15 Best X-Men Comics in History, Ranked

The X-Men Franchise ranks among these Richest and well-celebrated in the history of Marvel. Dating back to 1963, X-Men is one of Marvel’s oldest properties, but also one of its most beloved and consistent from a storytelling perspective. This is especially impressive considering that until the Krakoa era, X-Men Has kept largely the same status quo for several decades, but the stories remained gripping for audiences.

Every true X-fan has their favorite comics and storylines from the franchise, but with so many to choose from, it becomes difficult to rank the best of all time. By proxy, new X-fans may want a starting point for the best stories to read through to better familiarize themselves with the franchise. The list hopes to do both by Ranking the best storylines and comics that the X-Men Franchise has to offer To loyalists of the franchise and beginners looking to dive into the best ones.

15

Reign of X (2020)

By several writers and artists (including Gerry Duggan, Pepe Larraz, Zeb Wells, etc.)

X of swords and Krakoa’s overall introduction – defined under the Dawn of X Title – would be followed by Rule of XIn which multiple X-books are impacted by the conclusion of X of Swords. with Krakow stronger than everThe island’s heralds set their sights on outer space. Meanwhile, the concept of the Hellfire Gala would be introduced in this arc, simultaneously providing readers with a fun costumed event for the heroes, allowing the mutants to put on a public spectacle and setting the stage for what years later would be the X-D Greatest tragedy of mankind.

With the new status quo fully cemented, this allowed creative teams to begin exploring the dark repercussions of this new status quoEspecially when it comes to how the mutants use their resurrection pool and the moral gray area it provides. It makes for an extremely complex read that is not only layered, but forces readers to question the morality of their favorite characters.

14

The trial of Magneto

Uncanny X-Men #200 by Chris Claremont and John Romita Jr.

For this special double-sized issue, it seems natural to celebrate the franchise by finally condemning Magneto for his crimes. But rather than a case of a supervillain getting his just deserts, it’s a case of offering sympathy to a character who’s been painted as a devil. Audiences get an unexpectedly shy, empathetic portrayal of a classic villain who would practically go on to define how Magnus would continue to be depicted in X-Stories for years to come..

Not only that, but it proves to be a major turning point for both the character and the franchise, as the X-Men’s long-hated rival becomes their leader at the story’s conclusion. It is a must-read story for any fan of Magneto.

13

Talented

Astonishing X-Men #1-6 by Joss Whedon and John Cassady

While marking the beginning of the much celebrated Astonishing X-Men comic series, the “Gifted” arc also introduces a mutant cure that would offer inspiration for X-Men: The Last Stand. Yes, the third entry in the FOX trilogy isn’t exactly the most celebrated of X-Men content. yet, It speaks to how celebrated the Amazing Storyline was known as it was so quick to influence the movie content for the big screen.

Truly a great way to kick off a new revamp for the X-Men franchise, and as strong as the rest of the series continues, this may still stand tall as the best arc of the series.

12

Case of the Mutants (1988)

By Chris Claremont, Louise Simonson, Marc Silvestri, Walter Simonson and Bret Blevins

Fall of the mutants Was extremely ambitious for its time As there was a story told by three different X-books at the time. The books were never attached to each other, but they were together Show how one overarching plot can affect all three books at onceWhich has become the norm in how Marvel tells stories through all of its X-books today.

Another caveat to this storyline is how it is effectively foreshadowed the events of Days of Future Past, Another pivotal X-story. An all-time great storyline sets the stage for another all-time great. It introduces the idea of ​​the Mutant Registration Act and its consequences, all while the X-Men search for their de-powered leader, Storm. Storm herself is currently looking for a means to regain her powers. Miraculously, each of the weighty subplots have equal time to shine.

