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X-Men Epic Collection
X-Men Epic Collection, Vol. 6: Proteus
Claremont and Byrne's iconic X-MEN run continues as the team faces the reality-warping mutant menace Proteus! But fi rst, we begin with Magneto. He has a score to settle with the X-Men, who must struggle to hold on to their humanity as their nemesis strips them to their cores. A narrow escape leads them out of the fire, into the frying pan (the Savage Land) where they face Sauron and the immortal Garokk, the Petrified Man. Meanwhile, thinking her teammates killed in their battle with Magneto, Jean Grey heads for Muir Island. That's not all, though: The greatest super-team from up north - Alpha Flight - makes its debut; Arcade toys with our heroes; and the fi rst pieces of Wolverine's origin are revealed! COLLECTING: X-MEN (1963) 111-128 & ANNUAL (1970) 3, MARVEL TEAM-UP (1972) 89 AND INCREDIBLE HULK ANNUAL (1968) 7
438 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2020
21 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Chris Claremont
3,275 books888 followersChris Claremont is a writer of American comic books, best known for his 16-year (1975-1991) stint on Uncanny X-Men, during which the series became one of the comic book industry's most successful properties.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 28, 2025
Damn, the Chris Claremont and John Byrne collaboration was so good. John Byrne's X-Men art is sublime. You get appearances from classic villains like Magneto, Master Mold, Mesmero, Sauron, Amahl Farouk, and Arcade. Alpha Fight makes its first appearance, as does Proteus. I didn't realize X-Men villain, Nanny (of Nanny and Orphan Maker), made her first appearance all the way back at the beginnings of the Claremont/ Byrne days. They were also playing the long game introducing Wolverine's love, Mariko, and Jason Wyndgarde. One of the things I really like about these Epic Collections is they include hidden gems like Incredible Hulk Annual #7 where Angel and Iceman team up with the Hulk to fight Master Mold and John Byrne drew that too!
November 7, 2021
A vast improvement from the last volume, starring a different team formed by Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Banshee, who are presumed dead by the rest of the X-Men after their battle with Magneto, on an adventure of their own around the globe.
Proteus is a fun collection, it features the first appearance of Alpha Fligh, a trip to the Savage Land, an encounter with Arcade, Moses Magnum and Proteus, and my favorite, the king-size annual featuring Arkon the Hunter, Chris Claremont was getting better by the issue, and he had the luck of teaming up with John Byrne who was on top of his game here, with his iconic art style.
Coming up next, the Fate of the Phoenix.
Proteus is a fun collection, it features the first appearance of Alpha Fligh, a trip to the Savage Land, an encounter with Arcade, Moses Magnum and Proteus, and my favorite, the king-size annual featuring Arkon the Hunter, Chris Claremont was getting better by the issue, and he had the luck of teaming up with John Byrne who was on top of his game here, with his iconic art style.
Coming up next, the Fate of the Phoenix.
June 2, 2025
The older style of writing is growing on me a little bit as Claremont gets a better idea of what he wants to do with each of the characters. Each of the X-Men get development and some time to shine throughout this collection and I’m excited for where the story will go after this
September 17, 2024
a massive step forward in quality from the previous volume (which i already enjoyed) Claremont and Byrne are really hitting their stride’s here and it makes moving from issue to issue a lot more fun
April 7, 2021
Claremont and Byrne continue their streak of making some of the greatest comics of all time in this one. It’s amazing to read a creative time that is making instant classics one after another. It starts off a little slow with a rematch of Magneto (which the X-men books do too often for my taste) but after that we get Sauron, Garokk, and Arcade battles, an amazing one off issue of Xavier vs the Shadow King, and then one of the most frightening X-men stories of all time with Proteus. On top of that we get some amazing team bonding throughout the series. Byrne’s art makes every issue feel important and he draws some of the best fight scenes. The designs he was coming up with are also timeless. The reality warping panels of Proteus especially stood out. Overall another must-read book for any X-men fan.
August 5, 2021
Great stuff. Although these issues slightly pre-date my initial introduction to the X-Men as a kid, it was these characters with this style of storytelling and artwork that brought about my love of comics. John Byrne's work is top notch.
Calling this collection Proteus is an odd choice. While I understand his significance, Proteus doesn't appear until very late in the book and the story arc is only a few issues. This should have been called Presumed Dead because throughout the majority of it multiple members of the X-Men are thought to have been killed.
