X-Men #65

Published in February 1970, X-Men #65 serves as the final issue of the original X-Men run before the series transitioned into a reprint-only format for several years. Scripted by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Neal Adams, this issue concludes the 'Sentinels' arc that redefined the team's visual language and thematic depth. The creative partnership between O'Neil and Adams is widely credited with bringing a more contemporary, gritty aesthetic to superhero comics, moving the X-Men away from their earlier, more juvenile trappings toward the socially conscious narratives that would later cement the franchise's popularity.

The issue features the artistic sensibilities of Neal Adams, who was instrumental in modernizing the characters' appearances. His dynamic panel layouts and realistic figure work helped distinguish this era of the series. Upon its release, the issue was received as a stylistic departure from the team's earlier Silver Age adventures, though the title suffered from lackluster sales at the time, which eventually led to the cancellation of the monthly original stories. It remains a historically significant bridge between the Lee-Kirby origins and the eventual 1975 relaunch.