The X-Men #97
The X-Men #97 is the opening salvo of the cosmic mythology that would become the Phoenix Saga and the broader Shi'ar universe — two of the most celebrated storylines in Marvel history. It delivers the first appearance of both Lilandra Neramani and the Shi'ar race (visible only as shadowy figures in Xavier's prophetic nightmares), simultaneously introducing Eric the Red (Davan Shakari) as the villain who would orchestrate the run-up to those epics. The issue also marks the first time Lorna Dane formally adopts the name Polaris, and the debut of Nightcrawler's image inducer — a small-scale gadget that would quietly become one of the most resonant symbols of mutant otherness in the entire Claremont era.
In "My Brother, My Enemy!", the X-Men face a shocking new threat when Eric the Red manipulates Havok and Polaris into turning on their teammates. With Professor Xavier away on vacation after strange dreams of a cosmic conflict, and Jean Grey back with the team, tensions rise as the Brotherhood of Mutants takes a dangerous new turn. Written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Dave Cockrum, with inks by Sam Grainger and colors by Don Warfield, this 1976 classic features a cover by Rich Buckler and Dave Cockrum.
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Written by Chris Claremont and drawn by Dave Cockrum with inks by Sam Grainger, the issue went on sale in November 1975 with a February 1976 cover date, edited by Marv Wolfman. The cover itself was penciled by Rich Buckler and inked by Cockrum — an unusual split from the interior art team. The story built directly on seeds planted in the very first issues of the relaunched 'All-New, All-Different' X-Men, with Claremont and Cockrum consciously expanding the team's world from Earth-bound mutant conflicts outward toward a galactic stage; Lilandra's slow reveal — her identity concealed across several subsequent issues — reflects Claremont's signature long-form plotting style that would define the title throughout the Bronze Age.
Trivia · 8 facts
- First appearance of Lilandra Neramani (Majestrix Lilandra / Shi'ar Empress) — seen only in silhouette through Xavier's recurring nightmares; her face is not shown until #102 and her name is not revealed until #105.
- First appearance of the Shi'ar race and the Shi'ar Imperial Fleet, also introduced via Professor X's dreams.
- First appearance of Eric the Red (Davan Shakari), a Shi'ar imperial spy sent to Earth by Emperor D'Ken to prevent Xavier from aiding Lilandra — a distinct character from Cyclops, who had only used the 'Erik the Red' alias as a disguise in #51–52.
- First cameo of Emperor D'Ken Neramani.
- Lorna Dane formally takes the name Polaris for the first time in this issue.
- First appearance of Nightcrawler's image inducer — a holographic disguise device attributed in-story to Tony Stark/Stark Industries; Kurt uses it here to project the likeness of Errol Flynn.
- Story title is 'My Brother, My Enemy!' — written by Chris Claremont, penciled by Dave Cockrum, inked by Sam Grainger, colored by Don Warfield, lettered by Annette Kawecki (credited as Annette Kaye), edited by Marv Wolfman; cover by Rich Buckler and Dave Cockrum.
- The issue has been reprinted in Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 (multiple editions from 2003 onward), The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus Vol. 1 (2006), X-Men Epic Collection: Second Genesis (2017), the Phoenix Omnibus (2021), and a standalone Marvel Legends reprint (2005) packaged with a Hasbro Havok action figure.
Cast · 24 characters
Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Eric the Red controls Havok and Polaris and sends them up against the X-Men. After having strange dreams of an outer space battle, Xavier leaves for vacation. Jean re-joins the team.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).