TOP TEN X-COVERS OF ALL TIME

[Jim Lemoine]

<img src="http://pages.sbcglobal.net/harahap/top10xcov.gif" border=0 align=left alt="Top 10 X-Covers"></a>The Top Ten Marvel X-Covers
Assembled and Edited by Tan K.

Sometimes the cover of a comic book is the equivalent of eyes into a story's soul. Other times, readers may feel that the cover can be the ultimate deceiver. Regardless of your stance, we call agree that an eye-catching or profound cover is one of the most important elements of the comic book. What makes a great cover? Who knows: different fans have different criteria.

Still, there are some covers that transcend the mere tastes of the individual. Covers so moving... so powerful... that they become instant classics, memorable for the emotions they evoke. As part of our celebration of the X-Men's 40th Anniversary, the ComiX-Fan Staff took a good hard look at all the covers of all the X-Books over the years, searching for the very, very best. And we found them... ladies and gentlemen, we submit for your approval, the Top Ten X-Covers of All Time!

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/337/origin2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/337/origin2.jpg" border=0 align=right alt="Origin #2"></a>#10: ORIGIN #2
Art by: Joe Quesada & Richard Isanove

This groundbreaking mini-series tells the origin of the uber-popular and ever-mysterious Wolverine. Every minute detail of Origin had to be planned meticulously, including its covers. For those just tuning in, before controversial Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada called the shots, he was a simple artist, and a damn good one at that. Obviously, editorial didn't have to look far for a seasoned artist to take on such a huge responsibility. For the cover of the very issue that chronicled the first "popping out" of the now-famous claws, Quesada chose an unforgettable closeup image of the sharp bones making their way out of James "Logan" Howlett's virgin hands. Supplying the colors and touchups is painter Richard Isanove, who adds necessary depth and realism to an already incredible image.
This entry written by Al Harahap

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/8/uxmen138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/8/uxmen138.jpg" border=0 align=right alt="Uncanny X-Men #138"></a>#9: UNCANNY X-MEN #138
Art by: John Byrne

Often imitated, never duplicated. This cover of Cyclops leaving the X-Men after the supposed death of his longtime love, Jean Grey (a.k.a. Dark Phoenix), has been honored with many an homage -- New Mutants #99 (Sunspot), Uncanny X-Men #318 (Jubilee), X-Force #44 (Cannonball), and X-Force #70 (team) to just name a few. Cyclops' exit was a momentous event. Not only because he was the quintessential X-Man to stay by Professor X's side, but more so because of the emotional baggage involved - baggage that has never been rivaled throughout the years with perhaps only Shadowcat's recent departure after Colossus' death coming close. Artist John Byrne's capture of this moment, along with the monochromatic colors of the background to convey the team's emptiness, cements it as a great one in X-history.
This entry written by Al Harahap

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/188/uxmen270.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/188/uxmen270.jpg" border=0 align=right alt="Uncanny X-Men #270"></a>#8: UNCANNY X-MEN #270
Art by: Jim Lee

This is one of the most eye-catching X-Men covers I've ever seen. Witness the image of Havok amidst an explosion of sheer, unadulterated power. Note the emotion as he stands atop Warlock and Boom-Boom of the New Mutants, and holds Storm in his clutches. Jim Lee is recognized as one of the best modern comic book artists because of covers like this one; because he can convey powerful and dynamic images that drag the reader into the story. The X-Tinction Agenda was a great arc, and it had some great covers... but none quite as powerful as this one. Defeated X-Men, unconscious New Mutants, a powerful X-Man gone bad, the complete upheaval of the X-Men logo... throw it all together and you get one of the best X-Men covers of all time.
This entry written by Tan K.

