X-Men #18, page 19
Artists: Werner Roth (Penciller) , Dick Ayers (Inker)
53 Comments - 359 Views - 28 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionI believe that this is the first issue where Werner Roth did the full pencils without Jack Kirby layouts. In point of fact, Roth had already developed his own style on the title - not least in his work on the Sentinels trilogy in issues 14 through 16. And Ayers's inks complement Roth's pencils very well indeed.The page itself has it all (especially with the team shot in the final panel which also includes Professor X) - as the Stranger swoops in to take Magneto away. A Postscript: Marcus rightly pointed to Roth's pen name, "Jay Gavin", which comprised the first names of his sons. What I didn't know, however, was that Roth passed away at the relatively young age of 52. This was quite tragic as he was a really talented artist. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Bill Cox 
Member Since 2003
CAF Administrator
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Werner Roth is always a top 6 x-men artist in my book.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/20/2025
Bill Cox wrote:
Werner Roth is always a top 6 x-men artist in my book.Many thanks, Bill. Yes, he is in my book too. It was very fortunate that he took over the reins of this book from Kirby when he did (after a couple of issues when Toth and Sinnott pitched in first).
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/20/2025
Comicart Boston wrote:
Many thanks, Bill. Yes, he is in my book too. It was very fortunate that he took over the reins of this book from Kirby when he did (after a couple of issues when Toth and Sinnott pitched in first).
My bad, I think that Roth in fact began pencilling with Kirby layouts on the Sinnott issue I was thinking of (issue 13), and where Sinnott was the inker. There was only one interim issue between Kirby and Roth where Toth was inked (with respect, with unfortunate overall results) by Colletta (in issue 12).
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Bill Cox wrote:
Werner Roth is always a top 6 x-men artist in my book.Jay Gavin was way better than Werner Roth and in your top 5.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Marcus Wai wrote:
Jay Gavin was way better than Werner Roth and in your top 5.
Marcus, LOL! Not everyone will get this as pen names are uncommon nowadays.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Fantastic early page with not one, but two great team shots. And of course Magneto, who is to the X-Men what Doctor Doom is to the FF. Pretty much everything you could ask for in this excellent vintage example.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/20/2025
E DLS wrote:
Fantastic early page with not one, but two great team shots. And of course Magneto, who is to the X-Men what Doctor Doom is to the FF. Pretty much everything you could ask for in this excellent vintage example.
Many thanks, Eric. Given the prices today and the fact that I had a few pages from this era, I might have passed, save for the fact that this page really had, as you correctly point out, everything on it.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Man, this is such a great page! Classic X-Men storytelling at its best. Roth really knew how to balance action, drama, and suspense. I love how the layouts flow so smoothly, keeping the eye moving across the page effortlessly. That panel with The Stranger looming over the cosmic backdrop is especially striking and you can 'hear' the tension in Magneto’s voice when he realizes he’s in trouble. The inking here is nice as well. Those bold lines on Xavier’s face in panel three really add weight to the moment. The last panel, do I REALLY need to say anything? Kudos on another fine acquisition, CAB!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Ruben DaCollector wrote:
Man, this is such a great page! Classic X-Men storytelling at its best. Roth really knew how to balance action, drama, and suspense. I love how the layouts flow so smoothly, keeping the eye moving across the page effortlessly. That panel with The Stranger looming over the cosmic backdrop is especially striking and you can 'hear' the tension in Magneto’s voice when he realizes he’s in trouble. The inking here is nice as well. Those bold lines on Xavier’s face in panel three really add weight to the moment. The last panel, do I REALLY need to say anything? Kudos on another fine acquisition, CAB!
Many thanks, Rubén. Once again, your description is so much better than mine! And, yes, the inking is so important. When Colletta inked Toth in issue 12 and Roth in issue 14, the overall impact was so much less impressive. I was so glad when Ayers began inking Roth from issue 15.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Look at that corny dialogue in the pencil notes instead what was actually used in the end. It goes to show the Marvel method only took shape after the artists did their magic and Stan could tune it to the artwork. Awesome content with the Prof X and Magneto confrontation. The final panel is a cover worthy image!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Marcus Wai wrote:
Look at that corny dialogue in the pencil notes instead what was actually used in the end. It goes to show the Marvel method only took shape after the artists did their magic and Stan could tune it to the artwork. Awesome content with the Prof X and Magneto confrontation. The final panel is a cover worthy image!
