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Classic X-Men#42
Cover: Steve Lightle

Classic X-Men #42

Dec 1989 · Marvel · 1.25 USD; 1.75 CAD; 0.60 GBP
“Child of Light and Darkness”

In "Child of Light and Darkness," the X-Men confront the terrifying return of Jean Grey—now wielding the full power of the Phoenix—as she battles her former teammates in a storm of cosmic fury. Written by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, with dynamic art by Byrne and inks by Terry Austin, this pivotal issue sees Jean reclaimed from the Phoenix’s grip, only for the entire team to vanish abruptly after their hard-won victory. The cover by Steve Lightle captures the moment’s intensity, framing a story that lingers in the shadows of what comes next.

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writer Chris Claremont · inker Terry Austin · colorist Glynis Oliver · letterer Tom Orzechowski · writer, artist John Byrne · cover Steve Lightle

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Cast · 31 characters

Full credits

colorist Glynis Oliver
writer, artist John Byrne
cover pencils, inks Steve Lightle

Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers

▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers

Dark Phoenix returns to Earth to face the X-Men and her old life. After a pitched battle with her former teammates, Jean is restored to her right mind after a furious assault by Xavier. As the team is celebrating the purging of the Phoenix force, they vanish into thin air.

Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).