X-Men #109
Published and © by Marvel, February 1978
Title: “Home Are the Heroes!”
Synopsis: The X-Men’s plans for a little R&R are interrupted when Weapon Alpha comes looking to take Wolverine home.
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: John Byrne
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: As predicted by last month’s debut (see review), it didn’t take much time at all for the quintessential X-Men creative team to level up. Chris Claremont has long had a reputation of writing to his collaborator’s interests, and in a single issue we’re already being introduced to an exciting new character native to Canadian John Byrne’s homeland. Before that action breaks out, we’re treated to some subtle character moments and bits of backstory. The art is still a bit inconsistent as Byrne and inker Terry Austin settle in, but X-Men already one of the best looking books on the rack.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: “With the comic’s artistic shift from Cockrum to John Byrne, Wolverine’s destiny took a fortuitous turn.” – Jason Powell, “The Best There Is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men,” 2016 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Hello, Weapon Alpha! The debut of Alpha Flight’s leader starts layering on the interesting back story for Wolverine.
Notable: First appearance of Weapon Alpha (AKA Vindicator, AKA Guardian). … First mention of Alpha Flight.
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: “I am real … sorry, folks. But today’s fracas was jus’ the beginnin’.” – Wolverine, with a bit of an uderstatement
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 10, 2021.
