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Uncanny X-Men (1963) #125-128
X-Men: Proteus
One of the X-Men's greatest allies must face her darkest secret when a child born of violence bends reality to his whims The paranormal Proteus battles the X-Men in body and soul, shaking the psyches of even their strongest But as Marvel's mightiest mutants face one world-threatening wonder, an even worse one awaits as the stage is set for the debut of Dark Phoenix Collects X-Men #125-128, and Classic X-Men #32-33, #36.
119 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2009
7 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Chris Claremont
3,276 books888 followersChris Claremont is a writer of American comic books, best known for his 16-year (1975-1991) stint on Uncanny X-Men, during which the series became one of the comic book industry's most successful properties.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 26, 2024
I’ve read this story before, as part of the Wizard X-Men Masterpiece Edition of selected X-Men tales and the Mark Millar version as it appeared in Ultimate X-Men Volume 3: World Tour. This new edition contains a recap of previous issues that helped build up this story from the mysterious Mutant X cameo in X-Men issue 104 to this three-parter. The seeds for the Proteus saga were planted in the early Claremont issue which had Magneto escape from Muir Island. By the time the writer came around to pen this story, it had been building up for almost two years and the writer did not fail in delivering a proper pay-off.
The original Proteus story happened during the magnificent Chris Claremont and John Byrne X-Men run which helped define the franchise for the 20th century. Much was said about Claremont’s exposition heavy caption, but it doesn’t feel too congested here. This was a time of compressed storytelling when writers had to put as much back story and characterization into every issue as it was expected to be reader friendly and to stand alone as much as it can. Every monthly issue then was a potential starting point for any new reader. Claremont’s wordy captions helped make that work.
Byrne’s art here, as always is amazing. His work in X-Men works as well in color and in black and white. I have the first volume of Claremont and Byrne’s Essential X-Men and the art really stands out and tells the story well.
For this new premier hardcover edition, Marvel tried to fit in as much Proteus related material it can. Aside from the recap, it included the issue that preceded the three part tale and the short stories that appeared as back up in the old Classic X-Men reprints. These short stories tried to expand on what happened in between the panels of the original story. It was great that Marvel included it as these stories are rarely reprinted.
This is a great read as it is a classic story by a legendary creative team and would fit in any X-Men shelf. This is a nice format to collect it in as it is convenient to reread than the oversize omnibus of the Claremont and Byrne issues.
The original Proteus story happened during the magnificent Chris Claremont and John Byrne X-Men run which helped define the franchise for the 20th century. Much was said about Claremont’s exposition heavy caption, but it doesn’t feel too congested here. This was a time of compressed storytelling when writers had to put as much back story and characterization into every issue as it was expected to be reader friendly and to stand alone as much as it can. Every monthly issue then was a potential starting point for any new reader. Claremont’s wordy captions helped make that work.
Byrne’s art here, as always is amazing. His work in X-Men works as well in color and in black and white. I have the first volume of Claremont and Byrne’s Essential X-Men and the art really stands out and tells the story well.
For this new premier hardcover edition, Marvel tried to fit in as much Proteus related material it can. Aside from the recap, it included the issue that preceded the three part tale and the short stories that appeared as back up in the old Classic X-Men reprints. These short stories tried to expand on what happened in between the panels of the original story. It was great that Marvel included it as these stories are rarely reprinted.
This is a great read as it is a classic story by a legendary creative team and would fit in any X-Men shelf. This is a nice format to collect it in as it is convenient to reread than the oversize omnibus of the Claremont and Byrne issues.
August 13, 2023
X-Men: Proteus collects #125-128. Chris Claremont and John Byrne are heading toward the end of their collaboration. In this volume, Moira MacTaggart's son Proteus runs amok, altering reality and burning through host bodies as he pleases. The X-Men have to cross some lines to stop him.
I like Byrne's art here better than in his Fantastic Four run, although it's pretty much the same. Claremont is as wordy as ever here, as was the style at the time. The story was good, though, and Byrne and Claremont were a great team.
I like Byrne's art here better than in his Fantastic Four run, although it's pretty much the same. Claremont is as wordy as ever here, as was the style at the time. The story was good, though, and Byrne and Claremont were a great team.
