CLAREMONT TALKS X-TREME 'SCHISM'

[Eric J. Moreels]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0103/Xtreme_Xmen_20.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0103/Xtreme_Xmen_20t.jpg" align=left alt="X-Treme X-Men #20 preview"></a>Early next year, relationships between Professor X's team of X-Men and the splinter group known as the X-Treme X-Men will be strained to breaking point in 'Schism', a four-issue story arc that will kick off in January's X-Treme X-Men #20 and continue through to March's issue #23.

According to series writer Chris Claremont, the catalyst for the arc is a young mutant who is accused of multiple murders.

"The victims and circumstances make this an automatic Death Penalty kind of case," revealed Claremont. "The mutant takes sanctuary in the Xavier School. Bishop and Sage go after him. Emma Frost has other ideas, and no intention whatsoever of giving him up to 'human' justice. However, there's a lot more involved than just an apparently simple case of murder and before they're through, the X-Treme team discovers not only some surprises and seminal truths about the history of Sage and Emma, but they also uncover a significant threat to the sanctity of the Mansion and the students therein (and ultimately to Xavier himself.) This encounter in turn introduces the X-Treme team's über-adversary for this year and sets in motion the chain of events that will re-define the team and draw some stark and indelible lines of demarcation between its goals and Xavier's."

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/1202/Xtreme_Xpose_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/1202/Xtreme_Xpose_2t.jpg" align=right alt="X-Treme X-Men: X-Pose #2 preview"></a>Claremont went on to tell X-Fan that the 2-issue X-Treme X-Men: X-Pose mini-series, which concludes next week, sets the stage for the X-Treme team in 2003.

"In effect, X-Pose lays part of the thematic foundation and serves as a 'bridge' between the questions raised in X-Treme X-Men #19 and the answers to be found starting in #20, about the roles and responsibilities of super-powered mutants in a society largely composed of people without powers," Claremont explained.

"With X-Treme, we have a group of mutants, former members of the X-Men, who've splintered off from the Xavier-centric element because of a fundamental difference in perception about the direction he's choosing for mutants and the X-Men. Where Xavier seems more and more oriented towards the care and empowerment of mutants - with an aim of building a new and hopefully egalitarian human society - the X-Treme team is concerned with the practical question of ensuring the world and human civilization survive to achieve that lofty goal. The best analogy is to the European assimilation of the Western hemisphere. Here is half the world, with established cultures and peoples, suddenly confronting an influx of more technologically advanced strangers from across the sea. Initially, the population differential between the natives and these immigrants was so extreme that their presence, at least in North America constituted no significant threat. South of the Rio Grade, of course, it was quite a different story. Same with mutants. Yes, some of the villains were pretty powerful but a handful of X-Men could deal with a handful of bad guys, no problem. The rest of the world could go on about its business without really noticing or caring."

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0203/Xtreme_xmen_21.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0203/Xtreme_xmen_21t.jpg" align=right alt="X-Treme X-Men #21 preview"></a>"However, as the increasing immigrant population of North America gradually and irrevocably tipped the scales against the native population - giving rise to the concept of 'manifest destiny' - the same is happening vis-à-vis mutants. A couple of trappers and mountain men wandering the prairie was no big deal. But when towns started sprouting up, when the buffalo was hunted almost to extinction, when the native tribes found themselves driven from their traditional lands by acquisitive ranchers and prospectors and homesteaders, that's a recipe for war. The same, to me, applies to the world of the X-Men. Suddenly, the non-mutant population of the world can no longer ignore the rapidly increasing numbers and power, and influence of the mutants in their midst. By the same token, those mutants no longer feel any pressure to hide what they are, much less restrain the use of their singular abilities. As I said, here is a recipe for violent conflict."

"Someone has to enforce the peace, and make everybody play nice with one another. That's where the X-Treme team come in, as Marshals on a new global frontier. Xavier's crew can work for the betterment of society in general; my guys are there to keep the peace. In large measure, that means protecting the world at large, and human society, from those mutants who'd do it harm, whether we're talking Magneto or some punk down the block with a mega-chip on his shoulder. X-Pose set the stage, in effect. 'Schism' represents the first act."

2003 will also see some new members joining the team, beginning with former New Mutant/X-Force/X-Men member Cannonball.

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/Xtreme_Xmen_22.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/Xtreme_Xmen_22t.jpg" align=right alt="X-Treme X-Men #22 preview"></a>"The core cast was, and remains, Storm, Sage, Bishop, Rogue and Gambit, with Cannonball to join up later, plus some surprises further down the road," Claremont teased. "That said, I'm taking advantage of what happened with Rogue and Gambit in #19 (the loss of their powers and their decision to take some quality time apart from the team) to focus on the others. Hopefully, any impact will be positive, as will the issues where we showcase the return of the absent characters, as will the issues where we introduce new characters."

Claremont also told X-Fan that readers haven't seen the last of former team members Thunderbird, Lifeguard, and Slipstream, who departed the book after the 'Invasion From Dimension X' arc. However, Claremont said that he's unsure whether or not their story will be resolved in the near future.

"Near future is an interesting concept, where X-Treme is concerned, since we seem to be a book surprisingly beset by forces beyond our direct control," said Claremont. "That decision now rests in the hands of the book's new editor, Mike Raicht, in concert with the already much-altered timeline which was originally proposed to former editor Andrew Lis. I mean, I could say sure but then we'd have to go into the definition of what we mean precisely by 'near future'. After all, in cosmic terms, a millenium is a comparatively small unit of time. So, to answer, I have plans to resolve the situation with those characters, but as to when we'll get there, that call is very much out of my hands. Stay tuned, and keep your fingers crossed."

