Grade: C+
What an interesting premise, and we finally get to the bottom of the whole "Who is Joseph?" storyline started way back in
Uncanny X-Men #327 (
Era #7, Part 20).
The real Magneto returns with a renewed interest in establishing a mutant sanctuary. The Master of Magnetism recruits many of the Acolytes (splintered by in-fighting) to keep the X-Men occupied while he sends his robotic servant, Ferris, to the United Nations with a demand: give him territory for a mutant homeland or he will unleash a magnetic storm that will permanently disrupt electromagnetic field around the world.
Meanwhile, Sabra and the Mossad discover that Joseph is a near identical copy of Magneto. He was created by Astra in an elaborate plan to kill his genetic "father". She was an original member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants but left the team before they became public. She has now come to collect her property and send him into battle against her longtime nemesis.
There are some unanswered questions in this run. I am not sure we ever found out exactly why Astra has such a bitter grudge against Magneto, and her reason for creating an exact double seemed excessively complicated for revenge. Her character and motives were simple and way more juvenile for an otherwise well thought out story.
This is not the first time Magneto held the world hostage, but it is clear that he learned from his last attempt. It is a political quandary between giving into the demands of a madman and saving lives. Magneto even skillfully outmaneuvers the X-Men. This was a strong plot weakened needlessly by Astra's involvement.
[3-Stars] X-Men #85 - "A Tale of Two Mutants" It is the calm before the storm as Magneto gives humanity one last chance to prove themselves to him. He tests an ordinary construction worker with a complex moral dilemma. In contrast, we see Professor X and his X-Men committed to helping humans and mutants.
Magneto Rex #1 - "Savior Complex" A splinter group of the Acolytes led by Fabian Cortez attack the X-Mansion in a desperate attempt to find Magneto.
[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #366 - "The Shot Heard Round the World" Acolytes loyal to Magneto begin attacking genetic laboratories in order to lure the X-Men out. Sabra and the Mossad make a startling discovery that Joseph is not Magneto. Ferris delivers an ultimatum to the United Nations.
[3-Stars] X-Men #86 - "Thanks for the Memories" Magneto unleashes a massive magnetic storm forcing the United Nations to send nuclear missiles to neutralize the global threat. Astra reveals Joseph's origins and sends him to complete the mission for which he was designed: kill Magneto.
[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #367 - "Disturbing Behavior" The X-Men versus the Acolytes while Astra and Joseph battle Magneto.
[3-Stars] X-Men #87 - "No Surrender!" The X-Men join Joseph to stop Magneto, but the United Nations propose a truce to end the hostilities.