Calling this collection Proteus is an odd choice. While I understand his significance, Proteus doesn't appear until very late in the book and the story arc is only a few issues. This should have been called Presumed Dead because throughout the majority of it multiple members of the X-Men are thought to have been killed.
June 26, 2024
Perhaps if I read this after Claremont’s debut, I would have enjoyed Proteus more, as so much of his era of X-Men operates on an epic scale. Coming into this without that context, I was able to enjoy myself but I often felt like I was missing some important context. If anyone plans on reading the Exiles, however, this book provides much important context for some of the multiverse-based shenanigans that take place across that series’s various realities.
September 9, 2025
If I was Jean I would have gone Dark Phoenix sooner with how little the rest of the team cared about her “death”. And if I was Hank I’d kill them all because they really didn’t care about him.
February 29, 2024
Way less “Proteus” than I expected, although, plenty of extra content prior to that event. Following the overly exciting new adventures of the X-Men’s new line-up, this gigantic compilation gathers ‘The Uncanny X-Men’ issues #111-128, with our heroes battling against threats such as Magneto himself, the Savage Land, Sauron, Arcade, and the son of Moira MacTaggert, among others. Without realizing it, at first, this is the precursor to ‘The Dark Phoenix Saga’, and ‘Days of Future Past’, so getting to know the events that lead to those two mythical parts in the ‘X-Men’ franchise was a delight, not to mention the addition of extra content that essentially is a complementary reading, example of that is Incredible Hulk Annual #7 (which is the starting point of this volume, and presents the return of the ‘Master Mold’), as well as ‘X-Men Annual #3’, with the participation of George Perez in the art department, and finally, ‘Marvel Team-Up #89’, being a crossover issue between ‘Nightcrawler’ and ‘Spider-Man’ fighting together against ‘Arcade’ (after his participation in the regular “Uncanny” series).
Even though this includes the works of a few other artists, for most of the collection Chris Claremont is the absolute writer of the series, with John Byrne continuing his epic contribution to it, basically delivering the definitive take on the ‘X-Men’ appearances, and working as a co-plotter alongside Claremont, making them, perhaps, the most important creative duo the ‘X-Men’ comics ever had. As for the stories, reading this compendium was a genuine ride, and the several arcs in the series had our heroes in constant motion, being first held captive by the villain ‘Mesmero’, to eventually have their second biggest confrontation as the new line-up against ‘Magneto’, only to be left presumably dead in the Antarctica, but in reality, being trapped in the ‘Savage Land’, now, Jean Grey, as well as Beast, and even Professor Xavier believe the ‘X-Men’ are gone for good, resulting in a disband of the three of them on different paths: the Professor leaves alongside Princess Lilandra of the Shi’ar Empire to her home world, Jean goes on a trip around the world, to ultimately end up at Muir Island with Moira and her team of mutant aids, and Beast returns to re-join ‘The Avengers’. The rest of the arcs consists of Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, Banshee, and Colossus, trying to escape the adversities along the way, in order to get back home.
Throughout most of the book, the ‘X-Men’ are presumed dead, as I mentioned. Most of these stories are divided between “stranded X-Men”, and “remaining X-Men” both dealing with their respective plotlines. Claremont, and Byrne both put these characters in constant motion, often traveling to multiple locations around the world, but eventually teasing a potential reunion that, to find a nitpick in this series, it sort of never happens. It is until issue #125-more or less-where we get to see the surviving ‘X-Men’ reuniting with Jean Grey (who, at this point, is starting to become aware of how the ‘Phoenix’ force is taking over, increasing her abilities considerably), but we’re immediately thrown away to the ‘Proteus’ plot-line, in which the son of Moira has escaped his confinement at Muir Island, and started a murderous rampage in order to find his father, and “consume” both, him and his mother. The last few issues in this are quite dark and gruesome, to my surprise. The ‘X-Men’ have always been defined by how impactful and engaging their respective stories are and given how this is the start of the Claremont “golden era” of ‘X-Men’, is no wonder how much motion and dynamism is given to these characters, and their stories.
