Collection: Beauty and the Beast – Marvel Comics – (1984–1985) – Volume 1 – Limited Series - #1–4

📘 Series Summary

Written by Ann Nocenti with art by Don Perlin, this four-issue limited series explores a tender and complex relationship between two of Marvel's most distinct mutants: Hank McCoy (Beast) and Alison Blaire (Dazzler). Set during a time when both characters were drifting away from their primary teams, the story finds them crossing paths in California. Beast is struggling with his increasingly feral nature, while Dazzler is attempting to rebuild her life and singing career after her public outing as a mutant.

The narrative, starting with the atmospheric "Heartbreak Hotel," follows the duo as they are drawn into the underground world of mutant theater and gladiatorial combat run by the villainous Alexander Flynn. As they fight to protect a group of "misfit" mutants, the series delves deep into themes of self-acceptance, the burden of physical appearance, and the search for humanity in a world that fears them. It remains a cult-favorite 1980s team-up that bridged the gap between the classic X-Men era and the formation of X-Factor.

⭐ Why This Series Stands Out

• A unique, character-driven Team-Up that provides essential development for Beast and Dazzler during the mid-80s.
• Explores the psychological depth of mutant identity, a hallmark of writer Ann Nocenti’s influential Marvel work.
• Features the first appearance of the Gladiators, an underground mutant fight club that would later reappear in various X-titles.
• Acts as a pivotal bridge for Dazzler as she transitions from a solo pop star to a core member of the X-Men.
• Contains the complete 4-issue limited series with stunning covers by Bill Sienkiewicz and Frank Miller.
• A nostalgic time capsule of 1980s Marvel, blending superhero action with "noir" and disco-era sensibilities.

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