Tag: Rogue

Avengers vs X-Men: Rogue vs She-Hulk

 

X-Men Legacy #266 courtesy Marvel

  Avengers vs X-Men may be a fight about the future of the Marvel Universe but X-Men Legacy #266 reminded Rogue about her criminal past. It starts with slow burning tension at the Jean Grey School. Rogue and other teachers are reflecting on whether to rejoin Cyclops or stay at the school.

  Rogue is constantly reminded how she took on Thor, Captain America and other heroes in the classic Avengers Annual #10. This Chris Claremont/Michael Golden story featured Rogue (under Mystique’s influence) taking down Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. We see the regret in Rogue’s mind as she remembers the mistakes of her past including the fateful battle with Ms. Marvel that too years for both of them to recover.

  An Avengers task force arrives but the line is drawn…but not for long until there’s a brawl in the schoolyard. The cover promised a Rogue & She-Hulk throw down and the issue doesn’t disappoint. I like how Christos Gage is handling Frenzy in this issue.  This was a great tie-in issue to AVX with a big cliffhanger as one of the big three Avengers jumps into the fight.

I’m still hoping to see a Rogue/Ms. Marvel rematch before AvX is over. I love both characters but it would make for great drama given the tragic history between these women that Chris Claremont wrote so perfectly during his X-Men run.

By Editor

AvX Avengers Seize The Jean Grey School

X-Men Legacy #266 courtesy Marvel

  Marvel’s ladies in green are about to throw down as Avengers Vs X-Men hits the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning. She-Hulk and a team of Avengers arrive to “secure” the school in X-Men Legacy #266.

Christos Gage says knowing AvX was coming affected his direction for the book in a new Comics Newsarama interview.

 “I have certainly been aware that AvX was coming, and been preparing for it, but it’s not as if we’ve been solely focusing on that. I think in Uncanny, there was more of a continuity of purpose… the roster was smaller, and there was some change of focus, but the Utopia X-Men are doing more or less what they did before.

It’s been a bigger shake-up for the Grey School X-Men, and I wanted to examine that, as well as the Schism‘s effects on the characters. Over in Avengers Academy, I’ve been continuing with ongoing stories for the kids, and having a blast with the Runaways guest appearance in #27 and 28. So I think each story is its own thing, but with an awareness of where we were headed, and the character journeys will continue during AvX.”

The Avengers task force coming to the school includes She-Hulk, Falcon and Moon Knight. Gage revealed how he picked these heroes.

 “I’ll be honest, it was partly to do with who I could use in a way that made sense given where else they’re showing up and who’s off in space and so on. But of those who were available I picked these three because they work well in the context of the story. I can’t get too much into why without venturing into spoiler territory. But it’s a fun mix! She-Hulk and Frenzy have battled before… and Moon Knight vs. Gambit just sounded cool to me. I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I’m digging writing it!”

For the entire interview here’s the Comics Newsarama link.

I’m ready for Rogue to whip She-Hulk!

AVX: X-Kids in Avengers Custody

Avengers Academy #23 courtesy Marvel

  Christos Gage answered fan questions about the future of X-Men Legacy and Avengers Academy revealing how both teams will be impacted by Avengers Vs. X-Men. The mutant kids of Utopia will be held at Avengers Academy leading to an odd reunion for X-23 and her former teammates.

  “There are indeed scenes between X-23, Surge and Dust, and they were fun — for me, not for the characters involved! This storyline definitely looks at X-23 and how she has developed as a person since her days with the New X-Men, as well as how she is continuing to develop. As for the Westchester kids coming to break them out, they’re going to have their own problems…”

 The situations are different. I can only say so much to avoid spoilers, but in Avengers Academy, what has happened is that various X-kids from Utopia end up in the custody of the Avengers, and it’s decided the best thing to do with them to keep them out of the conflict is to house them at Avengers Academy. It’s not an internment camp per se (the cover of Avengers Academy #29 is more symbolic of how the X-kids feel), it’s more like Child Protective Services, where kids who have nowhere else to go are placed — presumably for their own good.

X-Men Legacy #264

  I’m not saying it’s right — there’s a lot of debate about that in the book itself — but it’s with good intentions. As for the situation in  X-Men Legacy, events there are more reaction to the larger conflict — the Avengers send a team to keep an eye on the X-Men and make sure they don’t escalate matters by joining the Utopia crew, but they are more watching from outside, like cops at a Mafia wedding. Oh, and don’t assume it was Cap who made the decision in all these cases!”

For the entire interview here’s the Comic Book Resources link.

I’ve enjoyed Gage taking the reigns of X-Men Legacy especially the brewing passion between Gambit and Frenzy. I hope this book survives the reboot that’s surely coming after AVX.

X-Men Legacy’s Frenzy and X-Men: First Class Casting

 

Frenzy by Jorge Molina courtesy Marvel.com

Following in the path of Rogue, Frenzy is a character searching for redemption. Joanna Cargill debuted as part of Apocalypse’s Alliance of Evil in the original X-Factor then joined Magneto’s Acolytes.

Mike Carey started evolving the ex-villain in Age of X. The heartbroken Frenzy awoke from that alternate world arc learning her passionate romance with Cyclops was lie. Christos Gage now has Joanna flirting with bad boy Gambit in X-Men Legacy. Gage told Comic Book Resources about Frenzy’s motivations and his plans for her.

“I’ve always been a sucker for characters who are seeking redemption, and Frenzy is most definitely one. I think her primary motivation right now is to be a hero, the kind of person she was in the world of “Age of X.” An interesting catch is that in “Age of X” she was protecting and defending mutants, not humans. As a former mutant supremacist, she hasn’t really addressed how she feels about protecting a world that hates and fears her. We’ll be exploring that coming up.

