X-men Supreme Reflections: Jack Freeman is LIVE!

The plan for the next era of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series is officially in progress. The story of the X-men in this unique world is set to take many new twists and turns. But before it can move forward, there are some loose ends from the past that I feel need to be resolved. One of the reasons I began X-men Supreme Reflections was because I found it difficult to explore a certain character's persona within the pages of the main X-men Supreme series. I knew when I began X-men Supreme that I wanted to give these characters as much development as I could, but I also knew I had to still tell an awesome story. It's not always possible to do both, but X-men Supreme Reflections gives me a chance.

Numerous characters have gone through many changes throughout the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Characters like Wolverine have uncovered painful secrets about his life in Weapon X and the life he tried to build in Japan. Characters like Cyclops have dealt with conflicts surrounding his brother, Havok, and his numerous romances that eventually led to his current relationship with Jean Grey. And characters like Wanda Maximoff have had to undergo many changes between being Magneto's loyal daughter to being Genosha's leader. Each one of these characters has a personality from the mythos of X-men that I've tried to capture. Fans who like Cyclops, Wolverine, and the Scarlet Witch in the comics should find some familiar traits to enjoy here in X-men Supreme. However, the same can't be said for Jack Freeman.

I waited a long time into the development of X-men Supreme before I introduced an original character that would be unique to this fanfiction series. In fact, I waited until the 75th issues during X-men Supreme Issue 75: Renegade. It was an important moment for me because I understand that people don't read X-men Supreme to see my characters. They read X-men Supreme to read about the X-men. However, I wanted to make Jack Freeman a character who is a major part of the X-men's story. I've seen one too many original characters in fanfiction essentially subvert the story of X-men for the sake of the character. I didn't want that to happen with Jack Freeman. I like to think I've succeeded, but I want to do more with him.

Since his introduction, I've developed Jack a number of ways. I've established that he is not a particularly smart individual and lacks overall social skills, but he is a dedicated and driven young man. He comes from a troubled background. He doesn't have a lot of family ties. The closest thing he has to family is his superior officer, General Nathan Grimshaw. He's also not a big fan of the X-men. In fact, he went out of his way to distance himself from them because he wants to be a soldier first and a mutant last. It puts him in a difficult position in the human/mutant conflict. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions about this character.

I don't expect as many X-men fans to be overly curious about Jack Freeman as they are about other X-men. However, Jack Freeman's story is important to understand for the future of X-men Supreme. He will continue to play a role in this fanfiction series and that role will evolve, along with the rest of the X-men. And with this entry of X-men Supreme Reflections, I hope people will have a better understanding and appreciation for this character. Remember, this is not a character you'll find in Marvel's mainline comics. You can only get him here at X-men Supreme.

X-men Supreme Reflections: Jack Freeman

The next entry of X-men Supreme Reflections will get back to more familiar characters, but I hope readers will find something to like about Jack Freeman. I don't want him to be a generic original character that detracts from the main narrative. X-men Supreme is still an X-men story at heart. And that's how I want it to remain for however long it continues. But part of making X-men Supreme awesome is knowing when I'm doing something awesome and when I'm not. That's why it's extra important that I get feedback on Jack Freeman and the X-men Supreme fanfiction series as a whole. So please take the time to contact me directly with your feedback or post your comments directly in the issue. Let me know so I can make X-men Supreme more awesome. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Reflections Volume 5 Announcement and PREVIEW!

It’s official now. The X-men Supreme fanfiction series will continue. The response I got from the conclusion of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths was overwhelmingly positive. A lot of readers came out and let me know how much they had been enjoying this fanfiction series. Those who had been following X-men Supreme but never reviewed it finally took the time to let me know how much they’ve enjoyed this world I’ve crafted. To those people, I can’t thank you enough. Such support has helped inspire me to keep making X-men Supreme better. I know I left this fanfiction series in a vulnerable state. A lot of that had to do with me making it so I could end the series there if I decided. But that’s not happening. There’s still plenty of story to tell in the world of X-men Supreme.

As I’ve done with previous volumes of this fanfiction series, I’m going to do another entry of the Supreme Reflections mini-series before launching Volume 6. There were a lot of dramatic developments in X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths that affected a lot of characters. But there were some characters that were more affected than others. For all of its 50-year history, X-men has succeed on the strength of its characters. But as over a 100 issues of this fanfiction series has shown me, it’s hard to find time to develop all of them. So a mini-series like Supreme Reflections gives me some time to focus on these characters in a way I couldn’t during the main story.

And the first character I’ll be focusing on is a character that you won’t get to explore anywhere outside of X-men Supreme. Of course, I’m talking about Captain Jack Freeman. He’s one of the handful of original characters I’ve crafted for this fanfiction series. I knew from the beginning of X-men Supreme that I would be making a few characters to call my own, but I understand that the appeal of X-men Supreme would be the more established characters. That’s why I waited so long until X-men Supreme Issue 75: Renegade to introduce him. I don’t expect him to be anyone’s favorite, but I wanted him and General Nathan Grimshaw to act as a catalyst in this fanfiction series. They won’t dominate the plot, as a lot of OCs tend to do in fanfiction. But they will be part of the struggle.

For Captain Freeman, that struggle has taken on dimensions his training as a Green Beret never prepared him for. He hasn’t exactly been on the same page as the X-men or General Grimshaw at times. He’s very much a character who is uncertain of his place in the human/mutant conflict. He wants to be a soldier first and a mutant second, but that’s not always possible. He represents the part of the mutant population who doesn’t want to be defined by his mutant status. But at the same time, he struggles to avoid it. He admits he’s not very smart and he is prone to making the wrong decisions. And yes, he will have a major role in X-men Supreme Volume 6.

But who is Jack Freeman? Where did he come from and how did he get to be like this? I haven’t had a chance to really dig deeply into his world. That’s what I’ll be doing with the first entry of X-men Supreme Reflections Volume 5. This story will give readers a better understanding of who Jack Freeman is and why he’s struggles the way he does. His story is one that’s going to have some major implications later on in this fanfiction series so you won’t want to miss this. As always, I’ve prepared a preview that should offer some insight into a character that you can only find in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series.

In some ways I think I was worse than Magneto. At least Magneto was motivated by his powers. To me, they were just a tool. After I moved out of my mom’s place, I started selling weed full time. I actually used some of her contacts to beef up my business. I set myself apart by coming off as tough and resilient. I would demonstrate my powers to prospective customers, letting them know that if they bought from me they were buying from someone who could adapt. It was a good selling point. I made a pretty decent living because of it. By decent I mean I made enough to ride around in a beat up truck, stay in cheap apartments when I needed to, and have money left over to have fun. Because of my powers, I could be as irresponsible as I wanted.

What often happens to drug dealers and street punks is they get a nasty dose of reality at some point. Someone beats them up, someone shoots them, or someone finds a way to hurt them. I was pretty much immune from that. One time this guy tried to stab me and take my weed. He was pretty shocked when his knife bounced right off my chest. This one other time three guys came at me with baseball bats. They might as well have been hitting me with pillows. I laughed at them before I kicked their asses and took their weed.

It began another trend. With my powers I wasn’t just a degenerate. I was a degenerate that could fight. I pretty much taught myself to fight so I could deal with the competition. My powers ensured that nobody could measure up. I pretty much had the market cornered in my area. I had a steady stream of customers and income. Being a tough guy earned me some respect despite my lousy social skills. It even earned me my share of girls. It’s amazing what a couple of college girls will do for a few bags of weed.

It was a stoner’s paradise. I worked only a few hours a day, I had money in my pocket, and I was both feared and respected. Yet at the same time, I was miserable as hell. I hated myself. I hated my life. I felt like a loser. Hell, I was a loser. I never had anyone come along to give me a good kick in the ass. That all changed when I met up with a grizzly old Vietnam vet named Major Lenny Romita.

Once again, I’d like to thank everybody for their support of this fanfiction series. I still have some big ideas I want to explore moving forward. Once this entry of X-men Supreme Reflections has concluded, I’ll make some announcements on X-men Supreme Volume 6 and its release schedule. Like I said before, it may be different this time. But no matter how it comes out, I’m going to try and make it as awesome as possible. And part of that process involves getting feedback from readers. So please take the time to continue providing feedback for this fanfiction series. Either contact me directly or post it in each individual issue. Either way is fine. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue #125: Loss and Lament is LIVE and Major Announcements!

Another volume of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series comes to an end today. As I have with previous volumes, I try to make it so that this era of X-men Supreme ends with a major shift. That shift usually entails a profound change in the conflict between humans and mutants, one that has major implications for Charles Xavier’s dream of peaceful coexistence. And after the events of the Dark Legacy arc, I don’t think the change facing the X-men could be more profound.

