New Mutants #95

Louise Simonson - writer
Guang Yap - penciler

Genosha is an island nation off the coast of Africa where mutate slaves bear the economic load. Storm, Rictor, Wolfsbane, Boomer and Warlock were recently teleported, buck naked, to become prisoners of Cameron Hodge, who is currently residing in some mechanical scorpion body. They are to be charged for crimes against Genosha as an X-Man (young girl) and accomplices. Rictor remembers Hodge after being his tortured prisoner when he was part of the X-Terminators. Back at the mansion, the others try to discern what happened and Stevie calls X-Factor for help. Hodge tortures his prisoners and reveals that after Archangel cut off his head, he made a deal for his life with a demon and had this new body made. He intends to use Warlock in order to enhance his own mechanical body and give him shape shifting powers. Hodge takes Warlock to The Genegineer, Dr. David Moreau, for his help in the process, but an argument erupts between them. Meanwhile, Warlock slips away unnoticed. He was already drained of energy by the transport, but he shorts out the bars of his friends cells to let them escape. Boomer gives him some of her energy, and they leave Warlock almost dead, promising to return. Havok notices the escape and is sent after them. Meanwhile, X-Factor arrives at the mansion and is briefed. Cyclops recognizes his brother's blast-signature on the underground hatch. Back in Genosha, Rictor suggests they split up, but he does not want to leave his new love Rhane Sinclair. He fears she will try to rescue Warlock herself, which is exactly what she does. She manages to stop the process of transferring Warlocks abilities, but in the process she dooms Warlock. He is reduced to a pile of ashes. At the mansion, X-Factor watches a TV broadcast of Genoshan news announcing the capture of mutant criminals and the regrettable death of Warlock. They receive a call form Val Cooper saying the President requests their presence.

Written By David Downie