First 10 X-Men Members In History, Ranked by Power

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The X-Men first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1963 and offered a fresh concept for comic book fans. Unlike heroes like Hulk, Iron Man, and Spider-Man who gained their powers through specific events, the X-Men were born with their abilities, which typically developed during their teenage years. This allowed for the introduction of new, powerful heroes without needing complicated backstories – they were simply born that way. Later, writer Chris Claremont explored themes of prejudice and discrimination through this concept, but initially, it was simply a way to create heroes with unexplained powers.

When Marvel Comics first launched the X-Men, the initial ten mutant heroes they featured each had different abilities, but some were more popular or impactful than others.

10) Angel

Angel transformed over time, becoming incredibly powerful and dangerous. After Apocalypse turned him into an Archangel, his wings became weapons, and his rage led him to commit awful acts. But when the X-Men first started, he was just a mutant with wings, learning to fight under Professor Xavier. While a skilled and agile fighter, he was originally the least powerful and weakest member of the team.

9) Changeling

As a long-time X-Men fan, even I had to dig deep to remember Kevin Sidney, also known as Changeling. He first showed up way back in X-Men #35 in 1967 as part of the villainous Factor Three. What’s really interesting is that he actually switched sides, helping the X-Men and then going undercover to lead the team while Professor X was away. He was prepping for an alien invasion, and he could do all this because his mutant ability was shapeshifting – he could become anyone! Sadly, his time with the X-Men was short-lived; he didn’t stick around for very long.

8) Mimic

Mimic, also known as Calvin Rankin, is a lesser-known original X-Man. He first appeared in X-Men #19 in 1966 and had the remarkable ability to copy the powers, skills, and knowledge of anyone nearby. This made him stand out when he debuted, as he could instantly gain the abilities of multiple mutant heroes. Mimic’s story also highlighted the prejudice and violence mutants faced. Initially taken in by the X-Men, he later became an adversary before ultimately turning his life around and becoming a member of the team.

7) Beast

When the X-Men first began, Beast looked like a normal human, though he had unusually large hands and feet that were difficult to conceal as he grew. His mutant abilities mainly gave him ape-like strength, speed, and endurance, making him the team’s strongest fighter – capable of taking on powerful enemies like Juggernaut and The Blob. While he was always intelligent, he hadn’t yet developed the brilliant intellect he’d later become known for.

6) Havok

Havok, brother of Cyclops, first appeared in Marvel Comics’ X-Men #54 back in 1969. Initially, he was kidnapped by a villain, requiring the X-Men to rescue him. He didn’t officially join the team until about a year later. Like Cyclops, Havok’s powers were initially uncontrollable, but he quickly learned to manage them as a member of the X-Men. With the help of a special suit to contain his energy, he can unleash blasts strong enough to even stun the Hulk.

5) Cyclops

Cyclops was among the very first X-Men and quickly became their field leader. He evolved into arguably the most skilled tactical commander in all of Marvel Comics. When he first appeared, he was known for his powerful optic blasts, which he had to contain with a special visor. These blasts were incredibly strong for the time and, combined with his strategic mind, made him a natural leader. While not the most powerful of the original X-Men, Cyclops was arguably the most important.

4) Iceman

Iceman is arguably the most overlooked incredibly powerful mutant. When he debuted as one of the original X-Men, his abilities seemed simple – he could create ice and snow, throwing snowballs or making icy slides during battles. At the time, he wasn’t much more powerful than Angel. But while Angel eventually gained more potent abilities as Archangel, Iceman always possessed immense potential, he just wasn’t aware of it. His powers are actually at the highest level possible, and he simply needed to overcome mental limitations to fully realize his strength.

3) Polaris

Polaris first appeared in Marvel’s X-Men #49, where she encountered Iceman after Cerebro detected her mutant abilities. The villain Mesmero tricked her into believing she was Magneto’s daughter due to their shared powers. Once Iceman proved this was false, she became a hero and joined the X-Men. Surprisingly, she was actually Magneto’s daughter, but this wasn’t discovered until much later. While her magnetic powers are almost at the highest level possible, her emotional struggles sometimes limit her potential as a powerful member of the X-Men.

2) Professor X

Professor X was long considered the strongest telepath in Marvel Comics, but several psychics, including Jean Grey, have since become more powerful. Despite this, Xavier remains a remarkably strong psychic and a pivotal figure in the Marvel Universe. As the founder and original leader of the X-Men, he’s still one of the most powerful mutants around. He has the ability to alter almost anyone’s memories, but his strong moral code prevents him from misusing that power. Ultimately, Professor X remains one of the greatest X-Men ever.

1) Jean Grey

Jean Grey was the first new mutant to join the original X-Men team, appearing in X-Men #1 alongside Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, and Angel. While she initially demonstrated telekinetic abilities, it soon became clear she possessed far greater potential. Professor X initially suppressed her full psychic powers to keep her safe, but she quickly learned to control them, eventually surpassing even his own abilities in many respects.

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2026-02-22 22:18