The world of X-men Supreme will never be the same. I know Marvel says that all the time after a major event or relaunch. But unlike Marvel, the changes in this fanfiction series will carry a lot of weight. There will be no time travel, retcons, or alternate universes to undo the damage done by the events of Dark Legacy, the Phoenix Saga, Overlord, or Uprising. These events are entrenched in the history of X-men Supreme and they’ll affect the very future of the X-men. That also means the death of Thunderbird, who succumbed to the Legacy Virus during the Dark Legacy arc, will not be undone. He will not rise again like Jean Grey has done in the comics. His death and that of the 300 million other people who died will stick.

How does a world even recover from a catastrophe on this scale? Mankind has endured wars, plagues, and natural disasters for centuries. However, it has never endured anything like this. The Legacy Virus was Sinister’s ultimate endgame, a method for him to get what he wanted regardless of how many lives it cost. It’s an endgame that left humans and mutants alike equally devastated. For the many conflicts the X-men face in both X-men Supreme and in the comics, they often struggle with those that effect either mutants or humans. For once, both sides were affected. Sinister even made sure of it. Every world leader from President Kelly to Wanda Maximoff on Genosha have to deal with this same trauma. It has the potential to bring the world together, if only for a while. It also will leave this world very vulnerable.

There have already been a number of instances in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series where a tragedy was exploited. Sebastian Shaw exploited his history with Emma Frost to make her betray the X-men in the Phoenix Saga. Then Senator Kelly exploited the events of Uprising and Overlord to run for President of the United States. Even General Grimshaw used his knowledge of Weapon X’s devious history to earn the trust of Charles Xavier and the X-men. With so many reeling from the Legacy Virus, who will rise up and exploit this moment of vulnerability for humans and mutants alike? All will be answered, at least in part, with the final issue of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths.

X-men Supreme Issue 125: Loss and Lament

With the conclusion of this era of X-men Supreme, I’ve made my final decision on the future of this fanfiction series. I know I’ve been saying for a while now that this could be the final volume of X-men Supreme. I’m still somewhat disappointed with the lack of feedback in recent times, but there are still those who support this fanfiction series. And I still have a desire to keep exploring this unique world of X-men that I’ve conjured. At the same time, I also have a desire to pursue other projects. So with that, I’d like to make a few announcements.

First and foremost, X-men Supreme will not be ending with the conclusion of Volume 5. It will continue. And just as I have with previous volumes of this fanfiction series, I will craft another entry of X-men Supreme Reflections. I also intend to do another one-shot afterwards. But after that, there will be an X-men Supreme Volume 6. However, I will not be updating this iteration of X-men Supreme with the same regularity as I have. Ever since this fanfiction series began, I’ve been very strict about updating on a biweekly basis. This schedule is difficult to keep due to the scope and scale of this fanfiction series. As a result, I will be adding more time in between updates to ensure that I have time to pursue other projects.

However, this decision is subject to change. If feedback increases, I am willing to change the update schedule for X-men Supreme. That means you, the readers, have the power to determine how this fanfiction series unfolds. Doing so means providing feedback on this series. Talk about the characters, the events, the relationships, or anything else that I’ve explored in X-men Supreme. I’m happy to hear it all. Either post it directly in the issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine. But for now, X-men Supreme’s schedule will change. I will announce more details in the coming weeks. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue #125: Loss and Lament PREVIEW!

The world of X-men Supreme has been devastated. Over 300 million people are dead. Millions more are in a state of shock and horror. The Dark Legacy arc may be over, but the destruction it has wrought is on a scale that’s difficult to imagine. When Sinister unleashed his Legacy Virus, he didn’t care how many died. He didn’t care how many suffered. Humans and mutant alike were all equally vulnerable because they all had something he wanted. In the end, the X-men made sure he didn’t get it. But the damage has been done.

As with the previous volumes of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, I made sure the final arc is a major event with a major impact. Previous arcs like Overlord and Uprising create upheaval the nature of the conflict that the X-men face in their pursuit of Charles Xavier’s dream. That upheaval is usually caused by the actions of their enemies, like Magneto. However, the X-men have never faced upheaval like the kind Sinister unleashed with the Legacy Virus. This goes beyond Charles Xavier’s dream and strikes at the very foundations of the world they try to protect. It ensures the world of X-men Supreme will be very different moving forward for the X-men.

In moving forward, the X-men will have to deal with one of the few major deaths I’ve carried out in this fanfiction series. Back in X-men Supreme Issue 31: Memory Musings, I told the story of John Proudstar’s role in this fanfiction series. I gave him a role far greater than the one he briefly had in the X-men Comics. He wasn’t just another strong mutant who could add muscle to the team. He was the one who trained the X-men and taught them how to fight. In addition, he was Jean Grey’s first lover. His place in the X-men within this fanfiction series is much more personal. That makes his death at the hands of the Legacy Virus in X-men Supreme Issue 124: Dark Legacy Part 4 much more powerful.

Thunderbird joins the over 300 million other deaths that the Legacy Virus has claimed. While the X-men were able to prevent millions more, thanks to the bold and reckless efforts of Charles Xavier, the world is still traumatized. Humans and mutants alike will need time to heal and time to mourn their dead. When tragedies on such a large scale strike, it has a way of making every superficial difference seem more trivial. In some ways it will bring humans and mutants closer together. But in others, it will make them vulnerable for the next upheaval. From Genosha to the White House, everyone is vulnerable. So what kind of world will emerge from the ashes?

That world will start to take shape in the final issue of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. Like Overlord and Uprising before it, the X-men will work with allies like President Kelly, General Grimshaw, and Wanda Maximoff to chart a course forward. At the same time, they’ll have to contend with the losses they’ve suffered. For a brief moment, they’ll stand together to soak in this tragedy. But don’t expect that moment to last long. Even so, that moment is going to be central to this issue and I've prepared a preview of just one part of that moment.

“This feels wrong. I’m not sure we’re doing the right thing,” lamented a conflicted Wanda Maximoff.

“I don’t think there is a right way for something like this, Wanda,” said a distant Alex Summers, “I consider this the lesser of many evils.”

“I still don’t like it. These were our brothers…our sisters…our friends. They die from this virus and the best we can do for them is burn their bodies?”

“As opposed to digging a mass grave for them to rot in?” questioned Alex, “Explain to me how that’s more fitting.”

Wanda had no response. She was the leader of Genosha and she was horribly short on ideas. She could change probabilities, but there was no chance of making this any easier. She and an entire island of mutants were at a loss.

As terrible as the Legacy Virus had been, cleaning up from it was just as bad. Genosha’s population had been decimated. Nearly a third of their citizens had perished. Mutants of all ages and abilities had been afflicted. Their efforts to treat them with the advanced technology at their disposal failed. It wasn’t until Charles Xavier came along that the sick were healed. That still left a mountain of dead bodies to deal with. After the shock wore off, there was a debate over what to do with them.

It was decided (albeit reluctantly) that the bodies would be piled up on the north shore and burned in a ceremonial fire. Some wanted to dig graves. Some wanted to cast them out to sea. It seemed so wrong, disposing of their bodies like this. But it had to be done.

Much of the island had gathered for this moment. Atop a ridge overlooking the north shore, hundreds of Genoshan citizens watched solemnly as Wanda and the Brotherhood carried out the grim task of piling up the bodies. Pietro, Blob, Pyro, Lance, and Mellencamp did much of the heavy lifting. Alex, Lorna, Wanda, and a number of acolytes stayed back and watched. They were almost ready to begin this grim memorial.

“So much senseless death,” said Lorna sadly.

“And for once it didn’t come from the humans,” said Pietro, rushing over as he delivered the last body, “I want to be pissed at the world, but they lost a lot of people too.”

“Everybody lost someone. This was a fight nobody won,” said Alex in a flat tone, “It’s no use pointing fingers.”

“That doesn’t mean no one will,” added the speedster, “My father used to drone on and on how the holocaust changed everything. When millions die and the depths of human depravity are exposed, the world gets pretty damn uncomfortable.”

“As it should,” said Wanda, struggling to hold back her emotions, “There’s no going back to the way things were. It’s going to be a different world tomorrow…one where our problems go beyond selling alien technology in exchange for peace.”

“So what will we sell?” questioned Pietro.

“I don’t know. I honestly have no idea where we go from here,” said Wanda, hugging her shoulders anxiously, “I’ve been listening to reports from Charles Xavier all day. Every country on the planet is struggling to recover. The story of this man, Sinister, is hitting every major media outlet.”

“Yeah, my brother told me about that asshole. Says he’s even been keeping secrets about our family,” said Alex bitterly, “Damn, I wished I could have been there to kick his ass!”