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/XXM023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/XXM023t.jpg" align=right alt="X-Treme X-Men #23 preview"></a>'Schism' is also set to begin a series of six interlocking covers that will combine to form a larger image. Claremont told X-Fan that, due to changes in story order, the covers won't be presented sequentially.

"Since the structure of the initial arcs for 2003 has changed markedly since Salva {Larroca, series artist} proposed and penciled the covers, they won't be presented sequentially. For example, there's a character who isn't part of the über-cover but who will get a cover of her own for #23 because darn she just isn't the kind of gal anyone can say 'no' to!"

Whether the complete image will eventually be released as a poster remains to be seen.

Last but by certainly no means least, 'Schism' also sees the return of artist Salvador Larroca following the series' pre-emption for two months with the X-Pose mini.

"We have complete art in on #20 & #21 and so far as I've seen, Salva's picking up where he left off in terms of quality, only he's gotten even better," praised Claremont. "I couldn't be happier with the work and I can only hope the readers respond in kind."

Pre-order X-Treme X-Men online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=53&cat=X%2DTREME+X%2DMEN)

[xmanson2.0]

That Emma cover...wow!!!!

And more on Sage's past....and maybe her connections to Xavier....

And I liked the meging of the X simbol and the Hellfire Club one...very nice...

[Zachary Palisoc]

Wow, it all sounds so good! But by the way Chris says "near future" it sounds like he's expecting the book to get cancelled eventually, to me. I'm just probably misinterperting the content, but his plans really do sound very excellent.

And now I guess we know who's on the cover to issue #23. ;)

[Eric J. Moreels]

Originally posted by Zachary Palisoc
But by the way Chris says "near future" it sounds like he's expecting the book to get cancelled eventually, to me. I'm just probably misinterperting the content, but his plans really do sound very excellent.

Definitely misinterpreting the content there, Zach. Chris was just saying that he'll get around to it in the near future, it just all depends on what your definition of "near future" is! ;)

[Nubia]

WOW. 2003 looks like a great year for X-Treme. Although I enjoyed the search for the diaries sage, I think there new mission and object is more well defined (and interesting). I also like the somewhat smaller core team. It seems more cohesive.
I cant wait for their confrontation with Prof. X and Emma. Salva's Emma Frost cover is the best depiction I have seen of her, since the re-vamp. And they better make the other covers into a poster, 'cuss I would buy that 4 sure :)

[Judius]

Originally posted by Zachary Palisoc
Wow, it all sounds so good! But by the way Chris says "near future" it sounds like he's expecting the book to get cancelled eventually, to me.

No, no, it has to do with the constant change in editors. He can set a path with one editor but as has happened before, a new editor comes in and that set path is changed. He can set a path lets say for the return appearance of Lifeguard, T3, etc in 6 months but if there's yet another editorial change that goal of 6 months could suddenly change to 12 months. So when Chris refers to certain things happening in the near future, that "near future" can change from 6 months to 12 in an instant, he cant be precise because due to rotating editorial changes even he doesnt know.

[dredweezul]

Is it just me, or do these guys just keep getting better? WOW! I can't wait.

[Zachary Palisoc]

Originally posted by X-Fan
it just all depends on what your definition of "near future" is! ;)

My definition is about six months, LOL. :)

-Z

[Grave Architect]

I don't read X-Treme X-Men, and what I have I didn't like very much, but this looks promising. I'm glad that Claremont has chosen to accentuate the differences between this and New X-Men, and give logical reasons as to why his group are out on their own. I didn't really like the original "destiny's prophecies" mcguffin, I think this works a lot better and is more true to Chris' original 70s/80s X-writing. I'll check out, I think.

[Silverbolt]

Wow this all sounds so awsome. And that Emma cover WOW :O Im so glad Sal is back :D.



Rictor

[michael]

I was not going to get this story arc, i will now with what big things I am expecting from Claremonts writing.
claremont has reganed one of my most fav writers in comics in the past year with the whole search for destinys diarys storys.

[Nick Costanzo]

Its as if they took the thought right out of my brain. Xtreme and New, finally at odds with each other over real ideological differences. Should be pretty damn cool.

Nice Emma cover there too.

Gotta like the title too. Schism referrs to a group being split into factions because of conflict. It sounds to me like the two teams will be irrevoccably split apart once this is all over.

[Justin Braddock]

That Emma Frost cover looks absolutely amazing! I like how her outfit looks silvery. Kudos to Sal on the symbol in the background.

Chris has some very interesting ideas and I can't wait to see them put to paper with Salva illustrating.

Wasn't the 'mutant takes sanctuary' proposal not accepted a few months ago? Maybe with the new editor, he thought it was a good idea and decided to green light it.

Can't wait to see Sage's past and her connection to Emma and Charles.

Cannonball's joining. Cool. I hope Dani pops up.

[doctorx]

:O :D Awesome cover of Emma Frost!

Looks like Emma Frost definately won't be the one dying then in New X-Men since the "Riot at Xavier's" will be over by then...

[Justice Daye]

This is best x-book. CC has a distinguished and complete vision and idea of what his x-men should be. It's so succinct(sp?), whole, and intelligent. I really enjoy the way CC described the x-treme team as well(it's similar to the power and strength i try to describe my writings with). I could tell I was listening to a writer. You could almost feel his passion for the characters. I really didn't understand the appeal of his early x-men because i wasn't around then, but now, I know. I'm a little inspired. It's just great. I love this book more than before.

