Exiles #82

Background

The Exiles have met Kevin MacTaggert, aka the reality-bending mutant known as Proteus, which resulted in his possession of Mimic's body. Using his abilities, Proteus traveled to the alternate dimension known as the New Universe where he discarded Mimic's withered husk for that of John Tensen, aka Justice. His next jaunt was to the 2099 universe where he took over the body of Hulk 2099. Feeling the power, Proteus sought out a more powerful version for an upgrade; that of the Maestro. What he got instead was Morph, whose malleable form was able to compensate for the parasitic effect Proteus had on his hosts. Misdirected to Counter Earth while attempting to return to his home reality of the House of M (now reverted back to normal continuity), he attempted to turn the Young Allies against the Exiles as he did with the Squadron Supreme. The Allies realized their mistake just as Proteus was whisked away by O and Kay to parts unknown, leaving Blink's final plan to stop him with a minor setback.

CURRENT EXILES:

SABRETOOTH (Victor Creed): Enhanced senses and healing.

BLINK (Clarice Ferguson): Teleportation.

MORPH: Shape-shifting. (DECEAED?)

SASQUATCH (Dr. Heather Hudson): Super strength and senses.

LONGSHOT: Agility and luck powers.

SPIDER-MAN 2099 (Miguel O'Hara): Spider-like powers and talons.

POWER PRINCESS (Zarda): Super strength and flight.

Story Details

Spider-Man is ready with the behavior modification device he culled from the brain washing devices used back in the Squadron Supreme's world, but without Proteus to put it on it's useless. The team grills the Young Allies on where their sometimes teammates O and Kay would have taken Proteus in the world. Where that is, is an undersea bunker full of the nuclear missiles the Atlanteans were going to use on the floating island of Attilan where the Allies reside; O and Kay determining that everyone must die with Proteus' arrive since the planet is not part of the natural order. Proteus is looking forward to the task, and to taking out Lady Dorma and her troops as they try to get revenge for his interference earlier.

Heather get the Tallus back online to tell the team about Proteus' detection in Atlantis, but Sabretooth informs her they already knew. He had raised the kingdom above the ocean and sealed the citizenry within it, letting them suffocate on the air. The timebreakers recommend extraction of the team, telling Heather they no longer need to worry about the task of destroying the world. Blink refuses to leave and takes the team to Atlantis, followed by the Allies, where they confront its new King; Proteus. After an exchange of words, Proteus launches his missiles and the heroes attack.

Jolt and Colt head off to take care of the missiles without detonating the warheads, while the heroes are prey to Proteus' powers with Longshot disabled. While they writhe in pain, Proteus reclaims Dorma's crown that Blink knocked off his head with her initial attack. While gloating, he failed to notice she slipped Spidey's device into it. The result was Proteus was reprogrammed to only access Morph's memories, trapping him in a prison that won't ever deteriorate.

With the world saved, the Exiles return home with the Allies' thanks. They all vow to continue their mission to save time, so long as they all stick together. Including Morph, whom everyone is now uneasy around.

General Comments

A fitting end to the tale with a plot twist that can offer hundreds of possibilities down the line. This was a truly enjoyable arc with some great guest stars, twists, turns and surprises along the way. Not only did fans get what they've asked for, but they got it in a way that was far from gratuitous. The next chapter of Exiles excitement begins here, and it looks to be an enjoyable ride.

Overall Rating

5 Webs. A good, creative end to the story that leaves many questions and possibilities down the line. Only time will tell where it all will go.

Footnote

Hello, I'm afraid Morph can't come to the comic right now, seeing as he's been possessed by an evil mutant. So, without further ado, we present: PROTEUS' MORPHS!

PROTEUS' MORPHS: Mimic