“Whatever secrets he had are probably lost now. Sinister is dead and so is his virus,” Wanda went on, “A number of nations are collapsing. The global economy is pretty much at a stand-still. And mutant communities seem to be the hardest hit.”

“No surprise there,” muttered Pietro.

“Based on Xavier’s reports, the Morlocks have disbanded. Mutant ghettos around the world have been deserted. There’s even talk of a mass migration of displaced mutants.”

“I’ll bet some of them will find their way here,” said Lorna, “Do we have any idea how we’re going to deal with them?”

“I don’t know!” said Wanda in an outburst of frustration, “For the first time I don’t have goddamn idea how to deal with humans, mutants, or this island!”

“That’s a dangerous state of mind to be in, Wanda,” said Alex.

“I know that! You think I’m not bothered by it?”

“Calm down, sis. We’re all a little shell-shocked,” coaxed Lorna, “Give it some time. But at least try to appear strong for your people. A lot of them are watching, remember?”

Wanda took several deep breaths. She forgot she had an audience. If the mutant citizens on Genosha saw her in this state, they may question their confidence in her. She wouldn’t blame them either. Even with the support of her siblings and the Brotherhood, she never felt so lost. If her father were here, he would scold her for being so weak.

But for the moment, the focus was on their fallen brethren. Lance and Pyro set the last of the bodies down in the pile while Mellencamp and Blob arranged a series of sandbags around them. They were all feeling the strain of having to carry out such a grim task.

“That’s the last one. I’m so done with this,” said a beleaguered Lance Alvers.

“I hear you, Lance. Carrying all these bodies has killed even my appetite,” said Blob, “I couldn’t even eat my second lunch this afternoon.”

“If only everyone could eat their problems away,” sighed Mellencamp.

“Watch it, pretty boy. I may have carried one too many bodies, but I got no problem getting pissed,” said Blob.

“Easy, big guy,” coaxed Lance, “Everybody came here to pay their respects. Let’s not make light of mass death by acting like assholes.”

Blob grumbled a few curses towards Mellencamp. Even with his size and strength, standing next to a pile of dead bodies was disconcerting to say the least. He was ready to end this. Now that the final body was in place they could get on with it.

“We’re ready, Wanda. Give us the final word and we’ll get this over with,” said Lance.

“And not a moment too soon,” said Wanda anxiously, “I’m really not ready for this.”

“None of us are,” said Lorna, “Go on…say what needs to be said.”

“We’re with you every step of the way…whether you find us annoying or not,” added Pietro.

Her siblings helped Wanda gather enough strength to face the masses behind her. Hundreds of mutants had gathered. They were expecting her to say something. She was not a charismatic speaker like her father, but they needed to hear from their leader.

Scanner and Mercury set up a series of loudspeakers all along the ridge so everyone could hear. One of her acolytes came in and gave her the microphone. Her hand shook as she looked at so many saddened faces. After taking a deep breath, she addressed the citizens of Genosha.

“Thank you all for coming,” she said over the speaker, “We’re here today to say goodbye. I know many of you lost someone. We all lost friends, neighbors, family…none of whom deserved to die. For once, our powers and our technology did not protect us. We were as vulnerable as the humans. In this sense we’ve been humbled. So I ask on this day that we not let tragedy tear us apart. We need to be stronger if we’re to move on. So in that spirit, we bid farewell to our fallen brethren.”

I’m determined to end X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths on a strong note. I’m treating it as another critical turning point in the unfolding story that is X-men Supreme. At the same time, I’m going to leave room to make it the final entry in this fanfiction series. However, I am not currently leaning towards such a course. There’s still more story I want to tell. And if I do decide to continue X-men Supreme, I’ll make it official after the final issue for X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths is posted. I’m still somewhat disappointed by the lack of feedback, but I’m still encouraged by the extent to which some have followed this fanfiction series and I hope to continue doing so. To all those who want to see more of X-men Supreme, please feel free to contact me at any time. I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue 124: Dark Legacy Part 4 is LIVE!

Today is a solemn yet defining moment for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. The Dark Legacy arc is about to end. The death and destruction unleashed by Sinister and his Legacy Virus will be complete. The world the X-men fight to protect will never be the same. There will be losses. Charles Xavier will have some difficult and solemn decisions to make. Some will be deeply scarred in profound ways. In every case, the X-men and the world as a whole will have to pick up the pieces. The question remains what kind of world will emerge in X-men Supreme in wake of so much destruction?

The aftermath of a catastrophe can often be every bit as impactful as the catastrophe itself. After a major natural disaster or a national tragedy, the bonds and identity of a society are often tested. We find out just how unified and strong they are. We also find out who is in a position to exploit the situation. X-men Supreme established a fragile yet functional peace between human and mutant factions. The situation after the events of the Cambrian Explosion made both sides feel vulnerable. Magneto came dangerously close to exploiting it again, but he also gave the X-men and General Grimshaw the foundation they needed to craft this peace.

Now after the death and destruction caused by Sinister’s Legacy Virus, what will this mean for General Grimshaw’s Mutant Security Agency? What will this mean for President Kelly’s often tenuous policy on mutants? And what will this mean for the Scarlet Witch and the rest of Genosha? There are a lot of potential conflicts to consider, but there’s one important detail that may unite them. The Legacy Virus affected them all equally. Like real diseases, it doesn’t care who is a minority and who is in power. Every side of the conflict will be weakened, including the X-men. It’s the extent of the losses that will establish the new status quo for this fanfiction series.

Beyond the global and geopolitical implications, there are also some personal impacts. The extent of all those impacts will be revealed in the final issue of this game-changing arc. Few will feel that impact more than Charles Xavier. In X-men Supreme, I’ve given him some very human flaws. Being the world’s most powerful telepath isn’t his greatest challenge. It’s his health. It nearly killed him before, requiring alien intervention from the Shi’ar to survive. Now it’s about to be pushed in ways that will have a profound impact on the function of the X-men moving forward.

There are so many impacts and so many emotions to reveal. In terms of the big picture, the Dark Legacy arc will cause some of the greatest upheavals the X-men Supreme fanfiction series has endured to date. Nobody will escape its effects. Charles Xavier, General Grimshaw, President Kelly, Wanda Maximoff, and everyone in between will be struck. And as I said before, there will be losses and those losses will hit the X-men hard. The scope and scale of Sinister’s madness will finally be revealed in this issue and the world of X-men Supreme will never be the same.

X-men Supreme Issue 124: Dark Legacy Part 4

I can’t overstate how monumental this arc is for the larger context of this fanfiction series. There are personal implications for characters like Wolverine and Charles Xavier. There are pragmatic implications with how the X-men function in this new world. These are all stories I still want to explore, but the lack of response I’ve gotten from readers has made it difficult to put sufficient energy into that exploration.

There are still those who continue to support this fanfiction series and for those people, I thank you. I’d love to hear from more people. I put a lot of time and energy into this fanfiction series and I want to make it as awesome as possible. I can’t do that without feedback. Either contact me directly or post your comments directly in the issue. Either way is fine. Next week, I’ll make an announcement on the future of this series. But the decision I make is still subject to change, depending on feedback. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue #124: Dark Legacy Part 4 PREVIEW!

Some of the X-men’s most defining moments have come in the face of a terrible loss. Major stories like the Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past became iconic because of the impact that such a loss had on the X-men. There have been losses in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Professor Charles Xavier lost his first real student in Kevin McTaggart during the Proteus arc. It was a deeply personal loss that hit him and his X-men hard at a time when they were already vulnerable. Now, as the events of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths has unfolded, the X-men face a new kind of vulnerability. And this time, the losses will be much greater.

It’s always a risk, having characters endure a loss of some kind. The X-men have lost plenty over the years in the comics. The deaths of Charles Xavier, Jean Grey, and most recently Wolverine are just among the few. However, I’m of the opinion that Marvel goes overboard with this at times and I’m not just talking about the tendency for characters to come back to life. I think resurrecting characters is nowhere near as demeaning to a story than an overly callous plot. The death of Jean Grey in the Phoenix Saga was an intensely emotional moment for the X-men. That’s what made it so powerful. Jean Grey’s eventual resurrection didn’t change that. And if the X-men are going to suffer losses in X-men Supreme, I want it to be just as powerful.

At times, I’ve been overly careful with this fanfiction series. I write X-men Supreme with the assumption that the characters are the most valuable components of the story. So I’ve avoided some of the shock tactics that Marvel has been employing with stories like the Death of Wolverine. But for an arc like Dark Legacy, I can’t afford to be that careful anymore. This is an arc that is reshaping the way the world of X-men Supreme functions and it’s doing so under the weight of a terrifying atrocity by Sinister. Like any atrocity, there will be casualties.