P.S.-I WANT MORE LIFEGUARD and even JUBES AND DAZZLER. Have I mentioned I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!

And was I the only one whose tongue hit the carpet after seeing that Rmma cover?

[MaggottFanMan]

Oh boy! I can't wait for Schism, it sounds like it is going to be very interesting. I also really like the new direction, it is much more defined. I also love the cast, though I would love to see Maggott picked up along the way. I doubt we will ever see it, but I can sure as heck dream!

[Joey Meyers]

Wow, this sounds incredibly cool! I'm only minorly bummed about one thing: I was hoping, provided that if the speculation is true that Cannonball will be part of that cover/poster mosaic, that Sam's cover would be #23, but alas it's not. Here's hoping for #25!

Oh well, I'm still definetely going to be buying this arc, it sounds very fascinating.

[the_neptune]

Claremont also told X-Fan that readers haven't seen the last of former team members Thunderbird, Lifeguard, and Slipstream, who departed the book after the 'Invasion From Dimension X' arc

Well heres some real good news. Im glad they wont just disappear off the books forever. Their (espec Neals) story needs to be told dammit! Thanks Chris for this confirmation! Brownfirex should be happy!!

And ver nice Emma cover btw sal!!

[crawler_17]

Whoa! I like this Scism thing sounds cool. Cannonball yes!!!!! Clearmont Larroca is an awesome combo.

And that Emma is the best I've ever seen of her, I just don't care for Frank Quitely's art.

Core team sounds good. I hope Gambit and Rouge get their powers back. If not I'm gonna be p*ssed.

I really hope that gets put on a poster, I would definetly buy it.

:D :D :D :D :D

[Hellion]

That has got to be the best cover I have ever seen! Emma has never looked better. Way to go Salvador, and welcome back.

[roguestorm]

wow emma's cover looks great!!!!!!!!!!!! and ah can't wait for emma and sage interraction.

[Fusion]

Originally posted by kotsin
So Chris has plans for Lifeguard, Slipstream and T Bird? Cool, Iknow they might not show up right away but he'll keep them in mind for stories in the near future which i think will be a year or so from when the Schism arc starts. Bad things are coming for the X-Treme team and it's coming from the Mansion so I think it'll be a splinter cell from Kid Omega's Riot and it would lead into CC's planned Mutant Civil War.
Good to see Chris has revealed his memebers list which will be Storm, Sage, Bishop, Rogue, Gambit and upcoming Cannonball also he mentioned some surprises along the way so maybe a new member (Dani Moonstar, Jubilee or Kitty) and possibly new characters (hopefully not another TBird).

And the Emma cover....WOW!!!!

Chuck (Austen), mentioned that Jubilee will appear in another book, this could be it, I just hope Dani is also along for the ride.

[NicholasRogue]

AHHH!!! Emma darling you look marvelous! Sal can we not tell you how much you rock!!! CC, I'm loving you're ideas here man sounds awesome. Glad Rogue and Gambit will be back and the covers definitely need to be made into a poster, C'mon I need it in my room badly!!! Can't wait to see Rogue's! Is another New Mutant member joining besides Cannonball, I heard Dani would be a possibility, I wouldn't mind it, no offense, but I'm glad that Thunderbird, Lifeguard, and Slipstream will be put on the backburner for awhile, I like this team's characters so much better! Schism - just like the protestant and catholic or was it orthodox and catholic churches that split, oh well, I hope they still keep in touch with Jean and I so wanna see a smackdown b/n Emma and Sage and I wanna see Emma get her diamond skinned butt pulverized, SAGE STYLE!!! LOl:D :sage:

[POW]

I have to agree.. That Emma Frost cover looks hella-wicked. The only thing I really find funny is that Mr. Claremont is trying to set the X-treme team apart from the other X-teams (And Xavier's dream) but in essence the X-tremers are more the living embodiment of Xavier's dream then Cyclops or Archangel's teams. Isn't it ironic.. dontcha think?

POW!

[NicholasRogue]

Never thought of it that way, but in a way the X-Treme team is, cool!

[Narky705]

emma's camel toe lives!

[doctorx]

Was Andrew Lis fired or did he quit?

[Stormy]

OMG I can't get enough of that Emma cover! X-treme's core cast of five is great, and I can't wait to see how these new members fit in.

But it seems to me that Xtreme's "new mission" is just the same old 'fight the big bad mutants' they've been doing since the 60s. Keeping the peace? Doesn't seem that different to me.

[xstormfan]

wOW!!!!!!!! i'm really looking forward to x-treme in"03"
all of his plans sound fantastic and i hope storm and emma have a confrontation!!!!!

[DeadmanWade]

i was hoping sunspot would be the new member..beautiful frost cover.

[smoque]

This is so candy that he took time to give such good explanations and plot descriptions.

I love that cover. (I want this as a poster, too.
And....it has Sage time.

[David Santee]

:O

Where's the drool smiley!

This cover is incredible...I definatly can't say no to it....

http://www.angelfire.com/comics/smashogre/Wallpaper_emma.jpg

(bloody Anglefire! cut and paste that URL to get the wallpaper)

[anthomaniac1023]

sounds good. i'm getting excited about the schism story. love that emma cover

[Jorge Ramiro]

Emma :love: she's so Heather Locklear in that picture , I love chris writing Emma for a while... What I'm not very happy is the "near future" thing I'd like to see Heather and Davis again but I have the feeling that the editors won't like it.

