UNCANNY X-MEN #412: THE COMPLETE SCRIPT

[Eric J. Moreels]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/uxmen412.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/uxmen412t.jpg" align=left alt="Captain Britain TPB"></a>Uncanny X-Men writer Chuck Austen has provided X-Fan with his original script to issue #412, which features the conclusion to Austen's initial three-part story arc, "Hope".

"It has all the original dialogue in it, things that were edited or changed in the final," Austen told X-Fan. "It probably has spelling errors and the like as well, but I wanted it to be seen more or less unvarnished."

<B>UNCANNY X-MEN #412</B>

PAGE 1

P1:
Close on Black Tom's horrifying, disfigured face, still screaming from last issue.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>GUUUUUHHHH OOOOUUUUUUUU!!!!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
As brick and mortar falls all around them, the ground shakes like an earthquake, and his companions scream overhead, Bobby steps forward, hands raised, trying to calm Black Tom. Nearby a vine rises from the ground. In the background, Kurt holds out a hand.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BOBBY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Relax, Tom.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>try to calm down.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Let's figure this out.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Bobby, wait --</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
The vine impales Bobby through the stomach. He's shocked, and his mouth drops open in a silent scream. Kurt is shocked, as well. A second vine rises near Kurt.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>BOBBY!</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Same, but as Bobby falls forward, Kurt explodes in a puff of purple smoke as another vine tries to impale him.

P5:
Near Black Tom, Kurt appears in another puff of smoke near the melted, rooting mutant in his throne. Kurt already has his fist raised.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>STOP THIS <B><U><I>NOW</I></U></B>, TOM!</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Ah Caaaa --</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P6:
Kurt slams a fist into the wretched figure's face.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>YOU CAN!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 2

Full page splash, similar to last issues finale. Bobby lies on the floor, impaled, limp. Overhead, we can see Angel, Logan, Stacy X, Juggernaut, Monet, a host of skeletons and remains all hanging from the ceiling that was once the room above. They're encased in vines and tendrils, all wrapped around them, binding them tightly, draining their life force.

They all scream.

Kurt stands over Black Tom, who is still hunched in his chair, still rooted into the ground, still melting into becoming some form of plant.

PAGE 3

P1:
Looking down on Kurt and Tom, as Kurt looks up. Tom's position hasn't changed.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>E'eee iii oo i eeeeee. URrrr eeeemmmm.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Every time I hit you, I hurt them.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Eeeeehhhh.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Over Tom's shoulder on Kurt. He glares fury down at Tom, another fist raised.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Let them go.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Close on Black Tom. He manages a slight smile, partially wooden teeth under malformed lips.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>'Ooooo.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh...</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
From above, near the others, looking down at Kurt, hopeless, Bobby lying near him.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>EH EH EH <B><I>EH EH EH EH EH --</I></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Close on Stacy, drawn, veined, dying.

P6:
Close on Warren, drawn, veined, dying.

P7:
Close on Wolverine, drawn, veined, dying.

P8:
Close on Juggernaut, drawn, veined, dying.

PAGE 4

P1:

TITLE:

HOPE, Conclusion

CREDITS:

Usual suspects.

Large panel with Alex sitting in his wheelchair near a small lake. It's a beautiful, pastoral scene with no indication that this is anywhere near the hospital. There are trees and birds and sunshine all around.

Our man in his chair is exactly the same as before, reacting to the sunlight just a little. Annie sits near him in the grass with her arm on his knees, obviously a little familiar, moreso than might be professional, looking out at the water as she speaks to him. She seems content, if only for the moment.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>We have some time. I've clocked out for the day.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>It's pretty, isn't it?</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Close on Annie, smiling, leaning her head against his knee, friendly ... And a bit more. She still smiles contentedly.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I wanted to ... I don't know ...</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Same, but Annie's expression has dropped. She lowers her head and loses her smile. Sadness overtakes her.

PAGE 5

P1:
Annie stands as nothing else changes.

P2:
Behind the blonde man, we see Annie's back as she looks out over the small lake, arms around herself, holding her emotions in.

P3:
Close on Annie as she turns to face us/blonde man. Her face looks even more sad.

P4:
Same, but Annie speaks.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I called the school. They're coming to take you away.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I'll probably never see you again.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Close on of the face of our slack-jawed blonde man. Vacant as ever.

PAGE 5

P1:
Annie kneels before Alex, her hands on his, her face staring lovingly and longingly at Alex.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I know. It matters more to me than it does to you.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>It also mattered a great deal to your brother and the others at the school.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Your sister-in-law.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
On Alex, unresponsive, maybe his eyes are a little wider.

P3:
Close on her face as she drops her eyes, etched with sadness.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Scott didn't believe me at first, but eventually ...</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
She lays her head on it's side on his knees. His expression doesn't change, his body doesn't move.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>He'll be here in an hour.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I thought it best that he not come to the hospital. There's so much hysteria about mutants these days.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>And I just wanted some time to ...</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I don't know.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
On Alex's unmoving, slack face.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Off-Panel)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Scott told me on the phone that you were a good man. A funny man who liked a good sense of humor.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I knew you'd be like that.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P6:
Close on Annie's face, a tear has formed in her eye, but she's not overwhelmed.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>He said they had all missed you terribly.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I already know how that feels.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
Same, but her eye has gotten wider. She's heard, or sensed something we haven't.

PAGE 6

P1:
Large panel. Scott has arrived. He stands tall between the chair and the lake. He's wearing a suit and his red eyeglasses.

Annie is falling backward away from Alex, still sitting in the grass, stunned by the silent arrival of Scott. Behind him we see the lake, trees and mountains beyond.

P2:
Annie stands and backs away. Scott stands stoic and unmoving.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I'm sorry, I was just ...</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SCOTT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>It's all right.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>... just saying goodbye.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SCOTT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>You don't need to explain.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Over Annie's shoulder, Scott cradles his brother in his arms and lifts him from the chair.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>You don't have to carry him, the wheelchair --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SCOTT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I want to.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Looking up at Scott, over Alex's shoulder as he holds him in his arms. Scott looks down, sadly, into Alex's face.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SCOTT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Alex ...</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 7

P1:
From behind Annie, Scott looks up at her from Alex. He stares silently for a moment.

P2:
Same, but Scott speaks gently.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SCOTT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Thank you for giving me back my brother.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Over Scott's shoulder on Annie. She answers nervously.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Of course. I was glad -- I --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Sure.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Same as 1.

P5:
Same as previous as Scott turns and walks away.

