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Want to start reading X-Men comics but have no idea where to start? We’ve got you covered with our picks for the top 10 X-Men comics you should read. Whether you’re a huge X-Men fan or just starting out, make sure to check out these iconic issues and story arcs in X-Men comic book history.
10. Magneto: Testament
Most X-Men fans are aware that Magneto is a Holocaust survivor, but it wasn’t until the release of Magneto: Testament that fans got a detailed look at his childhood. This five-issue storyline reveals new information about Magneto, including his true name, Max Eisenhart, and his love for a girl named Magda. The story barely touches on Magneto’s powers and instead provides a disturbing look into life in Auschwitz, giving readers a perspective on why Magneto became one of comic book’s greatest villains.
9. New X-Men
Many people consider the late ’80s and ’90s to be an awkward time for comic books, with publications struggling to bring their beloved heroes into a modern era. The X-Men series, in particular, received harsh criticism for its bizarre plotlines. That all changed when Grant Morrison took over in 2001 and essentially recreated the series. Morrison successfully brought the X-Men into the modern age, changing their headquarters from a training center to an actual school with students and making Emma Frost a prominent character. Morrison’s full run lasted over 40 issues and includes eight story arcs, all of which are worth checking out.
8. Second Coming
Arguably the most pivotal arc in the current era of X-Men, Second Coming features an array of characters, including the X-Men, Bastion, William Stryker, and even a cameo from the Avengers. The story begins with the return of Hope Summers and Cable from the future, and the action never lets up. Ultimately, we see the X-Men doing what they do best: fighting impossible odds but overcoming them to ensure the survival of mutants and humans around the world. The story also ends with an awesome Phoenix Force tease, which just makes us want to read more.
7. The Apocalypse Solution
Trying to build off the success of the X-Force series, Rick Remender needed a killer story to kick off his Uncanny X-Force comic book, and he delivered with The Apocalypse Solution. A black ops team operating without the knowledge of Cyclops and the other X-Men, the Uncanny X-Force operates outside the constraints of morality that bind other superhero teams. Led by Wolverine and featuring Archangel, Psylocke, Deadpool, and Fantomex, the team sets out to assassinate Apocalypse, who has now just been reborn as a child.
6. God Loves, Man Kills
If you are a fan of the film X2: X-Men United, then this is the comic for you. The film is largely based around this 1982 graphic novel, which revolves around William Stryker’s attempt to eliminate all mutants. After Stryker kidnaps Professor Xavier, the X-Men are forced to team up with Magneto to rescue him. While most people recognize that the mutants in the X-Men series are a metaphor for any real-world minorities that experience prejudice, this was one of the first issues to make that connection extremely clear. As such, it is one of the most memorable stories in the X-Men canon.
5. Age of Apocalypse
Arguably Apocalypse’s most famous story arc, Age of Apocalypse was a massive comic book crossover that lasted four months and spanned multiple titles. In a misguided attempt to save the future, Professor X’s son goes back in time to kill Magneto but accidentally kills his own father instead. This has drastic consequences for the future, as Magneto becomes the leader of the X-Men while Apocalypse and his horsemen rule North America. Being set in an alternate timeline, it’s kill or be killed for our heroes, making everyone suddenly very expendable.
4. House of M
When the Scarlet Witch realizes her true potential, it sparks an event that forever changes the future of the X-Men. Believing that her mental instability is becoming too dangerous, the X-Men and the Avengers meet to decide what to do with her. Wolverine and a few others propose that the only solution is to kill her. The Scarlet Witch then bends reality, making mutants the majority species while humans become the minority. Eventually, the world returns to normal, but not before she utters the famous words “No more mutants,” causing nearly every mutant in the world to lose their powers. This event still impacts the X-Men to this day, making House of M a must-read.
3. Astonishing X-Men
Nowadays, it seems as if Joss Whedon, director of both Avengers films, can do no wrong, but that wasn’t always the case. Some fans were concerned when he took over the X-Men reins in 2004. Whedon proved he was more than up to the task, reintroducing Kitty Pryde and bringing Colossus back from the dead. He also helped develop and justify Emma Frost and Cyclops’s relationship. Featuring tons of action, fantastic character progression, and some of the most fun adventures in the X-Men franchise, Astonishing X-Men is Whedon’s best comic book writing to date.
2. Days of Future Past
Most people are familiar with the recent film that drew heavily on this comic book’s plot. In the original story, however, it’s Kitty Pryde who goes back in time to prevent the rise of the Sentinels. The story, produced during the series’ rise to popularity, spans two issues and was one of the most popular story arcs of the ’80s. It also introduced two new characters, Rachel Summers and Franklin Richards, who quickly became big parts of the Marvel universe.
1. The Dark Phoenix Saga
It’s probably no surprise that The Dark Phoenix Saga tops our list, as it is one of the most iconic stories in comic book history. This story arc, which lasts eight issues, showcases the return of Jean Grey after she seemingly sacrifices herself. Having been possessed by the Phoenix Force, Jean’s powers improve significantly, but she is eventually corrupted by the Hellfire Club and becomes Dark Phoenix, one of the most powerful and dangerous beings in the galaxy. The end of this story arc features the first time a core team member is killed (if you don’t count Jean Grey), changing the tone of the X-Men series for years to come.
Do you agree with our picks? What’s your favorite X-Men comic? Check out these essential reads and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of X-Men!
