1976 Character Runner-Up: Storm

Outside of Jean's transformation, Storm is the member of the ensemble who really steps out from the chorus in this year, receiving more of a traditional "origin" along w/the establishment of her claustrophobia.

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX #XMen #XMen60

"This is heavy stuff & Claremont makes us feel for Jean in what may be her final moments...it creates a sense that the creators view [the characters] as something more than interchangeable players in a fantastic plot."

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX #Xmen #XMen60

https://www.therealgentlemenofleisure.com/2011/03/x-amining-x-men-100.html

084 - Year 14 Memorable Moment: Phoenix!

Not only does the Phoenix reveal kick off a simmering plot that leads to one of the X-Men's (& superhero comics') most notable & well-crafted stories, it also becomes one of the series' most iconic images.

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX #XMen

083 - Year 14 Fun Fact: Tac-a-Tac

Originally, Jean's transformation into Phoenix was simply meant to be a power boost resulting from her having passed through similar cosmic rays as the Fantastic Four did, hence the closing sound effects in #XMen #100.

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX

082 - Year 14 Comic: X-Men #100
Under an oft-homaged cover is the story which begged to be told the moment the new X-Men were introduced (albeit w/a robotic twist), plus the first Fastball Special & one of the series' most riveting cliffhangers!

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX #XMen

081- Year 14 Character: Jean Grey

Though seemingly written out in the previous year, Jean Grey comes roaring back in '76 and transforms into/gets replaced by (depending on your vintage) Phoenix, putting her at the center of the ANAD narrative.

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX #XMen

079 - Year 14 Cover: X-Men #101

Another iconic, oft-homaged cover showcasing Jean Grey's radical transformation into Phoenix!

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX #XMen

Year 14: X-Men #98-103, Amazing Spider-Man #161-162
X-Men in spaaace! It's the beginning of what will become the Phoenix Saga! The Sentinels return! So does Juggernaut - and he brings a friend! Jean Grey is transformed & nothing will be the same in #1976XMen!
#60YearsOfX #XMen

080- Year 14 Creator: Chris Claremont

In his first year as the full writer on the book, Claremont kicks off what will become one of the series' seminal story arcs, while beginning his work fleshing out the new X-Men into rich, layered characters.

#1976XMen #60YearsOfX #XMen