Recap: The Return

This recap is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Santa Barbra, CA shootings. May their spirit inspire good in the lives they touched; human and mutant alike…

Hello again. Sorry this recap is late, but I have been very busy getting ready for finals. I did say it would be up after opening weekend of X-Men: Days of Future Past, and it was indeed a massive one. I saw it this past memorial day, and I for one, loved it. Really enjoyed how the film not only did a very

good job adapting the beloved comic book story of the same name; but also proved to be a fantastic crossover between the prime universe of films (started in 2000) and the First Class timeline (started in 2011). The big standout for me; however, was the character of Quicksilver, a mutant from the comics who proved to be a great asset towards the X-Men. He has been confirmed for X-Men Apocalypse in

2016.

This brings me to the anime adaptation. It is one of several anime commissioned by Marvel, as I previously noted in my recaps of the first episodes of the Iron Man anime and the Wolverine. It is also very good; but due to the tone of the story and certain events as of late, I will be approaching this recap differently than I thought. So, let’s open up “The Return”. 

We open on a very dramatic point, the climax of the Dark Phoenix saga from the comics. Being one of the more important ones; it has been done many times since it first ran, some better than others. 

Right off the bat; it looks incredible in terms of animation.

"Jean! This isn't you! Don't let it control you!"

Ultimately, Scott “Cyclops” Summers has to make a call in the battle. It’s the right choice, but it leaves him devastated.

We then get our opening; which once again shows the script has been written by Warren Ellis, and the animation done by Madhouse; as it had been done for the previous Marvel anime. In the case of the X-Men, however; this is one comic series that has had considerable anime influence before. The animated series in the 90s had much of its animation done by Toei (Dragon Ball, Digimon, Sailor Moon, One Piece); and the Konami arcade game based on the failed “Pryde of the X-Men” pilot had a few of the special moves done in a style that would not be out of place in the Marvel VS. Capcom games.

It shows a few of the members that get used quite a bit; as well as Emma Frost and Hisako “Armor” Ichiki. The former; depending on the writer, tends to alternate between being part of the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants; if not serve her own agenda. The latter is a lesser-known member of the team that I would be open to seeing in films from Apocalypse onward.

I also note that Xavier in the anime bears a strong resemblance to Patrick Stewart from the live-action films; and Storm resembles an anime version of Halle Berry quite nicely.

Other members of the team being used in this anime are Dr. Hank “Beast” McCoy; who has a more canid appearance thanks to the art style being employed here.

Last but not least, we have “Wolverine” Logan. While Hugh Jackman may be leaving Fox when his contract expires, he has expressed interest in joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe; particularly fighting alongside the Incredible Hulk. 

We then cut to Xavier Institute, one year later; as the title appears on a rather melancholy look at the Academy. I also note I had to delay this recap after the attacks in Santa Barbra in order to not only rework the recap given the circumstances; but also because the anime has a much more serious tone than the prior ones I covered.

As Charles looks at Jean’s gravestone, he knows they lost something that day that could never be replaced. Even given the nature of comic book death; the emotional impact from what happens doesn’t truly go away.

On that day, we lost something that could never be replaced.

We then get a flashback that shows how the school was once a safe haven for mutants. Now it sits empty as the X-Men are gone their separate ways and what lies ahead seems uncertain.

Old man, look at my life, I'm a lot like you were...

We cut to the countryside in Tohoku; where we see Hisako on the run. I must also note that this series did air prior to one of the worst natural disasters in modern history in that region; and we are still working on cleaning up the damage from Fukushima. 

She is chased by robotic drones that may or may not be Sentinels (I’m not sure, the series hasn’t referred to them by name once in the first few episodes). She then activates her mutant powers; and Armor gets her namesake here. I definitely like the subtle color motifs that match her constructs with the amount of danger she’s in. Cooler colors start out mildly intimidated; and they get to hotter ends of the spectrum depending on the amount of duress Armor is in. 

Xavier senses she’s in danger, and tracks her signature using Cerebro.

We cut to the ocean, where an ocean liner is being attacked by pirates.

