Al Harahap
Sep 5, 2003, 09:30 pm
<img src="http://pages.sbcglobal.net/harahap/top40xc1.gif" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>The Top 40 X-Characters of All Time, part 1: #40-31
If there's one aspect of the X-Men fans are passionate about, it's the characters. We all have attachments to these characters, whether they're ones we respect or ones who are simply our favourites. They are constructs -- mere words and pictures on a comic page. Yet many times we forget, and allow them access into our lives and emotions. Throughout the years, grown men have admitted crying to moving deaths, the most calm and collected fan can explode when something disagreeable happens to his/her favourites, and who hasn't witnessed heated debates over the better characters or fighters? So how dare we compile such "final" lists? It wasn't easy -- let me tell you -- much blood, sweat, and tears were involved. In honour of the X-Men's 40th anniversary, around twenty ComiX-Fan staff members have compiled, giving equal weight to the criteria of: originality, popularity, iconability, and impact, to bring you... the Top 40 X-Characters of All Time.
This week, we present to you our first installment of #40-31:
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#40: LONGSHOT
Created by: Ann Nocenti & Art Adams
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/longshot.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Neither human, nor mutant, the being known as Longshot was created in a strange, twisted dimension called Mojoworld. This media-infested world had a few things in mind: ratings, ratings, and ratings! Thus, Longshot was made with hollow bone structure and increased muscle tissue for enhanced strength, agility, and reflexes for the sole purpose of providing various forms of entertainment for the masses. He is also blessed with extraordinary luck that has saved his proverbial behind more than once. Escaping the media slavery, Longshot came to Earth and befriended the stuntwoman named Ricochet Rita. Out of that friendship grew a love. But Longshot's first taste of this emotion would not have a happy ending. Mojo, Longshot's arch-enemy and former master, transformed Rita into longtime X-Men enemy, Spiral. Having lost his memory and stumbling upon the X-Men, Longshot found a second chance at love with the superstar-turned-superhero, Dazzler. Now with the aid of the X-Men, Longshot had the necessary power to overthrow Mojo, which he did. But Mojo would not stay down and soon resurfaced, thereby resulting in the now-married Longshot and Dazzler's decision to stay behind in Mojoworld to fight with the rebellion against him. Dazzler has recently returned to Earth, declaring Mojoworld decimated and Longshot dead.
Why: It wasn't until the solo adventurer Longshot stumbled upon, and joined, the X-Men that his character truly stood out. His character may have seemed bland compared to other heroes of the Marvel Universe, but within the ranks of the X-Men, there was now direct comparisons that complemented his traits. He was the "Spock" of the X-Men -- an alien being made interesting because of the way he had difficulty grasping human habits and emotions. Still, Longshot was an able field combatant, being the most agile of his X-Men team, and with his projectiles -- influencing the character of Gambit. Especially with his natural luck that could greatly effect the outcome of combat -- influencing the character of Domino. But mostly, Longshot's appeal came out of his struggle to gain some semblance of humanity. Through his relationships with Ricochet Rita, Dazzler, and Rogue, fans followed his awkwardness at friendships and love. Through his interactions with the other X-Men, fans learned of his naivette, which endearingly caused him to be the butt of many jokes.
Entry by Al Harahap
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#39: MAGIK (ILLYANA RASPUTIN)
Illyana Rasputin created by: Len Wein, Chris Claremont, & Dave Cockrum
Magik developed by: Chris Claremont & Brent Anderson
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/magik.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Illyana was Colossus’ younger sister. Trapped in the demon filled realm called Limbo by its ruler, the sorcerer Belasco, Illyana was held captive. During these many years, Belasco twisted and tainted part of her soul into a demonic nature, through which she gained considerable mystical sorceress powers. He was drawn to her power over her Stepping Discs, which enabled her instantaneous Teleportation to anywhere or anywhen, with a brief stopover in the Limbo dimension. While in Limbo she was taught how to wield her magical powers, how to fight in combat, and to form a magical blade from part of her darksoul called the Soulsword, the ultimate embodiment of her mystical might. When she was finally strong enough, she fought and defeated Belasco, and eventually became Limbo’s new ruler. When she returned to Earth, Illyana learned that time works differently in Limbo, and that she had actually aged seven years in mere seconds. She then joined The New Mutants in order to learn about her mutant teleportation power, and adopted the codename Magik. During the conflict called Inferno, Magik reverted to her original age and lost her magical abilities along with the demonic part of her soul. She resumed her life as a relatively normal child, until she contracted the Legacy Virus. The cure for the virus was not found in time, and Illyana passed away.
Why: Magik may not have been the first X-man to die, but she was the youngest among them, and the closest to their hearts. Her death was a severe blow to characters throughout the X-Universe. Her literal family, the Rasputins, and especially Colossus, her extended family, the X-men, her dearest friends, Kitty and Jubilee, all stood by her side as she succumbed to the Legacy Virus, helpless to stop her suffering. Her death resonated throughout the X-teams, showing them the harsh fragility of their perilous lives. They aren’t all invulnerable, they’re not all immortal, they aren’t all the steel faced warriors-for-peace they try to be, and not everything falls into perfect place for them. She showed them the dark side everyone possesses, and the damage that can be wrought from by it if not kept in check. But she also displayed the strength to overcome those frailties and strive despite them. She gave them hope for future generations with her strong spirit, and gave them even more cause to fight for what they believe in. Illyana will never be forgotten, leaving behind a Legacy of her own.