"The victims and circumstances make this an automatic Death Penalty kind of case"

just academic curiosity , what kind of circunstances make it so? I'd like to see how mutant activities have repercutions towards law , anybody thought that If there's a Military jurisdiction , there would be logical a Mutant Jurisdiction , too. Regular laws don't affect mutants very much.

[David Santee]

Originally posted by Wildbull
....just academic curiosity , what kind of circunstances make it so? I'd like to see how mutant activities have repercutions towards law , anybody thought that If there's a Military jurisdiction , there would be logical a Mutant Jurisdiction , too. Regular laws don't affect mutants very much.

It depends on the state the crime was committed. Most states have the death penelty for killing a police officier or a witness to a crime. Many states consider all Murder one (a pre-planned killing) enough to sentance a person to death. There are a few states that don't have the death penalty, and at least one that is reviewing it's policy.

[Unicorn_Pegasus]

Emma Dahling has Nevah looked Bettah! :) Mmmmm. :D

[BJR]

So excited! Storm, Bishop, Sage, Rogue, Gambit and Cannonball! Yes! And an awesome Emma cover! X-Treme rocks!
(That is a lot of exclamation marks.) But I am thrilled!

[Dragon]

I think i'm in love...with that Emma cover..

[x-man17]

I think im going to start picking this up. That's the best Emma Frost i 've seen

[AskaniSage]

The upcoming crossover storyline with Emma sounds like a dream come true! I am sooooooooooooooooooo glad that Tessa and Emma will meet up again.

Plus that Emma cover is stunning!!! The best she has ever looked!!

Leep up the great work CC!

[Wolverine]

WOW! look at the cover of the White Queen!. Hot hot HOT! X-treme will continue to impress in 2003 it seems

[Beyerstein]

the covers together (http://members.aol.com/jbeyerstein/images/xtreme.jpg)

[brownfirex]

WEll Im glad CC resolved who will be the core cast and that they newbies: Tbird, Lifeguard, and Slipstream will be also recurring.
So like Isaid to all you newbie haters "Im laughing in your face becasue its not the last of this trio!" No limbo here! :heh:

But Im excited that we will see other former X-Men. I hoipe to see Sunspot, more Sunfire, banshee, and may be the Mimic - I hope.

But is this the role of X-corps?


:tbird: :sunfire:

[smoque]

Originally posted by X-Fan

... said Claremont. "That decision now rests in the hands of the book's new editor, Mike Raicht, in concert with the already much-altered timeline which was originally proposed to former editor Andrew Lis. ...So, to answer, I have plans to resolve the situation with those characters, but as to when we'll get there, that call is very much out of my hands.
...Claremont told X-Fan that, due to changes in story order, the covers won't be presented sequentially.

"Since the structure of the initial arcs for 2003 has changed markedly since Salva {Larroca, series artist} proposed and penciled the covers, they won't be presented sequentially.



If I didn't know that the artists were placed in different geographical places, I could easily imagine a mind-fogged Monday morning, everyone with clipboards and coffee, going over giant wipe-off wall calenders as to what charactor is doing what in which comic, and what everyone has to gear towards to make an end result that synchs with everything else. It would be like
putting together a jigsaw puzzle that keeps changing as you go.
It seems as if they are lining everything to synch with everything else, the development of each story depending on what's happening in other stories.
Gad, this would give me a headache, to have an idea, then have to rework it to line up with other ideas.
It puts a twist on "the picking of a daisy disturbs the farthest star."

[Ken Kneisel]

:O

Whoah!! :eek:

*speechless*

I don't even know where to begin!

First off and most obviously, that Emma cover... Wow! :love: (Who colored that? Is it Liquid!? It looks different somehow.)

I love all the talk of real world politics! I can't wait to see X-Treme X-Men get relevant!

The talk of the next big villain for the upcoming year is pretty exciting too. I was just thinking earlier tonight that the X-Treme team would do well with a political villain, like a modern Senator Kelly. Could this be it?

Oh and I'm thrilled to hear that we'll be finding out some secrets about Sage and Emma's past. Hellfire Club stuff makes me squirm! :}

In short, this will rock. I'm convinced of that now. :yes: Any doubts I may have had are now officially obliterated.

[Kevin Woodside]

Yowza! Love that Emma Frost cover!

(sigh) Sal's so good and on a consistent basis.

Story sounds great. Love that CC!

~W~

[Anthony Cordova]

Two words. Swa and Eet. ;)

It should be interesting to see how Cannonball fits into this team - his ideas are similar to the X-Treme team's, but his methods are much better suited to New X-Men.

[HavokX]

Emma hasn't looked that good in a looooong time! Go Sal! And it's going to be very nice to have Mr. Claremont writing Ms. Frost again. I can't wait! 'Schism' is going to rock!

[junkeeb]

Hopefully, any impact will be positive, as will the issues where we showcase the return of the absent characters, as will the issues where we introduce new characters.

Well I definitely do not see having Rogue exiled from the next four issues of X-Treme as positive. :(

Sigh...

[Andy James]

WOW! That Emma cover is Awesome. Id love it if Sal and CC took over New X Men one day!
Well 2003 sounds just as good as 2002 for X Treme! Sage and Emmas past sghould be excellent and CC finaly reveals that Rogue and Gambit are definitly returning. Im really glad T Bird, Slipstream and Lifeguard will be eventually returning too

[atxbomber]

Ken Kneisel, in the future please remember that this is an all ages board, and comments such as the one that was edited above, however innocent and well meaning, are not allowed.

[Chris Eight]

Sounds cool... Bring on 2003, lest hope it's a good year for X-treme

[Eric J. Moreels]

Originally posted by doctorx
Was Andrew Lis fired or did he quit?

