1982 - X-Men and Teen Titans Ad

Top 10 unreleased Marvel projects from the 1980s

Here's my run-down of the top 10 unreleased projects from the 1980s.

1. JLA/Avengers (You can read more here).
2. Doctor Strange drawn by Frank Miller (1981) "Watch for the new adventures of Earth's Sorcerer Supreme - - as mystically conjured by Roger Stern and Frank Miller!"Miller only produced the cover for Doctor Strange #46 (April 1981). 
3. Marvel and DC Present The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans #2 - More details here.
4. "The Last Galactus Story" by John Byrne and Terry Austin. Nine of the Ten parts were published in Epic Illustrated.
5. Frank Miller and WaltSimonson's DD.
6. John Byrne's Incredible Hulk #320+
7. Longshot graphic novel by Ann Nocenti and Art Adams.
8. Excalibur Graphic Novel by Chris Claremont and Alan Davis.
9. Phoenix limited series by Chris Claremont and Rick Leonardi - Rachel Summers.
10. Questprobe #4-12. Only the first 3 issues of the 12-issue limited series were published with a fourth published in Marvel Fanfare #33 (July 1987).

1983 - Whatever happened The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans crossover sequel?

 

The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans Special from 1982 was such a success that plans for a sequel were put into motion (see the New Teen Titans #29 letter page). This time around, the crossover special would be handled by the regular New Teen Titans creative team, Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Perez was also busy drawing the upcoming JLA/Avengers crossover.

From the New Teen Titans #38’s letter page:

“The second Titans/X-Men team-up will be published later this year if schedules are willing. George will be drawing it and I (Marv) will write. It should be a goodie. One advanced bit of info is the villains - Brother Blood and The Hellfire Club. Interested now?”

However, the editorial dispute over the JLA/Avengers crossover led to not only the cancellation of that book, but also in the cancellation of The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen sequel. That editorial rift between companies lasted for just over a decade until the Batman and Punisher crossover was published.

1982 - X-Men Versus the New Teen Titans!

Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans #1
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Walter Simonson
Finisher: Terry Austin
As a comic book fan in 1982, you just couldn't ask for anything more. While the Justice League of America and the Avengers were caught in a spiral downwards in terms of quality and talent, the X-Men and New Teen Titans were quickly making their mark in comic book history. Both titles shared a lot of similarities: a young core of rookie heroes each struggling with their own degrees of teenage angst, great writing, fabulous artwork, solid character development, and fine storytelling.

With the individual success of each title, it wasn't long before both Marvel and DC realized that they could make even more money by publishing a crossover issue. But neither side cheaped out. While it seemed to be an issue creatively directed from a Marvel perspective, it certainly didn't show in the final product. X-Men writer, Chris Claremont was called upon to write this issue and needs to be given some real credit for this issue. I also collected the New Teen Titans at that time and was really impressed at how Claremont handled the Titans. Not only does he faithfully portray both teams, but he also handles their interaction very well, particularly the flirting between Kitty and Changeling.

Let's not forget Walter Simonson and Terry Austin who provide the art. They successfully captured the look and feel of both teams. Simonson's dynamic art is just a pure pleasure to take in.



The story is as follows. Darkseid sets into motion a plan to recreate the Dark Phoenix by tapping into the memories of her former teammates, as well as drawing the residue of her power from a variety of sources. Despite their best efforts, each team is defeated and captured by Deathstroke the Terminator and Darkseid's shock troops. Darkseid brings the Dark Phoenix back to life. Both super teams work together and free themselves and take Darkseid, Dark Phoenix and Deathstroke in a climatic battle. Professor X and Cyclops convince Dark Phoenix that she's being manipulated and she sacrifices herself to deal with Darkseid.


Claremont courageoulsy defies tradition by filling an unbalanced basket of guest stars and Walt Simonson's first-rate pencils contribute to the finest Marvel/DC co-production.
- The Slings and Arrows Comic Guide

Highly Recommended.