Review: Uncanny X-Men Volume 4 - Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D.

Following a heinous Sentinel strike, the war bubbling between Cyclops’ X-Men and S.H.I.E.L.D. reaches a fever pitch. Unwilling to sit idly by while more mutants are harmed, Cyclops takes the fight to the international spy organization apparently responsible for the Sentinels’ actions. Then, Dazzler is finally freed from captivity at Mystique’s hands. Angry and bitter over what she’s been through, she intends to get revenge on the shapeshifting femme fatale.

Uncanny X-Men Volume 4: Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. collects Uncanny X-Men #19-24, written by Brian Michael Bendis and with art by Chris Bachalo and Kris Anka.

This collection is typical of Bendis’ ho-hum direction on the X-Men titles during the Marvel Now! initiative. It’s all build up with no pay-off. The X-Men’s conflict against S.H.I.E.L.D. had been simmering since the onset of this title and “Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D.” attempts to resolve that as a four issue arc. After a Sentinel attack, an incensed Cyclops determines to hold S.H.I.E.L.D. responsible for their actions. This leads to a blow out on the front lawn of the Jean Grey School and the discovery of who is truly pulling the strings. The climax is unimpressive and the reveal isn’t terribly shocking, so the arc feels somewhat deflated as a whole. As can be expected from Bendis, there’s a lot of dialogue and some great character moments (there’s a great scene telepathic exchange between Cyclops and Maria Hill, for example). The primary narrative itself just didn’t click for me. Personally, the more interesting story here involves Mystique’s usage of Dazzler as her personal mutant growth hormone factory, but this is relegated to subplot status and is only referenced cursorily in the aftermath.

The “Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D.” arc leads into the tie-in for Original Sin, which is framed as a two-parter named “The Last Will and Testament of Charles Xavier.” In it, She-Hulk obtains Xavier’s will and is responsible for reading it to those named in the contents. Cyclops is hauled back to the Jean Grey School, where several “shocking” revelations are made about Xavier’s past. The quotes are necessary as Bendis seems to be putting in overtime to really try and surprise readers with plot twists. The problem is the twists are unwanted in every possible way. I was rolling my eyes so hard I’m surprised I didn’t catch a glimpse into the back of my brain. Consider this a spoiler warning. The first big plot twist is that Professor Xavier is married to Mystique and so all of his property now belong to her. It’s a really unnecessary development that feels like it’s either a remnant of the Ultimate Universe or was inspired by the First Class trilogy. Either way, it feels out of place and is just plain messy. It’s bad enough that Bendis treats Mystique like she’s the only damn X-Men villain around. The other twist is that there’s this uber powerful mutant that Xavier has kept secret for decades and now the X-Men have to go find him before he destroys everything. It’s a revelation that left me with a feeling of a déjà vu since it seems like a re-packaging of Proteus and Jean Grey.

Uncanny X-Men Volume 4: Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn’t ever reach its full potential. It’s bogged down by far too much dialogue and exposition, as well as puzzling plot twists. The artwork done by superstars Chris Bachalo and Kris Anka gives the book a premium feel, elevating the quality above what we’re getting on the story front. Though the cast is likeable and the plot elements are interesting enough, Bendis seems to be spending most of his time setting up future plotlines and recycling old ones rather than creating a compelling arc with an explosive climax.

RATING: C

Review: A-Force Volume 1 - Hypertime

Having been jettisoned from her world, the being known as Singularity finds herself in a new universe and has unknowingly brought the malicious entity Antimatter with her. She recruits She-Hulk, Medusa, Captain Marvel, Nico Minoru, and Dazzler to help combat this threat. Together this new team must overcome their unfamiliarity with one another in order to protect Singularity and save the people of Earth.

A-Force Volume 1: Hypertime collects A-Force #1-4, Avengers #83, A-Force #1 and material from Avengers #0, written by G. Willow Wilson and Kelly Thompson with art by Jorge Molina.

Hypertime picks up after the events of the A-Force mini-series, which was a tie-in to Secret Wars. Singularity, who made her debut in that series, serves as the catalyst that assembles A-Force and becomes the emotional nucleus of the arc. She’s lost in our universe and faces the difficult challenge of both finding a new home for herself and of facing off against the villainous Antimatter. Thankfully, she has the (sometimes reluctant) help of She-Hulk, Medusa, Captain Marvel, Nico Minoru, and Dazzler. Wilson and Thompson do a respectable job of penning this organic origin story for A-Force. They give them a cosmic threat that helps to emphasize the importance and sheer firepower of this team.  It’s an action-packed narrative with plenty of character development that takes us all around the world and into space.

Each character in A-Force has a distinctive voice and purpose, though some more than others. Singularity is an obvious standout. Beyond her absolutely adorable look and behaviour, her dialogue is unique and helps us to view her as childishly endearing. She-Hulk and Medusa are equally as dynamic, with the former serving as the courageous leader and the latter as the haughty monarch. Admittedly, Nico Minoru isn’t as much of a standout as she was in the mini-series and Captain Marvel feels unnecessary. As a Dazzler fan, I have some issues with her characterization, particularly the scene where she punches Singularity for no reason and the snarky dialogue throughout. That said, Wilson and Thompson can’t be held wholly responsible for it seeing as it was Brian Michael Bendis who set the character on this darker path. Fortunately, the creative team here is taking the appropriate steps to bring lightness back to this typically optimistic heroine. The other issue I had regarding characterization stemmed from the clichéd tendency to dumb down the cast in order to make the science expert (Dr. Tempest Bell) sound smart. Her dialogue isn’t that science-y and is easy to understand even for a layman (at least as far as this non-STEM oriented human is concerned), so it’s disappointing that both Wilson and Thompson would be okay with portraying a cast of strong, smart heroines as being unable to understand what Dr. Bell is saying. Dazzler dated a doctor and Beast for crying out loud, not to mention the fact that her powers are super nerdy and she, like She-Hulk, has a postsecondary education! She can follow a little sciencespeak.

