10 Best Things to Happen in X-Men Comics

by

Over time, the X-Men have grown to be one of Marvel’s most beloved teams of superheroes, though they didn’t initially hold this position. In the early days of Silver Age Marvel, they weren’t the most popular squad, and it wasn’t until the mid ’70s that their fame began. Afterward, the X-Men were undoubtedly the most famous group of superheroes across the entire comics industry for quite a while. They were known for having top-notch artists and writers, and their success in comic books eventually extended to television and other media. The X-Men gained mainstream popularity in popular culture, but their roots have always been in the world of comics.

Over time, X-Men comic books have faced numerous challenges, but it’s the elements that fans adore about the X-Men which originated from these very comics. With a rich history that can be quite complex (let’s be honest, one of the most intricate in the comic book world), there have been certain aspects over the years that have kept readers hooked despite some bewildering moments. The following ten story arcs, concepts, and narratives are what make X-Men comics truly exceptional, shaping them into the cultural powerhouse they are recognized as today.

For decades, the X-Men comic book series has encountered numerous hurdles, but it’s the aspects that fans cherish about the X-Men that first appeared in these very comics. With a rich tapestry of events spanning many years (to be truthful, one of the most intricate narratives in the comics world), there have been key elements over time that have kept readers engaged despite some bizarre turns. The following ten storylines, ideas, and tales are what make X-Men comics stand out, helping them achieve their status as a cultural phenomenon.

10) The Best Artists in Comics

The artistic contributions have significantly influenced the achievements of the X-Men throughout their history. Originating alongside the team was Jack Kirby, a renowned artist whose impact on the medium is still felt today. Neal Adams contributed for a brief yet impactful period. Dave Cockrum played a key role in the creation of Giant-Size X-Men #1 and collaborated with Chris Claremont on plotting the book. John Byrne followed, marking the beginning of an exceptional roster of artists on Uncanny X-Men, including Paul Smith, John Romita Jr., Rick Leonardi, Barry Windsor-Smith, Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, and Jim Lee. This impressive lineup is just the start; countless more talented artists have since worked on the series, such as Andy Kubert, Adam Kubert, Joe Madureira, Carlos Pacheco, Chris Bachalo, Ian Churchill, Leinil Yu, Frank Quitely, Salvador Larocca, Phil Jimenez, John Cassaday, Billy Tan, Terry Dodson, and many others. Exceptional art has undeniably contributed to the X-Men’s enduring popularity, playing a vital part in the success of the comic series.

9) The Age of Apocalypse

In the ’90s, the X-Men experienced one of their most prosperous decades, yet their books weren’t consistently praised from a critical perspective. However, as 1994 drew to a close, whispers began among fans that Marvel might discontinue the X-Men series. This news sparked a frenzy within the fanbase, leading to one of the most renowned stories of the ’90s: “The Age of Apocalypse”. This narrative originated from “Legion Quest”, where Legion inadvertently killed his father, Charles Xavier, in the past. This cataclysmic event led to an alternate Marvel Universe in which Apocalypse ruled over North and South America, with humanity waging a hopeless war against him. Due to the cancellation and subsequent relaunch of the X-Men books as new series set within this parallel universe, readers were treated to a 40-part story that remains iconic to this day. Despite the fact that ’90s X-Men comics weren’t always well-written, the creative concepts behind “The Age of Apocalypse” demonstrated that given a fresh idea, the writing team would flourish. Marvel has attempted to revisit “The Age of Apocalypse” numerous times since, but they’ve never managed to recapture the magic of this classic tale.

8) Cyclops Becoming the Leader of Mutantkind After House of M

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’ve always admired the resilience and growth of Cyclops, one of the X-Men’s original members. He held a significant role from the early days, but in the mid ’80s, following the tragic demise of Jean Grey, he chose to step down from the team. He returned in 1991, taking on a leadership role that has continued till present day.

However, a pivotal turning point came with the depowering of mutants in the 2005 event, “House of M”. This left Cyclops in charge of a dwindling mutant population. The aftermath was a remarkable transformation for Cyclops, who had previously been known for his strict adherence to rules and lack of excitement.

Post-“House of M”, Cyclops took on a more militant stance. With the survival of mutantkind at stake, he found an unlikely ally in Emma Frost. This partnership proved more effective than his previous one with Jean. The newfound aggression transformed Cyclops from a boy scout into a fierce leader, ready to break rules and push boundaries to ensure his kin survived.

This evolution was captivating; even those who had disliked the old-school Cyclops began to appreciate the character’s development. Cyclops demonstrated unparalleled leadership in the Marvel Universe, elevating a once questionable character to great heights.

7) “The Dark Phoenix Saga”

The ‘Dark Phoenix Saga’ stands as the most remarkable Marvel tale ever woven, reshaping the X-Men universe in its wake. This captivating storyline, which unfolded from Uncanny X-Men #101 onwards, followed Jean Grey’s struggle to control the cosmic force known as the Phoenix. The saga, found within issues #129-138 of Uncanny X-Men, penned by Chris Claremont and illustrated by John Byrne, offered fans an exceptional X-Men narrative. The story didn’t revolve around the X-Men vanquishing the Dark Phoenix; instead, it focused on their valiant attempt to save their beloved friend from her own darkness. The writing and artistry were impeccable, crafting a tale of epic proportions unprecedented in X-Men lore. ‘The Dark Phoenix Saga’ served as a cosmic odyssey for the X-Men, redefining the team’s foundation to drive its plot. This story has become an enduring masterpiece, setting the benchmark for future X-Men tales. In 1980, readers discovered this extraordinary saga and were left eagerly anticipating if the comic could ever reach such great heights again.

