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From 2010

X-men needs no introduction the franchise was well known from the team’s first appearance from the pages of Marvel comics in 1963 to the release of the movie in 2000. Now Mutant kind is resetting itself and to honor the 47 years of mutant mayhem Im counting down the best of the X-universe staring with my 25 favorite x-men

25. Wolfsbane
First Appearance: Marvel Graphic Novel #4

Powers: Being able to transform into a wolf or a half human wolf

Naïve frightened awash of with guilt and self pity that was Rahne Sinclair when she came to the institute. The teenage she wolf matured and became a member of X-Factor and later X-force under the leadership of Wolverine.

24. Gambit

First Appearance: The Uncanny X-Men #266

Powers: Being able to charge stuff with energy that makes stuff blow up notably playing cards

When you think of the 90’s this Raging Cajun is one of the few characters that comes to mind. At some point it was decided that one mysterious badass loner wasn't enough for the X-Men, and Gambit arrived to back up Wolverine. For some, Gambit's presence on the team has always been redundant, but others have fallen in love with his swagger, charm, and dark past. . Gambit is just the sort of tortured soul that X-readers love, and his continued presence in the TV and movie spinoffs cements his status as one of the greats.

23. Cable

First Appearance (as Cable): New Mutants #87

Powers: Telekinesis, telepathy, grossly disproportioned anatomy

Initially, Cable was little more than an over-muscled, gun-toting thug with a glowing eye. Over time, the time lost warrior has evolved into one of the more interesting, if underappreciated, X-Men. Son of Scott Summers and Madelyne Prior, Cable was raised in an alternate future, where Apocalypse rules. The time-displaced mutant could be the most powerful on the planet, if the majority of his telekinetic skills were not focused on keeping his cybernetic body from falling apart. Cable lives on the fringes of the X-Universe, but he's an integral part of the X-Men's past and future.

22. Bishop

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #282

Powers: Absorb and re-cast almost all forms of energy, including psionic attacks

Warnings of future peril have been common across the X-Men's timeline, but Bishop's arrival propelled the X-Universe forward for years. Coming from a future where the X-Men were dead, betrayed, supposedly, by Gambit, Bishop had greater regard and reverence for Xavier's dream than almost any other X-Man before or since. Bishop was integral in the Age of Apocalypse storyline and in the unfortunate Onslaught arc. While his knowledge of a potential future carries a strong warning for today's X-Men, he is proof that even in the direst conditions, the Dream will live on.

21. Blink (AOA)

First Appearance: X-Men Alpha

Powers: Creates portals that teleport her and anyone who enters to locations as far as the moon

The original Blink was a shy, almost forgettable girl. But in the Age of Apocalypse, we met an alternate version of Blink, one hardened by Apocalypse's genocidal war. Clarice is a tough young woman, who can be very creative with her powers. The young elf's loyalty and devotion to Sabretooth, a man who saved her from Dark Beast, is as strong as any bond in the X-Men Universe. Blink would go on to become leader of the Exiles. She remains the most popular X-Man to never earn a starring role in either of the premier X-Men books.

20. Strong Guy

First Appearance: New Mutants #29

Powers: Absorbs kinetic energy and re-channels it into physical strength.

Strong Guy isn't your typical Xer. He isn't devoted to Xavier's dream. Heck, it's hard to be certain he even understands Xavier's dream. But his personality makes up for his lack of devotion to the Church of X. Guido's not the smartest, but he is subtly one of the noblest of X-Men. He's secondary job as bodyguard filters into the way he acts in X-Factor. He's a protector, the one guy you can expect to have your back. And he's funny as they get. And among the X-Men, they rarely get very funny.

19. Magneto

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Near-complete control over electromagnetic spectrum with mastery so fine he can actually redirect the flow of iron in someone's brain to effectively alter their mind.

