SECRET WARS II
Issue Review
Uncanny X-Men #196
Direct Market Release Date: April 16, 1985
Credits
Title: What was THAT?!!
Writer: Christ Claremont
Penciler: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Dan Green
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor in chief: Jim Shooter
"We've got no choice -- he knows who we are, he knows what we did -- We've got to kill him!"
Despite having lost much of his telepathic powers, Professor Xavier manages to hear that thought inside the mind of one of his students in his Advanced Psychology class. Without any concrete proof to take to the authorities, the Professor gathers the X-Men at a restaurant to begin their investigation.
By sheer coincidence, the Beyonder, having taken human form as a duplicate of Steve Rogers, enters the diner, curious about food. He is recognized by Rachel Summers, who caught a glimpse into the Beyonder's mind when they last met on the West Coast. She confronts him and asks who he is, only to be interrupted by Kitty Pryde, who only sees Rachel talking to empty space. Rachel dismisses the event as her being crazy, but she secretly fears that the Beyonder is following them.
Meanwhile, Nightcrawler finds that his religious faith has been challenged since encountering the Beyonder, and consults with his priest. He has seen the Beyonder perform miracles and is aware that he has the power to wipe away all of existence. Is the Beyonder God? If not, how can God allow such a being to exist?
Back at Columbia University, a group of people secretly place an unknown device under Professor Xavier's desk.
The X-Men continue their search for the people planning the murder. Rogue and Rachel stumble across a mugging. After chasing the attackers away, the duo realize that they saved the life of a vandal who was spray painting anti-mutant graffiti. This triggers an angry response from Rachel who comes from a future where mutants are hunted down and killed.
Observing all this was the Beyonder, who begins to feel a connection towards Rachel, calling her a "young star that has just begun to glow", becoming aware that both of them have a long journey ahead to fully understand their full potential.
Later, the Beyonder watches as Kitty Pryde stumbles across the killers, who attempt to kill her before she has the chance to discover that the person they intend to kill is Professor X himself.
Back at Xavier's office, Rachel discusses her awareness that the Beyonder is following the X-Men, when she senses his presence yet again. Just as at the diner, Xavier and Magneto fail to see anyone, so Rachel connects herself to their minds to show them what she perceives. The use of her psi-power triggers the device planted under Xavier's desk which was designed to kill anyone using psychic energy in it's vicinity, or more specifically, Professor X himself.
Rachel's powers react, and an explosion blows the roof off of the office. She senses the danger that Kitty is in, and flies off to save her. In her anger, she wishes to kill the attackers, but is interrupted by Magneto, who manages to convince her that by fighting hate with hate, you are no better than those who oppose you.
The Beyonder, still invisibly observing, is puzzled that Rachel wouldn't use her power to get what she desired, in this case, the death of those who attack and hate them.
Quotes
Nightcrawler: How can the Lord permit this entity to threaten humanity -- And perhaps all creation -- unless the Beyonder IS God. But if he is, how then can I believe in such a being? My faith sustained me in times of utter despair, when death seemed certain and I was sure there was no hope -- but now, I search for it, and find only emptiness. That blessed inner light has fled from my soul. Thanks to the Beyonder, I am hollow inside. I AM LOST!
Magneto: Then kill him, child. Prove your superiority -- Slaughter them as callously, as mercilessly, as they would you. Let them see that you are no better than they... That you can return hate for hate, blow for blow, life for life. What are you waiting for, Rachel, DO IT! Give them the final victory!
The Beyonder: This "Magneto" possesses power enough to reshape this orb, yet he chooses not to use it, though his very existence is threatened. Indeed, he prevented Rachel from using her power to accomplish what she desired, yet she does not act against him. It is most puzzling...
Commentary
Uncanny X-Men #196 is a fine example of how to handle a Secret Wars II crossover.It's a nice, done in one story that requires little to no knowledge of what is currently going on in the title - a perfect place for new readers to jump on.
Some development is made in the Beyonder's character, as he outlines his confusion over why someone would not use their full capacities to get what they desire, and the effect the Beyonder's appearance on earth has on the Marvel Universe is showcased in Nightcrawler's religious confusion. Claremont writes Nightcrawler's soliloquy, and the Beyonder's internal dialogue convincingly.
I'm not entirely sure how to explain Rachel's appearance on the West Coast in New Mutants #30, and her being with the X-Men at Columbia University in this issue, but it is entirely possible that the X-Men waited for Rachel before leaving for home again. Along those lines, was Professor Xavier not bedridden in Scotland at the beginning of Secret Wars II #1? There must be a bit of a gap in time between Captain America #308 and Uncanny X-Men #196.
Finally, sensitive types be warned! The "N-word" is used by Kitty Pryde when one of the killers calls her a "Mutie".
Up next...
Secret Wars II continues in Iron Man #197!
Secret Wars II™ and © 2010 Marvel Characters, Inc. unless otherwise noted herein. All rights reserved.