The X-Gene gives the X-Men some of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe, with abilities that can range from incredible strength to controlling reality itself. However, like with real-life genetics, a mutant’s powers are mostly a matter of chance. While some mutants get amazing abilities like flying or reading minds, others end up with strange, unhelpful, or even unpleasant powers. Sometimes, these aren’t powers at all, but just physical differences that make them stand out – and usually not in a positive way. In fact, many of these mutants would prefer to have no powers at all.
The X-Men are home to a huge number of mutants, but not all of their powers are equally impressive. Here’s a look at some of the least helpful abilities possessed by members of the team.
7) Kylun (Voice Mimicry)
Kylun stands out among the X-Men because he’s more skilled as a fighter and swordsman than he is as a mutant. His actual mutant power – the ability to perfectly copy any sound – isn’t very versatile. While he can use it for things like opening voice-controlled doors or briefly distracting enemies, it’s only really helpful in a few very specific situations, making him function more like a spy than a traditional superhero.
6) Glob Herman (Wax Body)
Robert Herman, known as Glob, is a deeply tragic figure in the Marvel Universe because of his uncontrollable mutant power. His body is made of a tough, wax-like material, which means his bones and organs are always visible. While this gives him enhanced strength and speed, it also makes him incredibly vulnerable to fire – even a small spark can set him ablaze. When he does catch fire, pieces of his wax body can melt and he can even throw flaming fragments, but overall, his extreme flammability is a dangerous and constant threat to his life.
5) Wraith (Transparent Skin)
While invisibility is often seen as a powerful ability, Hector Rendoza, known as Wraith, has a limited version – he can only make his skin disappear. This leaves his muscles, bones, and organs visible, creating a frightening appearance. When he joined the X-Men, Jean Grey believed Wraith could develop his power further and use it as a weapon. Through intense training, he learned to transfer his invisibility effect to others, causing significant disorientation. However, it’s not a particularly effective ability, especially against robotic enemies like Sentinels. Wraith still needs a lot more training to achieve true invisibility and unlock his full potential as a superhero.
4) Beak (Powers of a Flightless Bird)
Most people dreaming of bird-like powers imagine graceful flight, like the X-Men’s Angel. But Barnell Bohusk, known as Beak, is a different story. This mutant has several bird characteristics – a beak, sharp vision, hollow bones, talons, and a few feathers – but he’s far from a majestic flyer. He can glide a short distance, and his enhanced senses and claws are helpful, but he doesn’t possess the same strength or abilities as other X-Men. What really stands out about Beak is his friendly personality – he’s good at making friends. Ultimately, Beak represents the fact that not all mutants are created equal, and some face tougher challenges than others.
3) Longneck (Having a Long Neck)
As his nickname suggests, William Hanover, also known as Longneck, has an unusually long neck. Beyond that, he doesn’t have any special abilities and is mostly a regular student at the Xavier Institute. Despite lacking significant powers, Longneck bravely fought alongside Cyclops and other mutants against the villain Xorn. However, considering his limited abilities, it’s unlikely he played a major role in defeating a villain with the power of a star.
2) Ugly John (Having Multiple Faces)
Many mutants with unusual appearances also have incredible abilities, but Steve, better known as Ugly John, isn’t so fortunate. His only distinguishing feature is having three faces. Otherwise, he’s just an ordinary person, which means he isn’t equipped to fight with the X-Men. Ugly John was first seen as a mutant rescued by Cyclops from the Sentinels. Sadly, he was attacked by the Sentinels again and severely injured. Cyclops ended his suffering with his optic blasts, but Ugly John was brought back to life during the Krakoan age, still without any significant powers.
1) X-Ceptional (Self-Detonation)
Bailey Hoskins, who goes by the name X-Ceptional, is a mutant with a truly awful superpower – so awful, in fact, that his comic series is called The Worst X-Man Ever. His ability is to explode, but with a devastating catch: using it means certain death for him. While he attempted to fight with the X-Men, he was essentially powerless since he couldn’t actually use his power. X-Ceptional’s series only lasted five issues before he sacrificed himself – and a villain named Riches – in a final explosion. It’s hard to imagine a worse superpower than one that kills you on first use, making him arguably the unluckiest, as well as the worst, X-Man ever!
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2025-10-29 23:18