Art of Homage # 43: X-Men # 101/50 (1st Phoenix, 1st Polaris)

(Uncanny) X-Men # 101 is usually the

homaged cover in question that most people

attribute to like images.

And, it is a classic, purely cool

Dave Cockrum cover spotlighting

the introduction of Phoenix.

But I say that image itself is owing in

at least part of its inspiration to the above

work by Jim Steranko, from X-Men # 50

from many years prior!

The composition is varied slightly,

but it's still the prominent debut of a

powerful (X) woman which has the other

characters beneath them in lesser positions!

Favorite Costumes: Polaris

To be fair, the Mistress of Magnetism has

had her share of double-bagger costumes.

However, as long as the variations to the

original Steranko classic don't veer too far....

And the artist & writer don't feel the need

to make her possessed or butch or a giantess

to add 'character' (ugh!)....

she is a star!

There should be a regalness to Lorna,

not a trashy or common look.

(I also have much love for the Cockrum

stripper outfit, but it is much more.....dated, I think.)

You can't improve on perfection.

'Iconic' is iconic for a reason.