10 Best X-Men Covers That Changed Comic History

The X-Men quickly became a well-known superhero team, especially after their popular animated series in the 1990s. Considering their history, it’s remarkable how beloved they’ve become. This popularity is largely thanks to the original comic books. Every movie, TV show, or other adaptation of the X-Men owes a debt to the many writers and artists who first developed the team’s stories in print, establishing them as one of the most iconic groups of superheroes. These comics have captivated readers for generations and are considered classics by fans.

The X-Men comics have often featured strong writing, but the artwork was equally crucial to their success. Marvel consistently assigned top-tier artists to the series, resulting in incredible covers – some of which are now considered iconic and even redefined comic book history. Here are ten X-Men covers that truly made a difference and are remembered as some of the best ever created.

10) House of X #1

The start of the Krakoa Era was a huge turning point for Marvel comics, and it all began with a single, striking cover by Pepe Larraz. Even without knowing the story, the cover immediately grabbed readers’ attention. People were buzzing about the new costumes, the mysterious portal, and the unexpected looks of characters like Xavier and Magneto. A good cover entices you to read the comic, and this one certainly delivered. The Krakoa Era quickly became a massive success, boosting comic sales even during the pandemic, and it all started with the impact of this cover.

9) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #281

1991 marked a significant turning point for the X-Men. After nearly two decades with the book, writer Chris Claremont was replaced, as Marvel believed popular artists were the key to boosting sales. A second X-Men title was launched, and X-Men veteran John Byrne returned to write Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #281, featuring a cover by Whilce Portacio. Though it didn’t sell as well as the first issue of the new X-Men (Vol. 2) series, it was still a memorable moment for the team. The cover itself is dynamic, depicting the X-Men in a fierce struggle against the Sentinels. This issue also demonstrated the artistic capabilities of Jim Lee and Whilce Portacio, paving the way for their eventual founding of Image Comics.

8) X-Men (Vol. 2) #25

Wolverine has been a key figure in the success of X-Men comics since 1974. The 1990s were a particularly high point for the team in terms of sales, and Wolverine played a major role. Issue #25 of X-Men (Vol. 2) was a defining moment for the character, and the cover art by Andy Kubert perfectly captured the excitement within. Even with the popular holographic cover gimmick of the time, the artwork stood on its own as a compelling and narrative piece.

7) New X-Men (Vol. 1) #114

The launch of New X-Men marked a significant turning point for the X-Men, and this cover perfectly captured that fresh start. While the X-Men had enjoyed success throughout the 1990s, the year 2000 proved disappointing, and the team needed a revitalizing new direction. This cover, illustrated by Frank Quitely, was central to that change. It unveiled the team’s updated costumes, boasted a striking design, and immediately grabbed readers’ attention. It’s become an iconic cover, frequently referenced by artists, and helped convince fans that the X-Men were once again a force to be reckoned with.

6) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 10 #248

Jim Lee is now the leader of DC Comics, and the company is enjoying a level of popularity it hasn’t seen in years. This success story began with issue #248 of Uncanny X-Men. It was Lee’s first work on the title and instantly made him a celebrated artist. While the story itself wasn’t revolutionary, the issue proved to be a turning point in comic book history. Lee became the best-selling artist ever, and frustrations with Marvel’s contracts – shared by other artists – ultimately led to the creation of Image Comics, a publisher known for groundbreaking work. This path eventually led Lee to found Wildstorm Studios, which he later sold to DC Comics. He rose through the ranks at DC, eventually becoming its most influential figure – all thanks to that stunning cover he created for that single issue.

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

For years, Magneto was the X-Men’s biggest foe. However, writer Chris Claremont had a vision to make the character far more complex. Claremont developed Magneto’s tragic backstory, rooted in the Holocaust, which added depth and intrigue. This ultimately led to a pivotal moment in Uncanny X-Men #200: Magneto joining the team. The issue’s cover, illustrated by renowned artist John Romita Jr., is incredibly dynamic. While not everyone loves Romita Jr.’s style, this particular cover possesses a unique energy that few others could capture, making it a truly iconic and memorable image.

4) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #136

The “Dark Phoenix Saga” is widely considered the best Marvel story of all time, and this cover is one of its many highlights. While John Byrne is a controversial figure, he’s undeniably a talented cover artist. He created a memorable image by referencing Michelangelo’s Pieta, a classic artwork that has inspired countless comic book covers. This cover is beautiful and deeply moving, perfectly capturing the mood of the issue. It’s a stunning piece of art that, like all great covers, tells a complete story in a single image.

3) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #101

The Phoenix Saga is considered a landmark story in comic book history, and it significantly impacted the wider Marvel Universe. It famously began with the cover of Uncanny X-Men #101, illustrated by Dave Cockrum – a truly iconic character introduction. The cover is incredibly powerful, contrasting the X-Men’s struggle and fear with the dramatic birth of the Phoenix, perfectly symbolizing the phoenix’s theme of rebirth. It’s a stunning piece of artwork that captivated readers at the time. Cockrum was a remarkably talented artist who didn’t always receive the recognition he deserved, and this cover is a prime example of his skill.

2) Giant-Size X-Men (Vol. 1) #1

Many consider Giant-Size X-Men #1 to be one of Marvel’s most iconic covers. It launched a revamped X-Men team and is largely responsible for all their subsequent success. Artist Dave Cockrum’s cover brilliantly depicts the new team emerging from the shadows, capturing a sense of energy and excitement that signaled a fresh start. While similar covers existed previously, this one truly perfected the style, standing out when compared to others of its kind.

1) X-Men (Vol. 2) #1

Comic book sales were much stronger in the past, and even with those older numbers, no modern comic has sold as many copies as X-Men (Vol. 2) #1. Marvel sold eight million copies of that issue, thanks in large part to Jim Lee’s incredible cover – there were five different versions, including one that combined all of them! The cover became one of the most recognizable images in X-Men history, a near-perfect depiction of the team and Magneto gearing up for an epic battle. It attracted millions of new fans and remains popular with collectors today.

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2026-01-31 01:14