Top 10 X-Men Comics You Should Read

Script written by Clayton Martino


Top 10 X-Men Comics You Should Read

 
Want to start reading the X-Men comics but have no idea where to start? This is the list for you! Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 X-Men Comics You Should Read.

For this list, we are looking at the most famous issues and story arcs in the X-Men’s comic history. Whether you are a huge X-Men fan or just starting out, make sure you check out these comics! As always, some of this entries do give out important plot points, so spoiler alert.

#10: “Magneto Testament” (2008-09)

Most X-Men fans were aware that Magneto was a Holocaust survivor, but it wasn’t until the release of “Magneto Testament” that fans were given a detailed look at his childhood. This five-issue storyline reveals a multitude of new information about Magneto, including that his true name is Max Eisenhardt, and he was in love with a girl named Magda. The story barely touches on Magneto’s powers and instead provides a disturbing look into life in Auschwitz. Ultimately, it gave readers a perspective on why Magneto became one of comic books’s greatest villains.

#9: “New X-Men” (2001)

Many people consider the late 80s to 90s to be an awkward time for comic books, when publications struggled to bring their beloved heroes into the modern era. X-Men series in particular received some harsh criticism for its bizarre plotlines. That all changed when Grant Morrison took over and essentially recreated the series. In 2001 Morrison successfully brought the X-Men into the modern age, and while we all miss the yellow spandex, “New X-Men” breathed new life into the characters. He changed their headquarters from a training center to an actual school with students, and made 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” (2010)

Arguably the most pivotal arc in the current era of X-Men, “Second Coming” features an array of different 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 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” (2011)

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. He did exactly that with “The Apocalypse Solution”. A black-ops team operating without the knowledge of Cyclopse or the other X-Men, the Uncanny X-Force operates outside the constraints of morality that bind other superhero teams. Lead by Wolverine and featuring Archangle, Psylocke, Deadpool and Fantomex, the team sets out to assassinate Apocalypse, who had been reborn as a child.
 

#6: “God Loves, Man Kills” (1982)

If you are a fan of the film “X2: X-Men United”, then this is the comic for you. The film is largely based on 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 the first issue that really made that connection clear. As such, it is one of the most memorable stories in the X-Men canon.
 

#5: “Age of Apocalypse” (1995-96)

In arguably Apocalypse’s his most famous story arc, “Age of Apocalypse” was a massive comic book crossover that lasted for four months and spanned across multiple titles. In a misguided attempted to save the future, Professor Xavier’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 and everyone suddenly becomes expendable.
 

#4: “House of M” (2005)

When the Scarlet Witch finally realizes her true potential, it sparks an event that would forever change the future of the X-Men. Believing that her mentality instability is becoming too dangerous, the X-Men and the Avengers meet to decide what to do with her. Wolverine, along with a few others propose that the only solution is to kill her, The Scarlet Witch bends reality – she makes mutants the majority species while humans become the minority. Eventually, the world returns to normal, but not before Scarlet Witch utters the famous words “Daddy…No More Mutants”, causing nearly every mutant in the world to lose their powers. This is an event that the X-Men are still reeling from to this day, making House of M a must read.

#3: “Astonishing X-Men” (2004)

Nowadays it seems as if Joss Whedon, director of both Avengers films, can do no wrong. That wasn’t always the case, however, and some fans were a little concerned when he took over the X-Men reigns 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’ relationship. Featuring a ton 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” (1980)

Most people will be familiar with the recent film, which drew heavily on this comic’s plot. In the original story, however, it’s actually Kitty Pryde that goes back in time to prevent the rise of the Sentinels. The story, which was 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 would quickly become big parts of the Marvel universe.
 
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions:
 
“Avengers vs. X-Men” (2012)
 “The Proteus Saga” (1979)

#1: “The Dark Phoenix Saga” (1980)

It’s probably no surprise that “The Dark Phoenix Saga” tops our list as it is easily one of the most iconic stories in comic book history. This story arc, which lasts eight issues, showcases the return of Jean Grey after seemingly sacrificing herself. Having been possessed by the Phoenix Force, Jean’s powers improve significantly. She is eventually corrupted by the Hellfire Club, however, 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 member of the team was killed and changed the tone of the “X-Men” series for years to come.
 
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