X-Men #139
Published and © by Marvel, November 1980
Title: “… Something Wicked This Way Comes!”
Synopsis: Kitty Pryde joins the X-Men while Wolverine (with Nightcrawler chaperoning) heads home to Canada to settle some unfinished business.
Writers (plot): Chris Claremont and John Byrne
Writer (script): Claremont
Penciler/co-plotter: Byrne
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: Still catching their breath from “The Dark Phoenix Saga” (see reviews), Chris Claremont and John Byrne serve up a smorgasbord of transitional elements. Angel returns to the X-Men while new mutant Kitty Pryde joins the team. Storm steps into the role of leader and new supporting characters are introduced. Most importantly, Wolverine and Nightcrawler head to Canada to wrap up unfinished business. This side quest to the Great White North offers several nice character-development moments and sets up a rematch with Wendigo. The exceptional talent of the creative team makes this more than a standard transitional issue.
Grade: A
Second opinion: “No recommendation is needed, is it? … Face it, this one’s got it all!” – C.N. Padgett, BEM #30, November 1980 … “This era’s version of Wolverine – a man whose aura of mystery is the result not of amnesia, and/or brainwashing, but simply of taciturnity – is the classic edition.” – Jason Powell, “The Best There Is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men,” 2016
Cool factor: The times they are a-changin’ …
Not-so-cool factor: … sadly, in just four more issues, fans would learn just how much.
Notable: First appearance of Stevie Hunter and Heather Hudson.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 15p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “This caper isn’t just business, it’s personal …” – Logan, AKA Wolverine
Editor’s note: This review was written Nov. 28, 2022.