?! Wherever did you get that idea. Andrew is still working at Marvel, he's just not editing X-Treme any more. Mike Raicht is.

[Jorge Ramiro]

Yes , we need to know lots of things about how Sage feels towards Sage and Xavier and I hope Schism is the arc to see them.
As for the new main villian, who? it would be fun to see a villian combo "All new Villian+ Classical villian".

Will Cannonball join at the Mansion , seeing how he relates more with the Xtreme team philosophy?

[-D O M I N O-]

ooo 2003 looks like its gonne ba an amazing time for xtreme, and hey we get to see old characters reintroduced and new ones too:) maybe this is the long awaited return of cece reyes who can no longer appear in uncanny because another riter had plans

[Vampyr]

o.o I love Emma. I love that cover. I need more Emma. Emma will rock in X-Treme. ^_^

[Dazzler130]

I would give anything to be that glove in Emma' mouth!

Alan :banana:

[doctorx]

QUOTE]?! Wherever did you get that idea. Andrew is still working at Marvel, he's just not editing X-Treme any more. Mike Raicht is.[/QUOTE]

I meant with respect to X-Treme X-Men, X-Fan, not Marvel. I mean was he taken off X-Treme X-Men, or did he voluntarily leave the title?

[number1958]

Salva's done two more issues of X-Treme while doing the Elektra story too? What a trooper! And to think the book's going to come out twice a month after that!

[emesem]

I just hope we get the mature, grown up cannonball from X-force and not the "golly gee willikers", "ma'am", "I'll never be a real xman" idiot that was cannonball last time he was in a core book...

I hope hes not in there to be the young innocent POV character (again)....its been done to death (and not well since Jubs)

Remember he retro'd Kitty back to a virgin.....

[theory]

good emma cover, so the six covers wont be coming out sequentially? im thinking theyll leave out the cannonball cover, if there is one. well, its good to see the xxm team still branched away from xaviers, im glad they chose not to return in issue 19.

[Allison Wright]

All the current plans sound extremely (no oun intended) cool. I'm actually glad that the new people going going to be "back" are at least explained a bit. It's a pet peeve of mine when characters disappear into limbo no one ever mentions them agai.

Gambit and Rogue are going to be back, Hurray!

Philosophical differences, this could be very interesting. Maybe Cannoball will come over as a result of the split.

Hate to be contrary to everyone else about the Emma cover...it is beautifully drawn, I will say that. At least she's wearing pants.

[meek?]

Originally posted by Narky705
emma's camel toe lives!

LOL! :D

:cool: Peace...

[PsiWar]

what an amazing premise.

i like that.

as for Sal's version of Emma...it's nice.

what i love is the Adam Hughes' one.

[russbrett77]

Originally posted by emesem
Remember he retro'd Kitty back to a virgin.....

Two questions:

When was it stated that Kitty lost her virginity?

When was it stated that she had not?

[Joey Meyers]

Originally posted by russbrett77
Two questions:

When was it stated that Kitty lost her virginity?

When was it stated that she had not?

My knowledge of Ellis Excaliber isn't exactly the best, but I _think_ that although it wasn't explicitly mentiond on-panel (I don't think it was anyway,), Ellis had said to fans that he had considered Pete and Kitty to be uh.."intimate", if you catch my drift, and that they had doe so many times. I do think it had been subtly hinted at, but again, my knowlege of Ellis Excaliber is rather shoddy.

As for when it was stated that she was not, I believe it was during Claremont's revolution period. But then again, for all I know it could have been mentioned sooner.

[ArchangelX]

I think it's a bit odd yet cool bringing Cannonball on the team. He appeared in X-corps along with Proudstar, but what ever happened to Meltdown & Jesse Bedlam?
I had hoped it was Moonstar coming to the team that any other New Mutant.
Is it definate that it IS Cannonball?

[tminusone]

ok i've just finished reading chris' interview. i must say i'm looking forward to the new direction. the concept appears fresh and well thought out. i'm loving, absolutlely loving, the revaped cast. i've always liked tessa as a character even when she was with shaw and i've looked forward to learningg more about her and to hear/read a possible connection to emma? hmmm

i like the idea of a shorter storyline also. "Invasion" was abit too long and drawn out for me but the old adage goes "you cant please everyone all the time". "schism" however seems to be just the kick in the pants the x-universe needed. not everything xavier does should be met with open arms and not everything that is done is done without consequences, no matter how good the intention. the rift between the two teams is a much needed rift. it helps to seperate the two books and gives each its own voice. i've always looked forward to x-treme but now i'm more than eager to see how events unfold.

cannonball joining the team? great choice of underused characters. sam could use a good fleshing out now that he's grown past the "farm-boy" stage. i'd really like to see chris' take on him now that he's an adult.

rogue and gambit back? be very interesting to see how the two play their part after all they've been through, especially with gambit harboring a bit of resentment towards rogue as it seemed in the last ish of x-treme before the break.

storm and bishop back again? this duo of co-leaders works for me although i'd like to see bishop step up and take more control of the team, especially with the new "mutant enforcer's" type of role the team is taking. with his training in the x.s.e this is one job he can do with his eyes closed.

promise of new charcter(s)? i'm looking forward to it. chris has great ability to create interstesting characters and his knack for good character interaction is something that i hope his editors will explore. i'd like to see all of the characters fleshed out more.

lastlyi'd like to say Sal.. you are the man! i noticed you when you were doing ghostrider and gained a tremendous amout of respect for you and your work ethic. you and chris are definetely a team to beat. from the fantastic 4 to x-treme you and chris have done nothing but set the bar for a good creative team. i'm loving the designs for the x-treme team and that emma frost pic.. whoa nelly!!