11

hell (1989)

The ’80s original that pre-dates Hickman’s modern classic

The Jonathan Hickman story arc of the same name deserves its own props, but its name and influence was bridged by the 1989-1990 version of Hell. Just when Cyclops has a seemingly happy ending with a seemingly mild-mannered Madeline Prior and his newborn Nathan, Cyclops quickly reverts to heroism once he learns that Jean Gray is alive. go to hell Madeline’s life becomes even more tragic Once her son is stripped from her and her desperation to get him back eventually leads her down a path to being manipulated into becoming the Goblin Queen. Even worse, she discovers that she was a clone of Jean Gray created by Mister Sinister.

And that’s just one of the many subplots that the original Hell had to offer! Hell is mutant melodrama at its finest and with each passing one, it becomes harder to want to put the book down.

10

Schism

by Jason Aaron

The five-part limited series is a good reflection of the tension that surfaces over the mutant community in the wake of House of M. Rational characters suddenly become irrational and desperate, while the most unexpected of characters are forced to take responsibilities that they never wanted. The tension rests at the center of a conflict between Cyclops and Wolverine, forcing other mutants to take sides. Both men have conflicting ideas about how to save the mutant race, and readers are on the edge of their seats, struggling to choose a side between their favorite characters.

On paper, it’s an excuse to get two main leaders of the X-Men to duke it out after years of dormant frustrations, but it also serves as a reflection of the changing times ahead of the ongoing status quo shift to come.

9

The Brood Saga

Invisible X-Men #161-167

The X-Men franchise has always been rooted in science fiction, but this storyline allowed the franchise to really dive deep into the franchise for the first time.. Without this story arc, the franchise probably wouldn’t have had the chance to reintroduce itself into the kind of sci-fi weirdness of the Krakoa era. At least, the transition and full commitment to the genre would never have felt as natural as it was without the introduction of the brooding alien race.

At the time, it really felt like a way to freshen up the franchise, and now, it fits right at home with the rest of the sci-fi content in the X-Vol.

8

Giant X-Men #1 (1975)

By Len Wein and Dave Cockrum

Most of the entries are made up of story arcs spanning multiple issues and tie-in comics, but this is the only unique comic one-shot on the list—and for good reason. X-Men As a franchise that has existed for several decades, but in terms of the biggest influence on modern storylines for both the comics and the onscreen adaptations, readers need look no further than Giant-sized X-Men #1.

For new fans, it’s the perfect introduction to what the modern depiction of the X-Men is all about, and for fans of old, it’s the best way to trace back to the beginnings of what modern X-Men looks like.. The team incorporates new members who would become permanent fixtures of the roster—namely Nightcrawler, Colossus, and especially Storm—and infuses them with the original team of old, offering the best of both worlds for new and returning readers.

7

God Loves Man Kills (1982)

By Chris Claremont and Brent Eric Anderson

God loves, man kills is best recognized for its reputation as the primary source material for X2: X-Men UnitedBut the graphic novel is much more than just a source of inspiration for a major motion picture. In fact, it’s easy to see why FOX was so keen to adapt a story like this for the screen. God loves, man kills is perhaps the best showcase of X-Men’s biggest themes in its mutant allegory.

Similar to the movie, the story revolves around Magneto joining forces with the X-Men to overwhelm William Stryker’s plans to manipulate Professor X’s psychic powers into a weapon against mutantkind. Striker questioning Nightcrawler’s humanity became one of X-Men Most iconic panels. As the story as a whole, the panel is perfectly indicative in the final message of the franchise, finding humanity at the root of everyone regardless of their power, genes or the color of their skin.

6

E is for Extinction (2001)

By Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

“E is for Extinction” represents the opening of Grant Morrison’s run on X-MenWhat some would argue is the greatest run by a writer for the franchise since Chris Claremont’s groundbreaking time with the series. Morrison’s run kicks off with a bang with the quick introduction of Charles Xavier’s evil twin, Cassandra Nova.

Nova makes an immediate impact by calling for the end of mutanthood in her first panels, and attempts to cause their extinction with the destruction of Genosha in the next issue, leading to the genocide of millions. The genocide of Genosha is directly adapted in X-Men ’97Highlighting just how much this happens shakes readers to their core, if Disney decides to immediately duplicate it. From this storyline alone, it’s easy to see why so many praise Morrison as one of the best to write for the franchise.

