X-Factor #28

Published in June 1988, X-Factor #28 was a pivotal installment in the series created by Bob Layton and Jackson Guice. It arrived during a period of significant transition for the title, as writer Louise Simonson and artist Walt Simonson—who had recently taken over the book—were steering the mutant team toward the dramatic events of the Inferno crossover. The story is perhaps best remembered for its inclusion of the Angel's transformation into Archangel, a dark evolution overseen by the villain Apocalypse that fundamentally altered the character's persona and visual identity.

The creative team intentionally leaned into the darker, more visceral themes that defined late 1980s Marvel comics. Walt Simonson’s kinetic, heavy-lined art style was instrumental in establishing the imposing, metallic aesthetic of the new Archangel. Upon its release, the issue was well-received for its bold character work and its contribution to the heightened stakes of the X-Men franchise, cementing its place as a cornerstone issue for fans tracking the evolution of the original five X-Men during this grim and gritty era of superhero storytelling.