March 28, 2013
Introduction:
When I heard so many good things about one of the most iconic “X-Men” stories, next to X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga and X-Men: Days of Future Past, “Proteus,” I just had to give this comic a shot! Now, I actually first heard about the Proteus storyline through the “X-Men” cartoon series that came out during the 1990s and ever since then, I was interested in seeing how this popular storyline unfolded in the “X-Men” universe and now, I finally got a chance to read it!
What is this story about?
In this story, after the X-Men’s intense battle with Magneto, each of the members believed that the other was dead. However, when Moira MacTaggert’s mutant son, Proteus, suddenly breaks out of his prison, the X-Men are reunited again and they have to fight this new menace that not only is out to get Moira MacTaggert’s estranged husband, Joe MacTaggert, but Moira herself! Can the X-Men defeat this new foe?
What I loved about this story:
Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s writing: As a long time “X-Men” fan, I was always interested in Chris Claremont’s writing during the early years of the X-Men and this comic was just as interesting as the stories “The Dark Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past” were! I loved the way that Chris Claremont wrote Proteus as being a mysterious and frightening character that has a deep grudge against Moira MacTaggert and her estranged husband Joe MacTaggert as it made his character extremely interesting to read and I was actually scared of Proteus’ ability to warp reality to his will while possessing any body he comes across! I also loved seeing how the X-Men had to work together to defeat this foe while going through some personal issues to complete this job. One of the most memorable and intense scenes I had seen in this comic was when Proteus warps Wolverine’s mind and Wolverine ends up being terrified of Proteus. This moment stood out to me because Wolverine is usually shown as being a “tough as nails” character and to see a villain actually break down Wolverine emotionally was terrifying to see. I also liked the fact that this story was not as lengthy as Chris Claremont’s work in “The Dark Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past” as we still get a really effective story while the story was extremely short enough to explain the characters’ personal feelings on this situation. I also loved seeing Havok, Polaris and Multiple Man (Jamie Madrox) appear in this story and actually help the X-Men out with Proteus, since
John Byrne’s artwork: John Byrne’s artwork in this comic is truly beautiful and it really captures the spirit of all the characters. I especially loved the images of the X-Men themselves, especially of Jean Grey whenever she goes into Phoenix mode and you can see the powerful aura surround Jean Grey as it shows how powerful she is in her Phoenix form. I also loved the images of Proteus using his reality warping powers against the X-Men as the images look so surreal and distorted and it really gives off the creepy feel of Proteus’ powers.
What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:
Not much was really wrong this story, but anyone who does not like seeing surreal imagery used in a disturbing way might feel uncomfortable of the scenes where Proteus warps Wolverine and Nightcrawler’s minds. The imagery during these scenes is extremely distorted and that might frightened anyone who does not like surreal imagery.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, “X-Men: Proteus” is a truly fantastic story that all “X-Men” fans should check out! Also, in the edition I got, there are three extra stories in this volume that are just as interesting as the main story and they are called “Shreds of Humanity,” “So Good it Hurts,” written by Ann Nocenti along with artwork by John Bolton and “Outside In.”
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
August 29, 2019
This story line gave us more background on Moira MacTaggert, someone I hadn’t read too much about before! Learning about Moira's history was interesting however, there were a lot of continuity errors concerning Proteus and his abilities which drew my out of the story every now and again. Ending on a good note, I loved how there were little comments planted about the power of Phoenix (hinting at the eventual Dark Phoenix saga) but she was not the one who defeated the villain.
July 29, 2012
This volume collects X-Men (original series) #125-128, plus supplemental material.
In this story, we learn that X-associate Moira McTaggert has a son, the product of a rape by her ex-husband, who is a dangerous mutant. Kevin McTaggert, who takes the name Proteus, is an energy vampire who uses bodies like we use clothes - but goes through them much faster. He also has the ability to warp reality, an experience that leaves even the hardest X-Men quaking in their boots. Freed from his cell by a battle between Magneto and the X-Men, he intends to kill his father, and then proceed with grander plans.