Magneto is Xavier's perfect foil. Yet he has also been one of the most compelling X-Men of all time. After surrendering himself to authorities and being acquitted of his crimes, Magneto took over Xavier's school for a brief period. It is only through the contrast from his malevolent actions that Magneto's good side can shine so brightly. For all of the "bad guys" who have converted to the X-Men, Magneto remains the true test to Xavier's Dream. When Magneto is finally swayed, The Dream can truly thrive.

18. Forge

First Appearance: X-men (Vol. 4) #54

Powers: to build devices so sophisticated it’s impossible to deny such technology exists

Forge is like the Tony Stark of the X-universe although he’s not rich or an alcoholic womanizer the Native American born Forge can built devices so complex I’d think to myself why we didn’t come up with such tech. You want something built Forge can do it and build it even better, The dude even leads a new team of X-factor. Beast may be the Brains of the X-Men but when it comes to high tech stuff Forge is the mutant for the job.

17. Banshee

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #28

Powers: Powerful voice capable of a variety of attacks, also allows Banshee to fly.

Banshee has been associated with the X-Men for almost as long as the group has been in existence. A born leader, Banshee never truly had the opportunity to shine with Xavier's crew. He was co-headmaster of the Emma Frost's Massachusetts Academy, where he attempted to play the Xavier role and teach young mutants the value of "The Dream." Banshee was always one step removed from the original X-Men and seemed to be constantly trying to prove himself. He did so, even before sacrificing himself in an attempt save the lives of innocents.

16. Archangel

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Winged flight, heal others

One of the original X-Men, Warren Worthington has not had an easy life. Born into wealth, he was also saddled with a mutation almost impossible to hide. His wings, as the best mutations tend to be, are both blessing and curse. Archangel follows the heroic arc of champion who falls from grace only to rise again, better than before. After his wings were removed, Angel faked his own death and became one of the Horsemen of Apocalypse. He has since returned to the side of good and once again become on of the mutant population's most visible members.

15. Madrox

First Appearance: Giant-Size Fantastic Four #4

Powers: Create a seemingly infinite number of duplicates

Multiplicity itself doesn't make for an interesting character. But Madrox is about as complex as they get. His dupes each carry a piece of Jamie's personality, but Madrox never knows what part of his personality that might be upon creation. Every time he spawns a dupe, he's just as likely to find something surprising and good about himself, as he is to be face to face with his inner demons. Invited to be an X-Man, he wisely declined. It's not that he is opposed to Xavier's dream, it's that his own persona is better fit to the fringes, with a group like X-Factor. Jamie has grown into a leadership role, investigating mutant-related crimes and doing the dirty work often overlooked by the X-Men.

14. Emma Frost

First Appearance X-Men #129

Powers: Telepathy, diamond-coated skin, being a b***h

In many ways a twisted version of Professor X, Emma Frost has raised and taught young mutants ever since her days in the Hellfire Club. In the Hellfire Club, Frost raised a young team of villains named the Hellions. Emma Frost strutted her stuff across the Marvel universe with a rather memorable fashion sense as she went from white queen of the Hellfire club to queen of the Xavier institute. Frost has been involved in both telepathic and physical relationship with Cyclops, and has elevated herself to co-leader of the school. Although it was recently revealed that she might be a sleeper agent for something very sinister, there is no doubt that Emma desires, on some level, to achieve Xavier's dream.

13. Havok

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #58

Powers: Absorb and fire plasma energy

As brother of X-Man mainstay Scott Summers, Alex has struggled to find his place in the X-Universe. Always second fiddle to his brother, Havok has bounced from group to group, searching for the one place he fits in. Just as Cyclops strives to earn Xavier's approval, Havok seeks the approval of his own brother. He believes in the dream, though not necessarily Xavier's and Cyclops' methods. But if and when the final battle does come, Havok will stand beside the X-Men, no matter what.

