New X-Men #117

New X-Men #117, released in 2001, serves as the second chapter of the 'Imperial' story arc during Grant Morrison’s seminal run on the series. This era marked a radical departure from the team's traditional superhero aesthetic, shifting toward a grounded, character-driven narrative that emphasized mutant subculture and societal evolution. Published by Marvel Comics, the issue continues the creative team's mission to modernize the X-Men for a 21st-century audience by abandoning classic spandex costumes in favor of a cohesive, militaristic uniform design.

The interior artwork for this issue was provided by Frank Quitely, whose distinctive, idiosyncratic style helped define the visual identity of the New X-Men. Quitely’s work on this series was noted for its emphasis on human expressions and realistic body language, which contrasted sharply with the exaggerated house style of the 1990s. While some long-time readers initially found the visual overhaul jarring, the collaboration between Morrison and Quitely is now widely regarded as one of the most influential creative partnerships in X-Men history.