X-Factor #78

Published in May 1992, X-Factor #78 serves as the conclusion to the 'X-Aminations' storyline, written by Peter David with interior art by Larry Stroman. This era of the series is noted for its departure from the original premise, as the team transitioned into a government-sanctioned mutant task force overseen by Valerie Cooper. The narrative is heavily character-driven, focusing on the psychological toll of the public's perception of mutants, a hallmark of David's extended run on the title.

The visual aesthetic is defined by Larry Stroman’s distinct, stylized pencils, which brought a kinetic and somewhat unconventional look to the Marvel Universe of the early 1990s. The issue features an iconic cover by Joe Quesada and Al Milgrom, which prominently highlights the ensemble nature of the cast. Critical reception at the time was largely positive, with readers and critics alike praising the issue for its balance of dark, introspective humor and the burgeoning political intrigue that would define the series for the remainder of the decade.