7 Best Ever Members of X-Force, Ranked

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From the start, X-Force was known as a team that did things differently. Originally formed from the New Mutants – who Cable convinced to stay at the Xavier Institute – the group expanded to include mercenaries like Domino, the Morlock Feral, and Shatterstar. They became Cable’s covert ops team, often finding themselves at odds with their former X-Men mentors, and were willing to take on missions others wouldn’t. Over time, they gained public attention, rebranded as X-Statix due to legal issues, and later served as a strike force for the mutant nation of Utopia. They’ve cycled through various roles – from outlaw rebels to a kind of intelligence agency for Krakoa – but always return to their core identity as a team operating outside the rules and in the shadows.

X-Force has featured many incredible mutants over the years, becoming one of the most well-known and adaptable mutant teams. Here are seven of its best members – heroes who consistently go above and beyond in their fight against evil.

7) Fantomex

Grant Morrison’s run on New X-Men was exceptional, bringing many memorable characters into the fold, and Fantomex stood out as the most compelling. Created as the ultimate super-soldier through Weapon Plus experimentation, Fantomex possessed a unique and impressive skillset. This included a living UFO that emerged from his body, two brains, and enhanced physical abilities, to name just a few. He later joined X-Force, appearing in Uncanny X-Force, where he excelled as the team’s charming and mischievous member. He also developed a strong affection for Psylocke, which created tension with her then-partner, Archangel, but made him a consistently engaging character.

6) Psylocke

Elizabeth Braddock, the original Psylocke, quickly became a fan-favorite member of the X-Men. Through a unique twist of fate, her mind was transferred into the body of Kwannon, a Japanese assassin, and she fully embraced the life of a ninja. Later, Wolverine invited her to join Uncanny X-Force, where she proved to be a vital team member. She notably defeated Archangel when he was possessed by Apocalypse and consistently delivered in crucial moments, even leading the team after Wolverine’s departure. Psylocke is a truly iconic mutant and a key figure in X-Force history.

5) Shatterstar

Shatterstar is arguably the most complex member of X-Force, which is quite a statement considering he fights alongside characters like Cable and Psylocke. When he first appeared, he was an enigmatic, skilled swordsman who quickly gained popularity. His backstory, tied to the Mojoverse and his connection with Rictor, has made him a fascinating hero. He easily could have become a forgotten character from the ’90s, but instead, he’s evolved into a wonderfully intricate and layered personality.

4) Wolverine

Wolverine always seemed like a natural fit for the X-Force, and he finally got the chance to join the team during the Utopia era. Cyclops chose him to lead a strike force dedicated to eliminating threats to mutants before they could attack. As leader, Logan guided the team in defeating powerful enemies, and even secretly reassembled it after Cyclops disbanded it, taking on challenges like Apocalypse, Weapon Plus, and his own son, Daken. Later, during the Krakoa era, he became the field leader of the team as it transitioned into a mutant intelligence agency. Many fans consider him the best leader the X-Force has ever had, and it’s become a defining part of his legacy.

3) Cannonball

When Cannonball joined X-Force, he quickly showed potential as a key player, second only to Cable. After Cable left, Cannonball naturally stepped up as leader, guiding the team as they operated independently while being pursued by both the government and the X-Men. He consistently performed well in battles thanks to his abilities, and proved to be a surprisingly effective leader. His success with X-Force ultimately led to a promotion to the main X-Men team, and he’s become a well-respected figure ever since, all stemming from his time with that group.

2) Domino

Domino teamed up with Cable when he returned to the present, initially joining his mercenary group, the Wild Pack (later renamed due to a conflict with Silver Sable’s team). She briefly left the group, replaced by Copycat, before eventually joining X-Force. The team rescued her, and she became Cable’s second-in-command, eventually taking on a leadership role as the team’s mature member. Domino has been a part of many different versions of the group, including the recent Krakoa iteration, which is considered one of her strongest character arcs. Being part of the team has allowed her to grow significantly, solidifying her place as one of the most compelling mutants around.

1) Cable

Cable instantly became a popular character when he debuted, a mysterious and armed figure perfect for the darker, edgier comics of the 1990s. He created X-Force to fight against Apocalypse and prevent his future domination, essentially turning the former New Mutants into a team of skilled mutant soldiers. Over the years, he’s frequently led the group and was their defining member until Wolverine and Deadpool later joined. Cable established the team’s identity and contributed to the comic’s success, making it one of the best-selling titles of the early 90s.

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2026-04-17 16:12