to his superior, Doctor Cornelius of Weapon X. Piotr and Kurt visit a comatose Alison. Kurt is sad, because she chose Angel over him. He is also uncomfortable with Piotr's sexuality. Kitty meets her new crush, Spider-Man, and Xavier has dinner with Lilandra. Lilandra is head of the powerful and wealthy Shi'ar cult that worships a phoenix, who they think has been reborn in Jean Grey. Lilandra is the mainstream character Kirkman planned to introduce to the Ultimate universe at the start of his run. First appearances: Magician, Lilandra Neramani, Shi'ar Notes: In this arc, Kurt's homophobia takes on a hostile feel for the first time. Phoenix? Originally published in: Ultimate X-Men #69-71 (June 2006 - August 2006) Creators: writer Robert Kirkman, artist Ben Oliver Plot Outline: Kirkman advances the Phoenix storyline, as Lilandra and her assistant examine Jean to determine whether she is the Phoenix deity or merely insane. Elliot Boggs (Magician) becomes the first original Ultimate universe character to join the X-Men, as the Brotherhood of Mutants attack the Academy of Tomorrow's homecoming dance. In side plots, Nightcrawler confesses to the comatose Dazzler that he hates Piotr for revealing his homosexuality, and Piotr goes on his first date with Jean-Paul to the homecoming dance. Rogue begins applying Gambit's powers in battle. Notes: In issue #69, Kirkman wrote Wolverine out of the remainder of the story arc by having Nick Fury secretly ask him to meet in Harlem. This allows Wolverine to meet (and do battle with) the Hulk in the Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk miniseries. Magical Originally published in: Ultimate X-Men #72-74 (September 2006 - November 2006) Creators: writer Robert Kirkman, artist Tom Raney Plot Outline: Magician's powers have no limits when he helps the X-Men battle the Friends of Humanity. Nick Fury visits the X-Mansion to inform Xavier that he wants to enlist Magician in the Ultimates. However, Xavier suspects something is amiss when he realizes Fury does not recall bringing Magician to the X-Men. A battle ensues when they realize Magician has manipulated the X-Men. Wolverine and Jean Grey defeat Magician, but Shadowcat later learns from Magician that his death was another deception. Notes: Mike Cotton, senior staff writer of Wizard magazine, criticized Kirkman for his writing on issue #74. Cotton wrote that, while Kirkman is skilled, he failed to make the issue a must-read. The characters sounded like their 616 universe counterparts instead of teenagers.