This being a Claremont book, there are a lot of other things going on as well. I hear people today criticize the author for being too wordy and dense, while complaining that they feel cheated by current comics. Some people are just never happy. The fact is, when you bought a Claremont comic you were getting your money's worth. He also liked to play a long game. The seeds of the Dark Phoenix Saga, which would come to a head almost a year later, are planted herein.
When Marvel reprinted these issues in a series called Classic X-Men, they added backup stories that fleshed out the action in the main story, or presented "untold stories" from the period. Three of those pieces are included here as well. They've also included the new cover art (front and back) from those issues.
On a personal note, these were among the issues that hooked me on comics (particularly Marvel's) when I was a kid. I had the first chapter of the story, but due to the vagaries of comic distribution (and my being nine years old) at the time, I didn't get to read the rest of the story until a decade later when the reprints came. I'm glad to have this great story collected in one volume...but I'm still keeping my copy of X-Men #125 (for sentimental reasons.)
In this story, we learn that X-associate Moira McTaggert has a son, the product of a rape by her ex-husband, who is a dangerous mutant. Kevin McTaggert, who takes the name Proteus, is an energy vampire who uses bodies like we use clothes - but goes through them much faster. He also has the ability to warp reality, an experience that leaves even the hardest X-Men quaking in their boots. Freed from his cell by a battle between Magneto and the X-Men, he intends to kill his father, and then proceed with grander plans.
This being a Claremont book, there are a lot of other things going on as well. I hear people today criticize the author for being too wordy and dense, while complaining that they feel cheated by current comics. Some people are just never happy. The fact is, when you bought a Claremont comic you were getting your money's worth. He also liked to play a long game. The seeds of the Dark Phoenix Saga, which would come to a head almost a year later, are planted herein.
When Marvel reprinted these issues in a series called Classic X-Men, they added backup stories that fleshed out the action in the main story, or presented "untold stories" from the period. Three of those pieces are included here as well. They've also included the new cover art (front and back) from those issues.
On a personal note, these were among the issues that hooked me on comics (particularly Marvel's) when I was a kid. I had the first chapter of the story, but due to the vagaries of comic distribution (and my being nine years old) at the time, I didn't get to read the rest of the story until a decade later when the reprints came. I'm glad to have this great story collected in one volume...but I'm still keeping my copy of X-Men #125 (for sentimental reasons.)
April 21, 2013
8th book read in 2013.
Number 145 out of 300 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwFl-I...
Number 145 out of 300 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwFl-I...
December 31, 2018
Tento pribeh z casu tesne pred slavnou Dark Phoenix sagou je velmi nepravom menej znamy. Vyborna teamova praca mutantov, vztahy medzi nimi, Wolverinov sympaticky vyvoj a jemne naznaky temneho vnutra Jean z neho robia vyborne citatnie. Velmi zaujimave su aj tri suvisiace kratasy z Classic X-men, hlavne prvy, kde Proteus meni pri boji Wolverinovi realitu velmi vtipnym sposobom.
May 12, 2025
more fun, super colourful characters. just some plot threads that could’ve gone further, characters end up feeling more like tools to achieve a goal than people sometimes. supplemented really well by the classic x-men issues at the end of this compilation.
July 3, 2018
Classic arc from a classic run. One of Claremont's best stories.
Read
September 26, 2020It is becoming rather clear to me that comics are not my medium of choice. This was fine, but I'm not going to rate it, because it's really not my thing.
July 22, 2024
I read these comics back when the came out. And I still have them.
It just doesn't get any better than these guys, and these books!
It just doesn't get any better than these guys, and these books!
Read
November 6, 2025DNF. UXM #125-128 only.
August 3, 2016
Claremont and Byrne do a great job on these four issues covering the Proteus arc--also known as the four issues directly preceding the Dark Phoenix Saga.
The story focuses on Proteus, also known as Mutant X, one of the X-Men's most challenging foes thus seen, whose escape had been briefly hinted at in a single panel way back in issue #104. Proteus is a pretty tragic character. Conceived through rape, he was locked away at a research facility by a very young age, until his eventual (accidental) escape ten years later. His energy is so powerful that any body he inhabits will eventually burn out, forcing him to possess different bodies periodically. Protean as the Greek god he's named after, and with versatility that'd make Bruce Lee jealous, Proteus is also dependent on the very thing he hates: mankind. With the power tho alter others' realities, but never his tragic own, Proteus hunts down his father and is hunted by his mother, but of course he is eventually overcome by the X-Men.
