10 Best Chris Claremont X-Men Stories, Ranked

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The X-Men are legendary, and their success is largely due to writer Chris Claremont. After the hit issue Giant-Size X-Men #1, Claremont took over as the regular writer with X-Men (Vol. 1) #94. The comic hadn’t been popular since the early days of Marvel, and was mostly reprints at that point. Claremont quickly turned things around, captivating readers and completely reshaping the team. Thanks to his work, X-Men became the best-selling comic book of the 1980s. He wrote Uncanny X-Men for an incredible 17 years during his first run, and over the years, he’s written the X-Men in their main titles for more than 20 years total – not even counting the many other mutant-focused books he’s created.

Chris Claremont is a legendary figure when it comes to the X-Men. He didn’t just write great stories – many fans consider them the very best. If you’re a fan of the team, chances are you connect with characters and concepts he created. Here are ten of his most iconic X-Men stories, tales that remain beloved to this day.

10) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #265

Chris Claremont collaborated with many legendary artists, including Jim Lee, who now leads DC Comics. While they created several great stories together, their best is widely considered to be Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #268. This issue features Wolverine, Psylocke, and Jubilee joining forces with Black Widow in Madripoor to fight the Hand. Interwoven with the present-day action is a flashback to World War II, showing Wolverine and Captain America working together to protect a young Black Widow. It’s a truly iconic and memorable issue with a famous cover.

9) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #172-173

When you talk about Chris Claremont’s amazing collaborations with X-Men artists, issues #172-173 of Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) are a must-mention. Illustrated by Paul Smith, the artwork is just as strong as the story itself. Following the events in Wolverine (Vol. 1) #1-4, Logan asks his X-Men teammates to come to Japan for his wedding to Mariko Yashida. However, the celebration is interrupted when Viper and Silver Samurai attack, leaving most of the team incapacitated, with only Wolverine and Rogue able to pursue the attackers. The situation is complicated by the fact that Rogue previously absorbed the powers and memories of Carol Danvers, leaving Wolverine wary of her. This story is a fantastic blend of character development and exciting action, and it’s considered a classic for good reason.

8) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #186

Barry Windsor-Smith is considered one of the best creators in comic book history. In the 1980s, he often collaborated with Chris Claremont on Uncanny X-Men, typically contributing one story per year. Their most famous collaboration is Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #186, titled “Lifedeath.” This story takes place after Storm loses her powers due to Forge’s Neutralizer. Despite Storm’s initial dislike of the technologically-minded mutant, they are forced to work together when attacked by the Dire Wraiths. The issue is a beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant standalone story.

7) “The Brood Saga”

Disney, which now owns the Alien franchise, once created its own similar creatures called the Brood in Marvel comics. While there have been many good Brood stories, the original, “The Brood Saga” (published in Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1, issues #154-167, with art by Dave Cockrum and Paul Smith), is considered the best. This story features the X-Men and their Shi’Ar allies fighting against the Brood in a well-paced and exciting adventure. It’s a true classic that more comic fans should experience.

6) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #200

Chris Claremont significantly developed the character of Magneto, who initially resembled a mutant version of Doctor Doom, transforming him into the complex, often sympathetic figure fans know today. This evolution began in Uncanny X-Men #200, illustrated by John Romita Jr. The story, “The Trial of Magneto,” features Magneto voluntarily submitting to judgment by a global court, while the X-Men defend the proceedings from the villainous Fenris Twins. This issue marked the first time Magneto was portrayed as potentially redeemable and became a pivotal moment in Marvel Comics, dramatically changing the direction of the X-Men’s adventures. It remains a highly regarded and impactful story.

5) “Days of Future Past”

“Days of Future Past” was a groundbreaking story that dramatically changed comics by introducing a truly bleak vision of the future. Published in Uncanny X-Men #141-142 by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, the story depicts a grim future where the Mutant Registration Act leads to Sentinels dominating the world and eradicating mutants and superhumans. The remaining X-Men attempt to prevent this future by sending a member back in time and launching a final attack on the Master Mold. Widely considered a classic, this story exemplifies the brilliance of the Claremont and Byrne creative partnership and remains a highlight of their work together.

4) X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills

During the 1980s, Marvel published a line of more sophisticated graphic novels exclusively through comic book shops. While many great stories came from this era, X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills, created by Claremont and Brent Anderson, stands out as the best. The story features an unlikely alliance between the X-Men and Magneto as they fight against Reverend Stryker and his Purifiers – a fanatical group who believe mutants are evil and are killing them because of it. It’s a powerful story about prejudice and religious extremism, uniquely told through the X-Men, and sadly, it feels relevant to issues we’re facing today.

3) “Mutant Massacre”

“Mutant Massacre” marked the X-Men’s first major summer storyline, spanning issues of Uncanny X-Men, New Mutants, X-Factor, Thor, and Power Pack. The story centered around an attack by the Marauders on the Morlocks, a group of mutants living in the sewers beneath New York City, and featured the X-Men and other Marvel heroes trying to defend them. While many writers contributed, Chris Claremont penned the most memorable parts. This event included the first fight between Wolverine and Sabretooth, put several X-Men in mortal danger, and resulted in Angel losing his wings. Ultimately, “Mutant Massacre” proved to Marvel that the X-Men could successfully lead a large-scale crossover event and generate strong sales.

2) “Inferno”

The “Inferno” storyline was a massive summer event that continued the work started by writer Chris Claremont. It spanned an impressive number of titles, including Uncanny X-Men, X-Factor, New Mutants, X-Terminators, Excalibur, The Avengers, Daredevil, Power Pack, Cloak and Dagger, Fantastic Four, Spectacular Spider-Man, Web of Spider-Man, Amazing Spider-Man, and Damage Control. The story centered on Madelyne Pryor, the ex-wife of Cyclops, who was driven to madness by his actions and relentlessly pursued by Mister Sinister. She allied herself with demons from Limbo to attack New York City. “Inferno” brought together years of Claremont’s carefully laid plans and is widely considered one of Marvel’s best crossover events.

1) “The Dark Phoenix Saga”

As a huge Marvel fan, I truly believe “The Dark Phoenix Saga” is the best story they’ve ever told. It’s the high point of Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run on Uncanny X-Men, and it brilliantly wraps up the Phoenix storyline. Seeing Jean Grey fall to darkness, manipulated by the Hellfire Club, was heartbreaking. The X-Men desperately try to save her, and it leads to one of the most devastating battles in Marvel history. For me, it’s the perfect X-Men story – it has everything you could want. The artwork is amazing, but it’s Claremont’s writing that really elevates it. His incredibly descriptive style perfectly captures the emotional weight of the story, making it a true masterpiece.

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2026-04-07 01:15