THE TOP 40 X-CHARACTERS OF ALL TIME, PART 4: #10-1

[Al Harahap]

<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 4: #10-01
Editors: Jennifer de Vries and Al Harahap

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.

As a teaser, we humbly present to you those who didn't quite make the cut, but because of the extremely limited nature of a top 40 list, here are #50-41:
#50: Cecilia Reyes
#49: Rachel Summers/Mother Askani
#48: Chamber (Jonothon Starsmore)
#47: Reverend William Stryker
#46: U-Go Girl (Edie Sawyer)
#45: Sage (Tessa)
#44: Dazzler (Alison Blaire)
#43: Majestrix Lilandra Neramani
#42: Maggott
#41: Blink (Clarice Ferguson)

From our previous installments, Part 1, #40-31 (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21618):
#40: Longshot
#39: Magik (Illyana Rasputin)
#38: Forge
#37: Legion (David Haller)
#36: Deadpool (Wade Wilson)
#35: Destiny (Irene Adler)
#34: Sebastian Shaw
#33: Polaris (Lorna Dane)
#32: Madelyne Pryor
#31: Moira MacTaggert

Part 2, #30-21 (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21860):
#30: Senator Robert Kelly
#29: Jubilee (Jubilation Lee)
#28: Cannonball (Samuel Guthrie)
#27: Banshee (Sean Cassidy)
#26: Lucas Bishop
#25: Psylocke (Elisabeth Braddock)
#24: Juggernaut (Cain Marko)
#23: Cable (Nathan Christopher Summers)
#22: Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier)
#21: Emma Frost

Part 3, #20-11 (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22097):
#20: Sabretooth (Victor Creed)
#19: Archangel (Warren Worthington III)
#18: Havok (Alex Summers)
#17: Bolivar Trask & the Sentinels
#16: Gambit (Remy LeBeau)
#15: Mister Sinister (Nathaniel Essex)
#14: Colossus (Piotr Nikolaevitch Rasputin)
#13: Beast (Henry McCoy)
#12: Shadowcat (Katherine Pryde)
#11: Iceman (Robert Drake)

And this week, we present to you the final installment, #10-1:

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#10: MYSTIQUE (RAVEN DARKHOLME)
Created by: Chris Claremont & Jim Mooney

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/mystique.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Raven Darkholme has played many different roles and been many different people; as a metamorph, she has used her abilities to impersonate others, and as a protagonist, been on different sides of the moral fence. She is known for being the caring foster mother of Rogue, but also the callous mother of Nightcrawler and Graydon Creed. She formed the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants to forward a pro-mutant agenda, but also worked for the mutant-oppressive United States government as part of Freedom Force and X-Factor. She is a woman of many contradictions, and much of her history is unknown (including her real name, true age, and early origins), which makes for an enigmatic character. Over the years, she perfected her shapeshifting and mimicry abilities to be the perfect spy and terrorist, and spent many decades putting these skills to use, both for "good" and "evil" causes. At the same time, she had a happy home life with her life partner Destiny, and in latter years they raised Rogue as their beloved daughter while also forming the terrorist Brotherhood. Mystique is not without compassion and love, especially to those she cares about, but is also brutal to those in her way, having murdered or attempted to kill quite a few people. It's for this reason that few trust her, although some consider it worth the risk to borrow her skills and special talents. Currently, she is reluctantly in the employ of Charles Xavier, serving on covert missions that he can't afford to have traced back to him.

Why: Mystique's many contradictions are why she's so popular; she's unpredictable, and might well be doing something completely different the next time we see her. At times, this has led to her being portrayed erratically and to occasionally ridiculous extremes, but her fluidity means she can easily be restored to something more sensible for her. She represents flexibility and ambiguity -- regarding her motives, her affiliations, even her sexuality. While many X-villains have fairly simplistic and obvious drives and goals, she is more difficult to figure out, and thus more interesting -- hence her enduring popularity. Her familial links to two popular X-Men mean she will always have a place of prominence in the X-universe, particularly because she contrasts so well with her children by showing the darker side of mutants. With a rich and varied history like hers, there's always more backstory to be covered, and revelations are always welcomed. Mystique is a mysterious character who actually benefits from having some of this mystery divulged.

Entry by Lia Brown

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#9: APOCALYPSE (EN-SABAH NUR)
Created by: Bob Layton & Jackson Guice

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/apocalypse.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: En Sabah Nur, meaning “The First One,” was born in ancient Egypt, supposedly as the first mutant ever in the Marvel Universe. After overthrowing its rulers, Nur began to rule other cultures, disguised and worshipped as a god. Eventually, he found a Celestial ship and remained within it, educating himself and creating bio-armor that enables him to change shape and grow in size. Apocalypse is a Darwinist and follows the idea of “survival of the fittest,” like his father and clan who raised him in Egypt. As a reward for “surviving,” Apocalypse granted these “survivors” and ones who interested him with enhanced powers -- Exodus, Mister Sinister, Caliban, and Archangel to name a few. To aid him, he used others to form his Four Horsemen of Apocalypse, who take the roles of War, Famine, Death, and Pestilence. From Celestial technology, Apocalypse has obtained regeneration, superhuman strength, super-speed, and teleportation. Although, his body has become old and weak and he himself must "inhabit" others -- thus, living for centuries.

Why: Apocalypse and his devotion to the theory of “survival of the fittest” have made him a favorite villain among fans. Apocalypse does not necessarily represent a side in the genetic war, like Professor X or Magneto, but favors mutation. He would like to push humanity’s limits and induce this “survival of the fittest.” His history of being the first mutant and traveling the globe before modern times intrigues us. The manipulation and control of others adds to his wicked personality. Along with the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse, he has been a religious symbol too. Apocalypse has proven to be a mainstay amongst the opposition of the X-Men and proves this by being virtually invincible. Right when you think the X-Men have defeated him, he comes right back and never stays dead. Apocalypse is arguably the most powerful, interesting, and original character of the Marvel Universe.

Entry by Omar A. Safi

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#8: ROGUE
Created by: Chris Claremont & Michael Golden

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/rogue.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Other than growing up in Mississippi, Rogue's past has remained relatively shrouded in mystery. Her powers first manifested as she was kissing a childhood boyfriend. She found the boy's memories soaking into her psyche, and thus emerged her ability to temporarily absorb the memories and powers of any person she comes into direct contact with, but even after the memories and powers fade, a permanent residue remains dormant within her. She first aligned herself with her foster mother, Mystique, and battled the likes of the Avengers, Spider-Woman, Dazzler, and the X-Men. One particular experience during her "bad" years would end up changing her for the rest of her life. While battling Carol Danvers (a.k.a. Ms. Marvel), Rogue somehow permanently absorbed her powers, which included a sixth sense, superhuman strength, and the power of flight. She, however, also retained Carol Danver's full memories. This drove Rogue to the brink of insanity, so she turned to her one-time enemies, Professor Charles Xavier and his X-Men, for help in controlling her powers, and she immediately became a member of the team. Rogue's life finally took a turn for the better in the form of a fellow X-Man by the name of Gambit. They have been engaged in a long-standing romantic relationship, which to say the least has been a journey all its own. Overall, she has remained a loyal teammate of the X-Men in its various forms since joining and has stayed true to the dream.

Why: Some represent the soul or heart of the team. Some are obvious leaders. Rogue is the passion of the X-Men. As with most southerners, she is loyal and is stubborn about her ideals, friends, and family, and nothing will deter her from them. She heads into situations for good and bad with reckless abandon. Initially her appeal was that she was the consummate sultry southern belle. Other than her constant struggle with controlling her powers, she was the carefree farm girl who would roll around in the hay with you at a moments notice. As time went on, and of course after meeting Gambit, her demeanor and outlook altered somewhat. She started to (and some might say to a detriment) express more angst than she previously showed because emotionally, she was having difficulty managing life's challenges. She has recently, however, progressed to the next stage in her life. She has come to terms with much of her emotional baggage and seems to be much more able to deal with life and its hardships. What becomes plainly obvious is that from the beginning, Rogue has wanted to be part of a true family. She desperately wanted a place to belong, and the X-Men gave her that setting. Her relationship with Gambit has given her the opportunity to truly devote all of herself to the end of giving and receiving the reciprocative love she has yearned for. In the end, Rogue represents a rock of strength and passion for her loved ones as well as a loyal family member. Ironically, she still is learning to be her own source of strength and not depend so much on others, but that is what makes her human.

Entry by Tan K.

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#7: STORM (ORORO MUNROE)
Created by: Len Wein & Dave Cockrum

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/storm.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Ororo Munroe is a mutant who can manipulate the weather through psionic control, hence her codename: Storm. She is the daughter of an American photojournalist and a Kenyan princess who's ancestral line is composed of African priestesses. When she was six months of age, the Munroe family moved from Manhattan, NY, to Cairo, Egypt, where their home was bombed five years later during a Middle-Eastern conflict. Storm was buried beneath the rubble near her mother's body and the traumatizing effect led to a severe life-long claustrophobia. Suddenly orphaned and alone, she was taken in by master thief Achmed el-Gibar who taught her to become a skilled pickpocket. At the age of twelve, she decided to reconnect with her familial roots and returned to her mother's homeland on the Serengeti Plain where she was worshipped as a goddess by the tribe's people after her powers emerged. Years later Professor Charles Xavier paid her a visit and recruited her into his X-Men where she continues to use her powers for the greater good of the world.

Why: She walks in beauty like the night with her long flowing silvery-white hair and stunning blue eyes, possessing a regal grace and demeanor befitting nobility. Storm is a strong woman, self-assured, and authoritative. She's not the stereotyped helpless female that constantly needs saving by a superman. She's a superhero in her own right who's not only powerful but self-empowered, and stands as a shining example of a strong cross-cultural female role model. She's also a woman of color, introduced by Chris Claremont in 1975, and is the first black woman to have joined the X-Men. Additionally, she's one of the first female ethnic superheroes in the Marvel universe and comicdom in general which, traditionally speaking, has been a predominately white male character driven forum. But for all of Storm's strengths, she's not perfect. She has flaws like the rest of us and that makes her human. She constantly struggles to manage her phobia and is prone to fits of rage that can adversely affect her powers, causing her to lose control and unleash the destructive fury of Mother Nature or perhaps randomly fling someone into the ocean. ;) Regardless of the occasional temper tantrum, Storm has stood fast with the X-Men as a co-leader, striving to bring Xavier's dream of peaceful coexistence between human and mutantkind to fruition. She's also seen as the matriarch of the team -- gentle, kind, caring, persevering, and nurturing of life in all its forms.

