Excalibur #109

Excalibur #109, released in May 1997, sits within the long-running Marvel Comics series centered on a British-based team of mutants. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Alan Davis, the title was originally conceived as a lighter, more whimsical departure from the typical X-Men tone, though by the late 1990s, the series had evolved through various creative transitions. This specific issue was written by Warren Ellis with art by Carlos Pacheco, representing a period where the title shifted toward a more grounded, international espionage aesthetic.

The creative direction under Ellis and Pacheco was noted for tightening the team's dynamic and emphasizing tactical, modern storytelling. The cover art and interior pages reflect the transition of comic art styles during the late 90s, leaning into Pacheco’s clean, cinematic character rendering. While not as historically pivotal as the launch of the series, this issue is recognized by collectors as a representative example of the mid-to-late run, maintaining the series' reputation for blending high-concept mutant action with a distinct European setting.