New X-Men #130

Published in October 2002, New X-Men #130 serves as a pivotal installment in Grant Morrison’s transformative run on the title, which sought to modernize the X-Men’s aesthetic and themes for a new century. Following the success of the 2000 feature film, the series abandoned traditional superhero costumes in favor of a sleek, leather-clad uniform design spearheaded by artist Frank Quitely. This issue specifically continues the arc concerning the aftermath of the genocide on the mutant nation of Genosha, further establishing Morrison’s focus on the sociopolitical consequences of the mutant struggle.

The interior art for this issue was provided by Igor Kordey, who took over duties as the series transitioned through various rotating artists during the run. Kordey’s distinct, gritty style reflected the darker, more cynical tone Morrison established for the X-Men during this period. While the artistic shifts in the title were sometimes met with mixed reactions from long-time fans accustomed to more polished, house-style illustrations, the narrative progression in this issue remains a well-documented benchmark for how the X-Men were redefined to prioritize intellectual and character-driven stakes over traditional action tropes.