New X-Men #135

New X-Men #135, published in February 2003, serves as a pivotal chapter in Grant Morrison's transformative run on the X-Men franchise. Coming out of the 'Planet X' arc, the series sought to modernize the team by abandoning traditional superhero costumes in favor of a sleek, uniform-based aesthetic and focusing on the biological and sociological implications of mutant evolution. This issue is particularly noted for its continuation of the tension surrounding Xorn's true identity and his increasingly erratic behavior within the Xavier Institute.

The interior art was provided by Phil Jimenez, who maintained the dark, cinematic visual tone established earlier in the series by Frank Quitely. Jimenez’s work on this issue was well-received for its ability to balance high-stakes action with the dense, character-driven scripts characteristic of the era. The issue is regarded by collectors as a crucial building block toward the explosive conclusion of Morrison's tenure, capturing a moment where the status quo of the X-Men was being irrevocably dismantled.