The X-Men #61

Published in October 1969, The X-Men #61 arrived during a period of transition for the title, as the series had ceased publishing new stories and transitioned into a reprint-only format following issue #66. This specific issue features a cover by Jim Steranko and interior reprints, reflecting Marvel's effort to keep the franchise visible on newsstands despite the cancellation of the original run. The decision to shift to reprints was driven by low sales, which paradoxically allowed the series to eventually gain a cult following that paved the way for the title's historic 1975 relaunch.

The cover design is a hallmark of Jim Steranko’s tenure at Marvel, showcasing his signature psychedelic aesthetic and bold, cinematic layout style. His work on this era of the X-Men is highly regarded for its influence on comic book composition, moving away from traditional panels toward more dynamic, experimental visuals. While the issue was part of the series' decline at the time, it remains a notable piece of late-sixties comic art history, marking the end of the original Stan Lee and Jack Kirby-led era of mutant stories.