Entry by T. Gray

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#6: CYCLOPS (SCOTT SUMMERS)
Created by: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/cyclops.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Scott Summers’ mutant ability first manifested as a child when his parents pushed him and his little brother Alex (the X-Man Havok) from their damaged plane. The beams that shot from his eyes slowed their descent, but Scott‘s ability to control them was impaired. Scott spent years isolated and withdrawn until Xavier recruited him as his first X-Man, Cyclops. Among the original five, Scott’s leadership abilities developed… along with his love for Jean Grey. Their relationship was rocky at times, but weathered many trials. Scott’s love was not able, however, to keep her from killing herself as Dark Phoenix to save the universe. He left the team and met Madelyne Pryor, the spitting image of Jean (in truth, her clone) and married her. Learning that Jean was still alive, he joined her in X-Factor. The truth of Madelyne’s origins, and Scott’s troubled childhood, were tied to the villain Mister Sinister. This revelation led Madelyne to nearly kill their son, Nathan. Rescuing him there, Scott had to send his son into the future to save him from a virus given to him by Apocalypse. Cyclops then resumed his position as leader of the X-Men and married Jean. But after merging with Apocalypse for a short time, Scott was left doubting his roles as both a husband and an X-Man. This led to a psychic affair with Emma Frost. Scott left the team again, but has now returned to help out in its direst hour.

Why: Cyclops has progressed from student to soldier to symbol, the embodiment of what it is to be an X-Man. He has fought for Xavier’s dream since adolescence and is arguably the team’s greatest leader. And yet for all of this, Scott is also a human being with all the accompanying failings and frailties. Orphaned and tormented at a young age, he is as insecure and withdrawn in his personal life as he is confident and assured in the field. But that’s how we like our heroes: flawed. And have no doubt about it, Scott Summers is a hero. The model of a hero, in fact, an archetype. His stern demeanor disguising a crucible of passions is no different from the stone-jawed sheriffs in old Westerns or the warrior heroes of Greek epics (though unfortunately, this is accompanied by the infidelities of a Jason or Odysseus). He is Arthur to Xavier’s Merlin, a symbol for the finer world to be built… Jean is his Guenivere, Logan his Lancelot. He wields the sword, he lights the way and anyone wearing an X would gladly follow him into the deepest breach, the darkest danger. The irony is that Scott often lacks the faith in himself that others so readily give him. But there is something in him that keeps him going, a passion he denies that drives him still. He is flawed, he is a man, he is a hero, he is an X-Man. The first, the finest.

Entry by Jordan T. Maxwell

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#5: NIGHTCRAWLER (KURT WAGNER)
Created by: Len Wein & Dave Cockrum

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/nightcrawler.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Kurt Wagner, codename Nightcrawler, was raised in a traveling circus in the Bavarian Alps. The offspring of Raven Darkholme (a.k.a. Mystique) and Azazel, a mysterious character of unknown origins, he was abandoned by Mystique, who threw the infant off a cliff. Taken in by Margali Szardos, the Gypsy sorceress who ran a circus, Kurt was brought up along side Margali’s two biological children, Stefan and Jimaine Szardos (a.k.a. the sorceress Amanda Sefton). Nightcrawler was an accomplished acrobat and trapeze artist, and stayed on until the circus was sold to an American businessman who wanted to place Kurt in the sideshow as a freak, not a performer. Not happy with that arrangement, Nightcrawler left the circus opting to meet up with his foster brother, Stefan. Upon finding his brother, Kurt discovered that Stefan was responsible for a rash of child killings in Germany. While struggling to stop Stefan from murdering another child, Nightcrawler broke Stefan’s neck, killing him. The resulting commotion caused by the fight altered the townspeople, who saw Kurt and assumed that he was a demon, and thus responsible for the slayings. He was saved from the angry mob by Professor X and joined the second incarnation of the X-Men. Later, Nightcrawler, along with Shadowcat, would help form the British team Excalibur and eventually become team leader. After Excalibur was disbanded, Kurt would go through several changes: rejoining the X-Men and having a brief stint as a priest.

Why: Unlike other mutants whose appearances would alter after the advent of their abilities, Kurt was born with his inhuman appearance: he was never able to hide behind the façade of a human face (unless it was one produced by an image inducer), nor did he ever really want to. What makes Kurt one of the most intriguing of X-characters is the fact that he likes being a mutant and likes looking as he does. Indeed, Kurt has often revelled in his uniqueness -- the idea that being blue, furred, and fanged is not only natural, but beautiful as well. A demon-like exterior that holds a soul that is more human than most. He has come across as handsome, gallant, courteous, sincere, and strong, as well as being one of the X-Men’s premier "ladies' men." An athletic, gregarious, swashbuckler type, and a bit of a showboat, he is the perfect contrary for his best friend, Wolverine. Wolverine and Nightcrawler only share two real commonalities: their love of beer and their statuses as loners (one by choice, the other by necessity, respectively). Nightcrawler’s extended family ties also lend to his allure: aside from Mystique, Kurt also has a foster sister in fellow X-Man Rogue; and foster sister Amanda Sefton is now the Magik II who rules Limbo. Less desirable is half-brother Graydon Creed -- now deceased. This teleporter, who has the power to blend into shadows, enhanced agility, and the see in darkness has become the stable center for the X-Men time and time again.

Entry by Dayna A.

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#4: PROFESSOR X (PROFESSOR CHARLES XAVIER)
Created by: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/professorx.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Charles Francis Xavier was to the manor born. Growing up with mother Sharon, and stepfather Kurt Marko and his own son Cain (who would become the Juggernaut), the adolescent Xavier realised he was different from the other children around him. He had telepathic powers, of which he gradually learned to control. Xavier would attend England's honourable Oxford University, where he would meet and fall in love with Moira MacTaggert. For a while, the two went their separate ways. Xavier was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve his tour of duty in Asia, and eventually became a widely-travelled man, whose world experiences most likely attributes much to his open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of different people and peoples. In Cairo, Egypt, he clashed with another psychic mutant, the dreaded Shadow King, in a fight that became the impetus for his gathering and training a group of mutants that would become his X-Men. Later, in Israel, he met with two more significant figures that would influence the course of his life: Erik Magnus Lehnsherr (who would become his life-long adversary, Magneto) and Gabriel Haller (who would give birth to his only child, David Haller, a.k.a. Legion). The final turn of events that would shape Xavier to be the man he is today happened in the Himalayas, where he fought against the alien Lucifer, and which left him paralysed from the waist down. Fast-forward to the present, where Xavier leads his X-Men to fulfill his now famous dream of peaceful coexistence between humans, mutants, and all beings alike.

Why: The man had the dream and founded Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters along with the X-Men. Need any more be said? Xavier is the X-Men. Many an X-Man may represent a particular aspect of this mythos, but Xavier encompasses all and is the roots of this fruitful tree. He provided a safe haven for a people shunned and outcast by society. It is he who began the fight against the bigotry and prejudice that made life miserable for his kind. He is the Martin Luther King Jr. to Magneto's Malcolm X. And let's face it, the two cannot exist without each other. They are the yin and yang forever spiralling around each other to balance the morals of the X-mythos -- without Xavier, we saw Magneto assimilate into the X-Men's cause; without Magneto, we saw Xavier take on a much more aggressive role in his cause. For the first couple of decades, Xavier was the untouchable father of everything X. But more recently, we've seen his divinity descend into a more human plane of character existence. Tainted by the "evil" of Magneto, Xavier fell into insanity and gave birth to a consciousness that destroyed most of the Marvel Universe's heroes. Since then, Xavier has not had any reservations about adapting his methodology to keep up with the current times, going so far as to kill his own twin/mummudrai, Cassandra Nova, with a gun -- a sight unthought of, of the "old" Xavier. And it is these recent developments that maintains his character as an evolving part of the X-stories. But "good" or "bad," dead or alive, leading the X-Men or far away from them in Shi'ar space, one thing remains forever certain: It is he and his dream they are fighting for.

Entry by Al Harahap

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#3: WOLVERINE (JAMES "LOGAN" HOWLETT)
Created by: Len Wein & John Romita

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/wolverine.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: James "Logan" Howlett was born into a life of privilege in 19th century Alberta, Canada. He was sickly as a child, but that, along with his social status, would change one fateful night when he first popped his now infamous claws. The incident that followed and the revelation of his mutation sent him fleeing with his only friend, a girl named Rose. They took refuge in a mining town, during which time Logan's healing factor turned the sickly child into a powerhouse of a man and he fine-tuned his animal-keen senses out in the Canadian wilderness. He also picked up the moniker Wolverine because of his tenacity and refusal to back down from a challenge, much like the small vicious animal of his namesake that would take on creatures more than twice its size. And this stubbornness would lead to Rose's demise in an unfortunate accident on the end of Logan's own claws, causing him to flee once again and turning him into a loner. Not much is known about Wolverine beyond that time, except for some speculation and hearsay, until he resurfaced in a battle against the Hulk as an agent of Canada's Department H. He's been a soldier in WW II, a black ops operative for the C.I.A., a guinea pig for the original Weapon X program -- where his skeleton and claws were grafted with adamantium, a leader of Alpha Flight, a bartender in Madripoor, a samurai in Japan, an anti-hero with the X-Men, and Apocalypse's Horseman of Death.

Why: When you consider iconic Marvel characters, Wolverine ranks right up there. Everyone knows who he is even if they've never picked up an X-Men or Wolverine comic and with two hit X-movies under Marvel's belt, Wolverine is nearly a household name. But his celebrity isn't what makes him interesting, nor infamous. He's a multidimensional character rich with emotional strife residing in a two-dimensional medium. He's a man searching for answers to the age old question: "Who am I?" For most of us, that's something we can eventually answer with time. But for Wolverine, it's something he may never know due to brainwashing, memory wipes, and false memory implantations courtesy of the original Weapon X program. He's a tortured soul full of personal angst and a hairball with attitude. He's a beer guzzling, bar room brawling, cigar smoking, occasionally foul mouthed, telling-it-like-it-is man's man. But despite all his loner macho bravado and gruffness beats a compassionate heart that attracts the ladies along with his animal magnetism. He's loyal and caring to those he considers friends and watches out for the little guy, doing things his own way while taking up causes on their behalf. Throughout his lifetime he's been used, abused, shunned, persecuted, tormented, and has even found love a few times only to have it ripped away from him. But he's never let any of it keep him down because he's a survivor. And despite his dark side, his horrific berserker rages and his seeming propensity to maim and kill, he has always had a deep seeded sense of honor, rarely harming anyone who didn't have it coming. He's the type of character you'd want to have in your corner, but if you're one of the bad guys, may Heaven help you.

Entry by T. Gray

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#2: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY)
Jean Grey created by: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
Phoenix developed by: Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/phoenix.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Jean Grey was your average girl next door, who after developing psychic powers was brought to Professor Charles Xavier, became his first ever student, and eventually rounded out Xavier's first class of X-Men as its only female member, which caused quite a stir amongst the hormone-driven teenage Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, and Angel. Though her true feelings were reserved for Cyclops and the two eventually found their way to each other. After an adventure in space, Jean made the hardest decision of her life. In order to save her teammates in the space shuttle's re-entry, Jean, thinking she had the best chance with her telekineses, insisted that she steer it through a solar radiation storm. In essence, this was a sacrifice. But the Phoenix Force came to Jean as she was dying and created a coccoon enveloping Jean into suspended animation to heal her, while duplicating her body and mind. For a long time, the Phoenix Force passed itself off as the real Jean. The Phoenix Force was corrupted by Mastermind and the Hellfire Club, turning to the dark side, and becoming a cosmic threat that committed suicide to relieve the universe from its terror. The Avengers would find the coccoon containing the real Jean and reunited her with her friends, the original five X-Men, and forming the team called X-Factor. After the five rejoined the X-Men, Jean and Scott soon married, but their union was not to be without tumultuous pseudo-affairs. Twice, Scott was seduced by other telepaths -- the sultry Psylocke, then the sexpot Emma Frost. And Jean herself was not without turning to Logan a couple of times throughout the years. Recently, Jean has manifested the Phoenix Force, to the chagrine and concern of Professor X and her fellow X-Men.