P6:
We're looking over Scott's shoulder as he stops short, heading toward us but turning his head slightly back toward Annie. She is in the background, holding a hand out to stop Scott.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>He'll still need someone to care for him. Do the --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Do you have someone?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>A school nurse, or ...</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
We're looking at Scott as he turns back partially to Annie.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SCOTT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>He was in love with someone else.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Before the accident.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I know he loved her very much.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P8:
Close on Annie. She should have expected it, but it still hurts her.

P9:
Similar, but pushing the feelings down. Devastated. Decisive.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>ANNIE</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>He'll still need a nurse.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 8

P1:
Close on Warren, drawn, gaunt, near skeletal, wrapped in vines and branches.

P2:
Wider on the new floor of the room. Kurt has crossed to Bobby and is leaning down to him. Bobby holds his belly where the vine impaled him, and his head hangs. Tom is still in his throne.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Bobby. How do you feel?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BOBBY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Terrible.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Kinda hungry.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Closer on the two as Kurt puts an arm around the Iceman.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Can I do anything?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BOBBY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Yeah.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Get us out of this.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Same, but Kurt looks up at the others.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I will, Bobby. I promise you.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Tight on Kurt, eyes widening slightly. Has he thought of something?

P6:
Kurt stands and leaves Bobby, walking over toward Tom again.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>So, what is this? Secondary mutation? Or something else?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>A little self-experimentation, maybe?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I'm thinking secondary mutation, and you're using the people up there to slow the process.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
Closer on Tom, Kurt paces in front of him.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Goooo a'aaayyy.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>No, I won't go away, and you know you can't catch me because I can teleport.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I'm the only one you <B><U><I>CAN'T</I></U></B> affect.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 9

P1:
Kurt looks upward again.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>But what's more important is: <B><U><I>WHO</I></U></B> can affect <B><U><I>YOU</I></U></B>?</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Wider on the room. Kurt disappears in a puff of smoke. Bobby is nearby. We're looking upward, into the room above, with an angle on Stacy X.

P3:
Kurt appears in a blast of brimstone right in front of the drawn and gaunt Stacy. Her eyes are closed, thick tendrils entering her nostrils. Kurt hangs onto nearby roots.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Stacy. Stacy, I need you to focus for a minute.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>It hurts so much.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Over his shoulder on her as her eyes open. She looks panicked and scared.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I know, Stacy, and we'll get you out of this. But I need to know--</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- can you still control your pheromones?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Weakly)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Who cares?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>What good are they?</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
From behind her, looking at Kurt.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Stacy, Black Tom used to be a man. And for the moment at least --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- part of him still is.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P6:
Close on Stacy, focused and intent, now, as it sinks in.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Get me down from here.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
On the ground with Bobby and Tom. We're behind Tom, looking at Bobby. Bobby leans up, trying to show strength, and failing.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BOBBY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>So, hey there, big boy. Come here often?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Huuu Uuuu.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 10

P1:
From behind Bobby on Tom. A vine raises from the ground and poises to strike Bobby.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BOBBY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Shut up? Is that what you said?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Hard to tell with all that tree bark in your mouth.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>'IIIIIEEE!!!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Same, but the vine is striking, and Kurt is grabbing it from amid smoke and purple haze. He has his other arm around Stacy, who is weak and barely upright.

P3:
Kurt holds the vine in one hand and shoves Stacy forward toward Tom.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>NOW, STACY! DO IT NOW!</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Stacy falls across the grotesque Tom, touching his flesh. He reacts in horror.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>EEEEE OOOOOHHH!!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Close on Tom, as his expression changes, softening, his eyes rolling up toward Stacy.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Eeehhh...</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P6:
Over his shoulder on the gaunt, tired Stacy. She has a look of control on her face. She touches his cheek tenderly.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Oooh, Tom. I've never met such a powerful man.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 11

P1:
Over her shoulder on the smiling Tom.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>'Eeeeeehhh.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Yeeeesss. And you love me now, don't you?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I 'aaahh yooooouuuu...</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Closer on Stacy, smiling seductively. She brushes her lips against his nose.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>You want me? Close enough. We can do something about that.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>So why don't you release everyone, just let them go --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- and we can be together.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Tight on Black Tom. His eyes are half-closed and he smiles in seeming ecstasy.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>'Eeeeeehhh.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Yeeeessss. Thaaaat's it.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
On Kurt, who leans close to Bobby and whispers.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>When he's done it, can you freeze off and destroy the root system between Tom and them?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Stop him from withdrawing the power?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BOBBY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>No problem.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Angle upward on the others, hanging from Black Tom's roots.

P6:
Warren, his face looking slightly healthier.

P7:
Same, but he's fuller, more normal looking.

P8:
He's almost completely healthy, and no longer blue, the beginning of his secondary mutation.

PAGE 12

P1:
On Logan, looking good and healthy,

P2:
Juggernaut, eyes opening, looking good.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Son of a --</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Monet, moaning.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>MONET</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Oooohhhh--</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Close on Tom,s face, as he begins sinking further, melting more into the roots. Surprise begins to creep over his features.

P5:
Same, but Tom has melted further, and his face is contorted into a scream of anguish and fury.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>'OOOOOOOO!!!!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P6:
Looking down on Bobby and Kurt, Stacy and Tom, who still scream, roots flailing around him.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>KURT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Now, Bobby, <B><U><I>NOW</I></U></B>.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
Close on Bobby's hands, as they hold the vine going through his stomach. It begins to freeze outward.

P8:
Wider on the room as the root freezes outward, into Tom, and out again through his root system. Tom's roots flail, and energy courses outward. Tom SCREAMS.

PAGE 13

P1:
Large panel as the icy blue grows outward from Bobby along every vine and tendril going up into the room above.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BOBBY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>HE'S FIGHTING ME!</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>HE'S GETTING AROUND ME!!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Angle on Tom as he begins to melt even further, drooping into the floor, becoming more and more like a tree taking root. One malformed hand claws at the air, trying to save himself. Stacy holds his twisted face in her hands.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>'OOOOOOOOOOO!!!!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Don't fight it, Tom. Don't fight it.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Just let go.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
On Warren, his eyes opening, roots and vines freezing in toward him, face contorted in pain as Tom's energy flashes through along with Bobby's like lightning arcing over the vine and into his flesh.

P4:
Similar of Wolverine, he's grimacing in pain as well.

P5:
Similar of Juggernaut, straining against the roots, snarling, veins reappearing.

P6:
Closer on Tom, now just a few vines, seeping into cracks in the floor, one that vaguely looks like a hand and another that resembles a foot. His screams are beginning to fade away with him.

PAGE 14

P1:
Big panel, up amid the X-Men trapped above, looking down. Now on the floor far below, Tom is screaming, melting away as above him, all the vines shatter and explode, sending the X-Men flying loose from their bonds. Everyone shatters free of the now frozen vines.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!1</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
The group alternately falls or drops to the ground amid a shower of broken/frozen vines and roots, as Tom's scream subsides. He's little more than a few vines and bits near his throne. Kurt and Stacy help who they can. Bobby still kneels on the floor, holding his stomach.

