Era #10, Part 14: The Draco (Uncanny X-Men)

Grade: C-

Attempting to retcon an established character is tricky in the best of times. I applaud Chuck Austin's audacious goal to shake things up while providing solid origin-story answers, but he creates a bit of a mess with The Draco.

There have always been hints as to the mother/son relationship between Mystique and Nightcrawler that were finally confirmed in X-Men Unlimited (1993) #4, but who is his father? Enter the demon Azazel. I am not even sure where to start with this story since it seems so unnecessary and out of place. While Azazel eventually appears in the movies (X-Men: First Class), I simply refuse to see him or this story as canonical.

A touching second tale threads through this run that saves the collection from complete obscurity. Juggernaut visits his young friend, Squidboy, but the reunion does not go well. Juggernaut violently reacts to the signs of physical abuse but things escalate quickly when Alpha Flight arrives to protect the family. Unfortunately, none of them are able to stop themselves from the irreparable collateral damage caused by their assumptions, rage, and ego. Juggernaut learns that raw power is not always enough to win the day, even if you are on the side of angels. It is a heartbreaking story of domestic abuse and the unintended consequences of good intentions. 

[4-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #428

[4-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #429

[4-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #430

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #431

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #432

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #433

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #434

Collected in Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 4): The Draco