Why: With the Dark Phoenix Saga, the character of Jean and Phoenix was forever etched into X-history. Regardless of the retroactive continuity that rendered that Jean a "copy," the Phoenix Force moulded itself after all aspects of Jean. So for all intents and purposes, that character was the real Jean. Especially now that she has mysteriously manifested the Phoenix raptor, the two remain forever linked. Jean is then arguably the most powerful character in the X-books, if not, the whole Marvel Universe. Though even without those power levels, Jean has proved time and again that her true strength comes from within. If her husband Scott is the ultimate soldier of Xavier's, she is the ultimate holder of the dream, and as proven on occassion, is the most likely candidate to one day succeed Xavier's place. She moves through life with her heart -- a dichotomy of the peaceful nurturing mother, who can become a dangerous aggressor should her loved ones be threatened. Much like the Phoenix of many mythologies, Jean signifies the death and rebirth of not only herself, but also of the X-Men and Xavier's dream. Jean Grey is the spirit of the X-Men.

Entry by Al Harahap

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#1: MAGNETO (ERIK MAGNUS LEHNSHERR)
Created by: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/headshots/magneto.jpg" border=0 align=left alt="Top 40 X-Characters"></a>Who: Not much is known about Magneto’s past. His family was Jewish, and murdered by the Nazis. He spent many years in Auschwitz, a victim and witness to their atrocities and later fell in love with a woman named Magda who bore their first child, Anya. But when he was prevented from rescuing his daughter from a fire, he lashed out for the first time with his powers, killing the mob and driving Magda away. He decided the only way mutants would ever be safe was by striking first against humanity. His attacks brought him up against his old friend Charles Xavier’s team, the X-Men. Immensely powerful, Magneto was thwarted time and again. When regressed to childhood, his genetic code was altered by Moira MacTaggert so that he would find himself more in line with Xavier’s way of thinking and, indeed, he joined the X-Men for a time. Returning to his former ideology, Magneto was betrayed by his Acolyte, Fabian Cortez. But Magneto survived and waged a new war on humanity, forcing Xavier to erase his mind. He recovered and rather than face war, the U.N. ceded him control over the island of Genosha which he turned into a mutant haven. Along with the rest of Genosha, Magneto was apparently killed again by the Sentinel attack and became something of a martyr. Recently, though, he has revealed himself to be the X-Man Xorn and taken up hostilities against mankind once more…

Why: Any writer worth his salt will tell you that your hero is only as good as your villain. What would Othello be without Iago, or Lear without Edmond? What would Holmes be without Moriarty, or Luke Skywalker without Darth Vader? And so it is with great honor that we here at ComiX-Fan do declare by whatever authority entrusted with us… the number one X-character of all time is the master of magnetism himself, Magneto! More than just another antagonist to be fought and dealt with, Magneto represents the ultimate threat and opposition to the X-Men. An enemy of incredible power with a strength of will and passion that will not be crushed and can never die, whose philosophy is the active antithesis of Xavier’s dream. He challenges the X-Men not just physically, but intellectually as well. So much so, in fact, that some fans find themselves agreeing more with his “dream” than Xavier’s. He is the resistance that the X-Men must work against to build their finer world, the opposition that defines them and gives them context. He’s also just an amazing character, regal yet haunted. A villain, but by no means evil. He is one of the only true tragic heroes in modern culture, a great man of passion and ideals brought low by his own flaws. So what is Magneto’s tragic flaw? His inability to let go of the past, of the ghosts that envelop him. He has said his costume is red for the blood of those lost…the blood of his own he will not see spilled again. He has cheated death time and again. He will not stop until his vision of the world prevails. All that stands in his way are the X-Men… the dream to his nightmare… and God help us all should they fall.

Entry by Jordan T. Maxwell

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We hope you have enjoyed our Avengers & X-Men 40th Anniversary events and this fun list. See you in September, 2013, for the 50th anniversary's Top 50 X-Characters of All Time!!

The Top 40 X-Characters of All Time list would not be possible without:

Creators and developers:
Chris Claremont (Cannonball, Destiny, Forge, Emma Frost, Jubilee, Senator Robert Kelly, Legion, Moira MacTaggert, Magik, Mister Sinister, Mystique, Northstar, Phoenix, Madelyne Pryor, Psylocke, Rogue, Sabretooth, Shadowcat, Sebastian Shaw, Nathan Summers)
Jack Kirby (Archangel, Beast, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Juggernaut, Magneto, Professor X, Bolivar Trask & the Sentinels)
Stan Lee (Archangel, Beast, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Juggernaut, Magneto, Professor X, Bolivar Trask& the Sentinels)
John Byrne (Lucas Bishop, Destiny, Emma Frost, Senator Robert Kelly, Northstar, Sabretooth, Shadowcat, Sebastian Shaw)
Dave Cockrum (Colossus, Moira MacTaggert, Nightcrawler, Illyana Rasputin, Phoenix, Storm)
Len Wein (Colossus, Nightcrawler, Illyana Rasputin, Storm, Wolverine)
Arnold Drake (Havok, Polaris)
Rob Liefeld (Cable, Deadpool)
Marc Silvestri (Jubilee, Mister Sinister)
Art Adams (Longshot)
Brent Anderson (Magik)
Alan Davis (Psylocke)
Michael Golden (Rogue)
Jackson Guice (Apocalypse)
Don Heck (Polaris)
Bob Layton (Apocalypse)
Jim Lee (Gambit)
Rick Leonardi (Nathan Summers)
Bob McLeod (Cannonball)
Jim Mooney (Mystique)
Ann Nocenti (Longshot)
Fabian Nicieza (Deadpool)
Whilce Portacio (Lucas Bishop)
John Romita (Wolverine)
John Romita Jr. (Forge)
Werner Roth (Banshee)
Bill Sienkiewicz (Legion)
Louise Simonson (Cable)
Paul Smith (Madelyne Pryor)
Roy Thomas (Banshee)
Herb Trimpe (Psylocke)
Barry Windsor-Smith (Havok)

Staff Writers:
Jordan T. Maxwell (Beast, Cable, Cannonball, Colossus, Cyclops, Iceman, Moira MacTaggert, Magneto)
Al Harahap (Lucas Bishop, Havok, Senator Robert Kelly, Longshot, Northstar, Phoenix, Polaris, Professor X)
Jennifer de Vries (Lucas Bishop, Havok, Senator Robert Kelly, Northstar)
T. Gray (Gambit, Sabretooth, Storm, Wolverine)
Nancy Young (Banshee, Jubilee, Magik, Psylocke)
Lia Brown (Destiny, Forge, Mystique)
Joel Phillips (Legion, Madelyne Pryor, Sebastian Shaw)
Dayna A. (Nightcrawler, Shadowcat)
Tan K. (Mister Sinister, Rogue)
Omar A. Safi (Apocalypse, Emma Frost)
Ryan Scott (Archangel, Juggernaut)
Dave Harris (Bolivar Trask & the Sentinels)
Anthony Lucynski (Deadpool)

Staff Contributors: Andy James, "Jason Da Q," Jim Lemoine, Zachary Palisoc, "Reyes_LeBeau," "Theory."
Editors: Jennifer de Vries & Al Harahap
Columns Editor: Jim Lemoine
Editor in Chief: Eric J. Moreels

And last, but definitely not least, you the fans for keeping these characters alive (and in some cases dead) throughout the decades!!

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Good list, but Wolverine should have been #1 totally. And then Jean, Magneto, and the rest was fine by me.

[spinarakboi]

Interesting, I'm happy to see Magneto and Jean beat Xavier. I'd agree.

[Morgan-Paladin71]

Glad to see Nightcrawler crack the top 5! I do agree with everyone else's placement...except Mystique's she has been highly influential, just never been a big fan of the character. I do like Magnus in the top spot, as even now forty years later, he's still the biggest threat to Xavier's dream for peace(how's that for staying power?). And in fact, that "tragic flaw" of refusing to let go is what attracted the character to me when I first started reading X-men.

[NicholasRogue]

So glad you guys didn't put Logan at #1, Magneto although a villain really does take the top spot. Very very happy Jean is #2 and that Rogue made it into the top 10. Rogue, Storm, Jean(and Shadowcat)= the epitome of X-Women. I was surprised to see Nightcrawler placed higher than Cyclops and to see Storm lower as well. Apocalypse, Mystique, and Magneto all great essential villains. Rogue's the passion of the X-Men, I like that Tan. K nice bibliographing, and writing!

[Cory Wiegel]

Heh, funny... Apocalypse aside, all those characters starred in the X-Men movie. Coincidence? I'm just glad Wolverine didn't get #1. He's a good character, but not nearly as deserving as Magneto.

[Douglas Cuckler]

I was so sure Wolfsbane was going to be number 1. :clown: :D . At least she can be with me.

Great list guys. I personall give a cookie and thanks to everyone who took part in this. Good stuff peoples.

[Scott Williams]

Probably the best installment of this list (Well, duh,) it was nice seeing oddballs like Apocalypse and Mystique, whom we were unsure if they'd even make the list, and Magneto was pleasant surprise as #1.

You done good, kids.

[GuyX]

Good list!!! With the exception of Northstar's placment I'd call all forty a perfect list!

I was surprised to see Nightcrawler beat out Cyke, but the more i thought I about it the more i liked. Kurt just is a better character overall (of course if we were going on character strengths alone then he'd be in front of Xavier and Jean too)...

But overall excellent job!

[Jon Hancock]

fantastic save for three things

1. maggot higher than dazzler and lillandra? you crazy?
2. maggot on the top 50 but no blob?!
3. jean at number 2. sorry but i don't think she deserves it. other than DP and recent character developments she's tended to be a background character. especially with x factor and her LONG hiatus.


I'm happy about storm getting as low as she did. Very happy :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[BJR]

Very happy to see Wolverine was not #1. Magneto and Jean as 1 and 2 is cool with me. But in te whole 50, where the heck is Dani Moonstar? She is a better character then Maggott ever was.

[Dark_Phoenix]

So glad to see that Wolverine is not #1. So glad to see Jean as #2! Thanks to everyone that put the time and effort into this anniversary. X-men forever!!!

[UMichWolverine]

OK, while I totally agree with who is in the top 10 I have some issues with the order. Cyke gets beat out by Nightcrawler? Wolverine is #3????? Wow.

I would have thought Chuck or Logan would have been #1 followed by the other, followed by Magneto.

Top however many, whatevers lists are mainly to generate controversy and debate and I'm sure this will be no different.

Nice work guys.

[Locorito]

Great list!

[TracyNichols]

Glad to see that Chamber at least made it to 47.