P3:
Juggernaut drops near the throne, staring down, sadly at the remains of Tom and his throne.

P4:
Over his shoulder on the floor near the throne. The only thing left of Tom is a small bit of vine and leaf sticking up through a crack in the floor.

P5:
Looking up at Juggernaut, who looks sadly over our shoulder at the floor.

PAGE 15

P1:
Angle on Monet, holding herself up with one hand against a wall, holding her head with the other. Nearby, Stacy helps Warren to the ground. He favors his broken leg and arm.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I never got to answer your question. About what the X-Men do.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>No.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>No, I guess you didn't.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Past her, looking at him. He smiles. His hair is a little longer, and his face is a lot paler. But he still looks angelic and handsome.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>We help people.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>That's all.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>That's enough.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
On her, as she supports his weight. She smiles pleasantly.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I mean, you saved my life --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- at the expense of your arm and leg.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>You almost died.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Two shot. Make this next few panels as romantic as you possibly can. The two are looking at one another, deeply into each others eyes. It's a moment they'll always remember.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>And you survived. </normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Similar, but tighter. Stacy leans in, her eyes beginning to close, her lips reaching for Warren's.

P6:
Similar, but closer. Their lips are almost close enough to touch. Warren's eyes are still wide open.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>What are you doing?</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
Over his shoulder on a mortified Stacy as she pulls back. Her eyes are wide, searching his for any sign of a joke.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Nothing!</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I -- I</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 16

P1:
Big panel. Suddenly the floor explodes beneath them, rocking and cracking as if the entire island were breaking apart.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Everyone --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>OUTSIDE!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Looking toward the escaping group as it races along a disintegrating corridor. Angel is in the lead, carrying a complaining Stacy. Monet flies just behind them.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>STACY X</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, but it's faster this way.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
The exit of the corridor, such as it is. The island is tearing itself into huge chunks. Everything is twisted and turned at oblique angles. Walls crumble and collapse, vines erupt from beneath the ground, and water splashes up from somewhere below. Angel swoops forward with Stacy, Kurt has teleported with Bobby to an uneven surface. Juggernaut is scrabbling up an incline. Wolverine is hanging on for a ride.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>THE ENTIRE ISLAND IS RIPPING ITSELF APART!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Atop one of the jutting chunks of land, most of them are scrambling or standing. Angel circles overhead with Stacy. WE can see a good bit into the distance, at least as far as the coast, and the entire island is indeed, breaking apart.

PAGE 17

P1:
Juggernaut helps Bobby up to more or less stable ground, and lifts his head, shouting into the wind. Monet flies nearby, toward them.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>LET THEM GO, TOM! THEY CAME TO HELP YOU!!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>DON'T DO THIS!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
The piece of rock they all perch on splits apart, sending everyone scrambling again. Monet grabs Bobby and lifts him from the mess. Enormous vines and tendrils reach up from below and swat at everyone. One hits Wolverine, knocking him reeling.

P3:
Juggernaut snags Wolverine by the collar, just as he's about to fall into the grinding rock and water below.

P4:
Juggernaut lifts Wolverine by the collar. Wolverine has his claws popped and is already snarling.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I saw Colossus do this once.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Always wanted to try it.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>LOGAN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Do what!?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>PUT ME DOWN, YOU IDIOT!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
From below, Juggernaut is throwing Wolverine up into the sky at a low-flying X-Plane overhead.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>LOGAN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>HEY!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>WHERE'D THAT X-PLANE COME FROM!?</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 18

P1:
At the door of the plane, Kurt and Xavier are reaching for Logan as he comes sailing upward, arms outstretched. Stacy is nearby in the doorway. Warren is nearby, helping Stacy aboard. Far below, the sea churns and the island disintegrates.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>XAVIER</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont><B><U><I>CHUCK, I LOVE YOUR BALD HEAD!</I></U></B></normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Juggernaut now stands alone on the shaking rock, barely managing his balance, looking upward. A twisting vine forms before him.

P3:
Over his shoulder as the vine forms into Tom.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I gave you everything! A home, friendship, a purpose!</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Close on Tom, forming more completely, sinister, angry, dark.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Your father was right--</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Tight on Cain. This hurts.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>BLACK TOM</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Off-Panel)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Some people are just born hopeless.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 19

P1:
The rock Cain is standing on crumbles completely. Tom, still formed nearby, roots going down into the violent sea, cackles as Cain falls. Cain doesn't struggle.

P2:
Cain splashes into the surf, limp, not even trying to save himself.

P3:
From behind Angel and Wolverine. Looking down on roiling sea, only a few chunks of island and stone remain, vines and tendrils reach up from all sides.

Juggernaut is gone.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>WARREN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Juggernaut's gone under!</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>LOGAN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Black Tom said his powers had diminished --</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
Close on Logan, scowling down at the surf.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>LOGAN</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- he was trapped by a bunch of <B><U><I>vines</I></U></B>, for cryin' out loud, and I saw his knuckles bleedin'.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I'm bettin' he can drown, now, too.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Angle on Xavier, turning back toward the water. He looks deeply concerned.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>XAVIER</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Do you have the strength to search under water!?</normalfont></td></tr></table>

PAGE 20

P1:
Large panel, from behind everyone, Sammy has leapt past the group into the air. He hovers in mid-leap, dramatic, and gawky.

CAPTION: Things never go the way you expect them to.

P2:
We're now a few feet below the water as Sammy arches downward, under the roiling waves. He leaves a trail of bubbles behind.

CAPTION: If someone had told me when I woke up this morning that this is where I'd be, I'd have laughed my butt off.

P3:
Sammy swims toward us, looking down, searching desperately.

CAPTION: trying to peek in the girl's locker room ...

CAPTION 2: ... sure, why not?

P2:
Tight on Sammy's eyes as they widen. He's seen something.

CAPTION: Shooting some fellow classmates ...

CAPTION 2: ... almost.

P5:
Looking down into the murk, Juggernaut floats there, face up, drifting toward the bottom, deeper into the darkness, wherever that might be.

CAPTION: Doing this?

PAGE 21

P1:
Juggernaut's eyes flutter open.

CAPTION: Never in a million years.

P2:
Over Juggernaut's shoulder on Sammy's darkened figure swimming down toward us, reaching out.