This book is a continuation of ‘Second Genesis’, which clearly depicts the events that’ll lead to some of this one’s climax, like the unleash of ‘Proteus’ during a battle against ‘Magneto’, or his first clash against the new members of the ‘X-Men’ after “Giant Size X-Men #1”, so ideally, ‘Second Genesis’ should be the better place to start in order to grab even more insight on future things to come. However, I don’t think that’s necessary to get a hold on this book’s events, especially towards the ending, being the last five issues of the ‘Uncanny X-Men’ series the best elements in the compilation, and the ones that’ll mark the starting point for bigger situations in the further stories, like ‘The Dark Phoenix’, or ‘Days of Future Past’. Perhaps ‘Proteus’ could be seen as the first truly big X-Men event, with Claremont and Byrne as leads. The stories prior to this have their own charm, and each character is served and explored deeply for us as readers to connect. We have things like a wounded ‘Banshee’ unable to use his powers for most of these issues, but willing to support his team-mates. Cyclops dealing with the fact that Jean might be dead, but struggling with the leadership of the team, at the same time. Storm fighting against her claustrophobia so she can turn a much efficient member of the ‘X-Men’, and Colossus dealing with insecurities that go beyond his own super-strength, and capability to be a helpful warrior. Each character shines on its own, and Claremont carefully gives special attention to all these guys’ developments, fully fleshing them out.
When I think of “classic X-Men”, this is what comes to mind instantly; Claremont’s vision towards each character (from hero to villain, to secondary), to Byrne’s unmistakable designs and pencils that grants the uniqueness and independent identity to each protagonist, basically shaping what the series will be in the eyes of its audience, providing the ultimate appearance to these characters, not only physically, but narratively as well, since these stories are filled with great twists and turns, intense sci-fi approaches and themes, and unstoppable doses of classic comic book action using each character’s traits and abilities, which combined with Byrne’s art, is essentially the gold standard for the medium. My only problem, as I said, was the lack of a more “Proteus” storyline. I expected this villain to last longer, considering how grim his abilities were, but the fewer issues he was in were top-notch, and the rest of the book does have great special appearances from both villains and allies alike.
In the end, ‘Proteus’ might not be the right spot for newcomers to start with the ‘X-Men’ franchise, but it wouldn’t be a bad option, taking into consideration the two other great stories that’ll follow up this one. It’s a great read for any fan of the ‘X-Men’, and for historical context, this is perhaps the work that put both, Claremont, and Byrne on the map as the two most influential figures to ever helm the mutants’ stories in comic book format. ‘Epic Collection’, as well, proves to be one of the best collective formats ever released by any comic book publisher; it is quite complete, and the extra issues added are always more of a luxury than a necessity, ideal for any fan or collector of any of these great titles.
Even though this includes the works of a few other artists, for most of the collection Chris Claremont is the absolute writer of the series, with John Byrne continuing his epic contribution to it, basically delivering the definitive take on the ‘X-Men’ appearances, and working as a co-plotter alongside Claremont, making them, perhaps, the most important creative duo the ‘X-Men’ comics ever had. As for the stories, reading this compendium was a genuine ride, and the several arcs in the series had our heroes in constant motion, being first held captive by the villain ‘Mesmero’, to eventually have their second biggest confrontation as the new line-up against ‘Magneto’, only to be left presumably dead in the Antarctica, but in reality, being trapped in the ‘Savage Land’, now, Jean Grey, as well as Beast, and even Professor Xavier believe the ‘X-Men’ are gone for good, resulting in a disband of the three of them on different paths: the Professor leaves alongside Princess Lilandra of the Shi’ar Empire to her home world, Jean goes on a trip around the world, to ultimately end up at Muir Island with Moira and her team of mutant aids, and Beast returns to re-join ‘The Avengers’. The rest of the arcs consists of Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, Banshee, and Colossus, trying to escape the adversities along the way, in order to get back home.
Throughout most of the book, the ‘X-Men’ are presumed dead, as I mentioned. Most of these stories are divided between “stranded X-Men”, and “remaining X-Men” both dealing with their respective plotlines. Claremont, and Byrne both put these characters in constant motion, often traveling to multiple locations around the world, but eventually teasing a potential reunion that, to find a nitpick in this series, it sort of never happens. It is until issue #125-more or less-where we get to see the surviving ‘X-Men’ reuniting with Jean Grey (who, at this point, is starting to become aware of how the ‘Phoenix’ force is taking over, increasing her abilities considerably), but we’re immediately thrown away to the ‘Proteus’ plot-line, in which the son of Moira has escaped his confinement at Muir Island, and started a murderous rampage in order to find his father, and “consume” both, him and his mother. The last few issues in this are quite dark and gruesome, to my surprise. The ‘X-Men’ have always been defined by how impactful and engaging their respective stories are and given how this is the start of the Claremont “golden era” of ‘X-Men’, is no wonder how much motion and dynamism is given to these characters, and their stories.
