When it comes to top tier runs in comics, few are on the level of John Byrne and Chris Claremont’s work in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s in Uncanny X-Men*. #132 in that series is a key issue in the "Dark Phoenix Saga" and is known for its intense plot and iconic moments. Aside from being a true collectors’ item, this is a gem among gems in the Dark Phoenix Saga. Byrne’s art and Claremont's writing make
this an outstanding book on its own. In context, though, it is a key piece in Jean Grey's journey from the sweet, talented Marvel Girl to the bane of the galaxy, the Dark Phoenix.
What happened in this jewel of an issue?: The X-Men, suspecting the Hellfire Club is behind recent attacks, infiltrate a party at the club's New York City headquarters. The plan quickly goes wrong as they are confronted by the Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club. Jean Grey is dancing with Scott Summers (Cyclops) when the illusion-casting villain Mastermind (Jason Wyngarde) cuts in. He has been manipulating Jean for a while and his control over her mind culminates in this issue. He fully transforms her into the "Black Queen" of the Hellfire Club.
Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus are all defeated by the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, which includes the super-strong Sebastian Shaw, the cyborg Donald Pierce, and the mass-manipulator Harry Leland. Wolverine, believing himself to be the last one standing, is dropped into the sewers after being defeated by Leland. The issue ends with the now-iconic final panel of Wolverine emerging from the sewer, battered but enraged, vowing revenge.
There are several things that make this significant for the time, with echoes through the ages since:
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The Black Queen: This issue marks the official "turn" of Jean Grey into the Black Queen, a critical step on her path to becoming the all-powerful and destructive Dark Phoenix.
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Wolverine's Defining Moment: The final panel of Wolverine is one of the most famous and homaged images in X-Men history. It was a pivotal moment in his character development, solidifying his status as a relentless and unkillable hero who would not give up, even when all seemed lost.
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A Major Defeat: This is a major defeat for the X-Men, demonstrating the power and ruthlessness of their new foes. The Hellfire Club's Inner Circle is introduced as a formidable threat, capable of outmaneuvering and overpowering the team.
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Building the Dark Phoenix Saga: As the "Dark Phoenix Saga" unfolds, this issue's events—the corruption of Jean and the Hellfire Club's victory—set the stage for the rest of the storyline.
Whether you're in it for the collecting, or in it for the reading, this piece is part of a very important set in comic history. Check out this and more at binary sundown.