A fill-in issue created before John Byrne took over as the X-Men. It may have consistency issues but as far as storyline is concerned, it’s actually very good!
TITLE: The Uncanny X-Men issue #117
YEAR: January 1979
COMPANY: Marvel Comics
WRITER: Chris Claremont
ARTIST: John Byrne
INKER: Terry Austin
LETTERER: Clem Robins
COLORS: Glynis Wein
EDITOR: Roger Stern
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Jim Shooter
In issue #116, the issue continues with the X-Men trying to survive in the sea after their battle in the Savage Land, while back home, Professor X, Jean Grey are grieving the death of the comrades (not knowing they are very much alive).
The group are picked up by Japanese sailors who rescue them and bring them to Japan.
Meanwhile, Jean Grey leaves the mansion leaving Lilanda concerned about her husband who still blames himself of the death of the X-Men and reminiscing of when he first met a young Ororo Munroe (Storm) who had pickpocketed him.
And how Professor X came upon another telepath, Amahl Farouk, who owns an establishment in the Thieves Quarter of Cairo and how both telepathically fight against each other and the first time Professor X realized how truly deadly mutant powers could be in the wrong hands.
While this issue does provide a fascinating origin story of when Professor X faced off against his first evil mutant and killed him (or be killed).
The issue features a one-page appearance of Misty Knight, Jean Grey’s former roommate (when she was Marvel Girl) and meeting at the airport, as Jean is not sure what to do with her life with the X-Men gone. Meanwhile, Misty is off to Japan.
A good story, also showcasing more of the relationship between Charles and Lilandra.