The New Mutants #36

The New Mutants #36, published by Marvel Comics in February 1986, serves as a pivotal entry in the series' mid-eighties run. Written by Chris Claremont with cover art by Steve Leialoha, the issue continues the creative evolution of the team as they navigate the complexities of Xavier’s school during a period of transition for the mutant franchise. The narrative reflects the darker, more introspective tone that Claremont increasingly infused into the New Mutants, contrasting with the more traditional superheroics found in the flagship X-Men titles of the era.

The interior art was provided by Rick Leonardi, whose distinct, angular style helped define the visual language of the book during this stint. The issue is historically significant for its contribution to the ongoing development of characters like Magik and Cannonball, grounding their cosmic and high-stakes encounters within the personal drama of adolescence. Like much of Claremont’s work, the issue was well-received by contemporary readers for its character-driven storytelling, cementing its status as a staple for collectors interested in the foundational years of the New Mutants.