Era #8, Part 08: Trial of Gambit (Part 1)

Grade: B

There are two separate stories that are very (very) loosely tied together for this run. The Uncanny X-Men find themselves back in space to save the Shi'ar from the Phalanx. It is oddly condensed for an intergalactic empire version of the Phalanx Covenant.

"Games of Deceit & Death" is an interesting take on the hunt for the Legacy Virus cure. Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu, joins the X-Men in an investigation into a Hong Kong's criminal connection to Fu Manchu's mythical "elixir vitae". This legendary potion may be able to cure the deadly mutant disease, and that promise catches the attention of the notorious Kingpin. This is a glimpse into the darker side of using personal tragedy for financial gain.

[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #341 - "When Strikes a Gladiator!" Beast, Bishop, Cannonball, Gambit, Joseph, and Rogue enjoy a quiet evening Christmas shopping in New York City. Gladiator arrives unannounced to teleport the X-Men to space leaving Cannonball to face the powerful praetor of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard alone.

[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #342 Beast, Bishop, Gambit, Joseph, Rogue, and Trish Tilby are transported to a starship speeding for the Shi'ar Empire where they discover that they may be too late. Everybody aboard a huge space station has been massacred, and there is only one survivor -- Deathbird.

[4-Stars] X-Men #62 - "Games of Deceit & Death" (Part 1) The X-Men are introduced to Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu. His evil father's mysterious Elixir Vitae may be able to cure to the Legacy Virus. They travel to Hong Kong where they find Sebastian Shaw already ahead of them.

[4-Stars] X-Men #63 - "Games of Deceit & Death" (Part 2) The X-Men and Shang-Chi versus Sebastian Shaw's cyber-ninjas, but there is a bigger criminal mastermind pulling the strings.

[4-Stars] X-Men #64 - "Games of Deceit & Death" (Part 3) The X-Men, Shang-Chi, Sebastian Shaw, and the Kingpin all vying for the Elixir Vitae and its promise as a possible cure to the Legacy Virus.

[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #343 - "Where No X-Man Has Gone Before!" Deathbird reveals that Phalanx are responsible for the massacre at the space station, but the X-Men must deal with a more immediate threat before they can save the Shi'ar Empire from invasion. The Phalanx have infiltrated their ship.

[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #344 - "Casualties of War" Deathbird and the X-Men versus the Phalanx to save the Shi'ar Empire.

[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #345 - "Moving On" The X-Men celebrate their victory and prepare for their trip back home. On Earth, a new mutant named Maggott makes his first appearance, and he is looking for Joseph.