10 X-Men Comics That Can Be Called Masterpieces, Ranked

by

The X-Men are among Marvel Comics’ most significant and impactful creations. While the Avengers may be more widely known today, the X-Men have undeniably left a lasting mark on Marvel and the broader world of comic books.

For decades, the X-Men have been central to the Marvel Universe, delivering some of the greatest stories in comic book history. Among those incredible tales, a few truly shine as the very best, demonstrating everything the X-Men can achieve and pushing the boundaries of what comics can do.

X-Men: Messiah Complex Is A Tense and Dramatic Event

After the Scarlet Witch cast her spell, dramatically reducing the mutant population to just a few hundred worldwide, the birth of a new mutant sparked a major event known as Messiah Complex. This birth offered a glimmer of hope for a species on the brink of extinction.

The ‘Messiah Complex’ storyline featured various mutant groups battling for control of Hope Summers, the first mutant born after the events of M-Day. Hope would later become the adopted daughter of Cable. This story was a major, impactful event that continues to influence X-Men comics today, known for its dramatic twists and intense action.

Astonishing X-Men Reinvigorated The Superheroics of The Team

Joss Whedon and artist John Cassaday created one of the most popular modern X-Men comics with Astonishing X-Men. It successfully blended the thoughtful social and political themes of series like New X-Men with the exciting, classic feel of traditional superhero stories.

Astonishing X-Men not only delivered thrilling adventures and some of the most heartfelt moments in X-Men history, but it also introduced beloved characters like Armor, who later starred in her own comic series by Peach Momoko called Ultimate X-Men. Plus, it was a great series for new readers, offering an easy entry point into the often-complicated world of the X-Men.

X-Men: Second Coming Is Even Better Than Its Predecessor

The decade of the 2000s was a period of significant change for the X-Men and mutants in the Marvel Universe. The consequences of the ‘House of M’ event continued to impact storylines throughout the entire decade and even into the next. The ‘Messiah Complex’ storyline was important, but many fans consider its follow-up, ‘X-Men: Second Coming,’ to be even stronger.

After the events of Messiah Complex saw baby Hope Summers sent to the distant future by Cable for her protection, X-Men: Second Coming brings Hope back – now grown up – along with Cable. Her return sparks a massive conflict between the X-Men, X-Force, and various pro- and anti-mutant factions, all fighting for the future of mutantkind. It’s a powerful story that highlights the strength of the X-Men comics, the talent of the creative teams involved, and the enduring appeal of superhero narratives.

The Brood Saga Is An Underrated Classic

Chris Claremont is arguably the most influential writer in X-Men history. Although his most popular stories are rightfully celebrated, it’s a shame that fans tend to focus on just a few of the many excellent storylines he created during his long run on Uncanny X-Men.

This story is still considered one of the most disturbing and impactful mutant tales ever told in comics. Many new X-Men fans don’t realize how often the series ventures into science fiction and space, and The Brood Saga is a prime example. It’s a highlight of Chris Claremont’s run on the book, and it introduced a truly frightening alien race to the Marvel Universe.

Uncanny X-Force Is A Spectacularly Grim Masterpiece

During the 2000s and 2010s, the stories about mutants became quite grim, and one standout series was Rick Remender’s Uncanny X-Force. This comic featured a special X-Men team—mutants willing to do the difficult, morally questionable jobs that more traditional heroes like Storm and Cyclops wouldn’t.

The X-Force, led by Wolverine (Logan), faced incredibly dangerous missions, most famously in the ‘Apocalypse Solution’ storyline. This arc challenged the team with a difficult moral dilemma: whether to kill a young clone of the powerful villain, Apocalypse. Known for its dark tone, stunning artwork, and intricate stories, Uncanny X-Force is highly recommended for fans of the X-Men.

House of X / Powers of X Introduced An Exciting New Era

By the late 2010s, the X-Men comics had lost some of their spark. Marvel seemed to be prioritizing stories and characters connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leaving the X-Men feeling a bit neglected. However, writer Jonathan Hickman dramatically revitalized the team with his concurrent miniseries, House of X and Powers of X.

The House of X and Powers of X miniseries represent a truly celebrated and groundbreaking period for the X-Men. These stories delivered shocking twists, thrilling action, and innovative world-building, taking the team in a completely new direction. While Jonathan Hickman’s full vision for the X-Men’s Krakoa era wasn’t fully realized, these two series together are still considered a remarkable achievement in the Marvel Universe.

E Is For Extinction Is An All-Time Great Opening To A Fantastic Run

Grant Morrison is a highly acclaimed writer in the comic book world, and their work has significantly shaped iconic characters like Superman, Doom Patrol, Batman, and the X-Men over the past several decades. One particularly successful venture was their work on a Marvel team, with the story arc E is For Extinction being a highlight.

“E is For Extinction” delivers a truly shocking and heartbreaking event in X-Men history – the Genosha massacre. This story is a powerful emotional blow, focusing on complex characters and mature themes, and it reaffirmed the X-Men’s position as one of Marvel’s strongest and most compelling teams.

Days of Future Past Lives Up To The Hype

Chris Claremont, the writer behind many X-Men classics, created the “Days of Future Past” storyline, which is a perfect example of impactful storytelling within a short space. It’s still considered one of the most powerful and moving depictions of mutants and their struggle for acceptance ever written.

Over the years, many versions of this story have been created, but none have matched the beauty and simplicity of the first one. With its bleak setting, a team of older heroes striving for a little hope, and a strong political message, Days of Future Past remains a classic and truly deserves all the praise it gets.

The Dark Phoenix Saga Is The Ultimate X-Men Tragedy

For many Marvel Comics fans, Jean Grey – one of the original X-Men – is most known for her role in Chris Claremont’s The Dark Phoenix Saga. This story was a turning point for the X-Men and Marvel Comics as a whole, introducing intense drama, genuine emotion, and unexpected outcomes to their superhero comics.

As a huge X-Men fan, I was absolutely floored when Jean Grey died in the final part of The Dark Phoenix Saga. Seriously, she felt like such a core member of the team, it was a total shock! It’s still one of the most surprising things Marvel ever did, and you have to admit, even though it was heartbreaking, it was a really powerful moment that stuck with everyone.

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Is An Undeniable Masterpiece

The X-Men have been featured in many amazing stories, and while most touch on social issues and hint at future political events, none have been as influential as Chris Claremont’s graphic novel, God Loves, Man Kills. It’s widely considered a landmark achievement in the series.

God Loves, Man Kills is a deeply moving story about mutants struggling for acceptance. It powerfully explores how far people will go to oppress others, and the roots of hatred and violence in society. Many consider it the X-Men’s greatest story ever told.

Read More

2025-11-16 06:43