As the catalyst for a 40-issue stretch that shifted the X-Man, Storm, to operating in the field without the use of her powers--a period that for readers lasted over three years, but only a few months in X-Men time--Uncanny X-Men #185 has a good deal more to offer for those following the progress of Rogue, the newest X-Man who joined under protest and still isn't sure that she belongs in the company of heroes. Adding to her conflicting feelings is the fact that Charles Xavier hasn't been able to help her in controlling either her powers, or the emotions and memories of Carol Danvers which now permanently exist in tandem with her own, a failure which probably astonishes anyone familiar with Xavier's abilities; after all, for such a powerful telepath, who can manipulate thoughts as adeptly as you or I might rearrange furniture, isolating Carol's thoughts while giving Rogue's dominance should be child's play. This was the man who psychically kept Dark Phoenix in check within Jean Grey, for pity's sake.
So this story serves to put Rogue in perspective, for readers and for herself, in setting her on the path to becoming an X-Man in not just name but in deed. Crucial to that shift for the character are the actions of Storm, the X-Man who had strongly opposed Rogue's addition to the team (to the point of issuing an ultimatum) but has grown to care for the welfare of this young woman who has proven herself with them. Though the excellent cover by John Romita Jr. might have us thinking that, for Rogue, the feeling isn't mutual!
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