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/184/nwmut026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/184/nwmut026.jpg" border=0 align=right alt="New Mutants #26"></a>#7: NEW MUTANTS #26
Art by: Bill Sienkiewicz

As the first ever X-Men spinoff, the New Mutants series had a lot to live up to. Not just in terms of overall direction and story, but it of course wanted its own distinct artistic identity. To do this, artist Bill Sienkiewicz began a series of mindblowing painted covers, which was a rarity for comics at the time. This decision to incorporate painted covers for a mainstream series has influenced the industry greatly, contributing to modern art like the artistic covers of DC's Vertigo imprint and even indie books. Arguably the best cover in Sienkiewicz's run is this rendition of Legion for the issue of his first full appearance. At first, the image seems like a typical abstract, but once readers learn of the character's multiple personalities, Sienkiewicz's intent becomes crystal clear. The image in fact symbolizes Legion's tattered psyche and the anguish and inner conflict he was experiencing because of it.
This entry written by Al Harahap

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/188/uxmen142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/188/uxmen142.jpg" border=0 align=right alt="Uncanny X-Men #142"></a>#6: UNCANNY X-MEN #142
Art by: John Byrne

The cover to Part 2 of Days of Future Past says outright what the previous issue’s cover implied: "Everybody Dies!" A towering Sentinel dominates the image, holding a limp and lifeless Storm in one hand while brutally blasting apart Wolverine with the other. The image’s strength lies in its simple brutality showing two of the mightiest X-Men at the total mercy of this monstrous machine. Never before or since has a cover expressed so well the utter futility of a struggle, the hopelessness of a situation. This cover makes the list because nobody seeing this image could resist picking up this issue, and no one who read this issue could deny that the Sentinels were one of the X-Men’s greatest threats.
This entry written by Joel Phillips

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<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/Marvels2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://Www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/Marvels2t.jpg" border=0 align=right alt="Marvels #2"></a>#5: MARVELS #2
Artist: Alex Ross

Upon your first look at this cover, it's hard not to be taken in by its sheer magnificence. If you're a comic fan, you're probably familiar with Alex Ross' award-winning skills of painting realistic portrayals of the superhero genre. But this cover transcends mere beauty and touches the soul. Not only does the scene symbolize the X-Men's whole raison d'etre in fighting the bigotry against mutants and prejudice in general, but Ross' choice of Angel in rescuing the contrasting deformed mutant girl instills a sense of some divine intervention that would otherwise be missing with any of the other four original X-Men. The two figures are a juxtaposition of the most "beautiful" and the most "horrible" a mutant can be physically. Yet with Ross' inclusion of the lynch mob throwing stones, he reminds us that it doesn't matter... because both are unacceptable in society regardless of aesthetics. Thus making this masterpiece the beautiful tragedy that it is.
This entry written by Al Harahap

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/258/wolv-ls1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/258/wolv-ls1.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="Wolverine #1"></a>#4: WOLVERINE #1
Art by: Frank Miller

Wolverine is an icon of modern pop culture. You can argue about his overexposure all you like, but you cannot deny the appeal of this character. The hard edge, the danger, the charisma, and the lethal playfulness...all at work in this classic Frank Miller image. Against a minimalist backdrop, Logan peers out at the reader, mask drawn back. His eyes are squinted with brows arching upwards, his mouth drawn back into a smile that would make Clint Eastwood a little wary. Claws extended on one hand, light gleaming in star cross patterns off the razor sharp steel...and the other hand beckoning the reader in closer. Surely a sight that would send your average fanboy screaming and in desperate need of new Underoos, but here is an invitation into the dangerous world of Wolverine. The risk is well worth the rewards within...
This entry written by Jordan T. Maxwell

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/8/uxmen101.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/8/uxmen101.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="Uncanny X-Men #101"></a>#3: UNCANNY X-MEN #101
Art by: Dave Cockrum

