New X-Men #138

New X-Men #138, published in May 2003, serves as a pivotal installment during Grant Morrison’s transformative run on the X-Men franchise. This issue is part of the 'Assault on Weapon Plus' arc, which sought to modernize the team's history and aesthetic by grounding them in a more contemporary, cinematic style. The story was scripted by Morrison and features the artwork of Chris Bachalo, whose distinct, angular, and highly stylized approach helped define the visual identity of this era of mutant comics.

The issue is noted for its role in expanding the lore surrounding the Weapon Plus program, integrating the history of Wolverine and other subjects into a broader, more complex narrative tapestry. Under the editorial direction of the time, the series moved away from traditional superhero tropes to focus on sharper, more psychological character studies. Upon its release, the work was received as a bold reinvention of the property, credited with revitalizing interest in the X-Men by introducing high-concept science fiction elements and evolving the team's societal role.