A pivotal episode from the series, Deadly Reunions is a captivating instalment that brings together old adversaries, explores deep-seated animosities, and introduces a formidable new character. 

Professor Xavier and Magneto, two powerful mutants with a shared history, confront each other after years of separation. Their clash sets the stage for a high-stakes battle that reverberates through the X-Men universe. Meanwhile, Wolverine, the enigmatic anti-hero, faces off against Sabretooth, a savage mutant with a personal vendetta. The tension between these two fierce combatants crackles with unresolved conflicts and hidden secrets. 

The episode masterfully weaves themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption. As Professor Xavier probes Sabretooth’s mind to understand his rage problem, we witness the struggle for control over one’s inner demons. Sabretooth’s past, shrouded in darkness, unfolds before us, revealing the scars that drive his violent tendencies. This exploration of trauma and its impact on mutant abilities adds depth to the narrative, resonating with viewers. 

Deadly Reunions also sheds light on Wolverine’s troubled past. His encounter with Sabretooth dredges up memories of their shared past. As the battle unfolds, we witness Wolverine’s internal conflict – his desire for vengeance versus his commitment to the X-Men’s cause. The episode deftly portrays the complexities of heroism, emphasizing that even those with adamantium claws can harbour vulnerability and doubt. 

Sabretooth’s introduction is a highlight. His feral appearance, enhanced senses, and raw power make him a formidable adversary. His alliance with Magneto hints at larger schemes, setting the stage for future conflicts. As the first appearance of Deadpool in the series, Deadly Reunions also teases the emergence of another iconic character, leaving fans eager for more. 

In the grand tapestry of the X-Men continuity, this episode stands as an important moment – a collision of past and present, of rivalries and alliances. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Deadly Reunions offers a thrilling glimpse into the complex world of mutants, where allegiances shift, secrets unravel, and battles rage on…

Charles Xavier delves into the mind of Sabretooth, seeking to unearth the roots of his ferocious anger. Meanwhile, Xavier confides in Wolverine, Cyclops and Storm about Magneto‘s recent onslaught on a missile base, his ambition for mutants to dominate humans, and his newfound enmity towards the X-Men. Amidst this revelation, Wolverine’s animosity towards Sabretooth boils over, demanding his removal and threatening violence. Tensions escalate as Sabretooth discloses his past camaraderie with Wolverine, tarnished by a senseless act of betrayal. Wolverine, unable to stomach the proximity to his foe, storms out. Xavier, resigned, shifts focus to Magneto’s inevitable retaliation following his foiled mission.

In a daring move, Magneto launches an attack on a chemical plant, prompting Cerebro to alert Xavier. Deciphering Magneto’s provocative challenge, Xavier, accompanied by Cyclops, Storm and Rogue, rushes to thwart the threat, leaving Jubilee to guard Sabretooth.

The X-Men engage in battle as they arrive, but an irate Magneto, who sought only to confront Xavier, swiftly overpowers them. Xavier emerges to challenge Magneto. Amidst the chaos, Rogue is knocked away, Cyclops succumbs to a gas-induced unconsciousness, and Storm, trapped under debris, panics due to her claustrophobia. Rogue rescues Storm but then must revive Cyclops with CPR. Upon his revival, Rogue inadvertently unleashes Cyclops’ optic blasts she had absorbed.

Magneto offers Xavier a final opportunity to align with him, which Xavier rejects, condemning Magneto’s tactics and the havoc wrought. A threat to Xavier’s life is withdrawn when Xavier psychically forces Magneto to endure his traumatic past, prompting Magneto’s withdrawal.

Senator Kelly, in a subsequent press conference, addresses the mutant incidents. He openly criticizes the U.S. President and declares his own presidential candidacy, proposing internment for all mutants.

Meanwhile, at the mansion, Sabretooth’s feigned injury leads Jubilee to release him, only for him to confess his ruse and intent to seize the school on Magneto’s orders. As he moves to eliminate Jubilee, Wolverine intervenes. Their confrontation is halted by Xavier just as Sabretooth inflicts a potentially fatal wound on Wolverine, who is then saved by Jubilee’s pyrotechnics. As Wolverine receives medical attention, Xavier regrets not detecting Creed‘s deceit. Elsewhere, Magneto surveys the cityscape, resolved to amass a mutant legion to conquer humankind and vanquish Xavier.

Delving into Sabretooth’s psyche, Xavier encounters visions of significant figures from Creed’s history, including Maverick, Omega Red, Deadpool and Janice Hollenbeck. Hollenbeck, a mole extracted by Team X, was eliminated by Creed to prevent capture by Omega Red, as depicted in a flashback in X-Men #5-6.

Contrary to Wolverine’s assertion that Creed ‘wasted’ his friends, both Maverick and Silver Fox are later confirmed to be alive in Weapon X, Lies and Videotape, where the robot Talos also appears.

In X-Men Unlimited #3, Sabretooth seeks help to suppress his violent impulses, facing resistance from the team’s senior members as seen in X-Men #28. His efforts appear successful for a while, but Creed ultimately discloses his ruse and flees.

Remember It reveals that Magneto and Rogue consciously omit past encounters from their discussions.

The episode also introduces Storm’s claustrophobia, with her experiencing traumatic recollections of being trapped under debris alongside her deceased parents, a storyline originating from Uncanny X-Men #102.

In the narrative, Magneto alludes to the Holocaust indirectly; the term itself is not explicitly used, nor are the Nazis directly identified by name.

In a significant plot development, Kelly declares his candidacy for the presidency. In a subtle detail, Trish Tilby is observable among the audience members. A keen observer will notice Henry Peter Gyrich orchestrating the proceedings from behind the scenes, a clever prelude to the unfolding storyline of X-Men ’97.

In Wolverine #90, Wolverine became frustrated with Creed’s presence in the mansion and impaled Creed’s brain with his claws (“I’ll penetrate his recesses for ya!”). Subsequently, Creed turned as tame as a kitten, gaining the trust of the young mutant Boom Boom, who naively freed him. Later, in Uncanny X-Men #328, Psylocke suffered a near-fatal injury, and Creed managed to escape. In this episode, Jubilee and Wolverine stepped in to fill the void left by Boom Boom and Psylocke. Sabretooth and Jubilee had their own encounter in Uncanny X-Men #311.

Sabretooth, a mercenary for hire, is enlisted by Magneto to infiltrate the school. His first appearance as a mercenary was his debut in Iron Fist #14.

In Uncanny X-Men #326, Beast and Xavier engage in a candid discussion about the Professor’s shortcomings concerning Sabretooth, echoing his admission at the episode’s conclusion. These doubts eventually lead to the Onslaught crisis within the comics.

Enter Magneto | Captive Hearts