Lilandra is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. She is the Empress of the Shi'ar Empire and shares a lifelong bond with the leader of the X-Men, Charles Xavier. She first appeared in X-Men (volume 1) #97 (1976), making her the first Shi'ar to be introduced. She is the sister of D'Ken (who overthrew her, became Emperor, and ultimately was banished during the Phoenix Saga after being driven mad) and of Deathbird, who has also ursurped her position in the past.
Lilandra has often been a pivotal secondary character in the X-Men's history, from her participation in the Phoenix Saga, to her role in
Grant Morrison's experimental and controversial run on New X-Men. Her role as one of Professor X's most cherished loves has played a significant part in the development of both characters, as well as many of the plots throughout the X-Men books.