Jean’s dead. She piloted the shuttle to save the X-men’s lives. Their friend, their family member, their beloved, sacrificed herself to save them. Wait, what’s that bubbling beneath the water? Could it be? And on that note the fiery Phoenix triumphantly rises from her ashes in a blaze of glory. Jean Grey, transformed into the powerful Phoenix entity, proclaims, "Hear me, X-Men! No longer am I the woman you knew! I am fire! And life incarnate! Now and forever I am Phoenix!" This very moment was a zenith in the Phoenix’ life, as well as X-dom as a whole. Phoenix is arguably one of the most powerful beings to ever exist in Marvels’ plethoric past, as well as one of the most popular. She has been integral as an instigator of some of the biggest and most well-known events to occur in X-history. Any X-Fan worth their salt can easily identify this cover at a glance, this cover that immortalizes that moment when Jean Grey rose like a phoenix from her watery grave. This cover is one of the top covers of all time for the composition’s symbolism and its sheer awe-inspiring beauty.
This entry written by Nancy N. Young

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/8/uxmen141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/8/uxmen141.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="Uncanny X-Men #141"></a>#2: UNCANNY X-MEN #141
Art by: John Byrne

The cover to Part 1 of Days of Future Past, in a time before alternate realities were as common as Summers relatives, is another artistic masterpiece. An aging Wolverine stands defiant against whatever is standing before him, flashing its warning lights at him, and no doubt readying itself for an attack. However, it’s what stands behind Wolverine that makes everyone remember this cover: a scoreboard, if you will, showing our favorite past and present X-Men and what has happened to them thanks to the mutant-hunting Sentinels: they have all been "Apprehended" or "Slain." It’s simple, it’s cold, and it’s callously inhuman... much like the robotic destroyers responsible. The shock value alone of such a cover, before fans knew what it meant to have a story in an alternate place and time, places this at #2 on the Top X-Covers list.
This entry written by Joel Phillips

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<a href="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/media/188/uxmen251.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://comixfan.com/xfan/4images/data/thumbnails/188/uxmen251.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="Uncanny X-Men #251"></a>#1: UNCANNY X-MEN #251
Art by: Marc Silvestri

After the devastating attack by the Reavers, the X-Men are on the run, but one of their own has fallen and been taken prisoner by Donald Pierce. Chained in the desert to a huge X, Wolverine is subjected to the physical and psychological torture of Pierce, ultimately leading to his actual crucifixion. It is that image that graces the cover of Uncanny X-Men #251: Wolverine, broken, defeated, on his own version of the cross. The image is beautifully rendered: the greens of Logan and the cross contrasting with the purple-hued background gives the entire scene a surreal feeling of suffering and eminent death while a lone vulture draws attention to itself by disrupting the familiar logo. For the final brilliant touch, take a good look at Logan’s arms: there are no chains holding him to the cross. That places this cover chronologically toward the end of the issue after his violent staking to the X. Darkly perfect imagery that is startling potent, without being graphic, makes this cover #1.
This entry written by Joel Phillips

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For more special articles, features, and columns celebrating the 40th Anniversaries of the Avengers and X-Men, click here!

[phoenix4rce]

What an incredible thread! And I got to have the first post! haha.
My personal fave here is #5. (Just something about that angel cover that grabs me)

[Mike Gonzalez]

I disagree. I think the best covers out there are Uncanny 101 (as mentioned) and the combination of X-Factor 15 and X-Factor 24. It's beautifully striking to see the handsome, rich, successful, carefree Angel be cut down and lose it all. Just the differences between those two covers speak of the huge departure the 80's and 90's were from the more carefree 70's.

[harlekein]

I would have put UXM#270 on spot #4 but otherwise I completely agree with the list. Great column.

[Storm_1118]

What a great list, the covers were really good and I would have to say I agree with most of them. I'm really excited to see and read all the X-Men and Avengers related features there are going to be!

