Uncanny X-Men # 303
The Legacy Virus claims it's first victim in a profoundly emotional tale of loss by Scott Lobdell and guest artist Richard Bennett, told through the perspective of Jubilation Lee, also known as Jubilee. Jubilee and Kitty Pryde do their best to comfort Illyana Rasputin as she quickly succumbs to the virus, while Professor X and Dr. Moira MacTaggert clamor to find
a way to slow infection.
At the time of it's printing in June of 1993, Illyana Rasputin fans fought to prevent the release of the storyline, arguing that sacrificing the character was merely a feeble plot to make the Legacy Virus concept appear more threatening. There is a certain level of validity in their claims, but the tale is nonetheless both well-written, and well-executed. The story works
by telling it through the inner dialogue of a relative stranger to Illyana, allowing the other X-Men to enlighten the girl about the child's prior history before the inevitable "pulling the plug" climax. It also serves to teach a lesson in embracing life in the shadow of death. Many considered Bennett's artwork in this issue to be a bantamweight reflection of Jim Lee's drawing style.
I happen to be one of those individuals who fought for Magik back in 1993. I understand the creators wanted to make an emotional impact on readers, but the whole concept seemed shocking for the sake of being just that. The irrevocable dismissal of a beloved character for the proverbial "pulling of the heart strings" effect was a very poor choice in my opinion. However, it does parallel life in that respect, and is one of the truths not only Jubilee learns from the experience, but the readers as well. I give it the four out of five stars the story deserves.
a way to slow infection.
At the time of it's printing in June of 1993, Illyana Rasputin fans fought to prevent the release of the storyline, arguing that sacrificing the character was merely a feeble plot to make the Legacy Virus concept appear more threatening. There is a certain level of validity in their claims, but the tale is nonetheless both well-written, and well-executed. The story works
by telling it through the inner dialogue of a relative stranger to Illyana, allowing the other X-Men to enlighten the girl about the child's prior history before the inevitable "pulling the plug" climax. It also serves to teach a lesson in embracing life in the shadow of death. Many considered Bennett's artwork in this issue to be a bantamweight reflection of Jim Lee's drawing style.
I happen to be one of those individuals who fought for Magik back in 1993. I understand the creators wanted to make an emotional impact on readers, but the whole concept seemed shocking for the sake of being just that. The irrevocable dismissal of a beloved character for the proverbial "pulling of the heart strings" effect was a very poor choice in my opinion. However, it does parallel life in that respect, and is one of the truths not only Jubilee learns from the experience, but the readers as well. I give it the four out of five stars the story deserves.
