Classic X-Men #4

Classic X-Men #4 was published by Marvel Comics in December 1986 as part of a reprint series intended to reintroduce legendary X-Men stories to a new generation of readers. This specific issue features the reprint of X-Men #97, originally released in 1976, which depicted the team's dramatic confrontation with the Shi'ar Empire and the Sentinels. By repackaging these foundational Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum narratives, the series bridged the gap between 1970s bronze-age storytelling and the modern continuity of the 1980s.

The hallmark of the Classic X-Men line was the addition of new backup stories and framing sequences crafted by Chris Claremont and artist John Bolton. Bolton’s distinct, painterly style provided an atmospheric, emotive layer to the characters' personal histories that contrasted with the more kinetic, traditional comic book pencils of the original reprints. The issue is highly regarded by collectors for these supplemental vignettes, which deepened the psychological portraits of characters like Jean Grey and Wolverine, ultimately solidifying the series as a seminal expansion of the X-Men mythos.