Auntie Emma's little Secret - Emma Frost Fan Blog

Marvel Solicitations February 2011

2010-11-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

ASTONISHING X-MEN #36
Written by DANIEL WAY
Pencils & Cover by JASON PEARSON
Variant Cover by MICHAEL KALUTA
“MONSTROUS,” PART 1
Not all monsters are easy to spot -- some of them live among us, undetected or long forgotten. Some of them live inside us, in the dark corners of our hearts, feeding on our secret fears of loss. But in the Marvel Universe, most of them live on Monster Island. Or, at least, they did. A mysterious exodus is underway; monsters spilling onto nearby shores – with catastrophic results – and it falls upon a small group of X-Men to both save the population from destruction and to solve an imposing riddle: What are monsters afraid of? New series writer Daniel Way (Deadpool) is joined by superstar artist Jason Pearson to bring you a widescreen, mega blockbuster story filled with classic Kirby monsters, heart-stopping revelations and over-the-top action!

WOLVERINE #6
Written by JASON AARON
Penciled by DANIEL ACUÑA
Cover by JAE LEE
Once again, a mindless Wolverine is raging out control, a danger to everyone around him. But this time Cyclops is ready. He's always feared this day would come again, and he's ready and willing to do whatever it takes to end Wolverine's rampage once and for all. He's even brought along a few friends to help him: Magneto and Namor. Don't miss Part One of the action-packed new arc, "Wolverine vs. The X-Men."
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

X-MEN #8
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
“TO SERVE AND PROTECT,” PART 2
After braving the lizard-creature infested sewers beneath Manhattan, Spider-Man reveals to the X-Men just exactly who they are up against. But this doesn't explain the rash of disappearances of outcast teenagers. Why have they vanished, and what do these kids have in common? The X-Men must use their best detective skills to discover the secret, but nothing prepares them–or Spider-Man–for the surprise villain who is pulling all the strings.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #533
Written by MATT FRACTION & KIERON GILLEN
Pencils & Cover by GREG LAND
“QUARANTINE” Part 4 (of 5).
The public gets what the public wants - and the public wants “X-Men.” The Sublime Corporation is here to provide, at a cost. Both financially and for the safety of the entire world. It's the gala product launch that everyone will be talking about. If only the actual X-Men weren’t dying of the power-sapping flu on Utopia so they could stop this.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #7
Written by STUART MOORE
Penciled by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by PHIL NOTO
NAMOR GOES TO HELL, part 2 of 3!
Lost in an arid desert, Namor seeks an escape from the underworld -- while events spiral out of control in New Atlantis. Namor's only hope: one determined young X-Man -- and the man called DOCTOR DOOM!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

X-MEN: TO SERVE AND PROTECT #4 (of 4)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST, JED MACKAY & MORE!
Penciled by DEREC AUCOIN, SHELDON VELL & MORE!
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
The X-Men continue their tour around the Marvel U in this not-to-be missed anthology. The X-Vigilante duo of Rockslide and Anole take Mr. Negative and the Serpent Society! A New Contest of Champions is held! Friends become lovers! Lovers become enemies! THE SKY WILL FALL, so do not miss this issue!
40 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

Marko Djurdjevic’s Wolverine poster

2010-11-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

God, this is a thing of beauty! This poster is almost ten feet long and sections of it will be featured as the variant covers for the December and January Wolverine books!

X-Men: To Serve and Protect #1 Preview

2010-11-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

X-Men: To Serve and Protect #1
Story by Chris Yost, James Asmus, Brian Reed, Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art by Derec Donovan, Jon Buran, Pepe Larraz, James Harren
Colors by Andres Mossa, Ian Hannin, Chris Sotomayor, James Campbell
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Cover by Nick Bradshaw, Jim Charalampidis
We’re knee-deep in the Heroic Age and the X-Men are smack-dab in the center of the Marvel Universe! CHRIS YOST returns to the X-Books to tell a story that pits two fan-favorite X-Men up against a major Spider-Man villain in a four-part story that will run through each issue of this multi-story extravaganza! Who are these X-Men and why are they wearing disguises? Also in this issue, Fantomex and Batroc fight over a stolen diamond, and more! $3.99
November 3rd, 2010

Young Allies #6 Preview

2010-11-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Takeshi Miyazawa
WRITER: Sean McKeever
PENCILS: David Baldeon
INKS: Christopher Sotomayor
COLORED BY: Christopher Sotomayor
LETTERED BY: Joe Sabino
THE STORY:
Emma Frost guest stars! Just as the Young Allies have found themselves thrust together, the Uncanny X-Men's devious Emma Frost threatens to pull them apart! Are her plans for former pupil Firestar sincere...or sincerely evil? Plus: Toro and Nomad get (re-)acquainted! Rated T
PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: November 3, 2010

Marvel Solicitations January 2011

2010-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

AGE OF X: ALPHA #1
Written by MIKE CAREY
Pencils by TBD
Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Mutantkind’s final war starts here.
If you don’t know which side you’re on, check your DNA.
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

X-MEN #7
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
Variant Covers by TERRY DODSON & CHRIS BACHALO
Blank Variant also available
“PROTECT AND SERVE,” PART ONE
It's a new age for the X-Men. Cyclops and company have declared it a time to be heroes. Wherever a citizen is in need, there's an X-Man on the job. But strange rumors have come to the attention of the X-Men, and Storm and her team are off to New York City to investigate. What do they find in the dank sewers beneath Manhattan? Only New York's favorite wall-crawler has the answers.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X-MEN LEGACY #244
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by HARVEY TOLIBAO
Cover by JOY ANG
Something sinister is lurking on Utopia. Something invisible to the naked eye. Something that’s abducting mutants one by one. When an invisible threat walks amongst the X-Men, they turn to someone who doesn’t rely on sight to battle their unseen foe. But little do the X-Men know that what awaits them is more dangerous than they could ever have imagined…
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

X-MEN: TO SERVE AND PROTECT #3 (of 4)
Written by Christopher Yost, MARC GUGGENHEIM & MORE!
Penciled by DEREC DONOVAN & MORE!
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Who are the mysterious X-Vigilante’s and what is a big-time Spidey villain doing in San Francisco? Chris Yost’s return to the X-Books continues here! Also, a visit from Thor to Wakanda ends up with Storm becoming a true Goddess of the Weather. EEP! All this and more!
40 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #532
Written by MATT FRACTION & KIERON GILLEN
Pencils & Cover by GREG LAND
“QUARANTINE”
When your very body is betraying you, and you see life leaking out of your friends drop by drop, what would you give up for the cure? Cyclops discovers what the Sublime Corporation wants. Can he afford to pay it? Meanwhile, Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw reminisce over old times VIA THE STRONG LANGUAGE OF PUGILISM. Part 3 (of 5)

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #6
Written by STUART MOORE
Penciled by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by PHIL NOTO
NAMOR GOES TO HELL -- PART ONE OF THREE!
If Wolverine jumped off a bridge, would you jump too? That's the question Namor must answer when the old Kings of Atlantis escape Hell only to drag him back down with them – into a burning desert wasteland. Can even the X-Men help him now? And with its king missing, what will happen to New Atlantis?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Age of X Teaser

2010-10-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

What we see here is a cover of a comic book named "Age of X: Alpha". Little is known about an event called Age of X that is coming in January. Most of the characters are already pretty easy to place, the only problem for me is the woman in the front who looks like Rogue from "X-Men Evolution" to me and the person in the background who OBVIOUSLY is not Jean Grey but is placed like that so we would think it's her. Again. Plus, if a woman on the right is Emma, which I really hope, does it mean our Queen will get a haircut? =)

And I'd also like to share some outtakes from an interview with Nick Lowe.

Is Namor going to remain with the X-Men on a long-term basis? If so, how much does Emma Frost influence that decision? The man can't seem to resist blonds…
Namor is with the X-Men for the long haul. And Emma definitely weighs heavily into that fact. Haven't you been reading "Uncanny?"

"Astonishing X-Men" has been known as the title where "big time" writers come to showcase their talents on an X-book. Daniel Way certainly fits that bill, but what went into selecting Mr. Way as the next "Astonishing" writer?
We love Daniel and his writing in the X-office. He has, almost single-handedly, taken "Deadpool" from a near-cancellation book to one of our strongest books in the Marvel line. And are you reading what he does on "Dark Wolverine" (along with Marjorie Liu, of course). Daniel writes some of the most exciting comics in the business, so he and Jason Pearson seemed like a no-brainer. They were made for each other!

Can we expect a resolution to the whole "Hope/Phoenix/Jean Grey vision" subplot anytime soon? Is she or isn't she Phoenix?
That seems like something that would be addressed in "Generation Hope," to me.

New Astonishing Team

2010-10-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Daniel Way and artist Jason Pearson (oh hell, no...)will be the new Astonishing X-Men team. The four-part story will begin in February's "Astonishing X-Men" #36.

"We have Wolverine, Cyclops, Emma Frost and Armor. This is my first time writing Wolverine as part of a team and that's been interesting. With Cyclops, he's sort of got his balls back in recent years and it's been great writing him. And Emma Frost is an incredibly complex character. I love writing Emma. She's so cold but at the same time she's very deep, emotionally," Way explained. "Then you have Armor - what's great about her involvement is she's the newbie on the team. You get to see a lot through her eyes and get to her experience her sense of wonder. Some pretty huge things get dealt with in this story. They may be old hat to the X-Men who have done it all and seen it all, but it's all very new to her. So you get things from a not quite so jaded perspective."

Emma Frost in Escape From the Negative Zone

2010-10-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't written anything in a long time, I've been very busy, but now I'm back with some interesting news for you!

Emma will make an appearance in "Escape From the Negative Zone," a crossover storyline that begins in March in "Uncanny X-Men Annual" #3, continues in "Steve Rogers: Super Solider Annual" #1 and concludes in "Namor: The First Mutant Annual" #1.
"While only a handful of the X-Men are involved in the main story of "Escape From the Negative Zone," Asmus was able to utilize several others in supporting and smaller roles. " I've been working to squeeze in glimpses of other characters that I've been really wanting to play with but haven't got a chance to yet. I've been having a blast writing a few Emma Frost scenes, just because her voice is so biting. I've got a background in comedy and I think her voice is so perfect for commenting on the scenarios at hand, the writer said. "Pixie and Madison Jeffries get some nice moments as well."

