Uncanny Avengers Vol. 2

This is Volume 2 of the Uncanny Avengers (2013) series, corresponding to the original single issue Uncanny Avengers #2, "Skullduggery," and together with Volume 1 forms the opening arc of "The Red Shadow." In the aftermath of the Avengers vs. X-Men war, the death of Charles Xavier (Professor X) brings the rift between humans and mutants to a breaking point. The volume opens as Wolverine returns from Tibet and meets Captain America, Thor, and Havok (Alex Summers) at the site of a collapsed building in New York; the victim turns out to be Avalanche, once on a path to redemption, his eyes blank and vacant, suggesting someone is pulling the strings. Thor declares he will no longer stand by while humans and mutants slaughter each other; Captain America announces that Havok will lead a new mixed squad of Avengers and mutants, the "Unity Division," as the new face of mutantkind. Wolverine objects vehemently at first, but falls silent when he sees rescued civilians spontaneously embrace Havok. Meanwhile, the Red Skull appears on television as an ordinary commentator, using the telepathic powers he gained from Professor X's brain to incite viewers, driving ordinary people to murder family members who might carry mutant blood. Rogue, held captive by the Red Skull's group, steals the powers of "Dance Water" in her cell and teleports free; the Red Skull, in turn, tries to recruit the awakened Scarlet Witch, using her history of having "depowered mutants" to tempt her into casting a spell again. The volume closes before Professor X's headless remains, as both women realize the Red Skull's true design.