I have to disagree with the order of the list though....Wolverine will always be #1 in my book :)

[Zachary J. Morrison]

:: phoenx sends a deadly psionic blast knocking all who think Wolverine doesn't deserve #1 spot :: Just kidding!

[Michael Fisch]

Great list...absolutely perfect placement, and your reasonings for each is sound. It makes total sense that Magneto would be #1. I'm delighted Jean makes the top Hero spot...she was my choice for #1 character, personally. Kudos to everyone involved...you definitely showed your love for the X-Men comics and characters!

[Fantomex]

Great overall list, glad to see Deadpool :deadpool: in it and that Nightcrawler :bamf: got a high ranking. I got no problem with the top 10, never read anything with Apocalypse but I know he's a big time villian and has made some big impact on the X-men so I know he should be there. Glad to see Magneto at #1, he's one kick @ss character!


:bamf: :chuck: :logan: :jeanphnx: :magneto:

[Alex Guillen]

fantastic lost, glad to see Jean in the top 3 and we knew wolverine will be in here but I'm glad he's not #1. Can't agree more that Magneto is #1.

I think Apocalypse is a bit overrated, i think he should have been in the last list and mystique should have ranked higher (a few spots at least)

[Wolverine]

Great list. I was suprised Wolvie wasn't No.1

[Kevin Sutton]

Pretty good list. I'm not sure if the explanations are strong enough to explain why each charater got the placement they did, but they're good.

I personally disagreed with almost every placing in the top ten though... oh well.

I was surprised by Cyclops 'low' ranking, but I guess everyone has their own preferences.

[Justice Daye]

I don't mean to be the killjoy guys, but while I liked the rest of the list, this is slightly flawed. I thought the list was going by most influential, i.e. what would happen to the x-men if you erased them from history? Professor X is the most influential, then it's a toss up between Logan and Storm. They are the top 3, no doubt. Jean ad Mags haven't been very influential at all on the team.

-Mags is the antithesis. Without Xavier, Mags is a brand new person.
-All Jean has done is phoenix stuff. Without it, she hasn't influenced the x-men greatly at all.
-Nightcrawler shouldn't be in the top 10. He hasn't been greatly ifluential in the team at all.
-Rogue should be higher as well, maybe where Kurt is.

What i really want is some discussion of the secret 41-50 characters.

[rabidfangirl]

I disagree with Nightcrawler's placement. If anything, I would have bumped him up behind Storm. He's had less of an impact on the X-Books than the other 6 around him. Surely, Cyclops and Storm are a little more deserving than he...at least in my eyes.

As for the rest of the top 10, I pretty much agree. Glad to see that Jean and Magneto clinched the top two spots. Especially Magneto. What would the X-Men be without him?

[nightcrawler]

I'd like to thank the academy for my fifth place finish, which I humbly accept. Although it would not have been possible without my peers. I feel like we all should all share this honor...especially Krakoa for making it all possible. *bamf*

[Brian Wilkinson]

No offense, but you guys are on crack. The only majorly identifiable character to the majority of the public is Wolverine, and despite the people who complain on the boards about his popularity, he IS and has been for more than ten years the most popular member of the X-Men.

I agree with Magneto's high placement, but I would have dropped Jean lower than Cyke, and Xavier should have been #2. Wolverine IS #1, whether the X-Fans of the world like it or not. It's just a fact of statistics and general usage. This is NOT a personal opinion, just so you know.

[Mutant_Genesis]

Kurt!?!? At #5!?! Ahead of both Storm and Cyclops. X-leaders and definitely two of the MOST influential characters in X-history. What exactly has Kurt done to do better than BOTH of them!?!?

Anyway, I still like the list...but I would have given Logan, Scott, Ororo, Jean, and then Mags the top 5 (in that order). Don't care too much for Xavier, though he is the founding...blah blah blah.

Great list, but as stated already, the top 10 is flawed...in my opinion.

[Al Harahap]

Originally posted by XZero-g
I don't mean to be the killjoy guys, but while I liked the rest of the list, this is slightly flawed. I thought the list was going by most influential, i.e. what would happen to the x-men if you erased them from history? Professor X is the most influential, then it's a toss up between Logan and Storm. They are the top 3, no doubt. Jean ad Mags haven't been very influential at all on the team.

I would agree with you were that our sole criterion, but we do point out quite clearly:

Originally posted by Al Harahap
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.

I realise that still doesn't mean the ranking makes everyone happy, but I hope it at least clears your confusion on that particular matter. :D

[Ultimate ZERO]

Originally posted by Jonberg
fantastic save for three things

1. maggot higher than dazzler and lillandra? you crazy?
2. maggot on the top 50 but no blob?!
3. jean at number 2. sorry but i don't think she deserves it. other than DP and recent character developments she's tended to be a background character. especially with x factor and her LONG hiatus.



why do people not like Maggott? (and its it is Maggott with 2 Ts not one...) his a great bloody character...i was very sad when they killed him off...i was always hopeing he'd end on as a student in New X-Men...oh well... :(

[Mutant_Genesis]

Originally posted by Al Harahap


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.



I totally understand...but

1) Storm is original...claustrophobic African-American who is worhipped as a goddess...
2) Storm...definitely popular. She beat WW in DC vs. Marvel. That counts for something. She has tons of fans...just look at some people on the board :p!
3) Definite icon. Most Marvel Superhero pics have her and Wolvie representing the X.
4) Impact?? Duh...Leader, appeared in most X-issues out of all X-Men...'nuff said! She's been there from Second Genesis....all the way to X-Treme. She's been on and definitely influenced and impacted the team...without her....the X-Men...wouldn't be X-Men.

Still, I enjoyed the list, but was a bit peeved to find 'Ro all the way back in 7th (!?!?!).

[ChaosPhoenix]

Awesome list, folks. :D

Phoenix and Magneto are my favorite hero and villian, respectively.

Jean definitely deserved to be #2. She's the original X-Woman, Xaviers's first student, and the original Phoenix originally. As its been stated in the books- she is caretaker to Xavier's Dream.

Not only was Jean Grey the star of One of the Best Comic Sagas of all time- the Phoenix/Dark Phoenix Saga, ...... but she also had big or pivotal roles in most of the other major storylines- Inferno, Fall of the Mutants, X-Cutioners Song, Ages of Apocaypse, Onslaught, Twelve etc.

She has also had pivotal roles in many of the great Minis- Adventures and Further Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix, Search for Cyclops, X-Men Forever...

She is also the base character from which Madelyn Pryor and Rachel Summers were derived from and helped influence and shape stories such as From the Ashes and Like a Phoenix etc. Even the Cables'- Nathan, Nate, and Stryfe wouldn't have quite existed in their later/current incarnations without the Jean influence.

Jean was a major character during the original X-Men, Claremont cockram/byrne era, X-Factor, Claremonts second run, and Morrison's New.

While being a bit overshadowed during the 90s she was still a central character and mostly a core member and star of fan favorite issues such as Uncanny 281, X-Men 28 , 30 and 53, and prominant in the Kelly/Seagle run.

She also has a lot of friendships and ties to many of the other characters. The duality of her classy compassion and lively fiery temperment as well as the Phoenix giving her a spiritual awe and majestic terror element- makes her a classic character.

Not to mention she' a prominant and popular character in other media versions like the cartoons, movies, video games, and Ultimate X-Men.

If all that is not influence I don't know what is!

[Cloak]

Storm just isn't high enough. Taht's all i'll say. :(

[Tetragene]

I think Dazzler should have been in, at least, the top 40. She's more influential, etc than Longshot and Northstar and Jubilee...

How many mutants are going to be like "I have powers...I'll join an X group (or brotherhood)." Please...she was a representation of a mutant with more realistic dreams. Anyways, pretty good list...but she seriously should have placed higher.

[Jennifer de Vries]

Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
No offense, but you guys are on crack. The only majorly identifiable character to the majority of the public is Wolverine, and despite the people who complain on the boards about his popularity, he IS and has been for more than ten years the most popular member of the X-Men.

I agree with Magneto's high placement, but I would have dropped Jean lower than Cyke, and Xavier should have been #2. Wolverine IS #1, whether the X-Fans of the world like it or not. It's just a fact of statistics and general usage. This is NOT a personal opinion, just so you know.

It kind of IS a personal opinion, Brian, since with all the different staff members and the criteria they took into account, one person is not in the position to say what's right and what isn't. If that were the case, I'd be in here complaining about how Lilandra and Dazzler should have made the final forty while others shouldn't have.

Plus, you didn't come in to vote with us! It was so c-cold without you. :( :p

In case anyone cares: I recounted about four times and came to the conclusion that yes, Al did really work too much on these things lately. Welcome Edie Sawyer as the highest placed new X-Force character at #46, bumping Callisto down a notch to #51.

And to whom it may concern: Dani Moonstar ended as 67th. :p

[Jesse Baer]

Well, I have to say that I completely disagree with the position of everyone on the list except for Jean. I know part of that is because of personal favorites, but why, why oh why, why am I the only one that realizes the greatness that is Cyclops :(
I understand how he could be placed behind Wolverine, Jean, Xavier, and even Magneto, but Nightcrawler? :wall:
No need to reply, I know I'm biased


Personal plug coming...

If you agree with this list, then why not come over and support
THE TOP X-CHARACTER OF ALL TIME!!!!
MAGNETO over in Supervillain Idol (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21499&perpage=30&pagenumber=1), and the most current round, I Dream of Genie (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?postid=627265#post627265)
:cool:

[The Big Q]

I'm pretty happy with the top 10. Storm and Rogue are two of the strongest female characters ever written; strength of character and personality, not just physical. Jean has always struck me as a bit boring; she's too much of a goody-goody.

Glad to see Xavier wasn't #1. I'm tired of hearing about 'the dream'. More inclined to side with Mags.

Of course, also nice to see two of my faves, Logan & Kurt, where they are. Both deeply written, nuanced characters.

But that's just my opinion....

[SuperGirl]

I think it should have been Xavier #2 and magneto #1.
But anyway, I don't agree with his vision, but I'm glad Magneto won. He is really a fascinating character.

[Novaya Havoc]

How was Longshot higher up the list than Ali, who was the FIRST mutant to have her own solo series, and was the first to tackle large-scale mutant bigotry?

Boooooo to that choice!

:dazzler:!

-Ben

[Storm_1118]

Whoa...very, VERY surprised by that list...Nightcrawler THAT high? Storm and Cyclops that LOVE? Very, VERY surprised. And then I looked at the 41-50 list...what in the world. Stryker, UGo Girl, and Maggott? Might as well have placed Artie, the Orphan Maker, and Pete Wisdom... :rolleyes: So Dani was #67? Any way that we can see ALL of the list??

STORM SHOULD HAVE BEEN #3!

[Stormfan2]

Ok here is my take on this list for one I want to thank Comixfan for trying, I bet it was hard to pick out your list. Now down to the point the list is good, let me start of with the good, I liked Magneto being number 1. He is a liked character he was definitely influential to the comic and I’m ok with it even though several other people could have been in that spot too.

