BOOK TWO: HUNTED

Summary

Apocalypse has been laying in wait inside Scott Summers' body, who doesn't remember his life as the X-Man, Cyclops. It was in battle when Summers sacrificed his own life to put an end to Apocalypse's attempt to control the earth. Summers and Apocalypse merged into an single being, and neither is fully in control.

Summers is having a vision of Apocalypse's persecution in Ancient Egypt, not realizing exactly that this was Apocalypse's memory. Upon regaining his faculties, he realizes that he is travelling through Lybia with the mysterious and beautiful Anais. The two had been hiding in a merchant's truck, hoping to get by a army blockage, only to be discovered due to Summers' screams during his waking vision.

Anais uses her charms to seduce the soldiers, and suggests that the soldiers let her and Summers pass through for a price. The soldiers accept and head into the truck to receive payment. The final panel of this sequence focuses in on Anais' suddenly sinister eyes.

The scene cuts over to Cable and his mentor, Blaquesmith, engaged in a conversation over Cable's guilt and remorse over Cyclops' apparent death. Cable clearly feels that he has failed in his mission to end Apocalypse's tyranny. He later runs a Danger Room simulation to battle a holographic Apocalypse. Cable is startled when the holographic construct that he programmed begins to confront him about his perceived failures. Finally, the holograph changes to add the jarring image of Cyclops' visor, forcing Cable to reexamine his vow to kill Apocalypse at all costs, even if it meant taking the life of his father.

As Cable stops the holographic program, Jean Grey emerges and reveals that it was she who modified Cable's program. They are talking about their shared loss, when Ozymandias, Apocalypse's vizier, teleports into the Danger Room. He convinces Cable and Jean that somehow both Scott and Apocalypse are still alive. He invites them to travel through his portal to seek out the whereabouts of Summers/Apocalypse.

The scene shifts back to Anais and the soldiers, who are systematically killed by the now demonic Anais. Her mutant abilities give her cat-like agility and fingertips that extend out like thin blades. She makes quick work of the startled soldiers.

The scene quickly moves back to Ozymandias' temple, where he explains to Cable and Jean the current fate of the Summers/Apocalypse amalgam. To Jean and Cable's surprise, Ozymandias transported them to his temple not to attack them, but to ask them to help find his master, which would also lead them to Summers.

The scene changes to Summers, who is reliving the anxiety Apocalypse felt when he was being chased by the ancient Egyptians. At the same time, Anais is finishing off the remaining soldiers. Meanwhile, Summers' unsettling visions cause him to unleash his optic blast, obliterating the soldier that was guarding him. Summers is understandably confused and shocked, but is unsure why he is thrilled by the experience.

Opinion

Last month's opening issue started off introducing several of Joseph Harris' plotlines, presented mysteriously to create tension and anticipation. In this issue, Harris begins to connect the elements together and focuses the overall picture.

Cyclops is beginning to understand who and what he is. Anais is revealed to be a murderous disciple of the coming of Apocalypse. Cable and Jean learn that Scott is somehow still alive. Harris skillfully lays down the foundation for the inevitable separation of Scott and Apocalypse, and the ensuing battle that must occur.

Tom Raney's art is attractive, and well laid out. His style is dark, which clearly suits the mood of the story. The characters are drawn dynamically, and portray body language and posture that adds to the storytelling. The colors are sharp, which compliments an altogether attractive comic book.

Conclusion

The second issue continues right where the first issue left off. The story remains interesting, as more details become more clear. The story may be a bit difficult for new fans to follow, but for those that are long-time X-Men readers, the story is both rewarding and engaging.