X-Men: True Friends #1

X-Men: True Friends #1 was published in 1999 as the first installment of a three-issue limited series written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Rick Leonardi. The series serves as a historical excursion into the shared past of Kitty Pryde and Rachel Summers, framed as an untold adventure involving their ancestors in the United Kingdom during the 1930s. Claremont, who defined the X-Men for over a decade, utilized this project to explore the lineage and deep-seated connection between these two pivotal characters, grounding their relationship in a period-specific espionage narrative.

The visual direction, handled by veteran artist Rick Leonardi, leans into a stylized, classic aesthetic that complements the historical setting of the story. The series was designed to satisfy long-time readers interested in the intricate lore and genealogy of the X-Men universe rather than appealing to casual newcomers. While it is often viewed as a niche piece of continuity, it is well-regarded by fans of Claremont’s specific brand of dense, character-driven storytelling, standing as a testament to his continued interest in the domestic lives of the X-Men long after his primary run ended.