This book is a continuation of ‘Second Genesis’, which clearly depicts the events that’ll lead to some of this one’s climax, like the unleash of ‘Proteus’ during a battle against ‘Magneto’, or his first clash against the new members of the ‘X-Men’ after “Giant Size X-Men #1”, so ideally, ‘Second Genesis’ should be the better place to start in order to grab even more insight on future things to come. However, I don’t think that’s necessary to get a hold on this book’s events, especially towards the ending, being the last five issues of the ‘Uncanny X-Men’ series the best elements in the compilation, and the ones that’ll mark the starting point for bigger situations in the further stories, like ‘The Dark Phoenix’, or ‘Days of Future Past’. Perhaps ‘Proteus’ could be seen as the first truly big X-Men event, with Claremont and Byrne as leads. The stories prior to this have their own charm, and each character is served and explored deeply for us as readers to connect. We have things like a wounded ‘Banshee’ unable to use his powers for most of these issues, but willing to support his team-mates. Cyclops dealing with the fact that Jean might be dead, but struggling with the leadership of the team, at the same time. Storm fighting against her claustrophobia so she can turn a much efficient member of the ‘X-Men’, and Colossus dealing with insecurities that go beyond his own super-strength, and capability to be a helpful warrior. Each character shines on its own, and Claremont carefully gives special attention to all these guys’ developments, fully fleshing them out.
When I think of “classic X-Men”, this is what comes to mind instantly; Claremont’s vision towards each character (from hero to villain, to secondary), to Byrne’s unmistakable designs and pencils that grants the uniqueness and independent identity to each protagonist, basically shaping what the series will be in the eyes of its audience, providing the ultimate appearance to these characters, not only physically, but narratively as well, since these stories are filled with great twists and turns, intense sci-fi approaches and themes, and unstoppable doses of classic comic book action using each character’s traits and abilities, which combined with Byrne’s art, is essentially the gold standard for the medium. My only problem, as I said, was the lack of a more “Proteus” storyline. I expected this villain to last longer, considering how grim his abilities were, but the fewer issues he was in were top-notch, and the rest of the book does have great special appearances from both villains and allies alike.
In the end, ‘Proteus’ might not be the right spot for newcomers to start with the ‘X-Men’ franchise, but it wouldn’t be a bad option, taking into consideration the two other great stories that’ll follow up this one. It’s a great read for any fan of the ‘X-Men’, and for historical context, this is perhaps the work that put both, Claremont, and Byrne on the map as the two most influential figures to ever helm the mutants’ stories in comic book format. ‘Epic Collection’, as well, proves to be one of the best collective formats ever released by any comic book publisher; it is quite complete, and the extra issues added are always more of a luxury than a necessity, ideal for any fan or collector of any of these great titles.
September 12, 2020
E se os leitores acharem estranho todo um volumoso livro sobre o arco narrativo Proteus que, na verdade, das histórias que colige só três estão diretamente relacionadas com o arco... isso é efeito Chris Claremont. Parte do sucesso do seu trabalho como argumentista seminal dos X-Men prende-se como a forma como encandeava arcos narrativos. Cada aventura dos personagens durava três ou quatro edições ds revista, e sempre num ritmo imparável. Mas ao longo das aventuras, Claremont ia deixando vinhetas soltas que preparavam o campo para histórias ainda por vir. Aliás, parte das histórias deste Proteus também pertencem ao arco narrativo Fénix.
Claremont era excelente em aventura imparável e nunca desiludia. Nestas histórias, os X-Men vão saltando de aventura em aventura, entre o murderworld de Arcade, oJapão (onde se começa a lançar as sementes de todas as futuras histórias asiáticas de Wolverine), a terra antártica esquecida de Ka-zar, ajudam civilizações de dimensões paralelas, enfrentam Magneto sob um vulcão e cruzam lutas no Canadá com uma Alpha Flight encarregue de recuperar Wolverine. Há linhas de continuidade, um aprofundar do caráter e camaradagem dos heróis inadaptados, e o recorrente conflito entre capacidades e confiança que ditou muito do trabalho de Claremont. Encerra com a luta contra Proteus, o único mutante que os X-Men se vêem forçados a matar. A amoralidade com que usa os seus perigosos poderes de distorção da realidade tornam este mutante uma ameaça demasiado grande, um que o esforço de redenção dos X-Men não consegue salvar. Ter poderes de distorção do real é uma excelente desculpa para vinhetas surreais, e os ilustradores não desiludem.
