Issue(s): X-Men #59
Cover Date: Dec 96
Title: "Touched"
Credits:
Ralph Macchio - Script
Scott Lobdell - Plot
Andy Kubert - Penciler
Art Thibert - Inker
Jason Liebig - Assistant Editor
Mark Powers - Associate Editor
Bob Harras - Editor

Review/plot:
I've never been sure what an "Associate Editor" (we've seen the credit mostly in the magazines so far, not in regular books). We're going to see more of them. In this case it seems like an acknowledgement that Bob Harras is the EiC and is not doing the day-to-day editing of the title.

The cool thing in this issue is Hercules showing up at the X-Mansion.

He wants to know if Professor X really killed his friends, and he's also looking to reform the Avengers, starting with Quicksilver.

Not sure why Herc doesn't invite Beast - also a former Avenger - as well. Beast might want a fresh start after having been kidnapped by Dark Beast and hitting a dead end on the Legacy Virus. We actually have quite a few Avengers available just on who we've seen since Herc's return: Deathcry, Black Widow, Beast, Quicksilver, and Herc. There are also other former members who didn't die during Onslaught (both Captain "Photon" Marvel and Ms. "Binary" Marvel come to mind). Not saying it had to happen - and i think it's kind of cool that it didn't - but in terms of characters available, an Avengers team could still have been formed.

Also worth noting that Hercules says that he's been banished to Earth by Zeus. This has to take place after Incredible Hulk: Hercules Unleashed #1, which showed Herc and Deathcry returning from space, and in that story Hercules had the option of getting back in Zeus' good graces. Guess he thought that was too complicated to mention.

Anyway, Hercules recruits Quicksilver and heads off. Joseph tries to reconcile with Quicksilver but since Joseph has no memories it feels empty.

Another plot shows Cyclops trying to bring his spirits up by watching Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.

We also check in on Iceman and Cannonball's infiltration Graydon Creed's campaign. But, as usual, no developments.

Quality Rating: C+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: Hercules appears here after Incredible Hulk: Hercules Unleashed #1.

References:

• Jean thinks Scott is upset about what happened with Alex in Uncanny X-Men #339.
  
• Hercules knows Bishop from Avengers #369 (The Bloodties/Genosha saga).
  
• Professor X wiped Magneto's mind in X-Men #25, resulting in Onslaught killing a lot of Hercules' friends in Onslaught: Marvel Universe.
  
• Hercules was condemned to Earth by Zeus in Avengers #384.
  
• Quicksilver is distraught after the death of Scarlet Witch. Wolverine tries to empathize with Quicksilver by bringing up the death of Mariko Yashida, which happened in Wolverine #57.
  
• Joseph is doing some work in the "Z'Noxx Chamber", first seen in Uncanny X-Men #65. He says he's discovered a way to help Rogue touch without absorbing, but we don't hear the details because he gets into a fight with Quicksilver.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A