnell refuses as he will not do evil things in his service. He'll be no party of the murdering innocent people.

Black Tom gets made at O'Donnell for defying him. Reminding him of the lives he holds in his hands, only held hostage for his good behaviour.

Black Tom hits O'Donnell with his wooden staff, telling him he''ll do whatever he says or he'll watch those he loves and trusts you die in agony. Tom asking if his meaning is clean. O'Donnell tells him clear as crystal.

Someone tells him off to the side of the room that Black Tom's a fool to trust O'Donnell. Black Tom assures him he's wrong, as long as the families are in his power, he'll do whatever Tom commands.

They show Ororo her room. Ororo thinks to herself that Jean would say Cassidy Keep has "bad vibes." Though, she must make herself comfortable and not be ruled by her fears. Treating herself to her own summer shower, if she closed her eyes, she can almost imagine herself back in Kenya.

But this isn't Kenya, it's Ireland and a formal dinner planned at 8pm. As she's about to leave her room, Kurt teleports into her room. Coming to escort Ororo to dinner, asking why should Piotr have all the fun.

Ororo asks if what he's wearing what he's wearing to dinner. Kurt tells her he has a handy-dandy image inducer, with it, he can be whoever he wishes.

Cutting to Sean, he knows he should be getting ready for dinner but he can't shake the feeling that something's wrong. Nothing looks out of place, but something about the way O'Donnell froze up when he mentioned the families. Thinking of maybe talking to him after dinner.

Wolverine and Piotr meet Sean in the hallway. Wolverine asking what gives as they were told it was a formal shebang and he's looking like a stable hand.

Sean starts to explain, calling Wolverine short-stuff. Wolverine tells him the watch the mouth. Sean telling him "Right an' me name's Sean, not Irish" Since he happens to be the lord of the manor, he can dress for dinner however he wants.

Kurt tells Piotr to back off as Ororo's his date tonight. Ororo correcting him that she's no one's "date" as she enjoys being with both of them. Which is why all three of them will go to dinner together as equals.

Walking through the hall, the floor opens. A trap door pulling them down. Banshee tells everyone to get into their costumes. Nightcrawler commenting "oh, well, it was a nice vacation while it lasted."

Banshee argues if his grandeur was to suppose to scare them? Asking Black Tom if he's planning to talk them to death. Black Tom tells him his threats will do him no good. They're now deep inside the dungeons. Tons of rocks between them and freedom, they'll have no chance of escape. This place will be their tomb.

The word "tomb" scares Storm. Imagining being closed in with rocks all around. There's not way out, just rocks crushing her, burying her. She begins to have a panic attack and screams loudly, surprising to boys.

Juggernaut attacks, Banshee thinking they let their guard down for too long on their vacation and now they're paying in the price as he runs towards Black Tom.

Black Tom taunts him, as Sean doesn't have a chance. The Juggernaut being a lot stronger than the lot of them and him being immune to his sonic screams.

Thinking on how the X-Men last beat the Juggernaut was with mental powers which they don't have currently. Banshee just thinks they'll just have to make do on their own. Telling Black Tom that though he's immune to his screams, he's not immune in a good old-fashioned punch in the jaw.

Nightcrawler and Wolverine deal with the Juggernaut. Colossus distracted by Storm's scream. It was as if she was in mortal pain. Storm curled up in ball, scared. Quietly wishing for her mother to help her.

Grabbing Colossus' arm, Wolverine tells him he doesn't have time for words as he throws Colossus into the Juggernaut, knocking him down. He tells Colossus "Way to go, Russkie!" Colossus gets angry and yells to Wolverine to not call him that, and to no come between him and his friends again.

Wolverine's surprised that that pure-heart finally gets mad. Now popping his claws. Telling Colossus just to pick the time and place. Distracted by their argument, Juggernaut comes back from behind, punching Colossus through the wall.

Wolverine tries to fight Juggernaut, which barely even slows him down. Nightcrawler tending to Storm. They're doing all they can and she's crying in the corner. He yells for her to snap out of it as they're being murdered out there. Shaking her and asking why won't she help them. She pleads for him to stop.

The Juggernaut tells him not the worry about her as his fist comes to Nightcrawler's face. He's able to jump out of the way.

With Nightcrawler jumping to the wall, Juggernaut turns his attention to Storm, grabbing her by the hair. Nightcrawler teleports in front of him, telling the Juggernaut to let her go. He throws her away, back to chasing Nightcrawler. Storm continues to sob on the floor. Her friends are being killed and crying for her help and all she can do is apologize.

Storm's origin. Flashback to her at 6 months, her family leaving Harlem, NY. Her father joking that it's like Ororo can completely understand every word they're saying. Her mother commenting that she does. Saying Ororo is very special, she could tell from her conception.

5 years later in Cairo, the Suez war (Israel, with support from Britain and France invaded Egypt). Her father noticing how close they are to the bombing, wanting to move his family to leave to a safer location. When he moved from the window, a pilot ejects from his plane. The plane crashing into their home.

Storm was buried under rumble, where she can see the crash took the lives of her parents. She managed to pull herself free. Within a year, living on the streets, she became the finest begger / sneak thief.

Around 12 she ventured on her own, a year walking from Cairo to Serengati. There she remained growing from a girl to a young women, content with her life of solitude. Then she met Xavier.

Thinking of Xavier, something stirs in his mind an ocean away. Saying it felt like someone was calling his name but sounding so faint and far-away. Through his rapport he shares with his students. He can feel the fear and dominance, seeing the face of the Juggernaut.

He rushes into Jean's hospital room saying that it's imperative that he speaks to Scott. He tells Xavier he'll be right with him. Jean taking this time to introduce her roommate while NY, Misty Knight.

A quick "my pleasure" before telling Scott that every second is vital. When leaving the room, Jean apologizes to Misty for Xavier acting so brusque and rude. She's never seen him like that before. Misty tells her to never mind that as she's more worried about Jean. She says "so tell me, Misty Knight... How would you feel if you'd died.. then brought yourself back to life?"

In the hallway, Xavier tells Scott that the X-Men are trouble in Ireland and he must go help them imminently. Scott tells him no. He's going to stay the hospital until Jean is out of danger.

Cur - an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition, especially a mongrel.

Suddenly Xavier shouts "No! Not my mind! Not again!" Scott asking what is it. In the reflection of the mirror he sees a different face, the face he sees in his dreams.

Back in Ireland, the X-Men are still having a tough time with the Juggernaut, things going from bad to worse. Nightcrawler thinks they might have a chance with Storm but she's frozen with claustrophobia.

Standing on a beam, he can see down below Wolverine fighting the Juggernaut. He hits Wolverine so hard that Nightcrawler thinks another one like that will be the final one. Wrapping his tail around the chandelier, swinging to throwing hot coal (?) at the Juggernaut.

He curses Nightcrawler, Black Tom telling him he can see and that it'll be his pleasure to see that Nightcrawler pays for it a thousand folds. He zaps Nightcrawler and he falls hard, not moving. Half of him disappeared in the shadows.

Though he lays there unconscious, perhaps even dying, the battle continues without him. Leprechauns of the keep check on him, before taking him away without anyone noticing.

Banshee has no idea what Black Tom's talking about. Black Tom teases Banshee as doesn't he want to know he freed him and the Juggernaut from prison? Gave them the money and knowledge to take the castle and turn it into a death trap. "In short, who paid us to kill the X-Men!? Such a pity you'll die without ever knowing."

Black Tom admits that their unexpected arrival forced to move somewhat ahead of schedule. However, the results are the same. Making vengeance much sweeter by making a tiny profit of it too.

The Juggernaut tells Black Tom that his vengeance won't be complete until he has Xavier dead before his feet. Someone tells him "That will never be monster!" Colossus comes in swinging saying that if he wants to defeat Xavier he'll have to defeat him first.

The Juggernaut explains that he's the Juggernaut, you can flatten him a hundred times and he'll keep coming back stronger and fresher as ever. Colossus using his acrobatic skills to roll then kick the Juggernaut through the stone wall. It crumbles down them both.

Cain hurls her bolt back at her and she's too weak to resist. With all the X-Men beaten and only one left, Xavier. Knowing his step-brother, the Juggernaut knows how to get to him. The constant telepathic parrot that he has with his students. If they get hurt, he feels it. Hurt them bad enough and it'll have Xavier walking into their death trap. Like lambs to the slaughter.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

X-Men (1963) [issues #99-#100]

A minute ago Banshee, Wolverine and Marvel Girl made their escape from Steven Lang's lab, fighting sentinels that seemed too easy.

Now they're floating in the endless cold void of space. Other sentinels fly out to bring them back in. They indicate that the three's life function at minimal and all suffering from extreme expose.

At the mansion, Xavier's old friend, Dr. Peter Corbeau suggests to Cyclops that maybe the reason why Cerebro can't find them is because they're not on Earth. Dr. Corbeau hooked it into Norad's Valhalla Mountain main data bank, commenting that he had no idea Xavier had that kind of clearance. All they need to do now is ask Valhalla the right questions.

According to their records. The sentinels are composed of special elements, strategic materials. Norad will have a record of those. By asking specific questions, they can discover the origin of the elements and their destination. Even a negative response will tell them something.

There's a sudden news broadcast. A midnight launch is imminent at Cap Canaveral, where the Starcore project shuttle, piloted by project director Dr. Peter Corbeau is still set to lift-off as scheduled despite the unusually heavy and hazardous solar activity.

Interrupting his co-archer on the widespread anti-mutant hysteria sweeping the country, as there's an update on the Starcore launch. Commenting on the diversity of the crew.

This launch was scheduled unusually by Starcore, presumably to beat out the increasing deadly solar radiation storms. However, there's no further information on the flight crew.

With T minus ten minutes and counting for lift off. Piotr suddenly bursts out of his space suit yelling "Mikhail!!" surprising Nightcrawler. He asks his friend what's wrong. Colossus tells him that he's sorry and didn't mean to, before admitting that he was afraid.

Colossus tells him that sitting in the rocket made him think of his older brother Mikhail. One of the first of test pilots for Russia, dying, burning to death on a Baikonur launch pad when his rocket exploded. They were so close, being all they had and since then. Dr. Corbeau interrupts Colossus as he also remembers losing friends from the Apollo I fire.

4 seconds until lift off, Cyclops thinking that he and Jean came through so much, he can't lose her now. 3 seconds, Storm tries to calm herself down from being in such a closed space, reminding herself that her friends needs her.

2 seconds, Colossus wonders if this is how Mikail felt. The "power" of Colossus means nothing here. He feels helpless. 1 second, Nightcrawler notices how terrified Colossus looks, wondering why he can't he see how magnificent this adventure is. If his friends from the circus could see him now. That would surely show them.

The ship lifts off. Capcom telling them they're on track and all telemetry readings nominal.

In another ship in solar orbit, the solar forecast looks very bad, worse than they anticipated and Dr. Peter Corbeau is flying straight into the worst solar storm in living memory.

Nightcrawler asks Colossus if he's disappointed that they're in space and still alive. Colossus tells him not to joke around as he's not in the mood. He feels very strange, almost wishing he was dead.

Corbeau tells him that it's just a mild form of space sickness. His body reacting and adapting to zero-gravity and not to worry. Telling them to pipe down as he's got a priority message come through from Starcore.

The postman tells the man to shut the door, haven't he noticed the storm outside. He says his name is Flaherty. He has a letter for client of his in America and it's imperative that the letter. The letter addressed to Sean Cassidy.

Black Tom Cassidy 1st Appearance. The man leaves the post office telling the post man must deliver it without delay. Walking in the storm, Flaherty's glad his job is done. A mysterious figure noting Flaherty is a long way from County Mayo.

Flaherty being surprised by who the mysterious figure is. Telling him that he's too late. His cousin has been warned and he'll stop his plans. The figure blasts him with his wooden staff. Telling Flaherty his cousin could stop him sooner than the sun from rising in the morning.

Telling the man now knocked down on the ground "Aye cousin Sean, you'll stop Black Tom won't ye? At least you'll die trying."

1,347 miles above Earth in an abandoned S.H.I.E.L.D space platform. Lang asks a technician what is on the vid-screen. Corbeau radios in, reporting that they are Starcore Eagle-One, requesting sanctuary as the solar radiation levels are moving into the danger zone.

Lang radios back that they're a top secret U.S. government installation, sanctuary denied as he has foreign personal abroad. A technician alerts Lang that their mutant detector is going off like crazy, that the ship out there must be crammed with mutants.

Corbeau warns everyone to put on their suits and brace themselves. Nightcrawler asks about Colossus as he doesn't have his suit and won't stand a chance if they're hit. Corbeau tells him "then we just better pray we don't get hit."

A sentinel then blasts the hull off their ship. It also cut Storm's lifeline and she's pulled out into space. Cyclops notices Colossus is suffocating and tells Corbeau that there's no time for subtlety now, just get them inside that station. Corbeau tells him to keep in mind that if they smash their ship, they'll have no way back home. The ship now crashing into the station.

Storm is alive out in space with her suit on but is stuck. She can't move as a sentinel flies towards her. She begins to wonder if her powers includes cosmic storms as well. She tries and is able to fly on the solar winds.

Declaring to the sentinel that it would have slain her without mercy so she'll give what she's got and more. Blowing the sentinel away with force 12 gale in deep space, a gale backed by the full power of the sun itself.

Inside the station, her friends seem to be doing well enough on their own. Colossus cursing a sentinel, for if it were not for his kind, Storm would've been safe.

Nightcrawler notices how berserk Colossus is fighting. Like how a man fighting for the women he loves. Before telling himself to pay attention at the job at hand as a sentinel captured Cyclops. He smashes the sentinel and rescues Cyclops.

Cyclops thanks him for the assist as he couldn't have held his breath for much longer but also mentioning that Nightcrawler isn't in a circus anymore and that kind of flamboyancy (swashbuckling) could cost them if not careful. Nightcrawler tells him that he's been a showman all his life, it's in his blood and he's not gonna change for him, or anyone.

Colossus spots him and suggests the move they've practised in the Danger Room. Nightcrawler commenting that if Cyclops thought his last move was flamboyant, wait until he sees this one. Saying "Eat your heart out, Olga Korbut!" Colossus gets offended as Korbut is a dedicated conscientious artist of the Soviet people and Nightcrawler should not make fun of her like so.

Cyclops begins to wonder what the real threat is in all of this. He has a feeling at the sooner they find Jean and the other's the sooner they'll found out. Colossus argues what about Storm? She's still adrift in space and could be hurt. Cyclops tells him to back off as he knows how he feels. Colossus yells that he knows nothing and acting like they don't even care, but he does!

A gentle voice comes from behind, thanking Colossus for giving her great honour. Storm. She's alive and well.

Cyclops begins to get images in his head. Jean calling for him, telling him that time is running out. Her and Xavier can barely hold contact.

Telling him that Banshee and Wolverine are in the B-Deck detention cells as her and Xavier are in the main mission. Lang is coming and he means to murder them. He tells Colossus, Storm and Nightcrawler where to go to find Banshee and Wolverine. Telling them to break them free then meet him in the mission.

Storm worries about him being on his own, what if there's more sentinels. Cyclops tells her "then I'll handle them, Storm. Right now, I've given you an order--obey it!" and as for Lang, Cyclops tells them that he's his and his alone.

Cyclops tells Corbeau to come with him so he doesn't run into any stray sentinels in the dark. Corbeay agrees of course but asks Cyclops if he thinks he was a little rough on his teammates. Figuring he must have more important things on his mind.

Lang talking to himself notices that the Trask notes he used to reconstruct the sentinels were incomplete. The sentinels being second-rate doesn't matter as he has all the data he needs from the mutants which now makes them expendable.

Cyclops starts beating on Lang asking him how does it feel facing someone one-on-one, someone who can fight back. Yelling for Lang to answer him. Jean tells him to stop as he's killing Lang before quickly warning him that there's someone in the next room. Cyclops asks if it's another sentinel when he suddenly gets zapped.

Jean doesn't believe her eyes but Lang tells her that it's true. The ultimate irony from the ultimate and undefeatable enemy. That his is the heart of project Armageddon, not the sentinels. Resistance is only futile as her mental powers are being neutralized by a mind not unlike her own, which means she can't warn the other X-Men in time.

Running into the room, the boys can't believe their eyes either. The original team of the X-Men, along with Xavier. He tells the old X-Men that new X-Men are imposters X-Men, that they must attack the imposters and kill them all.

Beast goes for Nightcrawler. He comments that he recognizes Beast from old photos but thought he was blue and hairy now, and joined the Avengers. Beast tells him that he's never been hairy and as for the rest.

Nightcrawler asks if the Avengers threw him out. Witnessing Beast's speed and agility, it's phenomenal, like never seen before. Only to be caught by Beast and thrown into Cyclops. Beast yelling an apology to the his dauntless leader.

Now on the floor, Nightcrawler asks Cyclops why they are fighting among themselves, what is even the threat of Lang and his sentinels. He then asks him what happened to his visor as Cyclops uses his optic beams on Nightcrawler, calling him the threat.

Wolverine sees all this as he's dealing with Iceman. Beginning to panic as Nightcrawler took on Cyclops' blast head on, he's down and not moving. Iceman tells him to worry about himself instead as in another second he'll be on ice permanently.

He tells Iceman "well, you ain't got that second, bub!" but Angel swoops him away from Iceman. Telling Wolverine to be nice to the kid, he may be kinda dumb at times but they think he's lovable. Wolverine threatening him to put him down or he'll clip Angels wings for good. Angel then throws him into Colossus.

First use of the "Fastball Special" As Wolverine goes for the Angel, Havok attacks Colossus. He's never dreamed that Havok had such power. If he was in his human form the blast would have burnt him to a crisp. His armoured body has its limits. The pain being too much, Colossus doesn't think he can stand much more of it.

He assures himself that he will stand and he must survive. He declares he's coming for Havok and will not be stopped. Reminding him that this is twice now that Havok had tried to kill the X-Men in cold blood. Colossus grabs a beam and whacks Havok with it.

Storm notices that Marvel Girl seems weaker than usual. She can easily deal with her but she can't bring herself to hurt her friend so she tries to reason with her.

With the realization that this Jean must be the imposter, she's struck down by Polaris. They go for the kill as Storm's legs are pinned under debris and can't pull free in time. Banshee uses his sonic scream to get them away from Storm. Colossus helping her free her leg.

Xavier stands and surprises Wolverine. Telling him that one of his mind blasts has the power to make him shrivel where he stands but his fist is all the power Wolverine deserves. Xavier tells him to get back up again as he wants the satisfaction of knocking him down again. Wolverine compliments Xavier's punch but warns him he's going down a second time.

Marvel Girl then attacks Wolverine with her mental powers. Xavier calling her a good girl as Wolverine hasn't a chance against her powers.

Wolverine feels like his brain is burning, can't think straight cause of the pain. He decides to use his senses and instincts, they'll guide him through the pain. Marvel Girl telling Xavier that it won't be long now. Wolverine tells her she got that right but she's got it backwards.

Not seeing until now, his senses tells him. He doesn't know from faces but he knows scents, voices, feelings and whatever she is, she isn't Jean Grey. The rest of the team extremely shocked.

Banshee yelling at him, calling him a bloody homicidal maniac asking what has he done. Watching all this on his computer screens, Lang must see whats happening and tells the cameras to move angles. Showing a ripped open robot Jean Grey.

Lang yelling that the new X-Men should have died, not his sentinels, and for this they will die as this game is far from over. Looking at his captives, Lang tells them they shouldn't look so surprised as his goal hasn't always been the investigation of mutant-kind, but it's total and complete extermination. Lang origin.

The council of the chosen had their own plans for mutant-kind. They offered Lang all the help he needed, not knowing he was going to betray them. They wanted to control mutant-kind, control their powers. Lang simply just wanted them all dead and what's more iconic than the sentinels?

Lang revels in his ironic plan before noticing that one of the tubes is glowing white hot. It breaks. An very angry Cyclops telling Lang that he's said enough

Lang runs. Cyclops asks him "Leaving so soon, Lang? That's awfully rude of you, but then, what else can you expect from a murdering coward?" Lang takes offensive as Cyclops dares to call him a coward. He yells that he's a man, more much than Cyclops will ever be.

