The X-Men Story John Byrne Always Wanted to Tell

2025-4-15 20:34:30

John Byrne’s X-Men: Elsewhen

John Byrne is one of the most famous creators in comic book history. His work on The Uncanny X-Men in the late 1970s and early 1980s helped shape the team’s most iconic stories. Many fans consider his time on the series with writer Chris Claremont to be one of the best runs in X-Men history.

Years later, Byrne decided to return to the world of the X-Men with a new project: X-Men: Elsewhen. This fan comic is a continuation of his vision for the X-Men, as if he had never left the book. It gives readers a glimpse into what could have been if he had stayed with the series.

**What Is X-Men: Elsewhen?**

X-Men: Elsewhen is a fan-made comic created by John Byrne. It is not an official Marvel publication, but it has gained a strong following online. Byrne writes, pencils, and inks the series himself, much like he did during his early days as a comic artist.

The story picks up right after X-Men #137, the famous Dark Phoenix Saga issue. In the original timeline, Jean Grey sacrificed herself to protect the universe. However, in Elsewhen, Byrne reimagines what might have happened if Jean had survived. This change leads to a brand-new path for the X-Men, full of unexpected twists and classic storytelling.

**Why Did Byrne Create Elsewhen?**

Byrne left The Uncanny X-Men after issue #143 due to creative differences with Chris Claremont. He had many ideas for where the series could have gone, but he never got to tell those stories.

Years later, he decided to explore his vision through Elsewhen. Byrne wanted to create a story that ignored later X-Men history and continued directly from his last issues. This way, he could develop the characters the way he originally planned.

**How Elsewhen Stays True to Classic X-Men**

One of the most exciting things about X-Men: Elsewhen is how well it captures the feel of classic X-Men comics. Byrne’s art remains strong, with detailed action scenes, expressive characters, and dynamic panel layouts. His storytelling also keeps the pacing and tone of the Bronze Age of comics.

Byrne focuses on the core team of X-Men from his original run, including Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Kitty Pryde. He also brings in characters like Magneto and Alpha Flight, who played big roles in his earlier stories.

Major Differences from Main X-Men Continuity

Since Elsewhen follows Byrne’s own path, it does not include major events that happened after his original run. The comic ignores later storylines, including Days of Future Past, Inferno, and Age of Apocalypse.

One of the biggest changes is Jean Grey’s survival. In this version, she never becomes Dark Phoenix, which allows Byrne to develop her character in a different way. Without her tragic death, the X-Men take a new direction, facing different challenges.

Byrne also explores Magneto in a way that differs from later Marvel stories. Instead of shifting him toward heroism, Elsewhen keeps him as a complex villain. His motivations remain strong, but he does not become the leader of the X-Men, as he did in later comics.

Byrne’s Art and Storytelling

Even after decades in the industry, John Byrne’s artwork remains sharp and full of energy. His action sequences feel just as exciting as they did in his early Marvel work. He uses detailed line work and expressive faces to bring the characters to life.

His storytelling style is also unique. He prefers fast-paced, action-driven plots, with minimal narration. Instead of relying on thought bubbles, he lets the characters’ actions and dialogue tell the story. This style helps Elsewhen feel like a natural continuation of the original X-Men run.

The Reception of X-Men: Elsewhen

Fans of classic X-Men stories love Elsewhen. Many readers enjoy seeing Byrne’s take on the X-Men without modern influences. The series has gained a loyal fan base that follows each new issue as he releases it online.

However, because it is not an official Marvel comic, Elsewhen does not get as much attention as mainstream X-Men books. Some readers also feel that Byrne’s writing style is different from Claremont’s, which changes the tone of the series.

**Will Marvel Ever Publish Elsewhen?**

Since Elsewhen is a fan project, Marvel has not released it as an official comic. Byrne creates and shares the series for free, meaning it does not make money. Because Marvel owns the X-Men, the company would need to approve and publish it for it to become part of official continuity.

Some fans hope Marvel will recognize Elsewhen and release it as an alternate timeline or What If? story. However, since Byrne and Marvel have had disagreements in the past, it is unclear if this will ever happen.

**Why Elsewhen Matters**

X-Men: Elsewhen is more than just a fan comic—it is a look at what could have been. Many fans wonder how the X-Men might have developed if Byrne had stayed with the series. Elsewhen answers that question, giving readers an exciting new version of the team’s history.

The series also shows how much passion Byrne still has for the X-Men. Even after all these years, he continues to create new stories and explore the characters he helped shape. His love for the series shines through in every page.

Denouement

John Byrne’s X-Men: Elsewhen is a must-read for fans of classic X-Men comics. It captures the feel of his original run while taking the story in a new direction. With strong art, exciting action, and a fresh take on the X-Men’s history, Elsewhen is a fascinating look at what might have been.

If you love the X-Men and enjoy classic comic storytelling, X-Men: Elsewhen is worth checking out. It proves that great stories can live on, even outside official Marvel continuity.