The New Mutants #31

Published in September 1985, The New Mutants #31 arrived during a period of significant growth for Marvel's X-Men franchise. Written by Chris Claremont with artwork by Mary Wilshire, this issue focuses on the team's internal dynamics and the lingering psychological effects of their experiences at the Xavier Institute. It reflects the series' signature blend of teen drama and superhero action, grounding the characters in a suburban world that felt distinct from the more cosmic adventures of the core X-Men titles.

Mary Wilshire's contributions to the series during this era were noted for providing a more grounded, character-focused aesthetic that complemented Claremont's layered scripts. As part of the mid-1980s expansion of the Mutant mythos, the issue contributes to the long-term development of characters like Magik and Rahne Sinclair. At the time of its release, the title was finding its identity as a more experimental offshoot of its parent book, earning a dedicated readership that appreciated its focus on adolescent transition and evolving mutant politics.