X-Men Legacy #275 & Ultimate X-Men #18 Shots

X-Men Legacy #275

Ultimate Comics X-Men #18

NYCC 2012 Rogue Cosplay

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Uncanny X-Men #185

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #185

Publishing Date: September 1984

Highlights: Rogue is attacked by the government, who believe she is responsible for the death of a SHIELD agent.

Synopsis: Rogue leaves and Storm goes to find her. At the same time the government tracks Rogue to bring her in on murder charges. They find her on the banks of the Mississippi after Storm has offered her powers to Rogue. When Rogue reacts, the weather reacts with her causing a sudden storm that takes out a boat on the river. While saving the people on the boat, government agent Henry Gyrich shoots a power neutralizer gun with the intent to hit Rogue, but hits Storm instead.

Extra Info: Rogue is still struggling with where her loyalties lay. Storm sees Rogue as a friend. Rogue also realizes that she does think about others when she decides to rescue the people trapped in the storm, rather thasn flee and save herself.

Contradictions: The video they show of Rogue in the Pentagon depicts Rogue asorbing Storm's powers with gloves on

Powers Taken: Storm

Key Issue: Yes

Secret Wars #5

Issue: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Vol. 1 #5

Publishing Date: September 1984

Highlights: The X-Men help the Heroes fight the Villains, acting as free agents.

Synopsis: Galactus summons his home from space while the Heroes regroup, the X-Men come to an agreement with Magneto, and Doom plans his next move. Galactus attacks the Heroes and Doom uses the attack to his advantage and has the Villains attack the Heroes as well while he waits to invade Galactus' home and the X-Men fly in to help the Heroes. The Heroes and the X-Men win and the X-Men fless, leaving a critically wounded Colossus behind for the Heroes to save.

Extra Info: There seems to be a battle for leadership between Storm and Xavier.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: No

Uncanny X-Men #184

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #184

Publishing Date: August 1984

Highlights: The X-Men track a mysterious new mutant and save her from the villainess, Selene.

Synopsis: A mysterious new telepath named Rachel from the future arrives in the present and is almost immediately hunted by the mutant vampiress, Selene. While on the run from Selene, Rachel takes shelter with a club owner, but Selene finds Rachel and kills the club owner. While the two fight, the building they are in goes up in flames around them. The X-Men, led by Xavier, rush into the burning apartment, saving Rachel while Selene escapes.

Extra Info: Rogue finds out how it feels to have her powers used on herself when Selene uses similar powers on Rogue.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: Yes

Secret Wars #4

Issue: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Vol. 1 #4

Publishing Date: August 1984

Highlights: The X-Men leave the Heroes in order to join Magneto against the Beyonder.

Synopsis: The Heroes escape their fallen hideout, only to discover the X-Men and Thor are missing. To make sure the Heroes are dead, the villains drop a mountain on them. The mountain doesn't crush the Heroes thanks to the Hulk. While the Heroes try to find a way out, the X-Men go to join Magneto. Thor fights off the Villains and the Wasp escapes from Magneto's hideout. The Heroes escape and find a native village in which they are given medical treatment.

Extra Info: Rogue second guesses herself and wonders if she would stand for what's right or betray the X-Men in order to survive.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: Yes

Uncanny X-Men #183

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #183

Publishing Date: July 1984

Highlights: Rogue doesn't seem to care what happens to her as she fights till she drops in the danger room, trying to run from her split personality caused by the psyche of Ms. Marvel.

Synopsis: Finally back home, the X-Men settle into normal life, but tension grows as they all deal with the backlash of their own personal emotions and relationships. Colossus breaks up with Kitty, Rogue works herself to exhaustion and Wolverine decides to have a little talk with Colossus which goes better than he thought it would due to an unexpected run in with the Juggernaut.

Extra Info: Storm wonders if Rogue will go back to the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants if she doesn't get help to control her powers soon.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: Yes

Reading through Secret Wars

Now, I have been collecting comics for a long time, and although I had some of the Secret Wars series from 1984 and the Uncanny X-Men, I have to confess I never actually read them very thoroughly, simply scanning through until I got to the Rogue parts. I also didn't have a good chunk of the Secret Wars series, but have found that Marvel has digitized the series and was able to download what I was missing. So for me, it's kinda like reading the comics from this era for the very first time.

I have to imagine that waaaay back in 1984 (2 years before I was even born!!), it was very frustrating reading the Uncanny X-Men at the same time as the Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars.

The Secret Wars series was obviously meant to be read not at the same time as the Uncanny X-Men series (or, I'm assuming, the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Spider Man, Hulk, ect. series for that matter), but is actually meant to be read in full before reading Uncanny X-Men #181.

It was strange reading through in order of publishing dates as I have committed to do. With every new Uncanny X-Men comes many references to yet to be published Secret Wars, causing many questions and much anticipation to those reading both series at the time I'm sure. Having read most of the X-Men series from over the past 20 years and knowing vaguely what has happened and where the story line will take me, I can't imagine my anticipation matching that of original readers from 1984, but it is an interesting way of reading through the series, that's for sure.