Entry by Nancy Young
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#38: FORGE
Created by: Chris Claremont & John Romita Jr.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/forge.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: His real name unknown, this Cheyenne inventor has been shaman, soldier, and technologist---often all at the same time. His nickname "The Maker" accurately describes his mutant ability to build any device he can imagine. He was raised to become a shaman of his tribe, but rejected it to fight in Vietnam and to embrace technology; yet, when confronted with the horrors of war, he used magic to get revenge on the enemy. This haunted him, and led him to be pursued by an ancient creature known as the Adversary. Forge later became an inventor for the United States government, and replicated a device for them that removed Storm's powers. Guilt-stricken, he nursed her back to health, and the two eventually fell in love. However, to defeat the Adversary, he had to kill the X-Men (although they survived, unbeknownst to him). Later, he became the government liaison for X-Factor. While with X-Factor, he was teamed up with Mystique, who had always hated him for the 'death' of her daughter Rogue, and had blamed him for the death of her lover Destiny. They eventually fell in love for a time, until X-Factor was attacked and Mystique fled the team to pursue her own interests. Currently, they are working together -- in a way -- since they are both working for Charles Xavier on espionage missions, but neither seems particularly happy about being reunited.
Why: Forge's conflict between magic and technology has often been his most compelling aspect, although in recent years it hasn't been brought up much. These days, he seems to be used largely as a "gadget guy," and while that is a useful function on its own, it is ignoring part of what made him interesting to begin with. However, another part of his appeal is his relationships (romantic and platonic) with other characters, for he has a rich history, and this is reflected when he interacts with others -- character interaction and history are part of what make the X-Men great. He doesn't have flashy powers like most characters, so he has an everyman appeal to which many readers can relate. He's a man who is quietly competent, friendly, and overcame his physical disabilities to be a valued ally---all admirable qualities. He's actually an X-character that you could plausibly know, and certainly one you would want to.
Entry by Lia Brown
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#37: LEGION (DAVID HALLER)
Created by: Chris Claremont & Bill Sienkiewicz
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/legion.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: David Haller, son of Gabrielle Haller and Charles Xavier, inherited his father’s telepathic gifts, though not the soundness of mind necessary to wield them safely. A powerful telepath, telekinetic, and pyrokinetic, Legion is possessed of the kind of power that Xavier has always feared of having in the wrong hands, and the realization that Legion’s are the wrong hands has done little to stabilize their relationship. Legion is highly mentally unbalanced; his psyche literally having split into distinct personalities. Because of this instability, Legion has on many occasions been at odds with his father and the X-Men, committing horrific acts without a true comprehension of what he is doing. Even when attempting to do something good, Legion causes trouble: an attempt to go back in time and remove the biggest obstacle to his father’s dream (namely Magneto) led to a disruption of reality that caused the Age of Apocalypse, as well as Legion’s own “death” when he inadvertently prevented his own conception.
Why: Legion is a complex character in everything he does, both because of his mental problems and because of who he is and what he represents. The triumverate of psychic powers he wields -- telepathy, telekinesis, and pyrokinesis -- is a major part of his appeal. But his multiple personalities, coupled with his role as the lost lamb of Xavier's mutants, makes his story the endearing tragedy that it is. Neither a hero nor a villain, Legion acts out of a child’s instinct, even when that instinct drives him to commit murder and mayhem. Legion is the literal face of the lost mutant child, unable to handle himself and his powers, that Xavier has always tried to seek out and help. Despite his best efforts, however, Xavier has repeatedly failed to help the one person who needs him the most: his own son. And it is this failure in familial bond that serves as constant reminder for the X-Men and for the readers that Charles Xavier, in all his glory and with all his power, is forced to make sacrifices in his pursuit of the dream.
Entry by Joel Phillips
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#36: DEADPOOL (WADE WILSON)
Created by: Fabian Nicieza & Rob Liefeld
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/deadpool.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Wade Wilson is a professional killer, trained to take out his opponents in a variety of ways that would make Jackie Chan envious. A reject from Canada’s Weapon X program, Wade Wilson was introduced to Dr. Killebrew, who experimented on Weapon X failures in sick, twisted pet projects. To cure Wade Wilson of his cancer, the program had derived a healing factor from one of their previous successes, Wolverine, and injected it into Wade’s genetic make-up. The process left his whole face and body horribly disfigured. On the bright side -- as Wade himself would look at it -- he did gain a considerable healing factor on par with Wolverine's himself. Taking the name Deadpool, in honor of the hospice where he and other Weapon X rejects were subjected to torture, he now sells his services to the highest bidder, all while trying to fit in as neither a hero nor a villain. Deadpool returned to the Weapon X program for a while, but has since severed ties once more to sell his services, but more importantly for him, for the freedom and rush of it all.