Jorge Molina’s artwork is absolutely stunning. Every character is vibrant and unique, which is aided by an unparalleled expressiveness. He captures Dazzler’s sullen attitude as well as he’s able to convey Dr. Bell’s sheepishness and Singularity’s innocence. I also can’t get over how magical hair looks under his careful hand. The work he does on Medusa’s hair alone is awe-inspiring. The combination of Wilson and Thompson’s epic narrative paired with Molina’s art elevates A-Force to a quality that establishes it as A-list worthy. That’s why it’s so heart wrenching that audiences weren’t able to see that.

A-Force Volume 1: Hypertime is a fantastic read. It’s a breezy, globe-trotting adventure that proves itself worthy of being considered as important as the Avengers or Spider-Man flagship titles. The characterization and dialogue is strong throughout, while the art is gorgeous and suits the writing perfectly. The only complaint I have regarding this particular trade is what it collects. Since it’s only a four issue arc, the trade is padded with the first issue of the A-Force mini-series and the issue of the Avengers that introduced the Lady Liberators. The inclusion of these issues is unnecessary and seems like Marvel’s way of justifying charging people $17.99 (and a whopping $23.99 Canadian) for this trade. You’re only getting four new issues! Given its cancellation, they would have been better off waiting to collect issues 5-7 with this set.

RATING: B+

Review: A-Force - Warzones

On the idyllic island of Arcadia, She-Hulk governs as the Baroness and leader of the elite A-Force. When one of the members of A-Force is banished for breaking the rules of the island, She-Hulk and the others launch a mission to bring her back. However, they soon discover that there is a traitor in their midst and must force them out before any further damage can be caused.

A-Force: Warzones collects the five issue mini-series A-Force, written by G. Willow Wilson and Marguerite Bennett with art by Jorge Molina.

Despite the fact that there are so many strong heroines in the Marvel Universe, very few series have been created featuring an all-female team à la Birds of Prey. There was the mini-series Marvel Divas and its thematic sequel Heralds, as well as the female-led X-Men. However, such Marvel releases are hard to keep in publication and even titles starring singular heroines are often swiftly cancelled. A-Force was originally published as a tie-in mini-series to Secret Wars, becoming a teaser for the subsequent ongoing series that debuted in January of 2016. Writers G. Willow Wilson and Marguerite Bennett used this opportunity to throw as many heroines into one book as possible and create a fascinating one-off storyline featuring characters that otherwise get sidelined during major events. It’s a fun, breezy read that emphasizes sisterhood and the power of female friendship.

When reading A-Force, it’s hard not to feel like it’s actually a Wonder Woman story that was re-purposed using Marvel heroines instead. Arcadia is envisioned as a “feminist paradise” by Wilson, which means that it seems like it was created to be Marvel’s version of Themyscira. We see Loki positioned in a role that’s very similar to Circe’s and the Thor brigade is certainly very Amazonian as well. She-Hulk is also devoid of much of her more defining characteristics and instead comes across as a green-skinned Wonder Woman, especially in her role as a ruler and leader. Of course, I can’t blame Wilson and Bennett for knowingly or unknowingly borrowing elements from the wonderful world of Wonder Woman. She is the best fictional heroine and her segment of the DC Universe remains vastly underrated.

I love the conceptualization of this mini-series and really like the cast that Wilson and Bennett use throughout. There are a lot of great cameos, but much of the focus is placed on She-Hulk, Nico Minoru and newcomer Singularity. The latter two are especially well-written and I find Singularity to be quite a scene-stealer. As a massive Dazzler fan, I was pleased to see her utilized as one of the main members of A-Force. However, the writers never really bothered to develop much of a personality for her beyond the somewhat tired “mutant disco queen” role everyone seems to tote out when she makes an appearance. Similarly, Captain Marvel goes woefully underused and Medusa has only one defining moment in the entire series. Even still, I have to give it to the writers for chanelling into the key ingredient that made Birds of Prey such a beloved series for DC Comics – friendship. There’s an electric chemistry that exists between all characters. We’re seeing them not only as comrades in arms, but also as friends and companions. This sense of familiarity between them is often lacking from most mainstream comics, where it seems like most teams can only ever have a maximum of one or two women on it. So where Wilson and Bennett stumble in the character development department, they almost make up for it with character interaction.

Though I hate to admit it, Wilson and Bennett’s work is all but overshadowed by Jorge Molina’s gorgeous artwork. The characters are so vibrant that they practically jump off the page. Everything from the expressions (especially Singularity’s) to the hair is done so impeccably well that I was left staring at the images long after I’d finished reading the words on the pages. In fact, the last time I remember Dazzler looking so beautiful was when Sana Takeda drew her for an appearance during Curse of the Mutants.