Rambling on about how better he is than the rest of them and he'll prove it as he reached his little flying gunship. Lang begins shooting the X-Men robots.

Cyclops tells him that he's not proving anything except how sick and twisted he is, inside and out. He's fought a lot villains in his time but never felt such hatred before, until he met Lang. He beams Lang's ship. "You'd hound us without mercy, exterminate us for no other reason than that we're different from your conception of humanity. Just who do you think you are!?"

Jean adding that he won't be killing anyone today as she takes over the controls over his ship. In trying to break free before being captured, Lang hits full power on the thrusters. However the controls jam and he can't turn anything. Crying for help from the X-Men as he crashes right into his vid-screen.

Running closer to the crash, Colossus tells his teammates that he found them and they're still alive. Banshee telling him to quit his jabberin and just get them out of there. The whole space station's ablaze and the fires spreading. All of Lang's technicians already evacuated. They're the only ones left there and the station can blow at any minute.

They all board the Starcore, Corbeau telling them they're not going anywhere, at least in their ship. The flight control computer got damaged during their little encounter with the sentinels.

Wolverine asks about a manual re-entry. Corbeau asks what about it as just in case he hasn't noticed they got a huge hole in the ships hull and no functional pressure suits. Though its the least of their problems.

The solar flare. It's the worst flare in years and the computer was supposed to fly them through it while they sat safe and sound in the ships shielded "life-cell" but they don't have the computer.

Corbeau says he can fly them into re-entry no sweat but he'd last 30 seconds in that flare. Commenting that one of the X-Men could probably survive the flare but they can't pilot. They need someone who can do both but there's no such person.

Cyclops yells "and how will you survive the solar flare, you little-!" Jean assures him her telekinetic powers will screen out the harmful radiation, she'll be fine. He asks her for how long, that even with her power she can't handle that much. Before he can finish, Jean knocks him out with a mind bolt.

She tells Banshee to take Cyclops to the life-cell. He comments that she hit him pretty hard. She admits she meant to as by the time he wakes up, they'll be committed.

Storm gives her friend one last hug as Jean requests her last favour from her friend. To tell Cyclops that she loved him.

With everyone in the life-cell, Jean gets to work. Sealing the hull with her TK with a piece of wreckage, backing the ship out of it's crash landing into Lang's station.

The life-cell was designed to withstand a lot of radiation but with a flare like this, all bets are off and the sooner she can get them back to Earth, the better.

According to the Starcore, the flare's a minute away while it'll be half an hour before they're safe. Jean's scared. She doesn't want to die.

In the life-cell, Nightcrawler and Colossus try to keep Cyclops away from the cell's door as it'll kill them all. He yells at them to let go, to let him go to her before it's too late. Nightcrawler sadly telling him that it's already too late. "Please, Kurt. I beg you.. please..."

Only 27 minutes until they're in Earth's atmosphere. Jean comments that it doesn't seem like a long time, but only the rest of her life. Corbeau wasn't kidding about the flare, it's barely there and she's already pushing her powers to the limit.

20 minutes left, she can't take much more of the strain. The screen starting to give way. She yells for Scott as the radiation starts to get through.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Avengers (1963) [issues #157-#160]

As Yellowjacket tells Iron Man and Beast that everything should be secure during the holidays. Suddenly, someone begins to break through the wall. Beast commenting that whoever it is, it sure isn't Santa Claus.

Beast then gets stunned by some rubble. As the intruder knocks down Iron Man. Beast jumps on his back before being thrown again. The intruder then pushes a half-ton computer memory bank on the knocked down trio.

When the intruder reveals himself to be a stone version of Black Knight. Before unconsciousness takes Hank, he thinks on how he was told about what happened the Black Knight and he's gone.

With Vision's density, Black Knight's breaks himself in trying to hit him. Coming into the room Scarlet Witch feels dizzy and asks Wonder Man to hold her and he tells her "I've got you! Lean on me, Wanda!"

The others now gaining consciousness, they run into the room as Scarlet Witch yells for one of them to stop Vision and Wonder Man fighting. Iron Man tells her to just let them fight it out but it doesn't take long for him to scold them before having a meeting with the whole team before taking a mission call.

With Graviton knocking down all the Avengers with his gravity powers, it's up to Beast and Wonder Man to beat him. Graviton brings down the house with increased weight rubble.

Knocking out the Avengers, Graviton displays them on a concrete wall. Iron Man's able to get off by using his repulsors but doesn't know if he should help Thor with Graviton or help rescue the others. Black Panther sneaks around the corner and tells Iron Man to go while he releases everyone.

Graviton's power then becomes too much and is drawing everything into him like a black hole, everyone flies away before getting sucked in.

Walking in the mansion, Beast gets lost in thought about old memories. Another team. Another time. Suddenly Beast surprises everyone by hopping off and saying he's going to clean up their wrecked lab. Feeling like he hasn't been a key factor in battle lately he still wants to serve, even if as a janitor.

He rushes in and closes the door. The others begin to think what that was all about as Beast is violently thrown through the door. Wonder Man catches him, noticing he's out could and his fur is singed.

Now coming back into the room after being knocked out, Beast is glad to know that Wonder Man and the Grim Reaper are on first name basis as that creep almost wasted him. Demanding to know who he is and all about him after he tears him from limb from limb.

As he chases Grim Reaper up the pipes, he tells them that he had it with being clobbered, captured and pushed around. Maybe he's not the strong-man on the team like he was in the X-Men but is strong enough, but before he can finish his sentence Grim Reaper swipe his scythe at Hank.

Black Panther catches him, telling the Avengers they must try to reason with him.

Shackled to the table, they are now in court. Flashbacks to Vision's origin. Black Panther tells him that Vision even took Scarlet Witch as his wife. Grim Reaper tells him that his brother would never a marry a stinking mutant. Black Panther just says "So.. you're as bigot as well as a fool!"

With Grim Reaper beaten by Wonder Man, Beast gets up and comments saying that he thinks the Hulk is stomping around in his head. He asks Wonder Man if there's anything he can do for him. He just tells Hank he wants to be alone for a while.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

X-Men (1963) [issues #97-#98]

Xavier has a bad dream and like very night It's always the same. A space battle with a certain ship with a tantalizingly voice, drawing him closer. He tries to resist but the dream has him body and soul. This time he's been closer than ever before, close enough to see a face in the helmet. Then the dream ends. Waking up, he finds it ironic that even though he prides himself as possessing the strongest mutant brain on Earth but it'll be this dream that tears his mind apart.

In the kitchen, Moira mentions to Xavier that she heard him crying out, asking if he had nightmare before noticing how shaky Xavier is. Moira grabs the coffee pot from him and pours a cup for Xavier. He explains that his dream was stronger than ever this time, telling her that there's such incredible power.

She insists that Xavier is just taking on too much and needs to open up to Cyclops and the others about this dream. He worries they'll think he's going mad. She assures him that it's not so bad as she reminds him he called her for help and she came. Xavier starts to explain that he had no right to ask her after everything they've been through. She brushes him off saying "wha' else are friends for?" This seems to relax him.

During the last 6 months Lorna and Alex have been working in the jagged mountaina. What started out as friendship, starts to become something more. While cleaning the table Lorna hears a knock at the door. She gets nervous as they are the only people out here for miles. Opening the door, she gets zapped and knocked out.

While walking from the house on his little daily mission, Alex hears a scream coming from the house, Lorna's scream. He immediately runs back to the house, calling out for her.

Once in the house, she tells him there's no need to shout, she's fine. He asks her what gives and whats with the new costume. She tells him that it's hers befoore she zaps and knocks out Alex.

A mysterious voice compliments her not killing as he'll be useful when they seek the death of Charles Xavier.

3 days pass and at the Kennedy airport, five friends (Ororo, Jean, Scott, Piotr, and Kurt) gather around to wish their professor a well vacation.

While wheeling Xavier to his plane, he wants Jean to please tell Kurt that the image inducer is not a toy.

Back in the airport, the flirt Kurt tells a shy Piotr to look a certain womens legs. Piotr says the girls in his collective do not wear such short skirts. Piotr then notices Havok and Polaris coming in, Kurt asks him of there's something wrong but Piotr says that it's probably nothing.

Scott's very confused to see his brother in costume, asking him whats going on and to speak up. Jean senses something wrong, and realizes it's a trap. Polaris zaps Jean. Extremely worried for Jean, Scott yells at Lorna "Have you gone crazy, Lorna? What D'you think you're doing!?"

Havok explains they're doing what they have to and for him to get out of their way as it's Xavier they want. Scott tells him over his dead body. Havok tells him if that's the way he wants it, they then start to fight each other.

Knocked down, Scott yells for at the others that they're going after Xaver's plane, they need to go after them in right away, and to move it. However, it might be already too late as Havok aims a clear shot at Xavier's plane, Colossus worries he's about to fire, as Nightcrawler says he won't as he then tackles Havok down. His power blast now going wild.

Instead of Xavier's plane, the burst hits a passenger plane. Thankfully the 747 was going under routine maintenance and was completely empty of people.

Cyclops grabs his brother by the collar and yells at him, asking if he completely lost his mind and what in heaven's name does he think he's doing. Havok stumbles over his words when someone tells Cyclops that he was just following his orders. Turning around to ask who, it appears to be Erik the Red. Which should be impossible as Cyclops was the OG Erik the Red.

Erik the Red says that it doesn't matter who he is as he's power incarnate and nothing that lives can stand against him. Cyclops tells him that if he thinks they can beat the X-Men he got another thing coming before being quickly knocked down by Erik the Red.

Ororo realizes the battle is going against them and she has to get Jean out of the way so she can help the boys. Praising the gods that Havok or Polaris can't fly. However, Polaris easily follows after them, using her magnetic powers to negate gravity. She attacks Ororo in the sky, making her drop Jean.

In their free fall, though Storm is still groggy she dives for Jean as she must get to Jean to prevent her death. At the very last minute, Ororo grabs Jean just before she hits the runway. Thinking Jean would be safe on the roof-top which then frees Storm to deal with Polaris. With crackling energy all around her she changes into Storm.

Nearby Havok tells his brother to just let them go before something happens that they'll all regret. Cyclops tells him no, not until he gets answers and finds out why. Why he turned on them and just tried to kill them all.

Havok explains that Erik the Red has done something his mind. Cyclops encourages him to fight it and break free. Havok tells him that he's trying to but can't as he begins to charge a blast at his brother. Cyclops then uses his optic beams to get Havok off balance. He doesn't want to hurt his brother but if Havok cuts loose on him, it'd be the end of Cyclops.

Havok hurries to help his old brother out of the rubble. Panicking while running over and frantically apologizing as he didn't mean to, didn't want to. Thinking of what if he killed him. Havok helps get him out, he's more than happy Cyclops is still alive. Cyclops tells him that he's all right now and telling his younger that he hates to this but he knocks him out for his own good.

One fight done, the other shifts into high gear with Colossus and Nightcrawler dealing with Erik the Red. With Nightcrawler on his back, Erik tells them they can't hope to defeat him. He throws Nightcrawler off of him and with the crack of flame and the stench of brimstone he teleports somewhere else.

Distracted with Nightcrawler's teleportation Colossus hits high while Nightcrawler hits low. Erik tells them they are nothing to him, Colossus asking if his blows are nothing. Erik tells him yes as he throws Colossus at another passenger plane.

Nightcrawler gets worried as the planes wing crashes right atop of Colossus, he yells for him, threatening Erik that if he killed him. However, a steel arm bursts through the rubble, telling his friend that he is far from dead.

Storm and Polaris are too evenly matched. Polaris makes a comment to maybe call this game a draw. Storm gets offended that this whole thing is just a game to Polaris. Getting very angry she dare calling almost killing their friends without provocation a game. With her zaps Polaris and she screams.

Havok yells for Polaris and attacks his brother again, cursing him that if he killed Polaris, he would kill them all. With fear and panic Havok runs over to Polaris. His love for her is a love that he would lie, cheat, steal, and even kill for.

In the next few minutes, Banshee and Wolverine come in a craft. Erik the Red seeing them come in, he assumes Xavier must have called them as reinforcements. He takes Polaris and Havok with him as they strategically retreat. Cyclops yells at Havok to stop.

He yells that if he doesn't stop he'll have to cut him down but starts to hesitate, thinking is this what has to do, kill his own brother? Wolverine yells at him "What're ya doin', boss-man. You gotta clear shot at 'em! Blast 'em man! They're getting away. blast 'em!!"

Getting annoyed by being called out by Wolverine, Cyclops tells him to shut up as he hits Wolverine away. Storm tells Wolverine that he will do nothing or he'll have to answer to her. Cyclops walks away, alone now, his mind torn by questions he can't answer, with feelings he can't explain.

His younger brother just tried to kill him today. Knowing deep down that the next time he sees him they'll be no holding back.

Steven Lang watches the X-Men from the screen while someone else watches Lang on his screen.

It's Christmas time in the Big Apple and Jean is happy that it's an actual white Christmas for the first time in years. Asking Ororo if she finds the snow beautiful as well. Ororo comments that it reminds her of the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Jean sighs and tells Ororo that there times when she thinks she's just like Scott in letting their hair down once in a while.

Kurt and Piotr leave with some girls. Sean and Moira also leaving as they're going sight seeing. Jean asks Wolverine what he's doing for Christmas and he gives a grumpy answer, she wishes him a good time anyway as she and Scott head into the Rockefeller Plaza.

Scott comments that it's been a year since Wolverine joined and he's still not sure it'll work out but also adding that he thought he was sure about Alex and Lorna but they just tried to kill them.

Jean tells him to stop, she knows how much he's been tearing at himself about it but its been weeks now and today is Christmas. She tells him to just give everything a rest and just kiss her. She asks he if heard her before she leans in and kisses Scott.

As they walk to their table, Scott notices something huge outside, now tearing at the roof. Two sentinels. One sentinel tells them their mission requires the capture of the mutants Cyclops and Marvel Girl, that resistance is useless as they are equipped to negate their powers. Jean wonders if he's referring to the old X-Men and that the newer members powers could work against them.

Jean's able to get it off balance with her TK, since it got a lot stronger since the X-Men last seen sentinels. Scott then useing his optic beams and destroys the falling sentinel. Though with one gone, the other was able to grab Jean.

Scott doesn't even have a chance to try to save her as the sentinel says he's forced to take extreme action against him since he took out the other sentinel. Jean tries to threaten it, starting with "if you killed him I'll..." before the sentinel knocks her out with some knck out gas (?) telling her that he did kill him, as his power was too great for him to cope with alone.

With an unconscious Jean the sentinel heads back to base. Reporting the termination of the one they call Cyclops. Unknown to the sentinel, Scott's still alive. His chest feels like it's on fire. The sentinels lift off shifts the mess they made, throwing him off the roof.

Scott's able to grab onto a radio tower, praying that it holds as he's 60 stories up and with no Sean or Ororo to catch him if he was to fall. It holds by only a thread. Panicking over how it'll stay and how long he can hold on.

Back on the ground, the mess of the destroyed sentinel comes crashing down to the street. Sean knows its a sentinel right away and changes into Banshee. He tells Moira to go find Ororo, Kurt and Piotr, tell them it's a sentinel. Ororo walks over, asking what a sentinel even is. He tells her "To a mutant Ororo. Sentinels another name for death" before flying off with Wolverine holding onto his ankles.

With bright light and crackling lightening, Storm follows right behind. She notices Scott dangling from the radio tower and about to fall. Storm saves him just in time, Scott thankful that the sentinels didn't get them all.

Safely back on the ground she doesn't understand what he means by "all." Scott then explains that a bunch of them (sentinels) nailed Banshee and Wolverine, plucking them out of the sky and there wasn't a thing he could to stop it. Nothing but watch.

Storm understands and starts to slowly ask about the descriptions of them, he tells her of course to all her descriptions and asking why. He turns around and sees a sentinel right behind him.

This sentinel then blasts Scott first as the last sentinel said he was terminated but that was an error he now corrected. Telling Storm that all that resist must be destroyed. She stands in front of it and tells it she resists it and will not be destroyed.

Asking how can a mere machine think they can stand against the power of Storm as she summons a rampaging hurricane. The sentinel not being equipped to handle her powers, his systems start to overload.

On a private yacht trolling the Bahama out islands is where Xavier came for his vacation, along with some help from an old friend. Dr. Peter Corbeau.

Peter comments that if he didn't know Xavier as he does he would have thought this whole thing would be a practical joke. Telling that the binary system Xavier described to him isn't anywhere to found in the Milky Way. Xavier replies that maybe he made a mistake. Peter says he checked the program a dozen times.

Peter explains that he even ran a query with the Fantastic Four and Avengers charts and the result was the same, nothing.

Suddenly something in the water violently rocks the boat. A sentinel comes out of the water saying that he's come for Xavier.

Xavier is shocked as he thinks its impossible as his mental defenses should have shielded him but somehow didn't. He then sends a powerful mind blast towards the sentinel. Unable to compensate in time, it falls back into the water.

Peter gets the yacht going. He was the one who designed it and he designed it to be fast. Asking Xavier to keep an eye open for the sentinel while he calls the air force.

As Peter calls, Xavier screams, as images begin running through his mind of the ship and it's pilot from his dreams. Noting the tone of the scream Peter knows its real bad. Before Peter could even do anything, a sentinel bursts through the middle of the yacht from the water.

The crash throws Peter deep underwater. With not much air left in his lungs they begin to burn. He has no idea how far the surface is. He ends up making it the surface, now yelling for Xavier before seeing a sentinel carrying him away. Peter's 200 miles from land and if someone didn't hear his mayday it's gonna be a long swim.

A technician comes to tell Lang, telling him that due to the solar radiation storms show no signs of abating, they're gonna need shut down the sentinels for a bit. Lang says it's fine, that he'll make due with the mutants they have got.

The technician then asks if Wolverine really is a mutant has his readings are not like the others. Lang reminds him that the sentinel said he was, though mutant or not, whatever Wolverine is, isn't human.

Wolverine tells him to keep it up and threatens Lang. He reminds Wolverine that he can't do anything as his shackles are unbreakable.

Jean then asks Lang where his swastika is as he doesn't look dressed without it. Lang tells her he's not nazi, just a man doing his duty. She comments "Following orders, huh?" Lang just tells her that mutants are the enemy and he's going to find a way to destroy her.

She asks him why start with the X-Men. Lang explains that the X-Men have been the most effective mutant opposition to the sentinels. Telling her that she, Cyclops, and Xavier are the heart and souls of the X-Men. Cut off the head and the body dies. She tells him "You sad, pathetic, screwed-up little man. Do you think the X-Men are that easily beaten?"

Wolverine starts hacking at the team of technicians. Lang commands a sentinel to secure the mutant, alive if he can, dead if he must. Wolverine asks Lang if that's the name of the game cause it's fine with him as he has his feet on the ground this time and as he starts hacking and clawing at the sentinel.

Lang runs. Wolverine asks him where's the fire and he thought they wanted to rough-house a bit as he could sure use the exercise. He then frees Banshee and Marvel Girl.

Banshee is astonished that his claws are not part of the costume, saying they had no clue. Wolverine just asks why should he know as it's none of his business. Looking over at Marvel Girl, he asks her what she's trying to do.

She tells him she's trying to tear her dress, that evening gowns weren't designed for a running fight. Wolverine asks "That's all? T'aint no trouble Red. All ya gotta do is..." as he rips her dress. She's gets mad at him for cutting too short and sarcastically thanks him. He tells her "Anytime, Red."

He then tells the both of them that times ticking and they need to get out while they have the chance. Jean tells him not without Xavier. Banshee chiming in saying she's right, they can't just leave him behind.

With sentinels coming from every direction and they attack. Banshee tells them to give everything they got before the sentinels have time to react. Jean starts to tell him that there's something wrong. Their powers easily chopping the sentinels to bits.

Wolverine tells her to don't look a gift horse in the mouth before being caught by a sentinel. It got his arms pinned and he can't get leverage to slash free. Jean focuses all her TK power into a tight beam mind blast to try to fuse the sentinels computer brain. She does it, it lets Wolverine go, but now it seems to toppling over on Jean.