CAPTION: I mean, come on, let's be real. I'm not a superhero.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SAMMY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>HEY! Reach for me!</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
From the side, we see how large the gap is between them, Sammy reaching out, swimming hard, Juggernaut floating downward into darkness, limply.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SAMMY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>What?! You're --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Don't give up!</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>There's this guy in a plane up there --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- Xavier --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- He's got this school, see?</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
On Juggernaut, looking up at Sammy, listening emotionlessly.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SAMMY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Off-Panel)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I don't know, maybe you're too old for school --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- but anyway he's a good guy, and he doesn't care about anything but helping.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P5:
Close on Sammy, still swimming towards us.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SAMMY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Good, bad, doesn't matter to him, he just wants to be there.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I mean -- he's taking me and I hate my dad, and I was thinking of killing some kids at school and --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- you know --</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>-- not sure why I told you that --</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P6:
On Juggernaut again, smiling slightly.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SAMMY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>But -- whatever -- come with me.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
On Sammy, holding out his hand to us (Juggernaut)

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SAMMY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>It's a lot warmer than here, I bet.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P8:
Same, as Juggernaut's hand as it reaches out and takes Sammy's. Sammy smiles.

CAPTION: I'm not a superhero.

CAPTION 2: I'm just a guy who happens to breath under water.

PAGE 22

P1:
Juggernaut stands, looming over Xavier, dripping water and stares with annoyance and irritation at the teacher. The others all sit or stand near the seats in the background. Juggernaut doesn't want to be here. He doesn't want to be listening to this, but he's tired and exhausted.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>XAVIER</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Thank you for helping to save my X-Men.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I got 'em into it. Least I could do.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>XAVIER</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>You'll need a place to stay while you heal.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>You're welcome to use the school for as long as you need.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Close on Juggernaut as he stares, angrily.

P3:
Same, but Juggy's eyes have shifted to one side to stare at ...

P4:
All the other X-Men who sit or stand around, breathing hard, looking tired, but expectant, each with their own unique reaction to what Xavier's proposing. Warren cradles has broken arm. Stacy sits near him. Bobby has his stomach bandaged. It could be pretty funny if most of the expressions are a little big and shocked, almost bordering on cartoony. Except Logan, of course, who just smiles.

P5:
Back on Juggernaut, still staring at the others.

PAGE 23

P1:
Over Juggy's shoulder on Xavier, who waits with an expectant look of his own, although cooler, less obvious than the others.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Might be worth it just to see those expressions every day.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
Tight on Juggy as he turns, a little more savagely to Xavier.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>But get this, cue-ball. I will never do any less than hate your living guts.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>So don't waste your time hoping I might someday fall to my knees in a sudden rush of love and appreciation.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P3:
Close on Xavier, smiling, knowingly.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>XAVIER</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>You should know by now, Cain, that I am capable of nothing less than eternal hope.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
On Cain, his expression blank, and unclear, though a bit rattled.

P5:
Cain turns to the remaining empty chair, next to Sammy. Sammy looks at him nervously.

P6:
Cain moves to sit, grabbing a seatbelt and speaks to Sammy.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>So, I guess I should say thanks or somethin'?</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
Close on Sammy, eyes wide, saying nothing.

PAGE 24

P1:
Back on Juggernaut, over Sammy's shoulder as Cain straps in. He rolls his eyes at the scared kid.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Yeah, right. Whatever.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P2:
As Juggernaut plugs the seatbelt into place, his eyes widen at a sudden sound.

SFX: FRRROOOOP!

P3:
Same as previous, but Cain's eyes dart toward Sammy again.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>I hate leather seats.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P4:
On Sammy, as he begins to smile big.

P5:
Similar to P1, but Juggernaut looks embarrassed, maybe a little nervous. Sammy begins to laugh. Juggernaut, too.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Shut up, kid.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Linked balloon)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>It was the leather.</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>SAMMY</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>So, is that your mutant power? You blow holes in the back of your pants? HA HA HA HA HA!</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P6: On Xavier and Hank who are watching with wide-eyed surprise.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>JUGGERNAUT</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(Off-Panel)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>HA HA HA HA! I SAID SHUT UP, KID!</normalfont></td></tr></table>

SFX: SQUOP!

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>HANK</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Eternal hope, professor?</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>&nbsp;</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>XAVIER</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Indeed, Hank.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

P7:
the X-Plane sailing off into the rising sun. Night becomes day, darkness fades and all that hokey stuff.

<table width=40% border=0 align="center"><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>XAVIER</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><normalfont>(over)</normalfont></td></tr><tr><td><normalfont>Indeed.</normalfont></td></tr></table>

SFX: LAUGHTER.

[Anthony Zisa]

Interesting look into the creative process, and how the words turn into pages of art and dialogue. Thanks to Chuck for sharing, and thanks to you for posting, Eric.

Just an aside, but is there supposed to be so much space between each panel description?

--acz

[Eric J. Moreels]

Working on the spacing problem now... sorry for the inconvenience.

[x-man17]

nice. cant wait to pick this ish up tomorrow.

[ozymandias]

Thank you very much Chuck. And thanks to Mr X-Fan for posting it

[Argus]

You know where it points out that turning back from blue marks the start of Warren's "secondary mutation"? Sorry Angel fans, I guess he be blue no more...

Anybody else find the appearances by Beast and Cyclops from New X-Men rather, I don't know, intrusive?

[Anthony Zisa]

Originally posted by Argus
You know where it points out that turning back from blue marks the start of Warren's &quot;secondary mutation&quot;? Sorry Angel fans, I guess he be blue no more...

P6:
Warren, his face looking slightly healthier.

P7:
Same, but he's fuller, more normal looking.

P8:
He's almost completely healthy, and no longer blue, the beginning of his secondary mutation.

Originally posted by Argus
Anybody else find the appearances by Beast and Cyclops from New X-Men rather, I don't know, intrusive?

Beast, yes. Cyclops, no, but only because the matter he was involved with affected him, and it would have been more jarring if he wasn't included.

--acz

[Eric J. Moreels]

I can't really see how Beast's cameo can be considered "intrusive", since he was just the pilot of the X-Plane.

[jono]

I find it really hard to believe Juggernaut would go hang out with Xavier after the whole Onslaught incident.

[Anthony Zisa]

Originally posted by X-Fan
I can't really see how Beast's cameo can be considered &quot;intrusive&quot;, since he was just the pilot of the X-Plane.

It's just how it came across to me. There was no intrinsic value in Beast being there as the pilot, and if featured characters from the other books are going to cross over, I'd like to see them have some value to the story other than to tie the books together.

--acz

[dredweezul]

:D Thanks Chuck!, I always love seeing the entire written piece before the editors start trimming out what they deem as "un-neccessary" ...your writing style is fun and understandable...also, since I am having trouble getting the issue in due to shipping problems, finding out what happened (and what was supposed to happen) from the source has kept me from ripping all of my hair out :p ...I'm looking forward to #413!