A-Force: Warzones is an enjoyable read featuring just about every Marvel heroine you can imagine. It’s a treat to fans of these characters and it’s entertaining. I also love the themes it presents and the overall chemistry between the characters. Most importantly, it sets the groundwork for the ongoing series that spun out of Secret Wars, thus proving that an all-female team of Avengers can and does work. At the same time, A-Force is fairly disposable as a one-off mini-series and lacks depth in its portrayal of many of its characters. It’s trying to capture the magic of Birds of Prey, but falls short of its target.

RATING: B

Review: X-Men - Battle of the Atom

When a group of mutants claiming to be the future X-Men show up on the doorstep of the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, they make it their mission to ensure that the time-displaced X-Men from the past return to where they belong. There’s just one problem – they don’t want to go back. Fleeing from Wolverine and his school, the time-displaced Jean Grey and Cyclops go on the run, and find unlikely allies in the elder Cyclops and his rogue team.

X-Men: Battle of the Atom collects X-Men Battle of the Atom #1-2, All-New X-Men #16-17, X-Men #5-6, Uncanny X-Men #12-13, and Wolverine and the X-Men #36-37, and is written by Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, and Brian Wood.

As the first major X-Men crossover since 2011’s Age of X, Battle of the Atom is fairly modest in comparison to its predecessors. It’s not as expansive and intense as Messiah Complex or its sequel Second Coming, as it takes a more intimate approach with its narrative and character treatment. Rather than dealing with the assembly of multiple teams of X-Men as they fight a common foe, this crossover places Jean Grey and Cyclops at the core of a conflict that divides the X-Men themselves. There’s a minimal amount of action and drama. There’s quite a bit of debating amongst the mutants about the presence of the original five X-Men in the present, which amounts to a whole lot of dialogue. This is a problem that runs through Bendis’ All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men runs, as he spends so much time focusing on character interactions that it consistently deflates tension and slows the pacing of his stories to a brisk walk. Unfortunately, pacing and lack of action are but two of the major issues with Battle of the Atom.

Since the very first X-Men crossover in 1986 (Mutant Massacre), Marvel has used these events as a catalyst to shake up the status quo and incite tangible change within the various X-Books. They typically result in line-up changes, new costumes and the death of at least one major character. Battle of the Atom doesn’t even come close to doing any of that. Bendis, Wood and Aaron provide a promising set-up, one which had the potential to bring about some major changes in the titles involved. As far as Bendis’ books were concerned, All-New X-Men had been treading water as the time-displaced X-Men mulled over whether they should return home or not, while Cyclops’ team in Uncanny X-Men struggled to find recognition as a legitimate force for good. Battle of the Atom could have and should have been the catalyst for bringing about the changes both titles needed. The original X-Men should have returned home and Cyclops’ group should have finally been given a break. What we got instead was a whole lot of the same old, same old.

There’s this overall sense of impending doom that is never quite earned in Battle of the Atom. We’re consistently told that something very bad is going to happen if the original X-Men stay in the present, but we’re never shown why. There’s a rather gruesome sequence where we see the assassination of Dazzler in the future (we get it Bendis, you have a Dazzler grudge), but we’re shown very little other than that. It’s implied that humans are to blame for the plight of the mutants in the future, but without being shown the full extent of this the story can never truly move forward. Of course, we’ve already seen futures where humans have all but eliminated all of the mutants on Earth. This further hinders Battle of the Atom, as it pales in comparison to the beloved Days of Future Past and the more recent (but less critically lauded) Age of X.

Ultimately, Battle of the Atom is an unnecessary crossover and its conclusion is so infuriatingly mundane that it is sure to leave even the most diehard of X-Men fans feeling like their time has been wasted. After multiple battles between the X-Men (past, present and future) and against S.H.I.E.L.D., the end result isn’t a shocking shake-up of team rosters or even the death of a major member of the team. The whole purpose of the crossover, as it turns out, was to get Kitty Pryde to switch sides from Wolverine to Cyclops. This low yield payoff is unsatisfying and does very little to change the status quo. The only lasting effect this conclusion has is that Kitty became no longer available to appear in X-Men and Wolverine and the X-Men. This could have easily been done in the pages of All-New X-Men, rather than derail Brian Wood and Jason Aaron’s work on their respective titles. Battle of the Atom is entirely optional for X-Men fans, so you won’t feel lost or like you’re missing out if you decide to opt out of this crossover.

RATING: C

Top 10: Best X-Men Line-Ups

When it comes to superheroes, very few teams are more popular and recognizable than Marvel's X-Men. As with any group, their ranks have changed over the years to include new characters or to bring back old ones. Many of these variations have become just as iconic as the individuals themselves. From the original group from the swingin' '60s to the '90s-rific Blue Team, this post takes a look at the top ten greatest X-Men line-ups. 

10. Astonishing Team, Redux

(Astonishing X-Men Vol. 3 #48-68)

ROSTER: Gambit, Iceman, Karma, Northstar, Cecilia Reyes, Warbird, Wolverine

When the businesswoman turned supervillain Susan Hatchi sought to acquire the nation of Madripoor, she used the X-Men as pawns in her twisted game. These X-Men were an eclectic bunch and easily became one of the most diverse rosters in recent years. It included two LGBTQ characters, as well as three women of colour. This was especially important for a franchise whose struggles have been an analogy for homophobia and racism. Aside from the diversity angle, this team was notable for its familial vibe. Writer Marjorie Liu took the time to nurture the relationships between these characters and it really helped to make them that much more captivating.

