Uncanny X-Men
# 201-210

January 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 201: "Duel" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: Rick Leonardi
Inker: Whilce Portacio
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
The X-Men return from Paris and learn that Madelyne has given birth to her son. The birth of Cyclops' son forces him to decide between his new family or the X-Men. He can't decide and Storm forces the issue. They fight it out in the Danger Room. Storm wins and she reclaims her leadership of the X-Men. 

Jay's Notes:

  • Technically, the first appearance, chronologically, of Cable.

February 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 202: "X-Men ... I've Gone to Kill -- The Beyonder!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: John Romita Jr. 
Inker: Al Williamson
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
Phoenix leaves the X-Men behind and confronts the Beyonder. Unfortunately, she finds him very accommodating and he grants her enough power to destroy him. The only catch is that he's also but the X-Men's lives as risk. She chooses to help her teammates instead. All in all, they both learn a lesson. 

Jay's Notes:

  • A Secret Wars II tie-in.

March 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 203: "Crossroads" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: John Romita Jr. 
Inker: Dan Green
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
The Phoenix makes another attempt to rid the universe of the Beyonder. Unfortunately, to do this it would require the sacrifice of all life in the universe. Phoenix is unable to make that sacrifice. Fortunately, the Beyonder had hoped she would and this cosmic trauma would have reverted him to his primordial state. But again, in the end he learns another important lesson about humanity.

Jay's Notes:

  • A Secret Wars II tie-in.

April 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 204: "What Happened to Nightcrawler" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: June Brigman
Inker: Whilce Portacio
Jay's Rating:
JJJ
Synopsis:
Nightcrawler mulls over his place in the universe as the Beyonder stomps about shattering everything he has believed in. Fortunately, a bit of adventure comes his way to cheer him up. He rescues a young woman from the clutches of Arcade and Murderworld. And as it turns out, and even unknown to the young woman, she turns out to be the queen of a small European nation. 

Jay's Notes:

  • This story ends on a bit of cliffhanger and it's actually resolved in throw away fashion with a one-page conclusion in issue #206.
  • Confusing motives behind the story. Would have been nice to focus more attention on Nightcrawler and Amanda Sefton.

May 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 205: "Wounded Wolf" 
Writer: Chris Claremont/Barry Windsor-Smith 
Penciler: Barry Windsor-Smith
Inker: Barry Windsor-Smith
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
Lady Deathstrike and a trio of former Hellfire Club guards, who were severely hurt by Wolverine, undergo a "refit" at Spiral's body shop. They attack Wolverine and cause him some grief. However, Wolverine meets up with Katie Power and she helps give him the time he needs for a breather. He then faces his attackers and takes them down.

June 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 206: "Freedom is a Four Letter Word!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: John Romita Jr. 
Inker: Dan Green
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The X-Men enjoy a bit of down time in San Francisco until they're attacked by the Freedom Force (sans Mystique).  Freedom Force work well together and actually defeat the X-Men. Fortunately, the local police force, which has taken a shine to the X-Men, come to their rescue. 

Jay's Notes:

  • The new Spider-Woman II (from Secret Wars) joins Freedom Force.

July 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 207: "Ghosts" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: John Romita Jr. 
Inker: Dan Green
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
Rachel Summers is haunted by her past and her recent behavior when she forcibly absorbed her teammates' life forces to face the Beyonder. The X-Men return to New York and bring Wolverine to the Morlocks' Healer. Rachel decides to hunt down Selene and prepares to kill her as Wolverine confronts her. Rachel doesn't back down and Wolverine mortally wounds her. 

August 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 208: "Retribution" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: John Romita Jr. 
Inker: Dan Green
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
The X-Men learn of Wolverine's actions and rush to find the wounded Rachel. Unfortunately, the Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club are keen on taking advantage of a wounded X-Man. The Inner Circle engage the X-Men and have them up against the ropes when the mutant-hunting robot Nimrod appears. 

Jay's Notes:

  • The Letter Column announces a Phoenix limited series by Claremont and Rick Leonardi which never sees the light of day.

September 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 209: "Salvation" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: John Romita Jr. (breakdowns) 
Inker: P. Craig Russell (finishes)
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The X-Men and Hellfire Club Inner Circle continue their battle as Nimrod observes them. They quickly realize they have a common enemy and work together to attack him. Severely damaged, Nimrod is forced to withdraw. Nightcrawler sustained serious injuries during the battle. Meanwhile, Rachel wanders off and is tricked by Spiral into entering her body shop.

Jay's Notes:

  • Rachel's subplot is never really explored. That was probably what the Claremont/Leonardi Phoenix limited series would have covered. She next appears in the Excalibur Special Edition.

October 1986
Uncanny X-Men # 210: "The Morning After" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciler: John Romita Jr. 
Inker: Dan Green
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The X-Men enjoy a bit of calm after their recent difficult battles. Unfortunately, they're forced to confront a disturbing anti-mutant sentiment. Magneto is offered a seat on the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle as the White King. Meanwhile, a group of professional assassin called the Marauders begin their mutant killing spree.

Jay's Notes:

  • Prologue to the Mutant Massacre story line.
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