5 Best X-Men vs Magneto Stories, Ranked

by

The X-Men and Magneto share one of the most famous rivalries in comic book history. Though Magneto is now often an ally and hero, he used to be their greatest challenge, constantly pushing them to their limits. For years, his arrival signaled a huge battle for the X-Men. They often found themselves on opposing sides, both striving for the same goal but with radically different approaches. The X-Men believed in peaceful coexistence, while Magneto insisted on achieving safety through dominance.

The rivalry between Magneto and the X-Men always sparked intense conflict, and that’s what makes their battles so memorable. Today, we’re counting down five of their greatest clashes – from huge, spectacular fights to genuinely unsettling moments. Let’s dive right in!

5) Uncanny X-Men (1963) #112-113

Most people now see Magneto as a tragic figure, especially knowing he’s a Holocaust survivor, but his backstory wasn’t always that way. Originally, Magneto was simply a furious man determined to control humanity. He was far more bitter, self-centered, and small-minded than he is today, and this two-part story perfectly captures that earlier version of the character. It begins with Magneto seeking revenge on the X-Men after they previously reduced him to the size of a child, and then restored him to adulthood.

Okay, so this storyline… wow. Magneto really let loose, absolutely crushing the X-Men in a shockingly violent confrontation. He didn’t just defeat them, he took them prisoner to his volcano lair and, get this, mentally paralyzed them – they were fully aware but completely unable to move or even speak properly. He planned to keep them like that forever. Thankfully, they did manage to break free and deliver a serious beatdown of their own – one of the most satisfying takedowns in all of Marvel, honestly. But what really stuck with me wasn’t just the action; it was how utterly ruthless Magneto was presented here. It’s a pivotal story, because it’s the last time we see him this unhinged before his character starts to evolve. It’s a dark chapter, for sure, and one that’s stayed with me long after I finished reading.

4) “Planet X”

This story isn’t actually about Magneto – it was later revealed someone was pretending to be him. However, it was originally intended to feature Magneto, and understanding that makes it a great example of his immense power, even if it doesn’t fully represent his personality. The story built up to a twist where Magneto disguised himself as the healer Xorn. He used his abilities in incredibly inventive ways, like temporarily stabilizing Professor X’s spine just so he could dramatically disable it again.

Magneto briefly controlled New York City, showcasing the full extent of his power and cruelty by killing Jean Grey while she was empowered by the Phoenix Force. This act marked a return to his classic, villainous persona, but even more extreme and malicious than before. It was arguably Magneto at his most dangerous, intelligent, and heartless – a truly unforgettable display of evil.

3) X-Men (1991) #1-3

The conflict between Magneto and the X-Men wasn’t a planned attack, but rather a situation that quickly worsened. Magneto resurrected a submarine he’d previously sunk – a demonstration of the consequences for defiance – and while he didn’t initiate a fight, this act alone forced the X-Men to respond. The battle became a struggle for both sides to subdue the other with minimal harm, as neither wanted to kill. However, as Magneto and Wolverine grew frustrated, the situation steadily escalated.

The fight between Magneto and the heroes is an all-out clash, and it’s made truly special by the amazing artwork from Jim Lee and Scott Williams. Each page is powerful and exciting, making every action feel incredible. The art is dynamic and fast-paced, and it works seamlessly with Claremont’s detailed writing. This is some of the best X-Men art ever, and it really lets each character shine during the battle.

2) “Fatal Attractions”

The ‘Fatal Attractions’ storyline was a huge event across all X-Men comics, marking their 30th anniversary. It featured the return of Magneto, who aimed for a decisive victory. When the government tried to neutralize his powers with satellites, Magneto retaliated by creating a global electromagnetic pulse and establishing a base on Asteroid M. The X-Men, including Professor X in a special Shi’ar suit, launched into space to stop him. The battle was intense and violent, but it was Professor X’s internal conflict – his struggle with whether to compromise his principles to defeat Magneto – that truly made the story compelling.

This fight between the X-Men is famous for a shocking moment: Magneto pulling the nearly indestructible adamantium from Wolverine’s body after being stabbed. Professor X, normally a peaceful character, was so furious that he completely shut down Magneto’s mind – a clear sign of how intense things had become. While the aftermath of the battle is better known for its negative consequences, the fight itself was truly spectacular.

1) Uncanny X-Men #150

This is arguably Magneto’s most well-known and significant story. It revealed Magneto’s history as a Holocaust survivor, providing crucial insight into his motivations and personality. In this storyline, Magneto publicly challenged world leaders, threatening to use their own weapons against them unless they surrendered control. The X-Men, rejoined by Cyclops after his departure following Jean Grey’s death, worked together to stop him and prevent further casualties.

The conflict came to a head when Magneto almost killed Kitty Pryde, which deeply affected him. He shared his life story with Storm, and she helped him realize that his vision for a better world hadn’t been flawed—he himself had been. This was a particularly touching conclusion, considering the immense power Magneto had displayed during the fight. The scene was both grand in scale and deeply moving, and it’s now considered one of Magneto’s most compelling stories.

Here’s a look at five of the most memorable battles between Magneto and the X-Men. Which one stood out to you the most, and are there any other great stories you’d add to this list?

https://comicbook.com/comics/list/7-underrated-x-men-heroes/embed/#

Read More

2025-11-25 01:43