The New Mutants #72

Published in February 1989, The New Mutants #72 emerged during a transitional period for the series as it moved away from the initial training-focused premise toward a more somber, character-driven tone. Written by Louise Simonson, this issue is a pivotal part of the transition leading into the X-Terminators miniseries, capturing the team's internal friction and the escalating threats within the Marvel mutant universe.

The cover art was provided by Bret Blevins, whose distinct, expressive style characterized much of the mid-to-late eighties run of the title. Blevins moved away from the more traditional superhero anatomy of his predecessors, instead utilizing elongated forms and dynamic compositions that emphasized the youthful, often turbulent nature of the protagonists. The issue was received by readers as a reflection of the increasingly mature and high-stakes editorial direction overseen by editor Bob Harras.