The Uncanny X-Men #213

The Uncanny X-Men #213, published in January 1987, stands as a pivotal moment in the series' history during the mid-1980s. Written by Chris Claremont with art by Alan Davis, the issue was produced during a period when the X-Men were undergoing significant tonal shifts, leaning further into complex interpersonal conflicts and gritty narratives. This issue is particularly noted for the intense, singular confrontation between Wolverine and Sabretooth, which served to deepen the lore of their long-standing, volatile rivalry.

The design and visual direction of this issue are largely attributed to Alan Davis, whose clean, dynamic style provided a distinct aesthetic contrast to the darker themes Claremont explored. By focusing on a minimalist setting—the ruined X-Mansion—Davis and Claremont emphasized the visceral nature of the fight, stripping away the team-based dynamics to highlight individual character trauma. The issue was well-received for its tight pacing and is frequently cited by readers as one of the definitive Wolverine-centric stories of the decade.