Why: Why not?? With a name that parodies another of comics' professional assassins for hire -- Slade Wilson, a.k.a. DC's Deathstroke the Terminator -- you just know that Wade Wilson was meant for the laughs he would give readers throughout the years. Deadpool is a breath of fresh air in a world of anti-hero vigilante overkill. Humor, drama, action, Deadpool has it all.! Whether it’s trying to be the next messiah as part of Landau, Luckman, and Lake’s Mithras Directive, running his own merci agency, or simply being a “hero for hire,” Deadpool still is able to capture the imagination and sick little puppy in all of us. Interesting casts of supporting characters over the years has only helped keep interest in this character alive, and helps to remind us all that generic killers with guns and sharp objects may come and go, but there is only one merc’ with a mouth!
Entry by Anthony Lucynski
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#35: DESTINY (IRENE ADLER)
Created by: Chris Claremont & John Byrne
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/destiny.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Named after the only woman (or man) to ever outwit famed super sleuth Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler was a mutant with the ability to predict the future. She was thus a useful ally to her partner, Mystique -- as well as a longtime lover. Together, they raised their adopted daughter Rogue, and the three women formed the core of a new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, which was ideologically motivated to fight for mutant rights (as well as taking care of Mystique's personal business). Destiny and Mystique later went on to work for the U.S. government as part of the superpowered team Freedom Force, which at times brought them into conflict, other times working alongside, established hero teams. It was while working to help the X-Men's friends on Muir Island that Destiny met her death. She had predicted it beforehand, but felt it was inevitable, and did not try to stop it. While her teammates were busy in battle, Destiny was killed by a Shadow-King-controlled Legion. She was somehow absorbed into Legion's consciousness, and continued to speak to him, causing him to pursue his father's enemy Magneto. Accidentally killing his father, Charles Xavier, this event brought about the Age of Apocalypse. In recent times, it was discovered that she had once written a series of diaries predicting the future, and several parties, including a splinter group of X-Men led by Storm, sought them out for the insight they might bring.
Why: Destiny was an interesting person, who perhaps had more dimensions added to her after she died. She has continued to play a role in the Marvel universe even though she's been dead since 1989. She is unique in that she's one of Marvel's few gay/lesbian characters, and certainly she and Mystique were one of the earliest couples, although until recently most references to their relationship were rather oblique. We don't know a lot about her, and there are unknown gaps in her long history, which adds to the intrigue. Certainly, there is much to be explored in her history, such as perhaps how she met Mystique, or what she was doing in the years they were apart. Irene also had interesting personal circumstances: she was physically blind, and yet could "see" into the future, an irony not lost on her. However, despite her disability and often disturbing nature of her powers, she rarely complained, and was often a source of stability for the other people in her life. She was often portrayed as passive and gentle, particularly with Mystique and Rogue, and yet could be coldly violent, such as when she aimed a crossbow at Senator Kelly. And it's this dichotomy of her nature that is so compelling.
Entry by Lia Brown
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#34: SEBASTIAN SHAW
Created by: Chris Claremont & John Byrne
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/sebastian.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Born into poverty, Sebastian Shaw used his own business sensibilities to found the multimillion-dollar Shaw Industries. Because of this gain in social status, Shaw was invited to join the New York chapter of the elite Hellfire Club. Gaining rank rather rapidly to become its Inner Circle's Black Bishop, Shaw eventually usurped the then White King Edward Buckman, himself taking on the position of the Black King. He then began his plan to reshape the Inner Circle by filling it with socially powerful mutants, while keeping the previous Inner Circle's aspirations of world domination through ruthless economic and financial means. From the Phoenix to mutant-hunting Sentinels, from a potential Legacy Virus cure to his own son, there’s nothing Shaw won’t buy, sell, steal, or even destroy if there’s something to be gained from it. A man whose mutancy makes him as physically formidable as he is intellectually sharp, Shaw is never a man to be taken lightly.
Why: In a rogue's gallery that boasts powerful mutants, immortals, and downright nasty creatures, Sebastian Shaw is a different kind of enemy for the X-Men -- the kind that is not content to strike at them with his fists. Although, when they do come at him in close combat, he is quite willing, and able, to oblige them a knockdown battle. But Shaw was much more of a threat in other aspects. He uses his money and his power to get what he wants, and to destroy anything and anyone who gets in his way. People are meaningless to Shaw, except as toys to play with or tools to use for his own ends. Though his position as Black King within the Hellfire Club is an important part of Shaw’s arsenal, it does not define him. The day that the Hellfire Club had outlived its usefulness Shaw would be done with it, and would no doubt depart the club better off than when he entered it.
Entry by Joel Phillips
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#33: POLARIS (LORNA DANE)
Created by: Arnold Drake & Don Heck
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/polaris.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: As a mutant, the model Lorna Dane was hypnotised by Mesmero for recruitment into his great mutant army. But with the X-Man Iceman's help, she snapped out of his mind control. She soon joined the ranks of the X-Men and grew romantically close with Iceman. Though not long after would turn to another X-Man, Havok, with whom she has had an on-and-off relationship over the years. When most of the original X-Men "graduated" and made way for the next generation, Polaris along with Havok also left on their archaelogical adventures around the world. It seemed like a happy ending for the two... until Polaris was abducted and possessed by the mutant known as Malice. Under this guise, Malice led Mister Sinister's team of Marauders, who would commit genocide on the Morlocks during the Mutant Massacre. Soon, Polaris was able to free herself of Malice, and eventually accepted Val Cooper's invitation to join the U.S. Government-run X-Factor, where she reunited with longtime lover, Havok. But once more, this union was not to be, as Havok was seemingly killed in an explosion, which then started the deterioration of her sanity. While assissting Magneto's rule over Genosha, Polaris was one of the few very fortunate to survive Cassandra Nova's Sentinel genocide on the island nation. This caused total mental breakdown for Polaris, which has caused her to become insane to this day.
Why: If it means anything at all, Polaris was the second woman to become an X-Man, proving that it wasn't an old boys club. Moreover, she was possibly the most powerful of them at the time -- not counting Professor X himself. Circumstance happens on Lorna quite a lot that isn't desirable for any character. And through these circumstances, fans have warmed up to the character by rooting for the underdog to gain some joy and happiness. With her magnetic powers touted to have the potential of rivalling Magneto's himself, Polaris also has a similar potential in becoming a character of his magnitude. It's just a shame that she is continually mind-controlled or become mentally ill, which not only hampers the character's development in major ways, but has also branded her the yo-yo of the X-Men's proverbial toy box. Otherwise, her character is surely to have placed much higher. And who knows? With Magneto supposedly gone, much could be done with this character.
Entry by Al Harahap
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#32: MADELYNE PRYOR
Created by: Chris Claremont & Paul Smith
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/madelyne.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: A clone of Jean Grey, Madelyne Pryor was created by the scheming Mister Sinister to manipulate the X-Man Cyclops from behind the scenes. And even with her strange, uncanny resemblance to his dead lover, Cyclops welcomed her into his heart. The two would eventually marry, and from this union, came the child who would one day become the mutant known as Cable. Madelyne Pryor seems, at first, to be defined more by the people around her than by who she is herself. Much of that, however, comes from the fact that even Madelyne doesn’t truly know herself, her mind a train wreck of memories that are not her own and a life’s history that never happened. The realization of her origin drove Madelyne over the edge, leading to the madness of the event called Inferno, where she became the Goblin Queen, and which resulted in Madelyne’s eventual suicide. A version of Madelyne was recreated by the mutant X-Man, using his extremely powerful psychic abilities. Although, it's unclear whether this being ever maintained any inkling of the real Madelyne.
Why: Madelyne embodies the adage "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." She is a prime example of the woman wronged: by her husband, by the woman from whom she was created, and by the man who created her. Villainous as she could be, it was difficult not to sympathise with Madelyne when Cyclops abandoned her and their child to be with his first love, Jean Grey. Despite the many hardships she would endure, including her eventual spiral into madness, Madelyne remained a unique and, in a way, strong figure. Though physically similar to her genetic template, Jean Grey, Madelyne had a personality that was her own. In some ways, it was interesting to see her thoughts and actions as something Jean Grey would be and do, had she experienced the hardships this clone had. However, to dismiss Madelyne as just another Jean Grey knockoff is to miss the point of the character: a person who, despite her origins, did ultimately manage to become her own person, even if it wasn’t the person everyone wanted her to be.
Entry by Joel Phillips
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#31: MOIRA MACTAGGERT
Created by: Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/moira.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: When she first appeared, Moira MacTaggert was the X-Men’s new housekeeper. But there was much more to this beautiful Scotswoman. Moira was soon revealed as a Nobel Laureate for her work in genetics, Xavier’s “silent” partner in his school… and his former lover. A daughter of nobility, her ancestral home of Muir Island served as a center for studying mutation. But her final secret proved deadly… her son Kevin was a mutant, powerful but unstable. He became the villain Proteus, threatening the X-Men and most of Scotland. After his death, Moira shared her time between Xavier’s and Muir Island (and a new romance with Sean Cassidy, a.k.a. Banshee). Under the influence of the Shadow King, Moira began training her own team of mutants. A confrontation with the X-Men led to the island’s destruction. But it was soon rebuilt, now a home base for the mutant team Excalibur and a research center for the deadly Legacy Virus. Her research had dead-ended until Mystique‘s attempts at co-opting the virus provided the key. Finding the cure would prove a finite victory as Muir was again destroyed and Moira left dying. Xavier had to read her mind to save the cure, sharing one last astral embrace with his first love before she died… with the promise that she would be waiting in the beyond for him…
Why: To put it in plain terms, Moira was human. Yet she fought with all the passion and ardor, all the strength and grace that you would expect from a daughter of Scotland. Up until Moira appeared, there were very few regular humans allying themselves with the X-Men. Yet their fight was her fight. She did not fear them; she did not hate them. She was far too intelligent for that. Moira MacTaggert was the embodiment of what the X-Men fought for, a humanity loving and accepting of their mutant brethren. Moira was a woman of great depth, passion… but also guilt and shame. She hid away her own son, locking him in a cell for years for fear of his discovery. She manipulated Magneto’s genetic code to modify his behavior when he had been reduced to an infant. The cold logic of a scientist combined with the driving passion of a woman would lead her down paths of best intentions. But the crimes against these children would haunt her always. Haunt her… but never break her. All else aside, Moira was strong: surviving and walking out on her abusive husband, making it as an independent woman in a male dominated society, and fighting for a cause that was feared and hated -- not because she had to, but because she believed.
Entry by Jordan T. Maxwell
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Be sure to check back next week for part 2, #30-21! For more special articles, features, and columns celebrating the 40th Anniversaries of the Avengers and X-Men, click here! (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21464)
If there's one aspect of the X-Men fans are passionate about, it's the characters. We all have attachments to these characters, whether they're ones we respect or ones who are simply our favourites. They are constructs -- mere words and pictures on a comic page. Yet many times we forget, and allow them access into our lives and emotions. Throughout the years, grown men have admitted crying to moving deaths, the most calm and collected fan can explode when something disagreeable happens to his/her favourites, and who hasn't witnessed heated debates over the better characters or fighters? So how dare we compile such "final" lists? It wasn't easy -- let me tell you -- much blood, sweat, and tears were involved. In honour of the X-Men's 40th anniversary, around twenty ComiX-Fan staff members have compiled, giving equal weight to the criteria of: originality, popularity, iconability, and impact, to bring you... the Top 40 X-Characters of All Time.
This week, we present to you our first installment of #40-31:
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#40: LONGSHOT
Created by: Ann Nocenti & Art Adams
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/longshot.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Neither human, nor mutant, the being known as Longshot was created in a strange, twisted dimension called Mojoworld. This media-infested world had a few things in mind: ratings, ratings, and ratings! Thus, Longshot was made with hollow bone structure and increased muscle tissue for enhanced strength, agility, and reflexes for the sole purpose of providing various forms of entertainment for the masses. He is also blessed with extraordinary luck that has saved his proverbial behind more than once. Escaping the media slavery, Longshot came to Earth and befriended the stuntwoman named Ricochet Rita. Out of that friendship grew a love. But Longshot's first taste of this emotion would not have a happy ending. Mojo, Longshot's arch-enemy and former master, transformed Rita into longtime X-Men enemy, Spiral. Having lost his memory and stumbling upon the X-Men, Longshot found a second chance at love with the superstar-turned-superhero, Dazzler. Now with the aid of the X-Men, Longshot had the necessary power to overthrow Mojo, which he did. But Mojo would not stay down and soon resurfaced, thereby resulting in the now-married Longshot and Dazzler's decision to stay behind in Mojoworld to fight with the rebellion against him. Dazzler has recently returned to Earth, declaring Mojoworld decimated and Longshot dead.
Why: It wasn't until the solo adventurer Longshot stumbled upon, and joined, the X-Men that his character truly stood out. His character may have seemed bland compared to other heroes of the Marvel Universe, but within the ranks of the X-Men, there was now direct comparisons that complemented his traits. He was the "Spock" of the X-Men -- an alien being made interesting because of the way he had difficulty grasping human habits and emotions. Still, Longshot was an able field combatant, being the most agile of his X-Men team, and with his projectiles -- influencing the character of Gambit. Especially with his natural luck that could greatly effect the outcome of combat -- influencing the character of Domino. But mostly, Longshot's appeal came out of his struggle to gain some semblance of humanity. Through his relationships with Ricochet Rita, Dazzler, and Rogue, fans followed his awkwardness at friendships and love. Through his interactions with the other X-Men, fans learned of his naivette, which endearingly caused him to be the butt of many jokes.
Entry by Al Harahap
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#39: MAGIK (ILLYANA RASPUTIN)
Illyana Rasputin created by: Len Wein, Chris Claremont, & Dave Cockrum
Magik developed by: Chris Claremont & Brent Anderson
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/magik.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Illyana was Colossus’ younger sister. Trapped in the demon filled realm called Limbo by its ruler, the sorcerer Belasco, Illyana was held captive. During these many years, Belasco twisted and tainted part of her soul into a demonic nature, through which she gained considerable mystical sorceress powers. He was drawn to her power over her Stepping Discs, which enabled her instantaneous Teleportation to anywhere or anywhen, with a brief stopover in the Limbo dimension. While in Limbo she was taught how to wield her magical powers, how to fight in combat, and to form a magical blade from part of her darksoul called the Soulsword, the ultimate embodiment of her mystical might. When she was finally strong enough, she fought and defeated Belasco, and eventually became Limbo’s new ruler. When she returned to Earth, Illyana learned that time works differently in Limbo, and that she had actually aged seven years in mere seconds. She then joined The New Mutants in order to learn about her mutant teleportation power, and adopted the codename Magik. During the conflict called Inferno, Magik reverted to her original age and lost her magical abilities along with the demonic part of her soul. She resumed her life as a relatively normal child, until she contracted the Legacy Virus. The cure for the virus was not found in time, and Illyana passed away.
Why: Magik may not have been the first X-man to die, but she was the youngest among them, and the closest to their hearts. Her death was a severe blow to characters throughout the X-Universe. Her literal family, the Rasputins, and especially Colossus, her extended family, the X-men, her dearest friends, Kitty and Jubilee, all stood by her side as she succumbed to the Legacy Virus, helpless to stop her suffering. Her death resonated throughout the X-teams, showing them the harsh fragility of their perilous lives. They aren’t all invulnerable, they’re not all immortal, they aren’t all the steel faced warriors-for-peace they try to be, and not everything falls into perfect place for them. She showed them the dark side everyone possesses, and the damage that can be wrought from by it if not kept in check. But she also displayed the strength to overcome those frailties and strive despite them. She gave them hope for future generations with her strong spirit, and gave them even more cause to fight for what they believe in. Illyana will never be forgotten, leaving behind a Legacy of her own.
Entry by Nancy Young
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#38: FORGE
Created by: Chris Claremont & John Romita Jr.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/forge.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: His real name unknown, this Cheyenne inventor has been shaman, soldier, and technologist---often all at the same time. His nickname "The Maker" accurately describes his mutant ability to build any device he can imagine. He was raised to become a shaman of his tribe, but rejected it to fight in Vietnam and to embrace technology; yet, when confronted with the horrors of war, he used magic to get revenge on the enemy. This haunted him, and led him to be pursued by an ancient creature known as the Adversary. Forge later became an inventor for the United States government, and replicated a device for them that removed Storm's powers. Guilt-stricken, he nursed her back to health, and the two eventually fell in love. However, to defeat the Adversary, he had to kill the X-Men (although they survived, unbeknownst to him). Later, he became the government liaison for X-Factor. While with X-Factor, he was teamed up with Mystique, who had always hated him for the 'death' of her daughter Rogue, and had blamed him for the death of her lover Destiny. They eventually fell in love for a time, until X-Factor was attacked and Mystique fled the team to pursue her own interests. Currently, they are working together -- in a way -- since they are both working for Charles Xavier on espionage missions, but neither seems particularly happy about being reunited.
Why: Forge's conflict between magic and technology has often been his most compelling aspect, although in recent years it hasn't been brought up much. These days, he seems to be used largely as a "gadget guy," and while that is a useful function on its own, it is ignoring part of what made him interesting to begin with. However, another part of his appeal is his relationships (romantic and platonic) with other characters, for he has a rich history, and this is reflected when he interacts with others -- character interaction and history are part of what make the X-Men great. He doesn't have flashy powers like most characters, so he has an everyman appeal to which many readers can relate. He's a man who is quietly competent, friendly, and overcame his physical disabilities to be a valued ally---all admirable qualities. He's actually an X-character that you could plausibly know, and certainly one you would want to.
Entry by Lia Brown
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#37: LEGION (DAVID HALLER)
Created by: Chris Claremont & Bill Sienkiewicz
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/legion.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: David Haller, son of Gabrielle Haller and Charles Xavier, inherited his father’s telepathic gifts, though not the soundness of mind necessary to wield them safely. A powerful telepath, telekinetic, and pyrokinetic, Legion is possessed of the kind of power that Xavier has always feared of having in the wrong hands, and the realization that Legion’s are the wrong hands has done little to stabilize their relationship. Legion is highly mentally unbalanced; his psyche literally having split into distinct personalities. Because of this instability, Legion has on many occasions been at odds with his father and the X-Men, committing horrific acts without a true comprehension of what he is doing. Even when attempting to do something good, Legion causes trouble: an attempt to go back in time and remove the biggest obstacle to his father’s dream (namely Magneto) led to a disruption of reality that caused the Age of Apocalypse, as well as Legion’s own “death” when he inadvertently prevented his own conception.
Why: Legion is a complex character in everything he does, both because of his mental problems and because of who he is and what he represents. The triumverate of psychic powers he wields -- telepathy, telekinesis, and pyrokinesis -- is a major part of his appeal. But his multiple personalities, coupled with his role as the lost lamb of Xavier's mutants, makes his story the endearing tragedy that it is. Neither a hero nor a villain, Legion acts out of a child’s instinct, even when that instinct drives him to commit murder and mayhem. Legion is the literal face of the lost mutant child, unable to handle himself and his powers, that Xavier has always tried to seek out and help. Despite his best efforts, however, Xavier has repeatedly failed to help the one person who needs him the most: his own son. And it is this failure in familial bond that serves as constant reminder for the X-Men and for the readers that Charles Xavier, in all his glory and with all his power, is forced to make sacrifices in his pursuit of the dream.
Entry by Joel Phillips
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#36: DEADPOOL (WADE WILSON)
Created by: Fabian Nicieza & Rob Liefeld
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/deadpool.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Wade Wilson is a professional killer, trained to take out his opponents in a variety of ways that would make Jackie Chan envious. A reject from Canada’s Weapon X program, Wade Wilson was introduced to Dr. Killebrew, who experimented on Weapon X failures in sick, twisted pet projects. To cure Wade Wilson of his cancer, the program had derived a healing factor from one of their previous successes, Wolverine, and injected it into Wade’s genetic make-up. The process left his whole face and body horribly disfigured. On the bright side -- as Wade himself would look at it -- he did gain a considerable healing factor on par with Wolverine's himself. Taking the name Deadpool, in honor of the hospice where he and other Weapon X rejects were subjected to torture, he now sells his services to the highest bidder, all while trying to fit in as neither a hero nor a villain. Deadpool returned to the Weapon X program for a while, but has since severed ties once more to sell his services, but more importantly for him, for the freedom and rush of it all.
Why: Why not?? With a name that parodies another of comics' professional assassins for hire -- Slade Wilson, a.k.a. DC's Deathstroke the Terminator -- you just know that Wade Wilson was meant for the laughs he would give readers throughout the years. Deadpool is a breath of fresh air in a world of anti-hero vigilante overkill. Humor, drama, action, Deadpool has it all.! Whether it’s trying to be the next messiah as part of Landau, Luckman, and Lake’s Mithras Directive, running his own merci agency, or simply being a “hero for hire,” Deadpool still is able to capture the imagination and sick little puppy in all of us. Interesting casts of supporting characters over the years has only helped keep interest in this character alive, and helps to remind us all that generic killers with guns and sharp objects may come and go, but there is only one merc’ with a mouth!
Entry by Anthony Lucynski
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#35: DESTINY (IRENE ADLER)
Created by: Chris Claremont & John Byrne
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/destiny.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Named after the only woman (or man) to ever outwit famed super sleuth Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler was a mutant with the ability to predict the future. She was thus a useful ally to her partner, Mystique -- as well as a longtime lover. Together, they raised their adopted daughter Rogue, and the three women formed the core of a new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, which was ideologically motivated to fight for mutant rights (as well as taking care of Mystique's personal business). Destiny and Mystique later went on to work for the U.S. government as part of the superpowered team Freedom Force, which at times brought them into conflict, other times working alongside, established hero teams. It was while working to help the X-Men's friends on Muir Island that Destiny met her death. She had predicted it beforehand, but felt it was inevitable, and did not try to stop it. While her teammates were busy in battle, Destiny was killed by a Shadow-King-controlled Legion. She was somehow absorbed into Legion's consciousness, and continued to speak to him, causing him to pursue his father's enemy Magneto. Accidentally killing his father, Charles Xavier, this event brought about the Age of Apocalypse. In recent times, it was discovered that she had once written a series of diaries predicting the future, and several parties, including a splinter group of X-Men led by Storm, sought them out for the insight they might bring.
Why: Destiny was an interesting person, who perhaps had more dimensions added to her after she died. She has continued to play a role in the Marvel universe even though she's been dead since 1989. She is unique in that she's one of Marvel's few gay/lesbian characters, and certainly she and Mystique were one of the earliest couples, although until recently most references to their relationship were rather oblique. We don't know a lot about her, and there are unknown gaps in her long history, which adds to the intrigue. Certainly, there is much to be explored in her history, such as perhaps how she met Mystique, or what she was doing in the years they were apart. Irene also had interesting personal circumstances: she was physically blind, and yet could "see" into the future, an irony not lost on her. However, despite her disability and often disturbing nature of her powers, she rarely complained, and was often a source of stability for the other people in her life. She was often portrayed as passive and gentle, particularly with Mystique and Rogue, and yet could be coldly violent, such as when she aimed a crossbow at Senator Kelly. And it's this dichotomy of her nature that is so compelling.
Entry by Lia Brown
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#34: SEBASTIAN SHAW
Created by: Chris Claremont & John Byrne
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/sebastian.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Born into poverty, Sebastian Shaw used his own business sensibilities to found the multimillion-dollar Shaw Industries. Because of this gain in social status, Shaw was invited to join the New York chapter of the elite Hellfire Club. Gaining rank rather rapidly to become its Inner Circle's Black Bishop, Shaw eventually usurped the then White King Edward Buckman, himself taking on the position of the Black King. He then began his plan to reshape the Inner Circle by filling it with socially powerful mutants, while keeping the previous Inner Circle's aspirations of world domination through ruthless economic and financial means. From the Phoenix to mutant-hunting Sentinels, from a potential Legacy Virus cure to his own son, there’s nothing Shaw won’t buy, sell, steal, or even destroy if there’s something to be gained from it. A man whose mutancy makes him as physically formidable as he is intellectually sharp, Shaw is never a man to be taken lightly.
Why: In a rogue's gallery that boasts powerful mutants, immortals, and downright nasty creatures, Sebastian Shaw is a different kind of enemy for the X-Men -- the kind that is not content to strike at them with his fists. Although, when they do come at him in close combat, he is quite willing, and able, to oblige them a knockdown battle. But Shaw was much more of a threat in other aspects. He uses his money and his power to get what he wants, and to destroy anything and anyone who gets in his way. People are meaningless to Shaw, except as toys to play with or tools to use for his own ends. Though his position as Black King within the Hellfire Club is an important part of Shaw’s arsenal, it does not define him. The day that the Hellfire Club had outlived its usefulness Shaw would be done with it, and would no doubt depart the club better off than when he entered it.
Entry by Joel Phillips
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#33: POLARIS (LORNA DANE)
Created by: Arnold Drake & Don Heck
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/polaris.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: As a mutant, the model Lorna Dane was hypnotised by Mesmero for recruitment into his great mutant army. But with the X-Man Iceman's help, she snapped out of his mind control. She soon joined the ranks of the X-Men and grew romantically close with Iceman. Though not long after would turn to another X-Man, Havok, with whom she has had an on-and-off relationship over the years. When most of the original X-Men "graduated" and made way for the next generation, Polaris along with Havok also left on their archaelogical adventures around the world. It seemed like a happy ending for the two... until Polaris was abducted and possessed by the mutant known as Malice. Under this guise, Malice led Mister Sinister's team of Marauders, who would commit genocide on the Morlocks during the Mutant Massacre. Soon, Polaris was able to free herself of Malice, and eventually accepted Val Cooper's invitation to join the U.S. Government-run X-Factor, where she reunited with longtime lover, Havok. But once more, this union was not to be, as Havok was seemingly killed in an explosion, which then started the deterioration of her sanity. While assissting Magneto's rule over Genosha, Polaris was one of the few very fortunate to survive Cassandra Nova's Sentinel genocide on the island nation. This caused total mental breakdown for Polaris, which has caused her to become insane to this day.