Now down to what I definitely didn’t like, Storm being number 7 on this list. Storm should have easily been in the top 3. While Jean is an ok character, the Dark Phoenix Storyline which I think was the main reasoning for having her so high is not enough. I know some people might not like Storm and that is why you might say she shouldn’t be higher, but anyone that wasn’t being biased lets say an outside person that never been a fan had to do a research paper on who was the most influential X-woman Storm would easily be the choice. For one she broke the stereotype that Jean herself had before she came into the picture not to mention her becoming leader of the X-men which completely set this book aside from any other comic book. At so many sites I go from people that had to write a paper that didn’t know anything about X-men to fans of the comic know of her influence.

Storm is a great character all around, she was unique, having white hair and blue eyes, fantastic powers, the woman of tomorrow when she was introduced in 1975. Even Phoenix was a character that was molded after the new standard Storm had established for women in comics so from facts Storm should definitely have been higher than Jean. I have done enough research on Storm to know she has all the qualities, from popularity, to uniqueness, to personality, to impact to have been the highest X-woman. Also Phoenix was revealed to not even be Jean which cheapened the storyline. Another thing Jean being number 2 is so inconsistent because while Jean is named the number 2 greatest character of all time she is also the top ten most wanted dead so there you go for consistency. Nightcrawler also was too high I always saw him in the league of Gambit although he would have been higher than the Cajun. Anyways for the rest of the list it was great still thanks.

To those that feel bad because Storm didn’t make it so high don’t worry this is Comixfan’s list, doesn’t mean it’s a definite list, Storm actually made it to number 3 on a list published by another comic related site that did research to determine the greatest female characters of all time. The two characters that beat her out were Wonder Woman and Batgirl so there are people out there that know of the impact she made In both X-men and comics as a whole. Storm is always pushed back in the Movies, in the Cartoon, and on some list like one that Wizard published that I truly don’t give it merit and appreciate her character even more because no matter what they do, no one would be able to take the place she has in this franchise and the influence she has had on female characters so I’m just going to enjoy it anyways.

Stormfan

[Qubic]

Great list over all, I just hoped that Beast would have been in the top ten (he has always been my favourite character). When he became blue and furry he could no longer hide that he was a mutant (unless he had a hat and trench coat) but he became an Avenger and really became a poster child to mutants in my opinion (even though Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch were on the Avengers they looked normal so they never really had to face it like the feak mutants had to). But now I'm rambling. But I did guess Mags was going to be number one so I"m happy with that.

[Patrick James]

Now about those ten runners-up....Maggott placed above Cecilia Reyes!?! REALLY? And Dazzler?!? AND Rachel:mad:

I mean, I'll be the first to back up the guy, but he's no Rachel or Sage or Dazzler or Cecilia. They were all more interesting than him and deserve higher sopts than him. Honestly...

I'm also glad Magneto was number one, b/c he is the best X-Character around. And while I don't really like Wolverine, I'm surprised to see him below Jean. I'm still not really impressed with her myself...she's much less interesting than Rogue or Storm.

And Nightcrawler sure was a little high, IMO. And Apocalypse is not really top-ten material in my eyes either.

Nonetheless, this was a fun little series of articles and I'd love to see more stuff like this in here.

[magiklover]

Great top ten, But the top 41-50 really was nuts! Maggott? Cecelia? gosh im not sure if they are dead or in limbo but either way thank god.

Im glad to see Wolverine was the top X-man in the list. With Jean being the top x-woman and Mags being the top villian :D

[wowie]

Wow. (as much as i hate to admit it) I was so sure Xavier would be in the top 3 and Wolverine would be No.1. And sorry, as much as i love Nightcrawler, IMHO, he shouldn't rank higher than either Storm and Cyclops. And i'm very uneasy with having a villain being @ the no. 1 spot.

That said, i commend the people/mods who came up with all the Top 40 lists on the site. Thanks for the fun read!!!

[Chronotrigger]

Originally posted by The Big Q
I'm pretty happy with the top 10. Storm and Rogue are two of the strongest female characters ever written; strength of character and personality, not just physical. Jean has always struck me as a bit boring; she's too much of a goody-goody.

Glad to see Xavier wasn't #1. I'm tired of hearing about 'the dream'. More inclined to side with Mags.

Of course, also nice to see two of my faves, Logan &amp; Kurt, where they are. Both deeply written, nuanced characters.

But that's just my opinion....


Oy. People don't really know Jean if they think she is a goody goody.

Anyways, I'm glad Jean got number 2. wooohooo!
I would have placed Rogue higher than Storm though and Cyke higher than Nightcrawler.

[Soundwave]

What?! :O Tessa only made it to #45? :? She deserves to be in the top 5 list :p

It's great to see that Jean won second place tho :cool:

[Jordan T. Maxwell]

I'd have moved Cyclops up to number 3 or 4 (3 because he's one of my favorites, 4 because as much as i like him i do have to concede some to Wolverine), and had everyone else bumped back accordingly...but that's my only gripe. And only because i want to see Scott higher.

Then again after writing 8 of these things (gives high five to Al), i'm practically in a coma anywa....

::slips into coma::

[X-Corps(NZ)]

What can I say ... Magneto is #1!!! :worthy: :magneto: :worthy:

awaits the other acolytes praises for Our Lord And Savior

I was worried that the #1 spot might have gone to someone like Wolverine or Phoenix, both great characters in their own right and equally worthy of the top spot but giving the #1 spot to one of those two would be so expected just like the Oscars.

Look around and Magneto is one of the only tragic characters you'll find now days and is almost as common a house-hold name as Wolverine thanks to X-Men and X2.

I agree with Stormfan2 that Jean is cheap and that Storm should've ranked much higher, I always wanted Magneto and Storm to hook up with their white hair and god-like powers. :storm:

Maggott ranked far to high I think especially to beat out musical icon The Dazzler. :dazzler:

Anyway great list and I've really enjoyed this anniversary month and all of its features even the Avengers features which were quite educational.

[Lia Brown]

Originally posted by Jonberg
2. maggot on the top 50 but no blob?!

*I* voted for Blob. I think I was the only one, so that's why he's not even in the 41-50 list. However, I am surprised that Pyro didn't make that list, because several people picked him. How high did he score, Al (or Jen)?

Originally posted by Jonberg
I'm happy about storm getting as low as she did. Very happy :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

You bad man ;)

I'm glad Magneto made #1. Go Mags!!

[fitzybaby]

Good list, I'm so glad Maggott made the top 50! Surprised about Jean being Number two and Logan not being Number one! But I'm delighted Magneto got the Number one slot anyway.

PS: Wolverine was created by Len Wein and John Romita Sr. Herb Trimpe only drew those issues he first appeared in. :)

[harlekein]

A great list with a nice twist at the end. It figures that Mags would be #1.

[Chamber]

Maggott in the top 50?? Oh my god, i believe there are others more worthy than that spot. IMO, Cyclops is more recognised than Nightcrawler. Otherwise, it is a really great list.

[Mike Gonzalez]

Originally posted by phoenx
Good list, but Wolverine should have been #1 totally. And then Jean, Magneto, and the rest was fine by me.


...proof enough of how overrated Wolverine is.


Note- now that I look at the whole list, Colossus is WAYYY too low.

[Gat0r-ManX]

Magneto was right. :magneto:

I love the LISSSTTT!! but i still mourn for Blink... you're almost there, baby... almost there....

[ronaldmcdonald]

nice list. thought wolverine will be no.1.

[nose_gaudi_rj]

Fabulous list, great little biogs and has made for really "when's-the-next-one-out?" reading over the past month.

Naturally I don't agree with much of it, but then it must be difficult to balance out personal responses to characters with assesments of how definitive, popular, of-the-momment, important, etc they are.

I know if I sat down to make a list of the greatest X-characters, I'd fail utterly and just come up with a list of my favourites. Probably most of them would be the morally compromised women that the X-books do so well (Eddie Sawyer, Emma and Jean, etc) and handfull of swashbuckling guys like Gambit and Kurt.

Magneto's a great choice for number one. In whatever sense 'greatest' is meant he can top the list. Signifigance to the X-Myth, current relevance, coolness (esp now we can imagine McKellen as his voice), complexity... however the choice was made : Magneto Was Right.

[Martin Dudek]

YOu guys have made me so happy! Neither Wolverine nor Xavier made #1! Not only that #1 was actually *gasp!* an interesting character! ;)

Good job guys.

[Valkyrie]

Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
No offense, but you guys are on crack. The only majorly identifiable character to the majority of the public is Wolverine, and despite the people who complain on the boards about his popularity, he IS and has been for more than ten years the most popular member of the X-Men.

I agree with Magneto's high placement, but I would have dropped Jean lower than Cyke, and Xavier should have been #2. Wolverine IS #1, whether the X-Fans of the world like it or not. It's just a fact of statistics and general usage. This is NOT a personal opinion, just so you know.

Am not! *Hides pipe* I agree with you. Wolvie should have been #1. He's the most iconic of the X-Characters! I rallied to have him at #1 and even some of the staff ranked him as #1. Where were you with your Texas Rally Gun when we needed ya the most man? :p

Like wise, I don't think Jean deserved as high a placement either. Like someone else said, the only thing she did worth while that impacted the X-Men was the Phoenix thing.

~Val

[Stormy]

I can't say I agree with the list. Nightcrawler should definitely be behind Storm and Cyclops. I've never thought of Kurt as being in the top iconic 5 like the others are. I don't know if I'd put Magneto as #1, especially since he's been nothing but a one-dimensional zealot for the past 12 years. OH well.

But that 50-41 list must be a joke. Honestly, now. Blink I agree with. But Maggott and Cecilia Reyes? Considering how few of the New Mutants/X-Force peeps made the top 40 list, you'd pick these two characters?! According to Comix-Fan's own Cerebro files, Maggott's only appeared in 23 issues ever -- 23! CeCe has been in a grand total of 32 issues. And did they do anything memorable in those palty appearances? No. These two are footnotes of X-history. Wolfsbane, Dani, Warlock, even Cypher have had more impact, etc. :no:

[Tan K.]

Thanks, Spriteguy16. I thought that phrase summed Rogue up perfectly as well.

Just to reiterate what Al posted. This was not about influence alone. We as individuals took into account who the characters were as people, depths of character, popularity, and influence. Which is why...

I had Wolverine ranked at #1, but I have no problem with Mags being number 1. He equally deserves it. I think at the lowest Logan shoulda been 2, but Jean is no slouch.

Jean: I don't get it. I understand many people hated that she was revived. You know what. It happened, and A LOT has happened to her since. A lot. L Simonson, Claremont, Lobdell, Morrison, etc. have progressed her so much since DP as a person.

Mystique: probably one of the most overrated to be in the top 10. I put her in the 10-20 range, but to beat out Kitty and even the stagnant Collosus is a bit too much.

I really have no other gripes about the list. All of the people from 4-9 could have interchanged depending on mood, etc.

Extremely nice job, Al and Jen!!!

[TracyNichols]

Ditto with all the people who think Storm should have ranked higher than Jean. She has had a lot more influence on the X-Men than that redheaded tart.

[ThePhoenixEffect]

Jean has shown the ideals of the X-men just as much if not more than Storm. How can you say the character is not influential when that very character is the heart of the team?