6) The 1991 Reboot

In 1991, a significant shift occurred in the world of X-Men comics. Veteran writer Chris Claremont was departing from Uncanny X-Men due to Marvel editorial favoring artists’ ideas over his, particularly those of Jim Lee. This departure paved the way for new beginnings, as a second X-Men title without an adjective (X-Men Vol. 2) emerged. New Mutants came to an end and X-Force was born. Wolverine and X-Factor also embarked on new journeys. Marvel strategically rebooted the entire line at an opportune moment, creating a fresh platform for a new wave of fans. Sales of X-Men and X-Force skyrocketed, with the characters reaching unprecedented popularity levels. Unlike some future X-Men reboots, the 1991 version didn’t fully overhaul the franchise but instead provided readers with a refreshing start that was highly successful. If you are a fan of X-Men: The Animated Series or X-Men ’97, you can thank the 1991 X-Men reboot for setting the stage for these popular adaptations.

5) Wolverine’s Popularity

Wolverine is exceptional in his roles and has significantly boosted X-Men comic book sales during their early days. This grumpy anti-hero resonated greatly with the younger generation, becoming a key factor in the X-Men’s initial success. Writer Chris Claremont brilliantly crafted Wolverine into an intriguing and complex character. Today, some X-Men enthusiasts might find him overbearing due to his frequent appearances, but it’s likely that without him, the X-Men wouldn’t have achieved the popularity they did. Wolverine was the first X-Man to star in a solo comic book series, and he remains the only one whose books consistently sell well. He is the most recognized member of the team and has become one of the most renowned superheroes worldwide.

4) The Krakoa Era

The early 2010s were promising for X-Men enthusiasts, but the situation deteriorated as the decade progressed due to Marvel’s lack of film rights for the X-Men characters. As a result, these characters were relegated to secondary roles while those related to the MCU took center stage in an attempt to boost comic sales. The Inhumans took over the X-Men’s position, and the team found itself marginalized. However, Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox returned the film rights for the X-Men to Marvel by 2019, leading to the Krakoa Era. This period was marked by Jonathan Hickman’s writing of the X-Men, which brought about a resurgence in popularity not seen in years within the comic industry. The Krakoa Era was pivotal for the X-Men, but its end, due to Hickman’s departure and Marvel’s prolonged storytelling, dampened fan enthusiasm. Yet, it remains significant as an important milestone in the X-Men’s history and a defining moment for both the team and Marvel.

3) Grant Morrison’s Tenure on New X-Men

During the late ’90s, I found Joe Kelly and Steve Seagle’s runs on X-Men, followed by Alan Davis, to be more appreciated than they are typically given credit for, even though the books weren’t as popular as earlier in the decade. In 2000, Chris Claremont returned for a brief stint that left readers underwhelmed. Later in the year, Joe Quesada took over as editor at Marvel and made X-Men and Spider-Man his main focus. Grant Morrison, fresh from years at DC, was brought on board by Quesada along with frequent collaborator Frank Quitely to work on X-Men. Together they launched “New X-Men,” a comic often hailed as one of the best X-Men comics of the 21st century. Morrison creatively reimagined classic X-Men themes, like the Phoenix Force, the school, Weapon X, the Shi’Ar, and Magneto, resulting in compelling X-Men tales that revitalized the team. Despite its brilliance, “New X-Men” had one flaw: Marvel editorial conflicts led Morrison to leave before he could fully realize the story he intended to tell. Some readers didn’t agree with the Magneto plot, but I believe they missed the deeper message about hate and its consequences that Morrison was trying to convey.

2) Giant-Size X-Men #1

The debut issue of “Giant-Size X-Men” #1 was crucial as it transformed the X-Men from a reprint book to a popular series. This groundbreaking comic, penned by Len Wein and illustrated by Dave Cockrum, introduced a new X-Men team, led them on their first mission, and set foot on the mutant island of Krakoa. This single issue laid the groundwork for everything that followed, introducing iconic characters like Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, and Wolverine, who would propel the X-Men to massive success in sales. Essentially, without “Giant-Size X-Men” #1, the X-Men as we know them today wouldn’t exist.

1) Chris Claremont Becoming the Writer of the X-Men

In a significant turn of events, the success of the X-Men’s journey was marked by their introduction of fresh faces in volume 1, issue #94. Pioneering writer Chris Claremont took over from Wein and Cockrum’s initial assembly and continued to lead them. Known for his groundbreaking work in comics, Claremont transformed the X-Men into the forefront team we know today. He skillfully crafted a superb blend of superhero drama and action with the X-Men, developing intricate character dynamics while also delivering high-octane superhero adventures. _Giant-Size X-Men_ #1 sparked the beginning, but it was Claremont who kept the momentum going, originating most of the iconic concepts linked to the X-Men. Over a period of 17 years in his first tenure and multiple returns since, Claremont penned legendary X-Men tales that continue to resonate.

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/10-best-x-men-stories-20s-marvel-comics/embed/#

Read More

2025-08-22 19:16