Claremont era excelente em aventura imparável e nunca desiludia. Nestas histórias, os X-Men vão saltando de aventura em aventura, entre o murderworld de Arcade, oJapão (onde se começa a lançar as sementes de todas as futuras histórias asiáticas de Wolverine), a terra antártica esquecida de Ka-zar, ajudam civilizações de dimensões paralelas, enfrentam Magneto sob um vulcão e cruzam lutas no Canadá com uma Alpha Flight encarregue de recuperar Wolverine. Há linhas de continuidade, um aprofundar do caráter e camaradagem dos heróis inadaptados, e o recorrente conflito entre capacidades e confiança que ditou muito do trabalho de Claremont. Encerra com a luta contra Proteus, o único mutante que os X-Men se vêem forçados a matar. A amoralidade com que usa os seus perigosos poderes de distorção da realidade tornam este mutante uma ameaça demasiado grande, um que o esforço de redenção dos X-Men não consegue salvar. Ter poderes de distorção do real é uma excelente desculpa para vinhetas surreais, e os ilustradores não desiludem.
December 27, 2020
I’ve waited 20 years to read these stories, as I wasn’t a fan of the black and white Essentials and the hardcover collections.
The stories all hold up pretty well. There’s: a battle with Magneto in a volcano; a Savage Land story with Sauron; Amahl Farouk - the Shadow King making himself known; Wolverine meeting Mariko ; the introduction of Alpha Flight, and; Arcade becoming an X-villain for the first time. All throughout we get nice buildup and character moments that build towards the epic Proteus story that closes the collection. It’s good to see all the characters start to become a family unit and each character brings something different to the team. As much as I like the Avengers, their lineup at this time was a rotating door and here we get to experience these characters getting to work and bounce off each other for the entire book.
Byrne and Austin really deliver here. There’s great energy they bring to the characters. That Wolverine splash page against Sauron is all sorts of wow. And the X-Men get to go on a world tour, from the Savage Land to Japan to Canada and ending in Scotland, all of which Byrne draws competently. Perez joins in for an annual and it’s great to see his take on the X-Men too.
These are great stories with a writer and artist developing to the peak of their powers - which would occur in the next volume. I’d definitely recommend this collection to anyone interested in the X-Men.
The stories all hold up pretty well. There’s: a battle with Magneto in a volcano; a Savage Land story with Sauron; Amahl Farouk - the Shadow King making himself known; Wolverine meeting Mariko ; the introduction of Alpha Flight, and; Arcade becoming an X-villain for the first time. All throughout we get nice buildup and character moments that build towards the epic Proteus story that closes the collection. It’s good to see all the characters start to become a family unit and each character brings something different to the team. As much as I like the Avengers, their lineup at this time was a rotating door and here we get to experience these characters getting to work and bounce off each other for the entire book.
Byrne and Austin really deliver here. There’s great energy they bring to the characters. That Wolverine splash page against Sauron is all sorts of wow. And the X-Men get to go on a world tour, from the Savage Land to Japan to Canada and ending in Scotland, all of which Byrne draws competently. Perez joins in for an annual and it’s great to see his take on the X-Men too.
These are great stories with a writer and artist developing to the peak of their powers - which would occur in the next volume. I’d definitely recommend this collection to anyone interested in the X-Men.
September 20, 2020
Inevitably slightly dated in parts, remains part of the classic run leading up to the Dark Phoenix saga.
September 7, 2020
It's been years since I read a good bit of this. The 'Proteus' series still chalks up as my favorite comic books. I was surprised at how much I hadn't read that connected to it all. The little secret is that only less than half involve the 'Proteus' story.
This 440 page volume collects a whole set of comics that interconnects. This is more a slice of the fantasy series involving the X-Men than a focus of one subject. All kinds of bad and good guys. All kinds of battles and wins and losses. Good ol' comic book fun.
The best of this is the 'Proteus' set of stories. The bad guy has existed as this one was written. What makes this one so different is the outstanding plotting and story-telling done with writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne. Their efforts brings the tale to life and their over-all excellent efforts are why the X-Men are known so well today. If the team had handled the Defenders or some other group, the duo would have seen similar success. I've often wondered why the duo really never collaborated again to pull an obscure lot to top stardom. Hasn't happened and guess, at this stage and their ages, it won't happen.
