The Uncanny X-Men #397

The Uncanny X-Men #397 was published in October 2001, serving as a transitional moment during a period of significant creative evolution for Marvel Comics. Released toward the end of a long-running tenure by writers like Scott Lobdell and Joe Casey, this issue sits within the 'Poptopia' story arc. It reflects the experimental tone of early 2000s Marvel, where the X-Men were often depicted dealing with the shifting sociopolitical landscape of a world increasingly wary of mutants.

The interior art was provided by Sean Phillips, whose gritty, noir-influenced style offered a distinct departure from the more traditional superhero aesthetic of the era. The cover, illustrated by Ian Churchill, showcases the team in the polished, high-energy fashion that characterized Marvel covers at the turn of the millennium. While this specific issue is generally viewed as a bridge between larger editorial mandates, it is appreciated by collectors for showcasing the diverse stylistic approaches applied to the X-Men franchise before the relaunch by Grant Morrison shortly thereafter.