The Uncanny X-Men #175
Published and © by Marvel, November 1983
Title: Untitled
Synopsis: The X-Men battle Dark Phoenix against a backdrop of slaughter and destruction – but not everything is as it seems!
Writer: Chris Claremont
Pencilers: Paul Smith and John Romita Jr.
Inker: Bob Wiacek
Review: A confession: This reviewer was traumatized by this issue back in the day. Little Me was a big Paul Smith fan and was not prepared for the mid-issue change of artists. Turning the page from PMS’s sleek, stylized pencils to a young John Romita Jr.’s cruder, raw renderings was quite the shock (despite inker Bob Wiacek’s admirable efforts to maintain consistency). On the story side, Chris Claremont’s second Dark Phoenix saga pales in comparison to the original, and Cyclops’ relationship with Madelyne Pryor is left feeling rushed and underdeveloped. Still an above-average Bronze Age comic, but a notable disappointment.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “A worthy climax to the ‘From the Ashes’ arc, Uncanny X-Men #175 is noteworthy most especially for its tour de force portrayal of Cyclops.” – Jason Powell, “The Best There Is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men,” 2016 … “Although the wedding scenes are short they are well done, and they serve as an appropriate conclusion to Scott’s doubts and emptiness since Jean’s death, and thus as a conclusion to the entire Phoenix saga.” – Robert Fleming, Fantasy Advertiser #92, August-September 1985 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Paul Smith’s art.
Not-so-cool factor: John Romita Jr.’s art.
Notable: Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor marry.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a $1.25 Canadian variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “What we had was magic – I’ll treasure it always. Now, Madelyne and I have a chance to create our own magic, to make what is as unique and special as what was. I hope you understand.” – Cyclops, with a graveside goodbye
