The X-Men #139
☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join freeUncanny X-Men #139 is a pivotal reset issue that formally closes the Dark Phoenix era and launches a new chapter for the team: Kitty Pryde officially joins the X-Men under her first codename, Sprite, while Storm assumes the role of deputy leader following Cyclops's departure. The issue simultaneously debuted Wolverine's now-famous brown-and-tan costume — a visual reinvention that would define the character for over a decade — and delivered the first in-story revelation of his civilian name, Logan, both milestones that deepened the mystery Claremont and Byrne were carefully constructing around him. The cover's defiant tagline, 'Welcome to the X-Men, Kitty Pryde — Hope you survive the experience!', became a recurring tradition whenever a new member joined the team, cementing this issue's place in X-Men lore beyond its own story.
In "...Something Wicked This Way Comes!", the X-Men begin their new chapter as a team, with Kitty struggling to find her place among the ranks. Meanwhile, Wolverine and Nightcrawler journey to Canada on a mission that tests their instincts and loyalty. Written by John Byrne and Chris Claremont, with art by Byrne and inks by Terry Austin, this 1980 issue captures the team’s evolving dynamics — and the growing shadows on the horizon. Cover by Byrne and Austin.
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We Buy Collections ▸History
Issue #139, cover-dated November 1980 and on sale July 29 of that year, was the first issue of the title for which John Byrne received sole plotting credit, with Chris Claremont scripting from his plot — a shift in the creative dynamic of their celebrated collaboration. It was inked by Terry Austin, lettered by Tom Orzechowski, colored by Glynis Wein, and edited by Louise Simonson (with Danny Fingeroth as assistant editor and Jim Shooter as editor-in-chief). Notably, it was also the first 22-page issue of Uncanny X-Men, expanding from the title's prior 17-page count as part of a page-length increase across Marvel's line at that time. The story directly follows the emotional devastation of the Dark Phoenix Saga (issues #129–138), channeling that aftermath into a deliberate new-team-status-quo issue that planted seeds for the landmark 'Days of Future Past' arc just two issues later.
Trivia · 8 facts
- Kitty Pryde officially joins the X-Men as a full member and receives her first codename, 'Sprite,' suggested by Storm in this issue.
- First appearance of Wolverine in his brown-and-tan costume, which replaced his original yellow-and-blue suit and became his signature look for years.
- First in-story revelation of Wolverine's civilian name, 'Logan,' disclosed by Heather Hudson to Nightcrawler; Wolverine's sardonic response to why he never mentioned it was that nobody asked.
- First appearances of Heather McNeil Hudson (later Vindicator/Guardian) and dance instructor Stevie Hunter, both of whom became recurring supporting characters throughout Claremont's run.
- Storm takes on the role of deputy team leader following Cyclops's leave of absence in the preceding issue (#138), establishing a new leadership dynamic for the team.
- Wolverine and Nightcrawler travel to Canada to reconcile with Alpha Flight and Department H, encountering Vindicator (James Hudson), Shaman, and Snowbird — setting up a two-part Wendigo storyline concluded in #140; the issue includes a flashback to Wolverine's prior Wendigo battle in Incredible Hulk #181.
- The cover tagline 'Welcome to the X-Men, Kitty Pryde — Hope you survive the experience!' became a recurring motif used whenever new mutants joined the X-Men in subsequent issues.
- The issue has been widely reprinted, including in Essential X-Men Vol. 2 (1997), Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 5 (2005), The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus Vol. 2 (2014), the Alpha Flight by John Byrne Omnibus (2017), and the X-Men Epic Collection: The Fate of the Phoenix (2021).
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Reprinted in Marvel Superheroes [Marvel Super-Heroes] #396 (1983), Spécial Strange #34 (1983), Prosjekt X #10/1985 (1985), Superaventuras Marvel #40 (1985), Die Gruppe X #6 (1986), L'Uomo Ragno #20 (1989), L'Uomo Ragno #21 (1989), Classic X-Men #45 (1990), The Uncanny X-Men Annual 1992 #[nn] (1992), Essential X-Men #2 (1997), X-Men: Days of Future Past #[nn] (2004), Wizard Wolverine Masterpiece Edition #1 (2004), Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men #5 (2005), X-Men [pocket] #1 (2006), The Uncanny X-Men: Days of Future Past #[nn] (2006), X-Men: Alpha Flight #[nn] (2011), Marvel Gold. La Imposible Patrulla-X #2 (2012), Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men #5 (2012), Marvel. Официальная коллекция комиксов #11 (2014), The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2 (2014), Marvel Héroes #56 (2014), Universo Marvel #9 (2014), X-Men / Alpha Flight #[nn] (2016), Alpha Flight by John Byrne Omnibus #[nn] (2017) + 9 more
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