Jason Aaron adds another hit to his résumé with "Born Warbird," featuring the origin of the deadly Shi'ar warrior, bodyguard, and astonishing X-Man. The timing for this tale could not have been more precise; the battle between the Shi'ar and the Phoenix Five is the catalyst to reveal the past of Ava'Dara Naganandini, and her sad, cruel, and devoid upbringing. All three aspects of the character are gracefully penned to show her inner tumult.

For anyone keeping track of things, Rachel Grey finally comes face to face with the Death Commandos, albeit only one panel depicts their fight, and Kid Gladiator shows a different side of him, but this display of emotion might come at a high price. It is hard to believe that Marvel has kept Wolverine on the sidelines since act II of AvX started, allowing everyone else to shine; let's hope creators realize he does not have to be on every team, on every book, on everyt page. The art by Nick Bradshaw is A+.