Era #7, Part 27: Onslaught Impact 1

Grade: B

The Onslaught crossover event did one thing well. It clearly identifies the dividing line between the main story (Phase 1 and Phase 2) from the issues that deal with the ramifications of the main story (Impact 1 and Impact 2). The Impact tales are either the repercussions or tangential tie-ins, but I found them to be better reads than the main arc.

This first impact wave is not nearly as bad a read as the the first phase. Mr. Sinister finally figures out that X-Man is an alternate dimension version of his life's work -- the creation of a Nate Grey; Dark Beast is finally revealed; we see the lengths Emma Frost is willing to go to protect her students; and Wolverine uncovers Onslaught's origins.

Onslaught Impact 1 is a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing X-Men "event".

[3-Stars] X-Force #57 - "The Best Laid Plans..." X-Force attempts to protect Nate Grey (X-Man) from Mr. Sinister.

Incredible Hulk #444 - "Cable Vision" I do not own this issue.

Excalibur #100 - "London's Burning" This issue was perhaps the biggest disappointment. The cover exclaims that it is part of Onslaught, but the tie-in is so inconsequential that I am not sure why I bought this one. I won't go into the story except to say that the X-Men fly to Muir Island to meet with Moira MacTaggert. She leads them to a secret database Professor X kept at the facility. He kept file on how to neutralize any X-Man including himself. The X-Men return with a copy of the Xavier Protocols.

X-Factor #125 - The Ticking Clock" X-Factor attempts to stop to Onslaught from assuming control of an army of Sentinels. They must first get past Dark Beast and his minions Fatale, Post, and a mind-controlled Havok!

[3-Stars] Generation X #18 - "For the Sake of the Children" Generation X is returning home on Emma Frost's private jet. She decides the best protection is hiding the students from Onslaught, but she must first deal with Banshee and then with protesting teens.

Wolverine (2nd series) #104 - "The Emperor of the Realm of Grief" Elektra joins Wolverine as he attempts to get answers about Onslaught from the always-silent Gateway.