Another influential thing is...X-men history. She has contributed far more...than Storm...wether it is liked or not. How many characters were derived from her? How may are her children or descendants?

[Tantei_JG_007]

The list surprised me. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect for #1. Granted, I thought it would be Chucks, but am pleasantly surprised. Though, like someone stated before me (I forget who) it's a bit unnerving that a villain got the first spot. Then again, as it states in Mag's info, he's not exactly 'evil;' he just had a different dream from Xavier.

Anyway, I *totally* dig that Jean was #2. Awww, yeah, baby! I must disagree with the above poster about the whole "redheaded tart" comment. She has her moments, and I can't believe she didn't rip Emma a new one for screwing around with Scooter.. *coughSkankcough*

But I would've placed Scott higher on the list. Definitely ahead of Kurt. I love the fuzzy one too, but Cyke has done more for the group than he has. Change Kurt and Cyke's position, and it'd make sense to me.

Regardless, kudos to the whole X-Fan crew who wrote/decided on the list. ;) It was a trying task, knowing there might be some flack from people after it was done. Terrific job.

[rubberbandmnager]

I guess with all the magneto-centric entries in the best stories list I should have expected him to end up as #1. I had him at about 4 behind Cyclops (the embodiment of xaviers dream, although not my personal #1) Prof X at 2, Wolvie at #3, Magneto at #4 and Rogue!!!!!! or Storm, Kitty, or Colossus at 5....Kick Apocalypse down to the 20's somewhere.
I have to say I was impressed with Northstars placement and although underused in the comics I hope he stays around for a long time....
I also wish Dani Moonstar had made the list somewhere...I totally agree that she is much more important that Maggot ever was...Reread the first 50odd issues of the old New Mutants. She was the heart and soul of the team. I know her powers and character have been destroyed over the years since but hopefully with the (new) New Mutants title she will finally be redeemed and on the 50th aniversary list will not only make it.....but at least beat out Maggot...:colossus: :nstar: :kitty:

[rubberbandmnager]

sorry....i forgot something.....anyone notice jean was on the most wanted to be x-ed off list as well, for that i was surprised at how high she ranked and although I, like many had trouble with her being resurrected for x-factor, I have grown to accept that she is back and enjoy her presence.

Although there wasn't alot of suspense about who the top ten would be after reading the first 3 installments....I have been on the edge of my seat since last friday waiting on this.....I wish september was longer and we had more of these to look forward to

Thanks::jean:

[Steven Paul]

Originally posted by Al Harahap
#50: Cecilia Reyes


:D least she was there (well not in the top 40 but got a mention). I'm also happy for the Sage listing.

I'm just so happy Wolverine wasn't number 1 and I do agree with most of the top 10 placings.

[Iceboy Ben]

Well, I'm glad Magneto snared number one (as I predicted)...but Jean as #2? Bad BAD call. Do we forget that she was dead for almost a decade of x-continuity? Other characters are far more interesting and played a far more important role in the franchise's history...I think this was a sentimental pick and a bad one at that.

[Wolfman]

This list suprised the hell out of me, for the most part it was a pleasant surprise, I really can't argue with Mags at #1. Mystique in the top 10 was excellent and unexpected for me so that was great. I loved the list, can we do it again next year? :p

Jean hmm, don't like it but can't argue with it.


Wolfman

[salvador]

Urgh... Cyclops at the 5th position... I really can't believe it! When he separated from Apocalypse I tought he would have become a more interesting character, maybe with a dark side like Lobdell suggested during Eve of Destruction, and instead...
I really hope is he or Xavier who dies in New 150.

[DiAbLa]

I entirely agree with Magneto being #1. It was unexpected and a good choice. But Jean number 2!!!!:eek:

[Zachary Palisoc]

Also totally agree with Mags being #1.

[Airhead]

Um....I read this last night and I'm very happy about the top ten, but there are a few things that I don't like about 50-41:
1.) Maggott.........I don't think he should be on the list let along have betten Rachel, Lilandria, and Dazzler!
2.) Wasn't Callisto number 50 last night?
But shes off the list now because of Edie being added to the list!:(

[NicholasRogue]

Originally posted by Tan K.
Thanks, Spriteguy16. I thought that phrase summed Rogue up perfectly as well.


No thank you for writing such a great composition about Rogue. She may not be #1 but she is to me, I'm glad she made the top 10, she really deserved it.

[Mutant_Genesis]

I still don't understand why Storm's in 7th! Anyone have a good explanation?

[Rictor]

In all seriousness, what has Sage ever done for the Xmen? She stayed in the shadows and rode on sebastians coat-tails as a villain, with no discernable impact whatsoever. Her foray into the X-men could be reduced to little more than that of the teams walking palm-pilot. COME ON THOUGH!!! Why on earth should she be included? Is it a case of whoevers currently on one of the flagship titles warrants inclusion or what? Yes , she's been around for an age, but shes added nothing to the titles for me.
Chris Claremont wanted a seven-of-nine character and re-introduced her while he could just of easily used Psylocke (with her whole crimson-dawn-induced-stoicism-schtick). Instead, betsy gets off-ed and Sage shows on every occasion that she is, without doubt, in possession of the personality and charisma of a bloody brick.

I realize that my personal feelings have crept into my post, but just ask yourself, what has she ever done for the Xmen?

P.S. The maggott inclusion was ridiculous too, but thats already been done to death............ha ha!

[W. Molstad]

Perfect choice for Magneto to be number one. I've always been fascinated by him. It's odd that he's a villain that I sort of identify with, but then I stop and say - wait, he's kind of like a mutant Hitler... but it's not that simple, he's way more complex... Some of my favorite Mags moments - when he dug the Wasp in Secret Wars, when he tore the adamantium out of Wolvie, when Colossus fed him soup as he sat around like a vegetable, when he was in the Savage Land with Zaladane and all of that, X-Men 150, X-Men 200, man... the list goes on.

Otherwise, the top ten is fitting in ways! Good job. Of course one problem with the list is that the more mainstream characters, the more popular, iconic characters make the list more than some of the more actual interesting, "in-depth" characters. For instance, I can't see much character in Jean or Cyclops most of the time as I can see in, say Rogue, Nightcrawler, Beast, Gambit, Colossus, any of X-Statix... or... oh well...

Nice list!

[shame bear]

Glad to see that Chamber at least made it to 47.

I know(hes actually #48). But what a nice surprise! I was so happy to see he was in the honorable mentioned list. Yeay Jono!:excited: And thank you ComiX fans staff!!!

Im even more surprised no ones BITCHED about him being on there yet(poor Maggot).:p

[CrazyFool83]

Love seeing Magneto at the number one. He's number 1 in my book, nice to see him number 1 on this list. I disagree greatly with your number 2, though. Jean just doesn't seem to be that great/interesting in my book besides all the Phoenix stuff. I still think she's Top 10 material, just move Wolvie to 2, move up Scott to 3, then shift Phoenix down to 6, maybe lower.

[Shaidow]

:rolleyes: Great list for the most part. Magneto is very deserving of the #1 spot.

Jean at #2 though is arguable. Some people wouldn't have made it w/o the :jeanphnx: IMO everyone harps on the :jeanphnx: too much.

:storm:,:rogue:,:cyke:,:mystique:,:bamf:, and :wolvie: should all have better rankings.

--:storm::dracula:--these are my parents

[Arachne]

I thought it was very interesting that at #2 you listed Phoenix, and not just Jean Grey. Phoenix has been two serperate characters and a cosmic force. While I don't deny the importance of Jean, I wish some more mention would have been made about the Phoenix Force and something could have been said about Rachel Summers, who was Phoenix for years.

[Anthony Lucynski]

I like being suprised, and I was by this list. Some of who I thought would be on the Top 10 were, of course, but not in the order I thought they would, and i'm glad to see 'Pocy so high as I really love his character (and the AOA is still probably my favorite special event of all time)

Anthony L

[Jared Oberholtzer]

Wolverine actually isn't at #1?!?! :eek: I think I've died and gone to heaven! ;) I was so ready for him to be #1; I'm very glad he isn't though.

I loved the list! :) Keep up the good work!

[Dragon]

3rd Logan is only 3rd, Bah Logan is Number 1 all the way, the rest of the top 10 i can agree with but the 1st and 3rd

[heybub]

Why all the baby-boners for Wolverine not being number one?

I swear some people on these boards need to take a pill or two.
"Died and gone to heaven" dude I'm lookin' right at ya there.

The list was obviously predictable, though Jean Grey is NOT a stronger character than Storm by any, any stretch.

Jean Grey lacks the uniqueness, and personality to surpass Storm as the top X-chick. Nightcrawler stronger than Cyclops is a tough call, Nightcrawler is far more interesting and original than Cyke but Scott has accomplished way more in the confines of the series.

Wolverine not at the top spot is a bold choice if stubborn, he still is the top X-Man technically though ay. :D

[Omar A. Safi]

I'm pleased :D, except for...
As a teaser, we humbly present to you those who didn't quite make the cut, but because of the extremely limited nature of a top 40 list, here are #50-41:
#46: U-Go Girl (Edie Sawyer)
#42: Maggott
WHAT THE--? Maggot almost made it! Damn you Harahap! :# Well, we both wanted U-Go Girl in there too.

Where'd Doop make it in there? I know a few of the more intelligent staff members voted for him. :p

I would like to make an honorable mention for Xorn and Dust :clap:.

[Natester]

Im SO glad Storm got so low of a spot... her personality is as bland as her hair :p :D

[Sabretooth]

This list is pretty decent, but at sometimes, very wrong. Just the way the characters are arranged in it. I mean, c'mon, why isn't Gambit in the top ten? HE'S AWESOME! He's got a lot of development, is very original and interesting, all around cool, and he's probably the second most popular X-Man...next to the guy who should have definitely been #1, Wolverine. Wolverine's the best there is, period. Best stories, most developed, most popular, the guy picking the list said so himself, he's a household name. Jean Grey though, I dunno if I would thrown her in the top ten or anything...but that could just be me being biased because I was never a fan of hers. My top tenw ould have probably gone like this...

1. Wolverine
2. Magneto
3. Professor X
4. Gambit
5. Storm
6. Cyclops
7. Rogue
8. Nightcrawler
9. Colossus
10. Sabretooth

That's just my list though, I'm sure a lot of people have their opinions on how they think it should have gone. :-D

[mikeyh99]

okay i thought that it was a really good list! the only thing that i would've wanted to see change is that i want rogue to be maybe 5 or 6! i thought that her being at 8 was awesome no matter what though! props to the mods! o and do any of you moderators think you could show us like all the characters who didnt make the top 40 and their rankings?