Thanks Eric, for tacking this puppy up here for us...we ( or at least most of us do) all appreciate your hard work :D

I like Hank a lot and dont mind seeing him, so that was not an issue for me...But Warren and Stace are in for a lot of problems...Warrenseems to be all "duty before self" and Stace seems to be taking it all personal...poor lass! :(

Dredz

[Chuck Austen]

Originally posted by Anthony Zisa


It's just how it came across to me. There was no intrinsic value in Beast being there as the pilot, and if featured characters from the other books are going to cross over, I'd like to see them have some value to the story other than to tie the books together.

--acz

Ah. Why we don't understand one another in a nutshell.

I'm not sure what you mean by "intrinsic value", Anthony. But it seemed to me that there was nothing more potent to the story I was trying to tell than a character for Sammy to meet who has a mutation that is also considered "freakish", someone who had recently gone through some painful rejection in his own series. Their meeting was of immense value to Sammy, who needed to feel safe and accepted, and Xavier knew that. To me, that was value.

And before you say I could have used Nightcrawler or Chamber, take my word for it when I say I couldn't.

This is central to the reasons I don't agree with your reviews, either about Casey or myself. You miss these more human elements, the things that make the X-Men, to me, the X-Men. Your interests are much more rooted in the ideas and concepts, whch is fine, but for myself, the humanity of the X-Men is what makes them valuable to me, personally.

I honestly don't ever expect for you to review me positively. You and I have such very different perspectives on what makes a strong story. You're a "what" reader. I'm a "why" writer. You're external, I'm internal. You like the bigger ideas that open up new directions out of old, familiar territory. What matters most to me is "why" people do the things they do. What internal pressures, fears and loves motivate them to be who they are in the world.

Both are valid viewpoints, but neither is likely to merge well.

[Graeme Keirstead]

Coming from the position where I want Beast to be as ubiquitous as Wolverine, I enjoy seeing him anywhere and everywhere. It does strike me as odd, however, that anyone would object to Beast piloting the X Jet in this issue, since he's a pretty established pilot. Heck, he was flying a quinjet a couple of Avengers issues ago. And as he was flying the X Jet in 410 when it came to beautiful Vancouver to rescue Sammy, I would have found it jarring had anyone but Beast been flying the jet in 412.

[mark_heth]

Cheers Chuck
good to see this book finally going back to its TEAM roots love the conversation pieces between bobby and kurt . Question will havok remember his whole Mutant X experience when he finally regains his memeory(that is if he does)? :)

[Chuck Austen]

Originally posted by mark_heth
Cheers Chuck
good to see this book finally going back to its TEAM roots love the conversation pieces between bobby and kurt . Question will havok remember his whole Mutant X experience when he finally regains his memeory(that is if he does)? :)

Thanks Mark,

Mutant X will eventually come into play, but just how, I don't want to reveal.

[Toño Anaya]

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
Mutant X will eventually come into play, but just how, I don't want to reveal.

That's a good man. ;)

-Toño (anti-spoiler admonisher here! :D)

[mark_heth]

Coolio will we see bloodstorm or any of the other cool vampire characters from the alternative universe that was Mutant X? :spidey: :storm:

[dredweezul]

Also,I am confused as to why everyone is saying that Kurt was a complete dud to me? It seems to my way of looking at it, that he used his brains and took the least dangerous to his companions path of attack...His concern for Bobby and the others was the kind of thing that made me love the character in the first place.

The ending with Sammy was good, because he obviously felt like a burdon and an outcast, even in the company of the X-Men. He was in need of some thing to do, something to make him see that he had value as a human being. In admitting that he had a dark side, and had character flaws, he was able to see the humanity in Juggy. His bravery wasn't in leaping into the water, but in putting out his hand and offering kinship to another outcast.

sorry...I'm babbling again. :( :rolleyes: I hate when that happens.

[Refleshed]

well, it looks great. Can't wait 'till it makes it to my comic shop!

[Flying_Sumo]

nice script, i almost wish that i had the will power to wait until i got the issue.

[Eric J. Moreels]

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
What matters most to me is &quot;why&quot; people do the things they do. What internal pressures, fears and loves motivate them to be who they are in the world.

And that's why, with Juggernaut as a team member now, you've got me hooked. I'm so there each and every month, you'll probably be able to spot me lurking behind the panels on the pages! :D

I can't wait to see how you handle Cain now that you've finally done what I've wanted to see for years!

[Eric J. Moreels]

Originally posted by Flying_Sumo
nice script, i almost wish that i had the will power to wait until i got the issue.

I hear you, Sumo. Actually, Chuck sent this to me a few days ago and I really had to restrain myself from reading through it until I got the issue today!

[emesem]

Interesting how all my questions are answered by reading the script.....really shows the challenges pencilers have in converting descriptions into visuals....

did they edit out Juggies "just for seeing those expressions everday" comment?.....i suspected thats why he chose to stay but i would have been so much better for him to mouth those words..since it sounds like a convience macho excuse for him to stay even tho he really wanted to but but didnt want to show weakness...

Thanks, Chuck, for bringing some humanity back to the xmen.....i espcially liked how you used Stacy for something more than making men wet their pants....now you have to show her apply those skills on a woman...and obviously she can use the same pheremones to repell (like a skunk)....looks like you are rescueing the character from my "Most want to see go to limbo" list

[Anthony Zisa]

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
Ah. Why we don't understand one another in a nutshell.

I'm not sure what you mean by &quot;intrinsic value&quot;, Anthony. But it seemed to me that there was nothing more potent to the story I was trying to tell than a character for Sammy to meet who has a mutation that is also considered &quot;freakish&quot;, someone who had recently gone through some painful rejection in his own series. Their meeting was of immense value to Sammy, who needed to feel safe and accepted, and Xavier knew that. To me, that was value.

Fair enough. I see where you're coming from here. :)

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
And before you say I could have used Nightcrawler or Chamber, take my word for it when I say I couldn't.

Hadn't actually crossed my mind, truth be told.

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
I honestly don't ever expect for you to review me positively.

I wouldn't say that. Not liking one storyarc doesn't mean I'll never like a storyarc. I said in another thread that part of why I didn't like "Hope" could lie in that I don't feel a vibe with Ron's artwork and your words. I have very high hopes for your run, mostly because I've read other stuff you've written. (And it's not even that I don't like Ron's art, which I do, just not his X-Men art.)

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
This is central to the reasons I don't agree with your reviews, either about Casey or myself. You miss these more human elements, the things that make the X-Men, to me, the X-Men. Your interests are much more rooted in the ideas and concepts, whch is fine, but for myself, the humanity of the X-Men is what makes them valuable to me, personally.