12. Jean Grey

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Telekinesis, Telepathy

I think of the world of Jean, and so do her peers. Being Cyclops’ wife Wolverine’s forbidden love interest, host to the most powerful entity in the universe. One of the original X-Men, and Cable’s step mom all at once this telekinetic telepath was the nucleus of the X-universe, Jean sacrificed herself, choosing to die as a human than live as a God. In a universe where self-worth is almost exclusive judged on power level, Jean held her humanity so dear she was willing to give up everything she loved. The strong-willed redhead is an integral part of the X-Men's legacy

11. Rogue

First Appearance: Avengers Annual #10

Powers: Absorb powers and memory through skin contact, flight

Though she started out as some power-sucking, violent, messed-up, teenage super villainess from the Brotherhood of evil mutants, the mutant know as Rouge turned her back on the path of sentimentalism. Rogue is the perfect example of why the Xavier Institute must exist. Any skin-to-skin contact causes Rogue to absorb the powers and memories of whomever she touches. Though Xavier's school never taught Rogue how to control her powers, it has helped teach her to deal with a world she can never truly touch. The team resident Bombshell won fans’ hearts with her southern charm rebellious attitude and tragic untouchable romance to Gambit

10. Professor X

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: The world's most powerful telepath

It's Xavier's Dream the X-Men follow. Without Xavier, there would be no X-Men and no unified opposition to Magneto. Despite being confined to a wheelchair Charles Xaviar’s telepathic powers have made him one of the most powerful mutants and one of the most formidable soldiers in the war against prejudice. His students, his followers, may interpret the meaning of his words and dream differently, but Xavier's core belief has remained intact through an entire generation of mutants. The Dream has grown to outpace the man also making him a far more complicated personality than being Marvel’s de facto Martian Luther King. Xavier has lost faith in himself several times, abandoning his team for sometimes selfish reasons, and even performed shady acts including erasing incriminating memories from allies, and keeping files on how to take down rouge team members. There’s a lot of stuff going on in that bald head of his and despite not all of it being good, it can be acceptable for his followers, a man like Xavier must maintain a strong front and never walk away from his children.

9. Cyclops

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: High-intensity, continuous optic blast

In a world where betrayal deception and hatred are a part of everyday life, the man known as Scott Summers stood solid as the X-men’s resident boy scout/loyalist. A heavy burden was placed on his shoulders as a young man. He was chosen to lead a team of mutants on a crusade that would likely determine Homo Superior's place in the world. He's lost two wives, reunited with his space pirate father, discovered two lost brothers, fought beside both a son and daughter from alternate futures, and defended The Dream as a knight might protect the Holy Grail. Through all of this, he's still standing.

8. Storm

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1

Powers: Near total control of the weather, flight on gusts of wind

Few characters in the history of comics have seen as many in-continuity changes as Ororo Monroe. She is Goddess and warrior, friend and elitist, leader and loner. These contradictions are born from Ororo. They are not troubles merely sprung on by desperate writers. Storm is a character fighting who she once was (a frightened thief), who she thought she was (infallible goddess) and who she must become (an unwavering leader). Though Cyclops may be the default leader of the X-Men, in particular because of his allegiance to The Dream, Storm is the better choice to be in charge. From street urchin to elemental goddess, to second in command of X-men, to Ms. T’Challa her arc has been as tumultuous as the storms she creates.

7. Nightcrawler

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1

Powers: Enhanced agility, nightvision, teleportation, prehensile tail

Faith should have a prominent role in Xavier's Dream. However, almost all of the faith-based concerns fall on the shoulders of Nightcrawler. While feared and hated for his freakish and scary appearance the German-born hero is introspective. Oddly enough, he seems to receive more venom from religious zealots than most X-Men simply because of the way he looks. He is introspective, thoughtful and possessing a deep religious faith and these commonalities are what could bring mutants and humans together.

