X-Men: The 198 #3

In "untitled," Val and the X-Men grapple with the growing tension of housing most of Earth’s remaining mutants in a confined space, where enforced order masks deeper unrest. As some seek freedom through sanctioned trips to Salem Center, hidden tracking chips begin to reveal their true purpose—suppressing any who resist. When Jazz discovers Johnny Dee crafting eerie replicas of those he’s touched, the fragile peace shatters, leading to a deadly confrontation that leaves Jazz dead and the new chips blamed for the violence. Written by David Hine and illustrated by Jim Muniz, with inks by Kevin Conrad, colors by Matt Milla, and letters by Joe Caramagna, the cover by Juan Doe captures the story’s uneasy atmosphere.