EXCLUSIVE: A must-have twosome…
I really like Marvel’s latest twist in its Facsimile Edition program: In June, the publisher re-released The Amazing Spider-Man #121 and #122 — the Death of Gwen Stacy two-parter — in honor of the 50th anniversary of the landmark storyline.
Now, they’re doing it again — in November — with X-Men #141 and #142, the famed, two-part Days of Future Past saga by Chris Claremont, John Byrne Terry Austin that came out in the fall of 1980.
Dig the official solicitation info, which Marvel will formally release later in August:
X-MEN #141 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT & JOHN BYRNE
Penciled by JOHN BYRNE
Cover by JOHN BYRNE
FOIL VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
Re-presenting one of the most important and influential X-Men tales ever told! In a post-apocalyptic future, the mutant-hunting killing machines known as the Sentinels rule America with an iron fist. Almost all mutants, super heroes and super villains have been exterminated. Only a handful remain to fight against their oppressive robotic overseers. Now Kate Pryde must travel back in time to warn the X-Men of the coming danger – and hopefully prevent this horrible future from ever taking place! In “Days of Future Past,” the shocking culmination of their acclaimed, industry-changing X-MEN run, Chris Claremont and John Byrne changed everything for mutantkind – in both its present and its future! It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting X-MEN (1963) #141.
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UNCANNY X-MEN #142 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT & JOHN BYRNE
Penciled by JOHN BYRNE
Cover by TERRY AUSTIN
“Days of Future Past” concludes, and the text on the front cover says it all: “This issue: Everybody dies!” In the present day, the X-Men – with the help of the time-traveling Kate Pryde – face off against the newly reconstituted Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in a bid to save the life of pivotal anti-mutant politician, Senator Robert Kelly! And in the dark future from which Kate hails, the few remaining mutants mount a last stand against the robotic Sentinels to stave off nuclear Armageddon! This ultimate time-travel saga established the nightmarish tomorrow awaiting the X-Men and inspired generations of creators to continue challenging the future of Marvel’s mutants! It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting UNCANNY X-MEN (1981) #142.
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Several thoughts:
— Both issues are due Nov. 22, which is a nice twofer on the same day. Each will run $4.99.
— The timing is twofold: The X-Men are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year and Marvel has returned to that world this summer with X-Men: Days of Future Past – Doomsday.
— Why the different titles? Because Marvel formally changed the series’ name to The Uncanny X-Men with #142.
— Note the foil variant for Issue #141. That’s because Facsimile Editions have become collectors items in their own right. So pre-order at your local comics shop now, either way.
— Obligatory Price Comparisons: An unslabbed, high-grade copy of #141 recently sold on eBay for $405. That said, an unslabbed, high-grade set of both recently went for $334. No matter what, $10 is a bahgain.
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MORE
— X-MEN #129: MARVEL to Release EMMA FROST and KITTY PRYDE’s Debuts as Facsimile Edition. Click here.
— MARVEL Adds Slew of Major EPIC COLLECTION Re-Releases to 2024 Schedule. Click here.
