X-Factor #73

Released in December 1991, X-Factor #73 marks a pivotal turning point for the series, serving as the first issue written by Peter David. This transition moved the book away from its original premise of mutant hunters toward a more character-driven focus on the government-sanctioned team featuring Polaris, Havok, and Multiple Man. The shift was part of a broader revitalization of the X-Men franchise during a period of intense industry growth, aiming to provide a distinct, witty, and psychologically nuanced alternative to the more earnest superhero titles of the era.

The cover and interior art were provided by Larry Stroman and Al Milgrom, whose distinct, angular, and kinetic style helped define the book's edgy, early-nineties aesthetic. By emphasizing dry humor and interpersonal drama over traditional superhero spectacle, Peter David’s run became a critical darling, often credited with establishing the blueprint for the modern ensemble superhero team book. The issue is widely regarded by collectors as the true beginning of the 'Peter David era,' which many fans consider the definitive run of the X-Factor title.