Abrams ComicArts and Marvel Comics have announced X-Men Elsewhen, a new three-volume original graphic novel series from writer and artist John Byrne that revisits one of the most iconic eras in X-Men history with an alternate storyline.
Written and illustrated by Byrne, with inks by Paul Wills, colors by Lovern Kindzierski and Leonard O’Grady, and lettering by Byrne and Patrick Brosseau, the series explores a different outcome to the classic “Dark Phoenix Saga” by asking the question: What if Jean Grey had survived?
Originally launched nearly seven years ago, X-Men Elsewhen marked Byrne’s return to the franchise that helped define his career alongside writer Chris Claremont and inker Terry Austin. Their acclaimed run on Uncanny X-Men introduced some of the team’s most influential storylines, including “The Dark Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past,” which have since inspired numerous comics, films, and animated adaptations.
Rather than following the published ending of “The Dark Phoenix Saga,” X-Men Elsewhen continues from Byrne’s original concept, in which Jean Grey survives the events of the story in a dramatically altered state. From there, the series imagines how that decision would reshape the X-Men and the wider Marvel Universe.
Volume 1 follows the team’s return to Earth after the events of the saga, leading into a new storyline spanning the Savage Land and beyond while featuring appearances from familiar Marvel heroes and villains, including the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Sentinels.
Anime Corner has the opportunity to exclusively share a preview of the volume:
Byrne said of returning to the characters:
“They say you can’t go home again. They’re wrong.”
The complete story will have more than 600 pages across three hardcover volumes published under Abrams ComicArts’ Marvel Arts imprint, joining titles such as Fantastic Four: Full Circle by Alex Ross, The Super Hero’s Journey by Patrick McDonnell, and The Avengers: Veracity Trip by Chip Kidd and Michael Cho.
Series editor Chris Ryall said:
“John Byrne has done something truly unique here. He’s created all-new X-Men adventures that not only serve as a reminder of why Byrne’s past work on these characters was beloved and influential, while at the same time presenting all-new and relevant stories that will captivate newer X-Men fans as well.”
Joseph Montagne, Publisher of Abrams ComicArts, added:
“We’re incredibly excited to be publishing X-Men: Elsewhen with John Byrne. This project is something truly rare. It offers a chance to revisit one of the most iconic runs in comics history, told by the original co-creator in his own voice. Byrne’s passion for these characters comes through on every page. We’re proud to bring this long-awaited story to readers through our Marvel Arts line and to add such a meaningful project to this collaboration between Abrams and Marvel.”
X-Men Elsewhen Volume 1 is scheduled to release this month, with Volume 2 planned for Fall 2026 and Volume 3 set to follow in Spring 2027.
Source: Press Release
Participate In Discussions