09. Original Team

(X-Men Vol. 1 #1-66)

ROSTER: Angel, Beast, Cyclops, Iceman, Marvel Girl
LATECOMERS: Havok, Mimic, Polaris

Created by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the original X-Men were five teenagers who banded together under the tutelage of Professor Charles Xavier to save the world that fears them. As the first mutants to fight for Xavier's Dream, nostalgia for this line-up is high. In fact, Marvel continually revisits this group due to its iconic status. In titles like X-Men: The Hidden Years and X-Men: First Class, writers have revisited this team in their early days. More recently they've become the focus of Brian Michael Bendis' best-selling All-New X-Men series.

08. Gold Team

(Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #281-315)

ROSTER: Archangel, Bishop, Colossus, Iceman, Jean Grey, Storm

Following the events of the crossover X-Tinction Agenda, the ranks of the X-Men swelled to the size of a small army. To address this, they were split into two squads. Storm was given control of the Gold Strike Team, which dealt with threats from the future and Colossus' villainous brother Mikhail Rasputin. Her group was more classic in its line-up, especially since it featured three of the five original X-Men. However, it was also notable for the inclusion of '90s newcomer Bishop.

07. All-Female Team

(X-Men Vol. 4 #1-?)

ROSTER: Jubilee, Psylocke, Rachel Grey, Storm

EARLY DEPARTURES: Kitty Pryde, Rogue

LATECOMERS: Monet St. Croix

There's no denying that the X-Men have some of the fiercest superheroines in their ranks. That's why it's so surprising that it took so long to get an all-female squad for the franchise. This group, currently appearing in the pages of X-Men, became the first of its kind and is notable for emphasizing the sisterhood formed amongst the X-Women. As far as its membership is concerned, Storm leads a crop of A-listers and fan-favourites who are considered some of the most powerful mutants in the universe. Of course, it could still use a pinch of Dazzler to make it perfect.

06. Rogue's Team

(X-Men Vol. 2 #188-204)

ROSTER: Cable, Cannonball, Iceman, Mystique, Rogue, Sabretooth

LATECOMERS: Lady Mastermind, Omega Sentinel

After Cyclops grants Rogue the opportunity to lead her own team, she puts together one of the most unconventional and dysfunctional rosters the X-Men have ever had. While she recruited trusted allies like Iceman and Cannonball, Rogue was certainly asking for trouble when she threw three supervillains into the mix. This is undoubtedly what made this trainwreck so interesting and made the ride that much more fun.

05. X-Treme Sanctions Executive Team

(Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #444-474)

ROSTER: Bishop, Marvel Girl, Sage, Storm, Wolverine
EARLY DEPARTURES: Cannonball
LATECOMERS: Psylocke, X-23

When Storm is deputized to deal with mutant-related crimes, she and her X.S.E. set about establishing themselves as an authority in a world that hates their kind. This band of X-Men featured a stellar cast that felt like a return to the glory days of the 1980s, especially since Chris Claremont was on hand to write their adventures. Beyond the A-list status of its members, this group was so compelling due to their closeness and their interactions. This wasn't just a group of musclebound superheroes, this was a family.

04. Astonishing Team

(Astonishing X-Men Vol. 3 #1-24)

ROSTER: Beast, Colossus, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Kitty Pryde, Wolverine

LATECOMERS: Armor

Following the conclusion of Grant Morrison's critically-acclaimed run on New X-Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator (and future Avengers director) Joss Whedon made his X-Men debut with this beloved team in the pages of Astonishing X-Men. This small but mighty group was instantly iconic and completely rejuvenated the X-Men's universe. While it certainly helped that its members were legends, what made this team so compelling was that they felt like a love letter to the seminal Post-Dark Phoenix Saga material from the 1980s.

03. Outback Team

(Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #214-250)

ROSTER: Colossus, Dazzler, Havok, Longshot, Psylocke, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine

In the late-1980s, X-Men scribe Chris Claremont defied the status quo when he moved the X-Men from their home in New York to the dusty expanses of the Australian Outback. This would be the biggest shake-up in the team's history since the introduction of the all-new, all-different X-Men in the mid-1970s. Formed in the wake of the devastating massacre of the Morlocks at the hands of the Marauders, this team took a proactive approach to combatting the forces that threatened mutant kind. With newcomers Psylocke, Dazzler and Longshot on-hand, this roster was a breath of fresh air and focused on the budding interpersonal relationships between its members. It also helps that the stories from this era were among some of the best in the history of the X-Men.

02. Blue Team

(X-Men Vol. 2 #1-34)

ROSTER: Beast, Cyclops, Gambit, Jubilee, Psylocke, Rogue, Wolverine

When the Jim Lee-helmed X-Men hit shelves in 1991, it broke sales records and became an instant hit. The title saw Cyclops leading his squad of X-Men, then known as the Blue Strike Team, against forces such as Omega Red, Mojo and long-time foe Magneto. This roster became the defining membership of the X-Men in the '90s and was the basis for the legendary X-Men: The Animated Series. Aside from the overwhelming popularity of this line-up, the Blue Team was brilliantly composed and featured a balanced mix of power and skill types. It also birthed intriguing character relationships, some of which included Rogue and Gambit's on-off courtship, Psylocke's pursuit of Cyclops and Wolverine's mentorship of Jubilee.

