274: X-Men Vol. 2 #194–199 (Primary Infection)
- Matt Campbell
- 8 hours ago
- 9 min read
What’s Covered?
X-MenV2 # 194 - 196 (Primary Infection), X-MenV2 # 197 - 199 (Red Data), X-Men Annual vol. 3 #1, X-Men: Phoenix - Warsong #1 - 5, Onslaught Reborn #1 - 5, Mystic Arcana: Magik #1, Mystic Arcana: Black Knight #1, Mystic Arcana: Scarlet Witch #1, Mystic Arcana: Sister Grimm #1.
Roster Watch
Synopsis
X-Men Vol. 2 #194 - 196: "Primary Infection" Part 1 - 3
Writer: Mike Carey
Pencils: Humberto Ramos
Rogue initiates a bold departure from the traditional X-Men structure by constructing a mobile base, the Conquistador, with Cable's assistance. This decision sparks concern from Cyclops, who is reluctant to see the team leave the school's protection and oversight. However, Cable and Cannonball support Rogue's vision of autonomy. As the team hunts for geneticist Richard Palance, linked to past experimentation on Regan and Karima, they are ambushed by grotesque infected monsters, culminating in Rogue's sudden abduction.
Themes of independence and leadership dominate, with Rogue asserting a controversial but proactive stance. The grotesque visuals and the unsettling presence of the Plague Dogs underline the horror elements creeping into the narrative.
This was one of those times where I felt like I missed something with this Richard Palance guy, but no, this was his first appearance! The Plague Dogs reminded me of Warwolves. At least the Warwolves knew they were ridiculous!
The X-Men scramble to rescue Rogue, leading them to a confrontation with the enigmatic Pandemic—formerly Richard Palance. Once a helper to mutants, Pandemic betrayed them by stealing their powers, amassing the abilities of over 300 mutants. The team's desperate efforts spotlight the complexity of their mission and the extent of Pandemic's betrayal.
So it was basically like the X-Men were fighting Mimic again.
Pandemic’s transformation from savior to predator echoes the dangers of unchecked ambition. The mystery deepens around Rogue's capture, heightening the narrative stakes.
Pandemic reveals his twisted objective: to absorb Rogue's past absorptions, gaining her accumulated experiences and pseudo-immortality. The X-Men defeat him by cleverly weaponizing Sabretooth’s healing factor, inadvertently curing Pandemic and stripping him of his stolen powers. Meanwhile, Rogue is left infected and on the brink of death, and Sabretooth senses a disturbing presence in Lady Mastermind.
The climax explores themes of identity and exploitation. Rogue’s infection introduces a ticking clock, and Sabretooth's ominous comment hints at deeper, unsettling truths within the team.
X-Men Vol. 2 #197 - 199: "Red Data" Part 1 - 3
Writer: Mike Carey
Pencils: Chris Bachalo
The team retreats to Providence for refuge and recovery. Rogue is critically ill from the Strain 88 virus, while Regan suspects something is amiss within herself. Under hypnosis, she uncovers a parasitic entity that transfers to M and identifies itself as a Mummudrai. Meanwhile, tensions mount between Karima and Cable over the fate of Sabretooth, and Mystique's maternal concern for Rogue confuses Iceman.
The Mummudrai bonds with Cable, unveiling the Hecatomb—a sentient Shi’ar weapon of mass destruction. This union restores Cable’s telepathy and telekinesis, preparing him for the coming battle. The threat scale expands dramatically, setting the stage for a cosmic-level confrontation.
Cable, now merged with the Mummudrai, battles the Hecatomb. Recognizing Rogue as key to victory, he revives her. Rogue triumphs by absorbing the minds trapped within the Hecatomb—over a million alien consciousnesses. Though successful, she emerges altered, burdened by both Strain 88 and countless new personas.
Rogue’s victory is bittersweet, symbolizing sacrifice and resilience. Her altered state foreshadows complex ramifications for her character and the team.
Surprisingly, Cable did not keep his restored telepathy and telekinesis, which completely shocked me! You just KNOW Cable will get his powers back eventually, and this seemed like as good of a reason as any. I would be really curious to know if Fabian Nicieza (Cable co-creator and current author of long running Cable & Deadpool series) put his fut down saying that he's not ready for Cable to get his powers back. I also wouldn't be surprised if he actually kept his powers in the next issue and we were all supposed to forget that he didn't have them at the end of this issue. We'll see!
X-Men Annual Vol. 3 #1
Writer: Mike Carey
Pencils: Mark Brooks
The team attempts to deprogram Northstar and Aurora aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Exodus and his team intervene, seeking new mutants, only to discover the mutant gene is gone.