Many thanks, Marcus. A very good point about the pencil notes. And, yes, it was that final panel that finally persuaded me to try for the piece.
Jeffrey Wedding
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
What can I add to those who've already commented but X-ceptional! The first thing I zoomed in on was the top margin dialogue, even before that last panel. Which is fine, because then it gave me plenty of time afterwards to just stare at that last panel. The only thing missing is an Imperial star destroyer. Then again, probably just right without one. Congrats!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Jeffrey Wedding wrote:
What can I add to those who've already commented but X-ceptional! The first thing I zoomed in on was the top margin dialogue, even before that last panel. Which is fine, because then it gave me plenty of time afterwards to just stare at that last panel. The only thing missing is an Imperial star destroyer. Then again, probably just right without one. Congrats!
Many thanks, Jeff. Yes, the margin notes are extremely interesting in their own right. And as for an Imperial Star Destroyer, Darth Vader says, "I say thee, Nay!"
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/20/2025
Corey Rust wrote:
Stunning!
Many thanks, Corey. I trust that you are keeping well.
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
Posted on 3/20/2025
Fabulous page. The 1st panel in the 2nd row feels like it came out of a 19th century European folk tale book. Congrats on the pick up!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Fabulous page. The 1st panel in the 2nd row feels like it came out of a 19th century European folk tale book. Congrats on the pick up!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/20/2025
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan wrote:
Fabulous page. The 1st panel in the 2nd row feels like it came out of a 19th century European folk tale book. Congrats on the pick up!
Many thanks, Duke. That's an interesting observation indeed.
Gene Park
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
What a fantastic page - love the menacing Magneto in the first panel and the great team shot in the last in particular!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/20/2025
Gene Park wrote:
What a fantastic page - love the menacing Magneto in the first panel and the great team shot in the last in particular!
Many thanks, Gene. As mentioned, this page has all the elements that one would look for in a classic X-Men page of that vintage.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Rick W wrote:
Your Roth IRA is showing nice dividends ;)
Unfortunately, Rick, this was purchased fairly recently ... But it is a really nice page.
Andy Wurst
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
I love these old pages - great stuff. Congrats.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/20/2025
Andy Wurst wrote:
I love these old pages - great stuff. Congrats.
Many thanks, Andy. I may be somewhat nostalgic myself, but these pages are really so well-crafted.
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Wow! Love seeing these early history pages and all the cool extras we see on the sides of the panels. Cheers!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
James Dornoff wrote:
Wow! Love seeing these early history pages and all the cool extras we see on the sides of the panels. Cheers!
Many thanks, James. Yes, the marginal notes are really cool and provide an insight into how the story was planned and how it ultimately unfolded.
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
the artwork by both Roth and Ayers is fantastic and many above me have specified the reasons why better than I can but for me the classic X-Men character moments especially between Magneto and Professor Xavier along the top row of panels (in addition to the final panel team shot) are what make this example so memorable. even the Stan Lee dialogue between them is very heated and poignant, with each other calling the other a victim. a stellar example of silver age X-Men storytelling and visuals. congrats!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Kavi H wrote:
the artwork by both Roth and Ayers is fantastic and many above me have specified the reasons why better than I can but for me the classic X-Men character moments especially between Magneto and Professor Xavier along the top row of panels (in addition to the final panel team shot) are what make this example so memorable. even the Stan Lee dialogue between them is very heated and poignant, with each other calling the other a victim. a stellar example of silver age X-Men storytelling and visuals. congrats!
Many thanks, Kavi. As I mentioned above, the final panel was the element that tipped the scales in favor of trying for this particular page.
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
The Magna-car was seldom seen in the Marvel Universe but it is still Mr. Bean's arch nemesis.
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
2 - Posted on 3/20/2025
John C wrote:
The Magna-car was seldom seen in the Marvel Universe but it is still Mr. Bean's arch nemesis.
