The New Mutants #56

The New Mutants #56 was published by Marvel Comics in October 1987 as part of the long-running series created by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod. This specific issue occurs during a transitional period for the team, as they grappled with the aftermath of the Fall of the Mutants crossover event and the psychological strain of their mentorship under Magneto. It reflects the darker, more introspective tone that defined the mid-to-late eighties run of the title, shifting away from the lighthearted superhero tropes of the early installments toward more complex themes of trauma and institutional isolation.

The interior art was provided by Rick Leonardi, known for his distinctively angular and fluid linework which captured the team's vulnerability and kinetic energy. The cover art, featuring a stark and atmospheric depiction of the characters, is emblematic of the editorial direction under Ann Nocenti and Bob Harras. The issue is regarded by collectors as a mid-tier installment that bridges critical plot developments, serving as a period-specific artifact of late 1980s Marvel storytelling that relied heavily on character-driven dialogue and high-stakes teen drama.