So with the final issue of Dark Legacy on the horizon, I’m comfortable announcing that a character will die in this story. This death will have a significant impact. It will profoundly affect the X-men and a few other supporting characters that, for spoiler reasons, I cannot identify. I can only say that the millions of deaths caused by the Legacy Virus will take an emotional toll on many characters. Some will end up losing more than others. This will not be the same as the death of Wolverine or even the death of Jean Grey in the Phoenix Saga. This will be a shared loss within a story that has had many. As always, I’ve prepared a preview that puts the X-men right in the heart of Sinister's madness.

“Prepare to be enlightened, X-men. You’re in for quite a treat!” proclaimed Vulcan, the mysterious lesions bulging on his body.

“Fair warning…that treat may include a certain level of pain,” added the Goblin Queen, “But as our uncle says, all progress comes at a price!”

“Is part of that price your sanity, Madelyn?” questioned Phoenix, “What the hell have you done to yourself?”

“And what have you done with Wolverine and mah mama?!” exclaimed Rogue, her attention focused on the two infected figures in front of her.

“Let’s just say in terms of enlightenment, they’ve got a head start,” quipped Vulcan.

The lesions on their faces flashed. In doing so, Wolverine and Mystique’s bodies started moving against their will. Both were infected with the Legacy Virus and now it was manifesting in a new way. The X-men watched them rise up as if they were puppets attached to puppet strings. At first they stood tall and stiff. Then the lesions flashed again and they took defensive stances. Wolverine growled, trying to fight it the whole time. Mystique’s face remained confused and weak, showing immense strain.

“Okay, I’m officially confused,” said Thunderbird.

“That makes two of us, comrade,” said Colossus warily.

The threat became more pressing as Wolverine’s claws were drawn against his will.

“Errrrrrr! Get away!” warned Wolverine.

“Leave us, Rogue! Something is…controlling us,” grunted Mystique.

“To hell with that! Ah ain’t leaving!” said Rogue strongly.

“None of us are,” said Storm strongly.

“Come on, you two. Fight this!” encouraged Cyclops, “Don’t let it…”

The X-leader didn’t get a chance to encourage them. Wolverine’s body acted on its own and attacked, hitting Cyclops with a punishing drop kick. Then he turned his sights to Storm and struck her as well, kicking her right across the face and sending her falling to the ground. Mystique involuntarily attacked as well, slugging Rogue across the face with right cross and hitting Thunderbird with a roundhouse.

“Whoa! So much for that approach,” said Phoenix as she and Colossus narrowly avoided an attack from Wolverine.

“You almost sound shocked,” grinned the Goblin Queen.

“Maybe this will help you focus,” added Vulcan.

Vulcan and the Goblin Queen joined the battle. Their bodies were soon consumed in a bluish halo. Vulcan unleashed a massive energy blast and the Goblin Queen attacked with a powerful telekinetic burst. It looked no different than their usual attacks. But when they struck, both Phoenix and Colossus were in for a painful surprise.

Colossus was hit first. In his metal form he could usually resist these kinds of attacks. This time it sent tumbling across the area, his metal skin warping under the strain. He even felt some bones in his arm and side break, something he never experienced in this form.

“Arrrggghhhh!” he cried out.

“You thought you could resist that,” taunted Vulcan, “Surprised?”

“Hnn…you sooka,” was all the Russian could get out.

While Colossus was reeling, Phoenix experienced an equally punishing impact. The moment her cousin attacked, she instinctively put up a telekinetic shield. Usually this was sufficient, but this time she got knocked back at least ten feet. The Phoenix Force immediately came in to assist her, using cosmic energy to hold back the Goblin Queen.

“Ungh! That…hurt!” grunted Phoenix, her face already sweating from exertion.

“It’s…uncanny. Even I can’t sense where it’s coming from. It’s as if her power isn’t coming from one person. It’s as if…”

“An entire army is attacking rather than just one?” the Goblin Queen finished, showing little strain in her attack, “That’s the power of a collective. Where one may only move a rock, many can move mountains!”

“A…collective?” grunted Phoenix as she resisted her cousin’s onslaught.

“Yes, dear cousin. That’s the true essence of the Legacy Virus. It’s only when Sinister showed us that we understood its full potential,” proclaimed the Goblin Queen.

“The millions that are dying aren’t dying for nothing,” Vulcan added, now standing by his lover, “Through suffering, their collective genome is being compiled. Once enough information is processed, those who survive can taste their fruit and thrive.”

“Eventually the virus ceases to consume and begins to connect,” said the Goblin Queen, talking as though she and Vulcan were completely in sync, “One become many. The individual becomes the group. The virus connects the minds and DNA of all those imbued with it. From that connection we share knowledge, strength, and above all…survival. And for mutants like us, it comes with a little extra boost!”

“Through death, we are united,” said Vulcan, “Working as one, petty differences shall cease. There is no more selfishness or ego. There is only us.”

They sounded even more deranged than usual, but the believed every word of it. Somehow being in this collective mindset made them okay with the death and destruction Sinister had unleashed. They were long past the point of reason so Phoenix chose not to argue with her cousin. She wouldn’t have had the strength either way. All her effort was focused on resisting the Goblin Queen’s telekinetic blast.

“What they say…it sounds so wrong yet so pragmatic. I’m having a hard time understanding.”

‘I’ll point out all the flaws later. Right now, I need you to trust me Phoenix. Use some of that cosmic punch to keep Maddie from turning us into a telekinetic pancake.’

While Phoenix fought with cosmic fury against Vulcan and Goblin Queen, the rest of the team had their hands full with Wolverine and Mystique. They weren’t in control of their bodies, but they attacked with the same ferocity and skill that made them so deadly. Thunderbird and Rogue were forced to oppose them. Rogue was hesitant to strike back against her mother, but Thunderbird was more inclined to fight back when Wolverine landed a few slashes against his durable form.

“You’re hitting harder than I remember, Wolverine. Have you been working out or is this Sinister’s voodoo at work?” grunted Thunderbird as he struggled to block Wolverine’s attacks even with his strength.

“For now…let’s say it’s both,” said Wolverine as he did a back-flip and tried to stab the Native American mutant in the face, “Just stop me already. Repay me by buying me a round after this…or several.”

“Deal!” grinned Thunderbird as he narrowly avoided the stabbing attack.

Thunderbird attempted to subdue Wolverine, using his strength to shoulder-tackle the feral mutant away from him. Somehow the Legacy Virus made him more resilient because he barely stumbled before unleashing another barrage of claws slashes. It forced Thunderbird back on the defensive. Even with Wolverine’s permission, ending this fight would be difficult.

It was even more difficult for Rogue, who refused to strike her mother or absorb her. Once weakened by the virus, now she was hitting with force that Rogue had difficulty blocking. It had been so long since she had seen her mother and now she had somehow got herself caught up into Sinister’s affairs.

“You been workin’ out, mama. Since when do you team up with guys like Sinister?” grunted Rogue as she brushed off several jabs and a roundhouse kick.

“It’s a…long story, Rogue,” groaned Mystique, still unable to control her body, “If I make it out of this…I’ll tell you everything.”

“If you make it out?” questioned Rogue, ducking to avoid a jump kick from her mother.

“I’m not…in control. My body…is failing me,” she said, each word sounding like a struggle, “Please…you must drain me.”

“Now you wanna humble yourself? No chance in hell!” exclaimed Rogue.

“You…must!.

Mystique sounded overly eager to subject herself to more punishment. That was not the hard-nosed mother that Rogue knew and clashed with so many times before. Something was different this time, but she couldn’t make sense of it in the heat of the battle.

Rogue still refused to strike her mother. All her moves were defensive, blocking Mystique’s barrage of attacks. But this strategy could not deflect every attack. While Rogue was trying to back away, Mystique managed to get in a couple of shots to the head. While disoriented from the blows, Mystique threw in a kick to the knee that threw her off balance.

“Ugh! There goes mah knee,” groaned Rogue as she clutched her leg.

“Do it, Rogue! Absorb…me,” grunted Mystique as she narrowly missed striking Rogue in the head again.

“Talk to meh, mama. What’s going on? Let meh help you!”

“I…can’t. No…time,” she struggled, “Listen to your mother…for once. Take me…down. It’s the only…”

I understand that many comic fans are somewhat desensitized to character deaths these days. As soon as Marvel or DC Comics kill a major character, the countdown until their inevitable return begins. That’s not going to be the case here with X-men Supreme. This death will stick. In the same way I avoid using time travel and parallel universes, I will avoid callous resurrections for the same reason I avoid callous deaths. This fanfiction series is entering a dark period in its history, but it’ll also be a defining period. As such, it’s very important that others provide feedback so I know I’m doing the right things with the X-men. Some have been very generous with their comments. I’d like to hear more like them. Please feel free to contact me any time or post comments in the individual issues. I’m always happy to talk X-men or comics in general. Until next time, take care and best wishes.
Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue #123: Dark Legacy Part 3 is LIVE!

