New X-Men #120

Published in January 2002, New X-Men #120 is a pivotal installment in Grant Morrison’s acclaimed run on the X-Men franchise. This issue features the artistic contributions of Frank Quitely, whose modern, grounded aesthetic was instrumental in shifting the series away from traditional spandex-heavy tropes toward a more contemporary, cinematic visual style. The story arc, titled 'Planet X', continues the narrative evolution of the mutants as they grapple with internal fractures and the radical ideology of Xorn.

The design philosophy behind this era was heavily influenced by a desire to modernize the X-Men for a 21st-century audience. By abandoning classic costumes in favor of functional, leather-inspired uniforms, Morrison and Quitely emphasized the characters' identities as a sociological phenomenon rather than just superheroes. Upon its release, the issue was widely noted for its bold narrative choices and idiosyncratic character depictions, solidifying its place as a significant touchstone in the postmodern exploration of the mutant subculture.