X-Men #98

Published in April 1976, X-Men #98 stands as a pivotal chapter in the 'All-New, All-Different' era of the X-Men. Following the team's relaunch the previous year, writer Chris Claremont and artist Dave Cockrum were tasked with revitalizing a title that had been relegated to reprints for years. This issue serves as the second part of the 'Merry Christmas, X-Men' storyline, which begins with the team enjoying a holiday celebration in New York City before being ambushed by the Sentinels, the mutant-hunting robots originally created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

The issue is particularly notable for Cockrum’s dynamic, expressive character designs and his ability to balance the growing pains of a diverse, international roster. The narrative explores the team's vulnerability and their first major encounter with high-stakes peril, helping to cement the title's shift toward the dramatic soap-opera style that would eventually make it one of the most successful comics of the 1980s. Critical reception at the time acknowledged the title as a significant creative resurgence for Marvel, setting the stage for the long-running creative partnership between Claremont and various iconic artists.