There is an advance preview of the Uncanny X-Men Annual #3:

X-Men #4 Advance Preview

2010-09-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

X-MEN #4
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
Vampire Variant by MIKE MAYHEW
Marvel is pleased to present your first look at X-Men #4, the next issue in the hottest new series of the year from the acclaimed creative team of Victor Gischler and Paco Medina! In San Francisco, a legion of undead warriors lies in wait for the order of their leader, Xarus, to attack Utopia. It is under the threat of impending annihilation that the X-Men turn to their unlikeliest ally, the recently resurrected Dracula. But one of their number, the powerful mutant Wolverine, has been claimed by a vampire bite and may prove to be Xarus’ ace in the hole. Can the X-Men survive the Curse Of The Mutants? Find out in X-Men #4! Rated T+ …$3.99
On-Sale – 10/13/10

Marvel Solicitations December 2010

2010-09-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

WHAT IF? #200
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM & STAN LEE
Penciled by DAVE WILKINS & DALE EAGLESHAM
Cover by DAVE WILKINS
Finally, celebrate the historic 200th issue of What If? Since debuting in 1977, What If? has become a corner staple in the Marvel Universe by spotlighting “the road not traveled” by many of its heroes & villains as well as the domino effect that the point of divergence creates. What If? 200 offers two titanic tales— the main story is one with a different POV on Siege, “What If Norman Osborn Won the Siege of Asgard?” What if the Sentry didn’t lose control of the Void during battle, allowing for the Siege to ultimately decimate our heroes? With Osborn on top of the world, only one force stands in his way: Doom… and he’s not alone as he rebuilds the Cabal with the X-Men?! By Marc Guggenheim and Dave Wilkins. The second tale is one that will be talked about amongst the multiverse: the murder of Galactus at the hands of…the WATCHER!?! Based on the events in the classic “Coming of Galactus” storyline in ‘The Fantastic Four 48-50,’ this one is written by none other than the scribe of those original stories, Stan “The Man” Lee, himself. Joining him is recent FF artist, Dale Eaglesham. If there is only one back-up story you’ll read this year, true believers, it must be this one!
64 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

X-MEN #6
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
“CURSE OF THE MUTANTS,” conclusion!
Somehow, the X-Men have weathered the vampire raid on Utopia, but mutants can't claim total victory yet. Jubilee still needs the X-Men's help, and Xarus still commands an overwhelming force of bloodsuckers. Will Dracula's intervention be the final nail in Xarus's coffin…or will he make even more trouble for the X-Men than his upstart son ever could?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #531
Written by MATT FRACTION & KIERON GILLEN
Pencils & Cover by GREG Land “Quarantine”
The X-Men on Utopia are getting sicker and sicker and their powers are shutting down one-by-one. Wolverine’s healing factor is down and he’s suffering adamantium poisoning, but he’s much better off than the mutants whose mutation defines their bodies, like Rockslide and Mercury. And if that weren’t bad enough, The Collective Man has Chinatown in the palms of his many hands and the Sublime Corporation is kicking the plan they’ve been hatching since #515 into high gear!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X-MEN: TO SERVE AND PROTECT #2 (of 4)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST, RAY FAWKES AND OTHERS!
Penciled by VARIOUS
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
There’s a new Dynamic Duo in town! Two X-Men have donned masks and taken to the streets of San Francisco as the new vigilante protectors of the people against a huge Spider-Man villain. Who are these X-Men and why are they disguising themselves? Only Chris Yost knows as his serial tale anchors this collection of stories where the X-Men find themselves knee-deep in the Marvel Universe next to your favorite characters. Also in this issue: SPIDER-MAN! THE STEPFORD CUCKOOS! AND MUCH MORE!!!!
40 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

HEROIC AGE: X-MEN #1
Written by VARIOUS
Cover by JAE LEE
As mutantkind begins to pull back from the brink of extinction, Steve Rogers joins the fight! Appraising the state of mutants today, Steve assesses the X-Men, X-Factor, the New Mutants, the Five Lights and more from the mutant community! This 64-page Heroic Age files book also includes considerations for the humans who have sympathized with the mutant condition and takes aim at the worst of anti-mutant bigotry! See the world of mutants from Steve Rogers' vantage point, featuring everyone from Apocalypse to X-23!
64 PGS./Handbook/Rated T+ …$3.99

Uncanny X-Men #528 Preview

2010-09-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Terry Dodson
WRITER: Matt Fraction
PENCILS: WHILCE PORTACIO
INKS: EDGAR E. TADEO
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
THE STORY: THE FIVE LIGHTS SECOND COMING is nearing it's end, so you'll soon get all kinds of info as to what's coming from Matt Fraction (IRON MAN) and Whilce Portacio (HULK). Here's something to whet your appetite- Kitty Pryde & Emma Frost's first encounter since Kitty took her trip in a bullet. Part 3 (of 5) Rated T $3.99
IN STORES: September 22, 2010

Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #3 Preview

2010-09-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Kaare Andrews
WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Kaare Andrews
THE STORY:
Hoping to witness the rebirth of the mutant species, the X-Men race to the small African village of Karere, where a sudden spate of super-powered infants have been born. However, they quickly learn that these newborns are not their brand of mutant. And no sooner have the X-Men discovered the shocking truth of these infants' origin than they are ambushed by a local dictator who has plans of his own for these baby-shaped timebombs. Could this trip get any worse? Rated T $3.99
IN STORES: September 22, 2010

Fan Expo Canada 2010: X-Men Panel Liveblog

2010-08-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

These are the things we learned so far:

"Scott's definitely in for a couple of changes." And the attitudes of the people around him will change as well. - Senior Vice President, Creator & Content Development CB Cebulski on Cyclops." ('Bout time...)

"CB reiterated that Scott and Emma are together. That's not changing."

"Astonishing X-Men, is it gonna keep going? - Yes - the 3rd issue is just a bit behind, and an announcement for a later time."

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants - Smoke & Blood #1 Preview

2010-08-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Written by SIMON SPURRIER
Penciled by GABRIEL HERNANDEZ WALTA
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Eager to do their part in stemming the vampire invasion of San Francisco, the X-Men's Science Team works to find a cure for vampirism. Bringing a vampire into their lab for examination, the scientists find themselves in over their heads when the monster escapes. With the lab on lockdown and a vampire on the loose, the X-Club is sure of only one thing: it's going to take more than a doctoral degree in biochemistry to survive this night! Parental Advisory …$3.99
On Sale 9/1/10

Wolverine and the X-Men: Final Crisis Trilogy

2010-08-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

Wolverine and the X-Men comes to its conclusion (sadly, a permanent one) in this final DVD volume release. The main conflicts including Mastermold, the Phoenix, and various smaller character arcs come to a conclusion in a satisfying way that would have setup a really great second season. Source

"At the end of the episodes in the previous volume, Jean Gray has finally been recovered but her consciousness is lost in a comatose state. Wolverine, Cyclops, and Emma Frost attempt to deal with her reappearance but, as always personalities clash and ulterior motives lead to a final encounter with a mysterious organization hell bent on controlling the power of the Phoenix."

Astonishing X-Men #35 Preview

2010-08-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Phil Jimenez
WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Phil Jimenez
INKS: Jim Lee
COLORED BY: Chris Arrant
LETTERED BY: Jason Paz
THE STORY:
"eXogenetic" Conclusion! After wading through a swarm of bio-mechanically engineered monstrosities modeled after some of their fiercest foes, the X-Men finally come face to face with the man responsible. He's given his life to designing the death of the mutant race and with the X-Men at his doorstep, he's preparing to unleash one more genetic nightmare upon the world before his time runs out. Rated T
PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: August 25, 2010

Alice Eve is out, January Jones is in!

2010-08-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

So, guys, I guess we won't see the end of it)

"20th Century Fox has rounded out the cast of X-Men: First Class, and the big surprise is that Mad Men star January Jones has been signed to play the role of Emma Frost, the gorgeous mutant with telepathic powers." Source
You can see her in action on YouTube!

X-Men #3 Advance Preview

2010-08-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

X-MEN #3 (JUL100621)
X-MEN #3 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT (JUL100622)
X-MEN #3 MEDINA VARIANT (JUL100623)
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 8/19/10, On Sale – 9/9/10

Emma Frost Sketches by Terry Dodson

2010-08-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Advance Marvel Solicitations November 2010

2010-08-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

X-MEN #5
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
"CURSE OF THE MUTANTS," PART 5 The Vampire Nation's army is unleashed on Utopia, with vampire Wolverine leading the charge and, boy, does he have a bone to pick with Cyclops! Meanwhile, the newly resurrected Dracula is nowhere to be found. So why is Cyclops smiling?
32 pages, $3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #530
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by GREG LAND
"QUARANTINE" Is there anything worse than that slow, sinking, feeling like you're getting sick? You can't get warm. Your bones hurt. Your throat closes and your chest gets too heavy every time you breathe and then you know you're doomed... so what if it happened to all the X-Men, all at once? The Sublime are back and they've unleashed a contagion on Utopia. To what end? Why now? And what's next? Who's left in San Francisco to deal with the Collective Man? Related: where does Dazzler get all her awesome outfits? Part 1 (of 5)
40 pages, $3.99

X-MEN: TO SERVE AND PROTECT #1
Written by CHRIS YOST, JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV, & MORE
Penciled by VARIOUS
Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
We're knee-deep in the Heroic Age and the X-Men are smack-dab in the center of the Marvel Universe! Yost returns to the X-Books to tell a story that pits two fan-favorite X-Men up against a major Spider-Man villain in a four-part story that will run through each issue of this multi-story extravaganza! Who are these X-Men and why are they wearing disguises? Also in this issue, Fantomex and Batroc fight over a stolen diamond, and more!
40 pages, $3.99

X-MEN LEGACY #242
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by PAUL DAVIDSON
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
"FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION" PART 1 OF 2 After suffering heavy damage during Bastion's attack on mutantkind, the city of San Francisco is rebuilding. Hoping to aid in the reconstruction effort, Cyclops tasks a team of X-Men -- including the newly-arrived mutant messiah, Hope -- to lend a hand. But when something goes terribly wrong, will the X-Men lose everything they fought for?
32 pages, $2.99

UPD: Seems that I oversaw other 2 issues. Thanks to nikbackm!

SPIDER-MAN #8
Written by PAUL TOBIN
Penciled by JACOPO CAMAGNI
Cover by PATRICK SCHERBERGER
It's been months since Peter Parker first began dating Sophia "Chat" Sanduval, a mutant with the ability to talk with animals. Months of ALMOST meeting Chat's sister, never quite knowing who she is. This time, Peter is going to solve the mystery once and for all. But just how deadly is the real answer, and what does it have to do with the return of Emma Frost.. the Silencer?
32 PGS. $2.99

YOUNG ALLIES #6
Written by SEAN McKEEVER
Penciled by DAVID BALDEON
Cover by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Variant Cover by ARTHUR ADAMS
Emma Frost guest stars! Just as the Young Allies have found themselves thrust together, the Uncanny X-Men's devious Emma Frost threatens to pull them apart! Are her plans for former pupil Firestar sincere...or sincerely evil? Plus: Toro and Nomad get (re-)acquainted!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

X-Solicitations October 2010

2010-07-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

ASTONISHING X-MEN: XENOGENESIS #5 (of 5)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
The truth behind the mutant babies of Karere township is discovered -- an innocent man who might also doom the town, if not the whole of Africa, by accident. The X-Men have to put themselves between two armies to save a mutant who might not be worth saving...
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Er... Why is Beast looking like that?..

X-MEN #4
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
Vampire Variant by TBA
“CURSE OF THE MUTANTS,” PART 4
With thousands of vampires poised to attack Utopia, just waiting for the word from their leader, Xarus, the X-Men’s best hope for survival just might lie in a most unlikely new ally: the newly resurrected Dracula, who has more than a bone to pick with his traitorous son. But the problem cuts even deeper: The X-Men have lost one of their greatest warriors, fallen victim to a vampire bite. Brace yourself for Vampire Wolverine!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #529
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by WHILCE PORTACIO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
Vampire Variant by MIKE MAYHEW
“THE FIVE LIGHTS”
If “Light #4” registered in Kiev, Ukraine, then why the heck isn’t he there? The X-Men race to find the latest of the new mutant activations while things come to a head between Emma Frost and her prisoner Sebastian Shaw! Part 4 (of Four)
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Marco Djurdjevic's X-Men poster

2010-07-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

Marco Djurdjevic's X-Men poster released at San Diego Comic-Con 2010 is a thing of absolute beauty which will be divided in separated parts over several X-Books. Emma's floating head, even if positioned between Cyclops and Jean Grey, is still very, very gorgeous, oh, well, it's Djurdjevic.