Whenever a horrific atrocity is committed, an equally horrific justification is often given for it. There have been numerous atrocities and would-be atrocities throughout the history of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. There’s no doubt that Weapon X was an atrocity from the beginning. It tormented and abused the likes of Wolverine, X-23, Fantomex, and Mystique in ways that leave them scarred to this day. Magneto has come close to a few atrocities as well in X-men Supreme, coming so close as to incur an extinction event in the Overlord arc. In every case, Magneto and Weapon X made excuses for their atrocities. It was up to the X-men to stop them. In numerous instances, they succeeded before the situation could escalate a certain point. However, they are way past that point in the Dark Legacy arc.

The world of X-men Supreme has already been ravaged in ways that go beyond humans, mutants, and the X-men. Sinister’s Legacy Virus has killed millions and infected millions more. Within the span of a week, the entire world of X-men Supreme is facing a pandemic of apocalyptic proportions. Losses are mounting all over the world. Governments can’t do anything. Mutants can’t do anything. Even the X-men can’t do anything. The damage cannot be undone. It can only be mitigated. However Dark Legacy pans out, the X-men Supreme fanfiction series is going to be a very different world when all is said and done. But how can such a cataclysm end?

The X-men are no longer just standing back and lamenting at the death and destruction caused by the Legacy Virus. Thanks to Wolverine’s quest to reunite with his lost love, Rose, they know where Sinister is. They know where they have to go and who they have to attack. However, they’re fighting an enemy in Sinister who isn’t just on a murderous rampage. He still has an agenda and in some sick, twisted way, he believes his agenda is justified. Sinister is still tormented by the loss of Selene in the Civilization No Longer Lost arc, but he’s not at all dissuaded from his vision.

That vision and the horrors it has wrought is about to be revealed. The clock is ticking for the X-men. Everyone from Genosha to President Kelly is relying on them. They need to take down Sinister in order to save what’s left of their world. The emotional and dramatic toll will continue to escalate as it has never escalated before in this fanfiction series. Secrets and lies will finally start to culminate. And everyone, including the X-men, will suffer losses as Sinister’s agenda continues to unfold.

X-men Supreme Issue 123: Dark Legacy Part 3

There’s only one issue left in the Dark Legacy arc. Afterwards, the dust can finally start to clear on the new status quo for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. It’ll be a very different world for the X-men, their allies, and even their enemies. It’s a world I want to continue to explore and even with the limited feedback I’ve been getting, I’m inclined to keep going. However, I need to know that I can make this world as awesome as it can be. So please, I urge everyone to take the time to review. Either contact me directly or post your feedback directly in the issue. Either way is fine. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue #123: Dark Legacy Part 3 PREVIEW!

There are certain points in a conflict where it’s no longer possible to save the day. It’s only possible to save part of it. The X-men have had to make that decision on more than one occasion throughout their tumultuous history. Decisions in events like the Morlock Massacre and House of M often come after plenty of damage has been done. The same has occurred in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series on plenty of occasions. Magneto did a lot of damage when he plunged the world into chaos during Overlord. The Cambrian did the same during the Cambrian Explosion arc. In each case, the X-men couldn’t prevent the damage. They just had to preserve what they could.

In the Dark Legacy arc, the X-men are well past the point of no return. Sinister won the first round decisively. He tricked the X-men, and even his own Marauders, into unleashing the Legacy Virus on an unsuspecting world. Now the X-men, the Brotherhood, and the governments of the world are desperate. Millions are dying. Millions more are suffering. There’s no undoing this damage. Unlike the comics, the X-men will not solve this through time travel or retcons. There will be a significant body count. There will be lasting scars on the world they try desperately to protect. Some of those scars won’t heal anytime soon.

It’s an important distinction that I want this fanfiction series to have compared to the comics. I don’t want big upheavals in X-men to be easily undone or glossed over. I want them to have a genuine impact. I also don’t want that impact the completely undermine the spirit of X-men or the foundation I’ve laid in this fanfiction series. I’ve seen one too many stories in the comics either go way overboard or just give up before exploring the implications. A massive global pandemic like this should have an impact on the X-men, mutants, and humanity as a whole. However, this crisis is coming dangerously close to an extinction-level event.

The only way the X-men have any hope of saving what’s left of their world is to confront Sinister. Right now, the only lead they have has come courtesy of Wolverine, who is fighting a very different and very personal battle. That personal battle has already affected the course of this conflict. Sinister’s revelation to Mystique about her former life as Rose helped forge a connection that will put Wolverine, the X-men, and Sinister on a collision course. If the X-men lose, then they lose so much more than a battle. The stakes truly couldn’t be higher. The Dark Legacy arc and its impact will reverberate throughout the entire fanfiction series. That I can guarantee. As always, I’ve prepared a preview of the dire state of X-men Supreme.

The X-men prepared for their final clash with Sinister, treating this as a true do-or-die mission. Either they stopped Sinister or perished with the rest of the world. They were open to the very real possibility that they would have to kill the man. Since he was responsible for over 300 million deaths at this point, that wasn’t a point of contention.

Everyone was determined to confront Sinister, but it was still very personal for Scott Summers. This all started with his brother, Gabriel. He had been keeping secrets from him about their parents. He had little doubt that Sinister was part of those secrets. He remembered how Sinister mentioned a special connection to the Summers bloodline. As much as he wanted to stop this plague, he still sought the truth.

Scott lingered outside the X-jet as he prepped it for launch. The team was going to be short-handed with so many sick from the disease. Only John, Rogue, Piotr, Jean, and Ororo would be able to launch this attack. They also had Logan waiting for them, but he was probably caught up in his own battles again. They couldn’t rely on him to do this. They had make sure Sinister answered for his many crimes.

“Are you ready, Scott?” asked Jean as she caught up with him.

“I’ve been ready for the past ten minutes, Jean. We need to get going!” said Scott as he closed the maintenance panels for the jet.

“I think you’re missing the subtext so I’ll ask again. Are you ready?”

Jean added a touch of force to her tone, making it clear that Scott couldn’t hide his troubled thoughts from her. Looking back towards his lover, his demeanor shifted.

“If you’re worried about me being distracted, stop worrying. I know the mission is about Sinister. Not my family secrets. Not Gabriel,” said the X-leader.

“You say that now, but you and I both know how hard it is to set personal issues aside in a mission,” she said, “You’re only human. You’ll either get distracted or you’ll be damn tempted.”

“I can handle it.”

“I believe you. What worries me is Gabriel. You’ve let him get under your skin before, just as I’ve let Maddie get under mine. With so many lives at stake, neither of us can afford that. So I’m not just reminding you. I’m urging you…don’t let it overwhelm you.”

Jean offered a loving gesture, helping to reinforce her point. Scott’s demeanor shifted again under her touch. It was one of the few things that could affect his focus.

“That won’t happen, Jean. I promise,” he told her as he gently caressed her face.

“Good enough for me,” she said with a smile, “Now let’s go kick Sinister’s obscenely ugly ass.”

Scott nodded, sharing his lover’s determination. The jet was ready and the others had arrived. Jean used her telekinesis to open up the hatch so John, Ororo, Rogue, and Piotr could get in. They were every bit as eager to fight Sinister. With friends and loved ones dying, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

“What are we waitin’ for, sugah? Let’s get this bird flying!” yelled Rogue.

“We’re good to go,” announced Scott, “Glad to see you wearing you’re X-men uniform again, Rogue.”

“Glad to be back in it,” she said, adjusting it a bit as she stood near the hatch, “Too bad it has to be under these god-awful circumstances.”

“Does that mean you’re willing to wear it regularly after this is over?” asked Ororo.

“We’ll discuss the future once we make sure there’s a future worth discussing,” retorted Rogue, “Right now, Ah wanna take all mah frustrations out on Sinister.”

“As do I,” said Piotr as he cracked his knuckles, “That madman hurt my sister. Now he’s hurting Katya. When I’m through with him, his face will be the least appalling part of his body.”

“I’m all for roughing the guy up, Peter. But be careful. He’s probably expecting us to be pissed,” said John, who was also in his old X-men uniform.

That was pretty much a given. Sinister had already gone to so many extremes. There was no telling what other surprises he had in store for them. If they were going to stop him, they had to go beyond their limits and hope for a bit of luck as well.

The team was ready to leave. Scott and Jean were about to follow the others into the jet and take off. As they were about to close the hatch, Professor Xavier came in through the hanger entrance.