[wowie]

When i first saw that Emma cover in its compressed version, I thought it was an old cover done by the art team from Gen X (Terry Dodson?) and thought "hmmm...he improved a whole lot"

Imagine my surprise when i clicked the link and it's the cover to an upcoming X-treme X-men issue.

*does his best Molly Shannon (SNL) impersonation*

I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT

Anyways, so the fugitive is a male adolescent. So that can't be Hecate (as others including moi) have speculated?

[NicholasRogue]

This new storyline rumors seem to be attracting more people to X-Treme X-Men, and all I have to say is it's about time people!

[wowie]

Originally posted by Spriteguy16
This new storyline rumors seem to be attracting more people to X-Treme X-Men, and all I have to say is it's about time people!

Yup. And i'm doing my part :) by posting links to the article (and to the covers) to other messageboards to spread the word.

[NicholasRogue]

Originally posted by wowie
Yup. And i'm doing my part :) by posting links to the article (and to the covers) to other messageboards to spread the word.

Good job wowie, we'll convert the heathens lol.!!!

[Jackraow21]

Well, I'm gonna give it a shot. But as soon as T-bird, Lifeguard, or Slipstream show back up I'm dropping this book again. Hopefully that won't be for awhile since the new direction does have me intrigued and I'm excited about the addition of Cannonball.

[Feedback]

I just hope that CC doesn't try to de-age Sam as he did Kitty...............

[Feedback]

Question:

It's stated that the 6 covers will join to create one large image, correct? well #20, #21 & #22 do however when you look at issue #23 (emma) it dosen't fit????? are they skipping an issue? did I miss something?

[wowie]

Originally posted by Feedback
Question:

It's stated that the 6 covers will join to create one large image, correct? well #20, #21 & #22 do however when you look at issue #23 (emma) it dosen't fit????? are they skipping an issue? did I miss something?

Chris says this regarding that very error

"Since the structure of the initial arcs for 2003 has changed markedly since Salva {Larroca, series artist} proposed and penciled the covers, they won't be presented sequentially."

[Eric J. Moreels]

Originally posted by Feedback
Question:

Feedback, please don't double post. If you want to add something else to the conversation after you've just posted, please go back and edit your previous post. Thanks.

[cowtron_2000]

cant wait to get these issues

[Zachary J. Morrison]

WOW! That Emma cover for X-Treme X-Men looks kewl. I hope we get to find out more about both Sage and Emma's past :)

[IcemanX]

I have been reading X-Treme X-Men since I got back into comics again a few months ago, I like the book but the "Schism" arc sounds fantastic and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival.
I love Sal's art! I only wish he could do the same for my favorite title, Uncanny.
Anywya, back to topic, the story soundsgreat and I love the fact that X-Treme will be at odds with the rest of the X teams. That should make for interesting run-ins when they meet up and any altercations with the other teams would be extra cool. Nothing like family dysfunction to perk up the readers ;)

[Kahio]

Well i agree with everything everyone has said, Chris is set to take the book to new levels of awesome, along with Salva of course (How the hell is this man not considered a top artist by wizard is beyond me...)

O and the Emma cover, the best emma version since the revamp, the costume has never looked so good...

One more thing i have a few questions

- Is it certain that Rogue and Gambit are set to return? Everyone is expecting them to take up the other two cover slots, but Gambit was never actually a member, so can he actually return!? Plus if they do get onto the covers, i hope it's seperatly and no together...

- AND that fire behind strom on her cover, is it her doing or do we think that might be cannonball from on top!? Will she have her powers back...?

k.

[xmanson2.0]

CC said that Rogue and Remy would be in the next arc, called Intifada.

[NicholasRogue]

Originally posted by xmanson2.0
CC said that Rogue and Remy would be in the next arc, called Intifada.

I wonder what that's gonna be about? CC did say that not this year but later on we might see the return of Khan.

[Crazy-A]

Wow! Awesome cover! I have just been WAITING for Sal to draw Emma Frost! As for XXM, sounds pretty good. I think I'm gonna enjoy seeing just 4 people on the team (go Cannonball!) More screen time for each. And did I read that we're gonna see Emma and Sage's Hellfire connections? Way cool! As for the missing team members, I'd like to see Rogue, Gambit, and Thunderbird back, but not right away. I'm not sure about Lifeguard and Slipstream though. And Khan may return? I didn't really like him. The next story arc's gonna be an intifada huh? Don't they have a holy war thing going in UXM? But I guess this will be different since the Church of Humanity seems Christian. All in all, looks like CC has loads in store. I must admit my interest in XXM has weakened but I have a feeling I'm gonna be getting back into it.

[Drackdallion]

I really love The way Claremont and Larroca have been driving this truck!!! they are great. The Emma image es THE best Emma I´ve EVER seen. The other Emma I liked has been the Van sciver one. I can´t wait to see Samuel join. Hopefully we´ll get to see Kitty or Jubilee or Moonstar join this coming year.

[Drackdallion]

And I would really love to see him handle Chamber wich is a character with amazing potential. Dark, moody, tragic and still youthfull. great power also.

[Jason Alan]

Originally posted by Drackdallion
And I would really love to see him handle Chamber wich is a character with amazing potential. Dark, moody, tragic and still youthfull. great power also.

That would be interesting, but I just don't see it. I would imagine that CC is more prone to bringing in former New Mutants than former Gen Xers.