Banshee grabs her just in time. Jean commenting that he's cutting it a little a bit too close again. He asks her if he that's anyway to talk to someone who just saved her life. While flying with Jean, he tells Wolverine to grab onto his other hand as they're busting out.

Flying past the sentinels, his sonic scream deafening other technicians as he passes them throughout the complex, then tearing a hole in the wall. Busting through, that's when Banshee realizes he made a mistake.

Back in Westchester, NY. Nightcrawler asks Cyclops if he found anything. This catches Cyclops attention as he didn't even hear Nightcrawler come in before telling him no, there's nothing.

Cerebro's scanned the entire world twice and there's no sign of them anywhere. Nightcrawler gently tells Cyclops that he's been working nonstop the past four days with no rest and very little food, he's burning himself out.

Cyclops gets annoyed and tells Nightcrawler that he knows what he's doing and if he wanted his advice he'd ask for it. Cerebro then flashes an intruder alert. On the screen they can see someone climbing over the back wall.

He tells Nightcrawler to stay there while he checks it out but before he can finish his sentence, Nightcrawler has already teleported outside next to the intruder. Seeing the intruders face more closely on the screen, Cyclops knows who he is.

Dr. Peter Corbeau. They sit him down, throwing a blanket around him and giving him a hot drink. Cyclops explains to the others who this man is and how he said he's here to help them. He's already taken the liberty of briefing him on what's happened.

He tells Peter that that's the gist of it is that Cerebro can't find a single residual trace if them which can mean that they're dead.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

The Champions (1975) [issues #7-#10]

At the Champions temporary headquarters. A plush suite in a 23 story office building. Their first visitor comes crashing through the window. A bomb.

Iceman tells Hercules to not even try to catch it cause if Fenster's right about it being a bomb, it could be set to explode on contact. Hercules tries to punch it anyway. Being too fast for Hercules, Iceman tries to freeze it but it reverses its direction and shatters his ice slide.

As it comes back, Iceman makes an ice cylinder so Hercules can grab it. It goes off and Ivan helps Hercules off from the floor.

Warren explains their last encounter with Rampage to Johnny. His last attack he attempted suicide. Telling him that for a long time the doctors here didn't think he'll recover. As to why he's helping, he asks isn't that what the champs are about. Johnny disagrees with him with the sentiment. He thinks he's up to something and he's going to pay him a visit as Ghost Rider.

Darkstar's 1st Appearance. Someone blasts the guards out of Rampage's room. Darkstar and the Griffin are trying to leave with Rampage. After Griffin knocks Ghost Rider down, Darkstar tells him that they need to go as Rampage was their objective of the mission. Griffin comments saying he wanted to fight the Angel anyway.

Thinking he's being kidnapped Angel attacks the two with gas, swooping in and catching Rampage. Angel apologizes for the delayed rescued and explains the nurses aren't too keen on giving out gas battles to every winged man who walks into the supply room before gently putting Rampage on the hospitals roof.

Angel comments that he probably disappointed the Griffin for not fighting but he's grown a lot during the last few months. He likes to think he uses his head more these days.

He then asks if Rampage is all right when he punches Warren in the stomach. Telling him that Darkstar smuggled in his exo-glove, and that it's only the beginning.

Recovering from the punch, Warren tells him he gave him the benefit of doubt but he's nobody's punching bag. Flapping his wings hard enough to knock Rampage down.

Angel starts to have a hard time breathing from Darkstars dark energy. Kneeling down in front of him, she begins to think of the plan. It calls for all the Champions to die at the same time, expect Natasha and Ivan. If Griffin knew that Angel was still alive he would have killed him now and spoil everything.

Ghost Rider follows the escaping trio but Darkstar uses her dark energy and he's having a hard time navigating them. Before he crashes, Angel pulls him out. Ghost Rider telling him that the others got a clean getaway. Warren tells him not to worry, he has a hunch they'll see them again.

Back at their headquarters, the trio of Iceman, Hercules and Fenster search the building from top to bottom just in case there's anymore surprises.

Hercules wishes for the simpler times and Iceman agrees. Telling off Fenster, that he's taken this project way too far and if there's any new danger they could lose sight of the everyday common joe's they're supposed to be helping.

Hercules rips the wall off and Iceman uses his ice to trip the intruder. However, once Hercules catches him, it's just a child. The child sobs explaining himself to Hercules. That the Champions are suppose to help people and he needs help badly.

The Champions later receive photos of Natasha being taken. Now aggressively questioning Rampage if he knows anything about it. He says he was getting to it but he might just leave then they'll never know how to get her back or why she was taken in the first place.

Angel tells him that they've taken about all they can from him. First thinking Rampage was just misguided but he realizes that he's just plain nuts. In trying to take down the Champions he turns a stud on his exo-skeleton and blows up. Hercules taking most of the blast while shielding Ivan behind him as Iceman makes an ice screen to shield everyone else.

Outside, Darkstar tells the Griffin that it has been done. He asks why she feels bad for Rampage and she tells him perhaps she's not as bloodthirsty as him.

Iceman makes an instant indoor snowstorm. Ghost Rider finds Rampage still breathing. Iceman tells him not to move as he might have internal injuries and for Fenster to find a phone that still works and call an ambulance.

Bending down next to him, Angel takes Rampage's helmet off. Commenting on what a waste. He's able to build a suit capable of miracles and an insane obsession for money brought him to this.

Ghost Rider argues that Angel has no idea what it's like being broke, what it can do to a person. Angel just says "I... guess not."

Now angry, Ivan punches the wall but Angel tells him to relax and the place doesn't need to be busted in any more and beating up walls isn't going to get them to Natasha any faster.

The official inauguration of the new super group called the Champions is soon and their headquarters looks a mess. Warren suggests to cancelling as both Ghost Rider and Black Widow are both gone the glad tidings wouldn't make much sense.

Iceman doesn't want to help in cleaning up the mess from their earlier fight. He offers to give their resident Russian a little moral support. Warren tells him he'll entertain their "honoured guests" of the press will be probably bored of just him and Hercules. Though he would rather present to whole group.

As he leaves Bobby tells Warren "You're not kidding anybody, Warren! You know as well as I that this is gonna be the biggest bluff of your life! The old days in Prof.X's Danger Room are starting to seem like a picnic."

Fenster tells Warren that Iceman is right. Warren already knows. Even replacing his ruined costume with a new one isn't going to throw the press into a frenzy.

Darkstar asks Titanium Man if he has any news. He says the plan is working perfectly but it seems inappropriate to speak of such things in front of their "guests." Darkstar does see the issue but tells him that Madame Natasha must know what is to become of her and why she is wanted home.

She gets the sense that there is more in Yuri's attack on Madame Natasha than a mere desire to serve his country. Commenting that is she beautiful. Griffin gets annoyed at her for always talking.

On the roof of their building Iceman tells Ivan that he gives up. He watched him tinker in the lab for the past hour and he still doesn't have the faintest idea as to what he's done. Ivan tells him it's tracking scope. Iceman thinks that's fine and all but what is it supposed to track. Ivan shows him a black pearl.

A kind of black pearl that is carried by only one man in the world. Alexi Bruskin, the Commissar. The scope already catches a signal. Bobby asks what are they waiting for, a quick ice slide will beat L.A traffic. Iceman tells Ivan to knock it off with calling him "kid."

On a stage surrounded by the press. With the governor now there Angel begins his speech. That today is the start of a dream. A group of American individuals dedicated to fighting for every day people's rights to be free.

Just as he declares that they're the Champions. Crimson Dynamo, Titanium Man and the Griffin interrupts his speech and attacks the two Champions on stage. Warren wonders if this is already the end of the Champions.

He tells Hercules to hold them off while he gets the crowd out of the way. Fenster tells him good luck as the crowd is already starting to panic and if he doesn't act fast they'll have a mob on their hands. With the mic Warren tries to tell the crowd to clear the area quickly and calmly. Hercules tells him his words are in vain.

Angel keeps dodging the Titanium Man's blasts, he tells him that he can't doge all day. While kicking the Titanium Man, it upsets his centre of balance causing him to fall on Hercules. Angel comes for the Griffin as he knocked out Johnny but is quickly taken out too. They've caught all the Champions, except for Iceman.

Iceman asks how much longer when Ivan tells him that they're almost there. Ivan riled up wants to run into the warehouse and find Natasha. Iceman tells him to slow down as it could a trap and they figure things out first.

Ivan tells him a little backstory. Iceman asks "Why you pig-headed old Russian! Who said anything about running out?" He was only trying to point out that that's at least a 30 jump between the roof they're on to the next one. Beginning to wish he'd let Ivan jump and figure it out for himself.

Iceman reminding him that they're on the same side, that Ivan needs to work on the idea of team work. He tells him to skip the speeches as Crimson Dynamo, Titanium Man and the Griffin come flying in with their unconscious team mates in hand.

He tells Ivan to go look for Natasha while he deals with the super-types, already freezing Titanium Man's armour. Iceman is quickly knocked down.

Darkstar comes to the room where they have their captives. Alexi tells her that Natasha might be asleep. Darkstar says that Madame Natasha still must eat as she turns on the light and gets knocked down by a hidden Widow.

Alexi is proud of his student before Darkstar reminds him that she was also one of his pupils and though the Widow may be more agile, Darkstar has powers she can use, like her dark force.

Dodging Ivan's shots the Widow knocks Darkstar out of the sky. Alexi asks if she's all right. She tells him that is, maybe except her dignity. He grabs her and yells for her to tell him when the others are.

Darkstar not able to maintain the darkfield much longer as the Champions are waking up. Warren commenting that the last thing he remembers was the fight in L.A. When the strength of Hercules doesn't break the barrier, Iceman and Ghost Rider combine their powers and try it for themselves.

Being too much for Darkstar they plan to depart. Warren warns everyone that the girl is up to something as they fade out, bringing her comrades back to the surface.

The Champions are trapped in a steel cube. Hercules ripping it, only to revealing stone. Iceman asking out loud as to why and where they are being surrounded by rock? The Titanium Man tells them that they're encased in vault deep in the San Andreas Fault, leaving them with no escape.

The ground shakes again. Angel warning Hercules that there's more at stake here than just them. It's the whole state of California.

Ghost Rider tries to stop Hercules while Angel and Iceman try to stop him from charging at Johnny. Warren yelling that they're a team now. Iceman telling Hercules that he has a tendency to act before he thinks.

In a ship above, Darkstar tells Crimson Dynamo that Ivan is telling the truth. Releasing Alexi and Madame Natasha from their shackles. Crimson Dynamo blasts her.

Darkstar assures Madame Natasha she's not hurt as Yuri would ever try to hurt her. He must be made to hear the truth before the lie he's been living will destroys him.

She then tells Madame Natasha that they lack the strength to force him to listen to them. Using her dark force to escape the ship, she knows others with such strength.

Still arguing among each other underground, Warren tells Hercules to wait. Before he can finish his sentence they're all back on the surface.

Signalling for the sub marine to surface, Crimson Dynamo grabbing Natasha and Darkstar. They notice the Champions arriving in their ship. Warren warns Iceman to look out as they're firing at them now.

It's slow but the plane still moves. Warren tells everyone to get down before the sub marine dives back down. Fighting to save Natasha and Ivan. Darkstar noticing they're not fighting at full strength while Crimson Dynamo holds onto Natasha.

She attacks Crimson Dynamo with her dark force. Telling him that he must've known the truth or she wouldn't be attacking him. His ignorance makes her realize he's no more than a cold-blooded murderer. Though they once shared love he'll feel the power of Darkstar.

With Crimson Dynamo down, Darkstar asks Ivan to tell her what to do. He says he can't as it must be her decision.

Angel flies over hoping someone has an explanation on what even happened and why the Crimson Dynamo was allowed to escape.

Darkstar thanks Madame Natasha and hopes she'll prove worthy of her trust.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Avengers (1963) [issues #154-#156]

The Avengers take the Whizzer to the hospital. Beast confides to Captain America. Admitting that Wonder Man spooks him. That it was flat-out weird the way he regained his memory when the Living Laser blasted him with a light beam. Cap tells him that there's a lot of unanswered questions concerning their friend, and perhaps too many questions.

At the mansion, an injured Scarlet Witch gets attacked and knocked out by Tyrak. The Avengers burst in the room before he can leave with her.

Beast grabs Scarlet Witch out of the arms of Tyrak and into his. Tyrak saying that she lied, that she was in contact with them all along. Hank tells him nope as the team just split up and are doing their own thing. Some are at the hospital and some went home like them for example, and when they arrived they found him.

He crushes Iron Man power pack. Knocks out the Wasp with gas and as Yellowjacket hopes he can catch her in time and once he does, Tyrak squishes them both in his fist. A confrontation with Cap causes Tyrak to let go of the Wasp and Yellojacket. The wall then begins to fall, Beast yelling for Cap to run.

Beast commenting that it's just like what the Whizzer did only two days ago. Tyrak saying he knows as he observed the battle on his master's screen. Gloating that they've been watching them constantly for weeks and planned for every contingency and that he cannot fail.

In New York, three other members are flying a quinjet. Beast, along with Whizzer and Wonder Man. The Whizzer learns of Wonder Man's death which confuses him. Like maybe he was just in suspended animation or something. Beast tells him that he's talked to people who were there, he was definitely kaput.

While Wonder Man begins to have an existential crisis Beast tells him to maybe worry about that later as they've got a homing device to follow.

As the other members are trapped and abandoned by Vision when he got free. The three from the quinjet have arrived just in time.

After knocking Beast down, Wonder Man punches Attuma hard. Fighting another Atlantean, Hank asks if Wonder Man needs any help, he tells him to have some faith.

Cornering Attuma, Whizzer asks where are their friends. Wonder Man asks why did he attack this sea lab and Beast asks "Yeah.. and what's the big idea wearing the Vision's cape?"

Namor flies towards them and he's in a very bad mood. Attuma thinks the only way to get away is to confused Namor. Attuma acts like a common enemy draws near, that three of them must kill Namor now!

Thinking Attuma found new allies, Namor declares that they shall be the first to feel his wrath as he strikes all three before Beast can explain they're on his side.

With only Wonder Man left on his feet, Namor tells him he's strong, but not as strong as him. Wonder Man tells him he's dead wrong as he punches Namor away. Namor thinking Wonder Man is almost as powerful as Thor.

Jumping in the water, Hank hopes not to run into Tyrak on the way down. Beast can see that Attuma has a ship all set for a getaway. Hoping the others can handle Namor as he has his own foe to follow.

Knocking down the Whizzer and realizing it's not Quicksilver from the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Namor then learns the truth but Wonder Man didn't wanna take any chances and knocks him out.

Attuma gloats in his submarine as a little blue Beast hides and peeks out of a maintenance hole.

Once on the ship there's a radio signal. Beast tells him of course it's him, were they expecting Daffy Duck. He quietly tells them he's in the command ship and got in very carefully. Adding he's glad Namor is on their side as they need him, Attuma is leading to home base.

He tells them to follow the homing signal and be ready to attack. That he'll stay out of sight and signal for them at the right time.

A guard actually knocks Hank out. Impatient on the surface Namor dives into the water, following behind him Wonder Man with a breathing apparatus. In trying to figure out Attuma's plan he spots Beast being carried out. Being the only left Wonder Man tells Whizzer he's scared he'll mess up.

Another ship approaches the Whizzer's and it's the Avengers with Dr. Doom. Diving down they go rescue their friends and stop Attuma. After knocking some guards down, a much larger Tyrak comes and knocks them down.

After fighting Tyrak, they find Attuma with Beast and Namor knocked out. Attuma turning out to be a coward they leave Namor to deal with him as they get back on the ship.

After Vision breaks Doom's machine he retreats. Once gone, the room is tense. Scarlet Witch asks her husband to just talk to her, to tell her what's wrong but Vision says he wishes to be alone. Upset she says it's like she can't get through to him and it seems she only makes his mood worse.

Cap comes back in the room after he investigated something right quick and awkwardly asks "something... wrong?"

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Avengers (1963) [issues #151-#153] [annual #6]

A newscaster announces that before the day is out a new line-up of Avengers will be forged. Flashbacks of other Avengers or other heroes who declined being a member.

The Champions watching the broadcast at their headquarters. Hercules feeling somewhat nostalgic. Also, reminding Angel and Iceman of their time with the X-Men.

At the Avengers mansion, they're all gathered. Deciding on who is staying and who is leaving. Iron Man now brings up that the last person to make a decision is Beast.

Hank comes jumping in with a big grin and enthusiastically accepts. Saying he'll make up for her loss (Moondragons) doubled and redoubled. Take him, he's theirs.

The Wasp immediately objects.

Iron Man tells her that Beast proven himself and that they're taking him in. Hellcat accepts the offer too but Moondragon objects, saying she will train Hellcat for awhile as she's too inexperienced. Beast kisses Patsy goodbye on the cheek, telling her to take care.

Coming out of the mansion in front of reporters and press, Iron Man as the chair-man of the Avengers announces the new line-up.

Vision, Scarlet Witch, Beast, Iron Man, Captain America, The Wasp and Yellowjacket.

As they walk through the crowd, a reporter asks if he can have just a few minutes with each of them about their new status. Beast tells him they'll be glad to oblige when suddenly the ground grumbles.

A big crate being delivered to the mansion shakes violently. It breaks open and Iron Man and Cap can't believe it as they seen him "die". It's Wonder Man.

Weak and wobbly he points at Vision, telling them that he's the one who stole his mind before collapses. The reporters in a frenzy asking what's happening and Cap gets mad at them as this does not involve them. As Wonder Man lays on the lab table with Iron Man, Yellowjacket and Beast try to examine him.

Beast tells Iron Man that there's no doubt about it. Wonder Man has all the basics. Breathing, heart rate and his blood circulation is fine but no one's home. Iron Man asks what he means. Yellowjacket telling him that he's brain wiped clean of all memories, except that one sentence he keeps repeating.

Iron Man tells Beast that Cap is right, they've beaten foes before that blur the line of real and unreal, and when it comes down to it Iron Man tells Beast to look at himself. Hank thinks to himself "Yeah, look at me, Hank McCoy. Friendly neighbourhood monster. Swell."

Scarlet Witch figures out they need to go to New Orleans to help with Wonder Man. After she gets info from a local by using her hexes, he tells them "Le Mort Bayou." All the Avengers head there with Wonder Man over Beast's shoulder.

Hank tells Vision to cheer up as things aren't as bad as they seem. Pretty sure they'll know whose behind Wonder Man then he can relax. Vision tells him he thinks not, that no matter what the outcome is, there are questions he can't answer. Beast just says "Oh, uh, well... sure."

Beast places Wonder Man on his feet. Asking if what Scarlet Witch told them about voodoo and bringing back the dead was real. They then watch as to what Wonder Man does in swamp.

Revealing the villain is Black Talon. Scolding Wonder Man as his mission was in New York and now he's back. After hearing enough the Avengers attack.

Black Talon chants and enters a clearing, something so evil that it's presence is like a physical blow and all the heroes fall. Beast notes that it feels like he's being stepped on by some giant crushing him. That it wiped out everyone, even Black Talon's voodoo followers.

He now sees that it hadn't affected everyone as Scarlet Witch stands before Black Talon. After a difficult battle, Scarlet Witch ends up winning againist Black Talon.

However, this made Scarlet Witch think she has something to think about... alone. She ventures off.

The Avengers, without Scarlet Witch, fly their quinjet back to the mansion. Avoiding the reporters in the front by going through back door. Jarvis tells Vision he has a visitor and it's the Whizzer. Cap and Beast peak into the hallway after hearing a tussle. Seeing the Whizzler Beast asks "who the heck is that, cap?"

Iron Man begins to say he understands why the Whizzer thinks they are, before getting cut off by being pushed over by the Whizzer. Beast comments that of all the melodramatic nonsense, Iron Man was knocked down before revealing the foes master plan.

Getting a good look at Whizzer, Beast notices he's hypnotized and freaking out, that nothing can stop him at this point. Whizzer damages the mansion and the rubble falling on Beast, being boxed in.