6. The Beast

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Enhanced strength, incredible agility, prehensile feet

Though he looks like blue furry mutant monster that could rip you apart but he speaks like a university teacher Hank McCoy AKA The Beast is the thinking man’s superhero. Hank is an original member of the X-Men and it would seem he'll be the very last to ever leave the mansion. He spends his days more often in the lab than in the trenches, but that makes him no less an X-Man. He is devoted to The Dream and firmly believes that man and mutant should live side by side as brothers. Only one man could play him on the silver screen in X-Men: The Last Stand Kelsey “Dr. Frasier Craine” Grammer

5. Kitty Pryde

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #129

Powers: Phasing

Most mutants come to Xavier's having experienced great trauma and difficulty in their youth. Kitty arrived as an innocent with the seemingly innocuous power to turn intangible. She is the mutant everyman, the common girl turned superhero. Marvel has attempted to replicate Kitty Pryde on several occasions, most notably with Jubilee, but there's something special about Kitty that puts her above the rest. She's strong-willed, creative and fiercely loyal. Just as her pet dragon, Lockheed, became instantly attached to Kitty, we were hooked early on. Who could have guessed long ago that she would become one of the most endearing characters in the X-Men Universe?
4. Iceman

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Can lower his own body temperature and free moisture around himself allowing for a multitude of creative applications

Bobby is the kid brother who never thought he could live up to expectations, so he didn't bother. Believe it or not, Iceman is one of the rare Omega mutants, a being potentially more powerful than Magneto or Xavier. This potential, however, may never be reached, because Bobby has little faith in himself. Despite his own personal issues, Iceman has been an X-Man almost his entire life. As with the best students, Bobby's time at Xavier's is about more than just The Dream -- it's about his own personal journey, one that sees him continuing to learn and grow.

3. Psylocke

First Appearance: New Mutants Annual #2

Powers: Psionic blades, telekinesis, telepathic immunity, Ninja moves

Betsy Braddock began her career as somewhat of a joke. A stuck up English telepath, she had no place as an X-Man. Then came the change. In a somewhat inexplicable comic-book moment, Betsy's consciousness was merged with another to create the Psylocke we know today. She is, as can best be described, a psionic assassin, though she is reluctant to kill. You might say she is like Elizabeth Hurley but with the high energy danger and ninja esque moves of a Jackie Chan Movie. Not to mention the new age Rogue, a character given a new twist by merging memories and powers with another. Psylocke is a born leader and, in fact, briefly lead the X-Men. She may not have Wolverine's combat skills, but her other abilities make her one of the most potent fighters to ever wear the X.

2. Colossus

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1

Powers: Transmute flesh into organic steel, making him nearly invulnerable and providing super-strength

All Piotr Rasputin wanted was to come to America and be a celebrated artist. But racial discrimination from human fanatics forced him to fight for survival. Even though he sees the X-Men as an extended family, it's his biological family that causes so much trouble. Insanity runs through the Rasputin's, as does premature death Faced with repeated tragedy, Colossus continues to maintain a positive outlook on life. He is the perfect contrast. In battle, he is the strongest X-Man, a brute force few can withstand. In private, he is a sensitive artist, deeply in love with Kitty Pryde. Colossus earned his stripes as a hero when he sacrificed himself to cure the deadly Legacy virus that took the lives of his family only to come back to life his heart is as strong as his organic steel shell

1. Wolverine

First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #180

Powers: Healing factor, six adamantium claws capable of cutting through almost any material, heightened senses, immobilizing cigar breath

Though he may have become oversaturated, Wolverine is no less one of the greatest of all X-Men. Leaping from the final pages of Incredible Hulk #180 in 1974, Wolverine didn’t make much of a first impression He was a little man from Canada with foot long claws a bright costume with a mask that has cat whiskers C’mon Cat Whiskers is that the best you can do?! Thankfully caretakers John Bryne, Chris Claremont, and Frank Miller helped this super badass seize responsibility for what most people call a modern comic book super hero. Logan is a loner by nature and a man fighting to keep his animal instincts from controlling his actions. He argues regularly with his fellow X-Men and leaves the team often to pursue his own personal agenda. The appeal behind the X-men’s shortest member is that he fights bad guy with bad guy rules but underneath that nasty nature of his Wolverine is a warrior with a samurai like code of honor. Yet his support of the X-Men rarely, if ever, wavers. He may not be a team player, but Logan has the best interests of the X-Men at heart. Despite his wandering ways, Wolverine has been one of the most reliable X-Men over the years.

