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This article is the first in a series which explores the hidden gems in comic book dollar boxes. Comic book conventions and many comic book stores will fill tables with comic book dollar boxes to lighten stockroom loads. There are many hidden gems to be found inside if you know what to look for. This edition will take a look at Uncanny X-Men #317.

Uncanny X-Men #317

Comic Book Dollar Boxes: Phalanx

One of the most popular X-Men storylines of the mid-1990s involved the attempt by the Phalanx (Phalanx Covenant) to assimilate mutants into their cyber-organic collective. Theoretically, success would have made the Phalanx the most powerful collective body in the multiverse. The storyline began in Uncanny X-Men #305, but the importance of #317 will be mentioned in a moment. I have seen times in which an entire run of the Phalanx storyline can be completed by perusing one comic book dollar box.

Comic Book Dollar Boxes: Skin

Comic book fans have an affinity for issues which introduce characters. Skin, a mutant, is introduced in Uncanny X-Men #317. His real name is Angelo Espinoza, and he was one of four mutants who were kidnapped by the Phalanx for testing. He had over six feet of extra skin on his body which he could manipulate into various forms at will. M, Husk, and the mutant mentioned next were the other characters abducted in the issue.

Read Skin’s bio on Marvel’s website

Comic Book Dollar Boxes: Blink

Blink (Clarice Ferguson) is the other character introduced for the first time in Uncanny X-Men #317 as an abductee of the Phalanx, but she has gone on to greater heights in the Marvel Universe than Skin. She has the ability to teleport herself, or large groups, at a moment’s notice. Her unusual look which includes lilac skin and pupil-less eyes, and pink “beauty marks,” have made her a favored character of some collectors. She has been a part of many of the major Marvel crossovers throughout the years since her introduction.

Read Blink’s bio on Marvel’s website

Comic Book Dollar Boxes: Current Importance

It was recently announced that the beautiful actress Fan Bingbing will portray Blink in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” The movie is sure to raise more interest in the character as the movie gets closer. Once the movie hits, I am sure there will be few issues of Uncanny X-Men #317 left in any of the comic book dollar boxes in the country. If you find Uncanny X-Men #317 while looking through comic book dollar boxes – buy it.

The lesson to be learned is to never pass up on comic book dollar boxes because you never know what you might find.