Even though being the most agile Avenger, he doesn't have time to move and is buried by rubble with only his hand sticking out.

The Wasp and Yellowjacket knock out Whizzer and 18 minutes later Iron Man tells Beast that they better get the Whizzer to the lab. Hank asks "Since when was I elected donkey for this troop?" Vision answers by saying in many ways Hank is the strongest member and offers to carry Whizzer if wants.

Getting to the lab, they see that it's now wrecked and Wonder Man missing.

A minute ago, the room was quiet and in ruins, the next, Scarlet Witch makes a hex sphere back to the mansion. Weak and bleeding from a bullet wound she denies a doctor as it's not important now. She tells Vision that the Serpent Crown that they thought they lost at the Brand Corparation and now he's found it.

The Whizzer wakes up and tells them what he remembers they wouldn't believe. Beast tells them that they can stay here and play what's-my-line but he's going out to look for Wonder Man. He disappeared after their scuffle with the Whizzer and he worries about that mindless chump.

In the city's alleys Hank figures Wonder Man must be around as a guy that sized don't just disappear. He says to himself "unless, of course, they're the Vision." before scolding himself as to not make wisecracks about his pals. From what the Avengers told him, Vision is part Wonder Man, which completely confuses him. Asking out loud to no one "c'mon Wondy.. where you hidin' boy?"

Before Beast strikes the fence he grabs hold of a hanging pipe. Telling Wonder Man that he's changed. Saying that last time he seen him he could barely move never mind carry a conversation before kicking Wonder Man and asking if he's a fraud.

Wonder Man tells Hank he was freed by the Living Laser who he now calls master and that he command your death (generally all the Avengers) as he smashes two trash cans together. Creating a blast that knocks Hank down and through the fence.

Hank realizing he's just as powerful as the Avengers say he was, even powerful enough to turn him into blue confetti. Wonder Man now comes back charging in, rambling about his "master."

Hank says that it's a good thing that he's athletic, Wonder Chum's momentum almost carried him through the wall. Now noticing a crowd is gathering. Everywhere the Avengers go, they always draw a bit crowd.

Walking through the mess of the alley, something catches Hank's attention. A charred area in the concrete, proof Wonder Man wasn't lying when he named the Living Laser and judging by the burns he's become more powerful than before.

The crowd begins to come closer. In his head Hank jokes that they probably want chuck of his blue hair as a memento. Putting Wonder Man over his shoulder, Beast bounces away to get Wonder Man some medical help.

The Living Laser was so focused on what was in front of him, leaving him open from behind. Vision, Beast and Wonder Man catch him off guard and attacks him and his soldiers. Realizing he's losing the Living Laser tries to control Wonder Man.

Wonder Man tells Beast to be on his toes as the Laser is blasting their way. Hank tells him "much obliged, Wondy! Your super-bod may be blast proof but my hairy hide is delicate as plate glass." then adding "glad you've come around to our side, pal!"

Iron Man whose laying on the floor is confused that Wonder Man is talking.

Cap tells Beast to get back up as Iron Man's fighting alone and they can't stand by and watch him being slaughter. Hank tells him to cut the lecture, he's just groggy.

Iron Man tells them to all run before they explode. His armour will protect him but nothing will protect them. Cap tells him not a chance as all the Avengers hop over the fence. Cap saying "we began this battle together and that's how we're going to end!"

The Whizzer comes and touches Nuklo (his son) and with a big boom. Iron Man, Whizzer and Beast are knocked down. Quickly getting up, he and Yellowjacket help shell-head back on his feet.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) [issues #161-#162] X-Men (1963) [issue #96]

While in the Danger Room, Nightcrawler hangs upside down by his tail reading the newspaper when something surprises him. Colossus asks him if something is wrong. Nightcrawler says its nothing, just something he noticed in the paper. Wolverine, amused, jumps from a trampoline and cuts the rope Nightcrawler was hanging off, telling him he's been upside too long and the blood must be rushing to his head.

Nightcrawler tells him that that wasn't funny as when he was falling, his paper ripped. Wolverine waves him off asking what got him in such an uproar and that can't he take a joke. Nightcrawler gets annoyed, telling Wolverine that there was something important in that newspaper and that he destroyed it, he wants apology or he'll pin Wolverins's ears pinned back.

Wolverine pops his claws saying he how just loves threats. Colossus gets in the middle of the two, telling them to stop or he'll have to report their behaviour to Cyclops (when he comes back). Nightcrawler jumps out the window. Colossus asks him where he's going, Nightcrawler just tells he needs a breath of fresh air.

Thinking of what he in the newsread in the paper, Nightcrawler roams in the shadows of a carnival when he hears gun shots and sees someone falling from the roller coaster. He looks up behind him, and he can see the shooter above. The shooter then throws his gun down and unknowingly right into Nightcrawlers lap. He jumps to the roof to catch the shooter but it's too late, he's already running back downstairs.

Nightcrawler tries to open the door but can't, given time he can get it off by its hinges but time is something cannot waste. Even though the shooter escaped, Nightcrawler goes back to recover the rifle before picking up the shooters trail. Knowing that the authorities are going to needing the rifle for evidence he wraps it in newspaper to avoid getting his fingerprints on it.

Before he can leave he gets kicked by the infamous Spider-Man, asking Nightcrawler who he is. Remembering that he also read in the papers that they labelled Spider-Man as s killer. Thinking that maybe Spider-Man was the one he saw on the roof. Taking no chances Nightcrawler punches Spider-Man, shoot now ask later.

Spider-Man tells Nightcrawler he packs quite a punch for his size before punching him back. As Nightcrawlers back hits the brick wall he tries to get away but Spider-Man webs his tail to the building. Telling him to stay put so they can have a little chat.

Nightcrawler then uses his tail to pull the chuck of wall he's stuck to and swings it at Spider-Man, telling him he was nothing to discuss with him.

As Nightcrawler runs away he tells Spider-Man that he knows all about him and that he'll have to take the rifle from his corpse.

A quick game of cat and mouse climbing up the ferris wheel both men are perplexed by the other. Spider-Man lunges himself at Nightcrawler calling him a killer, Nightcrawler denies it and says that it's Spider-Man whose the killer. Their tussle makes Nightcralwer drop the rifle. Knowing that he was wrong, Nightcrawler decides on a strategic retreat and teleports away.

Back in the shadows, Nightcrawler sees Spider-Man pick up his camera from his hiding spot before swinging away. Not knowing what Spider-Man will do with those photos he feels needs to get them back.

Sitting atop a building Spider-Man wonders why the Punisher would want to meet him before he gets hit by Nightcrawler again.

Dizzy and dazed for the moment, Nightcrawler tells him to just stay down as their battle earlier was a mistake he does not want to repeat it. He slightly lifts Spider-Man's shirt and grabs his camera before hopping away, telling Spider-Man as he goes he hopes the next time they meet they can be friends.

All Spider-Man can ask is "why? why my camera?" With his head still spinning he follows behind Nightcrawler.

Amazed by Spider-Man's stamina in trying to get his camera back, Nightcrawler thinks that since the public doesn't know about he new X-Men he wants to keep his and his friends secret. Catching up with him, Nightcrawler tosses Spider-Man his camera as he as the film.

Spider-Man accidentally hits Nightcrawler too hard and he starts to fall. Instead of terror, its has if Nightcrawler seemed be exhilarated and laughs a laugh that sounds more like a howl before he teleports right behind Spider-Man.

Turning around he webs Nightcrawler so he doesn't go anywhere as he then punches him again. Nightcrawler yanks at his end of the end web pulling Spider-Man closer. Nightcrawler tells him he has no real desire to fight him but if Spider-Man insists he will.

Before another punch an be thrown a cable car comes speeding by, knocking the both of them off the wire though they quickly grab on to it again.

Nightcrawler notices the cable car completely stopped which he says is impossible and asks why would anyone would do that. Spider-Man tells him that the answer's not gonna be pleasant.

Yelling from the edge of the door of the cable car is the Punisher saying one of them is the man he was sent to kill. Nightcralwer then tells Spider-Man that he must be the shooter with the rifle. Nightcrawler jumps atop of the car then kicking the Punisher into the car, but he rolls with the the hit and throws Nightcrawler out the window.

Nightcrawler climbs under the car as Spider-Man and the Punisher avoid shots from a sniper, that's now obviously not the Punisher.

Nightcrawler comes back into the car telling them that he can see that they came through alive after that barrage. The Punisher tells Nightcrawler to come more into the car as he has a few questions for him but Nightcrawler in a smoke of fire and the smell of brimstone teleports away.

Later on as Jigsaw tied up Spider-Man and hangs him from a lamp post. Nightcrawler, who had been following the Punisher all day hoping it lead him to the killer of his old friend. While the Punisher and Spider-Man were scouting, Nightcrawler had been scanning the neighbourhood and knocked out of Jigawa's men and put it on as a disguise. He then lunges at Jigsaw, knowing now that he must help Spider-Man.

Spider-Man then gains his consciousness and sees Nightcrawler being decked by Jigsaw's goons. Easily breaking out of his chains Spider-Man goes to help out Nightcrawler.

Later on, he and the Punisher then catch up to Spider-Man asking if everything's under control. Spider-Msn tells them its all good and asks about the other goons. The Punisher says he and Nightcrawler neutralized them. The killer of Nightcrawler's friend now wrapped up and capture.

Spider-Man then turns to apologize to Nightcrawler when he teleports away before he can finish.

---

X-Men (1963) #96

Cyclops walks alone on an autumn path, thinking that though it's been weeks now since Thunderbird. The memory still hurts, thinking that if he done something differently Thunderbird could still be alive.

He and the X-Men saved the world from a nuclear holocaust but had to lose one of their own. Trying as hard he can, he can't balance the scales in his mind or in his heart.

With rage , he cuts loose like never before, with no care or thought of restraint. His optic beams destroying things in their way and chipping at an old tombstone.

When the moment passes and Cyclops becomes himself again. Realizing what he done, Cyclops then gets mad at himself as he knows the risks of his eyes. He knows the rules and the risks of the game (being an X-men) when he got into this group and everyone did when they joined too.

Reminding himself the he's the top man in the group, that he wanted the job of being an X-Men, that as he's good at it, but now had to pay the price. His job is to take bad things along with good things.

That no matter how much he wishes Thunderbird to be alive again, the truth is that he's dead. How matter much it hurts, he and the rest have to keep leaving.

In the Danger Room, the newer X-Men train. Colossus, Storm, Nightcrawler and Wolverine. In trying to surprise Colossus Wolverine gets hit by him with full strength. Colossus asks if he's okay and Wolverine tells him he's only mad and that he loves to get mad, now popping out his claws.

While charging in, Storm stops him, blowing him away with her wind. Telling him that her winds will see that Colossus isn't hurt at all. Nightcrawler laughs as Wolverine is on the floor. Now mad at Nighttcrawler for laughing at him, Wolverine then lunges at him. Before his claws can cut, Nightcrawler teleports away.

Banshee tells him to knock it off as he could have killed Nightcrawler and Wolverine tells him "Yeah, I know." Xavier then asks if he can have a word with Banshee.

He comments on how tired Xavier looks and he explains that he is tired as the past few weeks hadn't really been good ones. Banshee comments that Thunderbird's death has got them all pretty down. Xavier tells him he's worried for Cyclops as he knows that he's not trying to show it but the death has effected him deeply.

Moira MacTaggert 1st Appearance. Running to open the door Banshee is thinking that this "housekeeper" will be at least in her 80s. Opening the door Banshee asks who the blazes she is. With a thick Scottish accent Moira explains she's the housekeeper for Xavier and if he wanted to make something of it.

Steven Lang 1st Appearance. In a secret installation deep within the Adirondack mountains a plane flies into the hanger. A man admitting that though he's been working on this project for 6 years, now that the time is almost near he's nervous as a freshman during finals.

A Colonel Rossi comes out of the aircraft telling Lang he has something for his ears alone. Lang asks if he has the green light for his project but the Colonel tells him no and he's come to give them a final report after the visit. Lang asks the Colonel what happened as they used to be friends.

The Colonel tells him that it's this project. 6 years of his Lang's life, a billion dollars in illegal appropriations, he asks why to all of this time and energy, just so he can kidnap mutants

With raging anger, Lang tells him yes. To kidnap them, secure them so they could do in-depth examinations so that mankind will know it's true enemy. Project Armageddon. The final ultimate conflict between man and mutant.

Lang asks if he's exaggerating the threat but the Colonel tells him he thinks that's no threat (of mutants). Lang explains that Bolivar knew the danger of mutants when he build the sentinels and they killed him. Him and later on his son Larry (the X-Men did not kill them).

He declares that they won't destroy him as he planned for every contingency, leaving nothing to chance, that nothing can stop him now. The Colonel tells him that he could stop him and that Lang's got it all wrong. Lang gets mad at his old friend, telling him it's either us or them, kill or be killed and that there's no other way.

The Colonel tells him that even if that were true, project Armageddon is not the answer as the country wouldn't survive his kind of mutant witch hunt. That he's shutting it all down once he's back in Washington. As the Colonel leaves Lang makes a comment about him never even reaching Washington, alive at least.

Back in Westchester, NY. Xavier introduces Moira to everyone and explains that she's going to look after the house, and them, while he's away. Wolverine asks him if he's cutting out on them. Xavier explains that it's only for awhile as every man needs a vacation at some point in their lives, and he decided that that time as now come for him.

Banshee tries to apologize to Moira from earlier and introduces himself, asking if she'd have a coffee with him.

Xavier comments on how taken Banshee seems to be about Moira already. Storm asks him that if he's so intent on keeping their existence a secret from the world, why reveal that to this housekeeper. He explains that it's his affairs are his but assures her that their secret is save with Moira. Xavier then asks if anyone has seen Cyclops.

Suddenly they hear (?) Cyclops's optic beams coming from right outside before Cyclops himself comes crashing through the window. The boys run to him and ask he's okay, Banshee insists that a little rest he'll be "foine" Cyclops tells him that Banshee doesn't understand as the it was just behind him and coming fast. That it'll be here in any second.

It's not even that as it breaks in. Kierrok. Kierrok the shatter of souls, the slayer of men, the damned. He comes for their lives and their souls.

Kierrok tells them he's come for the eyeless one as he awakened him up before his time was ready. Xavier tells the X-Men to scatter and attack as a team like they've been teaching them. Kierrok notices Xavier's tone as he speaks as the leader of the group and that maybe he'll go for him first. Storm stands in front of Xavier to protect him.

Xavier tells Storm not to, as his mental powers can protect him, that he's in no danger but she is. Telling her she's no match against Kierrok by herself. She then gets hit. Now on the floor Kierrok goes for the kill, thanking her for the easy battle.

Colossus comes in saying that Storm will thank Kierrok for nothing. Storm yells at him to be careful. He tells her that Kierrok tried to kill her and that's something he will not allow.

Getting back up, Kierrok asks if they really think they can beat him so easily and if they're just fools. Yelling at them that he's the master of humans, that no one can ever defeat him, while lifting some heavy equipment and throwing it at Colossus. Nightcrawler comes in but as he hits Kierrok, he does not fall. Now throwing Nightcrawler away into some equipment with his tail.

Wolverine comes in swiping at Kierrok, with his claws telling him "Fella, you just said the wrong thing, cause the misfit may be a misfit but he's Wolverine's buddy an' nobody beats on Wolverine's buddies." but he too gets quickly thrown away by Kierrok but not before doing any damaged.

Kierrok yells that Wolverine hurt him, the first time in countless of eons a human has hurt him. Wolverine tells him he hasn't seen nothing yet before going back and slashing at Kierrok.

Cyclops tells him "You want to know something even funnier? Kierrok's not dead." Wolverine quickly turns around. Cyclops explains he blasted Kierrok a dozen times with full strength and each time he reformed into something stronger while each time Cyclops felt weaker.

Realizing that Kierrok must be taking and leeching off their life forces. Xavier decides that he must try to mind probe Kierrok before he fully recovers. Cyclops tells him not to and that it's too dangerous. It's too late, Xavier is in Kierrok's mind and deep inside is hell. He screams before falling out his chair.

Banshee tells the others to get Xavier out but his sonic screams won't hold the monster back for much longer. Moira comes running in with a close-range machine gun. Banshee runs to grab her, telling her that she's a foine and brave women, that he thinks he likes her a lot but here and now she's way out of her league.

Sitting with Xavier, Storm tells Cyclops that he's coming too. Weakly Xavier asks Cyclops how they're doing. He tells him not well but they're still holding their own. Xavier explains that they need to destroy Kierrok at the source, the tombstone, telling Storm that she must seal it again.

Getting to the tombstone she can sense the evil that's there. An ancient monstrous evil with demons all around. Before she can even attack she gets stabbed by a phantom spear. Confused as to what they even are, they will not find her an easy opponent. A bolt of energy comes from the tombstone and she has time to avoid it.

She then gets carried in by the swarm of demons into the tombstone. Struggling to get away, with flashbacks of her childhood coming into mind, Storm's able to destroy the tombstone.

At the same time, as the tombstone is slammed shut forever, the demon Kierrok ceases to exist. Cyclops asks Xavier a bunch of questions. Xavier tells him he doesn't know, or if he'll ever know. Whatever Kierrok was, their kind had once ruled mankind and it seems that they to want to rule once again. Afraid that this might not be the last they see of his kind.

Miles away a plane that was taking the Colonel back to Washington explodes with him inside.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

The Champions (1975) [issues #4-#6]

A few days later at Warren's beach house. It's about an hour past sunset when Ivan tells Warren that he's worried about Natasha has she hasn't heard from her all day. No note, no phone call, nothing. Warren tries to assures him that she's not a kid and can take care of herself. Bobby adding that she's with Hercules, what kind of trouble could they get into.

Suddenly Hercules and Natasha come bursting through the wall. Hercules declaring that in the name of their master, all within these walls must die.

Iceman asks what's going on and if this is all some kind of joke. Warren telling him to take a look in Hercules' eyes. It's not joke, their friends are here wanting them dead.

Bobby noting that he talks a good talk but his little number just left him wide-open for their hairy playmates and those clowns are out for blood. With Ivan's help, Iceman's able to burst though saying they're nothing to the Danger Room. While dealing with his crowd, he doesn't see Hercules come as he punches him.

Iceman feeling like mush inside his head and telling himself he can't give up now. As Edward Lansing wants to condition them just as he did with Hercules and Black Widow, planning to have them as his slaves forever.

The distraction of the sound Johnny's bike, it gives Angel time to attack Hercules which only confuses Johnny. Iceman telling him that Hercules' lashing out cause he's brainwashed into believing they're the bad guys.

Angel tells him that it might be so, if this the night they're gonna die, then lets make they do it as heroes.

After defeating them and their conditioning passing, Angel asks Hercules if he's okay. Telling him that cops will come soon, they'll see Lansing's mutates will be looked-after.

Angel telling him that like it or not they're all unique and have power. Along with the responsibility and duty to use it wisely. To help does who can't help themselves, the innocents, the victims of people like Lansing. The world still needs Champions.

A few days later Warren is talking to Emerson Bale. One of the finest legal minds. His clientele being from senators, sports stars, millionaires, militants and one mutant. Emerson telling Warren that his parent were his dearest friends and will not allow Warren to be cheated out of his inheritance by the sharks he calls relatives.

Warren telling Emerson he appreciates everything he's doing for him as he'd never been involved in his family's finances before this, he wouldn't know where to start.

Warren's relatives are claiming that his parents would have not named him the sole beneficiary if they knew he was the mutant Angel. Emerson assures him they'll be laughed out of court. He followed the X-Men's exploits in the newspapers, Emerson suspects the fortune will be put to far better use in Warren's hands.

He jokes that Emerson is making it sound like he just inherited Fort Knox, like he knew his folks had money. Emerson cuts him off before he finishes he hands Warren a partial list of their holdings.

At U.C.L.A campus, a Richard Fenster is leaving and grumbling about being fired. Putting the blame the damage that Pluto caused on him. Worrying how he's going to tell Hercules and Black Widow that the school doesn't need their services anymore.

