The Uncanny X-Men #156
Published and © by Marvel, April 1982
Title: “Pursuit”
Synopsis: The X-Men join the Starjammers in pursuit of Deathbird, the Brood and the captive Professor X and Majestrix Lilandra.
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Bob Wiacek
Review: The X-Men’s first year following John Byrne’s departure was a bit of a struggle, a least relative to the lofty standards of the preceding run. Stand-alone issues and short arcs failed to build momentum while guest artists further blunted the sense of forward continuity. That changed last issue (see review) with the launch of the first Brood arc. Chris Claremont’s story is chockablock with sci-fi concepts and character intrigue, while artist Dave Cockrum proves more at home chronicling space pirates and galactic environs than superheroes. In short, this multi-issue leap to the stars has the X-Men rolling again.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “Claremont moves the X-Men fluidly between superhero and outer-space action, aided by sharp work by Cockrum.” – John Jackson Miller, The Comics Buyer’s Guide to the X-Men (Comics Buyer’s Guide Presents), 2003
Cool factor: The Starjammers are always good for some fun.
Notable: Guest-starring the Starjammers.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “For all the grief that has followed us – that may yet follow us – I would not exchange our love for anything” – Professor X, feeling big feels for Lilandra
Editor’s note: This review was written June 15, 2023.
