TITLE: The New Mutants vol. 1 – Issue #25
YEAR: March 1985
COMPANY: Marvel Comics
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Bill Sienkiewicz
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Letterer: Orzechowski & Buhalis
Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter
Back in 1982, many people were excited when writer Chris Claremont and artist Bob McLeod created the New Mutants.
But when Chris Claremont teamed up with Bill Sienkiewicz, “The New Mutants” went darker and dare I say…artsy.
Artist Bill Sienkiewicz bucked the trend of traditional comic book art by utilizing oil painting, collage and other forms of artwork not seen before. And while there were people who were not used to the art and may have criticized at the time, fast forward, over 35-years later and the Claremont/Sienkiewicz run for “The New Mutants” is considered the best collaborative team up in the entire New Mutants series.
And it’s through this run, many collectors of “The New Mutants” will find issues #18, #25 and #26 to be key issues. And those coming late to the game will find these three to be vol. 1’s most expensive issues in the Claremont/Sienkiewicz run.
While this issue is expensive because it’s considered the first appearance of Charles Xavier’s son, LEGION (David Charles Haler), the storyline is actually quite fascinating.
Magik (Illyana Rasputin, sister of X-Men member, Colossus) was trying to help Cloak and Dagger rid their powers and make them normal. But in the process of doing it, she was unable to control it and put their powers into Wolfsbane (Rahne Sinclair) and Sunspot (Roberto da Costa). And Sunspot is literally losing control.
Meanwhile, as Tandy (Dagger) is not at a lost for losing her power, Cloak (Ty) is and is having a difficult time dealing with it and now he has anger issues.
While Professor X is upset with what Illyana has done, Professor X goes in astral form and has a conversation with Ty and shows him that he can control his fears and the darkness and try not to let it control him because of his fear.
Professor X requests Illyana to transport them back to limbo and together, they will work in returning Cloak and Dagger’s powers but also to help Rahne and Sunspot.
While this issue was an entertaining story, especially with Cloak and Dagger being featured prominently along with the New Mutants, as mentioned, this comic book was popular because it’s the first appearance of Legion.
It’s not a cameo but just a one-page promo of the character, while a one-page promo of Lila Cheney is featured. So, issue #26 is more of a story showcasing Legion than issue #25. But you know how comics go…even cameos or small appearances are enough to get collectors excited.
But personally, I look at it more as an essential New Mutants comic book in the famous Claremont/Sienkiewicz “The New Mutants” run. But definitely check out issue #25, especially for its awesome cover!