Warren surprises him by swooping him up. Asking "How about business manager of 'Champions, Inc'?" Telling him that Iceman will explain the details as Angel places him on Iceman's ice slide.

His job being to find them a suitable headquarters, nothing too big but at 20-30 floors should do. Fenster tries to decline but says "oh, what the hey! I accept."

Warren has an idea. As they all palled around enough with other superhero types to know that most are too involved in their own affairs. Vital as those may be, they're not much help for the average man. He thinks the Champions can change that.

It's about extending a needed hand when ordinary people face out-of-the-ordinary problems. They've got the power that equals heavy responsibility, how could they walk away from that. Hercules says Angel speaks with conviction and will join him.

Elsewhere, walking down the sidewalk, Bobby is lost in thought. Hoping Warren sold the others with being a group as it'll be easier for him when he decides to split.

Warren went public with his identity, but it wouldn't be the same for Bobby to go public with his identity, what effect would that have on his family? Besides, he's thinking to chuck this whole Iceman bit someday anyway and live a normal life.

Looking into a bank widow, he tells himself that "someday" is still ways off as he can see the place being robbed.

Even with his ice battering ram, Rampage hits Iceman hard and crashes through the window. Iceman thinking if his battering ram hadn't absorbed the brunt of the punch, little Bobby Drake would be busted into as many pieces as the window.

Doesn't even get a breather as Rampage comes charging in like mad bull. He asks Iceman if he thinks he can stop him with a barrage of ice. Iceman tells him "That's the general idea, chuckles."

Rampage then lifts a lamp post out of the ground and hits Iceman with it. Iceman's head now feeling like a soggy marshmallow, thinking if Rampage is to connect again (it'd be the end for him). Angel swoops in just in time asking him "Didn't your mom and I warn you to stay away from the neighbourhood bully, junior?" Thanking the eatery for playing news broadcasts instead of music.

Rampage comes swinging at both since Iceman's weight would slow Angel a bit, two birds with one stone, but he's blocked then defeated by Hercules. As he gloats, Rampage comes back up from behind and slams Hercules into the ground.

Rampage quickly escapes from the ice and one of the blocks hits Iceman on the head. Angel comes from behind but when he hits Rampage's helmet he hurts his hand, Rampage he calls him an idiot, explaining that his helmet is made out of the same invincible alloy as his armour before throwing Angel away.

Black Widow and Hercules fight Rampage. He throws a car at them as is luckily saved by Iceman's ice shield before Hercules breaking out and wanting to face his foe.

As they try to get close, Rampage tells them to back off. Clutching onto an unconscious Angel's hair, telling the rest that if they come one step closer, he'll smash right through Angel's skull.

Hercules being hot-headed tries to get by but Ivan tries to stop him but fails so Iceman hits Hercules with ice. Ivan tells him that wasn't too bright and Hercules gets mad at him from hitting an ally from behind. Iceman arguing that that's his best friend that has a mitt pointed at his profile. Natasha scolds them all.

Rampage tells them that time is money and the seconds they spend arguing could cost the Angel's life.

Iceman apologizes to Hercules as he begins to formulate a plan. He soon complains that Natasha doesn't ask for easy tasks as he has to concrete like never before, lowering his body temperature to near absolute zero. Once he reaches the lowest degree that he can barely withstand he spins around and really pours it on Rampage.

It begins to freeze all over Rampage's exo-skeleton. He thinks Iceman is a young fool as he broke out of his ice cube only a few minutes ago. However, the cold begins to give him a pounding headache and it's getting worse.

Before he can break out, Hercules and Natasha grab Angel out. Rampage breaks out and his brain feels like its ready to explode.

With Angel in his arms, Natasha confronts Rampage but Ivan thinks it's too dangerous. He pushes her out of the way and takes the hit. Placing Angel down, Hercules battles Rampage in vengeance. Iceman ruined his boots so Rampage was only able to get high enough to the roof where he then plans his escape.

Natasha declares to track that the armoured scum who did this to Ivan and if he dies the whole world will learn how deadly the Black Widow is. Angel asks her what good will that do for Ivan. Assuring her that they'll get that character, no doubt about it, and make sure he doesn't hurt anybody else. They're the Champions. Not the Avengers.

Iceman adding that she knows he's right. Angel then tells them all to pay attention. For the second time now, they got their tails kicked because they all went in off half-cocked without planning an attack. The Champions needs a leader.

Angel admitting he doesn't got the experience to command a boy scout troop and suggests Natasha for leader. Reminding everyone of the way she took command during the battle with Pluto. He then asks if everyone agrees.

Bobby also thinks it's time to chuck the superhero trip and start thinking of his future. He comments that he doesn't think Ghost Rider would object, so that makes Natasha the leader.

At the U.C.L.A hospital, the doctors told Natasha that Ivan was lucky as if Rampage pulled his punch at the very last second.

Outside of Ivan's room, Iceman being near a radio hears that Rampage is currently in a battle with the police and they can have a second crack at him. The Champions come to the rescue.

Angel bonks him on the head. Telling him he owed Rampage for that one. That they can end the battle here and now if he just surrenders to the authorities. Rampage tries to fly away with his jet pack but Angel easily dodges him.

The group now surrounds Rampage as he's kneeling on the ground. Saying he'd rather die than spend most of his life in a prison cell, he charges towards them.

Quickly beaten and cornered, Rampage feels like he's finished as his jet pack is smashed. It still has some fuel left in it and like he told them, he'd rather die than go to prison as he throws the jet pack onto the ground. Iceman quickly pouring ice around and telling everyone to hit the deck.

After a big blast Angel asks Iceman if he was in time. Iceman explains that he covered both him and them with ice shields but he was too close to the blast. Natasha tells him that he's badly injured but still breathing. Iceman saved him.

He asks for what, so he can maybe spend the rest of his life in the slammer or some asylum. Natasha gently assures him "He's alive, Iceman. You gave him that much."

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

The Champions (1975) [issues #1-#3]

At the U.C.L.A campus Warren asks "It's not working for you either, is it, Bobby?" Bobby tells him good shot as he explains that it was great that Xavier was able to get him a scholarship there but college isn't what this little mutant is looking for. Saying he'd much rather go back to the X-Men but they're not the same X-Men they grew up with, the ones he knows.

He mentions reading about Hank in newspapers making it with the Avengers. Warren asks him if he thinks they'd really fit with that kind of group. In the middle of admitting defeat and that no one needs these two heroes, a portal comes out of nowhere.

Popping out of the portal are Harpies. Attacking other students asking for the "man-child" when one gets stopped with ice. Warren compliments Bobby on saving that student but they can't fight them in their civilian identity. "What if someone sees? What about his parents."

Iceman freezes some the Harpies, one gets mad at Iceman for boasting too much. Just as Iceman starts to get overwhelmed by them, Angel comes swooping in. Iceman thinks that it's odd that Warren isn't wearing his mask, thinking somebody's bound to recognize him.

Angel asks Iceman "You okay, tiger?" Iceman says he's fine but that they should get out of there before his cover is blown. Angel tells him that he made this decision after his mom died. No more hiding, for better or worse, from here on in the Angel goes public. Plus their fans (the Harpies) are making a retreat difficult.

The cavalry's arrived (Hercules & Ghost Rider), giving them the only break since they've gotten since him and Angel ran into those ladies. The odds looking good enough for Iceman to be able to cut loose.

Angel notices that the Amazons and Harpies are recovering. Suggesting that he take Dr. Starr and make a run for it. She declines as she thinks it's time she lend a hand. Asking Black Widow to delay them for a moment while Angel flies her above their attackers.

Once in the air she admits that he's not the only one with a secret identity. Victoria Starr is actually the goddess Venus. She then knocks out their opponents.

Now talking among each other, Natasha asks Hercules as to what's going on. Venus tells them it seems to after her. Iceman comments that you can't hardly blame them for that. Angel asks if maybe somebody else is involved.

Someone with a single blast knocks all 6 of them down. Natasha commenting how it feels like all her strength has been drained out. Iceman tells her no kidding as it feels like he got hit by a mack truck. Also pointing out that another portal appears.

Three figures come out. Pluto echoing the words of Zeus to Hercules, declaring that before the day is done he shall wed Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons and serve loyally as her prince consort. While Venus will likewise become to a spouse, the war-god Ares. Should either of them resist these couplings the universe dies.

Hercules asks what madness is this as he attacks. Iceman comments that that creep is killing Hercules. Angel suggests that maybe it's time they stop standing around and staring. Angel declaring they've got to stop Pluto. Natasha stops him, telling them they can't fight a power like him. They're gods. There's only one way to save Hercules, as she explains her plan.

Pluto gloats over a defeated Hercules when Angel and Ghost Rider come charging in. Pluto asks they dare attack him as he zaps them. Venus and Natasha pull Hercules out as the two distract Pluto. The rest is up to Iceman.

Iceman then freezes and seals the portal they were coming out of. Figuring they should leave before they break out again, they split. Angel taking Venus while Black Widow and Hercules are on Iceman's slide.

Iceman begins to think that even though what they just went through, Warren seems more together than he's been in months.

Iceman tells Black Widow to tell that to Ghost Rider as he was hit by Pluto's blast pretty close that he's surprised both him and his bike are still running.

While Hercules is angry, Angel tells him to calm down as they don't have actual proof that Zeus was involved in all this at all besides what Pluto said. Iceman adding that he didn't seem the type to be the Olympian edition of George Washington. Hercules tells them they have no conception of his father's power.

The Huntsman comes flying in, Venus telling them he's the one creature no Olympian can conquer. Iceman asks her "Huh? That skinny guy?" The Huntsman uses the ability Zeus gave him and throws spears of fire at the group, spears that also paralyzing those it strikes.

It seems that the spears have more affect on the Olympian's as the rest are already up. Angel noting that the way the Huntsman blinked out before he hit the group, he assumes they still got a fight on their hands.

Iceman tells the rest that he can't revive them with his home-grown cold compresses and telling Warren they're out for the count.

Angel comments that it's just the four of them before Natasha corrects as it's the three of them. Since the blasts didn't affect Ghost Rider, he's to stay and watch over the knocked out Olympians. Warren comments that she's taken the leader title in their little group in record time. She asks if that's an objection.

The three quickly find the Huntsman. Seeing them coming he summons Menoetius. Since he's flying, Angel catches the giant's attention first and tries to attack him. Angel yells to Iceman about lending a hand.

Iceman tells him "Sure thing, feathers!" as he blasts the giant with sub-zero ice. It doesn't have much of an effect as he breaks Iceman's ice slide. With his fast reflexes from training in the Danger Room, he quickly builds another and comes back in fighting.

As the giant topples and the Huntsman's fallen over, he tries to grab his staff once again. However, Angel swoops in and grabs it before him. Telling the Huntsman that it's not so much that they're worried he'll conjure another monster, it's just that is poetry is really bad. If he really wants it back, Angel will give it back wrapped around his neck.

The Huntsman uses the power to bypass time and space and sends the three somewhere else. They get sent back to where Ghost Rider and the Olympians are, but Ghost Rider sees them Ares, Pluto and Hippolyta.

Though their speech patterns sound like themselves, Ghost Rider thinks they're making another grab at the Olympians so he attacks them all with one blast. However, as he blasts them they're changing back into themselves. Ghost Rider panicking "Oh, my Lord! I just murdered my own friends!"

While distracted the Huntsman comes from behind and knocks out Ghost Rider, taking his staff back from the three from earlier. Taking the two passed out Olympians back to Olympus for their arranged marriages.

Now all on their feet, Iceman yells at Ghost Rider for letting the Huntsman take them, that it's all his fault. Even trying to lunge at him before being held back by Warren. Natasha tries to comfort Johnny, saying that they can track them down and rescue them.

Johnny asks her to tell him how. How four mortals are going to track someone in Olympus. All feeling defeated they all walk away in different directions.

Warren tells Natasha to not let Bobby's games fool her. He's just as upset as them about what went on, maybe even more. Adding that he just doesn't show it like normal people, that's all. Adding though mutants aren't supposed to act like "normal people." Natasha says she can relate to the bitterness of others, being made to be an outcast, as a women and an ex-Russian.

Away, skating on his own his ice pond, Iceman thinks what Natasha is saying is right but it doesn't change anything. They blew it with Hercules and Venus just like he's messed things up as far back as he can remember. That they're failures all the way down the line.

Adding that because some of them are just failures. Ghost Rider drives by and tells Iceman to snap out of as they got work to do. Iceman asks what he's doing here. Johnny jokes about the warm welcome and that Iceman can pout all he wants but then he'll never know how they're gonna get Hercules back.

Johnny explains that when he left he went back at the U.C.L.A campus. He notices a huge mountain of ice. The ice that Iceman put on the portal. Bobby still grumpy and not getting it and asks "so what?"

Natasha asks him if doesn't he see it. All the other portals were closed by the Olympians but not the one he froze. The mountain is blocked Pluto from closing it, it's still there.

Bobby finishes for her "which means we've got a way to follow them and rescue Hercules. Kick me, somebody! Kick me!" Warren tells him later as right now they're back in business.

Huntsman walking back also notices the mountain of ice. Asking if this a defensive was in vain to rescue Hercules and that it oddly seems warm from within, as if it's burning.

They've reached Olympus! Natasha warns her comrades that the Huntsman proven himself to be a formidable foe and that they must pass him to reach Hercules. Huntsman tells her she's right as he sends his allies to destroy them. Angel giving the team a heads up as the Huntsman just materialized an army out of nowhere.

Natasha tells him that Hercules is their main concern. She and Iceman will battle them while Angel and Ghost Rider keep going. Warren shrugs as since he accepted her as team leader yesterday, he guess it's he can do the same today. Him and Ghost Rider knocking down a few before they left.

It's now Natasha and Iceman left to face the army. He tells her "you want to know something lady? With you at my back, I kind of like the odds." Natasha comments that though he seems pretty young, he fights, and compliments, like a man. Iceman admits she just kicked his ego right out of the ball park, sincerely thanking her.

Angel swings the Huntsman around by the staff asking if he's kidding or if he's giving the same corny villain speech up here as they do on Earth. The Huntsman lets go and ends up hitting his head on a stone wall.

The group meets up with Hercules and Venus after their battle. Iceman saying if what Hercules is saying means what he thinks it means, that they're glad to see them he tells it's ditto! The feeling's mutual.

Except it's not a happy reunion as they're attacked. Iceman commenting that it feels like he's being killed and allowed to watch it happen.

Hercules tells his mortal friends to stay behind him but Natasha says none of them can hope to win over Pluto. It's a whole other power, other strength. Ghost Rider telling he reads her loud and clear. Angel asks what he's doing, calling him a fool, telling him Pluto will kill him. However, Ghost Rider just walks pass Pluto.

Zeus realizes the trickery and tells Pluto to leave as he will deal with him. He apologizes to his son and Venus as what he did was in error and asks to name what punishment they see fit for their misdeeds. Surprisingly Venus tells him forgiveness. Forgiveness to those who strike at them first.

Angel comments that there goes a very fine women and that U.L.C.A's just lost a department head. Zeus sends his son and his mortal friends back to Earth.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Avengers (1963) [issues #143-#149]

Back in the indestructible cage, Captain America has plan as to getting out. Though Vision already tried and not able to phase their the cage, Cap recommends that Vision can phase though his shield. Beast thinks it's an excellent idea as Vision would be getting out through the shield and not the cage itself.

Vision comments that he can see that Beast harbours a brain beneath his rough exterior. Beast jokes and shushes Vision, saying he'll ruin his social life. Patsy now wishing Beast turned her down with their honoured agreement.

Replying to Iron Man about his last mission, Beast tells him "Nuts I.M! Spectrum and his pals were lost from the start! You know what they say 'four walls do no a prism make.'" Cap asks the team if they're really considering him for membership.

Beast comments that this whole place changed since he worked there, he doesn't know which way to head for. A voice calls from the buildings speaker system, telling them exactly where to go before laughing at their attempt to escape. Beast exclaims "Mother of Pearl, they're onto us already!"

The whole place rumbles as they send out guided missiles. Scarlet Witch tells Patsy to stay calm as they're Avengers. With a furrow of her brow, the Scarlet Witch forges steel to bend to her will. That takes care of one missile, but a second gets away.

As Iron Man stops the second, it whiplashes him back towards the team. Scarlet Witch yells for him to use his boot jets but it's too late. He hits the fragile beam they were standing on and everyone starts falling. Beast saying "Great! Just great!"

Beast figures that Vision is safe as he can fly. If it weren't for his exceptionally long arms and magnetic personality, he'd be picking up his newlywed witch off the floor with a trowel. Catching the Scarlet Witch in his arms.

Captain America offers Patsy to be the Cat. Patsy's origin and flashback.

Patsy listened intently as Beast rambled on in his sleep and when he woke, Patsy tells him she knows who he is. Telling him not to worry as she'll keep his secret, even from her husband if he can make her a super-heroine. Beast asks her if she's nuts.

She reminds him that he's in no position to call the kettle black, telling him he's big trouble and she's not asking for a miracle. She just needs a costume with some power or some serum, adding she knows that all the heroes know each other and tells Beast to ask Reed Richards. Beast confirms that she is nuts, but admits she's holding all the cards.

The Squadron Supreme stand before them, leaving it to the Avengers to make the first move, which doesn't take very long.

In another room, Colonel Baxter comes running in, telling a Mr. Jones that the police are outside the main entrance due to the missiles. To fix this problem, Mr. Jones presses a button. Explaining that he just got rid of the evidence as he sent them all to the Squadrons world.

(filler story in the middle of the saga) Captain gets into a battle with the Assassin. Beast, Scarlet Witch and Vision wait outside his hospital room as his prognosis isn't looking good. He seems to be dying.

Beast's lost in thought. Noticing how Scarlet Witch and Vision are acting, assuming both of them are thinking that it could be one of them lying in that bed. Scarlet Witch exclaims that it just can't end like this.

In thought Beast replies that it can. That the shadow of death hangs over this group ever since he joined. It was the Wasp then Yellowjacket a week ago.

Back at the Avengers mansion, along with Falcon, Yellowjacket and The Wasp. Scarlet Witch feels frustrated.

Yellowjacket tries to comfort her, telling her that Cap's been through worse and that he has the world's finest surgeon (Donald Blake a.k.a Thor).

Falcon asks if Beast had any luck down in the lab. Beast tells him he hasn't found a clue to either who did it or what exactly is killing Cap. Janet asks Hank if there's any hope.

He tells her that there's some. Reed Richards is working on a theory that Cap was put away by some new form radiation poisoning, and in L.A Bill Foster is working from the biochemical angle using the little data they could send him.

(back into main story) After a quick battle, Hyperion has Beast in his clutches, choking him out. Finding out that this worlds president wears the Serpent Crown. Vision steals it and gives it to Scarlet Witch.

She tells them to call it off. The panicked president tells everyone to stop as that crown must not be broken. Hyperion comments that it's a piece of rotten luck when Beast tells him it's skill, pure skill.

The Avengers all leave. Cap, Scarlet Witch, Hellcat and Beast walk down the side walk. With Scarlet Witch holding the Serpent Crown, it begins to do something to her mind and she ends up passing out on the side walk without them noticing. After their conversation they finally look behind them and Scarlet Witch isn't there.

Panicking over losing Scarlet Witch and possibly Vision, Cap tells Beast and Hellcat to search east while he and Iron Man search north.

Beast ponders out loud and Hellcat tells him he can make all the puns he wants but she already told him not to call her "Patsy" as she's a super heroine now.

Beast reminds her to not forget who promoted the whole deal for her. Telling her "Don't jive me, Patsy Walker! I knew you when!" She tells him that she's ready to prove herself any time and any place. Beast suddenly yells for her to look out as someone attacks from behind.

Getting rid of the first guy successfully, Beast warns Patsy again but this time, it's too late. Patsy gets covered in paste. Beast runs besides her as she shots out her talons, hooking onto the villains ride. He taunts them as it's a desperate act by desperate foes.

The villain admits he used his brain to make up from his height. He tries to attack Beast but he just runs places with hand on his head and the little guy runs in place swinging punches. Beast bonks him on the head. With the villain down he teases Patsy by saying "You see where you'd be without me!"