Description
From 2010

X-men needs no introduction the franchise was well known from the team’s first appearance from the pages of Marvel comics in 1963 to the release of the movie in 2000. Now Mutant kind is resetting itself and to honor the 47 years of mutant mayhem Im counting down the best of the X-universe staring with my 25 favorite x-men

25. Wolfsbane
First Appearance: Marvel Graphic Novel #4

Powers: Being able to transform into a wolf or a half human wolf

Naïve frightened awash of with guilt and self pity that was Rahne Sinclair when she came to the institute. The teenage she wolf matured and became a member of X-Factor and later X-force under the leadership of Wolverine.

24. Gambit

First Appearance: The Uncanny X-Men #266

Powers: Being able to charge stuff with energy that makes stuff blow up notably playing cards

When you think of the 90’s this Raging Cajun is one of the few characters that comes to mind. At some point it was decided that one mysterious badass loner wasn't enough for the X-Men, and Gambit arrived to back up Wolverine. For some, Gambit's presence on the team has always been redundant, but others have fallen in love with his swagger, charm, and dark past. . Gambit is just the sort of tortured soul that X-readers love, and his continued presence in the TV and movie spinoffs cements his status as one of the greats.

23. Cable

First Appearance (as Cable): New Mutants #87

Powers: Telekinesis, telepathy, grossly disproportioned anatomy

Initially, Cable was little more than an over-muscled, gun-toting thug with a glowing eye. Over time, the time lost warrior has evolved into one of the more interesting, if underappreciated, X-Men. Son of Scott Summers and Madelyne Prior, Cable was raised in an alternate future, where Apocalypse rules. The time-displaced mutant could be the most powerful on the planet, if the majority of his telekinetic skills were not focused on keeping his cybernetic body from falling apart. Cable lives on the fringes of the X-Universe, but he's an integral part of the X-Men's past and future.

22. Bishop

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #282

Powers: Absorb and re-cast almost all forms of energy, including psionic attacks

Warnings of future peril have been common across the X-Men's timeline, but Bishop's arrival propelled the X-Universe forward for years. Coming from a future where the X-Men were dead, betrayed, supposedly, by Gambit, Bishop had greater regard and reverence for Xavier's dream than almost any other X-Man before or since. Bishop was integral in the Age of Apocalypse storyline and in the unfortunate Onslaught arc. While his knowledge of a potential future carries a strong warning for today's X-Men, he is proof that even in the direst conditions, the Dream will live on.

21. Blink (AOA)

First Appearance: X-Men Alpha

Powers: Creates portals that teleport her and anyone who enters to locations as far as the moon

The original Blink was a shy, almost forgettable girl. But in the Age of Apocalypse, we met an alternate version of Blink, one hardened by Apocalypse's genocidal war. Clarice is a tough young woman, who can be very creative with her powers. The young elf's loyalty and devotion to Sabretooth, a man who saved her from Dark Beast, is as strong as any bond in the X-Men Universe. Blink would go on to become leader of the Exiles. She remains the most popular X-Man to never earn a starring role in either of the premier X-Men books.

20. Strong Guy

First Appearance: New Mutants #29

Powers: Absorbs kinetic energy and re-channels it into physical strength.

Strong Guy isn't your typical Xer. He isn't devoted to Xavier's dream. Heck, it's hard to be certain he even understands Xavier's dream. But his personality makes up for his lack of devotion to the Church of X. Guido's not the smartest, but he is subtly one of the noblest of X-Men. He's secondary job as bodyguard filters into the way he acts in X-Factor. He's a protector, the one guy you can expect to have your back. And he's funny as they get. And among the X-Men, they rarely get very funny.

19. Magneto

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Near-complete control over electromagnetic spectrum with mastery so fine he can actually redirect the flow of iron in someone's brain to effectively alter their mind.