Uncanny X-Men #526 Preview

2010-07-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: TERRY DODSON
WRITERS: Matt Fraction, Allan Heinberg
PENCILS: Olivier Coipel, WHILCE PORTACIO
INKS: EDGAR E. TADEO
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
THE STORY:
“THE FIVE LIGHTS” After the events of SECOND COMING, the X-Men’s world has changed. We can’t tell you much without spoiling the crossover, but here are some words to whet your appetite: Hope, Emma, Namor, Sebastian Shaw. Classic X-Men artist Whilce Portacio is back again for this story-arc of epic proportions! Rated T …$3.99
IN STORES: July 28, 2010

Well, I gotta say - Portacio isn't half as bad as I imagined and as he was the last time he's drawn Uncanny. But he still has a lo-ong way ahead of him if he wants to prove he's more than just some horrible Liefeld. What artists like them did to the comics back in the sad 90' was a disaster nobody will ever be able to forget. So... Try better.

Oh and it should be noted that Fraction can write some pretty fun dialogs that I can enjoy. It's just that he has no idea whom to give the ability to be funny and who should stay serious, so he just writes random jokes around and, even if they are funny, they seen totally out of place. Cyclops talking like a teenager one moment and being all angst-y the next? Emma Frost NOT saying anything that isn't "What now, Scott?" or "Well, that went well, Scott"? Psylocke's famous "As you wish"? WTF. Angel's monologue was funny, but is it Angel? He should be totally out of his game for now, all depressed and nervous, or creepy at least if he absolutely has to make a joke. Fraction just isn't familiar with the whole need to give characters their voices. HOW can one person write such brilliant Invincible Iron Man and at the same time make Uncanny suck so hopelessly? Oh, well...

Emma Frost by Terry Dodson

2010-07-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

One of the drawings from the new sketchbook collection of Terry Dodson named "Bombshells Book 1". It will debut in San Diego soon. Amazing!

Comparing Emma Frost with Doctor Nemesis

2010-07-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, It's been a long time coming. There is just certain similitude between James Nicola Bradley a.k.a. Dr. Nemesis and Emma Frost that I can't ignore. I have to note, that both this characters are very capable of standing on their own and are not connected to each other, even being in the same book - "Uncanny X-Men". Bradley first appeared in "UXM" in the issue #504, a very long time after Emma Frost did, but it should be noted that Dr. Nemesis had been in the comics since the forties, so nobody is a ripoff. I want to thank Mr. Hellfire for the whole concept of comparing characters, it was always fun to read and it made me want to actually write my thoughts down myself.

I like Dr. Nemesis mostly for his comments and because he has no crazy oh-my-god-he's-so-smart-he's-my-idol-because-well-i'm-a-scientist-too-respect for Reed Richards, which is VERY rare and beautiful, but he's also good at other things, too. First of all - James Bradley happens to be one of a few characters that Matt Fraction can write without making me suicidal. Like Frost, Bradley is a pet of Fraction, however, unlike her, Nemesis actually IS allowed to be an asshole just for the hell of it, and Emma is damned to behave like an old woman and only be a bitch in her diamond form. After reading "X-Men Revelations: Blind Science" I was surprised even more - the guy made me laugh almost every time he opened his mouth.

Reasons to love the man:

So - shall we begin?

APPEARANCE (duh)

Well, obviously they both wear white (thank you for you attention, goodbye, lol), which is their trend mark, are blond and wear white gloves all the time. Aside from that they both are very fixed on how they look (losing a hat is a tragedy for James ("Blind Science") and he also needs his surgical mask for no good reason), it resembles Emma's corsets and cape - accessories that are meaningless and not helping in a fight, either). Our heroes are very sensitive of people touching their clothes and other additions to their looks. (In the "UXM #504" Doctor threatened to spay Beast if he grabs his jacket again, in "New X-Men v1 #120" Emma flipped out and spread pain and suffering around because her nose was broken, in "X-Women" one-shot she kicked a helpless woman's ass, broke a nail and kicked her some more and kept whining the whole day after that).
Surprisingly, this article doesn't stop on that =) I know, right?

ORIGINS / JOINING THE X-MEN

The way they became part of the famous mutant team is very similar, too. Both Ms. Frost and Dr. Nemesis were asked to stay but refused to join the X-Men with a lot of insulting remarks ("UXM #504" and "New X-Men 116", and yet they still agreed to stay because without them the team would be screwed. The funny (well, not for the mutants anyway) part is - they both joined after a horrible genocide has happened to the mutant race. Emma - after Cassandra Nova destroyed Genosha and Dr. Nemesis - after the M-Day). They have a connection to the Hellfire Club - Emma was a White Queen and his father was hired by the Club ("UXM #512"). And they annoyed the hell out of the team with their presence (Nemesis made Angel very angry with his rants the first second they met and Emma angered Jean, Scott, Wolverine and pretty much everyone else in other comic books). Oh, and by the way, being a freak about this comparison and all - the joining involved holding Beast's paw in both cases =)

PERSONALITY / KNOWLEDGE

Both Emma and Dr. Nemesis are underestimated very often - he is a nerd and she is blond and a telepath, so people are not expecting them to be good at hand-to-hand combat, which they pretty much are. ("Invaders" mini, "Generation X #43"). Their appearance is mischievous, but only as long as you don't try to see what happens if you screw with them. However - most of the time, Emma and James do not take part in a rough fist-fights, they prefer to act from a distance and with their dignity intact - she uses her telepathy and he uses his crazy guns. By the way - during her time as the White Queen of the Hellfire Club Emma invented some guns of her own.

Well, and there also are their wittiness and humor that mostly makes other people get angry and that people try very hard just to ignore because they don't have the guts and words to answer. Plus - they don't give a crap if someone likes them or not and make absolutely no effort in gaining someone's love, but they can admit their mistakes in an unfriendly way.

And they have problems in personal life because there's nobody good enough (well, Emma was single until she really fell in love for the first time and James is still trying not to pull Dr. Rao's hair to show her that he likes her a bit, like a man-child he is). By the way - when Emma liked Iceman for a short time in the "Generation X" she teased him a lot, she kicked Banshee's ass on a daily basis and insulted him, of course, one can argue forever if there was some romantic involved in this two cases, but personally I think there was a tension. So, when Bradley rants about stupidity of Dr. Rao or even threatens her with a gun ("Blind Science") it totally resembles the relationships between Emma and Banshee and Iceman. It all the cases, both Emma and Nemesis manged (with a big amount of suffering and creepiness) to somehow apologize afterwards.

Also, even if they both aren't the nicest adults in the world if this concerns the children (being a teacher does not stop Emma from being a real bitch towards the kids sometimes), they do have their favourites. In Emma's case it's the Stepford Cuckoos and Hellion, she also sees Armor and Pixie as her pets, in the "New X-Men" she bought clothes for a rebel girl named Angel. Nemesis is not that nice, yet sometimes he doesn't insult some children, like X-23 in "Necrosha" one-shot where he tells that he likes her because she surgically removed her own claws.

James and Emma are also good team leaders if they are motivated and put their minds to it, but they don't get a chance to play boss very often, because there is always someone to steal their show. Nemesis is actually a leader of the X-Club now, but he wasn't one "on paper" when Beast was still an X-Man, even if he should've been. Emma lead a find-and-rescue team in "X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back" and kicked ass doing it. And yet they both don't get to lead. To be completely fair I have to say that our white heroes are bad with people (they are, however, good at them), and have a history of making huge mistakes (Nemesis not noticing a trap in "Blind Science", Emma losing her children over and over again), so it's probably for the best.

I'm happy to say, that it's always nice to have two people in the same franchise and even in the same comic book that are so incredibly alike, and yet to never even notice the likeness for a long time. These two characters have a lot in common, but still have many differences and little things that make them unique and very fun to read. All the colors and habits aside, Emma Frost and Doctor Nemesis still are completely independent and interesting on their own and that is a cool thing.

So, that would be it) Some of the points are a little overdone, but still, it was fun writing it, far more fan than I thought it would be! I hope you enjoyed reading it, too. And, as a little bonus I would love to include this pictures =) 'Till next time!

X-Men: Second Coming #2 Preview

2010-07-09T03:08:00.001-07:00

Story by Zeb Wells, Mike Carey, Craig Kyle, Chris Yost , Matt Fraction
Art by Ibraim Roberson, Esad Ribic, Greg Land, Jay Leisten , Terry Dodson , Rachel Dodson
Colors by Matt Milla, Matt Wilson, Frank Martin, Brad Anderson
Cover by Adi Granov, David Finch, Matt Banning, Peter Steigerwald
The end is here. Sacrifices have been made. The most dangerous and successful attempt at the extermination of mutants is upon us. Who will walk away? $3.99
Release Date Wed, July 14th, 2010

I have two things to add here. First of all - I know that many people despise Cable and so on and I also have to note that his death was no surprise to anybody, but still - I feel sorry for the man. He never interested me, but then Hope came along and his soft side was shown. It's a freaking shame. And second - is Colossus really saying "Ya"? What, is he the new Nightcrawler now? Can his stupid habit of saying "DA" possibly be forgotten for a second? Being both Russian and German I'm a little confused now...

Uncanny X-Men: The Heroic Age Preview

2010-07-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Story by Matt Fraction
Art by Jamie McKelvie, Whilce Portacio, Steven Mark Sanders, Jaime Mendoza , Edgar E. Tadeo
Colors by Ian Hannin, Brian Reber, Chris Sotoamyor
Letters by Neurotic Cartoonist Inc.
Cover by Mark Brook

Hot on the heels of SECOND COMING, see how the X-Men fit into the Marvel Universe as a whole. Three stories by Matt Fraction and artists Whilce Portacio (UNCANNY X-MEN), Jamie McKelvie (SIEGE: LOKI) and Steven Sanders (S.W.O.R.D.) taking you all around the Marvel Universe! $3.99
Release Date Wed, July 14th, 2010

I just have to say it - Jesus, Beast, you are da Man! What a great "would you please fuck you?" speech! Made me miss Hank even more. He sure is an amazing character, whom we've lost because of Fraction and Cyclops' being a douche. I am not one of Cyclops' haters, but he certainly had it coming. How can one possibly treat someone as irresistibly adorable like that?

X-Force #28 Preview

2010-07-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Adi Granov
WRITER: Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost
PENCILS: Mike Choi
COLORED BY: Sonia Oback
THE STORY:
“SECOND COMING”, CHAPTER THIRTEEN The final battle begins here! It’s X-Force’s last stand in the future and the X-Men’s last stand in the present. Bastion has been one step ahead of the X-Men the whole time, but one X-Man’s sacrifice could turn the tide! Don’t miss the penultimate chapter of the X-Event of 2010! Parental Advisory …$2.99
IN STORES: July 8, 2010

Alice Eve = Emma frost

2010-06-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

Alice Eve is in negotiations to play Emma Frost in “X-Men: First Class", the rumors of miss Pike being our favorite White Queen were just that - rumors. Though personally I don't think that Eve has what it takes to be Emma Frost, she is a better choice in my opinion.Thanks to Luis Alberto and another certain helper of mine (=)) for the infos!