The Hawkman of this universe swoops in, telling Beast he's gonna carve him like a turkey. Beast backs into a door and has Hawkman goes for the kill, Beast jumps out of the way while he crashes into the door. Telling him that couldn't expect Beast to just wait for it.

He walks into the store to check on Hawkman, realizing he's been talking to himself again. Hellcat yells to him that she can talk to her while helping her getting out of the goop.

At the Capital building, the President tells the Squadron Supreme that the Avengers are not real problem, that it's him. Him and the other corporate and conglomerate executives who have taken control of the country. Hyperion asks what he's saying. The President tells him that even then he'll only see a carefully crafted image.

They talk a lot about honesty and pride and team spirit but all they actually want is power. That they commit the most outrageous acts, turning completely around on anything they've ever claimed to stand for, and they go right along with it, pretending not to notice.

As the President tries to continue ramble on, Hyperion demands that something is wrong here, grabbing onto the President. Jumping out of the way, it's revealed to be Beast in disguise.

The girl exclaims that it was a trick. Beast tells her that in once sense it is but they don't know if he's telling the truth or not. He runs out seeing that they're in no mood to think about it now so he'll give them their space. Turning and running into a door.

Scarlet Witch and Vision take care of the on-coming Squadron Supreme, her spell making them think they're stuck in a some vines. Coming back into room, Iron Man tells them to just go through the portal and they'll be back on their own Earth.

When they get back to their Earth, they'll teleported back right into Brand / Roxxon guards are fighting for their lives. Scarlet Witch using her powers to move their ultimate weapon through the wall, creating an escape.

Beast tells the guards that since there's a large hole in the wall they'll be off like a herd of turtles. Before correcting himself saying they'll be faster than that but it just sounded kinda neat.

As soon as they exit the building they all get knocked out with one blow and Mr. Jones takes them in.

The ultimate solution for their enemies. It's no wonder half the world wants to buy one from them, the ones that can afford of course.

Mr. Jones seeing on the screen that Thor just defeated their last hope, he runs to Colonel Baxter only to find 5 free Avengers.

Before they all leave the complex, Beast asks Patsy is she's okay. She says she is and that's really over with Baxter. She got him to free the other Avengers and she even got pay back for what he did to her in their marriage and to her but she still wishes.

Everyone heads back to the mansion as they have a new team roster to make. Time to make their choices.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Avengers (1963) [issues #139-#142]

All the Avengers are in Janet's hospital room. A foe of the Pym's, The Whirlwind comes in and tries to take Janet. They're able to get him to leave without taking Janet. Yellowjacket, now extremely frustrated over the fact there's one menace after another, and that it's completely insane. Beast just tells him "The super-biz is like that, though."

Yellowjacket calls the hospital to just check on Janet. Beast answers and tells him that's been no change and asking if he should come over but Yellowjacket tells him this is something he has to do alone.

On the roof, Yellowjacket is about to be stomped on by Whirlwind when Beast comes in and punches Whirlwind.

Beast tells him to chalk it up to a hope for friendship and a little worry about his well being. However, something has Beast wondering. Why did Yellowjacket fall out of Whirlwind's chest plate?

Both heading back to the hospital, Beast tells him that he thinks they knocked the wind of Whirlwind. When he looks behind him, Yellowjack isn't looking very good, then he collapses. Beast runs to him asking him what happened and if it was Whirlwind but as Beast takes a look at him, Yellowjacket growing.

Beast runs to the hospital and starts climbing up the exterior walls. Yellowjacket is growing. Though Janet told them that he wasn't to do any size-changing these days since he still has a microbe still in his blood.

Now popping into Janet's room, he tells Thor that there's trouble. Walking down the hall Thor tells him that he's done all he can for Janet but her condition remains the same and must not have any disturbance. Getting back to the unconscious Yellowjacket, it appears he grew 20 feet during the minutes Beast was gone.

A doctor is outside and wants to bring Yellowjacket off the road but Thor says no as he's still growing as they speak and could soon fill up any space. This is when Beast realizes something and starts hopping away. Thor asks where he's going but Beast tells him "He's late, he's late, for a very important something."

Hank remembers he was working for cure-all for mutation when he was at working at the Brand Corporation. Talking to his boss, Mr. Grant, Hank tells him that he has urgent business in Canada and will need a week off. Mr. Grant tells him he can do something better for him. With all of Hank's mysterious leaves of absence he's been taken lately, they can let him off permanently.

Less than thrilled Hank punches some machinery. Yelling that it's not fair, he had good excuses for each one and it hasn't affected his quality at work. While still wrecking things, Mr. Grant thanks Hank for his work, since in his contract, all results of his work now belongs to them.

Beast tries to sneak into the Brand Corporation. He starts to think that if he's get his experimental formula out of there he'll have to clean up his act as there's been more security added. Walking by a guard shack that wasn't there two years ago, a guard spots him.

Beast tried to explain to him that he's an Avenger, or rather trying out to be one. The guard doesn't believe him and sarcastically tells Beast that he's trying out of Peter Pan in the company play. That he knows all about the Beast and will not listen to a word he says.

Beast tells him he knew he wouldn't as he hits the guard away, saying this is really a matter of life and death.

Though his language skills had changed since becoming to Beast it didn't stop him in continuing on his rambling. Looking around the building, he notices there's been a lot of remodeling and hopes his old lab is still nearby. Once in his office, he finds the serum as he knew he would because they're lax with their in-house security.

Beast thinks he should have a chat with Captain Baxter, that if he's still head of security, he would like to tell him about the weakness is his strategies, but after the days he's done with breaking into the Brand building.

Hank bursts outside, knocking a few guards down as he tries to run away. However one is able to shoot him. As the guard runs around the wall to see Beast, he gets knocked out by him.

At the Avengers mansion, a mysterious women asks for Beast. Jarvis tells her that he isn't present, as a matter of fact, they've been rarely home (the avengers).

She turns away saying she knew that would be something he would say. He tells her to wait, he only meant that he doesn't know when to expect him to come back and if she'd like to come inside to wait for him. She declares as she sits on the front porch as she knows Beast will just slip past without even seeing her. She plans to collect a debt Beast owes her.

Coming back from their honeymoon, Vision spots a huge Yellowjacket laying in the street. Thor tells them that he lost control. Scarlet Witch tells him that's not it. Whatever the cause for his growth is physical. She does want she could. She couldn't stop the growing but she was able to slow it down.

Beast comes back and Thor asks him if he finished his business and asks if he sees blood on his arm. Beast tells him not to worry as it's healing up already.

Thor suggests to take a sample from Janet as hers is similar infected as Hanks. Beast sarcastically tells him "Yeah! Of course! Why did I think of that? Because it's' too obvious! Of course that's what we do!"

Janet's doctor tells them "not a chance" as he tells these loonies that the patient is under his care and will not be disturbed whatsoever as she's in critical condition. Beast argues that they're trying to save her husbands life, they're not gonna hurt her in the process (Thor sneaks away).

The doctor asks how does he know that, for all he knows he could be related to the Beast in the X-Men as he sure doesn't look like any doctor he knows. A voice then asks "What about me, then, Horrigan?"

Turning around, it's Dr. Donald Blake. The doctor tells him that he hasn't seen him in ages. Donald explains that he doesn't get back to New York much anymore, but if he could grant an old classmate a professional courtesy and he vouches for the scientists work (Beast).

The doctor gets annoyed asking Donald if he's involved with these weirdos and gives up, telling them he surrenders, do whatever they want.

After hours in a borrowed dark and silent lab, Beast begins to see. He did it! He made a formula in which he's sure will work and save the poor guy, unless he kicked the bucket during the 5 hours it took him to make his cure.

He checks on Janet and the nurse tells him that there's no change but Dr. Blake checks on her very 15 minutes and says he's encouraged, which Beast tells her that makes him feel encouraged. Looking out the window, Beast is surprise to see 150 foot man.

Beast runs out of the hospital where Thor asks if he has the serum. Beast tells him he did and all that's left to do is to get it in his bloodstream fast.

Vision decides that it's been arranged that he will bring the formula. Pouring it in his cape while changes density. Releasing Beast's serum into Yellowjackets heart.

In less than five minutes, Yellowjacket is nearly back to his regular size. Scarlet Witch praises Beast on his serum, he tells her any genius would have done the same.

Some goons attack Beast. He tells them not to make him laugh as he's looking to be an Avenger soon. Using his agility to get around them and knock a few goons down. He's suddenly zapped with something and the goon tells the others to waste him.

The zap feeling like a thousand cold needles, he's not able to hold up once a bunch of them pile on him. Captain America then comes jumping in, giving time for Beast's metabolism to recover.

Once they're able to chase them away. Captain America being in the right spot at the right time to save Hank, he can only assume it was a coincidence. Cap tells him that there's barely any coincidences in their line of work, he's been chasing the crews sergeant for a while now.

Walking out of the hospital after a brief visit to Hank and Janet, they notice the crowds looking up and once they do as well they can see it's a quinjet. Beast tells them that this means Iron Man and Moondragon are back.

Meeting with the missing two at the mansion, they explain what happened on their end. Figuring they need to find Kang, the Avengers start discussing their plan when a loud voice catches their attention.

Storming into the room is the mysterious women who was looking for Beast. Telling him that no butler's going to keep her away from him this time. He's surprised it's Patsy Baxter. She corrects him that it's Patsy Walker now, commenting on how he didn't bothered to even keep track of her.

Beast tries to shush her as they're right in the middle of something important. Before saying what the heck, she caught him fair and square. They leave into the next room so that may talk in private.

In another room, Patsy tells him to talk and they're done. They come back in, Beast telling everyone that Patsy has announcement to make. Encouraging her to go ahead and not be shy to say it.

Patsy now baffled asks "You do?" Beast telling that he told them already and nobody cared. He doesn't have a secret identity anymore, so she won't have anything to hold over his head anymore.

Still, he made a promise to her and if it's okay with Cap, he'd like to have her come along as an observer on the action tonight. Cap tells him to wait a second. He explains that as he understands, but Beast hasn't even been officially designated as an Avenger yet. Beast tells him that no he isn't, he hopes Cap will just play along.

Beast wants to show her what super-heroing involves for reasons of his own. Cap warns that as observer, it could still be dangerous. Beast tells him maybe, but she's got guts. Reminding Cap that he once took in someone. Beast promises to be the one watching out for her.

Beast breaks into the Brand Corporation, getting his "break in" bit close to perfect, but looking over and seeing Vision walking through the wall. Beast admits that he could never match his. Of all the Avengers he's met so far, Beast finds Vision the hardest to figure out. He really could be a vision he's so spooky, in his time of being an X-Men he knows spooky. Also finding it spooky that the outside has no guards.

Running in, a portal appears telling them to halt. The Squadron Supreme comes out declaring they'll cream the Avengers. One by one the Avengers get knocked down, Beast down by Hyperion.

In another room a person compliments Colonel Baxter, also adding in that he still doesn't understand why his ex-wife is mixed in with the Avengers. Colonel admits he doesn't know either but he always sensed Patsy had some kind of connection with Beast.

The Colonel says he's having the Supreme Supreme place them in their escape-proof cell and with the right technology from Brand, he's sure they'll get any answers they want.

Now all trapped into a cage, Iron Man tries every power in his suit but he still can't break out. Beast sarcastically says to Patsy, that he hopes she's happy, getting all caught up in this. That he should never have let her hold him to their our agreement. Patsy tells him to not be silly as she loves this.

Colonel looks up and asks Patsy about him. She yells down that he's a rat. Nothing like the man she married or even the man she divorced, and that he's changed too much. Yelling that the Avengers will find a way out of there, before noticing she can't scare people with words.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

X-Men (1963) [issues #94-#95]

Chapter 1: Now that the X-Men are home, Xavier congratulates them all for defeating Krakoa while wanting to start to plan for the future. Sunfire cuts him off, saying that he's not staying. Xavier asks him why as he agreed to join the X-Men when Sunfire corrects him saying that he only agreed to help, not to join. With a distaste for America, Sunfire says his duty is to his country, Japan. As he leaves he tells them that if they need any more help from him, he will refuse.

Xavier then urgently asks the other new members if they're leaving too. Storm decides to stay as she thinks 2 days to short to judge. Wolverine also decides to stay too, as it's better than waiting for a call from Alpha Base.

When Xavier asks Banshee, he tells Xavier he's unsure about it as he feels too old compared to the youngsters. Xavier tells that it's ridiculous and that maybe the youngsters are too much of a challenge for him to handle. Banshee admits that he doesn't refuse a challenge but he's still not sure. Cyclops then pipes up telling him that he wouldn't need to run anymore. He'd be among friends and having a sense of belonging.

Thinking of it that way Banshee decides to stay. Xavier's happy that everything's settled. When Angel comes forward telling Xavier that he's afraid everything isn't settled. Xavier asks what he's talking about. Angel explains that he and the original X-Men are leaving (Angel, Iceman, Marvel Girl, Alex, and Lorna).

Xavier abruptly asks them why. Marvel Girl explains that they were children when he first took them in. They're grown now. They're no longer scared and are now certain in their identities. They're not children anymore, they have their own life's to live.

Wolverine tells them that if they wanna split then split and stop with the dramatic soap opera. Iceman gets offended and threatens that if Wolverine says one more word he's gonna get smashed. Wolverine taunts him and says he never carved an icicle before.

Cyclops steps between them and scolds them, telling Wolverine to calm down as he's out of line and to sheathe his claws. Alex then asks his brother if he's leaving with them and Cyclops tells him he doesn't know.

As the night passes Cyclops can't sleep, or even wants to try. He just roams the empty hallways of the mansion, the only place he ever called home for so many years. He comes to the conclusion that he's going to stay. Worried that he'd accidentally kill someone with this eyes.

In the morning Cyclops stands by the door to say goodbye. Judging by his costume's still being on, Jean can see that he decided to stay. She tells him she thought he would but hoped (he'll come). Cyclops explains that he's an X-Man pure and simple. This is where he belongs.

She tells him it's where he belongs, not her, not anymore. Cyclops finally confesses to Jean that he loves her. She tells him she loves him too as she kisses him goodbye.

After the new members wave goodbye to the old members as they drive off, Cyclops imminently puts them to work. Teaching them what it's like and it takes to be an X-Men. He shows them the Danger Room where they'll be training and honing their skills to defeat their opponents.

Storm comments that it's just an empty room. Cyclops agrees with her and that their objective of this exercise is to walk across the room. Thunderbird thinks that one-eye is just exaggerating and just putting them on as he walks in the danger room to only be imminently thrown out.

Days become weeks with the new team of X-Men. Training 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. It starts to feel normal fighting for lives everyday. Whenever they falter, a voice snaps them back in line. A harsh voice, angry, biting and merciless. Cyclops. Taking these 6 unique individuals and making them into a team.

However, even as X-Men they're still human. Being pushed beyond exhaustion which leads to making mistakes. Thunderbird cuts it close with the lasers and burns his leg. Banshee offers to help him but Thunderbird refuses. Telling them he refuses any help from any of them.

Cyclops scolds Thunderbird. That his name is Cyclops, not one-eye. And second, if this were a real situation he could have lost his leg, his carelessness could have gotten them killed. Thunderbird argues that Cyclops has been on his back since day 1 and he's had enough, threatening a fight if he doesn't stop.

They suddenly get a telepathic call from Xavier, telling them to stop this "disgraceful display" and orders Thunderbird to the infirmary and Cyclops to his office.

---

Chapter 2: In the rockies of Colorado Springs, in a mountain called Valhella. Buried deep within the mountain, secure from any and all enemies is a 100-Megatron Thermonuclear bomb in a room called the Norad War Room. The most powerful war machine ever to be conceived.

Above, unknown to them as they live their mundane lives. One guard tells another guard that they got a package. The guard is confused as he wasn't expecting any packages. As he opens the package, its just with a button that says "press me" The other guards joke and tease as to what it even is.

The box disappears and now coming from a silver portal appears and 5 non-human looking beings come out (the Ani-Man). They immediately attack the guards. One guard is able to call for help. To start an intruder alert and that they need every man down there.

In minutes the complex is full of troops, telling the intruders that one wrong move and they're dead. This group of guards are easily taken down by the Ani-Man just like the first group. Their master now applauding them for their fast work. It's revealed that it's Count Nefaria.

He tells them that his plan is going according to schedule and that the war room is now theirs. They tell him that the complex is filled and guards and asks how the 5 of them are supposed to hold them off. Nefaria tells them he does not expect them to as he presses a button, flooding the mountain entire complex with anaesthetic gas, neutralizing everyone but them. He now declares that the fate of the world is now in his hands.

Flash back to the last fight with the X-Men. Count Nefaria saying that the game has begun. .

Back at the mansion, Cyclops sits in a chair, games being the last thing on his mind. Wondering if being an X-Men is worth the grief, what it cost him over the yeas. Nightcrawler walks in, apologizing if he's intruding.

In the middle of their conversation Xavier telepathically calls to the briefing room as something important has come up. Nightcrawler mentions that if he's to be an X-Men to his dying day he will never get use to that (Xavier's mental calls). Cyclops tells him join the club.

Now in the briefing room, the X-Men gather around and Xavier tells them to pay attention to the screen. On screen is, Count Nefaria declaring he activated the doom smith command system, now possessing the operational control of America's strategic missile force. He demands a ransom from each nation, the amount depending on the nation. If his demands aren't met he'll launch America's entire inventory of nuclear missiles and giving them 3 hours to decide.

Beast now coming back on the screen after telling the story to Xavier. Looking in the room he asks what happened to the X-Men. Xavier tells him that these are the X-Men and to please continue.

Beast tells him if you say so and explains that the air force called the Avengers for help but they can't handle it right now so he called the X-Men.

As Cyclops tells them to get going he tells Thunderbird to stay behind as he's injured. Thunderbird insists that he's going unless Cyclops wants a mouth full of knuckles. Someone tells them there's no time to argue and minutes later the X-Men are heading westward.

The air force jets from the complex flies around them, telling them to identified themselves, they tell them they're responding to the Avengers call and they get the clear.

Cyclops contacts the General, telling them they're not the Avengers but the X-Men. The General tells them he doesn't really trust them (mutants) but they've got no other choice right now.

He explains the situation to Cyclops. Telling him that Nefaria doesn't know that beyond a certain point in time the system can't be shut down. Nefaria gave them 3 hours but the X-Men only have 52 minutes to cancel the doom smith machine and he wishes them luck.

One of the Ani-Man tells Nefaria that an aircraft is coming in. Nefaria seeing that it's the X-Men, finds it funny. His greatest foes walking into his parlour like lambs to slaughter. He launches missiles at them without pity or mercy.

Seeing that there are now missiles coming towards them Cyclops tells them to hold as things are about to get rough. In a desperate gamble Cyclops skims the tree lines at 20 feet in the air. It pays off as two of the missiles miss them and hit other mountains, except one. It's not a direct hit but at mach 4 a near miss can still kill.

In an instant the blackbird is tearing itself apart and Cyclops lost control. Their only chance is for him to press the eject button. A smaller ship now coming out of the burning outer layer.

Cyclops says they're lucky as the crash of out of the outer layer should cover them and that they should be off of Nefaria's sensors. Telling the X-Men that they still have a chance to stop him.

Deep within the mountain, Nefaria rages as his foes live. Asking out loud how many times does he need to kill these mutants for them to stay dead. He presses another button to Valhalla's sonic disruptors. A fiery emerald energy bathes their blackbird and when the disruptor beam is gone,. The blackbird now gone, the X-Men now free falling out from the sky.

With 100 seconds left until impact Cyclops tries to think of something, as he tells him he can't give up now. 80 seconds is when Cyclops gives the others orders. Storm grabs Nightcrawler and Wolverine. Colossus dives. Banshee grabs Thunderbird, but is only able to lift one person at a time, telling Cyclops that he'll come right back for him.

63 seconds until impact, Cyclops is now alone in a free fall. Colossus dives into the ground, making a huge crater and is no where to be seen. Storm yells for him as she lands with Nightcrawler and Wolverine. Colossus, who is standing in the middle of his crater is asking why Storm is yelling so much.