Oh boy, it's Revy again. She gets pretty trigger-happy after a fifth of rum.

Of course, who should be a passenger but Storm?

I needed some time off after what happened in China last month.

She manages to totally freeze their ship over!

Storm used Sheer Cold! It's a One-hit KO!

Next, we cut to Scott at the site where he had to sacrifice Jean. This is a very solemn scene as her necklace is still hanging from the rubble as a makeshift memorial was crafted out of some debris. 

Then, we cut to Hank as he’s teaching a class at a university, much to the delight of his students.

Any questions, keeping in mind that I already explained about my lupine appearance?

It seems he’s teaching about marine life, using a squid as his subject. 

A shiny Frillish! I must have it!

The class, however, is unimpressed. 

Very funny, professor. Next I suppose you'll tell us about having drinks with Tony Stark!

He places a microphone in the tank to study how it communicates.

That's an odd tie-in.

The students find this hilarious.

I haven't laughed this hard since Joe Quesada started writing again!

Hank then gets his call to action. 

This Kindle wasn't built for someone like me!

He leaves the squid to cover for him. 

Tell us more about this idea you have for a waterbending ninja frog!

To the students’ surprise, he does take over the lecture! Quite well in fact! 

Well, it started as a favor to Game Freak.

Logan’s entrance sees him at the airport, trying to get through the checkpoint. I have that problem even without an adamantium skeleton. 

I told you, I'm a veteran! Guys like me go through here every day with artificial plates and limbs!

He then brandishes his claws to the shock of the TSA officer. 

You want me to take off anything else, it's $20 for the first hour!

Logan then gets the call on his watch, and I notice his ticket is for Madrepoor, which was the location in the Wolverine anime I recapped last year. 

Storm has arrived back at the academy. Regarding her outfit; it’s not just how Madhouse interpreted her design, we can be pretty guilty about giving her revealing outfits depending on who’s drawing the book at a given time. Besides, it’s better than her actress’ attempt at Catwoman.

Ororo, you look very...comfortable.

Logan has returned on the back of his motorcycle; complete with a leather jacket and sideburns that still make me feel inadequate about my masculinity. 

I've got two tickets to paradise! You should pack your bags, we'll leave tonight!

Xavier is pleased to see Logan again.

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Of all the years I've known you, you have tried to bear your burden alone. You don't have to.

Hank returns, in a Volkswagen, no less.




Scott has not answered his call, and is still at Jean’s memorial.

Everyone is briefed on Hisako Ichiki, and it’s mentioned she has gone missing in Tohoku; in addition to her mutant powers emerging (as they are known to during adolescence.).

They are assigned to try to convince Scott to join them; then to find her before a group known as the U-men does. While they are not the most inherently familiar members of their rogues gallery; they do show up in a fair number of comic stories and other adaptations. They are also a group I would be willing to read stories and see a movie about.

Wolverine, however, is less than convinced they need him. 

After more deliberation; they do decide to try to talk Scott into helping them find Hisako. They go to the site where Scott is keeping a vigil. 

Soon, they reach the vigil and try to convince Scott to join them and find Hisako.

When Scott refuses, Logan dismisses him as “emo.” This is a large part of why I decided to rework the recap; as the Elliot Rodger case made joking about that sort of thing uncomfortable. I may use it in a later recap; but for now, it’s a bit too soon.

Anyway, Scott takes issue with this, and attacks Logan. This is a good use of a recurring theme in the comics; where Scott and Logan are often at odds with each other because of their conflicting ways of approaching issues. 

Ororo (Storm’s civilian name) then says with or without Scott; they will find Hisako.

Scott then dreams about being with Jean again. This is a genuinely sad scene given the decision he had to make.

Ultimately, Scott does decide to join the other X-Men in their search; and I notice that everyone is wearing the black costumes from the live action films. 

“The Return” is a very moving and dramatic look at the X-Men lore in anime form. The high-quality animation, writing, and voice acting are a delight to watch. I have seen the first 3 episodes; and I plan to watch more as well. Even so, given recent events; I could use some levity. Next time, I shall recap the first episode of Sailor Moon to get ready for the new series in July!