[vheart]

Top 10 was pretty predictable. They're only the "best" characters because they were some of the oldest, and some of the "writer's favourites" and they've been done to death. Look at Jean. She had a couple of great early renditions (Phoenix, Dark Phoenix and Inferno comes to mind) but has been sitting around doin' nothing since. Same with Storm. She was her best during her "hardcore" and outback days, as a great strong leader... but ever since she's been pushed around by 2nd tier heroes and villains (like getting ordered around like a sissy by Cecelia during Zero Tolerance). Characters like Cecelia/Dazz (who have a passion for their own careers), Polaris (massive untapped potential), Emma Frost (you never know which team she's on), Clarice Fergusson (given the most development after her death) etc. These are all MUCH more 3 dimensional than "I dream a dream" Xavier, or Cyclops (do I need to give a reason for him)? They missed out on the Top 10 because they weren't the writer's favourites and didn't receive much attention. The list is rigged I tellya!

[Tan K.]

About Storm being ranked "only" @ #7 and not ahead of Jean (for the record, Jean and Storm are both equally my favorite heroines). Even though the 90's was the Jean and Scott relations show, Jean was given a lot to do. Storm on the other hand was pushed to the back by the same writer. After a wonderful decade in the 80's and part of the 90's by CC, the 90's bunch did her a horrible misservice. Luckily, CC has come back to her rescue, but just like others who went through a period of recent stagnation, perception points devalue an image. It didn't with me, but some may have felt this way.

[Stormfan2]

Originally posted by Mutant_Genesis
I still don't understand why Storm's in 7th! Anyone have a good explanation?

I think they might have done this to cause controversy. Its so funny for all the people that are saying Jean is deserving of number 2 when they use the Phoenix name is as if her Phoenix persona is the only reason that would earn her that spot. And to someone that said Jean did more than Storm let me say something about that if Jean was such a wonderful and great character as you put her X-men would not have been scheduled for cancellation back in 1974. Her character was so stereotypical, bland, and in the background just a typical girl that fit the bill of what was normal back then. The only time she really shined was during the Phoenix and Dark Phoenix saga which wasnt even her. She was just like Invisible Woman which had the damsel in distress syndrome I remember even after Storm had joined she still had the syndrome because Storm had to save her life in the issue where Storm took on Polaris(Uncanny Xmen 97 or 98).

Storm completely redefined how an X-woman should be and for that alone she should have been the highest X-woman. Her impact went far beyond just X-men too that is why she has been named the number 3 superheroine of all time at a comic related website, behind Wonder Woman and Batgirl because she helped make it acceptable for women not to be portrayed weak and have to depend on their male counterparts she completely represents the woman of today and was ahead of her time. Not only that but she actually led the X-men whithout her powers too. So Im going to assume that those that are saying that dont have those first issues of tha All New Different X-men when Storm had entered the picture.

Storm was the controversial woman the one that wowed, shocked, and had people mouths open when she was introduced in 1975 and to me as much deserving of the number 1 spot like Wolverine or Magneto or Professor X dont know about Cyclops thouhgh he should be high too. Dont get me wrong Phoenix/Jean the entity would be in the top ten but higher than Storm just shows that this is just a list to enjoy but not to be taking too seriously. Hopefully next time they get it right or at least closer to right. And lastely to survive 10 years of bad writting during the 90s just proves my point of who she is.

Stormfan2

[Jim Lemoine]

Originally posted by Stormfan2
Dont get me wrong Phoenix/Jean the entity would be in the top ten but higher than Storm just shows that this is just a list to enjoy but not to be taking too seriously. Hopefully next time they get it right or at least closer to right.


Careful, Stormfan2,

You're certainly entitled to your own opinion, but so are the staff members who worked their butts off to entertain and enlighten you with this series of articles.

You're getting very close to crossing the line here from debating to insulting.

State your case, feel free to disagree with the list... but don't insult the people who created this series of articles for you.

[Storm_1118]

Is there any way that we as a board would be able to vote on our Top X Characters and then the results get published in a few weeks? That would be fun!

[Stormfan2]

Where have I insulted someone for stating what I know about X-men. the fact that I said you should enjoy the list is not wrong shoudnt we enjoy it? When I said dont take it too seriously does not mean that people should dismiss your efforts all Im saying is that they shouldnt let it get to them too much because this list reflects Comixfan top ten so please let me know what I said that was insulting and I would make an apology I dont have any problem admitting when I do something wrong?

Stormfan2

[Omar A. Safi]

You're rejecting its validity. Quit it. Storm is not ranked higher because the staff ranked and that's the way it worked out.

Personally, I don't like Storm too much at all at this point. Halle Berry and Storm fans like you increase my hatred for Storm.

[lavar78]

Originally posted by Bebi


Note- now that I look at the whole list, Colossus is WAYYY too low.

No doubt. I do agree with Magneto at #1. All in all, my predictions aren't that far off -- as always, Nightcrawler is overrated.

Originally posted by Stormy
But that 50-41 list must be a joke. Honestly, now. Blink I agree with. But Maggott and Cecilia Reyes? Considering how few of the New Mutants/X-Force peeps made the top 40 list, you'd pick these two characters?! According to Comix-Fan's own Cerebro files, Maggott's only appeared in 23 issues ever -- 23! CeCe has been in a grand total of 32 issues. And did they do anything memorable in those palty appearances? No. These two are footnotes of X-history. Wolfsbane, Dani, Warlock, even Cypher have had more impact, etc. :no:

We've been over this before, but seeing Cecelia Reyes and Maggott just magnifies the situation -- this list is clearly skewed towards recent readers. I'm really curious to know how it was compiled -- it seems there was no weighting system to accurately account for (in particular) characters who are currently inactive (or at least in the background) and weren't regulars in the core book(s). That would appear to explain the lack of New Mutants (particularly Mirage, Wolfsbane, Sunspot, Warlock, and Cypher), the fact that Blink outranks all of the original Gen X characters, and the complete lack of characters who were mostly seen in X-Force (Siryn, Warpath, Shatterstar) and the new X-Factor (Madrox, Strong Guy).

All in all, a good list WRT the X-Men, but it grossly underestimates the other X-books (a continuing theme in ComiX-Fan's anniversary lists). Maybe a non-X-Men X-character list is in order?

[Justice Daye]

Even so, Tan, I thought it was about more than that. Storm is more original, more popular has had more impact and is more well known OUTSIDE of comics. Everything Marvel creates has a picture of Spiderman, Hulk, Wolverine, and Storm on it (maybe Cap). Jean's just been around longer. The phoenix is the only reason she's still revered so. Even though she's NOT the phoenix and never was (despite what some lone backstory says or what was intended). I don't think so may people would like Jean if Phoenix was removed from her history.

Mags should not have been 1. His existence and popularity is dependant upon Xavier. We already know what would've happened had Mags died instead of Xavier(in Legionquest)...not much. I hate Xavier and Logan and even I know they deserved the top spots.

1-Xavier
2-Logan
3-Storm
4-Cyclops
5-Rogue
6-Jean
7-Mags
8-Apocalypse
9-Mystique
10-The Hellfire Club(in all it's forms)
11-The Sentinels

[rutog98]

Originally posted by Stormfan2


I think they might have done this to cause controversy. Its so funny for all the people that are saying Jean is deserving of number 2 when they use the Phoenix name is as if her Phoenix persona is the only reason that would earn her that spot. And to someone that said Jean did more than Storm let me say something about that if Jean was such a wonderful and great character as you put her X-men would not have been scheduled for cancellation back in 1974. Her character was so stereotypical, bland, and in the background just a typical girl that fit the bill of what was normal back then. The only time she really shined was during the Phoenix and Dark Phoenix saga which wasnt even her. She was just like Invisible Woman which had the damsel in distress syndrome I remember even after Storm had joined she still had the syndrome because Storm had to save her life in the issue where Storm took on Polaris(Uncanny Xmen 97 or 98).

Storm completely redefined how an X-woman should be and for that alone she should have been the highest X-woman. Her impact went far beyond just X-men too that is why she has been named the number 3 superheroine of all time at a comic related website, behind Wonder Woman and Batgirl because she helped make it acceptable for women not to be portrayed weak and have to depend on their male counterparts she completely represents the woman of today and was ahead of her time. Not only that but she actually led the X-men whithout her powers too. So Im going to assume that those that are saying that dont have those first issues of tha All New Different X-men when Storm had entered the picture.

Storm was the controversial woman the one that wowed, shocked, and had people mouths open when she was introduced in 1975 and to me as much deserving of the number 1 spot like Wolverine or Magneto or Professor X dont know about Cyclops thouhgh he should be high too. Dont get me wrong Phoenix/Jean the entity would be in the top ten but higher than Storm just shows that this is just a list to enjoy but not to be taking too seriously. Hopefully next time they get it right or at least closer to right. And lastely to survive 10 years of bad writting during the 90s just proves my point of who she is.

Stormfan2

This is 100% correct here. Honestly, the only way Logan could be placed at number 1 is out of pure popularity. However, I think when you look at Xavier's dream, nobody exemplies the goals of that dream like Storm in how it pertains to real life. She crosses/broke through so many barriers. She is truly a monumental character. She should have been placed at least within the top three (Logan and Magneto being the other two). I would have made the list like this:

1) Storm or Wolverine, depending on how I felt. It goes back and forth.

2) Whichever was not picked as number one.

3) Magneto

4) Xavier (he created the dream, but other characters exemplify it)

5) Scott

6) Jean

7) Colossus

8) Rogue

9) Nightcrawler

10) Apocalypse/Original Inner Circle. Toss-up, depending on my thinking for the day.

[Stormfan2]

Originally posted by Omar A. Safi
You're rejecting its validity. Quit it. Storm is not ranked higher because the staff ranked and that's the way it worked out.

Personally, I don't like Storm too much at all at this point. Halle Berry and Storm fans like you increase my hatred for Storm.


I dont know why you want to come here and attack me for stating what I know. As far as I checked many people here Storm fans or not know of her impact because they have actually been around to know or at least have back issues. I dont have to come on here and prove a point because the comics are right there to do it for me. When I first posted I actually said that I had no problem with Magneto being number 1. This is not something of I hate a character so therefore their meaningless is like hating Xavier who founded the X-men and not including him in the top ten just because of preference. Also its so funny because how can someone take a list seriously when they have a character claiming their the best, then you go to another post and they claim their one of the worst and should be killed off to me that does not coincide and its contradictory and inconsistent. Someone came on here and actually made a direct insulting comment to the staffs that made this list and no one said something about it. This list reflects who 20 staff members think are the greatest and it was even stated at the beginning of the post so please stop trying to cause trouble. If I said dont take it seriously is because a lot of people would let it get to them, its just a list common now do we really need to start something?
Im enjoying the list and simply stated some things that others like myself noticed about it and there is nothing wrong with that. Nevertheless I still want to give them credit for coming up with list.

Stormfan2

[Paul Shinn]

Originally posted by Al Harahap
Xavier has not had any reservations about adapting his methodology to keep up with the current times, going so far as to kill his own twin/mummudrai, Cassandra Nova, with a gun -- a sight unthought of, of the &quot;old&quot; Xavier.

But didn't this occur after Cassandra had initiated the mind swap with Xavier? So it was Cassandra Nova in Xavier's body that shot Xavier in the Nova body, which is why it seemed a "sight unthought of, of the old Xavir", because it wasn't the old Xavier.
Just a thought.

[harlekein]

Still Xavier carried a gun, ready to kill himself if he needed too. A powerful scene it was.