01. 1980s Team

(X-Men Vol. 1 #139-141, Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #142-213)

ROSTER: Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Nightcrawler, Storm, Wolverine

EARLY DEPARTURES: Angel, Cyclops

LATECOMERS: Magneto, Rachel Grey, Rogue

Following the conclusion of the epic Dark Phoenix Saga, the X-Men entered into what would be one of their most critically-acclaimed and commercially successful eras. With Cyclops taking a leave of absence from the team, Storm took over as leader and this tenure would be one of the longest in the history of the team. While the line-up of her team fluctuated over the years, it was bolstered by mainstays Wolverine, Kitty Pryde, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Rogue. This brilliant mix of outcasts captured the attention of readers and singlehandedly defined the 1980s. 

X-Men 101: The Essential Dazzler Stories

Despite being Marvel's most underrated character, the mutant known as Dazzler is a powerhouse whose legacy spans nearly four decades. With a long-running solo title under her belt and an iconic stint with the X-Men in the 1980s, she has proven herself as a hero and deserves to be recognized for her contributions to the Marvel Universe.

To celebrate her legacy, here are fifteen of her most memorable stories. For those less familiar with the character, this is an ideal place to start and should give you a rundown of Dazzler's greatest hits to date.

So Bright This Star

Dazzler (Vol. 1) #1-2

After making her debut during the seminal Dark Phoenix Saga, Dazzler was spun off into her own ongoing series. In the first two issues, the light-wielding mutant makes an enemy out of Thor baddie Enchantress when she's selected for a singing gig over her. In the subplot for these issues, the X-Men, Spider-Man and the Avengers aid her in nabbing an agent.

This series would begin Dazzler's reign as a solo star and the book itself stands out for refusing to adhere to superhero stereotypes. She wouldn't wear an official superhero costume until the end of the series and the plots often focused on her career and personal life, while the superheroics would be relegated to subplots. To this day, Dazzler stands out as one of Marvel's most unique and atypical titles in their stable.

A Rogue in the House

Dazzler (Vol. 1) #21-30

Now a bona fide star, Dazzler draws the ire of the mutant terrorist known as Rogue. Having developed a deep-seated hatred for the songstress, Rogue pursues Dazzler relentlessly in an attempt to murder her. Dazzler is haunted by nightmares as a result and finally takes matters into her own hands in an epic showdown that results in Rogue's ignominious defeat.

Meanwhile, Dazzler is reunited with her long-lost mother and discovers that she has a half-sister named Lois. Her joy of having a new sister is cut short when Lois manifests the mutant ability to kill others with a single touch. After "accidentally" killing someone with these new abilities, Lois goes on the run with Dazzler as fugitives.

Dazzler: The Movie

Marvel Graphic Novel #12

Having moved out west, Dazzler abandoned her dwindling music career to pursue acting. At this time she begins dating Roman Nekobah, a fading movie star who convinces her to co-star in a new film with him. Upon learning of her mutant abilities, he arranges for Dazzler to come out publicly as a mutant to drum up publicity for the film. This plan backfires and Dazzler is immediately branded an outcast.

The newly blacklisted star is subsequently dumped by Nekobah and is left without a career to speak of.

With Malice Toward All 

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #214

With her career in the pits, Dazzler begins working as a back-up singer for the mutant rock star Lila Cheney. Deeply depressed over the state of her affairs, Dazzler is targeted by the psychic entity known as Malice. It uses her to upstage Lila and encourages her to act more aggressively. 

Concerned over her friend's behaviour, Lila contacts the X-Men and they arrive just in time to free Dazzler from Malice's influence. After this, Dazzler joins the X-Men to do her part in protecting other mutants from villains like Malice.

Charge of the Light Brigade

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #217-218

During a trip to Muir Island, Dazzler ventures to the mainland to blow off some steam after failing a training exercise. It is here where she encounters the X-Men baddie Juggernaut. She attacks him, hoping to defeat him in order to prove herself to the others. Juggernaut proves to be too much for her and he seems to accidentally kill her. He then buries her to hide the evidence.

Back on Muir Island, the X-Men's telepath Psylocke picks up Dazzler's thoughts and leads the team on a rescue mission to save her. With Juggernaut still on the loose, Dazzler recovers and joins the X-Men on a quest to stop the unstoppable villain.

Deadly Games

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #228

When Dazzler's old friend O.Z. Chase is imprisoned for murder, she and fellow X-Man Wolverine team-up to prove his innocence. They learn that he was framed by a Russian drug dealer named Valdimir Zaitsev, who is wanted by the US government. They pursue Zaitsev through the Florida swamps, where he meets his demise at the hands of O.Z.'s trusty dog.

The Siege Perilous

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #246-251

When the futuristic Sentinel Nimrod is transformed into the powerful Master Mold, Dazzler formulates a plan to defeat him by sending him through the mystical portal known as the Siege Perilous. In the process, Rogue sacrifices herself to save the others by forcing Master Mold through the portal.

Left to pick up the pieces, the X-Men return home only to be attacked by the psychotic Nanny and the bionically enhanced villains known as the Reavers. With the insanity breaking out around them, Psylocke forces the X-Men through the Siege Perilous.

