Uncanny X-Men: Rise & Fall of the Shi'ar Empire

A six-issue storyline from Marvel, this 2008 epic sends the Uncanny X-Men into deep space to confront the Shi'ar Empire, whose unstable leadership threatens the entire galaxy. Written by Ed Brubaker with art by Billy Tan, the series explores the fallout of the "Deadly Genesis" storyline and sets the stage for the "Messiah Complex" event. It matters as a pivotal moment for the X-Men's cosmic mythos, redefining their relationship with the Shi'ar and the Phoenix Force.