X-Factor #9

Published in October 1986, X-Factor #9 emerged during the early development of the X-Factor series, which was designed to reassemble the original five X-Men members as a team of mutant hunters operating under the guise of an anti-mutant organization. This specific issue features the writing of Bob Layton and interior art by Jackson Guice, serving as a transitional chapter that explores the team's internal tensions and the public perception of mutants within the Marvel Universe.

The visual direction of the issue adheres to the mid-1980s house style of Marvel Comics, emphasizing the dynamic character interactions that Layton prioritized during his tenure. While X-Factor #9 is often viewed as a standard installment of the series rather than a landmark debut or finale, it captures the era's focus on grounded character drama. Its reception among collectors is primarily tied to its role in the broader X-Factor narrative, reflecting the editorial intent to provide fans with a more complex look at the 'original' X-Men as they navigated their new, controversial public identities.