X-Men: Legacy #259

In "Half a Step, Part One," Rogue faces a pivotal choice: remain on Utopia with Cyclops' team and her complicated bond with Magneto, or join Wolverine in Westchester to help train the next generation of X-Men. Before she can decide, a moment of contact with Magneto reveals a hidden energy signature among the mutants on Utopia—leading Rogue to absorb a strange, concentrated force that tears open a portal to a burning dimension, trapping a tormented Ariel within. Written by Mike Carey and illustrated by Khoi Pham, with inks by Tom Palmer, colors by Antonio Fabela, and letters by Cory Petit and Virtual Calligraphy, the issue’s cover by Clay Mann and Seth Mann captures the moment’s escalating tension.