X-Force #65

Published in March 1997 by Marvel Comics, X-Force #65 arrived during a period of transition for the title as it moved away from the extreme, militaristic tone of its early nineties origins toward a more character-focused narrative. This issue features the creative work of writer John Francis Moore and artist Adam Pollina, who was instrumental in defining the series' visual direction throughout this era. The story continues the long-running arcs involving the team's evolution and interpersonal dynamics, reflecting the editorial shift at Marvel to refine its X-Men spin-off titles.

The cover art, executed by Adam Pollina, reflects his signature stylized, kinetic approach that helped differentiate X-Force from other books in the X-Men line at the time. Pollina's work on this series was generally well-regarded for its expressive, slightly unconventional anatomy and layouts, which aimed to capture the restless energy of the youthful cast. During this phase, the series was attempting to balance its legacy of high-stakes action with a grounded, contemporary aesthetic that resonated with a shifting readership.