New X-Men #136

New X-Men #136, published in March 2003, is a pivotal installment in Grant Morrison’s transformative run on the X-Men franchise. Released during an era where Marvel sought to modernize its flagship mutant titles, this issue serves as part of the 'Planet X' story arc, which explores the dramatic descent of Xorn and the subsequent upheaval at the Xavier Institute. The narrative shifts the tone of superhero comics toward a more psychological and existential focus, reflecting Morrison's interest in deconstructing the traditional dynamics of the team.

The interior art for this issue was provided by Marc Silvestri, whose work on the X-Men in the early 1990s had already defined a generation of the title's visual language. His contribution here was a notable departure from the more stylized, abstract approach seen in earlier issues of Morrison's run, providing a grittier and more grounded aesthetic that complemented the high-stakes drama of the script. The issue was generally well-received by fans of the era for its fusion of classic artistic sensibilities with Morrison's bold, revisionist storytelling style.