Matt Banning

"To Challenge a Champion!" Guest-starring the Squadron Supreme.Earth's Mightiest Heroes and the Squadron Supreme have fought one another twice in recent weeks! [See Avengers (3rd series) #5 & #6.] And now in Marin County, California, the teams have tracked down the villain who set them against each other! And he's a champion! Specifically, Imus Champion! The billionaire entrepreneur wants to test his mettle vs. the Avengers and the squadron! So Imus has developed a deadly plan involving nerve gas to force the heroes to fight him! Left with no choice, Captain America and Hyperion agree to his contest. But they secretly don't agree to his rules! Could the smallest avenger fell the mighty Champion? Cameo appearances by the Swordsman, Magdalene, Giant-Man (aka Hank Pym), Wonder Man, and the Vision. Avengers Lineup: Captain America, Firestar, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Justice, Scarlet Witch, and Thor. (Notes: The Avengers previously battled Imus Champion in Avengers 109. The Squadron Supreme finally makes it back to their home (aka Earth-712) at the end of the story. This annual features a gatefold cover. This annual was reprinted in 2001 in the trade paperback: Avengers Supreme Justice.)

Magneto arrives in Genosha and assumes control despite worldwide controversy. He is attacked by Magistrate forces but is saved by a mutate who takes him to meet with the existing leadership. Magneto incorporates this diverse group of Genoshan nationals into his new cabinet, though he truly trusts none of them. Quicksilver discovers that Amelia Voght has been spying on him under his father’s commands and demands to be taken to Magneto. He is surprised to learn of Magneto’s new role in Genosha and decides to look into the state of affairs there. He is quickly captured by The Zealot, the leader of a mutate rebellion that opposes Magneto’s ascension to the throne in Genosha. Magneto recruits Fabian Cortez into his cabinet to help him maintain his former power levels. Rogue arrives to try and talk some sense into Magneto and discovers The Zealot and his plan to sacrifice Pietro as the opening salvo in his war to reclaim Genosha from Magneto.

The Zealot plots to use the captured Quicksilver to draw the new “Lord of Genosha” out. Rogue discovers that Pietro is in peril and forms an uneasy alliance with Amelia Voght to try to save him. Their appeals to Magneto to help them fall on deaf ears as the Master of Magnetism is too busy threatening the United Nations who have been keeping a watchful eye on Genosha. Magneto claims he no longer cares for Rogue or Pietro, but gives Rogue enough time in Genosha to try and rescue Quicksilver. Rogue and Amelia succeed in freeing Quicksilver but are quickly intercepted by the Zealot who has determined that Pietro is of no further use to him. Before he can kill Quicksilver, the rest of the Genoshan cabinet arrives including Magneto. Magneto openly challenges the Zealot and declares that when he is done with him, the Zealot will acknowledge his rightful rule of Genosha.

Magneto confronts and defeats the Zealot, sending his opposition into space as an example to all those who would oppose his rule in Genosha. Quicksilver sees it as his responsibility to oppose Magneto until he sees how much Genosha needs a chance at a better future. He chooses to remain at Magneto’s side in the hopes of tempering his father’s anti-human sentiments and violent approach to ruling the nation. Devastated to see the changes in Magneto from the man she once cared for, Rogue leaves Genosha after confessing her disappointment in and disdain for the man Magneto has become. She also makes it clear that the X-Men will be back if he steps out of line. Magneto cements his new status as ruler of Genosha and establishes his cabinet, which includes Quicksilver. He sets out on creating his vision of a mutant homeland that will be the beginning of an era of mutant ascension and domination.

Father of the X-Men Chris Claremont writes this special tale that starts out with Wolverine and Witchblade-wielder Sara Pezzini getting married...and then gets crazier from there! Hi-octane action and a dangerous new mutant are brought to life by Eric Basaldua (The Magdalena) 

Father of the X-Men Chris Claremont writes this special tale that starts out with Wolverine and Witchblade-wielder Sara Pezzini getting married...and then gets crazier from there! Hi-octane action and a dangerous new mutant are brought to life by Eric Basaldua (The Magdalena) 

Things That Go Bump In the Night!, Wolverine and his Alpha Flight allies are holed up in a research station in the Canadian arctic with a whole pack of Hunters in Darkness trying to get in and eat them; Vindicator and Guardian of Alpha Flight guest-star.

Green For Death, The Hand and Hydra try to brainwash Wolvie, Sabretooth and Shadowcat to their will to do their bidding; Big mistake.