Blam! Star '90

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #260

Sometime later, Dazzler emerges from the Siege Perilous without any memories of her past life. She is taken in by Lila Cheney and enjoys a life of leisure until a stalker makes it his mission to kill her. After multiple attempts on her life, he successfully kidnaps her and dresses her up in her former stage costume. Dazzler manages to talk him down, thereby saving her life and his.

The Mojoverse Rebellion

X-Men (Vol. 2) #5-7, #10-11

Still living with Lila Cheney, Dazzler is approached by her former beau Longshot. He is in desperate need of her help, as the despot known as Mojo has enslaved an entire dimension and needs to be stopped. After sharing a kiss with Longshot, Dazzler regains her memories and journeys with him to do battle against Mojo.

After forming a rebellion, the X-Men are contacted to aid in defeating Mojo. Following their victory, Dazzler stays with Longshot in this alternate dimension upon learning that she is pregnant.

Eve of Destruction

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #392-393, X-Men (Vol. 2) #112-113

Nearly a decade later, Dazzler returns to the fray when she comes to the X-Men for help. Her world has been destroyed and the baby she was once expecting is gone. Still grieving these losses, Dazzler joins a ragtag group of X-Men led by Jean Grey on a mission to rescue Professor Xavier from Magneto. Thanks to her ability to manipulate light, Dazzler is key in tricking Magneto and freeing Xavier.

It's worth noting that this would be the first time Dazzler and Northstar are on the same team together. They would later become good friends, as seen during Matt Fraction's tenure on Uncanny X-Men.

Defenders of the Realm

New Excalibur (Vol. 1) #1-6

After her short return to the X-Men, Dazzler moves to England where she becomes a member of the newly reformed superhero team Excalibur. In her first mission with the group, she battles an evil version of the original X-Men and subsequently dies in battle. Miraculously, Dazzler resurrects herself and discovers that she is now apparently immortal.

On the personal front, Dazzler develops a close friendships with fellow teammates Nocturne and Juggernaut. These relations would become strained, as Nocturne feared Dazzler would break Juggernaut's heart given his unrequited feelings for her.

Sisterhood

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #508-511

Following the dissolution of Excalibur, Dazzler returns to the United States where the X-Men have declared San Francisco as their new home. 

Dazzler is called upon to take part of a strike force to take down the Sisterhood of Mutants after they kidnap her friend and former teammate Psylocke. Dazzler plays an integral part in the mission, as she is responsible for stopping a newly brainwashed Psylocke. Once the Sisterhood is defeated, Dazzler is reunited with her long-time friend.

Necrosha: Aftermath

Dazzler One-Shot (Vol. 1) #1

When the psychic vampire known as Selene resurrects the X-Men's dead allies to do battle against them, Dazzler's sister Lois is amongst Selene's soldiers. 

After evading capture at the end of these events, Lois sets up an elaborate trial to kill her sister. In the end Dazzler manages to stop her and, with the help of Psylocke, sets her on the path to recovery.

Quarantine

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #530-534

After a virus is unleashed on the island home of the X-Men, the mutants are quarantined to prevent the spread of the illness. 

Dazzler is one of the few mutants who is off-island at the time the virus strikes and is enlisted in a strike force led by Storm to combat threats while the others find a cure.

Xavier Must Die!

X-Treme X-Men (Vol. 2) #1-12

Shortly after Cyclops and Wolverine divided the X-Men, Dazzler is sent on a journey across dimensions with a ragtag band of alternate versions of the X-Men. She leads this team of misfits as they set out to assassinate evil incarnations of Professor Xavier from various of dimensions.

This title, written by fan-favourite Greg Pak, was notable for finally placing Dazzler in a leadership role and featuring a queer version of Wolverine (finally!). It would also be the last great Dazzler story before Brian Michael Bendis ruined the character in the pages of Uncanny X-Men.

Top 10: Greatest Women of the X-Men

As one of Marvel's most successful properties, the X-Men have been an enduring symbol of equality and diversity. This is in part due to the stellar cast of female characters that have been members of this illustrious team of mutants. Where other superhero books struggled to maintain a strong female presence, the X-Men continually broke barriers and records with their multi-dimensional portrayals of women. 

As writer Brian Wood puts it, "[…] the women are the X-Men. Cyclops and Wolverine are big names, but taken as a whole, the women kind of rule the franchise. If you look at the entire world as a whole, it's the females that really dominate and are the most interesting and cool to look at."

Listed here are the top ten greatest female members of the X-Men. Those selected were chosen based on their importance to the franchise, mutant abilities, personality, recognizability, and relevance.

10. Magik (Illyana Rasputin)

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975)

Mutant Powers: Sorcery, teleportation

Essential Storylines: Uncanny X-Men #160, New Mutants #14, The Quest for Magik, X-Men: Hellbound, Uncanny X-Men: Revolution

As a child, Illyana Rasputin was spirited away to Limbo where the demon Belasco siphoned off bits of her soul in order to summon the Elder Gods to take over Earth. This event left Illyana deeply corrupted and led towards her becoming the ruler of Limbo. Over the years, she has fought her darker impulses to fight for good as a member of the New Mutants and later as a member of the X-Men.

