In the second clash between Wolverine and Archangel, Claremont uses the chaotic backdrop of the X-Tinction Agenda event to reiterate longstanding character disputes and dynamics, turning a simple gladiatorial contest into an enriching character study. #xmen 1/10

Interestingly the fight begins with villain Cameron Hodge operating as a reader-surrogate and pitting Wolverine and Archangel against each other out of a sense of boredom, curiosity, and a desire to see how that relationship has changed in the wake of Warren’s transformation 2/10

Warren (or rather Warren’s wings) fire the opening shots, acting outside of his own volition, a problem he had struggled with in the past, and one that was no-doubt exacerbated by his animosity toward Logan. 3/10

Logan charges. His thought captions tell us that he is acting rationally, but Lee’s illustration portrays Wolverine, quite clearly, in a berserker state, suggesting that Logan is rationalizing what might be a bit of bloodlust on his part. 4/10

Nonetheless, he acts strategically (and heroically), deciding to sever Warren’s wings in order to protect them both. Though noble, that choice has symbolic significance to Warren’s story as his fall from grace began quite specifically with the loss of his wings. 5/10

The juxtaposition of the two characters also adds something. Both are men in conflict with their primitive bloodlusts, striving to preserve their humanity. The fight is thus moral as well, and Logan wins. Warren can’t control his bloodlust. Logan does (for the most part). 6/10

This contrast is perhaps exemplified by Logan referring to Warren as “boy,” effectively infantilizing him and highlighting the distinction in maturity between the two, an apt distinction as Logan has fought this battle for much longer than Archangel has. 7/10

Once the X-Men audience free themselves, it is Jean who intervenes (against Cyclops’ wishes) lunging into the pit and doing what Wolverine couldn’t: getting Warren to reconnect to his own humanity. 8/10

As Jean cradles a grateful Logan in her arms, Lee gives us a stunning reaction shot of the usually pragmatic Scott standing over the pit, momentarily dumbstruck, thus reminding us of all the hurt feelings, envy, and vulnerability between the four characters. 9/10

To some degree, X-Tinction Agenda was marketed on the reunion of Wolverine and Archangel (among others); Claremont marks the occasion with a tense battle that once again emphasizes character development to a degree that exceeds expectations for a crossover. 10/10