X-Treme X-Men #33

X-Treme X-Men #33 was published in late 2003 as part of the broader X-Men line during Marvel Comics' post-Grant Morrison era. The series, written by Chris Claremont with art by Salvador Larroca, sought to explore a more global, action-oriented mission for a breakaway team of mutants operating outside the traditional structure of the Xavier Institute. This specific issue occurs during the 'Schism' arc, reflecting the tension and shifting alliances inherent to Claremont's long-term stewardship of the X-Men mythos.

The visual identity of this series was defined by Larroca's departure from the traditional superhero aesthetic, leaning toward a sleeker, contemporary style that resonated with the era's turn-of-the-millennium design sensibilities. While the series received mixed reviews for its sprawling plotlines, it remains a notable example of Claremont's attempt to reconcile classic character archetypes with a new, more dangerous geopolitical status quo. The issue serves as a bridge between the title's established independence and its eventual integration back into the central X-Men narrative.