During the 1980s, Magik was a favoured character of X-Men scribe Chris Claremont. She was a prominent member of the New Mutants and appeared frequently as a supporting character in the pages of Uncanny X-Men. While she was later killed off by future writers, Magik made her triumphant return in New X-Men and has since gone on to be a major player in many key X-Men storylines. Most recently, she was possessed by the Phoenix Force and is now a member of Cyclops' band of X-Men.

09. X-23 (Laura Kinney)

First Appearance: NYX #3 (2004)

Mutant Powers: Accelerated healing factor, superhuman senses, retractible claws in hands and feet

Essential Storylines: X-23: Innocence Lost, X-23: Target X, X-Force: Not Forgotten, X-23: The Killing Dream, Avengers Arena

Born out of a laboratory, Laura Kinney was cloned from Wolverine's DNA and was trained to be the world's most vicious assassin. She managed to escape this life and has since tried to repent for her past sins by working alongside her genetic father as a member of the X-Men.

Much like DC Comics' Harley Quinn, X-23 originated on television as a character introduced in X-Men: Evolution. The concept of a female Wolverine clone proved so popular that she was eventually brought over into the mainstream comic universe. She even starred in two self-titled mini-series and a short-lived ongoing title written by Marjorie Liu in addition to her acclaimed appearances in X-Force. If that weren't enough, she's made numerous appearances in video games and cartoons. Currently, she's part of the All-New X-Men title written by Brian Michael Bendis.

08. Jubilee (Jubilation Lee)

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #244 (1989)

Mutant Powers: Formerly able to generate multi-coloured energy plasmodia

Essential Storylines: Uncanny X-Men #224, Generation X, X-Men: Curse of the Mutants, Wolverine & Jubilee, X-Men: Primer

Brash and full of sass, Jubilation Lee was an orphan living in the Hollywood Mall when she first encountered the X-Men. She followed them back to their base and rightfully earned a place on the team after rescuing Wolverine from the clutches of the Reavers. Despite leaving the team to train with other mutants her age, Jubilee returned to the X-Men once more and has become a key member of their all-female task force.

Jubilee rose to prominence due to her appearance in the seminal X-Men animated series from the early-'90s. As the resident plucky teen sidekick, her antics and humorous attitude made her a favourite among viewers. While she's been largely ignored in subsequent adaptations and spent years in publication limbo, Jubilee's status as a fan-favourite has garnered her a coveted spot among the most iconic Marvel heroes.

07. Dazzler (Alison Blaire)

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #130 (1980)

Mutant Powers: Converts sound into light; able to generate lasers, hard light weapons, and holograms

Essential Storylines: Uncanny X-Men #217, Uncanny X-Men #228, Uncanny X-Men #260, Dazzler, X-Treme X-Men

For years, mutant singer Alison Blaire moonlit as a part-time superhero. She single-handedly bested the likes of the Enchantress, Doctor Doom, and Galactus between gigs. Life was good for the songstress until she came out as a mutant. The world turned against her and this led towards her alliance with the X-Men. As Dazzler, Alison fought against injustice as a member of the X-Men and eventually led a rebellion against the dictator known as Mojo. After a brief stint with the UK-based superhero team Excalibur, she returned to the X-Men and even became a mutant liaison for S.H.I.E.L.D., adding super spy to her resume.

With a long-running solo title under her belt, Dazzler came into the X-Men as a force to be reckoned with. She had a huge presence in Uncanny X-Men during the late-'80s, but was subsequently relegated to the D-list. Many creators have attempted to revive the character and yet she still can't quite catch a break. Dazzler deserves to be one of the top three X-Women and continues to be one of the most underrated Marvel characters out there, she obviously just needs the right push.

06. White Queen (Emma Frost)

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #129 (1980)

Mutant Powers: Telepathy, can transform her skin into diamond

Essential Storylines: The Dark Phoenix Saga, Uncanny X-Men #151-152, Generation X, E is for Extinction, Torn

Emma Grace Frost comes from an aristocratic Boston family. By the time she reached adulthood, she was an expert in the art of deception and manipulation. Paired with her mutant ability of telepathy, these skills enabled her to become the White Queen of the Hellfire Club. As the White Queen, Emma clashed with the X-Men several times before she switched sides. Since then, Emma has become a prominent member of the X-Men and is widely regarded as one of the most powerful telepaths in the world.

Despite being known as a villain for well over a decade, Emma's jump to heroism resurrected her career. For pulling a Rogue, Emma was rewarded by being given the coveted role of co-leader of the X-Men and headmistress of the Xavier School for Higher Learning. Unlike Rogue, Emma's continued ambiguous morals and catty attitude has made such a leap much more plausible, since her personality has been consistent. She's been a key figure in nearly every major X-Men storyline since the early-2000s and her importance in Uncanny X-Men shows that she has no intention of giving up her A-list status.

05. Rogue (Anna Marie)

First Appearance: Avengers Annual #10 (1981)

Mutant Powers: Absorbs abilities and memories through skin contact

Essential Storylines: Uncanny X-Men #171, Uncanny X-Men #269, Mutant Genesis, Supernovas, X-Men: Legacy

When she was still a child, swamp rat Anna Marie was adopted by the mutant terrorist Mystique and her lover Destiny. Adopting the codename Rogue, Anna followed in her mother's footsteps and became one of the most wanted criminals in America. She was responsible for the attempted murder of Ms. Marvel and tormented mutant songstress Dazzler relentlessly. Nevertheless, Rogue's criminal career came to an abrupt end when she sought out Professor Xavier's aid to help her gain control of her powers. This fateful decision led towards Rogue becoming of the most influential members of the X-Men and she's faithfully served the mutant team for well over three decades.

