Description
X-Men #1 is one of the defining comic releases of the early 1990s. It launched a new X-Men series in October 1991 and paired Chris Claremont with superstar artist Jim Lee. The result became a landmark moment for both the franchise and the comic industry.
The story, “Rubicon,” brings Magneto back into direct conflict with Charles Xavier and his students. A group of mutant fugitives reaches Asteroid M while being pursued by government forces. Magneto intervenes and soon finds himself surrounded by mutants who want his protection.
Among them is Fabian Cortez, who becomes an important figure in Magneto’s future. This issue introduces Cortez and the Acolytes, including Anne Marie Cortez, Chrome, Marco Delgado, and Nance Winters. Their arrival gives the book lasting collector significance beyond its famous sales history.
Back at Xavier’s mansion, the reunited X-Men test their abilities inside the new Danger Room. The sequence also establishes the Blue Team lineup of Cyclops, Wolverine, Beast, Gambit, Psylocke, and Rogue. Storm leads the other major X-Men team during this new era.
Nick Fury eventually contacts Xavier about Magneto’s return. The situation becomes urgent when Magneto raises a sunken nuclear submarine and takes its weapons. The X-Men confront him, setting up a battle that quickly demonstrates how dangerous the Master of Magnetism remains.
Rogue also becomes involved in the conflict before events move toward Genosha. Meanwhile, Fabian Cortez continues influencing Magneto and encouraging his increasingly militant direction. Magneto ultimately offers Asteroid M as a sanctuary for mutants who wish to escape humanity. That decision drives the larger Mutant Genesis story forward.
Chris Claremont writes the issue and shares plotting duties with Jim Lee. Lee provides the pencils, while Scott Williams supplies the inks. Their collaboration helped define the visual identity of X-Men comics during this period.
This copy features Cover A, with Storm, Beast, Jean Grey, Archangel, and Professor X. Jim Lee penciled the interlocking cover, with Scott Williams providing the inks. The four regular covers could be placed together as part of a larger X-Men image.
Collectors also remember X-Men #1 for its extraordinary commercial success. Combined sales across its cover versions reached roughly 8.1 million copies. It is widely recognized as the best selling single comic issue in American comic history.
That enormous print run keeps raw copies accessible today. However, the issue remains historically important because of its Jim Lee artwork, Claremont story, Acolytes debut, and role in launching a major new X-Men era.
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