“Wait, X-men! Before you go, there is something I must bring to your attention,” he said urgently.

“What is it, Professor? More bad news?” said Jean, “I don’t know if we can handle much more.”

“On the contrary, Jean. This may be to our advantage,” said the Professor, “I got a call from Emma Frost. She says she’s made a discovery concerning Shaw Industries.”

“Leave it to your ex to help us at a time like this,” said Jean, rolling her eyes.

“What kind of discovery?” asked Scott with more intrigue.

“If you’ll recall, Shaw Industries helped develop the techno-organic material that Sinister used to make the Legacy Virus. She suspects that Shaw has information on a treatment of sorts. Even if we stop Sinister, we’ll need a means of undoing his atrocities.”

“So what does she need from us?” asked Jean, “We’re already short-handed. We can spare much manpower.”

“I know we can’t so I’ve called Moria MacTaggart. Hopefully, Banshee can provide some assistance. I’ve also linked up Cerebrum with her communications hub at the Academy. If they discover something, I can relay the knowledge directly to the team.”

It sounded like a major break during a week where there had been precious few. Scott and Jean knew better than most why destroying Shaw Industries was important to Emma. If she could helped their mission, it was all for the better. However, they also understood that fighting Sebastian Shaw and his son carried many risks. If Emma was to have any chance, she needed more manpower.

“Hold that thought, Professor. I think there’s another way we can help Emma,” said Scott.

“I’m sure she’s more than willing to accept it. What do you have in mind?” asked the Professor.

“I’ll explain once we’re in the air,” said the X-leader, “There’s someone I think we can convince to lend a hand…even if he’s not terribly friendly with us.”

Professor Xavier surmised what Scott was getting at. Jean picked up on it as well. It was a good idea at a time when they needed all they could get.

“Very well,” said the Professor, “I’ll coordinate with Moira and let him know who’s coming.”

“It shouldn’t take long to get the ball rolling. I think everybody’s eager for something to attack,” said the X-leader.

“Very well,” said Xavier, “I already have Cerebrum running at full power. I’ll be in touch in more ways than one.”

“I would ask that you not push yourself too hard, Professor. But at a time like this, I think we all need to push ourselves,” said Jean.

With the details of their plan in place, Scott and Jean rushed into the X-jet. The hatch closed behind them and within moments, the jet was in position for takeoff. Professor Xavier wheeled back and watched as his students took off. He worried for them as he always did, but Jean’s comments about pushing themselves lingered with him. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the prescription pills he had been using to manage his headaches.

“Whatever my limits, I’ll need more than just willpower to exceed them,” he mused.

Clutching the pill bottle, Professor Xavier wheeled himself back towards Cerebrum. His health was no longer among his most pressing concerns. From here on out, his focus was on stopping Sinister.

The end of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths is near. The end of the X-men fanfiction series may be near as well, but I’ve yet to decide. If it does continue, it will have to be in a more limited capacity. However, that could very well change depending on the feedback I get. I know X-men Supreme has become massive series over the course of five years. It’s hard to catch up with. But I work long and hard to make sure it’s accessible to X-men fans of all ages. And to ensure that work bears fruit, it’s important that I continue to get feedback. Please send it to me directly via email or post your comments directly in the issue. Either way is fine. I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue 122: Dark Legacy Part 2 is LIVE!

When a big storm hits, the initial onslaught does the most damage. Every enemy the X-men face has to make their first punch count. In the early days of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants made it count when they bested the X-men on their first encounter. Enemies like Weapon X made it count as well, but were unable to do enough damage to prevent their defeat. Time and again, the X-men have been knocked down hard. They’ve been on the ropes with events like Overlord and the Cambrian Explosion. However, they’ve never been hit this hard.

Sinister’s first blow was devastating on a level that the X-men never could’ve anticipated. The initial onslaught of the storm was released in the first issue of Dark Legacy, but the damage is still unfolding. The scope and scale of Sinister’s most devious creation, the Legacy Virus, is still emerging. The X-men have already felt some of the effects. Shadowcat, Psylocke, and Beast were infected in the aftermath of their defeat. They are now suffering the debilitating symptoms of the Legacy Virus. The damage to the X-men has been done, but it isn’t just the X-men who will suffer.

Sinister didn’t release the Legacy Virus just to hurt the X-men. His vision is much bigger. It’s a vision that has been unfolding in many ways since he first made his presence known in Sinister Intent. His vision has not always been clear. He’s been very careful to keep his agenda and his plans secret. But after losing Selene in the Civilization No Longer Lost arc, he no longer cares about being careful. He’s ready to unleash the Legacy Virus all over the world. The true nature of his plan has yet to be revealed, but the damage is about to become painfully apparent.

The Dark Legacy arc is about to enter the worst part of the initial onslaught in this storm. The X-men usually go out of their way to make sure that their activities and those of their enemies do not affect the rest of the world. In X-men Supreme and in the comics, they usually place a high priority on not letting innocent humans get hurt. But this time, the X-men have failed. Innocent humans and innocent mutants are going to suffer this time. The extent of that suffering will be at the center of this storm as it unfolds in the next issue of the Dark Legacy arc.

X-men Supreme Issue 122: Dark Legacy Part 2

This fanfiction series is entering a dark yet fragile time. The world of X-men Supreme is changing radically. The mission of the X-men and the world they’re trying to protect will not be the same at the conclusion of this arc. The world that emerges will be the foundation for the future of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, if there is one. However, I’m still not sure how far that future will go. I’ve been disappointed by the lack of feedback lately. I know the scope and scale of X-men Supreme has gotten so big that it’s hard to keep up at times. But I’m working long and hard to make sure it’s still awesome and accessible. And I can’t succeed if people don’t take the time to provide me feedback. Either contact me directly or post your comments directly in the issue. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue 122: Dark Legacy Part 2 PREVIEW!

It’s a dangerous time in X-men Supreme. A tragedy of massive proportions is beginning to unfold. Sinister has won. He outsmarted the X-men, releasing his Legacy Virus onto an unsuspecting world. This act and the consequences from it will change the X-men Supreme fanfiction series in a profound way. It’s a change that will be emotional, dramatic, and even tragic. Some of the X-men’s most defining moments have been built around tragedy and atrocity. This fateful event will do both for X-men Supreme.

This isn’t the first time the X-men have lost against one of their enemies. It’s easy to forget that for all their triumphs, the X-men lost their fight against the Brotherhood of Mutants in their first encounter back in X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution. The X-men have always endured more upheaval in defeat than they have in victory. Defeat has shaped the course of their struggle, both in the comics and in X-men Supreme. It was defeat that led to Jean Grey’s death in the comics during the original Phoenix Saga. It was defeat at the hands of the Black Queen that put Amanda Sefton in a coma in X-men Supreme. In every case, the X-men have been able to adapt and keep fighting. This case, however, is different.

The Legacy Virus won’t just affect the X-men or mutants in general. Sinister created this virus to affect everyone. After losing Selene in Civilization No Longer Lost, he’s abandoned any and all sense of subtlety and tact. He no longer cares who gets hurt in his endless quest to create the ultimate mutation. It’s something that isn’t often explored in the comics. The X-men face many villains who will attack and hurt mutants. However, the impact is rarely felt by humanity as a whole. Humans and mutants inhabit the same planet. That’s why the X-men are so dedicated to protecting it. This time, humans and mutants alike will share in the devastation.

It has happened all throughout history. Plague and tragedy don’t care if someone is a minority. They hurt and scar people all the same. I always felt the way the Legacy Virus was used in the X-men comics was somewhat incomplete. It did lead to tragedy and loss, namely with the death of Colossus. But it never went beyond that. It never felt like a real plague. In X-men Supreme, the Legacy Virus is an entirely different menace. For once, humans and mutants are going to share in the horror equally. And it’ll still be up to the X-men to stop it. The upheaval will continue as the Dark Legacy arc unfolds. As always, I’ve prepared an extended preview of just how big this upheaval is going to be for the world of X-men Supreme.

The data was coming. The biggest and boldest step in Sinister’s research had begun. The X-men, the MSA, and even his own Marauders played their part perfectly. It was a pathetic yet predictable outcome. It marked the beginning of a profound, albeit messy process.

Sitting in the center of his device, Sinister activated a hologram depicting the entire world. From it, the silvery mist that had been unleashed from Mount Rainier was spreading fast. Within hours, the prevailing winds would carry it to every country on every continent. There wasn’t a soul that could hide from it. His creation would find its targets and extract the information he needed. Such a process had some rather gruesome side-effects, but that didn’t bother him in the slightest. After losing Selene, he was through being subtle.

