Essential Classic X-Men Vol. 2 #5

X-MEN #s 41-45

AVENGERS #53

Lots of things change in these issues.  Roy Thomas concludes his run with a two-part story involving an encounter with the Subhuman (another subterranean character; it shows that Marvel is obsessed with New York) and then transitioning with Gary Friedrich, before resurfacing in the conclusion of the Magneto story that follows as writer of AVENGERS #53.

The big news is that Professor X “dies” in #42.  I say “dies” because that’s how it’s got to be.  Clearly in the context of the series to that point, he really did die, although he came back at some point.  The sophistication of the writing at the time really did not allow for a lot of subtlety concerning the subsequent appearance and significance of Magneto, but there’s not much to say about that, except that’s the way it was. 

Starting with #42, actually, the covers start supplanting the team’s logo in place of character titles that suggests the series was in pretty rough shape, trying to keep afloat in whatever way it could keep a semblance of relevance, which is probably why the Avengers play such a key role in these issues, even though the team that appears by the end of it is bereft of any major members (though Black Panther has apparently just joined).

The loss of Xavier pushes the team to rely on itself and its own abilities more than ever, something he tries to push them toward in his final appearances (though “final appearances” should be taken with a further grain of salt, because he is still featured in the new origins backup features that so far as added Cyclops and an incredibly dubious Iceman to Professor X’s side).

It should also be noted that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch factor into Magneto’s plot.  They’re coming off a stint as Avengers, but have been coerced to side with their fellow mutants.  Though they are brother and sister, they have not yet become Magneto’s offspring.  We do get Toad, who was featured in the X-Men movies, as Magneto’s hapless stooge.  Magneto is supposed to be the team’s most dangerous opponent, but instead of actually fighting them, he initiates the first war between the X-Men and the Avengers, and then pretty much slips and falls into the sea, disappearing without actually doing anything.

One thing I want to point out, is how apparently “Tiger” is a term Marvel used to use pretty loosely.  I associate it today as Mary Jane’s pet name for Peter Parker, but back then it was used by everyone, including editor Stan Lee, which just seems weird (and, quite frankly, disturbing).  It’s not the only slang present, either.  Wrestling fans who might believe Zack Ryder came up with “You know it!” will be dismayed to hear it used with some frequency in these pages, forty years before anyone actually thought “Woo woo woo!” was acceptable catchphrase material.

Anyway, I’ve got only a few Gary Friedrich issues left, and only eight issues overall, and I’ll have concluded this crazy collection.  You know it!