Feeling like Flashback Friday!
In honor of Nightcrawler’s upcoming return I want to share one of my favorite issues starring the Fuzzy Elf.
At San Diego Comic Con last weekend Marvel announced Wolverine will lead a team of Amazing X-Men to find the one true Kurt Wagner in a new book by Jason Aaron and Ed McGuiness.
Nightcrawler will always be my favorite X-Man. Kurt was born looking like a fearsome demon but with a gentle soul. I was moved by how some writers played upon the tragic irony of Kurt’s life. A caring man of faith hated and feared because of genetics he couldn’t control.
My favorite Nightcrawler stories were when he was portrayed as a swashbuckling adventurer. Excalibur #16 starred Kurt Wagner, Warlord. Kurt was in fun form in sword battles with monstrous warriors and seductive encounters scantily clad princesses. This was Chapter Five on The Cross-Time Caper which found Excalibur swirling through multiple dimensions trying to find a way home. In this world – the Excalibur lost their powers and became sword wielding heroes right out of John Carter, Warlord of Mars. The team all has their moments but this issue was a showcase for the dashing, swashbuckling Kurt – including an encounter with a blue skinned beauty.
The Chris Claremont and Alan Davis partnership on Excalibur still remains a favorite of mine filled with action, fantasy, humor and one of my favorite portrayals of Nightcrawler.
The search for Kurt begins this October in Amazing X-Men. Thanks for letting me indulge. Here’s a link to the Claremont/Davis Excalibur collection including this story.
By Editor