“My legacy begins,” he proclaimed, “I can feel it spreading. Every bit of genetic information…all linking directly to me. The legacy virus will finish what we began, Selene. For you, my love, I will finish what we started. And I’ll make sure the world knows my sorrow.”

It was going to happen quickly. Within days, the entire global population would be affected. Within a week, the data would come pouring in. Within two weeks, he would have everything. Those fortunate enough to still be alive would see the truth behind the destruction.

“Uncle Essex! We need to talk,” yelled Madelyn Pryor as she and Vulcan entered his lab.

“My dear godson and goddaughter,” said Sinister, “I’m glad to see you’ve returned safely.”

“Forget safe! We passed by Mystique on our way in. We’ve pieced together the secrets you’ve been keeping from us,” said Vulcan angrily.

Sinister didn’t flinch at the harsh tone of his godchildren. He imagined the scene on Mount Rainier was quite messy. The other Marauders weren’t with them. He didn’t expect them to be. They weren’t immune to what he had just done. Nobody was immune.

Gabriel and Madelyn had seen their godfather cross many lines. They had always subscribed to using brutal methods to get necessary results. However, this was beyond brutal. After what they saw with Mystique, they saw a new level of horror in their godfather.

“This Legacy Project…it’s not just about collecting genetic information. It’s about unleashing a plague!” said Vulcan.

“You said that techno-organic substance was just a primer to scan DNA,” added Madelyn, “You never said anything about it being infectious!”

“If I had, would you have refused to go along with it?” asked Sinister in a cold tone.

“I would have at least asked for an explanation!” said Vulcan, grabbing his Uncle’s shoulders and turning him around, “We’re talking more death than anything Selene attempted in Nova Roma. Why are you doing this? What do you expect to gain?”

Sinister was not put off by his godson’s tone. He saw more confusion in his eyes than rage. It was understandable. This was beyond anything he and Madelyn had ever been a part of. Being their godfather, they both deserved a lesson in truth.

“When you lose someone you love, the world becomes a much darker place,” began Sinister, “Our emotions and the ties they create distract us from the harsh reality of this world. You both have felt such loss. You’ve lashed out against that harsh reality in your own way. Now I’m doing it my way.”

“I don’t see why your way requires a global plague,” spat Madelyn.

“It wasn’t my original plan, but plans change. Losing Selene changed the stakes. The techno-organic material I developed had always been part of the equation. With it, I was going to extract the necessary information from a select few. It was to be controlled, quiet, and clean. Much of this operation was predicated on Nova Roma being our base. When that part of the plan fell through, I had to revise it. Now I can only obtain the necessary information through more elaborate measures.”

Sinister directed their attention to the holographic map hovering above them. He enlarged it to show how the mist from Mount Rainier was spreading. The winds and the high altitude allowed it to span out in all directions. It wouldn’t be long before the whole world was affected.

“Without the resources of Nova Roma, getting the necessary information is akin to finding multiple needles in multiple haystacks on every corner of the world. So if I’m to get this information within a reasonable time frame, I need to buy the whole haystack rather than waste time sifting through it.”

“So you’re infecting the whole world this virus,” surmised Vulcan, still outraged.

“It’s not a virus. Its techno-organic nature makes it so much more,” said Sinister as he gazed up at the map, “I used my own unique biology as a base. This material can enter any being, human or mutant, and sift through their DNA as one would sift through a filing cabinet. Once they have the information, it is psionically beamed back to me and integrated into this machine.”

“And a side-effect of this process is death?” said Madelyn dryly.

“Only for those with weak genetic,” said Sinister coldly, “Since I didn’t have the resources on Nova Roma to refine this material, I’m left with this crude version. It causes significant damage during the process. Believe me, it was not my first choice. However, it is now my only choice at this point. When the X-men took Selene from us, they made this necessary.”

“How is it necessary?” said a bewildered Gabriel, “This can’t be the only way.”

“It isn’t, but it is the only way that will result in the fewest needless deaths.”

Now Madelyn and Gabriel were really confused. Losing Selene had affected their uncle in ways they never imagined. Beneath that inhuman exterior, there was a broken man who had just lost a loved one. Somehow, this loss left him twisted. At the same time, he sounded completely serious in justifying his actions.

“I understand your outrage,” he continued, “All I ask is that you trust that what I’m doing is best for this world. I didn’t realize what a desolate place it was until I lost Selene. I see now that regardless of what I do, plagues of one kind or another will consume this planet. Death and suffering will continue as long as the people of this world keep living a lie.”

“Is that all you’re doing, Uncle? Just speeding up the inevitable?” said Madelyn, “If so that’s hardly a reason!”

“Come now, dear goddaughter. I may not look it, but I’m not a monster. These deaths will not be without purpose,” Sinister assured them as he turned away from the map, “They will all lead to something greater…something that’s worth dying for.”

“And what might that something be?” asked Gabriel skeptically.

Sinister grinned, an expression he hadn’t shown since Selene had died. When Gabriel and Madelyn saw what he was doing, they would see the truth behind all the death. It was a truth that had been decades in the making and one reserved for those who could truly appreciate it.

“Follow me and I’ll show you,” said Sinister as he led them into another area in his lab, “Whether you accept it or not is inconsequential at this point. You’ll soon learn like so many others that once you confront the truth, there’s no going back.”

Make no mistake. This arc will create more than upheaval. In any great tragedy, there is always great loss. The X-men have already endured losses, such as the death of Kevin McTaggart in the Proteus arc. But the losses in this arc will be much greater. Those losses will change the course of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series if it continues. I know it’s risky when the X-men endure such losses, but it helps give emotional weight to their story in both the comics and in this fanfiction series. For that reason, it’s very important I continue to receive feedback for X-men Supreme. This arc may incur some upsetting developments for fans. I want to hear from those fans and every fan. So please take the time to review or send me your comments. Either contact me directly or post your feedback directly in the issue. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue 121: Dark Legacy Part 1 is LIVE!

Some conflicts are the result of smaller conflicts that have built and escalated over time. Some are a result of a convergence of various other conflicts that reinforce one another. In the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, I’ve created stories around both types. Magneto’s plot to use an asteroid to destroy the world in Overlord was largely a result of his failures in the Uprising arc. The events of Weapon Plus were primarily a result of Weapon X being defeated and Colonel Wraith seeking to subvert General Grimshaw. However, the conflict in the final arc of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths is a combination of both.

This is a conflict that begins and ends with Sinister. He’s already done a great deal of damage to the X-men throughout this fanfiction series. Between disrupting Rogue’s powers and tormenting Wolverine with his past, he’s shown that he’s capable of causing the X-men a great deal of pain. However, he’s usually been content to stay in the shadows. He’s not like Magneto in that he seeks a global stage. He rarely causes a conflict that require the X-men to deal with the global impact. That’s been Sinister’s style in both X-men Supreme and the comics. But that changes with this arc.

Sinister is in a dangerous state. Having lost Selene after the events of Civilization No Longer Lost, he is disturbed and unstable. He is so unstable that even his closest allies, Vulcan and Goblin Queen, have shown concern. But nothing can stop him at this point. He’s already set into motion the events that will create the conflict in this arc. And unlike previous arcs involving Sinister, this one will touch every corner of X-men Supreme. His actions will disrupt the very foundation of this fanfiction series. It’ll also lead to some far-reaching consequences that will affect some characters more than others.

Some characters have already felt it. Mystique and Wolverine were the first victims after Sinister revealed that Mystique was actually Rose, the woman that Wolverine once loved. But that revelation was only a pre-cursor. The X-men already know of a conflict brewing involving techno-organic material that went missing from Genosha. That conflict has put them on a collision course with Sinister that will culminate in this arc. X-men Supreme will never be the same and it’ll be all Sinister’s doing. And it begins here.

X-men Supreme Issue 121: Dark Legacy Part 1

There’s still a lot I want to do with this fanfiction series, even after this arc. I’m getting closer to making my decision. I have been getting feedback from some very kind readers, but it’s still limited. I’m about to do some very disruptive things with the X-men and it’s something nobody will be able to read in the X-men comics. That’s why it’s so important that I get feedback. I want to make sure that I’m doing this right, creating a world for X-men fans that they can’t get anywhere else. Please take the time to contact me directly or post your comments in the issue. I’m always happy to talk X-men. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack

X-men Supreme Issue 21: Dark Legacy Part 1 PREVIEW!

The secret is out. Revelations of all kinds have struck the Marvel Universe through Secret Wars and similar reservations have struck the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. In the comics, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch are no longer the children of Magneto. Angela is the long lost sister of Thor. In X-men Supreme, Mystique is not just Raven Darkhomle, the infamous shape-shifting enemy of the X-men. She’s Rose, the former lover of Wolverine and another victim in the ever-growing body count that is Weapon X. It’s a tenuous time for both worlds and the world of X-men Supreme is about to reap the consequences. It’s not on the same level as Secret Wars, but it will leave the world in this fanfiction series forever changed.

