Avengers vs X-Men, issue #11 review

The story approaches its climax and a beloved character falls.

Thus far, the Avengers vs. X-Men story has been an unusual blend of moments that remind us how fun comic books can be, and moments that make us roll our eyes when we hear the phrase “crossover event”.  Round #11 begins the final conflict in this tale, and sure enough a fan-favorite becomes a casualty in this war.

**Spoilers Alert!!!  Skip ahead if you don’t want any surprises ruined. **

The opening is respectable enough. We have Captain America requesting one of the most unlikely Avengers for aid in fighting this war, the incredible Hulk. The X-Men (having finally realized the danger that Cap and Iron Man have been warning about all along) have now sided with the Avengers. About time; it doesn’t take a genius, billionaire, philanthropist, playboy to know that it never ends well when the Phoenix is involved.

Cyclops and Emma continue slipping more and more due to the power of the Phoenix force pushing their rationality to its limits. They even contemplate wiping out all of existence to start anew. This is when all Hell breaks loose as Charles Xavier mounts a cerebral attack on Cyclops. Once Scott realizes what his old mentor is up to, he and Emma teleport to Xavier’s location in the blink of an eye. This is when the newly united army of Avengers and X-Men go on the offensive.

Eventually, Emma is overwhelmed and Cyclops decides to take her power for himself. Cyclops now wielding the full power of the Phoenix loses control. Professor X attempts to reach Cyclops one final time and then the unthinkable ensues.  In an act that can only be considered tragic, Cyclops takes Charles Xavier‘s life.

Horrified and angered, the Avengers make a final stand against Cyclops. Unfortunately, their efforts are futile at best. Scott Summers has fully converted to the Dark Phoenix.

**End spoilers**

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