[Jesse Baer]

Great list here, it's always hard to pick the greatest X-Covers, and your list would be pretty close to my own.
Origin 2 is real good for its simplicity and impact. I love Uncanny 138 for all the reasons you said, but also for the background, with different previous covers. Uncanny 270 is pretty good. I don't really care for New Mutants 26. Uncanny 142 is a great cover, it's amazing the great stories and covers for those two Future Past issues. I would have probably bumped Marvels 2 up a couple notches, I love Alex Ross, and this is just a fantastic image. Wolverine 1 is probably my favorite Wolverine cover ever, it's just like he's saying "Bring it on bub." Uncanny 101 is a pretty interesting choice, and a great cover. Uncanny 141 is fantastic. And Uncanny 251 is fantastic, I love its simplicity, the silhouete of Logan, and everything involved.

I know it's been hyped up so much, but I still would have included Uncanny X-Men 137: Death of Phoenix, I love the image of Jean and Scott, torn and battered, fighting for their lives, holding each other up.

[Youri Zoutman]

Originally posted by phoenix4rce
My personal fave here is #5. (Just something about that angel cover that grabs me)

I agree, i think it's one of the best portrails of the X-Men's reason of eXisting!!

[Stormy]

I don't know about Uncanny 142, but the others are all good. I notice that except for Origin, there aren't any even remotely recent ones on the list. I guess because Nu-Marvel has adopted a poster-ish policy for their covers now.

[Kevin Sutton]

I didn't much agree with several of the choices here. (No #137?) I didn't like #10, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. Some of them might have been on my list, but not where they were.

[Tan K.]

Originally posted by opticblast
Great list here, it's always hard to pick the greatest X-Covers, and your list would be pretty close to my own.
Origin 2 is real good for its simplicity and impact. I love Uncanny 138 for all the reasons you said, but also for the background, with different previous covers. Uncanny 270 is pretty good. I don't really care for New Mutants 26. Uncanny 142 is a great cover, it's amazing the great stories and covers for those two Future Past issues. I would have probably bumped Marvels 2 up a couple notches, I love Alex Ross, and this is just a fantastic image. Wolverine 1 is probably my favorite Wolverine cover ever, it's just like he's saying &quot;Bring it on bub.&quot; Uncanny 101 is a pretty interesting choice, and a great cover. Uncanny 141 is fantastic. And Uncanny 251 is fantastic, I love its simplicity, the silhouete of Logan, and everything involved.

I know it's been hyped up so much, but I still would have included Uncanny X-Men 137: Death of Phoenix, I love the image of Jean and Scott, torn and battered, fighting for their lives, holding each other up.

137 was a nominee, but in the end, at least for me, even though the cover is nice looking, I think the story inside influences people to choose that one. I guess the same could be said about 101, but when I narrowed down my personal choices, I looked at cover alone.

Originally posted by Stormy
I don't know about Uncanny 142, but the others are all good. I notice that except for Origin, there aren't any even remotely recent ones on the list. I guess because Nu-Marvel has adopted a poster-ish policy for their covers now.

Again, for me, the poster/photograph covers that are so prevalent now are kinda boring. They are pretty, but I like covers that dealt with the actual story. Repetitive portraits actually are a turn off many times.

[Jordan T. Maxwell]

Personally, i love a bunch of the newer covers...but i opted out of the nominating process because i was far too busy to go through my collection and look at covers. but i think all of these are great covers.

[Victoronehalf]

My favorite is #6. I remember as a kid, staring at my Marvel card rendition of the cover, transfixed.

[SmashedPumpkin]

I really love thier number one choice, I found that issue at a great price recently, and it is just awesome. My favorite cover, personally, is issue 200.

[FreakyFlyBry]

I would've expected Uncanny #141 to top the list, like it did in Wizard. But still, good list!

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Great choices for the Top Ten Marvel X-Covers. I think my all-time favorite is Uncanny X-Men #101 where Jean comes up out of the water. My second all-time favorite is Origin #2, followed by Uncanny X-Men #138, followed by the rest of the other covers.

