X-Men #112
Published and © by Marvel, August 1978
Title: “Magneto Triumphant!”
Synopsis: Captured by Magneto, the X-Men are soon battling for their lives within a secret base under an active volcano.
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: John Byrne
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: The legendary X-Men creative team decides to step on the gas here. With the exception of a flashback recap, this entire outing is one extended fight scene. Writer Chris Claremont takes full advantage of the mayhem, amplifying character traits through action while demonstrating how this generation of new mutants is still struggling to find their way as a team. John Byrne’s storytelling is rock solid but it is his character work that truly shines. Meanwhile, Terry Austin brings a detailed polish to the finished product unmatched during the Bronze Age. It’s hard to believe these creators are just getting started.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: “Rarely has a villain been portrayed with such evil intensity.” – Jim Johnson, The Comics Buyer’s Guide to the X-Men (Comics Buyer’s Guide Presents), 2003 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: This version of Magneto is scary as hell.
Not-so-cool factor: Why do Phoenix’s powers cut out? And what’s up with Wolverine having pupils?
Notable: The “X-Mail” letters page includes an LoC from comics historian Peter Sanderson.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 12p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “If there is a hell, X-Men, surely it cannot be more terrible than this.” – Magneto, welcoming the defeated heroes to their new home
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 14, 2021.