[Rogue1969]

Originally posted by Judius
No, no, it has to do with the constant change in editors. He can set a path with one editor but as has happened before, a new editor comes in and that set path is changed. He can set a path lets say for the return appearance of Lifeguard, T3, etc in 6 months but if there's yet another editorial change that goal of 6 months could suddenly change to 12 months. So when Chris refers to certain things happening in the near future, that "near future" can change from 6 months to 12 in an instant, he cant be precise because due to rotating editorial changes even he doesnt know.

You're also dealing with the master of the dangling plotline!! ;) :D ;) :p

Remember some of his "to be resolved" storylines lasted over ten years during his first run on Uncanny - and still haven't been answered - so near future could be anywhere from a month to oh say a decade or so. LOL;)

[Kahio]

how long is this arc anyway? (i.e. how long before rogue and remy come back;)) Will the other 3 come back in the next arc, or do we still not know????

k.

[Rogue#1]

This arc will be 4 issues long now that's 3 months since in March X-Treme goes bi-weekly so I guess they might come back after that

[Sage4ever]

Does X-treme stay bi-weekly after March or is this just because of the 13 issues a year deal? Chris said that plans were afoot to give X-treme 18 issues a year but do we have any concrete answers on this? Chris?

[Roguefan]

I must admit that I'm really looking forward to this arc. All the stuff that's been mentioned about it is just too juicy to be missed. I personally can't wait. And to top it all, we're gonna get some new background on Tessa.

Roll on 2003!

And that Emma cover - if it gets any hotter, then there gonna have to slap a Marvel MAX tag on it and wrap it in vacuum packed plastic!

[g_whiz]

One word. CHERRY. This is concept of the X-treme crew becoming marshalls of the new world order, namely the drastically increasing mutant population, is one of the most interesting ideas I've heard in a while.

First: I am absolutley jazzed to be having good old Sam Guthrie tapped to be on this team. He's been present for a lot of odd incarnations, X-Men wise, (Magneto running the school in Xavier's absence, Cable taking over etc, X-Force's black ops moments) and should prove to be a very interesting perspective. I just want to see his character designs already!!!

Second: This "Schism" story arch sounds amazing, and as much as I'm all about fighting the status quo, the idea of a conflict between Xavier and Storm makes me a little antsy. But still, conflict is inevitable, and Emma and Sage I can't imagine playing nice...this should be a very revealing course of events...

Finally: It looks like CC is going to be keeping very tight lipped about the future additions to the team's cast. Which is sooo very unfair....I hate waiting for news when its this good! But at any rate, X-treme looks like its found a fascinating direction worthy of the characters its showcasing. Can't wait to get started.

G

[BJR]

X-Treme is back in a major way!

Happy Holidays!

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by Stormy
OMG I can't get enough of that Emma cover! X-treme's core cast of five is great, and I can't wait to see how these new members fit in.

But it seems to me that Xtreme's "new mission" is just the same old 'fight the big bad mutants' they've been doing since the 60s. Keeping the peace? Doesn't seem that different to me.

Dear Stormy:

The point is, since none of the other titles seem to be focusing on that aspect of the core X-Canon "mission statement," it leaves a firly conspicuous conceptual vacuum. And since writers abhor a vacuum almost as much as nature does, it seemed logical to fill it.

Think of it as "classic" vision, as opposed to its alternative.

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[wowie]

Mr. Claremont,

will you be providing (X-fan or some other site) with conceptual art for Cannonball and the other upcoming characters from the book (hecate)?

Speaking of Hecate, she's gotten really popular (among X-treme fans) and we still don't know anything about her, save that she's somehow connected to Lucas.

Can't wait for January to roll in :D

[brownfirex]

Originally posted by Jackraow21
Well, I'm gonna give it a shot. But as soon as T-bird, Lifeguard, or Slipstream show back up I'm dropping this book again. Hopefully that won't be for awhile since the new direction does have me intrigued and I'm excited about the addition of Cannonball.

yeah like i said Im laughing at yeah- so drop out like Lott drops outta the lead Senatorial position! Ha! :heh:


The dam old fool should never had try to go on BET- It must be in the water. :D

[AngelinLeather]

You have to love the way this man speaks! So eloquent(sp) and wise. This is why he is one of my favorite writers and always will be. Chris and Fabain N. They make you care. Such passion in their writeing. If I had to make a choice I would give up all other books for this one its just so good. Plus I am so happy Gambit will be a for sure regular(if the editors dont change again), he is my favorite character. I just cant wait!

[gyrgatus]

Originally posted by g_whiz
One word. CHERRY. This is concept of the X-treme crew becoming marshalls of the new world order, namely the drastically increasing mutant population, is one of the most interesting ideas I've heard in a while.

First: I am absolutley jazzed to be having good old Sam Guthrie tapped to be on this team. He's been present for a lot of odd incarnations, X-Men wise, (Magneto running the school in Xavier's absence, Cable taking over etc, X-Force's black ops moments) and should prove to be a very interesting perspective. I just want to see his character designs already!!!
yes! character designs please! :D and i'm hoping that he not be treated as an "amateur" but be considered as a full-fledged x-man


Second: This "Schism" story arch sounds amazing, and as much as I'm all about fighting the status quo, the idea of a conflict between Xavier and Storm makes me a little antsy. But still, conflict is inevitable, and Emma and Sage I can't imagine playing nice...this should be a very revealing course of events...


well, i'm hoping for more of a conflict that canot be avoided at times. not as if they want to just contardict the "new x-men's" or xavier's mission or something

Finally: It looks like CC is going to be keeping very tight lipped about the future additions to the team's cast. Which is sooo very unfair....I hate waiting for news when its this good! But at any rate, X-treme looks like its found a fascinating direction worthy of the characters its showcasing. Can't wait to get started.

