Ah, the 1960s. A decade of bell-bottoms, psychedelic rock, questionable haircuts, and… superheroes in spandex flying around New York City like caffeinated pigeons. Among the many treasures of this era is X-Men #28, a comic so quintessentially Silver Age it practically screams “classic Marvel chaos” — literally, in this case, thanks to the first appearance of Banshee.
If you’ve never read this issue, buckle up. You’re about to witness loud noises, bad villains, headbands with too much power, and one of the most dramatic entrances in X-Men history. And if you’re reading this while holding a copy of the issue, you might also be wondering, “Can I sell this?” Lucky for you, we’ll get to that.
Plot Summary: Chaos, Crime, and a Very Loud Irishman
In X-Men #28, the X-Men face a villain called the Ogre, who has the mysterious ability to control people using a magical headband. Yes, a headband. The Marvel Universe has seen its fair share of ridiculous supervillain gimmicks, but a mind-controlling headband that turns someone into a human sonic weapon? That’s Silver Age brilliance.
Enter Banshee, an Irish mutant with the power to unleash sonic screams. Under the Ogre’s influence, Banshee is… well, a bit of a menace. He steals valuable artwork and generally makes life difficult for our heroes. Once the headband is destroyed, Banshee is freed, revealing information about Factor Three and setting the stage for future X-Men adventures.
The plot reads like a rollercoaster designed by someone who had a caffeine addiction and a fondness for dramatic hand gestures. But that’s what makes it fun.
Fun fact: If you’re ever stressed, just imagine the X-Men trying to deal with someone who can literally blow their heads off with sound. That’s therapy-level stress right there.
Art and Style: Werner Roth Brings Loud to Life
The art in this issue is by Werner Roth, a master of capturing both superhero majesty and Silver Age absurdity. Banshee’s costume looks like someone raided a leprechaun-themed circus for inspiration, and the action sequences are chaotic in the best possible way. Panels are jam-packed with movement lines, shouting bubbles, and characters flying around like they’re in a hyperactive wind tunnel.
Silver Age art isn’t about subtlety — it’s about wow. And X-Men #28 delivers. Roth’s dynamic visuals perfectly complement the storyline’s wackiness. Every time Banshee screams, you can almost feel your eardrums vibrating through the page.
For those curious, you can check out a full archive of X-Men #28 to see the visuals in all their loud, colourful glory.
Banshee: The Mutant Who Screams (Literally)
Banshee is one of those characters who embodies the Silver Age ethos: slightly ridiculous on the surface, but undeniably iconic. His sonic scream isn’t just a power—it’s a personality. Think of him as the Marvel Universe’s answer to a fire alarm: impossible to ignore, startling, and very effective at making your life difficult if you’re a villain.
Over the years, Banshee would go on to have major arcs in X-Men and other Marvel titles, but this first appearance is particularly charming because it’s all new powers, new costume, and a dramatic Irish accent implied in every exclamation mark.
For deeper reading on Banshee’s evolution, Comic Vine has a great character breakdown.
Why X-Men #28 Matters for Collectors
Now we’re getting to the part you probably care about: the collector value.
X-Men #28 is the first appearance of Banshee, which automatically gives it a footnote in comic history. First appearances of major characters, especially from the Silver Age, are often the ones that collectors scramble for. Depending on condition, this issue can fetch hundreds of pounds, and CGC-graded copies only increase that value. (GoCollect)
If you’re a collector, keeping your copy in good condition with a bag and board is essential. Check out our guide on how to store comic books for tips on preserving your treasures.
Selling Your Comics: Make Space and Cash Out
Here’s the part where I stop talking about loud Irishmen and start talking about loud cash registers.
If you’ve got X-Men #28 or any other comics collecting dust, Fantasy Road is ready to buy them. We offer:
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Fair cash offers based on current market trends
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Nationwide collection services (we’ll come to you)
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A fast, friendly, and hassle-free process
We buy everything from Silver Age classics like X-Men and Fantastic Four to modern rare variants. And yes, even that stack of slightly bent issues hiding under your bed counts. Check out our comic buying page for details.
Silver Age Humor: Why This Comic Is Hilarious
Part of what makes X-Men #28 so enjoyable is the sheer absurdity. Consider:
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A villain whose entire scheme hinges on a headband.
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A superhero whose main weapon is his voice.
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Dramatic dialogue that reads like someone shouted a Shakespearean monologue after too many cups of coffee.
This comic is the epitome of “so bad it’s good,” which is exactly why Silver Age collectors love it. And honestly, it’s funnier than most sitcoms of the 1960s.
For a deeper dive into Silver Age humor and style, check out our article on why Silver Age comics are collector gold.
Fun Links and References
If you want to nerd out further, here are some great references and resources:
And of course, don’t forget our related Fantasy Road blog posts:
Final Thoughts: Banshee Screams, You Cash In
X-Men #28 is a delightfully chaotic, loud, and hilarious comic. Banshee’s first appearance is memorable, the art is full of energy, and the story is pure Silver Age madness. For collectors, it’s a must-have. For casual readers, it’s a reminder that superheroes in tights can be both thrilling and absurd.
And for anyone sitting on a collection of comics? It might be time to turn those panels into pounds. Fantasy Road is here to help you get the best value for your comics, whether it’s Banshee, X-Men, or any other classic issue. Click here to start selling your comics now