Magneto is Xavier's perfect foil. Yet he has also been one of the most compelling X-Men of all time. After surrendering himself to authorities and being acquitted of his crimes, Magneto took over Xavier's school for a brief period. It is only through the contrast from his malevolent actions that Magneto's good side can shine so brightly. For all of the "bad guys" who have converted to the X-Men, Magneto remains the true test to Xavier's Dream. When Magneto is finally swayed, The Dream can truly thrive.

18. Forge

First Appearance: X-men (Vol. 4) #54

Powers: to build devices so sophisticated it’s impossible to deny such technology exists

Forge is like the Tony Stark of the X-universe although he’s not rich or an alcoholic womanizer the Native American born Forge can built devices so complex I’d think to myself why we didn’t come up with such tech. You want something built Forge can do it and build it even better, The dude even leads a new team of X-factor. Beast may be the Brains of the X-Men but when it comes to high tech stuff Forge is the mutant for the job.

17. Banshee

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #28

Powers: Powerful voice capable of a variety of attacks, also allows Banshee to fly.

Banshee has been associated with the X-Men for almost as long as the group has been in existence. A born leader, Banshee never truly had the opportunity to shine with Xavier's crew. He was co-headmaster of the Emma Frost's Massachusetts Academy, where he attempted to play the Xavier role and teach young mutants the value of "The Dream." Banshee was always one step removed from the original X-Men and seemed to be constantly trying to prove himself. He did so, even before sacrificing himself in an attempt save the lives of innocents.

16. Archangel

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Winged flight, heal others

One of the original X-Men, Warren Worthington has not had an easy life. Born into wealth, he was also saddled with a mutation almost impossible to hide. His wings, as the best mutations tend to be, are both blessing and curse. Archangel follows the heroic arc of champion who falls from grace only to rise again, better than before. After his wings were removed, Angel faked his own death and became one of the Horsemen of Apocalypse. He has since returned to the side of good and once again become on of the mutant population's most visible members.

15. Madrox

First Appearance: Giant-Size Fantastic Four #4

Powers: Create a seemingly infinite number of duplicates

Multiplicity itself doesn't make for an interesting character. But Madrox is about as complex as they get. His dupes each carry a piece of Jamie's personality, but Madrox never knows what part of his personality that might be upon creation. Every time he spawns a dupe, he's just as likely to find something surprising and good about himself, as he is to be face to face with his inner demons. Invited to be an X-Man, he wisely declined. It's not that he is opposed to Xavier's dream, it's that his own persona is better fit to the fringes, with a group like X-Factor. Jamie has grown into a leadership role, investigating mutant-related crimes and doing the dirty work often overlooked by the X-Men.

14. Emma Frost

First Appearance X-Men #129

Powers: Telepathy, diamond-coated skin, being a b***h

In many ways a twisted version of Professor X, Emma Frost has raised and taught young mutants ever since her days in the Hellfire Club. In the Hellfire Club, Frost raised a young team of villains named the Hellions. Emma Frost strutted her stuff across the Marvel universe with a rather memorable fashion sense as she went from white queen of the Hellfire club to queen of the Xavier institute. Frost has been involved in both telepathic and physical relationship with Cyclops, and has elevated herself to co-leader of the school. Although it was recently revealed that she might be a sleeper agent for something very sinister, there is no doubt that Emma desires, on some level, to achieve Xavier's dream.

13. Havok

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #58

Powers: Absorb and fire plasma energy

As brother of X-Man mainstay Scott Summers, Alex has struggled to find his place in the X-Universe. Always second fiddle to his brother, Havok has bounced from group to group, searching for the one place he fits in. Just as Cyclops strives to earn Xavier's approval, Havok seeks the approval of his own brother. He believes in the dream, though not necessarily Xavier's and Cyclops' methods. But if and when the final battle does come, Havok will stand beside the X-Men, no matter what.