One fun part about this was that Exodus was working with Random, Frenzy, and Tempo. Those are 3 characters we don't see often, but I have a favorable opinion on. In fact, an X-Force issue focusing on Tempo currently sits at my 6th favorite X-Men comic of all time (233: Favorites as of 2004 (ish).
X-Men: Phoenix – Warsong #1–5
Writer: Greg Pak
Pencils: Tyler Kirkham
The Stepford Cuckoos become vessels for the Phoenix Force, granting them flight and uncontrollable power. As the X-Men, particularly Emma Frost, work to assist them, long-buried secrets begin to unravel. The resurrection of the two dead Cuckoos shocks everyone, especially as they begin communicating with their living sisters and battling a figure referred to as 'W'.
Under pressure, Emma instructs Cyclops to shoot W to free the Cuckoos. It’s revealed the girls were created in “The World” — a Weapons Plus facility where time stands still — and were genetically engineered using eggs harvested from Emma during her coma following the Hellions' deaths. In a chilling discovery, the Cuckoos find hundreds of their clones suspended in tubes, all transmitting data. Celeste, longing for individuality, becomes the Phoenix herself and later battles its influence with the help of Mindy, Sophie, and Emma. The Phoenix decimates the clones and encases them within the sisters’ diamond hearts, leaving the trio forever changed.
Onslaught Reborn #1–5
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Pencils: Rob Liefeld
Onslaught returns, threatening both the main Marvel Universe and the Heroes Reborn universe. Franklin Richards and various heroes unite to confront this resurrected menace.
Mystic Arcana: Magik (#1)
Focus Character: Illyana Rasputin (Magik)
Summary:Set during the time when Illyana was the Darkchylde of Limbo, this story follows her attempt to forge a new magical artifact — the Sword of Bones — to strengthen her hold over Limbo and fend off demonic threats.
Element Represented: Earth
Tone: Dark, gothic, tragic — focusing on Illyana’s internal struggle between her soul's corruption and her lingering humanity.
Mystic Arcana: Black Knight (#2)
Focus Character: Sir Percy of Scandia (the original Black Knight from Arthurian times)
Summary: A classic medieval story where Sir Percy faces off against mystical foes while trying to protect the mystical Ebony Rose — another elemental artifact.
Element Represented: Air
Tone: Chivalrous, medieval fantasy vibe — lots of talk about honor, duty, and ancient magic.
Mystic Arcana: Scarlet Witch (#3)
Focus Character: Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch)
Summary: Set in Wanda’s earlier days, before House of M. She deals with mystical threats related to her chaos magic, searching for an artifact known as the Elemental Water Artifact (Tears of the Moon Goddess).
Element Represented: Water
Tone: Psychological, with a strong focus on chaos magic, destiny, and Wanda’s fluctuating control over her powers.
Mystic Arcana: Sister Grimm (#4)
Focus Character: Nico Minoru (Sister Grimm from the Runaways)
Summary: Young Nico tries to claim the Elemental Fire Artifact and grapples with her family’s dark magical legacy.
Element Represented: Fire
Tone: Youthful and edgy — it’s much more modern in tone compared to the first three issues, reflecting Nico’s place as a teen hero
My Connections and Creators
Boring or Great?
Mike Careys' run is decent so far. I like that he's focusing on characters who typically don't get a lot of attention (Mystique, Sabretooth, Lady Mastermind, Karima Omega Sentinel, etc.) He's certainly doing a good job portraying Rogue, especially as a leader. I like it, but I'm certainly not wowed. I need more time to be won over.
Phoenix Warsong was surprisingly very good.
I'm gonna be honest, I only lightly skimmed Onslaught Reborn and the Mystic Acrana's.
The annual was really good, mostly because Exodus intrigues me and I love Tempo.
Thoughts on Art
Humberto Ramos' art in "Primary Infection" is bold and dynamic, though some may find his exaggerated style jarring for a more grounded storyline. Chris Bachalo's visuals in "Red Data" offer an intricate, chaotic energy that complements the psychological depth of the arc. Ultimately though, I didn't love either. I've never been a fan of Bachalo and Ramos' art just seems too "whippy" for me.
Larger Impacts
Rogue absorbing the minds from the Hecatomb significantly alters her character trajectory.
The extinction of the mutant gene discovered by Exodus foreshadows major shifts in mutantkind. I don't recall if we knew this already or not. I mean, I knew this, but I might not have read it yet. Regardless, that's such a huge development.
Onslaught's return touches on unresolved plot threads from the '90s and reinforces Franklin Richards' central role in Marvel's cosmic balance, but it was still a waste of time.
