The Uncanny X-Men #157
Published and © by Marvel, May 1982
Title: “Hide-’N’-Seek!”
Synopsis: The X-Men repair the Starjammer while Shi’ar hostages Nightcrawler and Kitty Pryde scheme to save the Earth from destruction.
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Bob Wiacek
Review: Looking back, it’s a bit overwhelming how much of a pall the death of Phoenix cast on this series. From “Rouge Storm” (see review of X-Men #147) to “Kitty’s Fairy Tale” (X-Men #153) to references in just about every issue, the X-Men reveled in its grief. But this was a time before heroes died and returned regularly, and the loss of Jean Grey still resonated with readers, as well. Beyond its “Dark Phoenix Saga” callbacks, this latest outing serves as both a transition issue and moves the Brood storyline forward. Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum are in a nice groove.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “A snappy, excellent issue.” – John Jackson Miller, The Comics Buyer’s Guide to the X-Men (Comics Buyer’s Guide Presents), 2003
Cool factor: It was a good plan and a fun story twist …
Not-so-cool factor: … but Little Me had it figured out by the cover alone.
Character quotable: “Surely, Admiral, you know that a Phoenix dies only to be reborn.” – Dark Phoenix (or is it?)
Editor’s note: This review was written June 16, 2023.
