Yep. We are really doing this.
Mutants getting their own series is nothing new these days, but how did Dazzler get a series that lasted longer than Wolverine’s?
Just think about it: the first Wolverine “series” from 1982 was just a 4 issue mini; Logan wouldn’t get his own regular until 1988.
By comparison, the Dazzler series lasted 42 issues, from 1981 to 1986: Wolverine wouldn’t get an issue #42 until 1991.
Well, you can thank a failed attempt at cross-media production.
In 1978 (some sources say 1979), Casablanca Records approached Marvel to create a character that would both star in her own comic book AND be a real life singing sensation.
Originally conceived to have the codename “Disco Queen” (yes, seriously), but I guess someone figured out that disco wouldn’t last forever and settled for Dazzler.
That “someone” has been credited as Roger Stern, as if Stern wasn’t awesome enough on his own.
Dazzler as a character was created by committee, principally Tom DeFalco and John Romita Jr., although they won’t get to write and draw her immediately.
Dazzler COULD have anticipated Marvel’s rise to other medias very early: Jim Shooter wrote a treatment for an animated special, which rose to a project for a live-action movie produced by Filmworks.
Even better, Jim Shooter made his script available on his blog! You can download a copy here, and it’s UTTERLY INSANE.
If that premise is not INSANE enough, it gets even better: the first Romita design was based on Grace Jones.
There is one surviving piece of Romita art reflecting this that I’ve been able to find, and I have to say that’s not a bad look for her!
So yeah… Dazzler could’ve been very, VERY different.
But Filmworks wanted Bo Derek to star on the movie, so… yeah, Dazzler’s look is supposedly based on hers.
Unfortunately the deal didn’t work out because Bo Derek insisted that her husband John simply HAD to direct… and when Filmworks didn’t agree, the whole project was cancelled.
Dazzler, however, DID make her first appearance in…
Uncanny X-Men #130 (1981)
by Chris Claremont & John Byrne
So maybe now you understand why the heck Dazzler of all people has a cover during the Phoenix Saga despite not playing an important role.
Dazzler gets involved when the X-Men are looking for a mutant to recruit… in a disco.
Dazzler will later have an almost squeaky-clean image, but it’s very obvious that this is a very sketchy place.
And after we deal with a couple dozen subplots (it IS a Claremont story after all), Dazzler makes her grand appearance!
Even Cyclops is impressed. One of the recurring themes is that people are constantly impressed by just how great of a singer Dazzler is. Since we can’t obviously hear a word of it we’re going to take their word for it… so I’m going to count how many superhero fans Dazzler gets.
Scott is SO impressed, in fact, that he keeps his eyes on Dazzler even though moments earlier he saw Jean Grey kiss another man (looooong story there).
That’s when the Hellfire Club attacks the… uhm, club… and Dazzler gets mad, getting into her first super-powered fight.
Once the Hellfire Club has been dealt with, Dazzler has to be told that she’s a mutant.
Yeah, as you’ll see in her regular series… for a light-based hero, Dazzler is not very bright.
Uncanny X-Men #131 (1981)
by Chris Claremont & John Byrne
Ah, the cruel showbusiness. Dazzler got the whole cover for her first appearance, but she’s nowhere to be seen on the second.
That’s understandable, because as the X-Men have their own adventure Dazzler just… hangs around.
Even Dazzler has no clue why she’s there!!!
She does get SOMETHING to do later on, providing a distraction…
…but that’s the extent of her contribution. No wonder she turns down the offer to join the X-Men.
Fantastic Four #217 (1981)
by Bill Mantlo & John Byrne
“based on a plot by Marv Wolfman”
While technically speaking the Dazzler series began one month earlier, this cameo is probably set right before it.
And that’s where the Human Torch finds Dazzler in another sketchy disco, the awkwardly named “Studio ∞”.
The Torch tries to play the hero…
…which he regrets because he recently swore to stop using his flame so much.
While Dazzler seemingly didn’t recognize the super-famous Human Torch, she seems to take a liking to him.
And he’s ALSO instantly smitten, something that will come up in the Dazzler series.
So make that TWO superhero fans… plus, as part of another counter, I’m counting the Torch as one of the many super love interests.
And we’re going to stop here: there is only 1 other Dazzler story set before her regular series, but she does have a prominent role there.
Historical significance: 2/10
Naturally the Phoenix Saga is A REALLY BIG DEAL, but I’m only talking about Dazzler’s involvement, which… yeah this is the reason she knows the X-Men. That’s about it.
Silver Age-ness: 0/10
Not especially.
Does it stand the test of time? Bo Derek/10
You seriously expect me to give a real score to a couple of glorified cameos?
Superhero fans: 2
And we begin with Cyclops and the Human Torch!
Super love interests: 1
Not that prevalent here, but still counts.