Info édition : This issue is part of the Kings of Pain crossover event of 1991, with the story continued in X-Factor Annual 6. All Marvel annuals published from 1988-1993 were a part of one crossover or another.
In fact there are two crossovers involved in these issues, the second story “The Killing Stroke” is continued in X-Factor Annual 6.
First story:
This issue, as well as the entire Kings of Pain crossover, takes place during Uncanny X-Men 274-277, when the X-Men were in space.
The X-Men fought Proteus in the classic story in X-Men (1st series) 125-128, reprinted in Classic X-Men 31-34.
Moira learned more about Proteus in the back-up story of Classic X-Men 36.
Chess boards have 8x8 squares. For some reason, the artist drew the board as a 12x12 square board.
The mysterious chess-playing clients of the warring companies are revealed in X-Factor Annual 6 as Gideon and the Toad.
Second story :
Super Sabre of Freedom Force was decapitated and killed in New Mutants Annual 7, the first chapter of the Killing Stroke.
Résumé: THE KINGS OF PAIN PART 3 X-Force and the New Warriors combine forces to investigate a strange energy surge on Muir Island. What is the connection to Moira MacTaggert’s son?
"Queen's of Sacrifice"
Part three of "The Kings of Pain," continued from the New Warriors Annual 1. X-Force and the New Mutants race to Muir Island, the location of the energy's locus, only to be greeted by an upset group of mutants led by Moira herself. That's not the only thing that's messed up: Harness is trying to resurrect Proteus and it will take all mutants together to try and stop this threat from becoming a reality. Story concludes in X-Factor Annual 6.
"The Razor's Edge"
Part two of "The Killing Stroke," continued from the New Mutants Annual 7. Desert Sword is tough but Freedom Force has their orders. Kurtzmann is not to be left in the Middle East and that may alter how Freedom Force continues the battle. Story concludes in X-Factor Annual 6.
"The Origin of the X-Men"
Mojo has commissioned this bit of entertainment: a quick look through the X-Men's history.
"The Enemy Within"
You don't need Freud to decipher Wolverine's dream. It's Man vs. Monster - nobody wins.