5

X of Swords (2020)

By Jonathan Hickman and Tini Howard

House of X And Powers of X Set the X-Men on an entirely new trajectory. Both series set the tone for the Krakow era, while X of swords – as the first event to follow the debut arc of Krakoa – followed suit by fulfilling the promises of intrigue first introduced by House / Power. If House / Powers of X opened the door to a new future for the X-Men, X of swords was the first threat to put the future in jeopardy.

The X-Men find themselves in conflict with the First Horse with the fate of Krakoa on the line. Among them are 10 swords set to be wielded by 10 champions dueling for all creation. The event was as complex as it was ambitious, and even more rewarding just the same. An event of this magnitude remains all the more fulfilling to readers who pay attention to every little moving piece in this crossover and keep their eyes glued to every exciting panel.

4

House / Powers of X (2019)

By Jonathan Hickman and Pepe Larraz

Few storylines, even those on this list, are as game changing as this one House / Powers of X. Since the beginning, the X-Men Franchises maintained more or less the same status quo and often the same location, housing the mutant squad under some sort of school or mansion. The Krakoa Era managed to change everything, giving the main mutants something completely different. A living island with the concept of resurrection on the line root X-Men Even deeper into the sci-fi genre, and even offer subtle, unsettling connotations to the X-Men’s new environment rooted in horror.

The Krakoa Era would last five years, only ending recently, but Krakoa wouldn’t have been as successful of an era if the double-feature series didn’t immediately make audiences want more from the start. Now that the era is over, House / Powers of X Manages to feel like a complete work of art, but the end just hits as hard as its beginning.

3

Fall of the House/Rise of the Powers of X

Several writers and artists led by Gerry Duggan

If the House / Powers of X Kick off the Krakoa Era with a bang, then the two-part arc drops an atomic bomb to end it all. It started with a similar, shocking bang when Orchis crashes through the Hellfire Gala, killing several mutants in their wake. Even worse, Professor Xavier was a major culprit in Krakoa’s downfall, becoming a worse villain than Magneto. The fall of Krakoa is an event that affected the entirety of the Marvel Universe, even compelling Emma Frost to marry Iron Man for an uneasy alliance.

It was a fitting way to end five years of the Krakoa Era, offering heartbreak but also optimism for a bright future ahead for the X-Men.

2

Days of Future Past (1981)

By Chris Claremont and John Byrne

in many ways, Days of Future Past Set the tone for how Marvel approaches time travel stories, which is significantly different from DC Comics. Most Marvel storylines tend to paint their future as bleak, uncertain and hiding the worst-case scenario for its heroes. That portrait of the future is largely kicked off by Days of Future Past. Even the idea of ​​mutants being captured and killed en masse – something that is largely normalized in many X-Men Stories since – started here.

The impact of Days of Future Past Persists in how it affects storylines in the universe, as a prequel comic was released last year. The icon and reception to the original Days of Future Past It continues to be enough for Marvel to continue revisiting the world and all it has to offer.

1

Dark Phoenix Saga (1976)

By Chris Claremont and John Byrne

If there was a definitive X-Men story, this would be it Dark Phoenix Saga. This is certainly definitive for Jean Gray as it becomes a major turning point for her character. Jean Grey’s name has become synonymous with the creation and concept of the Phoenix entity, even more so today as they have merged into one. Beyond Jin’s association with the Phoenix, the Phoenix as a cosmic force immediately becomes one of the most powerful god-level forces in all of Marvel.

The Dark Phoenix Saga would go on to change the course of the Marvel Universe forever. Storylines even outside X-Men lore use the Phoenix as a narrative device. The Dark Phoenix Saga is the X-Men at its best, showcasing the ultimate mutant soap opera that continues to leave an impression on readers, writers and anyone who calls X-Men Fan.