The X-Men are starting to deal with the loss of Cyclops when the High Evolutionary broadcasts a message to the entire world. He has decided that eliminating mutants will stop conflict with humans. He uses his satellite array to send an energy pulse that removes the x-gene from every mutant on the globe. It is a blessing to some and a curse to others, but while the X-Men learn to live normal lives, Genosha's civil war intensifies. The bloody conflict also reveals a dangerous, hidden aspect of the High Evolutionary's plan, and that sends the powerless X-Men to space to confront the High Evolutionary and his old colleague, Mr. Essex (a not-so-disguised Mr. Sinister).
The story itself does not feel true to the X-Men ethos. The team seems to initially accept what is happening to them and every other mutant in the world rather than immediately confront the High Evolutionary for making the decision for them. Maybe it is because of their recent battle and losses, but they aren't being the heroes that defy the odds. In the end, the twists are not surprising, and the conclusion feels unsatisfying.
What really makes this stand out, however, is watching the characters really deal with "being normal". Wolverine hides his pain to allow his friends to enjoy their new lives. Meltdown watches a kid who defined himself with powers try to hold onto what made him special. Nightcrawler must get used to a normal body with agility a trained acrobat might have. Each story is unique, and it would've been very interesting to see some more.
I guess I am reading a little too much into the story, but this set got me thinking about how we often define ourselves by something we believe is unique to us. We can see that special quality as something that set us apart from everybody else, or we may accept it as an integral and celebrated aspect of our identity. What if that one thing is suddenly taken?
[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #379 - "What Dreams May Come..." Professor X leaves Earth to lead mutant Skrulls, but after he leaves, the High Evolutionary turns his attention, and considerable technology from space, towards ending the mutant/human struggle by eliminating the x-gene from the entire population. No more mutants.
[4-Stars] X-Force #101 - "Learning To Fly" Mutant powers are gone, and that has left Cannonball in bad shape. He fell from a considerable hight while flying over the San Fransisco Bay. The team waits for his recovery, but Meltdown watches the unintended consequences of a young boy who believed that his new-found powers made him special.
[3-Stars] X-Men #99 - "Oh, the Humanity" The X-Men learn to live as normal humans. The High Evolutionary and his mysterious partner, Dr. Essex, prepare for the next phase of their plan to accelerate the mutations across the entire globe.
[3-Stars] Uncanny X-Men #380 - "Heaven's Shadows" The powerless X-Men race to the High Evolutionary's satellite station to stop Dr. Essex's global experiment before it causes permanent damage.
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