Claremont's writing is good here, as is John Byrne's art (Byrne also helped with the plotting in these issues). It's neither of their best works, but Byrne really shines here in the scenes where Proteus alters reality. The surrealist art is really spectacular. Would have liked to see more of that. He also handles a lot of the action with a very charming stylistic touch (that tall panel of Colossus on page 27 of the last issue? Holy smokes!).
Overall a nice, short little storyline that leads into the much more memorable Dark Phoenix Saga.
Rating: 3.15 out of 5
My other X-Men reviews:
The X-Men, Vol. 1
The X-Men, Vol. 2
The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 1
X-Men: Proteus
The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 2
X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga
X-Men: Days of Future Past
X-Men: From the Ashes
The story focuses on Proteus, also known as Mutant X, one of the X-Men's most challenging foes thus seen, whose escape had been briefly hinted at in a single panel way back in issue #104. Proteus is a pretty tragic character. Conceived through rape, he was locked away at a research facility by a very young age, until his eventual (accidental) escape ten years later. His energy is so powerful that any body he inhabits will eventually burn out, forcing him to possess different bodies periodically. Protean as the Greek god he's named after, and with versatility that'd make Bruce Lee jealous, Proteus is also dependent on the very thing he hates: mankind. With the power tho alter others' realities, but never his tragic own, Proteus hunts down his father and is hunted by his mother, but of course he is eventually overcome by the X-Men.
Claremont's writing is good here, as is John Byrne's art (Byrne also helped with the plotting in these issues). It's neither of their best works, but Byrne really shines here in the scenes where Proteus alters reality. The surrealist art is really spectacular. Would have liked to see more of that. He also handles a lot of the action with a very charming stylistic touch (that tall panel of Colossus on page 27 of the last issue? Holy smokes!).
Overall a nice, short little storyline that leads into the much more memorable Dark Phoenix Saga.
Rating: 3.15 out of 5
My other X-Men reviews:
The X-Men, Vol. 1
The X-Men, Vol. 2
The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 1
X-Men: Proteus
The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 2
X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga
X-Men: Days of Future Past
X-Men: From the Ashes
August 24, 2011
This is the stuff that got me hooked on comics when I was a kid. I was first introduced to the X-men just about 5 issues before the beginning of this book and it was amazing. The cool and complex plots of Chris Claremont with John Byrne also helping with plot and his amazing art. While the writing and plotting is top notch, the thing I keep coming back to is the art. Its hard to put into words. Realistically hyper-stylized is the best phrase that is coming to mind and that doesn't do it justice. It is an almost technical level of realistic detail, but never cold and it is still very super hero-ish in the anatomy of the people in its world. When you combine these too talents together, you get some very Science Fiction quality super hero melodrama. If you even remotely consider yourself a fan of comics and or the X-men you gotta read this and the book that follows it "X-men: The Dark Phoenix Saga".
June 21, 2014
X-Men Proteus is the first comic book I have purchased and I was not disappointed. The characters have incredible depth that you do not get from the movies. Wolverine and Moira's pasts haunt them as they battle Proteus, a being who must possess the bodies of others to survive. The other X-Men are just as vulnerable as he twists reality and renders their powers useless. If you have not read comic books or X-Men before, Proteus is the perfect place to start. The intensity, emotion, and power of the story and its characters is jaw-dropping. You will be amazed.
May 6, 2009
This was excellent. Classic Claremont, with a team full of characters I adore, functioning at their best. Though everyone in the book shines, Cyclops really gets the best spotlight; his leadership skills, particularly his ability to figure out the best strategies for fighting Proteus and getting his team into tip-top shape, are on full display here. I dare anyone to read this volume and claim that Scott isn't a great team leader.
October 21, 2014
These were the very 1st XMEN issues i ever read, stumbling on the bi-monthly title by accident, way back when they were new in late 70s....just re-read the 4 issues via comixology electronic guided view. These are still great. Buy them now.
May 1, 2009
Man, I love this stuff.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews