The 7 Best X-Men Ever

I lost sleep over this list. Having read X-men comics since age 7 I was paralyzed by trimming down my team down to 7.

I was fortunate to be able to see both Michael’s list of the 7 best X-Men ever and Jason’s list of the 7 best X-Men ever. But when I was forming mine, but instead of creating a team to balance or counteract theirs, I simply decided I’d go with this [points to heart].

Cyclops

He’s my team lead, hands down. I’m willfully ignoring the last few years where Marvel editorial has turned Cyclops into a character I don’t recognize.

Instead, I remember Slim as the perfect Boy Scout, and focus on images of the character during Joss Whedon Astonishing run when Cyclops would have a rare moment when he let loose and could take out a Sentinel single-handedly with his optic blast.

 

 

Wolverine

Owning a copy of Uncanny X-men 94, I realize that Wolverine isn’t an original, but I can’t imagine a X-Men team without him. Claws, healing factor…I wanted to be Wolverine as a junior high boy, going as far as building sets of claws for myself in my basement and declaring Canadian citizenship.

Even today, I have a graded copy of Uncanny X-men 207 in my office, showing Wolverine shredding through the cover with his adamantium claws.

And will you tell him he won’t be on the team, bub?

 

 

Nightcrawler

The Elf was actually the first X-Man I thought of for my all-time team. The joyful, swashbuckling hero serves as the moral center of the team.

While I admit his power set doesn’t stack as well as some others – Magik, Gateway, or even Ariel would serve better as a team transporter – I still have a vivid memory of reading the issue where my beloved Nightcrawler sacrificed himself and the hands (literally) of Bastion.

Certainly one of the best X-Men ever.

 

Rogue

It was hard not going with Colossus here because every team needs a heavy hitter. With Rogue you get that, plus potential for a whole lot more.

I’ll forever remember her as lovelorn because her and Gambit couldn’t touch (another X-Man that is hard to leave off any list), and I’m still getting used to her having control of her powers. But there is no denying it’s a great power set and I’m always a sucker for a Southern belle.

 

 

Storm

I go with this pick only if she has a mohawk.

For my money, the classic tales of Storm taking leadership of both the X-Men and the Morlocks are second to few. Her butting heads with Cyclops (often) and Wolverine (occasionally) would create great drama.

Plus, the team could use a goddess and her power set gives the team a little more punch. (For the record, I never liked her with the Black Panther as I’m team Forge all the way.)

 

Kitty Pryde

Although I toyed with adding a little luck to the team via Longshot or Domino, my junior high self would never be able to forgive my adult self if I passed up Shadowcat.

Her plusses are many: she can freaking walk through walls, she’s a computer genius and she has a pet dragon.

If you want your heart broken, read through Joss Whedon’s Astonishing run as his take on Kitty Pryde was as near perfect as you’ll find with a character in comics.

Read this is you’ve allows had a nerd crush on Kitty Pryde.

 

Stepford Cuckoos

I’m a sucker for subterfuge. Whereas other teams – like the Avengers – are known for heavy hitters and overpowered hulks, the X-Men always, always, always have the telepaths.

Instead of going with Psylocke (Ninjas are fun) or Emma Frost, I thought we’d triple our fun with this pick and go with the slightly creepy hive mind Cuckoos.

Even two Stepfords down they are formidable telepaths who can either coordinate the team’s attacks or simply turn opponents’ minds into those of a whimpering puppy. Plus, they could always go diamond form.

 

Again, we invite you to check out the lists from the other nerds: Jason’s Best X-Men Ever | Michael’s Best X-Men Ever. Or jump down to the comments and share your list of the best X-Men ever.