Heralds #5 Preview

2010-06-27T05:27:00.001-07:00

COVER BY: Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic
WRITER: Kathryn Immonen
PENCILS: Tonci Zonjic
THE STORY:
Powerful forces are converging on Earth and the women of the Marvel Universe are at the center of it! Years ago, a herald of Galactus sacrificed her life for the universe. Little did anyone realize, a shred of that spirit lived on ... and now she's back for vengeance on those who abandoned her. The most powerful super heroines of the Marvel Universe must put aside their differences to stop this threat before the Earth is destroyed. Emma Frost, She-Hulk, Agent Abigail Brand, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Monica Rambeau, Sue Storm ... these mighty women will be put to the test as never before, as cities are destroyed, families are torn apart, and a cosmic resurrection changes the heroes' lives forever! Rated A
PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: June 30, 2010

Astonishing X-Men #34 Preview

2010-06-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Phil Jimenez
WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Phil Jimenez
THE STORY:
"eXogenetic" Part 4 Gruesome Bio-Sentinels. Genetically-augmented Brood. Someone is taking the X-Men's biggest threats and making them nightmares. As Cyclops and his team struggle to survive long enough to confront the one responsible, their tormentor has something even more horrible awaiting them! Rated T
PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: June 30, 2010

UNCANNY X-MEN #527 WOMEN OF MARVEL FRAME VARIANT

2010-06-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

I found Pichelli's Emma incredibly lovable in "Pixie Strikes Back", so this one made me smile. I think it's a good mix of adorable and bitchy - totally amazing.

UNCANNY X-MEN #527
UNCANNY X-MEN #527 WOMEN OF MARVEL FRAME VARIANT
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by WHILCE PORTACIO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
Women of Marvel Frame Variant by SARA PICHELLI
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 7/29/10, On Sale – 8/18/10

X-MEN #1 COIPEL VARIANT

2010-06-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

X-MEN #1 COIPEL VARIANT
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
FOC—6/17/10, On-Sale—7/21/10

X-Solicitations September 2010

2010-06-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

ORIGINS OF MARVEL COMICS: X-MEN #1
Written by CHRIS YOST, MIKE CAREY, PETER DAVID, & OTHERS!
Penciled by GREG LAND, MARK BROOKS, NICK BRADSHAW, JILL THOMPSON & OTHERS!
Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO
The origins of your favorite X-Men written and drawn by the best in the industry collected in one place! Cyclops! Wolverine! Magneto! All the big characters’ origins boiled down to one beautiful page that every reader will cut out and tape up on their wall!
40 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ ...$3.99

ASTONISHING X-MEN: XENOGENESIS #4 (of 5)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
Something is causing the children of an African village to be born mutated. Something in the woodland outside the village.
Something they don't talk about. But now, whatever it is, it’s being hunted, and the X-Men are trapped between the hunters and the hunted.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$3.99

X-MEN #3
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Variant Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
“MUTANTS VERSUS VAMPIRES,” PART 3
In a desperate bid to fend off an endless horde of vampires, the X-Men do the unthinkable: They resurrect Dracula. Will the former Lord of the Vampires go along with Cyclops’ scheme to take down Dracula’s upstart son, Xarus? Meanwhile, Wolverine sets off to rescue Jubilee, unaware of the chilling transformation she has undergone. To attempt to free his former teammate, Wolverine must embark down his darkest path yet.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$3.99

X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MUTANTS - X-MEN VS. VAMPIRES#1 (of 2)
Written by VARIOUS
Art by VARIOUS
Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
Lock your doors, board up the windows, arm yourselves with stakes and sunlight...and it still won’t protect you when the vampires stalking the X-Men set their sights on YOU! The X-Men have their work cut out for them as they‘re pitted against a terrifying new clan of vampires in all the B-movie-styled glory we can print in four colors! Baby, this is one comic book with bite! Four brand new tales of horror await PLUS the first part of NIGHT SCREAMS, from Uncanny X-Men #159, the classic tale of Storm’s struggle with Dracula himself by Claremont and Sienkiewicz!
48 PGS./New & Reprint/Parental Advisory ...$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #528
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by WHILCE PORTACIO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
“THE FIVE LIGHTS”
SECOND COMING is nearing it’s end, so you’ll soon get all kinds of info as to what’s coming from Matt Fraction (IRON MAN) and Whilce Portacio (HULK). Here’s something to whet your appetite- Kitty Pryde & Emma Frost’s first encounter since Kitty took her trip in a bullet. Part 3 (of 5)
40 PGS./Rated T+ ...$3.99

X-Men #1 Preview (2)

2010-06-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

X-MEN #1
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$3.99
On Sale 8th July 2010

A beautiful X-Men #1 Teaser (Updated thanks to nikbackm)

2010-06-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Rosamund Pike rumored to Play Emma Frost

2010-06-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Just read for yourselves.

X-Men #1 Preview (1)

2010-06-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

Written by VICTOR GISCHLER

Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Marvel is proud to present your first look at X-Men #1 from the red-hot creative team of Victor Gischler and Paco Medina. In the first X-Men #1 in almost 20 years, Marvel’s mighty mutants enter the Heroic Age to face a deadly new threat in a battle that will drastically alter the ENTIRE Marvel Universe! With new faces being brought into the fold and an all-star new creative team, fans cannot miss the “Curse of the Mutants” in the all-new X-Men #1! Rated T+ …$3.99
On-sale 7th August 2010

Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #2 Preview

2010-06-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Kaare Andrews
WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Kaare Andrews
THE STORY:
The birth rate is climbing in the small African village of Karere ... and these newborns are anything but normal: infants made of steel, infants only partially visible to the eye, infants who combust and destroy city blocks. Hoping to witness the rebirth of the mutant species, the X-Men go to investigate. But what they find may just be something far more sinister and dangerous ... and familiar. Rated T
PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: June 9, 2010

Heralds #2 Preview

2010-06-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic

WRITER: Kathryn Immonen

PENCILS: Tonci Zonjic

INKS: Tonci Zonjic

THE STORY: Powerful forces are converging on Earth and the women of the Marvel Universe are at the center of it! Years ago, a herald of Galactus sacrificed her life for the universe. Little did anyone realize, a shred of that spirit lived on ... and now she's back for vengeance on those who abandoned her. The most powerful super heroines of the Marvel Universe must put aside their differences to stop this threat before the Earth is destroyed. Emma Frost, She-Hulk, Agent Abigail Brand, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Monica Rambeau, Sue Storm ... these mighty women will be put to the test as never before, as cities are destroyed, families are torn apart, and a cosmic resurrection changes the heroes' lives forever! Rated A, 2.99

IN STORES: June 9, 2010

Uncanny X-Men #525 Preview

2010-06-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Adi Granov
WRITER: Matt Fraction
PENCILS: Terry Dodson
INKS: Rachel Dodson
COLORED BY: Justin Ponsor
"Second Coming", Chapter Ten Things have never been worse for the X-Men. They're stuck in an impregnable dome of Bastion's creation. As if that's not bad enough, inside this dome is a portal to the Days of Future Past timeline through which thousands of Nimrod Sentinels are pouring. Cyclops has sent Cable, Cypher and X-Force on a suicide mission into the future to destroy the portal, but do they stand a chance? Rated T, 2.99
IN STORES: June 9, 2010

Heralds #1 Preview

2010-05-28T02:10:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic
WRITER: KATHRYN IMMONEN
PENCILS: TONCI ZONJIC
INKS: TONCI ZONJIC
THE STORY: Powerful forces are converging on Earth and the women of the Marvel Universe are at the center of it! Years ago, a herald of Galactus sacrificed her life for the universe. Little did anyone realize, a shred of that spirit lived on…and now she’s back for vengeance on those who abandoned her. The most powerful super heroines of the Marvel Universe must put aside their differences to stop this threat before the Earth is destroyed. Emma Frost, She-Hulk, Agent Abigail Brand, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Monica Rambeau, Sue Storm…these mighty women will be put to the test as never before, as cities are destroyed, families are torn apart, and a cosmic resurrection changes the heroes’ lives forever! Rated A …$2.99
IN STORES: June 3, 2010

Oh-h, I think I have diabetes now, This is just too sweet! I'm very pleased with the Emma/Scott part of this issue and the clever disguise of the girls made me laugh, it's just too cool) I know we probably won't see more of Scott in here, but still - so far I'm loving it already. Plus - I like how Emma is written here, it certainly is a rest after Fraction's constant failures. I don't give a damn about other women in this issue, but I happen to adore Abigail Brand, at least her hair and style.

Stuart Moore on "Namor: The First Mutant" ongoing

2010-05-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

As we all now know, Namor is going to get his own ongoing series, out in August and from writer Stuart Moore (Zendra, Wolverine Noir and penciler Ariel Olivetti (Space Ghost, Punisher War Journal). (Since Emma Frost is going to appear in the series - there is a picture of her drawn by Olivetti). You are welcome to read the interview with the writer:

Moore: He's always been established as a mutant -- it's why he can fly, when no other Atlanteans can. So on one hand, he has an affinity with the X-Men; but on the other, they are surface people, so they'll always be alien to him at best, and enemies at worst. He's also fascinated with Emma Frost. I love that dynamic, especially as Matt Fraction has set it up. It shows you the decadent side of Namor, as opposed to his purer affection for Sue Richards.
The first storyline takes place largely undersea, as Namor and some new allies must dive down to the very heart of the underwater vampires' lair. But a good number of Namor's warriors are on Utopia right now -- or, actually, underneath it, where they've established a new undersea base. So he'll be travelling back there as well. As for Namor's motives and loyalties: That's the very core of the first storyline. I can't get into too much detail, but in issue #1, he undertakes a mission on behalf of the X-Men. And that kicks off some big, big trouble for the entire undersea world.
The first story arc, "Royal Blood," deals with Namor's involvement in the vampire situation set up in the new X-Men title, which starts in July. Namor #1 plays a very specific part in that storyline. After that first issue, the stories diverge, though the X-Men will continue to appear in our book. I definitely want to do more with Namor and Emma, but as I tell everyone: This is a Namor story, not an X-Men story. The events of "Royal Blood" will rock his world to the core.

X-Men Origins: Emma Frost #1

2010-05-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

X-MEN ORIGINS: EMMA FROST #1
Written by VALERIE D'ORAZIO
Penciled by KARL MOLINE
Cover by BENJAMIN
Witness the birth of the White Queen! From the mousy girl from a rich New England family, to the rich and terrifying queen of a secret society to the leader of the X-Men, Emma has cut a powerful swath through the Marvel Universe. See her rise to power in this one-shot by up-and-comer Valerie D’Orazio and Karl Moline (LONERS, Buffy)! $3.99
Release Date: May 26 2010

Oh my God where to begin. Maybe with this horrible cheap art that would make every woman look like a pathetic trash? Just what Emma's one-shot needs: to make her look like a stupid ugly blonde with no self-respect. Really - show us your tits, girl! Or maybe with this absolute disgusting writing of D'Orazio. I haven't read the issue yet, but this preview is quite enough. I'm absolutely sure already that she has NO idea who Emma is. I'd expect this ugliness of writing and art from some horny middle-aged man who maybe read one issue with Emma in it. Just look at Emma's face - if it were the first comic about Frost that I read, I would never again touch anything that has something to do with her. And who could've blamed me? I can still be wrong, of course - I hope I am, but... will the art get better to the end of the issue? Do you expect this story to show us Emma Frost at least remotely as cold, witty, funny and dangerous as we know her? Really, I don't think so. Emma was never a retarded child with that look on her face. She never flipped out like a hysteric idiot in front of everyone - it's just not the ways I see it. I'm disappointed and sad.

