on Ultimate X-Men and ultimately wrote 20 issues. Marvel asked him to extend his run when production on Superman Returns prevented Bryan Singer from starting his run. Vaughan turned down the offer, and finished his run with "Magnetic North". The Tempest Originally published in: Ultimate X-Men #46-49 (July 2004 - September 2004) Creators: writer Brian K. Vaughan, artist Brandon Peterson Plot outline: The X-Men investigate a series of mutant killings. The killer is Nathaniel Essex (also known as Mr. Sinister), who has delusions that a "Lord Apocalypse" is ordering him to kill mutants. Sinister infiltrates the Institute, defeats Xavier, Iceman and Angel, and is about to go on a killing spree when Rogue knocks him out and saves the day. Sinister is taken into custody by S.H.I.E.L.D. First appearances: Mr. Sinister, Northstar, Synch, Marrow, Apocalypse, Sunspot Cry Wolf Originally published in: Ultimate X-Men #50-53 (October 2004 - January 2005) Creators: writer Brian K. Vaughan, artist Andy Kubert Plot outline: On a field trip, the X-Men are ambushed by Gambit, who leaves a wake of destruction, and uses the chaos to kidnap Rogue. He presents her to his superiors (the Fenris twins), who offer Rogue the ability to touch. She refuses, and flees with Gambit. Later Rogue, saying she feels alienated by the X-Men, leaves with Gambit. Wolverine and Storm temporarily leave the team. First appearances: Fenris, Wolfsbane Notes: Issue #50 marked the return of artist Andy Kubert, who illustrated issues #5 and #6, and was originally slated to be a recurring artist. There is a love triangle among Shadowcat, Rogue and Iceman in this arc. Vaughan suggests that Iceman is attracted to Rogue because the two can never be intimate. The Most Dangerous Game Originally published in: Ultimate X-Men #54-57 (February 2005 - May 2005) Creators: writer Brian K. Vaughan, artist Stuart Immonen Plot outline: Mojo Adams produces a reality show on Krakoa, where his assassin, Arcade, hunts and kills accused mutant felons. Mojo's current and longest-lasting contestant, Longshot, is accused of killing Lord Scheele (a Genoshan politician and the lover of Longshot's off again-on again girlfriend Spiral). Professor Xavier sends half of the X-Men to the island to investigate. Other members of the X-Men (led by Dazzler) travel to the island without Xavier's knowledge to free Longshot. Xavier becomes angry when it turns out Longshot is guilty. An injured Angel takes the blame for Dazzler, and they start dating.