In Los Angeles, a Morlock (Tommy) is fleeing the Marauders. Her companion, a Hellfire thug named Richard, is gunned down, but Tommy escapes back to the NYC. When she gets to the Morlock tunnels, the Marauders (who were tracking her) kill her. Meanwhile, in San Francisco Dazzler (Allison Blaire) is playing in Lila Cheney's band, but she can't use her mutant powers when she's performing anymore ('cause of the mutant hysteria). After a show, she appears to be attacked by someone named Malice. In New York, the X-Men are all dealing with mutant hysteria in various aspects.

Note: The regular cover is a homage to (New) Defenders Vol.1 issue 128 (or at least it was used as an inspiration).