12. Jean Grey

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Telekinesis, Telepathy

I think of the world of Jean, and so do her peers. Being Cyclops’ wife Wolverine’s forbidden love interest, host to the most powerful entity in the universe. One of the original X-Men, and Cable’s step mom all at once this telekinetic telepath was the nucleus of the X-universe, Jean sacrificed herself, choosing to die as a human than live as a God. In a universe where self-worth is almost exclusive judged on power level, Jean held her humanity so dear she was willing to give up everything she loved. The strong-willed redhead is an integral part of the X-Men's legacy

11. Rogue

First Appearance: Avengers Annual #10

Powers: Absorb powers and memory through skin contact, flight

Though she started out as some power-sucking, violent, messed-up, teenage super villainess from the Brotherhood of evil mutants, the mutant know as Rouge turned her back on the path of sentimentalism. Rogue is the perfect example of why the Xavier Institute must exist. Any skin-to-skin contact causes Rogue to absorb the powers and memories of whomever she touches. Though Xavier's school never taught Rogue how to control her powers, it has helped teach her to deal with a world she can never truly touch. The team resident Bombshell won fans’ hearts with her southern charm rebellious attitude and tragic untouchable romance to Gambit

10. Professor X

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: The world's most powerful telepath

It's Xavier's Dream the X-Men follow. Without Xavier, there would be no X-Men and no unified opposition to Magneto. Despite being confined to a wheelchair Charles Xaviar’s telepathic powers have made him one of the most powerful mutants and one of the most formidable soldiers in the war against prejudice. His students, his followers, may interpret the meaning of his words and dream differently, but Xavier's core belief has remained intact through an entire generation of mutants. The Dream has grown to outpace the man also making him a far more complicated personality than being Marvel’s de facto Martian Luther King. Xavier has lost faith in himself several times, abandoning his team for sometimes selfish reasons, and even performed shady acts including erasing incriminating memories from allies, and keeping files on how to take down rouge team members. There’s a lot of stuff going on in that bald head of his and despite not all of it being good, it can be acceptable for his followers, a man like Xavier must maintain a strong front and never walk away from his children.

9. Cyclops

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: High-intensity, continuous optic blast

In a world where betrayal deception and hatred are a part of everyday life, the man known as Scott Summers stood solid as the X-men’s resident boy scout/loyalist. A heavy burden was placed on his shoulders as a young man. He was chosen to lead a team of mutants on a crusade that would likely determine Homo Superior's place in the world. He's lost two wives, reunited with his space pirate father, discovered two lost brothers, fought beside both a son and daughter from alternate futures, and defended The Dream as a knight might protect the Holy Grail. Through all of this, he's still standing.

8. Storm

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1

Powers: Near total control of the weather, flight on gusts of wind

Few characters in the history of comics have seen as many in-continuity changes as Ororo Monroe. She is Goddess and warrior, friend and elitist, leader and loner. These contradictions are born from Ororo. They are not troubles merely sprung on by desperate writers. Storm is a character fighting who she once was (a frightened thief), who she thought she was (infallible goddess) and who she must become (an unwavering leader). Though Cyclops may be the default leader of the X-Men, in particular because of his allegiance to The Dream, Storm is the better choice to be in charge. From street urchin to elemental goddess, to second in command of X-men, to Ms. T’Challa her arc has been as tumultuous as the storms she creates.

7. Nightcrawler

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1

Powers: Enhanced agility, nightvision, teleportation, prehensile tail

Faith should have a prominent role in Xavier's Dream. However, almost all of the faith-based concerns fall on the shoulders of Nightcrawler. While feared and hated for his freakish and scary appearance the German-born hero is introspective. Oddly enough, he seems to receive more venom from religious zealots than most X-Men simply because of the way he looks. He is introspective, thoughtful and possessing a deep religious faith and these commonalities are what could bring mutants and humans together.