[snip]

You and I have such very different perspectives on what makes a strong story. You're a &quot;what&quot; reader. I'm a &quot;why&quot; writer. You're external, I'm internal. You like the bigger ideas that open up new directions out of old, familiar territory. What matters most to me is &quot;why&quot; people do the things they do. What internal pressures, fears and loves motivate them to be who they are in the world.

Both are valid viewpoints, but neither is likely to merge well.

Well, in that case, I look forward to the character-centric stories you do.

I'm beginning to see shades of Lobdell in your writing, and that's both a wonderful compliment and constructive criticism. You and Scott both can do wonderful things with character driven pieces, but with "Hope" and most of Scott's more action oriented stories, I just never felt as compelled as when you two focus on one character and open him/her up.

I read the Gambit arc in Ultimate and thought it was a fantastic story about a man torn by competing desires, but who at his heart is a decent man. I have a feeling you'll be exploring that sort of story more in the future, and I do look forward to it. :)

--acz

[cet]

I'm beginning to see shades of Lobdell in your writing

I keep thinking the same thing actually, but before everyone jumps in about how that's not a good thing, just know that coming from me, it's a huge compliment. I do agree with Anthony though that Lobdell's stories (and yours that I've read so far, Mr. Austen) were much stronger on the personal, emotional, character-driven level than they were on the action level, but that was just never a problem for me since the personal/emotional/character stuff was what I read the book for first and foremost. As long as I had that the action was secondary. But enough babbling about that. I did enjoy the action in this storyarc as well as the character-driven moments, so here's hoping you're able to excel on both sides in the future.

About the script....secondary mutation, huh? Alright, I'll buy that...and this is just the start of Warren's secondary mutation? I'm interested to see where he ends up...

[Anthony Zisa]

Originally posted by cet
I keep thinking the same thing actually, but before everyone jumps in about how that's not a good thing, just know that coming from me, it's a huge compliment. I do agree with Anthony though that Lobdell's stories (and yours that I've read so far, Mr. Austen) were much stronger on the personal, emotional, character-driven level than they were on the action level, but that was just never a problem for me since the personal/emotional/character stuff was what I read the book for first and foremost. As long as I had that the action was secondary. But enough babbling about that. I did enjoy the action in this storyarc as well as the character-driven moments, so here's hoping you're able to excel on both sides in the future.

Considering Scott wrote what is honestly one of my absolute favorite X-Men stories (I believe it was Uncanny #308, the Thanksgiving one where Jean asked Scott to marry her), I'll have to agree that I hope for many more character moments in the future. And, since I believe one of the things that ended up hurting Lobdell's tenure on the title was his overextension (he was writing both cores, Generation X, and plotting much of the action in the other books at one point), Austen should be safe as the higher-ups at Marvel want to keep the books fairly separate and with distinctive creative visions.

--acz

[Ryan Scott]

I must say, I REALLY prefer the Annie/Alex scene that was presented here than the one that actually saw print. While I felt the printed version was a tad bit forced, this one hit all the right notes. Chuck, why the re-write? Was it an editorial suggestion or did you decide for what you thought was a stronger scene?

And conversely, thanks for putting IN the Bobby line about the pope. Brought some levity into the situation without it overpowering the scene.

P6:
Warren, his face looking slightly healthier.

P7:
Same, but he's fuller, more normal looking.

P8:
He's almost completely healthy, and no longer blue, the beginning of his secondary mutation

*Beats Chuck REPEATEDLY with a summer-sausage he stole from Bamfette*
"SECONDARY MUTATION" THAT!
hehehehehe...I kid, I kid...

P4:
Two shot. Make this next few panels as romantic as you possibly can. The two are looking at one another, deeply into each others eyes. It's a moment they'll always remember.

WARREN
And you survived.

Awww. :)
This just re-affirms who I think are gonna be the married couple ;)


JUGGERNAUT
I saw Colossus do this once.
(Linked balloon)
Always wanted to try it.

LOGAN
Do what!?
(Linked balloon)
PUT ME DOWN, YOU IDIOT!


OMG! This SO should have been in it! ;)

Personally, I would have felt this issue would have benefited with some darker coloring during the action in the 'Keep, but that could be me...

[Anthony Zisa]

Originally posted by MabusRex
OMG! This SO should have been in it! ;)

It's a great line. I wish it had seen print. :LOL:

--acz

[Chuck Austen]

Originally posted by MabusRex
I must say, I REALLY prefer the Annie/Alex scene that was presented here than the one that actually saw print. While I felt the printed version was a tad bit forced, this one hit all the right notes. Chuck, why the re-write? Was it an editorial suggestion or did you decide for what you thought was a stronger scene?

Second guessing, and clarity. I wrote the original script in February and did the balloon placement/dialogue at the end of July. I'd lived with that scene so long, I thought I was being too vague and odd and re-worked it. Too many fans coming up to me complaining that Claremont is better at explaining things than I am. I'l be more careful in the future.

And conversely, thanks for putting IN the Bobby line about the pope. Brought some levity into the situation without it overpowering the scene.

Thanks. That's a favorite of mine. Some of that stuff comes to me much later, and a lot is spurred on by what the artist drew.

*Beats Chuck REPEATEDLY with a summer-sausage he stole from Bamfette*
&quot;SECONDARY MUTATION&quot; THAT!
hehehehehe...I kid, I kid...

(ducking the summer sausage) WAIT AND SEE! WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS! HE'S BECOMING MY FAVORITE CHARACTER! #416!

Awww. :)
This just re-affirms who I think are gonna be the married couple ;)

Let the guessing continue;)

OMG! This SO should have been in it! ;)

It didn't fit with the artwork, anymore. Not to me. A big part of what I do is try to let the visuals tell the story, and not crowd the artist. Hence this change, and dropping the Juggernaut line at the end when he says "just to see those expressions". To me, and I may be wrong on this, the joke was stronger leaving it visual, letting his line play off their expressions without the added bit explaining their reaction.

It's a tough balance, and I will always go for "less-is-more".

Personally, I would have felt this issue would have benefited with some darker coloring during the action in the 'Keep, but that could be me...

No, I agree. It's part of the reason no one comments on Warren's change of color in this issue. In my head, they couldn't see the color change because of the darkness. When I dialogue this stuff, I'm looking at black and white inks, only.

[Ryan Scott]

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
Second guessing, and clarity. I wrote the original script in February and did the balloon placement/dialogue at the end of July. I'd lived with that scene so long, I thought I was being too vague and odd and re-worked it. Too many fans coming up to me complaining that Claremont is better at explaining things than I am. I'l be more careful in the future.