37 seconds until impact, Cyclops is wishing Banshee would hurry up. 12 seconds, he's realizing that this is it. 5 seconds and he thinks on how he never thought it would end like this before Banshee grabbing him not a second too late.

Cyclops tells him that he sure took his time on picking him up. Banshee asks if he really thinks he would have left him to get splattered on the cold mountain. Cyclops says the thought had crossed his mind. Now almost with the others Cyclops tells them they got work to do.

Thunderbird makes another sarcastic comment in which Cyclops scolds him on it. He then orders Nightcralwer to teleport inside the complex and look for the surface access hatch (where the missiles came out of).

In a burst of smoke and the smell of brimstone Nightcrawler gone and now in the base, in some maintenance tunnel, he wonders how he's suppose to find the hatch when he hears a voice telling him that he doesn't need to worry about that, Nightcrawler turns to look to see who is talking but gets hit from behind from Frog-Man. Nightcrawler begins to teleport around and taunts him before knocking him out.

Watching the fight from his screens, Nefaria's angry that Frog-Man lost. Cat-Man offers that the rest of them to go out and fight. Nefaria tells him no as he has other surprises for the X-Men.

Minus 43 minutes (before the complex blows) Dragging Frog-Man behind him, Nightcrawler finds the right room, he sets Frog-Man down, telling him to not go away as he'll finds the manual override control. While finding the right switch Frog-Man escapes but Nightcralwer was able to open the hatch.

All the other members now all come in. Nightcrawler tells Cyclops he had a prisoner but he escaped, Cyclops tells him that it can't be help as everyone makes mistakes as they begin walking through the halls.

Banshee asks if it's his imagination or is it getting really stuffy in the tunnel. Other members begin to add that they also feel weird. Before any of them can react, a cloud of gas comes in.

It's only for a moment but the gas makes their feel skin like acid tearing at their mind, and when it's over, Cyclops tells them they need to get out of there and for someone to smash into the next tunnel.

Minus 35 minutes. When entering the next room a squad of soldiers come running in. Cyclops ducks while Colossus blocks most of the bullets. Storm tells Cyclops that they stay can't there. Cyclops says he knows but they can't hurt the soldiers as it looks like they've been hypnotized.

Storm then uses her wind, with her winds comes something the Valhalla's base never have happen, a flood. She uses her flood to sweep the soldiers away and gently sets them down. The loud noise of rushing water back fades away as quickly and quietly as it came.

Continuing to walk down the halls again they're spotted by Ape-Man and Cat-Man then quickly attacked. Before the fight even begins Ape-Man throws Thunderbird towards Banshee and now two X-Men are down for the count. The rest attack, which is easier said then done.

Cat-Man throws Wolverine at some equipment and tries to go for the kill with his own claws when Colossus grabs his wrist and punches him out, saying nothing is to harm Wolverine when he's around. As Frog-Man attacks Nightcrawler for round two, Cyclops hits him with his optic beams before then getting grabbed by Bird-Man. Nightcrawler tries to warn him but it's too late.

As Bird-Man lifts off with Cyclops, Nightcrawler returns the favour by knocking out Bird-Man and rescuing Cyclops.

After knocking out his teammates Ape-Man declares he's gonna kill them all but is easily knocked out by Wolverine and Nightcrawler.

With Dragonfly the only Ani-Man left she uses her hypnotic powers on Cyclops and he can't keep her out. In the moment of her spell his eyes blank and wide open. They react automatically, raising his ruby quartz visor open and the results are predictable, knocking down Dragonfly.

Minus 18 minutes. Cyclops tells them that all they need to do is find Nefaria and get out of there before he realizes Thunderbird and Banshee are missing. Wolverine tells him that Ape-Man wasted them pretty good. Looking over at them knocked out, he decides leave them there for now as they have no time to wake them up and get to Nefaria to stop the bomb.

However, the complex is like a labyrinth and by the time they find what they're looking for, the countdown is at minus 9 minutes and it's too late to be shut off.

Back in down in the tunnels Thunderbird and Banshee wake up, noticing the mess of the fight. Thunderbird commenting on how they didn't need their help at all.

Now in the hanger, Nefaria runs to his plane. As he's straping himself in he sees Thunder and and Banshee behind him. They chase after the plane.

Thunderbird jumps and grabs onto the plane as Banshee tells him not to. Now atop of Nefaria's plane, Thunderbird starts hitting and tearing at the plane in trying to get Nefaria. Banshee follows and tries to tell him to get off as he can stop it (the plane) with a sonic blast. Thunderbird ignores him.

Back in the base Wolverine tells them that time's running out and they gotta go. Cyclops asks him where they can go in 5 minutes. The only chance they have is to shut the system down.

Xavier then suddenly pops up in Cyclops head. Telling him that he scanned the machine and it's totally out of commission but it doesn't matter as they need to get outside, two X-Men are in mortal danger. Hearing Xavier's instructions they move it.

Back outside, Thunderbird smashes though the planes glass. Nefaria yelling at him that he'll kill them both. Xavier popping in Thunderbird's head telling him to stop but Thunderbird tells Xavier to butt out and that he's through taking orders. As a man and warrior of the Apache, he says he's going to prove himself today. Banshee still follows and yelling at him to get off the plane.

Finally outside, Cyclops tells Storm to go give Banshee a hand but before she can even get there the plane begins to explode. Though watching it is horrible itself. Xavier was still in Thunderbird's mind when he dies.

Though the incident is over now, Xavier starts to break down. His heart broken, twisting his soul but he couldn't bear to desert his student. All what Thunderbird felt before he died Xavier felt it all, the only difference is that Xavier is still alive.

Banshee comes to the others, frantically telling them and explaining that he was begging, pleading for Thunderbird to get off but he wouldn't. Cyclops assures him that it's not his fault.

Looking down at the crash. Cyclops says it was bound to happen to any one of them soon or later as it comes with the uniform.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Avengers (1963) [issues #137-#138]

The Avengers put out an open call for new members. With Scarlet Witch and Vision on their honeymoon, and the death of the Swordsman, they're down to a small number. They decide to test their applicants at Yankee Stadium. A mysterious man walks towards them, their first customer. With their hat and over-coat, the Avengers don't instantly recognize him.

With a familiar voice the figure tells them don't play dumb or he'll have the send some of the boys around. It turns out be Edward. G Robinson (an actor from old hollywood). However, it can't be. With stunned silence the Avengers watch as he pulls his face off and It's revealed to be Beast in disguise.

Hank explains that yes he was an X-Men, being the intellectual and also the star athlete. When he graduated, he moved on to work at the Brand Corporation. Hank reveals his name. Thor tells him to stop as they don't require to disclose secret identities. Hank tells the thunder god that it's all good as it won't make any difference as he doesn't have any another identity anyway.

He explains his transformation. At first he was horrified and tried everything he could go back to his old life again. Even making a rubber face and gloves to pass as human. Eventually it all got too heavy. He took a break to come to terms with his new self.

After awhile he found perspective on things without even working at it. As time passed he watched old movies, read some books, listen to some music, putting his cruel fate out of mind. That's when he figure it out.

He comes to terms with what he is now, saying he might as well make the best of it. Also realizing that he liked super-heroing and doing it with a group. A voice cuts off Hanks speech. The more the voice speaks, Hank knows the voice. The Stranger.

Beast suggests that maybe an animal can succeed where gods and insects failed. Displaying his great agility. Moondragon watches it all in a silent awe. Hank making it to the switch and flips it. The spheres instantly shoot skyward and the other Avengers start to wake up. Expect The Wasp, who was gravely injured during their battle.

It's late and raining by the time the Avengers leave the hospital. Hank Pym stays with his wife. Reporters and new crews are waiting in the rain for any news on Janet's condition. One spots Beast and asks Thor if he's in the Avengers. Thor says not yet, that tests must still be done.

One part of the crowd are happy to see the Avengers while the other are critical. Already hating Beast (cause he's a mutant).

Back at the Avengers mansion they all suddenly get mind blasted by The Stranger. They all now know what The Stranger is looking, Wanda. The Avengers just know that they're on their honeymoon, having no clue as to WHERE that might even be.

Hank notices that the Avengers play a grander game than the X-Men ever did. They got so much power and they've been in high gear since he met them. He wonders if there's any room for a Beast like him among these superstars.

Iron Man finds the power beam and that's it coming down from the ionosphere, 100 miles up. Beast makes a joke "Do we walk, or do we hitch?" Yellowjacket tells him that this is no time for jokes and tells everyone to head to the roof.

Making their way and sneaking onto the The Stranger's ships. Beast tells them that it was the X-Men who were first to run into The Stranger and with his personal experience he advises extreme but before he can finish, he yells at them to get down. Lasers.

The Stranger tells the Avengers that only he is impervious to these lasers and chooses to clutch Beast first. Beast jokes that his mom always told him to stay out of bad guys clutches, specific on clutches. Now using his speed and agility to leap over these lasers, he taunts The Stranger by teasing him on which way he's coming.

Hank instead passes The Stranger and into the room behind him and runs.

Hank then turns the corner into another room. Teasing The Stranger that he was going to (stop) but not after he called him names. In his mind, this is his only chance for life and he's only got seconds before The Stranger follows.

Once the Stranger catches up, cursing the ex-X-man. Instead of Beast, it's Edward G Robinson. Losing concentration by the sudden surprise, there's a flash of light and The Stranger turns into the Toad.

Hank (still in disguise) tells him that that's what he intended on doing (surprising him) and that he knew it was Toad all along. Hank explains on how he figured The Stranger was someone else after the attack on Moondragon but he'd never imagined it to be Toad, now telling him to just quietly follow along.

Toad throws a fit, complaining that it's always the same, that everyone just thinks he's helpless and that he has no real power.

Toad passes Yellowjacket and into the rooms with the lasers, swearing to be his own master. It's the reasons why he stole these machines and that the Avengers will regret underestimating him. Yellowjack notices Toads size and matches it, now chasing right behind him.

Yellowjacket jumps and slams Toad right into the control panel yelling "No, Toad! You're gonna pay just like any other man!" Vengeful for what Toad as The Stranger did to Janet. Telling him he's gonna beat him until there's nothing left.

While beating on Toad, releasing all his fury and frustration in each heavy blow. Toad then turns into something else completely. Beast comes running in, telling Yellowjacket to tell himself it's not really happening.

Yellowjacket now too strung out and wouldn't be able collect his wits in time, and since this is kinda Beast's fault anyway for letting Toad get by him, better late than later he tells himself as he hits the creature, turning it back to Toad.

Toad explains that he was nothing to Magneto, much less to himself. When the real Stranger stole them away to his world, out of all the mutants he was the most despised. However, he had fate in his master, who actually deserted Toad at the first opportunity and was swiftly returned.

Though his solitude and freedom were shorty lived as they were one of the first mutants to be captured by the sentinels. This reunited him with Scarlet Witch. The women he had loved from afar since the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Making any excuse to stay by her side and slave to her every gesture, she wasn't even aware it.

That was how he came to be with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver the night Arkon took them. Soon, the Avengers came and rescued their teammates while Toad asked to stay (as he had plans of his own).

He used it's resources to construct a ship and flew away across distance and dimensions trying to return to the prison plant of The Stranger. For most of the time, The Stranger was barely there. Toad figured he had nothing to fear as he breached the defenses, removing all The Stranger's machinery that he could understand and installed them in his ship.

The thought form machine was the easiest for him, after all the years of dealing with Mastermind. His plan was, once he had mastered all the devices, he was going to Scarlet Witch and ask for her hand in marriage.

Iron Man turns back to the pilots chair and Beast watches their captive from the corner of his eye. Neither of them knowing that Yellowjacket is injured and barely holding on.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Giant-Sized X-Men (1975)

Chapter 1: Nightcrawler's 1st Appearance. Deep in the Bavarian alps in Germany, Kurt is being chased by an angry mop. Imminently regretting his decision in leaving the circus. He climbs up onto a rooftop of a house when the mob then begins to start throwing their torches up at him. The mob risking to destroy the village to just destroy him, when he only came to town to learn among them, but all he learned was blind and unreasonable violence. Kurt figures that if they want violence then he'll show them violence as he lunges at them. The crowd quickly overpowers him, grabs him, and are about stake the "monster's" heart when they all suddenly stop in place. Kurt is confused as to why the mob suddenly stops. Xavier rolls in, introduces himself and pitches the school. Kurt accepts.

In Quebec, Canada at a secret secluded military installation that only a few people know of it's true purpose. In a special government agency, an agent called Weapon X a.k.a Wolverine bursts through the doors for a meeting. Xavier introduces himself, pitches the school, offering Wolverine to be a free agent. With the offer of the getting out under red tape and rigmarole he accepts. The boss rejects this idea as they put a lot of money into Wolverine. Logan swipes at him with his claws telling him he's resigning his commission effective immediately before leaving with Xavier.

In Tennessee, USA Xavier surprises Banshee at the Grand ol' Opry saying at he must talk to him. Now in Banshee's shabby quarters Xavier explains the situation, Banshee agrees to help him, thinking it might be nice to go on a more straight and narrow path.

Storm's 1st Appearance. In Kenya, East Africa atop a lonely knoll with a portal, men come through the humidity and begin to praise and sing, praying for supplication. The goddess appears, asking what they need. They explain the drought on their land, offering to sacrifice chickens for her to bring the rain. She tells them to save their chickens as she'll bring rain to their village. The winds sweep the goddess into the air, lighting comes from her fingers, she provides the rain for the village. Now back on the ground, Xavier offers her his school, saying that what she's doing is more of a fantasy and she'll experience the world in NY. Sensing sincerity in him she accepts.

In Osaka, Japan. Xavier has tea with Sunfire in his beautiful garden in his beautiful Japanese home. Xavier expresses that he knows how Sunfire feels about the Western world but before he can finish, Sunfire finishes his sentence that Xavier may need the power that only he can provide. Saying he doesn't owe Xavier anything but feels like he needs to owe something to himself. He accepts.

Colossus's 1st Appearance. In Siberia, Russia in an small collective farm. Working in the fields someone passing by on a tractor tells Piotr to look in his sisters direction. Piotr then sees his sister Illyana sitting in the field with a runaway tractor heading her way. Without thinking and blood pumping, he runs out to save his sister. The air around him crackles with energy as he transforms in an astonishing manner.

Magik's 1st Appearance. Piotr rushes to grab his sister but with no time to move out of harms way, he stands his ground before the runaway tractor. Smashing into Piotr and is now nothing but pieces of metal. Piotr takes her to their parents. He then hears voice in his head. Telling Piotr he wishes to talk to him. Piotr's very surprised that Xavier wants bring him to America. Asking Xavier if he posses such power doesn't it belong to the state? Xavier tells him that a power like his belongs to the world, to be used for good for the whole world.

Piotr decides to discuss this with his parents first. Explaining the offer to America and that there's wisdom in words though he is happy at home. He asks his father on what he should do but his father advises him to follow his heart. Piotr says his heart is telling him to stay but his conscience is telling himanother thing. He then accepts and leaves with Xavier.

Thunderbird 1st Appearance. In Camp Verde, Arizona. A man named John Proudstar is angry with his reservation. Running through plain grasses chasing a bison. John begins to think that he hated to watch others dreams of glory now long gone. That his people, the Apache, were meant to be warriors. He then catches up with the bison and flips it over. John then hears Xavier in his head. He turns around asks Xavier how he even got way out here but saying it doesn't matter anyway and warns Xavier to leave as John doesn't want his company. Xavier tells him to not be too hasty and pitches the school to John. John tells him to stuff it, saying he owes nothing to the white men who gave his people grief. John tries to walk away while Xavier still tries to convince him by insulting him and his people. John accepts to gain some honour.

---

Chapter 2: Now back in Westchester, NY. Everyone gets a telepathic crash course in English by Xavier. He then explains that all their costumes were made for their powers by unstable molecules made by Mr. Fantastic.

Sunfire's impatient and tells Xavier he's wasting his time. Xavier says that was not his intention but was waiting for someone who can better explain the details of the situation to them. The door swings open and it's Cyclops.

Cyclops explains that the "details" are simple. The X-Men have disappeared and that the 7 of them might be their only hope to get them back. He shows them Cerebro, their mutant-dectector machine, and how it helped them find them all. The room where everything started. Cyclops then begins to tell them the story.

One day, the X-Men all receive a telepathic call from Xavier and in seconds they meet in the room. Xavier tells and shows them Cerebro, that a reaction like that has never been so violent before. Detecting that there's a new mutant on the island of Krakoa in the southern pacific, a mutant so powerful it defines classification.

The X-Men now a mission to Krakoa to find this new powerful mutant. In their jet, Marvel Girl wishes Beast had come along as they might need all the help they can get but Cyclops reminds her that he graduated and has his own business going on right now and hasn't got time for the X-Men.

Now, reaching the island, they gently lower the jet. As the X-Men exit their jet. Iceman notices that everything is like an overgrown jungle. Cyclops scolds the youngest to shelf the snappy patter as they have a difficult job ahead of them. Angel then comments that it's an impossible job as they don't even know what they're looking for. Cyclops tells them to spread out but the others notice something else.

All Cyclops remembers is waking up in the jet with a massive headache of pain and terrifying images flashing in his mind. Not knowing or caring where he is at all, only caring about the other X-Men. He realizes his eyes are uncovered, he panics about his optic beams as he tries to cover them, but his eyes are powerless, no matter how hard he tries. He then finally realizes he's back on the jet. He randomly starts hitting the buttons on the control panel to get back home.

With a torn costume, no glasses on, and in a panic Scott runs into Xavier's study. Telling him he doesn't remember anything but it somehow cured his eyes. Xavier then notices something as Scott is talking. Scott asks why he's looking at him like that as energy begin to crackle around his eyes.

Cyclops beams go out of control, throwing him back. Xavier tells him to go grab some of his lenses. Cyclops power now coming back with a vengeance and were so strong that even he couldn't control them. Xavier had to make new ones to contain his increased power. Xavier then left Cyclops back at the mansion for training while he went out to search for the new mutants.

Wolverine asks what does that have do to them. Cyclops explains that the plan is that they go back to Krakoa, find the original X-Men and defeat the mutant that defeated them. Sunfire says he's not gonna fun a fools errand.

On the way, Storm comments how she got her first taste of mutant camaraderie and she does not like it. Thunderbird looking out the window notices something following them.

It was Sunfire. Asking if Cyclops is gonna open the hatch or does he have to fly all the way to Kraoka himself. Nightcrawler asks him "Did you change your mind or were too afraid to go home?" Sunfire argues that his reasons are his own and that it isn't Nightcrawlers business.

---

Chapter 3: About an hour later the team makes it to the island. Cyclops assigns teams for each direction. Storm and Colossus to the north, Banshee and Wolverine to the east, Sunfire and Nightcrawler to the south, while he and Thunderbird will take the west side of the island. Colossus tries to jump down from the jet but Storm catches him, Thunderbird looking out the window he notices them arguing on the ground.

Once exiting the jet, Cyclops notices something right away. The jet. It's gone. Thunderbird comments that it's impossible, almost as the mysterious temple, which also appeared out of nowhere. A grumbling Thunderbird follows Cyclops into the jungle. He's also not a fan of jungles either.

The vines then suddenly grab the two of them. Cyclops optic beams cuts them while Thunderbird rips out the whole root. Once done and a few minutes later, they're at the temple.

A few minutes later on north side of the temple Storm suggests to start their search there. Colossus just follows her as she's so different from the girls from in his farm when an avalanche suddenly starts. The two start running away but Colossus tells it's changed directions and is following them.

Storm uses her winds while Colossus grabs a tree. Though doing just fine, Colossus hits the rocks with the tree for even threatening Storm. She thanks him but tells him there's no need to protect her as she uses her wind to toss the rocks in the water. Very shortly they meet up with Cyclops and Thunderbird at the temple.

Now at the east side of the island, Banshee and Wolverine spot giant grabs. Wolverine of course jumps towards and starts hacking at them asking if Banshee is gonna help out. His sonic screams working effective on the other crab. The battle is a short one and head towards the temple. Now meeting up with the other two teams that are already there.

