The X-Men #118

Published in February 1979, The X-Men #118 represents a pivotal chapter in the Chris Claremont and John Byrne run that revitalized the franchise. This issue continues the team's international journey across the Sea of Japan, marking the first appearance of the character Mariko Yashida in a significant role and further developing the complex relationship between Wolverine and the Japanese underworld. The storytelling here reflects the era's shift toward more character-driven, global narratives, departing from the localized American superhero tropes that had dominated previous decades.

The artwork, illustrated by John Byrne with inks by Terry Austin, is celebrated for its precise linework and cinematic framing, which helped define the visual language of modern X-Men comics. Byrne’s ability to imbue the page with both quiet character beats and high-stakes action scenes was instrumental in the title's rise in popularity during the late 1970s. The issue was well-received by readers at the time for its intricate plotting and the expansion of the mutant mythos, cementing this run as a definitive era for the series.