Ah. Gotcha. See, I'm a fan of understating the obvious and making the reader decide on a few panels rather than explaining things. But I see where you decided to go the other way with it. And no need to be careful. I was just pointing out how I felt the scene read. It's up to you to write it the way you want it.

(ducking the summer sausage) WAIT AND SEE! WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS! HE'S BECOMING MY FAVORITE CHARACTER! #416!

*glares* We...shall...see....
Course, you could make it up to me by making the costume blue ;)
Mwahahahahahaha*cough*choke*gag*

It didn't fit with the artwork, anymore. Not to me. A big part of what I do is try to let the visuals tell the story, and not crowd the artist. Hence this change, and dropping the Juggernaut line at the end when he says &quot;just to see those expressions&quot;. To me, and I may be wrong on this, the joke was stronger leaving it visual, letting his line play off their expressions without the added bit explaining their reaction.

I see what you mean, and it's true that it no longer fit the artwork. I was approaching it more in terms of the script. Damn you, Ron! DAAAAAAAMN YOU!
lol
And I agree about the expression line. Felt fine by me in the finished product.

It's a tough balance, and I will always go for &quot;less-is-more&quot;.

Says the man who changed the Annie/Alex scene :p


P.S. Thanks for the response :)

[Chuck Austen]

Says the man who changed the Annie/Alex scene :p

:LOL: :LOL: :LOL:
Busted! Which is why I won't second guess myself again.

P.S. Thanks for the response :)

You're welcome. I think it's good for readers and fans to understand what an unusual, difficult process this is. Not everything that shows up in a comic is the way it was intended. This is a collaboration on so many levels, and we do our best, but this is a business of deadlines and editorial demands, and franchises. You should hear the Superman writing stories.

[mark_heth]

So there's goin to be a wedding?
Are we also gonna see some characters comin back from the dead?
Surely not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next you'll be telling me colossus will be turning up at kitty's college?
:storm: :wolvie: :kitty:

[dredweezul]

:( :( :( Darn it Chuck! whydya have to go and make poor Annie so sad???? At least you said that you had plans for her..... I'd hate to think about her going home and eating her Lean Cuisine and being all alone and forgotten.

Is she gonna come back to the mansion???????
I can't wait to see her reaction to Kurt :p :p :p :p Remeber the ridiculous lengths that he went to to try to convince Kitty Pryde that he was harmless???? there is nothing more fun than watching Kurt try to friendly puppy someone to death! Ummm...sorry got carried away there.

The question is, has Warren noticed that he's not blue anymore? I'm having this humorous image of every one suddenly noticing and screaming at once....

You dont have to answer this, I'm just eternally curious :p

dredz

[anthomaniac1023]

thanks so much for this chuck! i'm always curious about the creation of comics :)

it also helped me understand a few things i was :? about in the issue

[Bamfette]

wow cool! thank you for sharing, Chuck! this was really interesting, i havent read the issue yet, so i wonder how it will compare...

so... Warren is getting a secondary mutation, eh? hmmm....

[netenyahoo]

The thing I don't understand in this issue is Iceman getting hurt like he did. When he is iced up he becomes ice and so cant be hurt. We have seen him have his head cut off and broken into a million pieces and yet live because he is ice. He shouldn't have been hurt by the vine.

The loved the issue though - great characterization. I look forward to understanding Archangel's secondary mutation and his growing relationship with Stacy as well as the Havok storyline. Thanks for a gread read!

[Bamfette]

Originally posted by Chuck Austen
Originally posted by MabusRex

*Beats Chuck REPEATEDLY with a summer-sausage he stole from Bamfette*
&amp;quot;SECONDARY MUTATION&amp;quot; THAT!
hehehehehe...I kid, I kid...

(ducking the summer sausage) WAIT AND SEE! WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS! HE'S BECOMING MY FAVORITE CHARACTER! #416!


give that back! *snatches back the now rather battered summer-sausage*

.... Warren.... becoming favourite?! TRAITOR!! *thwap!* you said Kurt was your favourite... *whack!* you mustn't forsake the elf! *wappity-wappity-wappity* do we have an understanding, Chuck? *leaves with a parting whack from the sausage for good measure*

:p

[anthomaniac1023]

so do you guys think this secondary mutation of warren will go even farther? maybe he's turning into a real angel ;)

[Chuck Austen]

Originally posted by Bamfette

give that back! *snatches back the now rather battered summer-sausage*

.... Warren.... becoming favourite?! TRAITOR!! *thwap!* you said Kurt was your favourite... *whack!* you mustn't forsake the elf! *wappity wappity wappity* do we have an understanding, Chuck? *leaves with a parting whack from the sausage for good measure*

:p

ooooooohhhhhh ...

Wha hoppen'? *sniff sniff* I smell brimstone ...

[Bamfette]

see Ryan? you clearly have not mastered your Summer Sausage beating technique, this is the result you are striving for: dazed, confused and now open to suggestion. :yes:

now Chuck, Kurt is still your favourite character, riiiiight? :)

or do i have to call in Dredz for backup?

[Chuck Austen]

Originally posted by Bamfette
see Ryan? you clearly have not mastered your Summer Sausage beating technique, this is the result you are striving for: dazed, confused and now open to suggestion. :yes:

now Chuck, Kurt is still your favourite character, riiiiight? :)

or do i have to call in Dredz for backup?

kurtisstillmyfavorite ... kurtisstillmyfavorite ... kurtisstillmyfavorite

please, not dredz ...

[Bamfette]

good boy :) *gives Chuck a cookie*

[Chuck Austen]

Originally posted by Bamfette
good boy :) *gives Chuck a cookie*

ROTFLMAO!!
:LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

[Bamfette]

Originally posted by Chuck Austen


ROTFLMAO!!
:LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

:D well, that was fun... :p


anyway, i really did enjoy reading the script, can't wait to get the actual issue to see what some of these changes people are talking about are...

*wap!* (just incase)

[Justin Braddock]

LMAO!!! Bamfette, Chuck, & dredz you guys are hilarious! Enjoyed the issue and the script Chuck!! I love Archangel being back to normal. But please, I hope Warren doesn't fall for Stacy! :bawl: That's Betsy's man!!!! Neal WHO? Dead WHEN? As you know, I'm one of those eccentric fans who wont stand for Psylocke being dead and who believe she should be with Warren. Though I'd like it if he was with Charlotte Jones.

[GuyX]

Good ish Chuck! actually i didn't think it was as strong as your last two, but i loved the fact we saw the script! Thanks, its always cool to see something like that. so keep up the good work!

ps...i preferred the script annie/alex scene too....

[dredweezul]

:( *sniff* gosh Chuck, now you've hurt my feelings...what a meany!
*dredz throws blue marshmallows at Chuck* :p

We really did like seeing your script, even if you are a cad! You two are crazy fun! LOL!