It all starts and ends with Sinister. After losing his beloved Selene during the events of Civilization No Longer Lost, he is shaken. His ambitions have always been grim, but never like this. Losing Selene has led him to abandon whatever reservations he had left. He’s not just willing to torment the X-men. He’s ready to torment the entire world. He already has the means, having stolen the ruins of the World created by Fantomex. He also has the will, which he demonstrated in the painful revelation he forced on Mystique. Now that intent is about to become destructive in a way the X-men have never faced before.

The world in which the X-men fight for peace and understanding is always changing. This fanfiction series is no exception. Often in the comics, those changes are driven by events involving the Avengers or other superhero teams. But here in X-men Supreme, the changes are driven entirely by the X-men and the allies/enemies around them. That has always been a defining trait for this fanfiction series. I want to keep the focus on the X-men’s struggles. There is still room for classic X-men themes like the Shi’ar and the Phoenix Force, but at its core X-men Supreme is about the mutant struggle.

That struggle is going to gain a major complication with the final arc of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. This final arc will once again re-shape the world of X-men Supreme. Like the events of Overlord and Uprising in previous volumes of X-men Supreme, this event will have a significant impact on the X-men and the battles they fight. If this fanfiction series continues, they will face some significant new challenges. And it all starts here with this arc. It might not be on the same level as Secret Wars. But in the world of X-men Supreme, its impact will be felt by all. As always, I’ve prepared an extended preview that will show the beginning of that impact.

“This is by far the worst locale Sinister has ever chosen to do an experiment,” groaned Arclight as she blew into her hands to warm them up.

“Worse than mission where we learned the horrors of Indian public bathrooms?” said Blockbuster, using his strength to set the last of the six smaller components into place.

“I don’t know about that,” said Riptide, “I would say this is a close second.”

“I say this is worse,” said Arclight strongly, “I get that Sinister can’t tell us the details of these experiments. There are too many psychics in this world who can rip it from our minds. At the very least, he owes us a vague explanation.”

“Even if he did, I bet you would still be bitching about it,” said Harpoon, who was hooking up a series of heavy cables.

“We’re on an active volcano, Harpoon. Don’t test me.”

There was plenty of tension. The winds picked up and blowing snow blanketed the area. Arclight toughed through the cold and helped Harpoon connect the rest of the cables while Riptide and Blockbuster installed the heavier components. The machines were already humming with activity. The high tech components were lighting up, showing little aversion to the cold. It was still a rough environment for a frustrating mission.

“You think you have the right to most pissed? I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned Sabretooth not tagging along for this,” Harpoon pointed out.

“There’s only so much I care to complain about,” said Arclight as she entered some commands on the keypad of a machine, “Besides, I’d rather Sabretooth not tag along for anything.”

“I second that,” said Riptide, “I still don’t get why Sinister brought him aboard. It’s not like he’s a big help. He’s mentally unstable sociopath with the attention span of a flea.”

“I’m sure Sinister has his reasons. He always does,” said Arclight.

“Doesn’t mean they’re good reasons…or sane reasons for that matter,” Harpoon argued.

“I never said they were. There’s a lot about this plan that rubs me the wrong way. I’ll be glad when it’s over so we can get what Sinister promised us. He says this will be our last mission. He may be a deranged son-of-a-bitch, but he’s a man of his word.”

“He better be,” said Blockbuster upon finishing the last round of heavy lifting.

The Marauders were almost done. The six smaller components were set up and ready for activation. Setting up Sinister’s machines was never terribly difficult. That was the benefits of having alien technology and he really pulled out all the stops with this one. They needed all the tech they could get if they were to pull this off.

Vulcan sensed their unease as he and the Goblin Queen worked on configuring the central console. He couldn’t blame them. Sinister was using some unorthodox tactics with this mission. Even as Sinister’s godson, he had his doubts. But they didn’t stop him from finishing this mission.

The Goblin Queen used her telekinesis to assemble the smaller pieces into the main component. She even had some of her goblin minions make several tweaks around the device. Vulcan focused primarily on the central panel where he launched a series of pre-programmed operations.

“The Warlock material you obtained from Genosha is working flawlessly, my love,” said Vulcan, “The core should be ready in less than ten minutes.”

“Marvelous,” she said flatly, “Sorry if I don’t sound as excited as I should.”

“You’re not going to start complaining about the cold as well, are you? That special coat with built in heaters should keep that beautiful body of yours plenty comfortable.”

“It isn’t the cold that bothers me…not entirely anyways,” said the Goblin Queen.

“I hope it’s not our dear Uncle. He wants this mission done so that’s what we’re doing.”

“It’s not the mission, Gabriel. It’s our dear uncle’s state of mind that concerns me,” she said, her tone becoming more serious, “I get that he’s distraught over Selene. I am too. What I don’t get is why he’s resorting to something like this. It feels too…final.”

“It’s not,” Vulcan pointed out, “You know our uncle as well as I do. Nothing is ever truly final. Everything is a process with him.”

“Which is why I’m so worried,” the Goblin Queen reasoned, “He’s treating this like an endgame. He never said it overtly, but I can feel it. You heard the order he gave shortly after we took off in the jet. He’s not even trying to hide his activities anymore.”

“It’s all for a purpose,” said Vulcan confidently.

“I’m sure it is. That doesn’t mean his purpose is rational.”

The Goblin Queen turned her attention to the central core. She recalled her goblin minions. Their work was nearly complete. This machine was ready. As she traced her hand along the advanced electronics, her worries escalated. This was beyond anything Sinister had ever attempted before. As always, he kept some of the details from them. Usually, that never bothered her. This time felt different.

“What do you think this latest gizmo does, Gabriel?” the Goblin Queen pondered, “Is this so-called Legacy program really going to affect the whole world?”

“I only know what you know. Project Legacy is about gathering data…a lot of data.”

“That’s what Sinister said. I’m wondering what it means.”

“Does it matter? He says once launched the genetic information from every human and mutant on the planet will be integrated into his network at the lab. Once he has that, he’ll have everything he needs to do what he needs to do.”

“It’s not what he’ll do with the data that concerns me. It’s the time-frame he’s working under,” replied the Goblin Queen, “He’s practically immortal. He can afford to be patient. So why is he doing this all at once? What is he willing to unleash to get everything he wants all at once?”

They were not unreasonable questions. Vulcan fell silent as he contemplated the possible answers. Their uncle had really changed since they lost Selene. He wasn’t just cold and calculating anymore. He was unstable. For a man of Sinister’s aptitude, that was very dangerous. They were already taking a huge risk with this mission and all the unusual quirks it entailed.

Before Vulcan and the Goblin Queen could discuss this any further, a powerful roar echoed from the clouds. It wasn’t the wind this time, nor was it the machines they were using. Through the blowing snow and high winds, the X-jet descended over the area. The rest of the Marauders saw it as well and rushed over.

“X-men!” grunted Blockbuster, “They’re late.”

“It would be an amazing first. Usually they show up at the worst possible time,” said Riptide.

“Does this mean what I think it means, Vulcan?” asked Arclight.

“It does,” said the oldest Summers brother as he gazed up at the jet, “It seems the X-men detected my little beacon.”

“I guess that file Sinister leaked to White Cell worked quite nicely,” said the Goblin Queen.

“These family issues were bound to come up sooner or later. It might as well be now,” said Vulcan.

The powerful mutant stepped ahead of the Marauders to confront the approaching X-jet. His eyes glowed brightly as the hatch opened and the X-men came out in full force. As expected, Cyclops led the charge. He rode a telekinetic bubble with Phoenix, Iceman, Beast, Storm, Gambit, Psylocke, Colossus, Shadowcat, and Thunderbird following behind. The X-men weren’t too thrilled to be confronting the Marauders and the Marauders weren’t too thrilled about facing the X-men either. However, Cyclops appeared more motivated than the others.

“GABRIEL!” shouted Cyclops, “It’s time we had a little brotherly chat.”

As I’ve stated before, it is entirely possible that this could be the final volume of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. I’m still going to write this final arc with the intention of leaving it open for future volumes. However, feedback on X-men Supreme has still been sluggish. While there are those who have supported this fanfiction series from its inception, the amount of that support has stagnated. I work long and hard to make sure X-men Supreme is sufficiently awesome and I can only know that I’m doing something right of people take the time to provide feedback. Please do so by contacting me directly or posting comments in each issue. I’m always happy to chat, especially after the recent revelations surrounding Mystique. I hope to make a decision by the end of this arc, but the readers of X-men Supreme will have a major influence. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Excelsior!

Jack