[Erwin Rafael]

Originally posted by Stormy
I don't know about Uncanny 142, but the others are all good. I notice that except for Origin, there aren't any even remotely recent ones on the list. I guess because Nu-Marvel has adopted a poster-ish policy for their covers now.

actually, there are a lot of good covers that came out under this "Nu-Marvel" era. there's the self depreciating Wolverine cover for X-Force. then there's NXM 114, the weirdness of which reatly symbolizes Morrison's era. and then there's the amazing Xorn-contemplating-a-hamburger cover in NXM 127. plus, Ashley Wood's cover for Uncanny Anual 2001.

some old fave i would have chosen would be Giant Size X-Men #1 (very influential, often imitated).

[bugalugs1]

Originally posted by Erwin Rafael

old fave i would have chosen would be Giant Size X-Men #1 (very influential, often imitated).

I'd have included this in my top ten as well, simply for the recognition and duplication factor

But, I've got to admit, I pretty much agree with the whole top ten list..

[Wolverine]

Great choices especially origin. I quite like the way you guys choice. Was Uncanny X-men 248 on the list?

[Tan K.]

Originally posted by Erwin Rafael


some old fave i would have chosen would be Giant Size X-Men #1 (very influential, often imitated).

This one was a nominee. There was a lot of criteria given to all of the covers by the voters: emotion, impact, beauty, etc. When I was voting and chose 138, its influence was a big part of it. It was also very attractive and impactful. To me, Giant Sized X-Men was even more copied, but I didn't find it to satisfy the other categories enough to make my final list. Also, I just didn't want a list of covers that have been copied. That is just my personal take on it. I can understand it's place on other lists of best covers.

Originally posted by Wolverine
Great choices especially origin. I quite like the way you guys choice. Was Uncanny X-men 248 on the list?

To be honest, I don't recall it getting very far even if it did get nominated. It is a beautiful cover though. Great era for the x-men as well.

[thenewson]

What a top ten. To my surprise the only one I don't own is #5.

[Brett White]

That was a very nice list, and I agree with it mostly. As far as my personal favorite, it has to be UXM #210 by John Romita Jr. To me, no other image accurately portrays the X-Men as they were from the time that issue was published until around 1997. Dark, adventurous, tough, and just plain cool. I also have to say that i love UXM 137, 172, 168 and 126. I'll also toss in X-Force #54. Adam Pollina and Paul Smith are my two favorite cover artists for the X-World ever.

[jota]

Man! Such amazing covers to choose from. I think I agree with #1 but they are all wonderfull!

[NicholasRogue]

I'm still rooting for Uncanny X-Men #210, its the first issue of the Mutant Massacre saga and the cover's got the current team, Storm, Colossus, Shadowcat, Rogue, a battered Nightcrawler, and a Wolverine with his claws extended, a cigar in his mouth and saying "C'mon mess with us make our day"! I simply love it. Another great cover is Uncanny X-Men #135 and 137 of the Dark Phoenix Saga, also Uncanny X-Men #185 - Rogue: Public Enemy #1! also Uncanny X-Men #274 with Rogue, Magneto, Kazar, and Nick Fury in the Savage Land Saga. Also other good covers are X-Men #1, X-Men #100 by Lenil Francis Yu, the one with the Neo standing over the beaten X-Men tied in chains, X-Men #80 - the return of Kitty Pryde, Colossus, and Nightcrawler to the team. X-Men #24- the first date of Rogue and Gambit. Uncanny X-Men #201- Storm vs. Cyclops "Who will lead them" Uncanny X-Men #269 - Rogue vs. the Original Ms. Marvel, Uncanny X-Men #380 - the conclusion of the Muir Island saga done by Jim lee, Uncanny X-Men #337 and 342 by Joe Mad, the 342 Rogue alternate versian cover, X-Men #57- Professor Xavier leaving the X-Men due to Onslaught, X-Treme X-Men #1. That's all I can think of so far, I hope some of these are on your list guys!

[Joel Phillips]

This is actually one of a few shorter lists. That is, this is the Top Ten Covers, there aren't going to be future installments with this topic. The next installment will be another Top Ten on another topic entirely.

[Gat0r-ManX]

great list.. I love number 1, 5, and 10 myself