X-Men: The Hidden Years #17

X-Men: The Hidden Years was launched by Marvel Comics in 1999 to bridge the chronological gap between the original X-Men series, which ended in 1970, and the characters' eventual reintroduction in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Created, written, and illustrated by John Byrne, the series was a passion project intended to flesh out the missing history of the original team members during their early years, utilizing Byrne’s signature detailed aesthetic to evoke a sense of classic Silver Age storytelling while applying modern narrative pacing.

Issue number 17, released in 2001, serves as part of a mid-run arc that further explores the internal dynamics and evolving interpersonal relationships of the team members as they navigate mutant existence. The series was generally well-received by long-term fans of the franchise who appreciated Byrne’s commitment to continuity and his faithful rendering of the team's earliest incarnation, though the title ultimately concluded at issue 22 as the industry shifted toward different editorial directions for the X-Men line.