Clarement could have plotted the 'Proteus' story simply and ended it all in one issue. The complexity and the wonderful depiction of setting of Edinburgh and Scotland in general by Byrne and inker Terry Austin really settles the reader into a story. This drawing out the tale through the streets of the Scottish city and then beyond works this beyond a typical battle. Many otherwise contained in the 440 pages.
Also presented to is a real difference in each characters and the dialogue included. This distinction is mostly maintained by Claremont throughout the rest of his time with the X-Men. These issues are the pinnacle of that distinction.
Byrne's and Austin's illustrations bring alive a very difficult effort: A non-form that overtakes living beings as his own. This is beyond outstanding. This is presented so well that it's so easy to understand and move the story. This could have been a disaster and similar efforts I've seen have been just that.
The team of Claremont and Byrne and Austin have been one of the top teams in comics history and this book is the best example of that.
Side note: I once owned 5 of the original pages of art shown inside. All sold through Heritage Auctions. One is shown in the collection of original pages reproduced from the Heritage Auction sales site. It's a scan made of the page I had for nearly 30 years. I have no idea who owns it now.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out of 10 points.
This 440 page volume collects a whole set of comics that interconnects. This is more a slice of the fantasy series involving the X-Men than a focus of one subject. All kinds of bad and good guys. All kinds of battles and wins and losses. Good ol' comic book fun.
The best of this is the 'Proteus' set of stories. The bad guy has existed as this one was written. What makes this one so different is the outstanding plotting and story-telling done with writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne. Their efforts brings the tale to life and their over-all excellent efforts are why the X-Men are known so well today. If the team had handled the Defenders or some other group, the duo would have seen similar success. I've often wondered why the duo really never collaborated again to pull an obscure lot to top stardom. Hasn't happened and guess, at this stage and their ages, it won't happen.
Clarement could have plotted the 'Proteus' story simply and ended it all in one issue. The complexity and the wonderful depiction of setting of Edinburgh and Scotland in general by Byrne and inker Terry Austin really settles the reader into a story. This drawing out the tale through the streets of the Scottish city and then beyond works this beyond a typical battle. Many otherwise contained in the 440 pages.
Also presented to is a real difference in each characters and the dialogue included. This distinction is mostly maintained by Claremont throughout the rest of his time with the X-Men. These issues are the pinnacle of that distinction.
Byrne's and Austin's illustrations bring alive a very difficult effort: A non-form that overtakes living beings as his own. This is beyond outstanding. This is presented so well that it's so easy to understand and move the story. This could have been a disaster and similar efforts I've seen have been just that.
The team of Claremont and Byrne and Austin have been one of the top teams in comics history and this book is the best example of that.
Side note: I once owned 5 of the original pages of art shown inside. All sold through Heritage Auctions. One is shown in the collection of original pages reproduced from the Heritage Auction sales site. It's a scan made of the page I had for nearly 30 years. I have no idea who owns it now.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out of 10 points.
January 27, 2022
I thought there were more stinkers than gems in this collection, especially compared to what came before it in the Second Genesis Epic Collection.
The plot to split everyone up and make everyone think the other group was dead just felt so artificial and went on for way too long for my taste… Add to that more miscommunication and villains using cheap illusions left and right - just made the X-Men feel really dumb most of the time.
Despite more than a few duds, there’s still a lot of charm in the art and writing and if I didn’t have fun with an issue, chances were I could find something fun or interesting in the next. It’s not perfect, but I’m slowly coming to understand why this run is held in such high regard and plan to read at least the next few Epics to crystallize my own take on it.
The plot to split everyone up and make everyone think the other group was dead just felt so artificial and went on for way too long for my taste… Add to that more miscommunication and villains using cheap illusions left and right - just made the X-Men feel really dumb most of the time.
Despite more than a few duds, there’s still a lot of charm in the art and writing and if I didn’t have fun with an issue, chances were I could find something fun or interesting in the next. It’s not perfect, but I’m slowly coming to understand why this run is held in such high regard and plan to read at least the next few Epics to crystallize my own take on it.