And Stormfan: He isn't trying to cause trouble. You see, if you say things like this:
Hopefully next time they get it right or at least closer to right.
It would be foolish to assume that no one would be offended by it. You caused the trouble here, not the moderators.

[ThePhoenixEffect]

Jean is Phoenix. You can't deny that aspect from her...as you can deny Magnetism from Magneto and Polaris and weather from Storm. Back stories aside....she is weilding the Phoenix force currently.....she's used that name prior to really using it again...so don't argue with the name.

The whole phoenix force thing is not why she was put on this list. How did being "Phoenix" did she show her self sacrafice for the team and the universe? The first time she sacraficed herself she was simply Jean Grey. The second she ended her life instead of becomming a goddess because of her ideals.
How can you beat the heart and soul of the X-men? She represents the dream's ideals to the fullest in all the dream's incarnations. Three other characters on this list wouldn't have existed without her.

[Al Harahap]

I'd like to thank those of you who enjoyed the list for what it is -- entertainment. We didn't make this list to make your lives miserable. Really, we didn't. This is by no means a definitive list we could submit to the National Archives or anything like that. I wouldn't take any of these as definitive, even if Marvel itself published one. They are much too subjective for it to be regarded "definitive."

There are Top 100 Books/Novels of all time lists done by Barnes & Noble, Harvard Bookstore, other book clubs. Guess what? They're all different!

That said, I trust and am proud of my 20 colleagues who provided as much objectivity into it as they could.

Look around you and notice that there are others with an opposite opinion to yours. For everyone who wants Wolverine as #1, there's also someone else who praised us for not making him #1. For everyone who was elated with Jean at #2, there's someone else who thought she should be much lower. Same for Magneto, Storm, Nightcrawler, etc. What does that tell you?

I realise such a feature is vulnerable to scrutiny, and I'm open to that. But disagreeing with the placement and stating your argument respectfully is one thing; feeling outraged and invalidating the feature is just close-minded. Seriously, look passed yourself. Also ask yourself how much of your opinion is personal or nostalgia as opposed to how much is based on the merit of the characters. I placed Blink and U-Go Girl in the middle of my list, but you don't see me bitching they didn't make it. And I am outraged that Dazzler and Lilandra didn't make it, but you don't see me whining about it. Incidentally, I think the "original five" are highly overrated and outside of the premier couple + Hank (who's just a way original character in any comic or comic universe), Archangel and Iceman didn't even make my Top 40. But I can accept that others didn't think so. I put Jean at the bottom of my Top 10, but that doesn't stop me from writing her merits as the #2 character since there's a collective that thought she deserved it. In my eyes, Storm is the top X-Woman on the list, but that Phoenix transcends the X-Men and is higher for reasons other than the boundaries of the team. I placed Nightcrawler much lower than Cyclops and Storm, but I can try to understand the merits of his character that go beyond "the two great leaders in X-history."

It really boggles my mind why it's so hard for people to accept other opinions. How I wish there were a :thinkoutsidethebox: smiley. For now, this will do: :hellno:

[BlackSamurai]

Nice list and I understand Stormfan2's explanation of his motivation. I like Storm AND Jean Grey but I still see Storm as a more impactful character, hands down. Still, Jean is tied to making such a ripple through comicdom that is actually helped by her being absent. EVERYONE felt her death and matured/evolved because of its meaning. And for alot of people who want to bring up the technicality of Phoenix not being Jean, remember: 1) She was supposed to be Jean originally 2) The retcon ties Phoenix's corruption into Jean by her being the mind template 3) having part of her life force/soul 4) and in returning those parts to Jean make Jean experience them all and have firsthand experience of what part of her DID with that much power.

Storm as a leader and a revolutionist to female comicdom makes such a statement I wonder if some hate her for it. Some fans and fanatics of particular characters make it hard on the characters, though, one big example being Wolverine, who gets much hatred because fans of other characters wonder why so many adore him when in particular eras he was made very mediocre. The warner while being fairly justified to stand against a comment such as "... next time they get it right..." brought his dislike for Storm into this hindering his argument a little though. If someone had compiled a list like this and said anything impartial like that it is bound to make people feel some characters had biases on them that may have unfairly helped or hindered their placement. All in all, we are not the compilers, and my favorite character is not even in the top ten and I must accept and do know he doesn't belong there anyway.

Mags and Xav are the embodiments of two extremes of the struggle and belong in the top ten however you look at it so I applaud that and am glad no one folded to the Xavier disses enough to not have him there. The more (consistent or at least waranted alterations to) character development an X-character gets, the more they will logically impact and Magneto even more than Xavier has had lots. Everything must be taken with a dose of salt to remind people not to fault characters for being one dimensional in their beginnings. Villians, like real life criminals, are often operating with hidden identity, low profile to avoid capture, and few visible motives. Most are designed to be one dimensional in early appearance, and this is also because the book is traditionally about the heroes, who will have more than one villian. Hence villians character should be expected later and Mags has gotten a stellar one with all his tie ins.

Even those as objective as I may have had different interpretationsof the number one, and sometimes explanations (the WHY header) help cement a character more than just memory of his/her impact. Colossus could have been rated higher merely because of what he did, but one event does not a man make. Don't get me wrong, Colossus has far more than 1 defining moment, and he and Quicksilver are infact my favorite X-characters, I'm just using an example and am not that obsessed that I would be blind as to why he wouldn't belong in this lists top ten. (And side note, maybe you should consider updating the Prof X/gun issue to include Cassandra's influence in such a team splitting era, and with the motives for Prof X carrying around a gun as his own failsafe mechanism I'd say that whole expansion explanation keeps it's strength for his ranking reasons, and makes things accurate for the old and new readers).

Overall this list was well thought out and properly executed. The fact too that it was 20 people and not 1 is very crucial too and makes this more professional a list. Still, after all the hard work, staffers, keep caution that you are 20 in a sea of millions(?) who know of the X-Universe and will have preconceived notions that they feel were objectively derived. Heck, it's not even that impossible for 40 people to come together and all like, say, Mystique. You could have been a Mystique fan club that decided to expand into all things X, after all this is Comixfan which was once just X-Fan.

I thank you for your time and effort and am glad you went to the trouble to do this. I am a strong admirer of the work you all do just to keep this site here and bring us (members, visitors, etc.) as much goodness as you do. Keep it up guys.

[Matt Lazorwitz]

Originally posted by Al Harahap

Why: Cyclops has progressed from student to soldier to symbol, the embodiment of what it is to be an X-Man. He has fought for Xavier’s dream since adolescence and is arguably the team’s greatest leader. And yet for all of this, Scott is also a human being with all the accompanying failings and frailties. Orphaned and tormented at a young age, he is as insecure and withdrawn in his personal life as he is confident and assured in the field. But that’s how we like our heroes: flawed. And have no doubt about it, Scott Summers is a hero. The model of a hero, in fact, an archetype. His stern demeanor disguising a crucible of passions is no different from the stone-jawed sheriffs in old Westerns or the warrior heroes of Greek epics (though unfortunately, this is accompanied by the infidelities of a Jason or Odysseus). He is Arthur to Xavier’s Merlin, a symbol for the finer world to be built… Jean is his Guenivere, Logan his Lancelot. He wields the sword, he lights the way and anyone wearing an X would gladly follow him into the deepest breach, the darkest danger. The irony is that Scott often lacks the faith in himself that others so readily give him. But there is something in him that keeps him going, a passion he denies that drives him still. He is flawed, he is a man, he is a hero, he is an X-Man. The first, the finest.

Entry by Jordan T. Maxwell



Wow. Bravo. All the entries were great, but that so perfectly encapuslates my favorite X-Man. Bravo, Jordan.

[Stormfan2]

Originally posted by harlekein
Still Xavier carried a gun, ready to kill himself if he needed too. A powerful scene it was.

And Stormfan: He isn't trying to cause trouble. You see, if you say things like this:

It would be foolish to assume that no one would be offended by it. You caused the trouble here, not the moderators.

Are you telling me that fans dont count and that we should dissmiss everything we know and just accept it? I mean I could do that if that is what you want but I know of X-fan way before he even created this website and know that we have the right to make a point. No where did I make a direct insult to the staffs and if I did then I'll apolagize for it. Right here on this board someone made a direct insult and nothing was done about it. Me saying hopefully next time they get it right can be considered part of my opinion. If anyone had read what I first posted you will see that I thanked the Staff for their efforts and many times I have stated that I am enjoying the list. If you really think about it anyone that is dissagreeing with the list in some way are somehow indirectly insulting the staff but that is not our intentions. No one is really trying to make a direct insult to the staffs we all are enjoying the list and in our own way are stating our opinion. This site is geared for the fans am I right? and if they find inconsistencies and state something about it they shouldn't be scolded for it again the main reason I stated what I said is because again there is a Top Ten Most Wanted to be Xed off list and Jean is on that list and to me it just didnt make sense to have a character you claim as the greatest to also be one of the worst to the point you want her killed off, If Im wrong about stating what Im seeing let me know.

Stormfan2

[ugaryan526]

Thanks to the staff for making the list...there has never been a Top # list in history that has been agreed with unanimously. The ranking nature of the list lends people to directly compare two constructs (songs, artists, characters, etc) and usually people's opinions are too varied for a consensus. I'm sure there are people who were ****** that Changeling wasn't #1 and will argue that Magneto has nothing to do with X-History. So props to all who contributed to the list, and to all the gripers: calm down. You can still put your very own list of characters in your post, and other gripers can complain about where you ranked Dazzler or Toad or whoever.
Quick question though to the staff: Someone mentioned that Moonstar ended up at 67...does that mean that there were actual rankings past 50? Could you post them? I'm interested to know where the vote fell further up the list too. Thanks!


Oh and stormfan...Jean wasn't on the X-ed off list because they hated her. Nor was Professor X. As much as I love Jean, I think her coming back after the Dark Phoenix saga dampened the power of that saga. I don't want to speak for the staff, but I'm pretty much betting that's what they meant. They didn't want Jean X-ed off because she was bad. They just thought she should have stayed dead. If she HAD stayed dead, she probably wouldn't have ranked at #2, but she would have gone down as the heroine in one of the most powerful and emotional stories told in comics. Like I said though, I love Jean now, so in a way I'm glad she came back. Professor X too was supposed to die to allow Magneto to take the reins of the school. And it didn't happen, but those who voted for him probably thought that it would have furthered the x-canon to have someone like magneto take over, or even for xavier to die and leave the mantle to scott or jean or even storm. The point is, i don't think they contradicted themselves at all...just think of it that way.

~RyAn

[maggottman]

I'd like to take a moment to defend my much-maligned namesake. Given the criteria for the characters chosen, Maggott rates pretty high on the originality scale, given his African background, nearly indecipherable lingo, and pretty unique powers. Even given the new, bizarre powers shown in the New X-Men school, a pair of semi-sentient giant slugs that constitute an external digestive system is pretty far out there. That said, I admit I'm somewhat suprised he placed as highly as he did. I mean, the most impactful thing he did in a long, long time was die over in Weapon X, and, if memory serves, his last appearance before that was a nonspeaking appearance at Joseph's funeral. And, speaking o