As an early example of the bad girl turned good trend, Rogue's evolution from villain to hero made her a fan-favourite in the late-'80s. However, it would be her starring role in the '90s X-Men cartoon that cemented her popularity amongst audiences. Despite what little she offers to the mutant cause and her tendency to define herself through her relationships, there's no denying that Rogue is insanely popular.

04. Psylocke (Elizabeth Braddock)

First Appearance: Captain Britain #8 (1976)

Mutant Abilities: Telepathy, telekinesis

Essential Storylines: Acts of Vengeance, The Sisterhood, Psylocke, Uncanny X-Force, Let It Bleed

As the only daughter of one of the wealthiest families in England, Elizabeth Braddock grew up dreaming of doing something incredible with her life. While she briefly worked as a supermodel, it was her work as a spy and superhero that brought purpose to her life. She used her mutant psychic abilities to become the X-Man known as Psylocke and has proven to be one of their most loyal members.

Psylocke is a complex character with a slightly convoluted backstory, but that hasn't stopped her from becoming a cult icon. Known for her provocative ninja costume and posh attitude, she's proven popular amongst most comic book fanboys. She's also a gaming favourite, appearing in numerous video games from the early-'90s onward. Though not as well known as Jean Grey or Emma Frost, Psylocke has played an integral role in the X-Men's history and her relationships within the team have made for some great storytelling opportunities.

03. Shadowcat (Kitty Pryde)

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #129 (1980)

Mutant Abilities: Intangibility

Essential Storylines: Days of Future Past, Uncanny X-Men #143, Mekanix, Astonishing X-Men, Breaking Point

Kitty Pryde joined the X-Men when she was just 13-years-old, becoming their youngest member to date. This computer savvy mutant grew from an awkward tween to being one of the most respected heroes in the world. Even though her dedication has wavered over the years, Kitty has continually put the needs of others before herself in the name of equality.

Introduced during the seminal Dark Phoenix Saga, Kitty proved to be an extremely likeable teenager whose awkwardness made her all the more relatable. She became a mainstay during the 1980s, with stories like God Loves, Man Kills and Days of Future Past featuring her as a key player. She even eventually went on to become a mentor to the younger generation of mutants. Thanks to the film adaptations and her appearances in cartoons, Kitty Pryde is now one of the most recognizable X-Women out there.

02. Phoenix (Jean Grey)

First Appearance: X-Men #1 (1963)

Mutant Abilities: Telekinesis, telepathy

Essential Storylines: The Dark Phoenix Saga, Inferno, X-Men #30, New X-Men, Phoenix: End Song

As one of Professor Xavier's first students, Jean Grey was a founding member of the X-Men and grew up fighting the likes of Magneto, the Sentinels, and the Juggernaut. Her growth as a telepath and telekinetic has made her one of the most powerful mutants in the world, while her connection to the enigmatic Phoenix Force makes her one of the most dangerous.

Jean Grey is truly the First Lady of the X-Men. Her sass and infamous temper have made her one of the most thrilling characters to read, while her relationship and subsequent marriage to Scott Summers continue to be one of the most iconic love stories in the world of comic books. If that weren't enough, the classic Dark Phoenix Saga hinges entirely on Jean's character and it has gone on to be one of the most influential storylines for the X-Men. Even with the complications of her constant rebirths and the presence of a "teen Jean" running amok in the present continuity, nostalgia remains high for this redheaded psychic.

01. Storm (Ororo Munroe)

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975)

Mutant Abilities: Control over the weather

Essential Storylines: Uncanny X-Men #169-170, Lifedeath, Uncanny X-Men #265-266, X-Men: Storm, Worlds Apart, Storm

When she was barely old enough to speak, Ororo Monroe was orphaned by an explosion that killed her parents in their Cairo home. For years, she would live on the streets and stole to survive. It wasn't until her mutant ability to control the weather surfaced that her life took a change for the better. Initially worshipped as a goddess in a small Kenyan village, Ororo was recruited by Professor Xavier to become a member of the X-Men. Taking on the codename Storm, she has since gone on to become a leader, a mentor, a queen, and the world's fiercest superhero.

There is no denying that Storm is the single most influential and culturally significant X-Man, male or female, out there. She was one of the very first African-American heroines in comics and she was the very first woman to ever lead a team of superheroes, not only that but she was also the first African-American to do so. She's appeared in nearly every film and television adaptation of the X-Men, as well as making appearances in video games and stage shows. While most contemporary readers would cite Rogue or X-23 as their favourite X-Woman, Storm's growth as a character goes down as one of the most well-written evolutions in the history of comic books. Chris Claremont's legendary run on Uncanny X-Men posited Storm as the matriarch and centre piece of the book, having her wrestle with complex notions of morality and identity all while leading the X-Men through some of the most tragic moments in mutant history. Truth be told, his Uncanny X-Men really was more like Storm and her Uncanny Friends. To recognize her significance, Marvel has also finally given Storm her very own ongoing series (about damn time!) written by Greg Pak. Here's hoping it survives the dreaded Marvel heroine curse!