6. The Beast

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Enhanced strength, incredible agility, prehensile feet

Though he looks like blue furry mutant monster that could rip you apart but he speaks like a university teacher Hank McCoy AKA The Beast is the thinking man’s superhero. Hank is an original member of the X-Men and it would seem he'll be the very last to ever leave the mansion. He spends his days more often in the lab than in the trenches, but that makes him no less an X-Man. He is devoted to The Dream and firmly believes that man and mutant should live side by side as brothers. Only one man could play him on the silver screen in X-Men: The Last Stand Kelsey “Dr. Frasier Craine” Grammer

5. Kitty Pryde

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #129

Powers: Phasing

Most mutants come to Xavier's having experienced great trauma and difficulty in their youth. Kitty arrived as an innocent with the seemingly innocuous power to turn intangible. She is the mutant everyman, the common girl turned superhero. Marvel has attempted to replicate Kitty Pryde on several occasions, most notably with Jubilee, but there's something special about Kitty that puts her above the rest. She's strong-willed, creative and fiercely loyal. Just as her pet dragon, Lockheed, became instantly attached to Kitty, we were hooked early on. Who could have guessed long ago that she would become one of the most endearing characters in the X-Men Universe?
4. Iceman

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #1

Powers: Can lower his own body temperature and free moisture around himself allowing for a multitude of creative applications

Bobby is the kid brother who never thought he could live up to expectations, so he didn't bother. Believe it or not, Iceman is one of the rare Omega mutants, a being potentially more powerful than Magneto or Xavier. This potential, however, may never be reached, because Bobby has little faith in himself. Despite his own personal issues, Iceman has been an X-Man almost his entire life. As with the best students, Bobby's time at Xavier's is about more than just The Dream -- it's about his own personal journey, one that sees him continuing to learn and grow.

3. Psylocke

First Appearance: New Mutants Annual #2

Powers: Psionic blades, telekinesis, telepathic immunity, Ninja moves

Betsy Braddock began her career as somewhat of a joke. A stuck up English telepath, she had no place as an X-Man. Then came the change. In a somewhat inexplicable comic-book moment, Betsy's consciousness was merged with another to create the Psylocke we know today. She is, as can best be described, a psionic assassin, though she is reluctant to kill. You might say she is like Elizabeth Hurley but with the high energy danger and ninja esque moves of a Jackie Chan Movie. Not to mention the new age Rogue, a character given a new twist by merging memories and powers with another. Psylocke is a born leader and, in fact, briefly lead the X-Men. She may not have Wolverine's combat skills, but her other abilities make her one of the most potent fighters to ever wear the X.

2. Colossus

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1

Powers: Transmute flesh into organic steel, making him nearly invulnerable and providing super-strength

All Piotr Rasputin wanted was to come to America and be a celebrated artist. But racial discrimination from human fanatics forced him to fight for survival. Even though he sees the X-Men as an extended family, it's his biological family that causes so much trouble. Insanity runs through the Rasputin's, as does premature death Faced with repeated tragedy, Colossus continues to maintain a positive outlook on life. He is the perfect contrast. In battle, he is the strongest X-Man, a brute force few can withstand. In private, he is a sensitive artist, deeply in love with Kitty Pryde. Colossus earned his stripes as a hero when he sacrificed himself to cure the deadly Legacy virus that took the lives of his family only to come back to life his heart is as strong as his organic steel shell

1. Wolverine

First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #180

Powers: Healing factor, six adamantium claws capable of cutting through almost any material, heightened senses, immobilizing cigar breath

Though he may have become oversaturated, Wolverine is no less one of the greatest of all X-Men. Leaping from the final pages of Incredible Hulk #180 in 1974, Wolverine didn’t make much of a first impression He was a little man from Canada with foot long claws a bright costume with a mask that has cat whiskers C’mon Cat Whiskers is that the best you can do?! Thankfully caretakers John Bryne, Chris Claremont, and Frank Miller helped this super badass seize responsibility for what most people call a modern comic book super hero. Logan is a loner by nature and a man fighting to keep his animal instincts from controlling his actions. He argues regularly with his fellow X-Men and leaves the team often to pursue his own personal agenda. The appeal behind the X-men’s shortest member is that he fights bad guy with bad guy rules but underneath that nasty nature of his Wolverine is a warrior with a samurai like code of honor. Yet his support of the X-Men rarely, if ever, wavers. He may not be a team player, but Logan has the best interests of the X-Men at heart. Despite his wandering ways, Wolverine has been one of the most reliable X-Men over the years.