So the Stepford Cuckos are actually clones of Emma!? (Phoenix – Warsong.) I mean it always kind of seemed like they were, but so much time had passed without that being confirmed that I didn't think it was the case. And yes, I know...it probably wasn't until editorial decided recently to make that be the case.
Things to keep an eye on
Will Cable keep his telekinesis and telepathy!? He technically didn't have them by the end of the run, but editorial has to be ready to give him his normal powers back, right?!
What role will the Stepford Cucko's play moving forward?
Will Mystique continue to be kind to Rogue or will she fuck up again in the near future?
Will Cable stay with the X-Men or return to Providence (and his own comic run with Deadpool?)
How long will it be before Sabretooth betrays the team? I mean, I guess he already did in this series, but to the point where someone dies?
Characters
Rogue
Rogue undergoes significant evolution in this arc, stepping into a leadership role and creating an autonomous team aboard the Conquistador. Her capture by Pandemic and subsequent infection by Strain 88 place her at the emotional and narrative center of the story. Absorbing the Hecatomb’s minds marks a pivotal moment, heightening her internal struggle as she juggles the voices and experiences of thousands. Despite these challenges, her resilience and bravery are undiminished, solidifying her role as a key X-Men figure.
I always enjoyed when Rogue got to be leader and had complained for a few years (in publishing) about her being relegated to a grunt. Carey's doing a good job elevating her for now. Her relationship with Mystique is always interesting as well. Way more interesting to me than her relationship with Gambit.
Sabretooth
Sabretooth is a volatile presence within Rogue's team, often clashing with others and sowing tension. His moment of unexpected utility—neutralizing Pandemic by transferring his healing factor—adds depth to his typically brutal character. Notably, he becomes suspicious of Lady Mastermind, suggesting a deeper sensitivity and perception beneath his feral exterior.
How long will he stay on a leash!?
Cannonball
Cannonball serves as a grounding force within the team, frequently acting as a mediator and providing tactical insights. His loyalty to Rogue and willingness to step away from the traditional X-Men structure demonstrate his evolving sense of independence. His protection of teammates and quiet leadership help maintain the group’s cohesion through crises. Ultimately, I miss the Sam Guthrie from the early X-Force days after Cable left. I also think they are missing out on some huge opportunities to have Sam and Cable play off each other as there is so much animosity as well as love between the two of them. I mean, they had a real father/son relationship at one point.
Karima
Karima plays a strategic and moral role, raising critical concerns about keeping dangerous individuals like Sabretooth close. Her insight and balance of logic and emotion highlight her value to the team. As a former Sentinel turned ally, her presence underscores themes of redemption and redefined identity.
If you recall, I began writing this blog because I started reading Krakoa, loved it, but realized there was too much backstory I didn't understand. 5 years ago I decided to go back and read everything from the beginning. I bring this up because I know that Karima is going to eventually be a true evil bitch so I'm just waiting for it to happen.
Lady Mastermind
Lady Mastermind's journey is marked by internal conflict and mystery. Her interactions with Rogue and the revelation of a parasitic Mummudrai raise questions about her stability and future. She contributes significantly to the team's mental dynamics, embodying both vulnerability and deceptive strength.
Iceman
Iceman provides a skeptical and sometimes sarcastic voice within the team. His questioning of Mystique’s motives and concern for Rogue hint at deeper emotional currents. Him and Mystique have a moment where they kiss and I just don't support it. Not because I see the breadcrumbs about him being gay, but because they have very little shared history and this doesn't seem earned...at all. Plus, she seems way out of his league and is probably 80 or so years older than him.
Mystique
Mystique's role as Rogue’s protector is both touching and enigmatic. Her past betrayals cast a shadow over her current loyalty, creating ongoing tension with other team members. Her maternal instincts, however conflicted, add a layer of emotional complexity to the story.
Mystique is a great character. Some author's have made her a psychopath in a way that should be impossible to come back from, but when she's written with a little nuance, she's fantastic. I'm forgetting about the whole seducing Gambit thing and focusing on what we're getting from Mike Carey. With all this being said, I give credit to Carey for having one of the characters (I forgot who) legitimately ask her why she cares so much about Rogue considering she's tried to kill her in the recent past.
Cable
Cable does not belong in this comic. There, I said it.
Cable acts as both mentor and strategist, aiding Rogue in building the Conquistador and later merging with the Mummudrai to regain his powers. His restoration as a telepath and telekinetic makes him vital in the battle against the Hecatomb. His pragmatic worldview and leadership under pressure reaffirm his place as a cornerstone of the mutant community.
But...he's most recently been portrayed as a Messiah character. He's the sovereign leader of two countries. He's got too much going on to be with the X-Men and it's not believable that he could be anything but the leader. I have always really liked Cable (until recently,) but I think he's gotta go.