What If...? #60

What If...? #60, published in April 1994, emerged during the final phase of the original Marvel Comics anthology series that explored alternate reality outcomes for established superheroes. This specific issue presents a story titled 'What If the X-Men Had Lost Inferno?', which serves as a dark reimagining of the major X-Men crossover event from 1989. The narrative explores a timeline where the demonic invasion of New York City, orchestrated by N'astirh and Madelyne Pryor, succeeded rather than being thwarted by the mutant team.

The issue was written by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by artist Javier Saltares. Busiek, noted for his deep appreciation of Marvel continuity, utilized the What If format to experiment with the consequences of failure for the X-Men characters. The cover and interior art by Saltares reflect the aesthetic of early 1990s Marvel comics, emphasizing dramatic, high-stakes compositions that were intended to appeal to fans of the then-popular X-Men franchise. It remains a notable example of the series' tendency to revisit major editorial events to test the stability of established hero victories.