G

Yep me too! ;)

[Cannonball775]

Merry Christmas!!!

Seeing this article made my holiday even better. I love the direction X-Treme is heading in. X-Treme vs. New....Yes!!! I've wanted to see that for so long. Sage and Emma.......even better and Cannonball....Yes, Yes, Yes, I knew it!!! I just hope I can see some Cannonball art by Salva REALLY soon, so if you know of any, tell me!!!


Thanks
Happy Holidays,
Cannonball775

[g_whiz]

Man, its astounding how consistantly Mr. Larocca's pencils improve. He and Mr. Claremont have got to be one of my favorite creative teams. And who can say this direction isn't completley brilliant? Xavier and the cast of New X-Men can devote their considerable talents to leading and training the "New World Order", but somebody's going to have to make sure they toe the proverbial line, right? I imagine the arguments that will come between the two schools of thought, will be mostly ideological or come up about the execution of said ideals, and those sort of clashes are bound to happen. THe title "Schism" doesn't bring to mind the concept of compromise though... This rift between Storm, the X-treme team, and Xavier's camp, will it be permanent? Also, will the team be relocating due to their ireconsialable (sp) differences? (If so, where to?) Hm. Musings, musings. Certianly a lot to speculate. January is going to be a good month. :D

G

[Benjamin Ong]

"'Schism' is only the beginning." --- Chris Claremont

Originally posted by Chris Claremont (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11182&perpage=15&display=&pagenumber=181)

Folks:

A couple of general points about X-pose #2:

If anyone bothered to look closely at Page 1, they might perhaps notice that it's the cover to TV Guide, with the headline title (I believe, since I don't have a copy of the issue handy), "The Story they Couldn't Kill."

Now -- imagine if you will that "60 Minutes" was going to do a story on, say, tobacco that the company most directly impacted by the story felt was biased and unfair. Suppose that company put pressure -- CEO to CEO -- on the network (CBS) to kill or modify the story? Suppose the network, yielding to that persuasion, or pressure, or what-have-you, caved? Is this a good thing? Is this an admirable use of corporate power or influence? Is this what the Founding Fathers of our Republic had in mind when they crafted the First Amendment to the Constitution -- bearing in mind there's a reason this particular Amendment is *First"*?

Could Phil D'antoni's story be construed as racist? Quite possibly. The point Warren made to Storm was that he intended killing the story whether it was Phil's version of Neal & Manoli's more traditional reporting; Phil's subjective slant only made his job easier. His point to her was that the X-Men had evolved to the point where they desired to present a unified, coherent message through the media to the general public; random, uncoordinated infodumps were, to his eyes, counter-productive and to be discouraged. His attitude is perfectly consistent with that of any mainstream corporate CEO; information is another tool or rsource or weapon, to be deployed as needed and under strict controls.

To such perceptions, the very concept of a free and untrammeled, and often inconvenient, press is antithetical. And yet -- and here is Storm's point of view -- the very act of attempting to rationally manage the news (especially in such a manner as this) creates the impression in the audience that there's something to hide.

The ominous trend that may possibly be at work here is the natural tendency of a large and influential organization -- no matter how noble its intentions -- to start acting like a bureaucracy, and one of the first thing sacrificed in such a circumstance are the rights and freedoms of the individual. A free-spirit who would be tolerated in a group of a half-dozen characters operating clandestinely out of a mansion in Westchester might be considered an unacceptable iconvenience in a cadre of dozens, if not hundreds, with global resources and outreach.

I've seen it posited that the Extreme characters are being unfair in their assessment of Charley and his team, that they have no right to call themselves "X-Men." That's an easy and facile presumpion for a reader to make, with access to *all* the series and a global awareness of every facet of the characters' lives. But to the characters themselves, who have only scattered bits of evidence on which to base their decisions, it isn't so simple.

Why should the X-treme team trust Xavier for an instant? On the basis of past history and relationships? Excuse me, but Charley was replaced by his "evil twin" for the better part of a year with not even those closest to him knowing the difference. Now we -- and they -- have only Charley's word that things have all been put right in his world once more. How do we know that's true? How do we know that Emma and the Cuckoos were (a) successful or (b) not pursuing some as yet unrevealed agenda of their own? How do we know they weren't all fooled a second time and it's really Cassandra still in possession of Charley's body and Charley in "prison." Sure, we have Grant's story to tell us (the readers) what is or is not true, but the characters themselves don't have that luxury. They actually have some significant rationale for being more than a tad paranoid.

The world makes sense to us because our perception of it is significantly more complete than the characters'; to them, it is a far less comfortable place, certainly for the X-treme team. And starting in a couple of weeks, you'll see where that begins to lead them.

"Schism" is only the beginning.

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[Angela Orosco]

This X-treme Schism arc should be crossed over with New X-men Riot At Xavier's arc because they both have 4 issues to the arc and they both take place in the school about murders and students. Why are they both identical? Which writer is copying from whom? Only time will tell.

[Zachary Palisoc]

Angela, here's the answer to your question:

http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?postid=381840#post381840

As you see, there is no "copying" whatsoever.

[g_whiz]

Now, I'd meant to ask this earlier, but, does anyone know when everybody's favorite bottle rocket boy (namely Cannonball) is supposed to join X-Treme offically? I'm just curious if he's supposed to do so at the end of the "Schism" arc, or later on... the sooner the better, I'm really amped for his appearence :D