The Classics - X-Men #108

Earlier this week I mentioned that the X-Men were no strangers to big stories, and this issue may be their biggest ever.

From December 1977 we have X-Men #108, which wrapped up the universe-spanning saga of the M'Krann Crystal, a little tale that pitted the team against the Shi'ar Empire, the Imperial Guard (Marvel's version of the Legion of Super-heroes), the Starjammers, a mad emperor, a princess - oh, and the X-Men were in there somewhere, along with guest appearances by the Fantastic Four and the Avengers.

With the fate of the entire universe at stake, the X-Men and the Starjammers teamed up to fight an incredibly powerful menace, the pint-sized guardian of the crystal.

Even when they manage to defeat it, they're immediately faced with an even more deadly and monstrous opponent. And even if they get past their opponent, how can they stop a force that can destroy a universe?

It was a powerful, tense story, and it was the issue that cemented the X-Men as the comic that landed on the top of the reading pile every week. But it had already become one of the best comics around under artist Dave Cockrum and writer Chris Claremont.

When Cockrum left, his replacement was facing a daunting task (and filling some mighty big shoes) - but John Byrne immediately demonstrated why he was the perfect artist for the job. He teamed up with inker Terry Austin and continued the growth of the X-Men, which is now recognized as one of the greatest superhero comic books of all time.

Their art was detailed, powerful and emotionally charged - every page, every panel, was a delight.

And that's not to slight Claremont - his run on the first 50 (or so) issues of X-Men is nothing less than outstanding, and set the bar for the entire industry.

What a treat to look back at this series and remember how desperately I waited for the next issue... and the next... and the next. That's why it's a classic.

Grade: A+