Essential Classic X-Men #3
"Wanted: Dead or Alive — Cyclops!" is a standout issue in the Essential Classic X-Men series, featuring a pivotal moment in the X-Men’s history. Written by Roy Thomas and illustrated with powerful precision by Neal Adams, with inks by Tom Palmer and lettering by Sam Rosen, the story unfolds with emotional weight and suspense as the team confronts Sauron—only to miss the true identity behind the monster. The cover, also by Neal Adams, captures the tension perfectly, setting the stage for a tale that explores identity, love, and the cost of power.
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The X-Men battle Sauron but the he gets away and the heroes do not make the connection between the flying dinosaur and Dr. Karl Lykos. Visiting Lykos, they find Alex restored to health and witness a reunion between Karl and his love, Tanya. Her father arrives and forbids their love as the X-Men slink away from the uncomfortable domestic scene. Karl drains energy from Lorna and turns into Sauron once again. Once he changes back into Lykos, he confronts Tanya at their old mountain cabin and seemingly falls to his death as he runs away, afraid of trying to drain energy from the woman he loves.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).