Hand-drawn page 24 artwork by John Byrne and Terry Austin featuring Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman and Hercules as they witness a previously undocumented flashback sequence explaining the origin of Phoenix. On this page it is revealed that the Phoenix entity took the place of Jean Grey prior to the shuttle crash from which Phoenix emerged in Uncanny X-Men #101. This version of the origin (written and pencilled by John Byrne) was never published. Although the first panel did make it into publication, Jackson “Butch” Guice re-drew the last five panels of the page and Chris Claremont wrote new dialogue for the published origin.

This original pencilled-and-inked artwork is drawn on Bristol board by penciller John Byrne and inker Terry Austin. This issue brought Jean Grey/Phoenix back from the dead, as Phoenix had been killed off six years earlier in Uncanny X-Men #137. Stamped over handwriting at the top of the sheet is “FANTASTIC FOUR” in the book field, with “286” written in marker in the issue field, and “24” written over the page-number field. Written at the top of the board is “TERRY — COLOR-HOLD SPACE AGAIN”. Written on the back of the board is “100% NO OVERLAY Love Mikey” from editor Michael Carlin.

Included with the lot is a reference copy of Fantastic Four #286, the comic book in which the first panel was originally published. The board shows minor wear due to use and age, but remains in very good condition. Dimensions: 28 cm x 43 cm (11” x 17”)

Please note this lot is sold without copyright, reproduction rights, licencing agreements or any other type of legal release.

£2,000 - 3,000