Amazing Spider-Man #53.LR (November 25): These "Last Remains" issues are a hodgepodge of stories of varying levels of believability and quality. I understand Norman trying to convince MJ to talk to Harry since she's the only person who might be able to connect with him. It seems clear that MJ will figure in prominently in "Last Remains'" conclusion. But, Sin-Eater's pursuit of the Order of the Web feels like Spencer is just trying to fill pages. After all, we know that the Order of the Web no longer possesses their demonic powers. As such, it's hard to summon much energy for Sin-Eater trying to hunt down the Spider-Friends to steal back powers that they no longer have. Don't get me wrong: I love a good "Spider-Verse"-y story. But, I'm barely engaging with the main story let alone a tertiary one that's already been resolved.
Falcon & the Winter Soldier #5 (November 25): You know, this series would be great even if it didn't end with a remarkably handsome Bucky petting his ridiculously adorable cat while attending Sam's therapy group.
Given the superheroes' treatment of Hawkeye's descent into outright villainy (though, in his mind, for the right reasons) in "Hawkeye: Freefall," it initially rubbed me the wrong way that everyone seemed willing to overlook Bucky's return to lethal methods, particularly the revelation that he was taking out entire terrorist camps at OFU's orders.
But, Landry contrasts the Natural's amoral violent rages with Steve's deeply held beliefs - to remind Bucky that it isn't just about winning a fight. As Sam tells him, Bucky can't just return to his Winter Solider days without a cost. In the end, he (and Alpine) join Sam's group, and I'm glad to see that he's no longer cooling his jets in Indiana anymore.
Before I go, I have to add in that Vicentini has been setting "Amazing Spider-Man" on fire lately, and he's just as good throughout this series. Kudos to everyone!
Excalibur #14 (November 11): I'm putting this issue after X-Men #15 because I initially didn't plan on reading it but did after I learned that it was Doug's issue. But, this issue makes no sense. I mean, it makes literally no sense. Instead of fighting, Doug and Bei the Blood Moon wind up getting married. Saturnyne thought the marriage would result in a loss for both of them, presumably since Doug can't understand Bei and Bei doesn't want love? I don't know. Also, Betsy dies. But, does she? Do I care?
Excalibur #15 (November 25): I have no fucking idea what happens in this issue. Honestly, I have no idea. As far as I can tell, Saturnyne is surprised when mysterious forces attack the Citadel and departs the battlefield to call the Captain Britain Corps. But, I'm not even sure that's true. It has to do with some mosaic she constructs but doesn't go according to plan? Meanwhile, the X-Men are forced to fight said hordes while the Arakkii heroes plan to invade Earth? I think? Who the fuck knows?
X-Men #15 (November 25): I'm mildly disappointed that I didn't get to see the other battles, but I'm not buying five other issues simply to play "Street Fighter." Although this issue is theoretically about Apocalypse and Genesis' fight, it's really about the X-Men's rebirth.
At some point, Cable managed to connect with Jean from Otherworld and inform her that Krakoa's heroes were losing badly. Although we know that Gorgon's sacrifice later evened the odds - leaving Apocalypse and Genesis to fight for the win - Jean and Scott don't know that. They approach the Quiet Council to ask for permission to assemble a strike force to retrieve Krakoa's heroes and close the External Gate behind them. (The Quiet Council doesn't dwell on it, but Scott's plan involves using Hordeculture's technology - which Beast apparently swiped at some point - to shut down the gate, which I'm assuming would infuriate Krakoa.) Nightcrawler and Shadowcat offer to accompany them.
It all seems settled until Sebastian Shaw plays his hand. Not unreasonably, he notes that the Quiet Council can't lose three members (Marvel Girl, Nightcrawler, and Shadowcat) in one fell swoop. As such, he demands that they give up their seats so that the Quiet Council can continue. The Council agrees, and Jean convinces Nightcrawler to stay while Scott points out that Kate can't go through gates. Emma contacts Scott telepathically to chide him for lying to Kate, to protect her. She asks if she wants him to come, and he declines, though it's a lovely moment between them.
But, the Quiet Council isn't done. Exodus and Mystique point out that they can't just leave open the External Gate if everything goes pear-shaped in Otherworld. Magneto and Professor X agree with the others that they'll close the gate behind them. Scott acknowledges that Xavier has to think of the nation, but he tells him that he wasn't raised to look past right and wrong to "necessary evil." (Again, it's another nice moment as Professor X smiles and notes that he wasn't.) He also tells the Quiet Council that it might be Krakoa's government, but the X-Men are its heroes who'll save "those who need saving whatever the cost." Jean and Scott depart, and a smiling Charles watches them leave as Magneto says, "Good boy." Seriously, this issue is all good moments.
In terms of the fight, Apocalypse defeats Genesis but refuses to kill her, allowing her to put on the Golden Mask of Amenth and become Annihilation. I'm sure that'll go well.
X of Swords: Destruction #1 (November 25): Interestingly, the only question I really had about this event - namely, the identity of the person who originally wielded the Twilight Sword and sundered Okkara - never gets answered. In fact, the disposition of the Twilight Sword at the end of the event remains unclear.
Putting that question aside, Hickman wraps up "X of Swords" in a way that minimizes its impact on mutantkind. Apocalypse takes the Golden Helm of Amenth and surrenders to Saturnyne, allowing her dominion over Annihilation (to its horror). She reduces its power and forms him into a staff that she gives to Genesis. In exchange for Apocalypse staying on Amenth with his family, he sends Arrako - with its "mutant prisoners that number in the millions" to Earth.
Other than amping up Earth's mutant population, the long-term impact of this event appears mostly to focus on "Excalibur" given the re-birth of the Captain Britain Corps. In the end, I'm pretty happy that I didn't invest too much money and time into this event, though I'm also not disappointed in it either. It just mostly was, which, compared to "Last Remains," isn't the worst thing that I can say about it.
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