7 Iconic X-Men Who Became Avengers

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The X-Men and the Avengers are distinct groups, though they’ve frequently had members in common. While the X-Men focus on protecting mutants, they are fundamentally heroes dedicated to making the world a better place and proving mutants are equal to humans. For many X-Men, the Avengers serve as a role model. Initially, the two teams rarely interacted, but that changed when Beast, an unexpected member of the X-Men, joined the Avengers. Since then, several famous X-Men have gone on to become part of Marvel’s most prominent team.

While the X-Men and Avengers operate in different ways, they both demonstrate strong heroism. Several X-Men who‘ve joined the Avengers have proven to be valuable team members and left their mark on the Avengers’ legacy. These seven heroes successfully transitioned between teams, proving their strength and ability.

7) Havok

The Uncanny Avengers have faced challenges, but they’ve become a significant team in the stories of both the Avengers and the X-Men. This team, originally formed after the Avengers vs. X-Men event, was first led by Havok, Cyclops’ brother. While his leadership wasn’t always smooth, he ultimately helped save the world – though not without initial setbacks (stories like “Apocalypse Twins”, “Ragnarok Now”, and “Avenge the Earth” are particularly good). Often overshadowed by his brother, Alex Summers can at least claim to have led the Avengers first.

6) Storm

As a huge X-Men fan, I’ve always thought Storm was one of their strongest leaders – some even say the best. Sure, Cyclops is amazing, but Storm consistently managed to achieve so much, even when the team was really struggling. What’s even more incredible is that she’s one of only a few heroes who’s been part of the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and the Avengers! She actually joined Earth’s Mightiest Heroes twice – first in Avengers (Vol. 4) #21, sticking around until Avengers vs. X-Men, and then again in 2023 where she’s become a really important member. Honestly, she’s a top-tier hero, and I truly believe she deserves a real shot at leading the Avengers someday.

5) Cannonball

Sam Guthrie, also known as Cannonball, is a surprisingly effective but often overlooked hero. He started with the New Mutants and later led the X-Force, becoming a solid member of the X-Men for many years. Though he often played a supporting role, Cannonball really shined when he joined the Avengers. During his time with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, he fought alongside his close friend Sunspot in a major battle against the Beyonders, and even met his future wife, Smasher. Despite his contributions, Cannonball rarely gets the recognition he deserves as a truly great Avenger.

4) Sunspot

Sunspot and Cannonball shared a similar path as heroes, first becoming friends as members of the New Mutants. Roberto DaCosta (Sunspot) later joined X-Force – though he was initially tricked into doing so by the villain Gideon – and remained loosely connected to the X-Men for years. Both he and Cannonball were eventually recruited into the Avengers, but Sunspot made his mark in an unexpected way. Rather than relying on his powers, he leveraged his wealth and intelligence, providing the team with crucial resources and strategic direction, especially after the fallout from the Incursions and the Illuminati’s controversial decisions. He even took the unprecedented step for an X-Man by purchasing AIM and forming his own Avengers team, the U.S. Avengers.

3) Rogue

As a huge X-Men fan, I’ve always felt Rogue is seriously underrated. Everyone knows she’s powerful, and a lot of people love her, but I think she’s a genuinely fantastic leader, and that part of her character just doesn’t get enough attention. She’s stepped up to lead the X-Men on multiple occasions, and through those experiences, she’s really come into her own, gaining a confidence she lacked earlier on. When she joined the Avengers Unity Squad, things were rocky at first – she wasn’t afraid to call out the Avengers for how they’d historically treated mutants. But she really grew as a person, let go of some of that anger, and ultimately proved what I always knew: she has what it takes to be a true hero, even leading the Avengers themselves!

2) Beast

As a longtime comic book fan, I’ve always loved Beast’s time with the Avengers. He really broke ground as the first mutant to join the team back in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and quickly became a core member. It’s often said he thrived with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes – he genuinely seemed happier, and it was fantastic to see him find success outside of the X-Men. He even had a stint leading the Defenders! While he never officially captained the Avengers, Beast remains a hugely important figure in their legacy, and it’s a period I always revisit with a smile. He truly found a second home with that team.

1) Wolverine

Wolverine is known for being incredibly skilled at joining superhero teams. He became a central figure in the X-Men during the 1980s, boosting the team’s popularity. For a long time, he was excluded from the Avengers, but that changed with New Avengers. He proved his worth and spent nearly a decade, from 2005 to 2014, as part of three different Avengers lineups: New Avengers, the main Avengers team, and the Avengers Unity Squad. Many believe he’s a vital asset to the Avengers, and he’s consistently proven himself as both an exceptional X-Man and Avenger.

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2026-02-23 20:12