X-Force #27 Preview

2010-05-21T05:25:00.001-07:00

Cover by: Adi Granov
Variant Cover by: David Finch
Writer: Craig Kyle & Chris Yost
Pencils: Mike Choi
Colored by: Sonia Oback
SECOND COMING, Chapter 9
This is the end of the line. The horror of what the X-Men face is fully revealed, and the reality sets in...every single mutant on the planet is going to die. They cannot hold out any longer. And X-Force goes on their final mission.
In Stores: May 26, 2010

Advance X-Solicitations, August 2010

2010-05-19T05:16:00.000-07:00

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #1
Written by STUART MOORE
Penciled by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by JAE LEE
Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
Spinning out of the pages of X-MEN #1, comes an all-new series starring the world’s first mutant, NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER. When the X-Men are confronted with a deadly vampire threat, Namor takes matters into his own hands on a mission that might bring down the entire might of the vampires on their heads…and in the process, destroy Atlantis! What lurks down below the ocean where the sun can’t reach? What he thought was a fable to scare the children of Atlantis comes to terrifying life in the form of a newly-discovered race of Atlantean Vampires. Namor’s choice, to stand with Atlantis or the X-Men, will define a new chapter in his life…or death.
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #527
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by WHILCE PORTACIO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
Women of Marvel Frame Variant by TBA
“THE FIVE LIGHTS,” The fallout of SECOND COMING is still taking its toll on the X-Men. We can’t tell you anything else until the end of SECOND COMING! Part 2 (of 5)
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Wow. I mean it. Let's see how badly THIS ends. I love this tension between Emma and Namor (almost everyone who likes Emma and treats her with respect and affection is OK with me), but I also want her to stay with Cyclops. They just have to survive Fraction's run, please please God. So I'm confused. But - still interesting as hell. Only one thing scares me more than Fraction - Portacio. I hated his art - sketchy, uncertain, and did you see Angel's face on the panel where he tells Scott that Kitty is coming home?... And he promised to draw Emma like Jean, cuz he is kinda "used to drawing Jean". SCREW YOU, I say. I want Land back, seriously...

X-MEN #2
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
“CURSE OF THE MUTANTS,” PART 2
Upon discovering that San Francisco has been invaded by Dracula and his vampire army, the X-Men set out to find the evil and destroy it. But when Blade the Vampire Slayer shows up and drops a bombshell, the X-Men realize all of their assumptions have been wrong. Their only chance to survive hinges on a desperate plan which might prove their undoing.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X-Men Legacy #236

2010-05-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Cover by: Adi Granov
Writer: Mike Carey
Pencils: Greg Land
Inks: Jay Leisten
Colored by: Justin Ponsor
Lettered by: VC's Cory Petit
Variant Cover by: David Finch
The Story: SECOND COMING, Chapter 8
Bastion's plan comes to fruition as an impenetrable dome makes the Bay Area a prison. It's bad enough for the millions of humans, but it's even worse for the 98% of the world's mutants who live there. May 19, 2010

X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back #4 Preview

2010-05-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Cover by: Stuart Immonen
Writer: Kathryn Immonen
Pencils: Sara Pichelli
Colored by: Christina Strain
Letters: Dave Sharpe
You can’t pick your parents. And if you could, Pixie certainly wouldn’t have picked Mastermind, the man who turned Jean Grey into the Dark Phoenix. But right now, that’s the least of her problems. A giant demon named Saturnine has been using her Pixie dust to lull her fellow X-Men into submission and it’s worked. Now he’s one step away from all the power he needs to take control of the world. Can the fast-talking Welsh girl with wings possibly stop him?

X-POSITION: Matt Fraction

2010-05-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

New interview with Matt Fraction about the Second Coming and it's aftermath. It's actually quite promising because Fraction basically tells us he'll stop writing about hundreds of characters none of which he understands and knows shit about and concentrate on less people who he MAYBE can write without making fans commit suicide. His "Invincible Iron Man" is awesome, it's a pity Matt doesn't understand that he absolutely CAN'T work with a big cast. Or is he holding all this poor bad-written mutants hostage to indulge his huge ego?
P.S.: Am I the only one who thinks all the scenes between Emma and Scott look entirely the same? She stands behind him trying to say something and he looks away or runs for it. I forgot the last time he actually looked at Emma. Speaking of which...

I love the chemistry you gave Namor and Emma during "Utopia," but Namor has been a bit quiet in his affections for Emma since then. Is that ever going to become an issue again? Namor does have a history of pursuing blondes, and he doesn't seem to respect Scott Summers nearly as much as he did Reed Richards...

Fraction: Yeah, of course! Imminently, even. Namor and Emma come to the forefront again in our first "Second Coming" storyline, "The Five Lights." That's a story I've only just started to tell, and I'll be getting back to it once the dust of "Second Coming" starts to settle a little bit...it's been a busy year from "Utopia" to "Second Coming," y'know? We just got an amazing Terry Dodson cover featuring the two of them, as a matter of fact. And I think Namor respects Scott - after "Second Coming," I know it for a fact - but they're not married. Y'know? Scott shoulda put a ring on it. And as we've already seen, Namor and Emma have a hot-and-bothered history. Ssssooo...

Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #1 Preview

2010-05-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Kaare Andrews
WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Kaare Andrews
THE STORY:
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE! The superstar team of Warren Ellis and Kaare Andrews (SPIDER-MAN: REIGN) take X-Men into the Heroic Age! Something's happening in the tiny East African city of Mbangwi. Something that requires immediate investigation. A newborn sprouts metal electrodes and explodes, taking out an entire hospital. Is this the first wave of mutant rebirth that the X-Men have been praying for...or something very, very different? Something sinister? Rated T ...$3.99

Uncanny X-Men #524 (Heroic Age Variant Cover)

2010-05-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

I think the second cover is just horrible. I haven't seen such an empty, personality-less, stupid Emma for a long time now, even if you count fanart. It makes me think that maybe Marvel DID get unreadable, as much as I love Marvel, X-Men and especially Emma Frost. But this covers is disgusting - the art itself is not bad at all, it's actually quite interesting, but look at Emma's face! This face makes Greg Land facepalm. Oh, Grant Morrison, why have you forsaken us. Maybe because of that crap? It's sad enough that Matt Fraction is writing Emma like random Cyclops's girlfriend, not like Emma Frost the ex-White Queen. Emma could use more sexiness in her costume recently (sounds crazy, I know, BUT I never liked the cape and I LOVED Frank Quitely's work on her costume, it made her so offensively, irresistibly sexy in a way no other woman ever looked, without her looking like chip feminine trash), I missed the wit of Emma's whole appearance. But this is sexist and sad. Remember how Emma said that when she wears her costume in makes MEN look chip, not her. Well, guess what girl.

I still love Emma, though. And always will. She is amazing. If some idiot with a little bit influence doesn't get her and makes her look pathetic - it shouldn't ruin my view of this beautiful, amazing character. Still - this is idiotic.

Uncanny X-Men #524 Preview

2010-05-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Cover by: Adi Granov
Writer: Matt Fraction
Pencils: Terry Dodson
Inks: Rachel Dodson
Colored by: Justin Ponsor
Lettered by: VC's Joe Caramagna
Variant Cover by: David Finch
The Story: SECOND COMING, Chapter 6
A beloved X-Man died defending Hope, the returned mutant “messiah.” As they lay their comrade to rest, the remaining X-Men are left to question: Is she worth it?
In Stores: May 5, 2010

Uncanny X-Men #524

2010-04-29T08:31:00.001-07:00

COVER BY: Adi Granov
WRITER: Matt Fraction
PENCILS: Terry Dodson
INKS: Array

"SECOND COMING", CHAPTER SIX. A beloved X-Man died defending Hope, the returned mutant "messiah." As they lay their comrade to rest, the remaining X-Men are left to question: Is she worth it?

White Queen Wednesday

2010-04-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

If you love Emma Frost, and you probably do if you are reading this blog right now, you will certainly be interested in this: "White Queen Wednesday", written by Ken Kneisel, the famous guy who was the one to suggest Frank Morrison to put our beloved ex-White Queen in the cast of New X-Men v1! So now, once a week, he writes nice Emma-related articles that are worth reading and pretty interesting. This whole thing happens in this blog named "stormantic". Enjoy the reading!

X-Force #26 Preview

2010-04-24T02:15:00.000-07:00

Story: Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost
Art: Mike Choi
Cover: Adi Granov
Release Date: Wed, April 28th, 2010
SECOND COMING, CHAPTER FIVE. As the X-Men make their desperate attempt to get Hope to Utopia, the battle will cost them one of their own. Nothing will ever be the same. $2.99

Valerie D'Orazio on X-Men Origins: Emma Frost

2010-04-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

Valerie D'Orazio ("Punisher MAX: Butterfly") talks "X-Men Origins: Emma Frost" coming next month. The issue will be out at 5th May, the artist is going to be Karl Moline ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer", "Firefly").

VALERIE D'ORAZIO: After I finished my one-shot Punisher MAX: Butterfly, I was asked if I wanted to try my hand at an Emma Frost story. I jumped at the chance, because I always thought she was such a classic character; very complex and interesting. [...] I took my inspiration from her preestablished history and expanded on certain things, filled in the missing moments and motivations. The framework of the story is her background within a set time period: childhood to one of her first encounters with the X-Men. [...] I read comics like the Emma Frost series, the Byrne/Claremont X-Men, early New Mutants, and the Firestar mini-series. I was trying to get a real "feel" for her early years, and her years with the Hellfire Club/Hellions. But at the same time I also read a lot of the new stuff so I could get a good sense of who she would become.

Early on in her portrayals, Emma seemed pretty cruel and sadistic, but in recent years she's been on the side of the angels. How do you see her as a character?

VD: I think Emma's core is good, but it's been layered upon by her experiences. When she's been bad, I don't think she's done it believing that she was actually being bad; I think she was more of an ends-justify-the-means type of person, whether it was for defending mutantkind, or pushing her students to excel, or just self-preservation. What's great about her as a character is that she's been able to grow and evolve, the readers watching as those layers are peeled back and we can see the good person under it. That said, I don't 100% trust her; but I do like her!

X-Solicitations July 2010

2010-04-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

ASTONISHING X-MEN: XENOGENESIS #3 (of 5)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
Hoping to witness the rebirth of the mutant species, the X-Men race to the small African village of Karere, where a sudden spate of super-powered infants have been born. However, they quickly learn that these newborns are not their brand of mutant. And no sooner have the X-Men discovered the shocking truth of these infants’ origin than they are ambushed by a local dictator who has plans of his own for these baby-shaped timebombs. Could this trip get any worse?