June 11, 2023
This collection is so good! Chris Claremont and John Byrne hit their stride. With stories spanning from Texas to the Savage Land, from Japan to Canada and from Arcade’s Murderworld, to Muir Island, they provide a long ranging pulp fiction soap opera of superheroes. This is comic writing at its best. Introducing or deepening the back stories of all the mainline second generation of X-Men along with Alpha Flight, Arcade, and Proteus just to name a few.
Part of what makes this so good is that Claremont has a vision and sense for pacing across 20 page comics, and uses it to deliver both rich characters and a continuously evolving story line. The other part is Byrne is bold and striking in his art.
Very good stuff!
Part of what makes this so good is that Claremont has a vision and sense for pacing across 20 page comics, and uses it to deliver both rich characters and a continuously evolving story line. The other part is Byrne is bold and striking in his art.
Very good stuff!
September 8, 2024
This was a really enjoyable second volume of Claremont's run on X-Men.
The storytelling is really engaging and it's interesting how generally low key it is for the most part i.e. not world ending. I think there are more multi part stories and they lead into each other. There are story threads that continue through each issue or come back later on and it feels more deliberate; I was a bit disappointed with how the Eric the Red thread ended in the last volume but no threads disappoint here.
The consistent artwork by Byrne and Austin is excellent. I think the former's work is better here than the initial issues from the first volume.
Looking forward to the next Fate of the Phoenix volume!
The storytelling is really engaging and it's interesting how generally low key it is for the most part i.e. not world ending. I think there are more multi part stories and they lead into each other. There are story threads that continue through each issue or come back later on and it feels more deliberate; I was a bit disappointed with how the Eric the Red thread ended in the last volume but no threads disappoint here.
The consistent artwork by Byrne and Austin is excellent. I think the former's work is better here than the initial issues from the first volume.
Looking forward to the next Fate of the Phoenix volume!
April 4, 2022
We're finally starting to get to some really good story-telling. Claremont has come into his own now and he's beginning to tell interesting stuff. And finally Wolverine is starting to become the character he's known as, instead of just this high-tempered jackass. We get his real name, he shows interest in Japan and Mariko, and we start referencing his powers (healing, adamantium bones, heightened senses). All of this starts now, and it's so welcome to finally see the characters coming together.
June 27, 2022
There was a window somewhere in the late 1970's when the X-Men comics had a bad habit of ending one issue with a cliffhanger, our heroes in deep peril with no apparent way out, and then the very next issue starting with them wiping the sweat from their brows like, "Whew, that was a close one. Lucky something happened when no one was looking." Just frustrating, but at least as the series goes on the writers leave this trope behind.
September 17, 2020
Chris Claremont and John Byrne had probably THE most classic run on the X-men. It was a perfect writer / artist team-up. This run solidified the look and characterization of some of the most iconic members of the group, ultimately leading to one of the best storylines ever, The Dark Phoenix Saga. That storyline is NOT in this book, but lots of lead-up to it is in here.
May 24, 2022
This volume covers a lot of ground. The focus of the writing really shifts to seeing the heroes as people with very human emotions and vulnerabilities alongside their ridiculously over powered abilities. I still don’t understand how these villains manage to build such huge bases without anyone noticing, however.
July 10, 2023
Very much a meandering middle chapter as Claremont first starts fleshing out his cast of characters. The Savage Land arc and subsequent Trouble in Tokyo monster-of-the-week arc were particularly tedious. But the Proteus arc that closes the book out is gangbusters and very much a sign of things to come. Very excited to revisit the Dark Phoenix arc in the next Epic Collection.
June 29, 2024
- Yup, still awesome. I read this 15 years ago in Essential and I probably enjoyed it even more now.
- Angel and Iceman make a great buddy team!
- The cover from 112, with Wolverine holding his own claws is total epicness.
- The opening of issue 114, with Beast carrying Jean through the snow is one of my all-time favorite comic book pages.
- Wolverine notices Mariko for the first time. Boy, did that escalate over time...
- I love the whole trip from the Savage Land back to the US and that it takes ages.
- Did we ever get more Proletarian? We should have.
- We even have George Perez on fire on Annual 3 in this epic!
- Wolverine being afraid of Proteus because he relies on his sense so much is such clever writing. Peak Claremont.
- Fave issue: Really difficult, but I'll go with 113, when they have to escape Magneto's lair. The whole set-up with them trapped and being babysit by a robot, learning how to fight as a team, it has everything.
- Least fave issue: Marvel Team-up 89. Like every Marvel Team-Up, they always feel like feelers.
