Marvel Comics announced the newest era of X-Men, Shadows of Tomorrow, and said it would usher in new things for Marvel’s Mightiest Mutants. One of the ways they’re doing this is by publishing multiple mini and ongoing series. Among the ones reported was Rogue by Laura Kinney: Wolverine writer, Erica Schultz.
An award-winning writer who’s also penned Daredevil: Woman Without Fear, Blood Hunters, and Black Widow, it’s not shocking that she was chosen with the honor of writing Rogue - who hasn't had a solo title in years. Marvel previously said, “YOU CAN'T OUTRUN THE PAST,” when referring to Anna Marie (a.ka. Rogue). After the first issue, this writer can confirm that it's an accurate quote.
Rogue No. 1
- Writer: Erica Schultz
- Artist: Luigi Zagaria
- Colors: Espen Grundetjern
The uninformed or novice comic book fan may not know that Rogue’s past, like most X-Men, was one full of bad decisions. It makes sense since Mystique was her mother, and she manipulated the young mutant to run with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. One of the many regrettable things Anna Marie did while Mystique was influencing involves stealing Carol Danvers' powers (1967's Avengers Annual No. 10). Sadly, as bad as this is, what Rogue may have done in her past could be worse.
In Rogue No. 1, while on a mission with Gambit, Deathdream, and Ransom, Rogue comes across someone with a scar on their face, no legs, and in a wheelchair with a nametag that says J. Shelton. Anna Marie recognizes him from her days as a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. However, the memory is off. She’s seeing Sabretooth brutally attack through Victor Creed’s eyes. This leads to nightmares of the incident.
Of course, Rogue wants answers, but the only people who’d have them are Sabretooth (and he’s dead, for now), Constrictor, and Mystique. Rogue makes her way to see her mother, who’s recuperating (see more in Mystique by Declan Shalvey). When she pleads with her mom for help, she touches her hand with her glove. This triggers Anna Marie’s ability despite having control over that mutant power, and wearing a glove. After that, Raven admits that it’s time she and her daughter talk.
Does this mean that Rogue ruthlessly eviscerated someone without care? It doesn’t. When Anna Marie absorbs someone's powers, sometimes their personality traits overwhelm her. It’s easy to see why a murderous and vile villain like Victor Creed would have an immense effect on her.
Regardless of what I'd like to believe, Rogue likely did what she saw in her memories. The good news is that Erica Schultz will have plenty of twists and turns in this mini-series, and a brilliant explanation for what's going on.
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