Era #6, Part 10: A Skinning of Souls (Part 2)

Grade: C

This is the second part of the X-Men: A Skinning of Souls trade paperback. If you recall from Acts of Vengeance, Psylocke emerged from the Siege Perilous as an Asian ninja (Uncanny X-Men #256-258). This story tries to explain what really happened. Let me add a not-so-surprising spoiler: it doesn't really explain anything. It makes things a more confusing. We also learn more about the Legacy Virus in a subplot that involves Cyclops and Mr. Sinister (and the Dark Riders?). I am not sure that either thread really advanced the plot, and I found them somewhat lackluster.

[2-Stars] 20 - "Digging in the Dirt" This issue sets up the next set of stories. Illyana returns with the X-Men to the X-Mansion, but she has a persistent cough. Cyclops decides he needs a break and returns to Alaska. Psylocke is confronted with a new threat that challenges her position within the team.

[3-Stars] 21 - "The Puzzle Box" Psylocke and Revanche both believe that they are the original Psylocke and accuse the other of being an impostor. One is the original English superhero while the other is the Japanese assassin known as Kwannon. The X-Men send a small team to the crime lord Nyoirin's Japanese estate to see if they can uncover the truth.

[3-Stars] 22 - "The Mask Behind the Facade" Psylocke, Revanche, Beast and Gambit must protect themselves against Lord Nyoirin's protector, the Silver Samurai. Their search for answers leads to more questions. Meanwhile, Cyclops meets his grandparent's mysterious neighbor who reveals himself to be Mr. Sinister.

[3-Stars] 23 - "Leaning Towards Oneself" Cyclops and Mr. Sinister have a pretty in-depth talk that sheds some light on the Legacy Virus. Cyclops is then tested by the Dark Riders. Lord Nyorin reveals that Matsu'o is responsible for the transportation that merged Psylocke with Kwannon (which we already knew). The two confused women go to Matsu'o's private estate to get their revenge.