X-Men #97

Title: My Brother, My Enemy!

Issue Number: 97

Publisher: Marvel

Publication Date: February 1976

Era: Bronze Age

Series/Volume: X-Men, Vol. 1

Writer: Chris Claremont

Artist/Penciler: Dave Cockrum

Inker: Sam Grainger

Cover Artist: Dave Cockrum

Format: Standard Comic Book

Variant/Cover: 25¢ Standard U.S. Edition

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: Key Bronze Age X-Men issue featuring the first appearance of Lilandra Neramani, plus the return of Havok and Polaris and the debut of the second Erik the Red. Cyclops battles Havok in the featured “My Brother, My Enemy!” storyline. X-Men #97 is routinely marketed and collected as the first Lilandra issue.

UPC: None

Grade Range: VF to VF+ (8.0–8.5)

Page Quality: Off-White to White

Complete: Yes; cover and centerfold attached at both staples.

Condition Notes: Strong, attractive Bronze Age copy with excellent overall eye appeal. Front cover retains deep black areas and bright, vivid color with a clean overall presentation. Light spine stress is present, including a few small color-breaking marks, along with minor wear at the spine corners and edges. Corners remain relatively sharp for the grade. Back cover is clean with light age toning and minor edge/corner wear. Interior pages remain supple with strong color. Centerfold is firmly attached. No major creases, tears, writing or missing pieces observed.

Scan Note: Images are high-resolution scans of the actual comic. Scanning can exaggerate page toning, surface wear, color variations and other minor imperfections. Colors and paper tones may vary slightly from how the comic looks in person.

Comic Book Grading Guide

Near Mint (NM) 9.2–9.8: An exceptionally well-preserved comic with excellent eye appeal. May have only very minor manufacturing or handling defects.

Very Fine (VF) 7.5–9.0: An attractive, well-preserved comic showing light wear. May have minor spine stress, small corner wear or other minor defects.

Fine (FN) 5.5–7.0: An above-average copy with moderate wear. May have noticeable spine stress, minor creasing, edge or corner wear, and other small defects while remaining complete and attractive.

Very Good (VG) 3.5–5.0: A well-read copy showing noticeable wear. May have creases, spine wear, small tears, discoloration or other defects but remains complete and collectible.

Good (GD) 1.8–3.0: A heavily read copy with significant wear. May have substantial creasing, tears, spine damage, staining, writing or other defects. The comic remains generally complete and readable.

Fair (FR) 1.0–1.5: A heavily worn or damaged comic. May have significant tears, staining, splits, loose or detached components, missing non-story portions or other major defects.

Poor (PR) 0.5: A severely damaged or incomplete comic with major defects that substantially affect its condition and collectibility.

Grading Disclaimer: Grading is based on commonly accepted comic book grading standards. We are not professional graders, but make every effort to provide an accurate and conservative assessment based on the condition of each comic. Grading is subjective and opinions may vary. If you have any questions or concerns about an item, please reach out to us.