X-Men is one of the bestselling comic book franchises of all time, and one of my very favorite media properties. I grew up falling madly in love with Nightcrawler, wishing I was as cool as Rogue, and respecting the hell out of Magneto's morally gray game.
Like all comic series that have had a long-running history, I'll be the first to admit that there are some X-Men moments and arcs that are soul-crushingly cringeworthy. But I will also die on the hill that the franchise delivers some of the most exciting, nuanced, and inspiring stories, too.
First appearing on the page in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement and referencing the atrocities of the Holocaust through Magneto's backstory, X-Men has always been a rallying call for marginalized people. It's not afraid to grapple with morally complex questions, and frequently puts characters on opposite ends of the ideology spectrum—Professor X and Magneto—in positions where they are both right and wrong.
Created by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the franchise grew to iconic status under the loving direction of Chris Claremont. But while Claremont may be the most celebrated writer, he is not the only hero of the written word.
Here are 10 of the best X-Men books and comics.
Astonishing X-Men
This is a novelization of the incredible comic book arc by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. Adapting the story into prose, this novel adds insight and extra depth to a beloved tale.
Since their beginnings, the X-Men have been considered outcasts—powered freaks hated by the world. But now Emma Frost is updating their image, presenting them as super heroes using their incredible gifts in service of society.
Unfortunately, this rebrand pales in comparison to breaking news: a geneticist has found a serum that can “cure” mutants of their abilities. Being able to live a normal life would mean a lot to a lot of different mutants—but the price may very well be the ultimate destruction of the X-Men.
Naturally, this all unfolds as an alien evil sets its sights on humankind.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix Saga
One of the most talked about arcs in X-Men history, this story is one of both immeasurable strength and immeasurable tragedy.
Jean Grey has always been a part of the X-Men—but she has never had power like this. But this new, unstoppable power has corrupted her. As the Dark Phoenix leaves universes dead in her wake, it is up to the X-Men to make an impossible choice.
Is the universe worth the life of the woman they love?
This collection includes Uncanny X-Men (1963) #129-138, as well as material from ClassIc X-Men #43, Bizarre Adventures #27, Phoenix: The Untold Story, and What If? (1977) #27.
House of M
One of my personal favorite arcs, this comic showcases the true breadth of power the Scarlet Witch possesses.
Following a nervous breakdown, Wanda Maximoff has reshaped the reality of the entire world. Our heroes' lives as we know them are completely changed—and almost none of them can remember how things used to be.
Will Magneto find a way to help his daughter? Or will he be unable to resist using her powers for his own gain?
This collection includes House of M (2005) #1-8.
X-Men: The Return
While generally not considered canon, Marvel has a line of X-Men novels that bring all of our favorite characters to life in exciting adventures. This is one of those fun, exploratory novels!
An alien race called the Kh'thon arrive on earth, claiming that the planet rightfully belongs to them. They allege they left the planet millennia ago—and they have some pretty unsettlingly good evidence to back it up. To make matters worse, they've got augmented humans with remarkable abilities to rival the X-Men.
Now the X-Men must find some way to send the aliens packing before their beloved planet—and all the humans and mutants that inhabit it—become Kh'thon property.
X-Men: The Dark Mirror
Another novel outside of the main continuity, this story sees the X-Men in a strange peril.
Jean Grey wakes up in a strange room—but that's not the alarming part. She is weak, confused, and without her powers. More unsettling, the body she's in is not her own.
Cyclops, Wolverine, Rogue, and Nightcrawler are also being held prison in unknown human bodies. But who has done this to them? And how can they navigate the world and undo this nefarious plan when they are without their mutant abilities?
X-Men: Days of Future Past
This comic arc is a big favorite in the X-Men fandom—and for very good reason!
It's the year 2013 (about 30 years in the future, from the time of the comic's release), and the world is on the brink of Armageddon. Sentinels prowl unchecked, imprisoning and executing any mutant in their path.
Kitty Pryde is the X-Men's newest member, but she may be be humanity's last hope. Sending her consciousness back in time, she must prevent the start of a terrible chain of events.
The basis for the popular movie of the same name, this collection includes Uncanny X-Men #138-143.
X-Men Epic Collection: Fatal Attractions
The horrific Legacy virus tears through mutantkind, and the X-Men are devastated after a loss. When Magneto arrives with an offer to provide refuge for mutants aboard his asteroid home, one of the X-Men joins his Acolytes.
Take a look at some of Magneto's most well-hidden secrets as he becomes an even bigger threat to humanity. And an epic showdown sees Magneto and Professor X do the unthinkable.
Plus bonus content that includes a Gambit solo tale and a deeper look at the X-Mansion.
This comic collects Uncanny X-Men (1981) #301-306, X-Men (1991) #24-25, X-Men Unlimited (1993) #2, Wolverine (1988) #75, Gambit (1993) #1-4, and X-Men: Survival Guide to the Mansion (1993) #1.
X-Men: Watchers on the Walls
Another adventure novel outside of comic canon, this weaves another alien tale.
An alien spacecraft escaping a brutal warship crash lands on Earth, and the X-Men hurry to provide the travelers help. These beings come in peace, but unfortunately their presence on the planet could result in a mass death event across the globe.
The X-Men are faced with a devastating moral dilemma: Do they provide refuge for benevolent beings, or remove the biological threat to Earth?
X-Men Epic Collection: God Loves, Man Kills
This riveting read puts the allegory of mutants standing in for marginalized people front and center, delivering a deeply human story. It also serves as the source material for X2: X-Men United.
As the villainous William Stryker plots to weaponize Professor C's psychic abilities against mutants, Magneto joins forces with the X-Men.
This collection includes Uncanny X-Men (1981) #168-175, X-Men Annual (1970) #7, Marvel Graphic Novel #5, and Wolverine (1982) #1-4.
X-Men: Age of X
Set in a world in which the X-Men were never founded, mutantkind has been sought out and slaughtered to the point of extinction. A small handful of mutants remain, and have found each other to make a last stand.
This collection includes Age of X Alpha, X-Men Legacy #245-247, New Mutants #22-24, and Age of X Universe #1-2.