UNCANNY X-MEN: THE HEROIC AGE #1
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by WHILCE PORTACIO, JAMIE MCKELVIE & STEVEN SANDERS
Cover by MARK BROOKS
Hot on the heels of SECOND COMING, see how the X-Men fit into the Marvel Universe as a whole. Three stories by Matt
Fraction and artists Whilce Portacio (UNCANNY X-MEN), Jamie McKelvie (SIEGE: LOKI) and Steven Sanders (S.W.O.R.D.)
taking you all around the Marvel Universe!

X-MEN #1
Written by VICTOR GISCHLER
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Blank Cover Variant Also Available
Variant Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Variant Cover by Paco Medina
Variant Cover by Marko Djurdjevic
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
“MUTANTS VERSUS VAMPIRES,” PART 1
When a suicide bomber strikes in downtown San Francisco, it gets the immediate attention of the X-Men. But this is not your garden variety terrorist – and he’s not acting alone. Vampires from around the globe are descending en masse on the City by the Bay, staking a brutal claim for the patch of land the X-Men call their home. What is their agenda? Who is their mysterious leader? The X-Men are about to find out, as they brace themselves for a war of the species that will wrack the Marvel Universe.

UNCANNY X-MEN #526 Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by WHILCE PORTACIO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
“THE FIVE LIGHTS”
After the events of SECOND COMING, the X-Men’s world has changed. We can’t tell you much without spoiling the crossover, but here are some words to whet your appetite: Hope, Emma, Namor, Sebastian Shaw. Classic X-Men artist Whilce Portacio is back again for this story-arc of epic proportions!

X-MEN: SECOND COMING #2
Written by MATT FRACTION, CHRIS YOST, MIKE CAREY & ZEB WELLS
Penciled by
Cover by ADI GRANOV
The end is here. Sacrifices have been made. The most dangerous and successful attempt at the extermination of mutants is upon us. Who will walk away?

New "X-Men" Ongoing!"

2010-04-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

The end of "Second Coming" and beginning of the "Heroic Age" brings a few series launches for Marvel's X-Men family of titles—including a brand-new X-Men #1 in July, by novelist and Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth scribe Victor Gischler and recent Deadpool artist Paco Medina.

The first arc's conflict centers around "mutants versus vampires," as "a new kind of X-Men team forms to combat threats unlike any the X-Men have faced before." It's also told the series will feature "some surprising new faces." The new "We are the X-Men" teasers most certainly have something to do with this new story.

Victor Gischler: "Our story will pick up with a suicide bombing in San Francisco’s Union Square. But this is not Al Qaeda—this is the opening shot of a war," he writes. "Vampires are descending on the Bay Area, commanded by their, let’s just say, enigmatic leader, and mutants appear to be their target. What follows is a war on several fronts, as the X-Men defend their home from a threat unlike anything they’ve ever faced. There will be twists and turns you can’t see coming, and there will be some permanent status quo changes. [...] Depending on the mission and the situation, appropriate characters will be showing up to lend the X-Men a hand. Super heroes are helpful that way. [...] Probably we should think of these X-Men as an elite unit within [Cyclops'] army. [...] The cast of characters will be a combination of both big name and lesser known characters. I think we'll see a wider cast of characters for the first arc, while we're getting situated. Then the following arcs will kind of narrow things down to a core cast. [...] We've got the whole team and everybody is available for that first arc. Then in following stories we kind of whittle things down to the people we see every issue.
Plus, since the book is a part of the X-Men line, there's a good chance that we'll see characters rotate in and out from story to story. So new faces might come and go, but that will be along side the core cast that we see every month."
This new monthly is not a supernatural-flavored X-Men title – it's a title that will firmly integrate the X-Men in the Marvel Universe, boasting new team-members from across the Marvel Universe as the X-Men contend with a host of threats -- including some of Marvel's most popular super-villains. That said, the first arc will pit mutants against another society of super-powered outcasts: vampires. The X-Men have some history with Dracula. It's about to come back and haunt them. [...]

It's easy to wonder if the future of Mike Carey's X-Men Legacy is in jeopardy giving this new title, especially since Legacy started its life as the 1991 adjectiveless X-Men comic. But it's continuing undeterred, and penciler Clay Mann is returning to the title.
"If you think we’re going to let Mike get away from us, you’re crazy," Alonso writes. "He’s got his next few arcs plotted out and they are going to shock the pants off of everyone. I hope none of you are going commando in coming months."

X-Men Legacy #235 Preview

2010-04-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

COVER BY: Adi Granov
WRITER: Mike Carey
PENCILS: Greg Land
THE STORY:
SECOND COMING, CHAPTER FOUR The X-Men chasing Cable and Hope have lost a teammate. They aren't giving up, but the trail has gone cold. That's where Rogue comes in. But how could she know where Hope and Cable are? And the battle between the New Mutants and Hodge's forces ends here! Rated A ...$2.99

Candidates to die in Second Coming

2010-04-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

One of these characters will die in X-Force #26. Pray, people!

X-Men: Second Coming #1 Preview

2010-03-28T07:23:00.000-07:00


Story by Craig Kyle, Chris Yost
Art by David Finch
Colors by Tim Eldred
Letters by Fabrice Sapolsky
Cover by Adi Granov, Dave Finch
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: Wed, March 31st, 2010

MANY WILL BE WOUNDED. SEVERAL WILL DIE. The climax of four years of X-Men stories is the X-Event of 2010! What started in HOUSE OF M with the Decimation of mutantkind and erupted with the first new mutant birth in MESSIAH COMPLEX finishes here. In the epic crossover SECOND COMING, Cyclops’ faith pays off when Cable returns to the present with Hope, the girl he believes to be the mutant messiah. But will she be the savior or destroyer of mutantkind? We may never know, as she is the target of an initiative for mutant eradication unlike anything they X-Men have ever experienced. Many will be wounded. Several will die. Is Hope worth it?

Advance X-Solicitations, June 2010

2010-03-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

ASTONISHING X-MEN: XENOGENESIS #2 (of 5)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
The birth rate is climbing in the small African village of Karere…and these newborns are anything but normal: infants made of steel, infants only partially visible to the eye, infants who combust and destroy city blocks. Hoping to witness the rebirth of the mutant species, the X-Men go to investigate. But what they find may just be something far more sinister and dangerous…and familiar.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #525
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by TERRY DODSON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant by DAVID FINCH
“SECOND COMING”, CHAPTER TEN
Things have never been worse for the X-Men. They’re stuck in an impregnable dome of Bastion’s creation. As if that's not bad enough, inside this dome is a portal to the Days of Future Past timeline through which thousands of Nimrod Sentinels are pouring. Cyclops has sent Cable, Cypher and X-Force on a suicide mission into the future to destroy the portal, but do they stand a chance?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Source

HERALDS #1-5

2010-03-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

HERALDS #1-5 (of 5)
Written by KATHRYN IMMONEN
Penciled by TONCI ZONJIC
Covers by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
Issue #1 Variant by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
The WOMEN OF MARVEL event continues with the blockbuster of the summer, a fast-paced five-issue weekly series by Kathryn Immonen and Tonci Zonjic!
Powerful forces are converging on Earth and the women of the Marvel Universe are at the center of it! Years ago, a herald of Galactus sacrificed her life for the universe. Little did anyone realize, a shred of that spirit lived on...and now she’s back for vengeance on those who abandoned her. The most powerful super heroines of the Marvel Universe must put aside their differences to stop this threat before the Earth is destroyed. Emma Frost, She-Hulk, Agent Abigail Brand, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Monica Rambeau, Sue Storm...these mighty women will be put to the test as never before, as cities are destroyed, families are torn apart, and a cosmic resurrection changes the heroes’ lives forever!
32 PGS.(each)/Rated A ...$2.99 (each)

Uncanny X-Men #523 Preview

2010-03-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Story by Matt Fraction
Art by Terry Dodson
Cover by Mike Perkins, David Finch
Release Date Wed, April 7th, 2010
SECOND COMING, CHAPTER TWO The race to find Cable and Hope is on, but who will get to them first? Will it be Cyclops and the X-Men or Bastion and his mutant-hating cabal? Cyclops isn’t waiting for the answer to that as takes the fight directly to Bastion with the New Mutants! $2.99

Uncanny X-Men #522 Preview

2010-03-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Cover by: Terry Dodson
Writer: Matt Fraction
Pencils: Whilce Portacio & Phil Jimenez
Inks: Ed Tadeo & Andy Lanning
Colored by: Justin Ponsor & Soto
Lettered by: VC's Joe Caramagna
The Story: She’s been gone for a long time, but she’s coming back. This isn’t a hoax. This isn’t a joke. Kitty Pryde is back in this over-sized special issue of Uncanny X-Men.
In Stores: March 24, 2010

Nation X #4 Preview

2010-03-12T07:48:00.000-08:00


Story by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Ivan Brandon, Joe Caramagna
Art by Mike Allred, Niko Henrichon, Harvey Talibao
Cover by Phil Jimenez
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date Wed, March 17th, 2010

Second Coming Spotlight on Namor

2010-03-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Nick Lowe: "Namor is only just getting used to the idea of being an X-Man and thinking of himself as a mutant. He still doesn't like the thought of being given orders, but he's got enough reasons to stick around. Well, mainly Emma, but you know…
He's definitely torn by Cyclops' leadership. He definitely thinks he could do better, but knows that if he makes a move he's really going to have his hands full. He wouldn't like Magneto leading any more, but maybe Emma…"

Source

Interview with Kathryn Immonen

2010-03-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

It's not much, I have no big expectations for this book but we will see and until we have to wait, let's entertain ourselves with a small interview with the writer of "Heralds".

[...] When my editor Jeanine Schaefer and I first started talking about doing this, the initial list of potential characters was, in a word, bananas. Some were ridiculously obscure; others (like Hellcat and Emma Frost) were the stuff of dream dates for me. Ultimately, though, we wanted to end up with a group that was well balanced in terms of powers and, maybe more importantly, personality and approach to conflict resolution. We discussed a lot of match ups of powers and personalities as they related to the central themes of this project, and the result is a group that is in some ways hilariously diverse but certainly full of potential for rational and reasoned discourse - or not. [...] And they're all only together in the first place because they've been set up, or at least Emma has, by someone who should have known better but just couldn't help himself. And certainly, they've all at least been in the same room together at some point, but I wouldn't say that there's too much between them beyond that.
Fans know that you have an affinity for Hellcat - if "Heralds" does well, would you want to revisit her and any of her teammates in this book for a sequel or a spin off?
I am always up for more Hellcat. As far as this team ever being recomposed, it would probably have to be over their dead bodies, and Emma would probably be the one to do the killing.

Art preview from Uncanny X-Men # 522 by Whilce Portacio.

2010-03-06T06:21:00.000-08:00

Heralds: Woman Power

2010-03-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Heroes come together in all kinds of ways. The Fantastic Four wanted to see space, the Avengers assembled thanks to a Loki-altered Teen Brigade radio message and the women in the upcoming weekly five-issue limited series HERALDS must team to address to a cosmic threat circumstances and fate drop in their collective lap.
Emma Frost, She-Hulk, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Monica Rambeau and Abigail Brand will be teaming up to take on a long-lost herald of Galactus who's returning to Earth and looking for revenge on the people she thinks abandoned her.