[AquaSage]

Oh man! That reads absolutely fanastically! I Really enjoied it, thanks a ton Chuck!!! The storyline is great and will most likely be even better with the art! This is another great X arc in marvel for this year to be sure. I Really apriciate the "normal" kid in Sam. Someone who hasnt been Trained, or at least started at the school yet. That is a show of a true hero for you, one who is willing to risk themselves to save another. The keyword being risk. Hey ya cant say it wouldnt take guts to jump outta a plane to save some guy. Lol I had a nagging suspicion about Stacy and Warren for a bit, but it seemed more prominant by the bolding in his yelling at her as she fell outta the plane in part one... dont ask me why, im just odd like that lol :p But for all that i know what is going on, i still cannot wait to see the finished comic, hoping you do not cut out any of it if possible.

And although you most likely will not say, will be seeing Sammy in any of the comics occasionally? Will he switch over to the school in new? I could see him and Beak becoming friends.

lol know you probably wont write back but I just wanted to say hi Mr. Austen. And to say I rather enjoy your writing.

[Chuck Austen]

Sammy will be a semi-regular.

See, I do write back. Glad you're likng things so far.

[AquaSage]

K Thanks a ton. :D I really respect someone who can write storyline as well as you all do!!!

[NicholasRogue]

Can someone explain how Warren got rid of his blue skin?

[anthomaniac1023]

o.o its part of a secondary mutation i guess. that's what the script says.

[David Santee]

Originally posted by Spriteguy16
Can someone explain how Warren got rid of his blue skin?

From reading this script, I think all that stress of being sucked dry by Black Tom's tendrils caused a secondary mutation. Stress, be it burried in rubble by a Sentinel attack (Emma) or being beaten to the brink of death by Vargus(Beast) seems to trigger the 'secondary mutation' effect. I wonder what effect this will have on Warren's power.


Oh, and Mr. Austen, the next time you even think of editing out a mention of Colossus , I'll be there to show you that there things worse than a Summer-sausage beating from Bamfette :D. With Juggernaut (incompletely) filling the role of Colossus, I expect many more fastball specials:D

[Neolithic]

Thanks for not having Warren fall for Stacy in such an obvious way, Chuck. I dunno if Warren feels anything for her, if he is, he's holding his cards close to his chest.

[Wolverine]

This is a greawt script good work Chuck hey now we know who is in the wheel chair on the cover of issue 413

[XIcemanX]

Thanks Mr. Austen to show what goes into making a great comic book. LoL, i at first liked the initial part about Juggs mentioning Colossus (may he rest in peace) , but when i looked at ish 412 again, he definitely looks like Petey throwing a fastball. (I dunno, but wouldn't it be safer if wolvie got teleported with Kurt to the plane? I mean, Juggs could have thrown too hard and ....SPLAT!_ :) )

[Jesse Baer]

I read this issue, and the two before it, and I thought, finally, a good use for a new mutant. I'm not a big fan of most of the new mutants, like Stacy X, Zorn, Angel, Beak, or some of the other new deformed mutants, mainly because I haven't seen any interesting elements about them. Sammy is the first mutant of such who has really interested me. His outsider view on the issues brought a great story element, and we saw him grow in confidence. I thought the final scene where he jumped in to save Juggernaut was a great scene.

[Filthy Mutie]

Yeah, see? A while ago I was all like, "yeah, Sammy and Juggy will somehow hit it off and become buddies," and everyone snickered or blatantly laughed. Or decided to talk about Northstar and Juggs. Hate to say, "I told you so," so I'll simply paraphrase myself: Nyah nyah.

I like how the script points out that Wolverine gets knocked around a bunch and isn't the deciding factor in this nice little swarray. The Stacy thing isn't my cup of tea, but at least focus was somewhere else. I don't hate Wolvie, but he's had more than his share of time in the spotlight to last him a while.

I'm willing to bet someone else has said this, but I haven't finished sifting through all of these pages of comments. I will soon. I need to take a Bowl of Cereal Break.

Oh, and my compliments to Chef Austen; particularly his "internal perspective." He takes the classic Cheese and Mac and makes it into a four-course meal. Bella.

[strangerx]

I looked over the script to see if any of the characters said anything about Warren's change back to normal, maybe see if they were edited out or something, but I guess not. It just struck me as odd that he turned back and his hair grew and no one seemed to notice (also I'm somewhat glad that his hair growing thing was mentioned in here as before I thought it was just a goofy mistake by Garney).

I have to say Chuck, I am fairly worried about whats going on with Warren, what with not being blue anymore, the secondary mutation thing (I haven't liked the idea of these from the begining), and the new costume, which IMO, I think makes him look like Thor with wings.

He's a favorite of mine, and while I have faith that you'll stay true to the character, which is the most important thing, I'm just a little bothered by whats happening to him.

Like I said though, I do have faith in you.

I almost forgot, I did like the whole thing between Juggernaut and Sammy. I really look forward to seeing the two of these guys, and really just to having Juggernaut hanging around the team in general.

[cowtron_2000]

thanks chuck! what a cool issue! i goota go buy it now! i must also say, i love sammy & his interaction with Juggernaut (who is also cool & i also love Annie!!! but i hate Cyclops! i hope annie is rude to him from now on! maybe she can kill him? one can only hope :)

[Neolithic]

Why would Annie be rude to Cyclops? He hasn't done anything but get his brother back and explain Lorna, something Annie knew was a possibility.

[BoomBot]

Thanks Eric and Chuck! I'm be taking a look at this issue when I actually get the real issue (damn Marvel subscriptions :mad: ).

[anthomaniac1023]

this would be a good thing to put in the hope tpb if they make one

[Somebody]

Firstly, no need for talk about "secondary mutations" with Warren (then again, I just don't like the concept). He got his old wings back after a severe trauma to his metal ones (Sabertooth slashing them open). Trauma to his whole body = old skin colour (don't get the hair that said...). After all its a reversion after tampering, not a whole new power.

Bobby's had major trauma before too (his whole chest was shattered in X-Men 50, but the white Queen showed him how to revert with chest intact (something I never quite got...), whithout needing badaged. (These are MINOR gripes, remember. I liked the issue)

And I don't quite get Juggernauts depowering. After MTU 150 (Rogue touched him, power reverted to the gem (which he didn't have inside his body, but threw into orbit after he got the power back from the gem)), I suppose its possible, but I thought Onslught had retconned that.

Oh well. Good issue.

[xgene]

Thanks for allowing Eric to post this up Chuck. I loved the interaction between Sammy and Juggy. Thanks again.

It'd be great to see more of these up too. ;)