X-Men (1991–2008)

Launched in October 1991 during Marvel’s mutant boom, X-Men Vol. 2 became one of the most commercially successful comic debuts in history, with its first issue by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee selling millions of copies. The series ran #1–207 (1991–2008) without a volume reset, making it the direct continuation of the franchise alongside Uncanny X-Men.

The Jim Lee Era (1991–1992)

The title opened with a split-team concept: the Blue Team (Cyclops, Wolverine, Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee, Psylocke) and Gold Team (Storm, Jean Grey, Colossus, Archangel, Iceman, Bishop). High-impact art and blockbuster storytelling defined early arcs like “Mutant Genesis,” cementing the book as Marvel’s flagship mutant title of the 1990s.

Mid–Late ’90s Crossovers

The series played a central role in major X-events including:

• “X-Cutioner’s Song”
• “Fatal Attractions”
• “Phalanx Covenant”
• “Age of Apocalypse” (temporarily replaced by Age of Apocalypse tie-ins in 1995)
• “Onslaught”
• “Operation: Zero Tolerance”

Through this era, the book evolved creatively while maintaining its position as a core X-Men pillar.

The Morrison Era – New X-Men (2001–2004)

With issue #114, the title was rebranded New X-Men under writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. Morrison redefined the mutant mythos with a more futuristic aesthetic, secondary mutations, the destruction of Genosha, and bold character reinventions (including a radical take on Magneto and the evolution of Emma Frost’s prominence). The numbering continued uninterrupted through this period.

Reload and Final Years (2004–2008)

Beginning with issue #157, the book returned to the simpler X-Men title during the “Reload” era. Writers such as Chuck Austen, Peter Milligan, and later Mike Carey guided the series into storylines like “Blood of Apocalypse,” “Supernovas,” and “Blinded by the Light,” setting up major status-quo shifts before the title concluded with issue #207 in 2008.

Key Facts

• Full Title: X-Men (renamed New X-Men from #114–156)
• Volume: 2
• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• Run: #1–207 (October 1991 – 2008)
• Notable Creators: Chris Claremont, Jim Lee, Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza, Joe Kelly, Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Mike Carey

Legacy

X-Men Vol. 2 defined the 1990s comic boom, introduced some of the franchise’s most iconic visuals, and later reinvented the mutant mythos for the 21st century. It bridges the Jim Lee powerhouse era and the bold Morrison reinvention, making it one of the most historically significant X-Men runs ever published.