Is Bean Friend or Foe in the Marvel Universe?
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Peter Sullivan wrote:
Is Bean Friend or Foe in the Marvel Universe?
With Bean it is always hard to tell.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/21/2025
John C wrote:
The Magna-car was seldom seen in the Marvel Universe but it is still Mr. Bean's arch nemesis.
Mr Bean's Mini beats the Magna-car any day!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/21/2025
Peter Sullivan wrote:
Is Bean Friend or Foe in the Marvel Universe?
Bean is beyond the Marvel Universe! He is in a category all by himself!
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 3/20/2025
Somehow Prof X's suggected dialogue, "Sorry, ol' chap..." never made it into the final word balloons in panel 1. Mighty Marvel Mystery 1,000,000. Lol.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 3/21/2025
Peter Sullivan wrote:
Somehow Prof X's suggected dialogue, "Sorry, ol' chap..." never made it into the final word balloons in panel 1. Mighty Marvel Mystery 1,000,000. Lol.
Peter, LOL! The marginal notes are a real gas!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/21/2025
James S wrote:
Fantatsic page from top to bottom!
Many thanks, James. Yes, this page had it all for me - and tempted me into trying for it.
Nick - Barry - Matt - Hal - Namor
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 3/21/2025
All of the original X-Men! The first Villain! This is just fantastic!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/21/2025
Nick - Barry - Matt - Hal - Namor wrote:
All of the original X-Men! The first Villain! This is just fantastic!
Many thanks, Nick. And the artwork was pretty much of the same high standard as the previous issues (including the Sentinels trilogy) as Jack Kirby only drew the layouts in those issues in any event.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/21/2025
Mark Levy wrote:
That 4th panel is quite hypnotic!
Many thanks, Mark. It was in fact such an innovative way of depicting what was happening.
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 3/21/2025
it can´t be more classic! A small portion of Silver Age history, The first panel with Magneto and that last panel with the whole team are just Marvel iconography! That¡s delicious my friend.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/21/2025
Toni S wrote:
it can´t be more classic! A small portion of Silver Age history, The first panel with Magneto and that last panel with the whole team are just Marvel iconography! That¡s delicious my friend.
Thank you so much, Toni. What an absolutely wonderful and succinct summary! And it is still very early in the run as well.
Lloyd White
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 3/21/2025
Love the layout--very dynamic storytelling! Roth sometimes gets overlooked, but he was terrific.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/21/2025
Lloyd White wrote:
Love the layout--very dynamic storytelling! Roth sometimes gets overlooked, but he was terrific.
Many thanks, Lloyd. I totally agree that Roth was an excellent artist and was very sadly underrated by many.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/22/2025
Jason D'Ambrosio wrote:
Can- this is wonderful!any thanks, Jason - especially since this comment comes from the consummate X-Men collector!
Ron S
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 3/24/2025
Just great. I love the panel of showing Professor X's image of The Stranger. Classic!
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 3/24/2025
Ron S wrote:
Just great. I love the panel of showing Professor X's image of The Stranger. Classic!
Many thanks, Ron. Yes, it's such a powerful and unique image and captures so very much within just a single panel.
Ferran Delgado
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/10/2025
Great page, congrats! Pay attention to huge margin notes written by Roth, he not only drew it but he wrote the plotted it, as usual in the Marvel Method at the SIlver Age. Back then, if you couldn't plot, you weren't hired.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
Posted on 4/10/2025
Ferran Delgado wrote:
Great page, congrats! Pay attention to huge margin notes written by Roth, he not only drew it but he wrote the plotted it, as usual in the Marvel Method at the SIlver Age. Back then, if you couldn't plot, you weren't hired.
Many thanks, Ferran. The margin notes of old are always so fascinating.
Ferran Delgado
Member Since 2006
Posted on 4/10/2025
Comicart Boston wrote:
Many thanks, Ferran. The margin notes of old are always so fascinating.
Notice that Roth even suggested lines of dialogue.
Jason Ladwig
Member Since 2020
Posted on 4/10/2025
Congratulations CAB! Fantastic piece. All the principle characrters and Magneto to boot, and a wonderful last panel. Truely a stellar example of a Roth's run.
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