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In UXM 276, a simple 1 & 2/3 page sequence showcases the enormous impact that a comics writer can have by simply touching base with key character dynamics and interests for but a moment. #xmen 1/9
In what is otherwise a frantically-paced arc in which the X-Men travel to deep space to confront their former mentor (Prof X) and put to rights a secret Skrull invasion of the Shi’ar government, Forge has a minor breakdown and must be talked down by Storm. 2/9
Forge, who is both new to the X-Men and who suffers from PTSD after Vietnam, finds a doll amidst the ruins of an annihilated planet, spurring him to reflect on the universality of civilized beings, both in their shared spirit and in their capacity for utter destruction. 3/9
The scene isn’t devoid of conflict: Ororo, as leader, has a responsibility to bring Forge back in-line, one that might compete with her love for him. The planet is cold, and without Forge’s tech, they’ll freeze, thus adding a ticking clock element. 4/9
The simple exchange adds gravity to the arc by reiterating the human toll of the space opera genocides that are so often glossed over in the spirit of adventure. It also connects directly to the broad X-Men theme of heroism in the face of bigotry and violence. 5/9
In the immediate interest of the conflict at hand, the scene contributes to the narrative tension by humanizing (metaphorically, anyway) the atrocities committed by the Skrull, thus adding motivation to the heroes and fearsomeness to the villains. 6/9
It also advances Forge’s character arc as someone acclimating to the X-Men team dynamic, while also touching base with his love of Storm, through a tender moment of empathy between them. 7/9
Further, we see Claremont using Forge as a naif viewpoint character to establish the surrealism of the X-Men’s world through his struggles within it, a technique C had executed previously with Kitty after Dark Phoenix and then Dazzler/Havok after the Mutant Massacre. 8/9
The scene shows Claremont (often accused of inefficient writing) doing a ton of heavy lifting in the interest of the story, characters, and themes, all in a small space. Of course, it’s not word count that decides efficiency; it’s payoff per investment. 9/9