Why: If it means anything at all, Polaris was the second woman to become an X-Man, proving that it wasn't an old boys club. Moreover, she was possibly the most powerful of them at the time -- not counting Professor X himself. Circumstance happens on Lorna quite a lot that isn't desirable for any character. And through these circumstances, fans have warmed up to the character by rooting for the underdog to gain some joy and happiness. With her magnetic powers touted to have the potential of rivalling Magneto's himself, Polaris also has a similar potential in becoming a character of his magnitude. It's just a shame that she is continually mind-controlled or become mentally ill, which not only hampers the character's development in major ways, but has also branded her the yo-yo of the X-Men's proverbial toy box. Otherwise, her character is surely to have placed much higher. And who knows? With Magneto supposedly gone, much could be done with this character.
Entry by Al Harahap
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#32: MADELYNE PRYOR
Created by: Chris Claremont & Paul Smith
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/madelyne.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: A clone of Jean Grey, Madelyne Pryor was created by the scheming Mister Sinister to manipulate the X-Man Cyclops from behind the scenes. And even with her strange, uncanny resemblance to his dead lover, Cyclops welcomed her into his heart. The two would eventually marry, and from this union, came the child who would one day become the mutant known as Cable. Madelyne Pryor seems, at first, to be defined more by the people around her than by who she is herself. Much of that, however, comes from the fact that even Madelyne doesn’t truly know herself, her mind a train wreck of memories that are not her own and a life’s history that never happened. The realization of her origin drove Madelyne over the edge, leading to the madness of the event called Inferno, where she became the Goblin Queen, and which resulted in Madelyne’s eventual suicide. A version of Madelyne was recreated by the mutant X-Man, using his extremely powerful psychic abilities. Although, it's unclear whether this being ever maintained any inkling of the real Madelyne.
Why: Madelyne embodies the adage "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." She is a prime example of the woman wronged: by her husband, by the woman from whom she was created, and by the man who created her. Villainous as she could be, it was difficult not to sympathise with Madelyne when Cyclops abandoned her and their child to be with his first love, Jean Grey. Despite the many hardships she would endure, including her eventual spiral into madness, Madelyne remained a unique and, in a way, strong figure. Though physically similar to her genetic template, Jean Grey, Madelyne had a personality that was her own. In some ways, it was interesting to see her thoughts and actions as something Jean Grey would be and do, had she experienced the hardships this clone had. However, to dismiss Madelyne as just another Jean Grey knockoff is to miss the point of the character: a person who, despite her origins, did ultimately manage to become her own person, even if it wasn’t the person everyone wanted her to be.
Entry by Joel Phillips
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#31: MOIRA MACTAGGERT
Created by: Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/moira.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: When she first appeared, Moira MacTaggert was the X-Men’s new housekeeper. But there was much more to this beautiful Scotswoman. Moira was soon revealed as a Nobel Laureate for her work in genetics, Xavier’s “silent” partner in his school… and his former lover. A daughter of nobility, her ancestral home of Muir Island served as a center for studying mutation. But her final secret proved deadly… her son Kevin was a mutant, powerful but unstable. He became the villain Proteus, threatening the X-Men and most of Scotland. After his death, Moira shared her time between Xavier’s and Muir Island (and a new romance with Sean Cassidy, a.k.a. Banshee). Under the influence of the Shadow King, Moira began training her own team of mutants. A confrontation with the X-Men led to the island’s destruction. But it was soon rebuilt, now a home base for the mutant team Excalibur and a research center for the deadly Legacy Virus. Her research had dead-ended until Mystique‘s attempts at co-opting the virus provided the key. Finding the cure would prove a finite victory as Muir was again destroyed and Moira left dying. Xavier had to read her mind to save the cure, sharing one last astral embrace with his first love before she died… with the promise that she would be waiting in the beyond for him…
Why: To put it in plain terms, Moira was human. Yet she fought with all the passion and ardor, all the strength and grace that you would expect from a daughter of Scotland. Up until Moira appeared, there were very few regular humans allying themselves with the X-Men. Yet their fight was her fight. She did not fear them; she did not hate them. She was far too intelligent for that. Moira MacTaggert was the embodiment of what the X-Men fought for, a humanity loving and accepting of their mutant brethren. Moira was a woman of great depth, passion… but also guilt and shame. She hid away her own son, locking him in a cell for years for fear of his discovery. She manipulated Magneto’s genetic code to modify his behavior when he had been reduced to an infant. The cold logic of a scientist combined with the driving passion of a woman would lead her down paths of best intentions. But the crimes against these children would haunt her always. Haunt her… but never break her. All else aside, Moira was strong: surviving and walking out on her abusive husband, making it as an independent woman in a male dominated society, and fighting for a cause that was feared and hated -- not because she had to, but because she believed.
Entry by Jordan T. Maxwell
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Be sure to check back next week for part 2, #30-21! For more special articles, features, and columns celebrating the 40th Anniversaries of the Avengers and X-Men, click here! (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21464)