This issue of this series could very well stand on it's own as an epilogue for the original Marvels series. If it was released like that, I think it could have possibly been a POTW contender.

Phil has cancer and is in the hospital for most likely his last days. Who should come for a surprise visit but Maggie, the little Mutant girl from the original series. She is very much a young woman now, and is there to thank Phil, as well as to say Goodbye. I would be lying if I said the exchange between the two, did not tug on my heart strings. It did.

She fills him in on what her life has been like, and exactly what happened to her the night she ran away from Phil's family. As a backdrop to this, classic Marvel X-Men/X-Factor action is conveyed to us through the TV in Phil's room. Later durimg the visit, Phil's family arrives and is as glad to see Maggie as Phil was. Phil looks on fondly and is content with the legacy he is leaving. Professionally and personally. The story reaches it's natural conclusion with Phil's funeral, and the guests there all confirm Phil's satisfaction with his legacy.

At the start of this review, I stated this would have been a great epilogue (A-La Clark, Diana, and Bruce in the Diner after Kingdom Come) to the original series, and I stick by that. However, it does lack the Ross artwork. And while the art here is serviceable, it would be considered incongruous with the legend that is the Marvels series at this point in time.

If you liked Marvels, I would highly recommend picking this book up. The previous issues of this series are not needed to enjoy it, and I think you would be doing yourself a disservice by writing this particular issue off without giving it a chance.