CHRIS CLAREMONT
Spotlighting the storied legacy of writer Chris Claremont! From “The Dark Phoenix Saga,” to “Days of Future Past,” read Claremont’s legendary contributions to the X-Men, and the Marvel Universe at large, with his most famous series and storylines.
TOP PICKS
First Marvel Story
In Daredevil (1964) #102
Chris Claremont may be a legend in the X-Men world, but his first writing assignment was this Daredevil/Black Widow ‘ish. A Marvel great is born!
Meet Multiple Man
In Giant-Size Fantastic Four (1974) #4
While co-writer to Len Wein, Chris Claremont created his first of many Marvel mutants: meet Jamie Madrox, AKA the Multiple Man!
Ms. Marvel
In Ms. Marvel (1977) #3
Did you know Claremont also had a notable run on Carol Danvers’ first ever series? He also penned issues of 1978’s SPIDER-WOMAN, turning Jessica Drew into a P.I. extraordinaire.
First X-Men Issue
In Uncanny X-Men (1981) #94
In GIANT-SIZE X-MEN (1975) #1, creators Len Wein and Dave Cockrum introduced the world to a global team of X-Men favorites, including Storm, Nightcrawler, and Colossus. With issue #94 of the X-Men’s main series, Claremont made his X-debut as both writer and fan!
“The Phoenix Saga”
In Uncanny X-Men (1981) #101
Read through issue #108. During a disastrous reentry to Earth, Jean Grey becomes host to a psychic alien entity known only as “the Phoenix.” Underscored by artists and co-creators Dave Cockrum and John Byrne, this arc marked a turning point for the entire X-team.
“Dark Phoenix Saga”
In Uncanny X-Men (1981) #129
Read through issue #137. Undoubtedly one of the most famous Marvel stories of all time, Claremont and John Byrne’s cinematic arc astounds with world-ending stakes, intergalactic battle, and a family fighting for the soul of the woman they love. Jean Grey loses herself to the Phoenix Force, and its corruption is absolute.
“Days of Future Past”
In Uncanny X-Men (1981) #141
Another blockbuster favorite from Claremont and Byrne! The year 2013 teeters on the brink of Armageddon. Sentinels, whose destructive paths have now reached humanity, imprison and exterminate mutants at will. Teen Kitty Pryde is an X-Men newbie, but she must relay a message from her future to prevent a catalyzing event in the present. Read through issue #142.
Solo Wolverine
In Wolverine (1982) #1
In this limited series drawn by Frank Miller, the X-Men’s resident loner heads to Japan to regain his lost honor and win the hand of his beloved Mariko. Claremont is the “best there is at what he does” in Wolverine’s first solo series!
New Mutants
In The New Mutants Marvel Graphic Novel (1982)
Claremont and Bob McLeod introduce the New Mutants! Read the first appearances, and origins, of the X-Men’s inaugural class of trainees. Starring Cannonball, Sunspot, Karma, Mirage, and Wolfsbane.
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
In X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills - Special Edition (1982)
Acclaimed as “one of the best X-Men stories ever,” this masterpiece by Claremont and artist Brent Anderson epitomizes the struggle for mutants to find acceptance. Reverend William Stryker uses a televised stage to stoke hatred and fear, inciting a palpable fallout for mutants. Magneto and Professor X unite.
Lifedeath: A Love Story
In Uncanny X-Men (1981) #186
Many Claremont fans appreciate the gravitas brought to each and every one of his characters. As much about the interpersonal as the “super heroic,” this Storm-centric story shows what happens to “a goddess” when she loses her power. Artist Barry Windsor-Smith is exceptional. Conclude with UNCANNY X-MEN (1963) #198.
“Madripoor Knights”
In Uncanny X-Men (1981) #268
Co-starring Captain America and Black Widow! Wolverine confronts his war-riddled past on the mean streets of Madripoor, in this now-classic issue drawn by Jim Lee.
X-Men: Blue and Gold
In X-Men (1991) #1
The dynamic duo of Claremont and Jim Lee divvied up the X-Men into two distinct squads following the X-TINCTION AGENDA event, available to read in full. The result? A game-changing issue #1 that still maintains its record as an industry best-seller. One of the X-Men’s four Seminal Moments!
X-Treme X-Men
In X-Treme X-Men (2001) #1
Claremont and Salvador Larroca usher the X-Men into an extreme new age with a lineup starring Storm, Bishop, Beast, and Psylocke. Don’t be fooled by these redesigns—this is a classic Claremont saga.
Nightcrawler
In Nightcrawler (2014) #1
Kurt Wagner was dead. Now, he is not. With an extended lease on life, what does the Amazing Nightcrawler do with the time he’s been given? This is a Nightcrawler story, so expect swashbuckling, sorcery, and swords!