Source and also more preview pages =)

X-POSITION: Matt Fraction

2010-02-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Here's an interview with Matt Fraction and a small preview of Uncanny X-Men #522. Enjoy!

Emma Frost seemed like a very capable - and at times, inspirational - leader during the her Dark X-Men's brief run. What differences in leadership style would you say she has with the man she shares a bed with? What do you think her overall motivation is when she's in a leadership role, and will she take a more direct leadership role in the future?
Boy, she did, didn't she? I think there's a confidence vs. experience differential at play - Emma runs her game like she's been marshaling armies all her life, whereas Scott - who actually has - probably has to tamp down his sense of surprise whenever someone does what he says. That, to me, is one of the things that make them a great couple: together they've got what the other one needs so very badly.
Emma's motivations are as they've always been: protect and train her fellow mutants. And God help you if you get in her way.

Coming ahead, I think we're seeing trust and maturity between Scott and Emma enrich and deepen; surely that will beget more responsibility. The fun of it comes when you take a terminal rule-breaker like Emma and smash her into by-the-book Scott...

Take 10: Power Couples

2010-02-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

1. CYCLOPS & EMMA FROST
When They First Got Together: NEW X-MEN #154 (2004)
Why They Make the List: The alpha couple of mutantkind has achieved incredible feats since coming together, from seeing the Xavier Institute through some of its darkest days to founding the haven of Utopia to making Norman Osborn look foolish for the first time in the course of his Dark Reign. In that last accomplishment was where the leader of the X-Men and his wicked White Queen most demonstrated the strength of their bond, deceiving not only Osborn but just about everybody around them, relying only on unparalleled trust in one another to pull off their daring deception. You can argue all you want that Jean Grey was the true love of Scott Summers' life, but no question he's grown into a sharper, more cunning, more capable leader with Emma on his arm, and seems to be having a good time with it to boot.
Spotlight Comic: UNCANNY X-MEN #505-Emma takes a tour of Cyclops' inner psyche!

Last Teaser released!

2010-02-17T10:01:00.001-08:00

Advance X-Solicitations, May 2010

2010-02-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

NEW MUTANTS #13
Written by ZEB WELLS
Penciled by IBRAIM ROBERSON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
Heroic Age Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
“SECOND COMING”, CHAPTER SEVEN
Nothing is going right for Cyclops, as he tries to prepare his army for war. The X-Men are falling apart at the seams. Schisms are forming regarding Hope and her importance while Bastion’s spy continues to terrorize them from inside their own home.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

X-MEN LEGACY #236
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by GREG LAND
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
Heroic Age Variant by MIKE CHOI
“SECOND COMING”, CHAPTER EIGHT
Bastion’s plan comes to fruition as an impenetrable dome makes the Bay Area a prison. It’s bad enough for the millions of humans, but it’s even worse for the 98% of the world’s mutants who live there.
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

X-MEN: PIXIE STRIKES BACK #4 (of 4)
Written by KATHRYN IMMONEN
Penciled by SARA PICHELLI
Cover by STUART IMMONEN
You can’t pick your parents. And if you could, Pixie certainly wouldn’t have picked Mastermind, the man who turned Jean Grey into the Dark Phoenix. But right now, that’s the least of her problems. A giant demon named Saturnine has been using her Pixie dust to lull her fellow X-Men into submission and it’s worked. Now he’s one step away from all the power he needs to take control of the world. Can the fast-talking Welsh girl with wings possibly stop him?
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

Aaand finally!

X-MEN ORIGINS: EMMA FROST #1
Written by VALERIE D'ORAZIO
Penciled by KARL MOLINE
Cover by BENJAMIN
Witness the birth of the White Queen! From the mousy girl from a rich New England family, to the rich and terrifying queen of a secret society to the leader of the X-Men, Emma has cut a powerful swath through the Marvel Universe. See her rise to power in this one-shot by up-and-comer Valerie D’Orazio and Karl Moline (LONERS, Buffy)!
48 PGS./One-Shot/Rated A …$3.99

Marvel Makes Their Universe "Astonishing"

2010-02-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

For Marvel Comics, it appears as though 2010 will go down as the year where "Astonishing" became the new "New." The publisher announced today that it would launch a new line of comics this May centered around the "Astonishing" branding popularized by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's best-selling "Astonishing X-Men" series. The connection between that series and the new line comes with the fact that like the high-profile creative team who made the "takes place over a few days" story nature of their X-Men series a perfect jumping on point for new readers, this Astonishing line will focus on in-continuity mini series that provide a similar easy to pick up story by high profile creators.
The line starts with the continuation of the original "Astonishing" comic – the three-issue "Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis" mini by Warren Ellis and artist Kaare Andrews – as well as pairing of two of Marvel's most popular heroes in "Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine" which runs six issues by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert. While each series will take place within the regular continuity of Marvel's Universe now loosened from event shuffling by their Heroic Age effort, the mini series nature of the Astonishing books will ideally allow artists and writers who may not fit the monthly grind of the company's main titles.
Check back in the coming days with interviews with the creators of the first wave of Astonishing comics, right here on CBR!

X-Men Origins: Emma Frost!

2010-02-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

X-Men Origins: Emma Frost is announced by Nick Love in this interview! Let's hope it wasn't a tease. I will report on this one-shot the moment some information about it comes out.

Any plans for Emma's surviving siblings (Cordelia and the brother)?

Nick Lowe: [...] As for Emma's surviving siblings, they make a brief appearance in the upcoming "X-Men Origins: Emma Frost" one-shot, but not beyond there for the time being.

Girls Comics #1 Preview

2010-02-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

Emma Frost is shown on a preview of Girl Comics #1. One of the stories of the issue will also feature the Cyclops-Jean Grey-Wolverine love triangle.

New Mutants #10 Preview

2010-02-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Adam Kubert
WRITER: Zeb Wells
PENCILS: Paul Davidson
INKS: Array
THE STORY: Why do the New Mutants exist? Why are they a team? Cyclops runs the X-Men as one giant army, not separate squads. So, why do the New Mutants exist as a squad? The answer isn’t what you expect. Rated T …$2.99
IN STORES: February 10, 2010

Take 10: Top Heroes of 2009

2010-02-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

Emma is listed among the 10 top heroes of 2009. She overcame such characters as Deadpool, Thor and Ares.

5. EMMA FROST
First Appearance: UNCANNY X-MEN #129 (1979)
Learn More...here
Why She Makes the List: When the year began, it seemed as if Emma Frost sat at Norman Osborn's side as a trusted member of his Cabal, having betrayed the X-Men and resumed her villainous roots. However, as time wore on, the erstwhile White Queen more than proved both her loyalty and her worth, insinuating herself into Osborn's good graces only to help her lover, Cyclops, and their team deal him a crushing and humiliating defeat. Emma not only sewed the seeds of discord within the Cabal by her own about-face, she also persuaded the powerful Sub-Mariner to join her rebellion, brining Namor over to the side of angels, dark though it may seem these days.
Spotlight Comic: UNCANNY X-MEN #506-Emma offers Colossus some back-up!

Wolverine: Weapon X #10 Preview

2010-02-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Adam Kubert
WRITER: Jason Aaron
PENCILS: C.P. Smith
INKS: Array
COLORED BY: C.P. Smith
THE STORY:
The perfect jumping on point! Wolverine has never had luck with women. They usually die or try to kill him. So what happens when a new woman enters his life? You think you know how this one goes, but this one issue will stop even Wolverine dead in his tracks! This is the place to start reading if you’re not already -- with stunning art by C.P. Smith, Jason Aaron is better than ever at what he does. Rated A …$3.99
IN STORES: February 3, 2010

Another Second Coming Teaser Revealed

2010-01-25T12:18:00.001-08:00

Uncanny X-Men #521Preview

2010-01-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Karl Moline
WRITER: Matt Fraction
PENCILS: Greg Land
INKS: Array
THE STORY:
“NATION X” What on Earth is Magneto doing on top of Mt. Tamalpais, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco? He’s not telling and the X-Men Psychics can’t get it out of his brain. But he’s been up there for days plotting something that will rock the X-Verse to its core. All this while Wolverine, Psylocke, Colossus and Fantomex take on the foes that have been plaguing the X-Men since the start of “Nation X”. Part 7 (of 8). Rated T …$2.99
IN STORES: February 17, 2010

"Second Coming" Teaser

2010-01-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

Marvel has released this teaser image by Daniel Acuña featuring Emma Frost, Cyclops and Magneto framed by a stained glass border with the single statement that "One Will Lead..." inscribed above the trio.
No other information accompanied the image aside form the email's subject: "One Will Lead The X-Men In SECOND COMING."

Advance X-Solicitations, April 2010

2010-01-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

UNCANNY X-MEN #523
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by TERRY DODSON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by MIKE PERKINS
SECOND COMING, CHAPTER TWO
The race to find Cable and Hope is on, but who will get to them first? Will it be Cyclops and the X-Men or Bastion and his mutant-hating cabal? Cyclops isn’t waiting for the answer to that as takes the fight directly to Bastion with the New Mutants!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

X-FORCE #26
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Penciled by MIKE CHOI
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
RIP VARIANT by TBA
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by TBA
SECOND COMING, CHAPTER FIVE
As the X-Men make their desperate attempt to get Hope to Utopia, the battle will cost them one of their own. Nothing will ever be the same.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

X-MEN FOREVER ANNUAL #1
Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT
Penciled by TBA
Cover by SANA TAKEDA
JOIN COMICS LEGEND CHRIS CLAREMONT AS HE CONTINUES TO REDEFINE THE X-MEN UNIVERSE IN HIS OWN VISION. One of the most explosive revelations of X-Men Forever #1 was the unconsummated and clandestine affair between Logan and Jean Grey. Now, Claremont takes you deep into the intimate history of this unsung love between two of the most popular X-Men—and gives insight to the betrayed heart of Cyclops! DON’T MISS THIS X-MEN FOREVER EVENT!
40 PGS./Rated A …$4.99
(This book doesn't really have a lot to do with Emma, but the cover is so incredibly beautiful and I'm a huge fan of Logan/Jean, so I'll include it.)

Unlimited Highlights: Cyclops

2010-01-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

ASTONISHING X-MEN #14
Calling Cyclops introverted might be the understatement of the century, but you try being a social butterfly when just one look could destroy everything and everyone you love. Yeah, Scott Summers has issues but what he lacks in social skills he makes up for in leadership and a gift for strategic battle planning. But should Emma Frost, a former enemy of the X-Men and Scotty's new girlfriend, really be the person playing his psychiatrist? If so, the fun and mind games have only just begun. While Scott and Emma delve into the fearless leader's psyche, an old enemy seemingly rises from the grave to put an end to the X-Men once and for all!

UNCANNY X-MEN #495
Following the terror, betrayal and death of Messiah CompleX, Scott Summers has decided to disband the X-Men, or at least put the team on a temporary hiatus, and take Emma to the Savage Land for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. They ride dinosaurs, hunt wild boars, swim in pristine prehistoric lakes, and double date with Ka-zar and Shanna, but all the while Scott thinks about the X-Men, and their place in the world with Professor Xavier seemingly dead. While Cyclops and Emma vacation, Nightcrawler, Wolverine, and Colossus decide to take a little trip of their own. It’s a brave new world for the X-Men, and Scott’s just the mutant to lead them through it!

