Phoenix first appeared in X-Men #101, published by Marvel in 1976. That places it in the Bronze Age.
Why this issue matters
Jean Grey rises from Jamaica Bay declaring herself Phoenix, kicking off the arc most fans regard as the best in X-Men history. One of the genuine grails of the Bronze Age and a book that has held value through every market dip.
Key facts
X-Men #101
- Character: Phoenix
- Publisher: Marvel
- Cover year: 1976
- Era: Bronze Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
- Phoenix reading order
- Jean Grey Joins the MCU: The Phoenix Key Issues That Matter Jean Grey
- Sheffield Auction Haul: X-Men, Wolverine and a First Phoenix A Sheffie
Other first appearances from 1976
- Rocket Raccoon Marvel Preview #7, 1976
- Nova Nova #1, 1976
- Star-Lord Marvel Preview #4, 1976
- Bullseye Daredevil #131, 1976
More Marvel firsts from the Bronze Age
- Black Cat Amazing Spider-Man #194, 1979
- Emma Frost Uncanny X-Men #129, 1980
- Mystique Ms. Marvel #16, 1978
- Wolverine Incredible Hulk #181, 1974
- Wolverine (cameo) Incredible Hulk #180, 1974
- Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler Giant-Size X-Men #1, 1975
- Punisher Amazing Spider-Man #129, 1974
- Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze) Marvel Spotlight #5, 1972
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.