- 5/5. I mean, if this doesn't get a perfect score, what does?
- Angel and Iceman make a great buddy team!
- The cover from 112, with Wolverine holding his own claws is total epicness.
- The opening of issue 114, with Beast carrying Jean through the snow is one of my all-time favorite comic book pages.
- Wolverine notices Mariko for the first time. Boy, did that escalate over time...
- I love the whole trip from the Savage Land back to the US and that it takes ages.
- Did we ever get more Proletarian? We should have.
- We even have George Perez on fire on Annual 3 in this epic!
- Wolverine being afraid of Proteus because he relies on his sense so much is such clever writing. Peak Claremont.
- Fave issue: Really difficult, but I'll go with 113, when they have to escape Magneto's lair. The whole set-up with them trapped and being babysit by a robot, learning how to fight as a team, it has everything.
- Least fave issue: Marvel Team-up 89. Like every Marvel Team-Up, they always feel like feelers.
- 5/5. I mean, if this doesn't get a perfect score, what does?
January 18, 2025
Really good volume here, and my favorite in the series so far. I really loved the writing throughout, especially with the development to wolverines character. The artwork was also amazing, there is a lot to love here.
December 3, 2023
Peak Claremont and Byrne mutant mayhem - This collection is ridiculously fun and one of the greatest eras in X-Men history.
July 12, 2024
3.5/5 it’s still pretty good and I really love how this is so episodic it gives the book time to read. Really loving this x men series so far!!
January 18, 2025
The separation of the x-men from jean and beast where they all think the other party is dead kinda dragged as a plotline.
August 25, 2025
i cannot put into words how incredible the proteus story arc is. the rest… not so good.
Read
December 13, 2025am i just mean? what was this…
September 16, 2023
Got this the day it came out and even though I have some of the stories in other collections I did get two brand new ones I had never read before - a Hulk story drawn by Byrne (starring X-Men Angel and Iceman) and a Marvel Team up with the villain Arcade (starring Spider-man and Nightcrawler). The Hulk story was a lot of fun especially since it had some greta Byrne art but the Marvel Team up story was a dud (even though it was written by Claremont) due to the fact the threat was so lame and the story had no clever twists.
The main X-Men stories themselves are some of my favourite comic books ever. Yes, I first read them at that prime comic book age so that is coloured by nostalgia but not everything I read from that era holds up like these stories. The battle with Magneto, in particular, is oe of the best X-Men tales of all time. But you also have their journey to the Savage Land, their capture in the circus, their battle in Japan, their battle with Arcade, their battle with Alpha Flight (love it!) and their three part epic with Proteus - which is the title of this collection but my least favourite X-Men story in the collection.
It is interesting to see John Byrne (who is at his peak art skills) start to get co-plotter credit a few issues in. Well deserved (since he created Akpha Flight himself). I also have to shout out the inker Terry Austin. The one issue he doesn't ink looks dreadful and highlights what a huge contribution his inks made to elevating John's brilliant pencils.
The stories are fun, interesting and never repeatative. But even better than the stories is the growth of the characters and especially Wilverine. Under Byrne's guidance (and Claremont's help) he turned from a one note irritant who was just there to argue with Cyclops, to a full realized character with hints of an interesting background.
If you are a comic fan you need this collection.
The main X-Men stories themselves are some of my favourite comic books ever. Yes, I first read them at that prime comic book age so that is coloured by nostalgia but not everything I read from that era holds up like these stories. The battle with Magneto, in particular, is oe of the best X-Men tales of all time. But you also have their journey to the Savage Land, their capture in the circus, their battle in Japan, their battle with Arcade, their battle with Alpha Flight (love it!) and their three part epic with Proteus - which is the title of this collection but my least favourite X-Men story in the collection.
It is interesting to see John Byrne (who is at his peak art skills) start to get co-plotter credit a few issues in. Well deserved (since he created Akpha Flight himself). I also have to shout out the inker Terry Austin. The one issue he doesn't ink looks dreadful and highlights what a huge contribution his inks made to elevating John's brilliant pencils.
The stories are fun, interesting and never repeatative. But even better than the stories is the growth of the characters and especially Wilverine. Under Byrne's guidance (and Claremont's help) he turned from a one note irritant who was just there to argue with Cyclops, to a full realized character with hints of an interesting background.
If you are a comic fan you need this collection.
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