Cyclops and Frenzy share a kiss courtesy Marvel.com

I think that her struggle after discovering her relationship with Cyclops, which meant so much to her in “Age of X,” was an illusion is the very reason she shared a kiss with Gambit. It was implied back in the ’90s that they had met before joining the X-Men, when both were freelance mercenaries and that they were both enemies and lovers. It’s not terribly uncommon for people who are emotionally vulnerable to turn to an old flame for comfort; even if they know there are probably pretty good reasons that old flame is not a current flame. I think she and Gambit are in a similar place emotionally, and it’ll be intriguing to see where it goes, if anywhere.”

For Gage’s entire interview here’s the Comic Book Resources link. I love David Baldeon’s art on X-Men Legacy especially Frenzy.

On a geek personal note:

Nicole Beharie by John Shearer courtesy WireImage.com

I think Frenzy would make a perfect for Magneto’s Brotherhood in the X-Men: First Class sequel. A passionate and strong African-American woman like Joanna would be a great character to explore the turbulent 1960’s and the struggle for racial equality and mutant equality. Frenzy could become Erik’s love interest. Michael Fassbender could reunite with his Shame co-star, the stunning Nicole Beharie. The two had incredible chemistry in that film.

 

 

Gage’s X-Men Legacy and Rogue’s Future

 

X-Men Legacy #262 courtesy Marvel

  As a huge fan of Mike Carey’s X-Men Legacy run, Christos Gage had big shoes to fill, especially when it comes to writing Rogue. I’m thrilled to say that I’m really enjoying his initial issues. I wanted to share some highlights of Gage’s interview with Comic Book Resources.

  I really like his take on why choosing between Cyclops and Wolverine (after Schism) was difficult for Rogue and why she’s so comfortable with new role at the Jean Grey School.

  “I think Rogue’s struggle with the Schism wasn’t so much over what side to choose but rather the fact that it was happening at all. It hurt her to see two men she liked and respected so much in Cyclops and Wolverine disagreeing so strongly, and to see the X-Men divided. It was especially tough on her to leave Magneto in the early stages of their burgeoning yet largely undefined relationship, before she’d had a chance to sort out her feelings about him.

 

X-Men Legacy #261 preview art courtesy Marvel.com

  That said, I think she was always going to go to the Grey School. She had been working with the X-Men’s younger kids for a long time, and I think it gave her a feeling of doing something positive while at the same time giving kids in situations similar to hers when she was young — often confused and scared by their powers — opportunities she never had. It’s good for her and it’s good for the kids. I think she feels better about her role in the world — what she’s doing with her life — than maybe she ever has.”

  X-Men Legacy #262 arrives February 22nd with a stunning Mark Brooks cover.

 

AVX The X-Men’s Wild Card

X-Men #190 courtesy Marvel

  Avengers Vs. X-Men is filled with characters who may switch sides due to conflicting alliances. Wolverine, Beast and Storm are on both teams but I believe they will stand with their fellow mutants. Is there a wild card on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?

  I would love to see Mystique play a role in AVX? The shapeshifting villain always has her own agenda and has a track record of infiltrating teams anyone – hero, villain, ally – to execute her goal.

  During Mike Carey’s spectacular X-Men run Mystique was part of Rogue’s team only to betray them in Blinded by the Light and became Mister Siniser’s operative in Messiah Complex. Raven ultimately betrayed Sinister because of her own plot within a plot to save her foster daugher. Never underestimate the lengths Raven will take to protect Rogue.

X-Men Annual #1 courtesy Marvel

  Cyclops may recruit Mystique to infiltrate the Avengers. During Messiah Complex Scott and Wolverine assembled an X-Force black ops squad to kill the Purifiers. Would Cyclops make a deal with this she-devil? Raven could use her shapeshifting powers to get inside the Avengers and give the X-Men an edge.

 

AvX: Rogue Vs She-Hulk

X-Men Legacy #266 courtesy Marvel

  I was psyched for a Rogue/Ms. Marvel clash given their tragic history together. Marvel delivered a new green vs green matchup!

  This X-Men Legacy #266 cover features Rogue fighting She-Hulk! I earlier predicted a Carol Danvers win against Rogue but after seeing Rogue’s fighting and tactical thinking lately I think she can tackle Jennifer.

The Mark Brooks cover was featured first on Comics Newsarama.

X-Men Legacy #261 Exodus From the Jean Grey School?

 

X-Men Legacy #261 preview art courtesy Marvel.com

  X-Men Legacy #261 isn’t just in fine hands but phenomenal hands. Christos Gage took over last month after Mike Carey long run.  His second issue is filled with drama, humor and action. A love triangle is building into a quadrangle. An old enemy arrives.

  I’ve never been a fan of the villain Exodus. He’s a pink skinned, immortal mutant who can do anything but I think it’s very clever how Gage uses him here. Exodus wants to reunite the X-Men. Through the conflict the X-Men show why Schism happened and why they made the right choice to follow Logan.

X-Men Legacy #261 preview art courtesy Marvel.com

  Gage has picked up the baton from Carey when it comes to portraying Rogue as the confident teacher/leader she’s become. From her girl talk with Rachel about long distance relationships to tapping into powers for a takedown of Exodus, this is the decisive, exciting Rogue I’ve come to love.

  I really love David Baldeon’s art. His work is energetic and expessive. The fight scenes are dynamic and a great fit with Nick Bradshaw’s work on Wolverine and the X-Men. I’m reminded of Gary Frank and Dale Keown’s work on The Incredible Hulk.  

 

I’m definitely excited to see where this new team take Rogue, Gambit, Frenzy and company. The Exodus plot is not over and looks like this team is heading back to Utopia.