The first comic I ever read was this big, thick and poorly bound trade copy of the original Dark Phoenix Saga. I didn't know at the time who Chris Claremont of John Byrne were. I really didn't care. The whole reason I even started reading the super hero stuff was because my friend and neighbor Jeff was so totally obsessed with comics. So the more I hung around with him, the more I learned. One day I asked if he had any about super heroes falling in love or something stupid like that, and before I knew it I was up to my neck in the story. What a way to get into comics, right? I mean Claremont's run on The Uncanny X-Men is legendary. The guy defined Wolverine! He made Cyclops interesting and tragic! HE INVENTED KITTY PRYDE!*
Anyway, Comic Book Resources has some sad news today. Claremont was recently on a trip to Italy for a conference where he was overcome with exhaustion. They report that Claremont is expected to make a full recovery, which is great news. Marvel is also stepping up to ensure the masses that Claremont will still have a place to work. It's amazing how far the comic industry has come in 30 years. I read a great book called Men of Tomorrow that provides some excellent insight into the early years of the comic book industry, but the worst parts of the book deal with the crummy treatment writers and artists received from comic companies. So it's nice to see Marvel standing by their man and stuff.
Anyway, get well Chris Claremont! And below is my absolute favoritest cover during your original run of the series:
*Yeah I know John Byrne had more to do with that so leave me alone.