On the south side of the island, Nightcrawler and Sunfire seem to be having some trouble with some of the local birds. Nightcrawler begins to teleport around then to the ground. Sunfire suggests they get going to the temple, and a few minutes later they meet up with the rest.

Since they're all arrived at the temple Cyclops suggests to enter the temple as it seemed to lure them all there purposely. As they're eager to enter, the door shuts on them. He suggests Sunfire, Storm and Colossus to break though, their first lesson in the art of being an X-Men.

With the wall down they're all astonished by the sight behind the wall. The missing X-Men unconscious and hanging from vines, with their energies being absorbed. Cyclops yells at the others to stop standing and staring at them and for pity sake's set them free.

It seems as they take and release the closest X-Men near them the place seems to start shaking itself apart. Everyone was able to safety get out. Now away from the temple the other X-Men are beginning to wake up. Angel asks him why he came back for them.

It explains it was trap this whole as the mutant they're looking for is the island itself. Krakoa origin.

---

Chapter 4: Angel explains that Krakoa grew a hunger, a hunger barely appeased until the X-Men arrived on the scene. Krakoa fed off their mutant energies but still needed more so they released Cyclops to go and find him more food, in which he did.

Krakoa explains they were the one who gathered them all together, who even sent a telepathic call to Xavier. It then starts to attack and all the X-Men scatter.

They battle Krakoa with all their might but it seemed like nothing was working. As it goes on with no affect, Xavier mentally calls Cyclops. Explaining that he's been mentally monitoring their battle, studying the island and he thinks he discovered a weak point.

Xavier then attacks Krakoa's mind from across the world while his students carry out his attack plan. At Cyclops' command Storm flies up with the wind. She slowly summons the tempest's full electronic fury, those energies now suddenly transmitted to Lorna. Restoring her mighty magnetic powers.

With the circuit complete, Lorna screams in anguish and pain as her physical limits are reached and exceeded, however she screams at Storm not to stop. Alex being very concerned for her well-being tells Cyclops to call it off.

Alex's outburst gets drowned out by the sound of crackling thunder and the huge downpour.

It appears that Krakoa is actually getting stronger and even beats Xavier in their mental battle. As Xavier passes out in NY, telling Cyclops he fears that they're on their own now.

It was actually Storm's downpour that replenished Krakoa. They announce that they're strong enough to destroy the X-Men.

Marvel Girl expresses her concerns to Cyclops as they can't keep holding Krakoa back. He assures her that they'll know soon enough if Xavier's plan worked and that they're ready to begin.

Lorna had become lost in a coruscating incandescent tower of sheer magnetic force. Cyclops narrows his eyes as he yells "Now!" as he and Alex direct their powers towards Lorna.

In an almost indescribable force Lorna's magnetic energies erupt downwards. Five miles down the ocean, through four thousand miles of the Earth's crust, down to the very molten center itself. The effects being imitate and violent. Krakoa then begins to panic and wonder why they're in so much pain.

Cyclops announes that Xavier's plan had worked! However, now they only have seconds to get out of there. Alex goes to grab Lorna but she's already in Iceman's arms. Alex starts to get mad but Cyclops tells them they can argue later as they need to leave now!

As the island begins to violently crumble and not able to find the jet, they run towards the beach. Iceman making a float of ice for them to stand on while Cyclops and Alex uses their powers to propel them away.

Behind them, the results of Lorna's energy becomes apparent. Her electrically charge has cut the primary lines of magnetic force across the the planet.

For the island of Krakoa, gravity ceases to exist as the earth-forces come together and shoots them up into space.

However, removing the island from the ocean, it creates a huge whirlpool. Cyclops tells Iceman to make an air tight dome over them.

Now in the air tight ice bubble they go into the whirlpool. Within the ice bubble, members are getting knocked around senselessly and hitting the ice walls.

As the whirlpool ceases and the ocean calms, minutes pass before the ice bubble resurfaces with a blast of Cyclops optic beams. All members happy and alive. At the same time as them, their jet resurfaces too. They all paddle to the jet and climb aboard.

On the way home, Angel apologizes to the newer members as there's not enough seats for them in the jet, before asking "What are we gonna do with 13 X-Men?"

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Captain America (1968) [issues #172-#175]

Walking down the sidewalk, Banshee thinks to himself on how it's a little strange for him to attend concerts for a man in hiding. Asking himself what else could be safer to pass the time and who would have thought he would be a fan of American country music.

Turning the corner, lost in thought, Banshee ends up bumping shoulders with Captain America himself. Banshee remembering he's read in the papers that Cap is a criminal. He rips off his disguise, yelling that they somehow were able to track him but he tells them they'll never take him alive.

Cap and Falcon don't know what Banshee is going on about but they prepare themselves for battle but Banshee's sonic screams hits them like a battering ram.

Cap got Banshee to turn his head where he then socks him, knocking him down onto the ground. Once down, Cap demands to know why he suddenly attacked him. Banshee says he'll blast Cap to kingdom come before he says anything but he then realizes he can't scream. Cap broke his jaw and now Banshee can't scream.

Not enough power to knock them down but just enough to make a getaway. Banshee tries to fly away but Cap grabs him by the ankle as the Falcon attacks.

Patting themselves on the back for knocking Banshee down he tells them not to congratulate themselves so soon as he had time for his jaw to heal. His sonic scream hits a building and begins to collapse and crumble.

Cap and Falcon are able to jump free from the debris but Banshee hits them with another scream that causes great pain. Trying to withstand the deafening sounds Cap still tries to walk closer, before now crawling towards Banshee, grabbing his ankle asking him to stop.

With them down, Banshee tells them that they'll be stopping nobody and that he'll never become prisoners by the likes of them. A beam from behind catches Banshee's attention. It's Cyclops.

In still not wanting to be capture, Banshee trips Cyclops before using his sonic scream on him. Cyclops stumbles to his knees and Banshee actually hesitates for a second, as if he's torn on staying or running. He chooses the latter and flies away. Cyclops tries to optical blast him but is too dizzy to stand up, less much aim properly.

Cap and Falcon are then lifted up and towards Xavier and Marvel Girl. Cap recognizes them now. Xavier tells Falcon who they are before Cap cuts him off asking why mutants declared open season on them.

Xavier explains that all his other X-Men, many allies and many of their foes have been captured by a group wanting to destroy them. That it's difficult to tell friend from foe, that Banshee must have mistaken them and Cyclops as the foe.

Cap tells Xavier he wishes he could help and doesn't want to seem unconcerned but he has his own problems going on right now and doesn't have the time to get involved. Xavier then tells him that he believes the same group that's hunting mutants are also on the hunt for him as well.

Turning around they see Nick Fury with SHIELD and almost half the Tennessee state police. Nick tells Cap that they weren't after him but after seeing him in the sky (from Marvel Girl's TK), there's no way they're leaving without him now (Cap has a false murder charge and is currently wanted). Cap feeling like he can't catch a break, he, Falcon and Cyclops attack.

Xavier has made himself mentally invisible to SHIELD as people must not know he's connected to the X-Men. Marvel Girl then lifts Falcon up as he dives and attacks more agents.

She then notices that they're able to push back but that there's so many agents. Xavier tells her he has a plan as he mentally contacts Cyclops.

In the field, Cap notices it seemed like Cyclops was listening to something for a moment before directing his optic beams at the ground. Making a fire and cutting them off from SHIELD getting any closer as they retreat.

Xavier directs them to an abandoned mine tunnel and says that they shouldn't be able to be found. Now in a more private and hidden location, Xavier explains to Cap that after returning from defeating Magneto, they didn't know where Angel went.

Xavier tried to contact Beast but he couldn't locate him either.

Iceman, Cyclops and Marvel Girl visit the southwest to check on Cyclops brother Alex, and fellow X-Men Lorna Dane as she left a while ago to get Alex but hadn't returned yet. Xavier hoped that maybe Lorna stayed out of love but once getting there, their hut seemed to be long deserted.

Continuing to tell Cap that since after that the three remaining X-Men has been on scouting missions for the missing fellow mutants, even looking for their enemies.

Cyclops and Marvel Girl reported back with nothing but Iceman never came back. Claiming that mutants are in a silent, subtle and sinister war.

Desperate for allies they were looking for Banshee but he unfortunately attacked Cap. With the few clues Xavier gatheredm he was able to uncover the villain, the Secret Empire.

An organization dedicated to domination and do it without people even being aware that it's happening. Using advertising or propaganda. Their agents on Madison Avenue is one called Quentin Harderman. The man who engineered Cap's fame.

Xavier tells Cap he has one clue. Which he didn't want to follow up on because the enemies already knows too much about them, but Beast's newest girlfriend who seemed to arouse his suspicions, a Linda Donaldson.

Driving home from a day at the Brand Corporation. Agent 9 reports to her masters. They just tell her to continue on her mission to get a certain gyro. She swears all the way home and wishes Hank was around, at least he made her laugh. As she exits the car door, Cyclops grabs her and covers her mouth. Explaining that the X-Men just want to talk to her and that she's going with him.

Hidden away and in disguises Cap and Falcon come running in to protect the girl from the mutant. Thinking Xavier's plan is going perfectly on time, Cyclops beams towards them but hitting Linda's car.

However, something suddenly happens that wasn't part of the plan. Linda flips Cyclops over onto the ground.

Cyclops and Cap have a very pretend and fake fight. Cyclops tells him they can't stop him from kidnapping the girl and dodging his beams. Cap thinking it was a little too close grabs Linda out of the way. Cyclops then runs away.

The X-Men are happy that their secret tracing signal on Cap, finally finds the location of their goal. Marvel Girl agrees and says that now they just need to wait.

Xavier tells them "Wait for those two mortal men to deceive an entire empire on it's home territory. Risking exposure and annihilation every second they spend in that mammoth tomb they've willing entered. Yes, we wait... perhaps forever.. because Captain America and the Falcon may never come out of there.. alive!"

With Cap and Falcon running from agents in the Secret Empire. Above, Marvel Girl feels that there's something wrong and that she can read it in his thoughts. It turns out Xavier has been probing the lair below, knew of Mr. Black's treachery and was able to telepathically warn their friends just in time.

He tells his students that everything is happening so fast, Cyclops cheers him on not to quit. After a fight with a robot Falcon tells Cap he has another hunch tuggin at him.

Falcon asks if Xavier was in his head. Xavier admits that it was him, but it was also the Falcons reception to his telepathic calls, telling the Falcon that this marks him with a paranormal mind.

He asks Xavier if he's a mutant. Xavier tells him not necessarily but he has heard of the Falcons rapport with his Hawk. However, they can discuss it later as Xavier needs them to follow him.

Running through the halls Cap asks Xavier if he found a way out for them, he tells Cap he found something better than that. The location of the missing mutants.

Opening a certain door, it reveals a lab where the missing mutants are. They're all connected to some machine.

Xavier tells Cyclops and Cap to remover a certain apparatus on the machine as it's siphoning their brain energy. They're able to get everyone out, though they seemed dazed, perhaps even drugged.

Xavier reads Angel's mind as to what happened since he was the one they were looking for. The memory is still fresh, Angel was relaxing and reading a book at the school when Magneto suddenly attacked him and stole his energy-absorbing costume.

Angel wakes up later in his old original X-Men costume and went out to look for the rest of the X-Men not knowing Magneto had already taken them away. When he tried to fly away he was stuck down from an ambush.

Xavier then probes his other students mind, Beast. He sees Beast was heading to his place of work at Brand Corporations, planning to disguise himself in his "Hank McCoy" costume when he too was stuck down like Angel.

Generally probing the room of the minds of other friends and foes, they all have a similar story.

Cap and Falcon go on the offence while Cyclops blasts some agents alone. Marvel Girl runs in, Xavier warning her that the other mutants are too groggy to be of any help.

After getting beaten, Agent 1 calls for Agent 68 with his atomic annihilator gun. He shoots it towards the heroes and they drop like flies.

Agent 1 gloats about beating Captain America and the X-Men with his atomic annihilator. He has other agents bring their bodies to the basement and are dumped down like garbage. Cap's awaken by two of his allies, wanting to help him escape while dressed in disguise as agents of the empire.

Up above, Agent 1 has some mutants connected back on the circle thing and to the energy stealing machine.

After freeing Cap, they help the rest escape. Along with Cyclops and Marvel Girl, Cap attacks the goons in the master control room.

Though Xavier couldn't join in the fight but Cyclops starts grabbing wires for him and unplugs the mutant energy machine.

With their objective done, they still help Cap out with him calling the shots. Cap's able to defeat the bad guys before Agent 1 runs into the white house.

Chasing him down and taking his mask off, Cap is shocked by who Agent 1 really is. He admits to Captain America that his high politician position didn't satisfy him, constrained by too many legalities.

---

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[mutantpowerlist]

Avengers (1963) [issues #110-#111]

The Avengers receive a call from Quicksilver the moon, with the Inhuman Crystal with him. He happily announcing their engagement with his old friends.

Scarlet Witch is of course happy and excited over her brothers wonderful news. Saying that she also has good news to share. She and Vision are also engaged.

However, Quicksilver is not happy about her engagement.

He argues with her, saying that Vision's just a robot before saying he's refusing to call her until she comes back to her "senses." as he abruptly hangs up on them.

The Avengers then get another call, wondering if it could be Pietro already, but on the screen they see a mansion.

The door wide open, interior trashed, before showing Xavier in room helpless on the floor asking his foe if they just came to gloat. Declaring that the foe may have destroyed his students but he will be no one's whipped dog.

Thor recognizes Xavier's voice from the screen as he's been in Thor's head before. Now worried about what's going on, the Avengers head to Westchester.

Now at the mansion, the Avengers are in total disbelief with the total destruction of the mansion as they start finding the X-Men in different spots knocked out.

All in deep comas, their breathing and heart rates slowing down at impossible levels. Captain America and Scarlet Witch then find Xavier, she runs in, insisting on getting them to the hospital right away as she feels like she owes the X-Men for showing kindness to her and her brother while they were with Magneto's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.

As they enter the room, the door suddenly and forcefully shuts on its own, the both them realizing this was a trap, Cap suddenly gets pulled in by Cerebro. He tells Wanda to grab Xavier and leave while he distracts Cerebro.

Cap frees himself before throwing his shield at it. Nothing happens and Cerebro is still coming. Wanda can't open the door so Cap makes a new one by busting through a wall.

The Avengers carry the X-Men out of the mansion to one of their ships when suddenly boulders start coming up from the ground like meteors.

Holding both Iceman and Angel, Black Panther says that he can withstand the rocks but he's not sure about the X-Men. Iron Man tells him to brace himself as he lifts all three out of there.

Once they finally get all the X-Men aboard the rock barrage suddenly stops. Wanda speaks up, saying someone is just taunting with them, showing off their powers for their private amusement and that that someone is Magento.

The fellas ponder as this does seem like something Magneto would do but they haven't seen him in awhile. They then begin to hear music, from a flute.

Looking over in the direction of the music when four dinosaurs (Pteranodon. Tyrannosaurus Rex, Deinonychus and Triceratops) come charging towards them.

The Avengers beat the dinosaurs then spot the one playing the flute who they believe were controlling the dinosaurs, running towards him. the boulders start to lift again.

With Thor failing to get into the boulder shield that protects the Piper, he compliments their master who keeps eluding them. A familiar voice then thanks Thor for the compliment and to demonstrate his gratitude he'll stop eluding them.

With disbelief, Magneto then reveals himself in Angel's costume. Saying this was all part of his plan, in tricking them in believing he was the Angel. He tells them he wanted these mutants all together in one spot while also grabbing at Wanda.

The fellas run over and try to free Wanda from his grip, but Magneto just blows them away, saying no one can go against him as he knocks out Cap and Iron Man while burying the other Avengers under boulders.

Now gleefully stealing the Quinjet with both groups of his worst enemies Avengers and X-Men now defeated and at his mercy under his mind control before he asks why Wanda isn't celebrating with him. Wanda says she'll never.

Now at his fortress, Magneto has Wanda dance for him as he can control her every movement while Cap, Iron Man and the X-Men can only watch as they're also under Magneto's control.

He explains to the Piper that since he discovered he can control iron. He now controls them by slowing the flow of blood to their brains, just keeping them barely alive for their organs to still function. That they're the first of his mindless slaves.

The Piper asks about the other Avengers but Magneto tells him that just the three he left behind can never beat him.

Now in the dark, at a very important mans home, many cars drop congressmen off to an important and sudden conference due to intelligence reports. That there's a threat someone who will attempt to capture one of their atomic bases. Suddenly the table they were sitting around rips itself apart.

Magneto starts his attack on the men using the Avengers under his mind control. One of the men realize that the shadowy figures in the window are Scarlet Witch and Magneto. He runs to the window saying he's gonna punch Magneto in the jaw but is immediately blasted down by Iron Man.

Magneto then has the X-Men enter the room. Iceman freezes a few of the men while one pleads for him to not do this. While distracted with Iceman, Magneto wasn't paying attention and Cyclops gets punched in the face cause he was unable to defend himself. Magneto then has him eye beam the man away.

The congressmen now under his control too, Magneto attempts to capture them and lead them into the Quinjet when Thor yells from the hill, saying that they do not permit thee to depart.

Magneto battles the other Avengers while he has Iron Man to continue leading the congressmen onto the Quinjet.

Black Panther asks Daredevil in trying an idea. Daredevil hanging off his ankles Black Panther swings around a branch and launches Daredevil into the air. He grabs onto the ship to try ans enter the small window close by but Magneto sees him blasts him off.

Back at Magneto's lair. Looking down at human congressmen, Magneto says that they hold the key to America's atomic energy, unlimited power at their fingertips and they work as civil servants for a working salary. How they can live with themselves with a life like that is a complete mystery to him.

He tells them his master plan. Wanting to create even more mutants, an army of them that he'll then let loose on the public if they don't tell him how to access to all the atomic power in the country.

Adding that he knows that the radiation will eventually destroy around 92% of what it touches but the remainders, the stronger, will become mutants for him to control. The men tell he's mad.

Magneto explains that all his plans come through. When Angel fell into his hands in the Savage Land he devised a costume that would gradually absorb his mutant energy.

Telling them how it was just yesterday how broke into the mansion, drugging his victim into unconsciousness, stealing his costume and the power it absorbed now going into him. Making him feel reborn.

He dares them to tell him he hasn't succeeded. He also tells them to stop wasting his time and just tell him what he wants to know. The congressman tells him that nothing will betray their trust. Now angry at them, Magneto then to takes over their minds too.

Magneto admits this wasn't the way he wanted to extract the information he needs from them, figuring they would eventually tell him in time but time is something he doesn't have much of.

When Daredevil feels vibrations from the cave under them. Thor tells him that he doesn't how Daredevil can perceive such things but yet neither needing to question him for him to act. Thor hits the ground with Mjölnir when they begin to collapse into the cave.

Magneto doesn't know how they found them but he has the other heroes under his control and has them attack their would saviors.

Black Panther jumps on Cyclops but gets stop caught by Iceman. T'Challa easily breaks the ice and lunges at Iceman. However it's Iceman who is the one who knocks Black Panther out.

Daredevil stressing over the fact that there's too much going on for him to focus. He needs to focus on finding the Vision when he realizes that T'Challa didn't knock Cyclops out and that if he doesn't get it together he'll be killed by his beams.

Using Marvel Girl and Scarlet Witch lifting Daredevil away and under some boulders. Black Widow ropes Magneto under his own boulders saying that they'll hurt him too if he tries to hurt Daredevil. He says that that's no problem but he's no longer amused by her before putting her under his mind control too.

Magneto gloats about his success to the Piper as he approaches him from behind. The Piper then suddenly hits the back of Magneto's neck and knocks him out. It turns out to be Vision.

Wanda asks why Vision didn't tell just her his plans as it was really risky. He tells her it was a risk he had to take, for her.

With Magneto out cold, everyone under his control is now free. Xavier scans their minds and it seems they all remember similar things, but the question is. Where's Angel?

Marvel Girl says Iron Man searched the mansion and didn't see him. Xavier says he fears they've just been saved from one dilemma to be plunging directly into a worse one.

---

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