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It is a story that has been in the making for over 40 years. After very publicly walking away from Marvel Comics 25 years ago, John Byrne is returning to publish his own version of what happened after his iconic Dark Phoenix Saga. In his version, Jean Grey doesn’t die, and X-Men history takes a very different turn.

X-Men Elsewhen started as a webcomic that John Byrne published on his website starting in 2018, but it is set to get a physical release later this month. That release is remarkable not just because it is John Byrne returning to one of the most iconic storylines in comic book history, but also because Marvel Comics is putting its official stamp on it. They are involved as licensors while Abrams ComicArts is publishing.

Here is a preview:

It seems that there is a definite appetite for this storyline; according to John Byrne himself, the first printing has already sold out based solely on the pre-order numbers, with a second printing already working its way to retailers to meet demand. There's already a highly sought-after variant edition of X-Men: Elsewhen Vol. 1, which is exclusive to the Midtown Comics retailer.

What is driving that interest? It could be that people are excited to see Byrne’s name attached to an X-Men comic book again. It is difficult to overstate just how influential the original Dark Phoenix Saga was for comic book history, and Byrne’s artwork certainly helped make it the success that it was. That artwork is on full display on the pages we’ve seen, which does a great job of emulating the 1980s comic book style without feeling totally dated and retro.

X-Men Elsewhen Volume 1 is on sale on June 23, with a planned Volume 2 and Volume 3 lined up for future releases. Volume 1 is dedicated to the late Len Wein, who died in 2017, and Dave Cockrum, who died in 2006. Volume 2 is dedicated to Archie Goodwin, who died in 1998. Volume 3 is dedicated to John Byrne’s friend and frequent collaborator Chris Ryall, who, it should be noted, is still alive but has overseen the X-Men Elsewhen comic book.

To me, my X-Men fans. Want more about Marvel's mutants? You don't need Cerebro to find what you should read next... we made a list!

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