More posts on these comic books to come!

Secret Wars #3

Issue: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Vol. 1 #3

Publishing Date: July 1984

Highlights: The heroes and villains battle yet once more, while the villains seem to be getting stronger with their teamwork, the heroes seem to be falling apart from the inside out.

Synopsis: While a wicked storm rages outside making it impossible for anyone to attack, the heroes explore their new hideout. The Heroes break into separate groups, all trying to regroup from their previous battle. At Magneto’s hideout, he and the Wasp decide to talk in a civil manner while they wait out the storm. And over at the villain’s hideout, Dr. Doom creates 2 new super villain-esses. While exploring, Spider Man comes across the X-Men, who are planning to leave the heroes hideout to join Magneto, but when he goes to report this, Xavier wipes his mind of the conversation. Thor and the Enchantress go off through a portal to talk of things only Gods can talk of. The villains attack the heroes as soon as the storm breaks, taking them by surprise and freeing all their comrades before returning to their hideout.

Extra Info: Rogue is visibly unnerved by the fact that she is in the same place as the Avengers, given their past history together.

Contradictions: Rogue’s super strength can’t break through Spider Man’s webs, which seems kind of unrealistic considering she can take down whole buildings.

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: Yes

Uncanny X-Men #182

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #182

Publishing Date: June 1984

Highlights: Rogue flies off to save Michael Rossi based on Carol’s memories and emotions towards him.

Synopsis: After returning to the mansion on Storm’s orders to check on Kitty Pryde and the New Mutants, Rogue checks the emergency messages and is rattled by one that makes her take off immediately before trying to find Kitty. Rogue breaks into the SHIELD Helicarrier in order to save Michael Rossi. While rescuing Michael, Rogue’s personality switches to that of Carol Davners. Michael tells Rogue that she is not Carol and Rogue becomes confused, switching back and forth from Rogue to Carol and Michael, disgusted by what Rogue did to Carol, leaves her. Back at SHIELD, Nick Fury puts out an alert to bring Rogue in by any means necessary.

Extra Info: Rogue’s costume seems to have changed. Rogue is revealed to be 18yrs old.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: Yes

Secret Wars #2

Issue: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Vol. 1 #2

Publishing Date: June 1984

Highlights: The villains attack the heroes, only to be defeated due to lack of organization and teamwork.

Synopsis: While being attacked by the villains, the heroes begin to realize that certain aspects of the planet were specifically designed to help them use their powers to their full potential. The heroes fight as a team, while the villains fight unorganized and end up running back to their hideout. The heroes take their prisoners and find their own hideout while the villains find that their hideout has been taken over by Dr. Doom. Magneto decides to attack the heroes while they are settling in, but flees when he finds that he wasn’t prepared for their retaliation.

Extra Info: None

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: No

Uncanny X-Men #181

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #181

Publishing Date: May 1984

Highlights: The X-Men are returned to earth, but find themselves in Japan instead of New York.

Synopsis: The X-Men are transported back to earth and find themselves in Japan with a giant dragon in tow. The dragon is apparently in love with Lockheed and flies to Tokyo where she destroys the city in order to find material to build herself a nest to settle down in with Lockheed. Japan’s army and the X-Men try to stop the dragon, but she on;y leaves when she feels she is finished. When she gets back to her nest site though, Lockheed tells her off and chases her away, causing her to just disappear into thin air. The X-Men rush to help those trapped or hurt in the aftermath.

Extra Info: Should be read after the Secret Wars series.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: No

Secret Wars #1

Issue: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Vol. 1 #1

Publishing Date: May 1984

Highlights: The X-Men are transported to space with other heroes from earth and given an ultimatum.

Synopsis: Earth’s mightiest heroes & villains are transported  from earth to a makeshift planet by an all-powerful entity calling himself “the Beyonder”. The Beyonder offers them them their wildest dreams come true, but only if they battle each other in an all-out war between heroes and villains. Dr Doom tries to convince the villains not to fight, but they don’t listen so he attempts to enlist the help of Reed Richards.

Extra Info: More of an introduction issue, not much happening. If reading in chronological order, the Secret Wars series should be read before restarting the Uncanny X-Men series.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: No

New Mutants #14

Issue: New Mutants Vol. 1 #14

Publishing Date: April 1984

Highlights: The New Mutants try to throw a party for Xavier, only to be attacked by S’ym.

Synopsis: While the X-Men are out, the New Mutants decide to throw Xavier a party. While out, the New Mutants discover it is Illyana’s birthday, while back at the mansion Xavier is attacked. When the New Mutants return, they fight Xavier’s attacker S’ym and Illyana defeats him, causing S’ym to pledge himself to her. The X-Men return in time for the party and it is discovered that Xavier’s legs now work and he can walk.