Source

Classified Uncanny X-Men #522 Cover

2010-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the bad quality, I couldn't find this picture in big resolution. My guess is - since Colossus is in the front line, it might be Kitty. But Jean Grey is an option, too.

Upd.: It's Kitty! =)) See the video here! Upd 2.: There's the cover in good quality. You can also read Matt Fraction's interview about Kitty's comeback! I'd like to quote one beautiful thing Matt said before I go cry myself to sleep: It could, theoretically, make you laugh, if it wasn't so sad. "Fraction isn't bringing the character back only to let her recede into the background." I will leave it on that.

COVER BY: Terry Dodson
WRITER: Matt Fraction
PENCILS: Whilce Portacio
INKS: Array
COLORED BY: Amanda McMurray
LETTERED BY: Jason Paz
THE STORY:
She’s been gone for a long time, but she’s coming back. This isn’t a hoax. This isn’t a joke. CLASSIFIED is back in this over-sized special issue of UNCANNY X-MEN. Rated T …$3.99
PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: March 17, 2010

Emma mentioned to play a role in New Mutants #10

2010-01-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

"When the New Mutants recently came back together, they had no idea Cyclops assembled them for a specific purpose of his own. The team doesn't have any reason to suspect that they're anything more than what Cyclops is telling them they are: another team of X-Men," relates Zeb Wells. "Cyclops' secondary objective comes to light as a result of Emma Frost's prodding. She wants to know what Cyclops's plan is."

COVER BY: Adam Kubert
WRITER: Zeb Wells
PENCILS: Paul Davidson
INKS: Array
THE STORY:
Why do the New Mutants exist? Why are they a team? Cyclops runs the X-Men as one giant army, not separate squads. So, why do the New Mutants exist as a squad? The answer isn’t what you expect. Rated T
PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: February 10, 2010

Emma Frost Respect Thread

2010-01-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

This is nice!

The White Queen Files

Pencils from The New Mutants #10

2010-01-13T06:22:00.001-08:00

Nation X #2 Preview

2010-01-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Dustin Weaver
WRITER: John Barber
C.B. CEBULSKI
Becky Cloonan
Tim Fish
PENCILS: Becky Cloonan
Tim Fish
INKS: Array
THE STORY:
IN THIS ISSUE: Jubilee returns to the X-Men, Gambit has trouble adjusting to life on Utopia, Northstar deals with the distance that island living necessitates and No-Girl has to save all the X-Men from a foe living right under their noses. Part 2 (of 4) Rated A …$3.99
IN STORES: January 13, 2010

X-Men Noir: Mark Of Cain #2 Preview

2010-01-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Dennis Calero
WRITER: Fred Van Lente
PENCILS: Dennis Calero
INKS: Array
THE STORY:
"The Genosha Bay guards rolled Angel, gagged and shackled to the gurney, into solitary confinement, warden Emma Frost trailing close behind. From the ceiling and every wall bright, hot lights pounded a blinding glare onto the cell's only furnishing, an ominously solitary chair. 'Until you tell me what I want to know,' Warden Frost said, 'You will never leave this room. Welcome to Project: Wideawake." Parental Advisory …$3.99
IN STORES: January 6, 2010

What if - Astonishing X-Men Review

2009-12-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

This review may content spoilers and harsh personal opinion. And hatred.

Yes, the story takes place before the whole Cyclops' "I'm in love with you now"-deal, so we could say he didn't actually love Emma at that moment. And then Jean comes back, who died on his hands, so it's only logical to break up with Emma because, you know, she was just a sexy woman holding Jeans place warm in case she comes back, right? Right?
Oh, crap, wait a minute! Cyclops was actually with Emma when Jean was alive! He didn't even feel ashamed about kissing Frost near Jean's grave, because he wanted to act like he wanted to act and do what his heart told him to do. Oh, how could we forget about that! But if we didn't, then the writer certainly did.
The whole deal with Scott being all over Jean the second she comes back is really stupid. He told Emma himself - if he would find himself liking another woman, he will do everything to get his thoughts off her, he will bury himself in work. Does it sound like Scott? Sure. Does him hitting on Jean in her bedroom at her FIRST night at the Institute sound like Scott? Hardly.
Oh, and does anyone recall Scott telling Jean that he loves her before she died? No? Yeah, because it never happened. She called him a friend and he apologized, that was it. If you don't tell your wife you love her when she is about to die, it almost certainly proves the love is gone.
And I HATE Scott standing near Jean when Emma dies. I HATE her hand on his shoulder - does the woman have no respect? Emma is dead and Jean makes her move on Scott? Christ! It stinks of "Wolverine and the X-Men" so much I want to throw up.
I hate Emma in this What if, too. What the hell? Yes, Cassandra Nova has driven her insane, but what did Emma do? She fought it, she made the X-Men hate her so they would kill her and so she would not harm them. She certainly would NOT kill Stepford Cuckoos! She was driven by guilt, remember? Of her children dying on Genosha? How exactly can guilt make her kill some more of her students? Her daughters? So no, I'm not buying it.
I should say that Emma's monologue about Jean being the death of them all sounded good, though.
Plus - Kitty Pryde ripping Emma's heart out - she just wouldn't do that. It's Kitty Pryde we're talking about. She's a badass and I like her a bit, but she's not a killer. Plus - after me seeing how Emma cried when Kitty died in the 616-Universe, and how they talked just before Kitty's "death" - seeing them fighting and bitching is just boring and stupid.
So: The author had no idea of the relationship of Emma, Jean and Scott and he had no idea how to write them, so he went for personality-less wood dolls instead.

Advance X-Solicitations March 2010

2009-12-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

ASTONISHING X-MEN #35
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
"eXogenetic" Conclusion!
After wading through a swarm of bio-mechanically engineered monstrosities modeled after some of their fiercest foes, the X-Men finally come face to face with the man responsible. He's given his life to designing the death of the mutant race and with the X-Men at his doorstep, he's preparing to unleash one more genetic nightmare upon the world before his time runs out.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

CLOAK AND DAGGER #1
Written by STUART MOORE
Pencils & Cover by MARK BROOKS
Marvel's most-requested duo return in this all-new one-shot, spinning out of X-MEN: NATION X! Cloak -- dark, brooding teleporter. Dagger -- deadly, shining mistress of light. Having quit the Dark X-Men, Cloak and Dagger find their partnership strained as they struggle to fit in among the mutants of Utopia. But when a new menace targets Cloak, Dagger must make a fateful choice for both of them. Guest-starring the X-Men, and written by Stuart Moore (WOLVERINE NOIR) with stunning art by Mark Brooks (YOUNG AVENGERS).
40 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99

Source

X-Men Noir: Mark of Cain #2: Behold Warden Emma Frost!

2009-12-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

Review of the first issue is here.

COVER BY: Dennis Calero
WRITER: Fred Van Lente
PENCILS: Dennis Calero
INKS: Array
THE STORY:
"The Genosha Bay guards rolled Angel, gagged and shackled to the gurney, into solitary confinement, warden Emma Frost trailing close behind. From the ceiling and every wall bright, hot lights pounded a blinding glare onto the cell's only furnishing, an ominously solitary chair. 'Until you tell me what I want to know,' Warden Frost said, 'You will never leave this room. Welcome to Project: Wideawake." Parental Advisory …$3.99
IN STORES: January 6, 2010

What If? Astonishing X-Men #1 Preview

2009-12-19T03:39:00.000-08:00

WHAT IF? ASTONISHING X-MEN
Written by JIM MCCANN & MATTEO CASALI
Penciled by DAVID YARDIN, KAI SPANNUTH & MIKE GETTY
Cover by J. SCOTT CAMPBELL & KAI SPANNUTH
From the pages of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's classic Astonishing X-Men run, see two titanic tales unfold: In the first, what if Ord from Breakworld brought Jean Grey back from the dead instead of Colossus? What happens when she’s reunited with the X-Men? And Emma? And how will this change affect the entire galaxy? A story of life, death, love and loss resulting in one word that strikes fear into all: Phoenix! “WHAT IF JEAN GREY WAS RESURRECTED INSTEAD OF COLOSSUS?” by Jim McCann (NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION) and David Yardin (X-MEN ORIGINS: GAMBIT). In the second, when the artificial being known as Danger is out to destroy Xavier and his X-Men, someone else picks up her signal. Someone deadly they’ve never faced before... someone who's ready to fall in love with the mutated Danger Room! “WHAT IF DANGER BECAME ULTRON’S BRIDE?” Written by Matteo Casali with incredible art by Mike Getty! Plus a “SAY WHAT?” comedy strip by Mike Gallagher (Mad Magazine) and Dave Manak (Spy Vs. Spy).

Uncanny X-Men #519 Preview

2009-12-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Uncanny X-Men #519 Preview (Art)

2009-12-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Greg Land
WRITER: Matt Fraction
PENCILS: Terry Dodson
INKS: Array
LETTERED BY: VC - Joe Caramagna
THE STORY:
Cyclops takes a voyage into the head of Emma Frost in hopes of containing the horrifying piece of the villainous Void that has been stuck there since UTOPIA. Can they possibly defeat the awfulness that has haunted the most powerful being in the Marvel U? Tensions are rising on Utopia as the X-Men deal with the new members of their team and the fact that the island is…well…sinking. And Wolverine and a classic pal take one of the craziest journies you’ve ever seen. Parts 4 and 5 (of 8). Rated T …$2.99
IN STORES: December 23, 2009

Astonishing X-Men #33 Preview

2009-12-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Phil Jimenez
WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Phil Jimenez
INKS: Array
COLORED BY: Frank D'Armata
LETTERED BY: Chris Eliopoulos
THE STORY:
“EXOGENETIC,” PART 3 Dead mutants turned into biological weapons…genetically-reprogrammed Brood sleazoids…missing data on Henry McCoy's research computers…the truth about what Abby Brand was trying to burn out on Cruithne. It all adds up to an attempt to remove mutantcy from the planet Earth entirely -- and the rise of the Bio-Sentinels. Rated T …$2.99
PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: December 16, 2009

Nation X: X-Factor Preview

2009-12-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: CHRISTIAN MACNEVEN
WRITER: Peter David
PENCILS: Valentine De Landro
INKS: Array
THE STORY:
Utopia. The sanctuary for mutants to escape a world that wants them extinct. So is it the ideal home for X-Factor? That's what Cyclops believes when he invites the world's only mutant detective agency to relocate to their floating island retreat and take up residence there. But will Madrox and his team believe that it's the best place for them? What old faces will pop up, and what old acquaintances will be renewed? And will there even be a Utopia left when the mysterious Crone shows up and threatens to bring the entire place crashing down into the Pacific? Rated T …$3.99

IN STORES: January 6, 2010

Nation X Preview

2009-12-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

COVER BY: Dustin Weaver
WRITER: James Asmus
Scott Snyder
Simon Spurrier
PENCILS: David Lopez
Stephen Thompson
IN STORES: December 9th, 2009

A mutant nation has been created on UTOPIA, off the coast of California. But what does that mean to the X-Men? Don’t miss the series that delves into the lives and minds of your favorite X-Characters. This issue stars Colossus, Wolverine, Nightcrawler and others!