The X-Men
# 101-110
The X-Men # 101: "Like a Phoenix from the Ashes!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: Dave Cockrum 
Inker: Frank Chiaramonte
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The shuttle carrying the X-Men crash lands and Jean seems to have miraculously survived, but she's been reborn as the Phoenix. They rush her to the hospital where they're told that Jean will be just fine. Professor X forces to the team to take a vacation, although Cyclops stays at Jean's side. The X-Men travel overseas to Ireland to spends some time in the new castle that Banshee has just inherited. Unfortunately, Black Tom and the Juggernaut have a warm reception prepared for them.
The X-Men # 102: "Who Will Stop the Juggernaut?" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: Dave Cockrum /John Romita Sr.
Inker: Sam Grainger
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The Juggernaut overwhelms the X-Men despite their best efforts. Storm is overwhelmed by her claustrophobia and is forced to remember her tragic youth. Black Tom and the Juggernaut hope to use the captured X-Men as bait for Professor X. However, Nightcrawler is rescued by some strange little fellows.

Jay's Notes:

  • Storm's origin is revealed in this issue.
The X-Men # 103: "The Fall of the Tower" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Sam Grainger
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
Nightcrawler learns that his mysterious benefactors are actually leprechauns and they help him free his teammates. The X-Men regroup and manage to drive off Black Tom and the Juggernaut. They also learn that a villain by the name of Eric the Red had hired Black Tom and the Juggernaut to destroy the X-Men.
The X-Men # 104: "The Gentleman's Name is Magneto" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Sam Grainger
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The X-Men in Ireland (Banshee, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Storm) rush over to the Mutant Research Center on Muir Island which is under attack. Eric the Red has freed Magneto and restored him to his proper age. Magneto "welcomes" the new X-Men to Muir Island. Cyclops joins the battle, but when he realize that Professor X is the true target of Eric the Red, he pulls the X-Men out of the fight and they head off for the States.

Jay's Notes:

  • Second appearance of Jamie Madrox. His first appearance was Giant Size Fantastic Four #4.
  • Magneto was "deaged" into a child in Defenders #15-16 by a mutant he created called Alpha.
The X-Men # 105: "Phoenix Unleashed!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Bob Layton
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
The X-Men attack Eric the Red, who has already made his way into the X-Men mansion. However, he isn't alone. He's fooled a headstrong Firelord into joining him against the X-Men. Together they defeat the X-Men and seek out Xavier who is spending an evening with Jean's family at her New York apartment. Meanwhile, Lilandra escapes her pursuers and reaches Xavier. Firelord attacks and the Phoenix single-handely defeats him. In the confusion, Eric the Red grabs Lilandra and they jump through a star gate that shuts down behind them. The Phoenix powers up the star gate and the X-Men pursue Eric the Red.
The X-Men # 106: "Dark Shroud of the Past!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont/Bill Mantlo 
Penciller: Bob Brown/Dave Cockrum
Inker: Tom Sutton
Jay's Rating:
JJ1/2
Synopsis:
Prof X's long-range communications with Lilandra has strained his mental powers and has created an evil alterego. This evil alter ego disrupts a training session in the Danger Room and pits the new X-Men and the old X-Men in a deadly battle. Fortunately, Professor X recovers enough to reveal the threat of his alter ego and together with the X-Men he dispels it.
The X-Men # 107: "Where No X-Man Has Gone Before!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Dan Green
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
The X-Men materialize on an alien world as Lilandra's mad brother D'Ken plans to kill her. The X-Men free her and engage the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. They're overwhelmed until the Starjammers join the battle. Together they defeat the Imperial Guard. However, D'Ken plans to seize power as the M'Kraan crystal pulses with energy.

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance of Shi'ar Imperial Guard who suspiciously look like Marvel's version of DC's Legion of Super-Heroes. And since Cockrum also drew the Legion of Super-Heroes, I think it's more than just a coincidence.
  • First appearance of the Starjammers.
  • Jean probes Corsair's mind and learns that he's Scott's father.
The X-Men # 108: "Armageddon Now!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: John Byrne
Inker: Terry Austin
Jay's Rating:
JJJJJ
Synopsis:
The X-Men and Starjammers battle the M'Kraan crystal guardians while D'Ken, thrown by an enraged Raza, breaches the crystal itself. It's power is too much for him and it fractures his mind and unfortunately does the crystal harm as well which causes ripples through reality. The Phoenix taps into the full extent of her powers and draws on the strength of her teammates to repair the damage and restore the crystal. The X-Men return home and Lilandra returns with them to spend some time with Xavier while the politicians sort out her legal title to the Shi'ar throne.

Jay's Notes:

  • John Byrne and Terry Austin come aboard as the new art team.
  • Cameos by President Carter, the Fantastic Four, and the Avengers.
The X-Men # 109: "Home are the Heroes!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: John Byrne
Inker: Terry Austin
Jay's Rating:
JJJJJ
Synopsis:
The X-Men return to the mansion and enjoy some well-deserved time off. However, Weapon Alpha, who's keen on the return of a Canadian asset gone AWAL, attacks Wolverine. Weapon Alpha defeats Wolverine, but their battle draws the X-Men's attention. He does his best against the X-Men, but he's outnumbered and withdraws.

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance of Weapon Alpha, later renamed Vindicator and finally Guardian, and next seen in X-Men #120 with Alpha Flight.
The X-Men # 110: "The 'X'-Sanction!" 
Writer: Chris Claremont 
Penciller: Tony DeZuniga/Dave Cockrum
Inker: Tony DeZuniga
Jay's Rating:
JJJ
Synopsis:
Warhawk, an agent serving a mysterious "master", breaks into the mansion and seizes control of the Danger Room. The X-Men suddenly find themselves under attack by the Danger Room and are unable to shut it down. However, they finally break free and confront Warhawk who surrenders seeing that he's outnumbered.

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