Extra Info: The New Mutants are transported through Limbo from outside the mansion to inside the Mansion with their car and a volcano as well.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: No

Uncanny X-Men #179

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #179

Publishing Date: March 1984

Highlights: Rogue & the X-Men travel to the morlock tunnels to save Kitty Pryde.

Synopsis: Believing Kitty is dead, the X-Men go to identify her body, but Wolverine doesn’t believe it is her. Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Xavier & Nightcrawler work to help Colossus when Xavier is rendered unconscious. Storm and the rest of the X-Men figure the Morlocks have Kitty and go to save her. Instead of leaving the morlocks though, Kitty sends a Morlock healer back to the mansion to help save Colossus then returns back to the tunnels to fulfil a promise to Caliban. However, Caliban releases Kitty from her commitment and lets her go at the last minute.

Extra Info: Using Rogue’s powers to aid in saving Colossus, Storm decides Rogue has earned her place as an X-Man.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: Colossus

Key Issue: Yes

Uncanny X-Men #178

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #178

Publishing Date: February 1984

Highlights: When faced with the decision to go home with her foster-mother Mystique or stay with the X-Men, Rogue decides to stay with the X-Men.

Synopsis: Convinced that Xavier is mind controlling Rogue into staying with the X-Men, Mystique attacks the X-Men while they are attending the ballet in New York, incapacitating Colossus first. Professor Xavier decides to keep Rogue out of the fight in order to not force her to test her loyalties. While the X-Men fight the Brotherhood, Kitty breaks into the Fantastic Four’s headquarters in order to “borrow” a device that could save Colossus’ life. Back at the mansion, Mystique attacks Xavier, intending on killing him in order to get Rogue back. Before Mystique can kill Xavier however, Rogue stops her and convinces Mystique that she is with the X-Men of her own free will. Mystique and the Brotherhood retreat. Kitty however, is found fallen off the Baxter building, presumably dead.

Extra Info: Rogue and Mystique talk about how Rogue grew up with Mystique, before her powers manifested.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: Yes

Uncanny X-Men Annual Vol. 1 #7

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Annual Vol. 1 #7

Publishing Date: December 1983

Highlights: While chasing an alien stealing super-hero things for a scavenger hunt, Rogue tries to absorb the aliens powers in order to stop him, only to have him knock her unconscious.

Synopsis: Celebrating the start of spring, the X-Men enjoy a nice game of baseball at the mansion when an alien ship appears and steals the mansion. After pursuing the alien to the SHIELD helicarrier and the Savage Land, Rogue guesses that they are in pursuit of a scavenger hunt participant. They keep following, finding themselves at the Avenger’s mansion, the Hellfire Club and even the Marvel bullpen. Finally catching up with the alien, the X-Men have Lillandra judge the scavenger hunt and make the alien give all the stuff collected back.

Extra Info: Wolverine seems to be warming up to Rogue, showing more concern for her than usual.

Contradictions: None

Powers Taken: She-Hulk

Key Issue: Yes

Uncanny X-Men #175

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #175

Publishing Date: November 1983

Highlights: Rogue begins to settle as one of the team in the X-Men when Mastermind attacks the X-Men. Cyclops uses Rogue to tell the X-Men that everything they are seeing is not real.

Synopsis: While doing some landscaping at the mansion, the X-Men witness a flash in the sky that is strikingly similar to the Phoenix. Scott then falls from the sky and Professor Xavier goes into critical condition when cerebro almost electrocutes him. The phoenix then emerges from Scott’s body and attacks the X-Men. As theX-Men try to call for aid, it seems the Phoenix is incinerating the world as they know it. Cyclops wakes and figures out that Mastermind is behind the return of the Phoenix, creating an illusion only the X-Men can see. Cyclops makes Rogue absorb Xavier’s powers in order to tell the rest of the X-Men of Mastermind’s plot. Storm disarms Mastermind and the X-Men find Madelyne half drown in the middle of the chaos. Finally safe, Cyclops and Madelyne marry.

Extra Info: “Wizard of Oz” poppies apparently affect her mutant physiology, causing her to pass out as soon as she inhales the spores from the plants. 

Contradictions: None 

Powers Taken: Xavier 

Key Issue: Yes

Uncanny X-Men #174

Issue: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #174 

Publishing Date: October 1983 

Highlights: Nightcrawler watches over Rogue as she recovers from her fight with Viper. 

Synopsis: Scott and Professor Xavier are on a Shi’ar space station making decisions for their future, Wolverine remains in Japan looking for answers and the rest of the X-Men reside at the mansion, trying to unwind from the tension left from Wolverine’s marriage being broken off by Mariko. When Scott returns to earth he asks Madelyne to marry him. He also asks her if she is Jean Grey reincarnated and as such, the Phoenix. The second question does not go over well.

Extra Info: None 

Contradictions: None 

Powers Taken: None

Key Issue: No