Tintin's Top Ten: Best X-Books

Tintin's Top Ten

Best X-Books

 

The X-Men franchise consists of multiple books with multiple volumes. Currently in the Marvel NOW! initiative there are 18 X-Men books with more coming (although some are about to be cancelled). 

X-Men started of with its first book; Uncanny X-Men (then only known as X-Men). After the coming of New Mutants spinoff it went on to become a juggernaut franchise. Some books worked (X-Factor) while others failed (X-Force). Each book also has multiple volumes.

Volumes in comics are a collection of books starting from issue 1 to the end. A new volume is created when a title reverts back to issue No. 1. This normally happens when the said title goes through a major status quot.

Example, Uncanny X-Men Volume 2 ended after the Avengers Vs. X-Men event. This event caused the Marvel NOW! Initiative (where every book was restarted from issue No. 1) status quot, which currently includes the title Uncanny X-Men Volume 3. 

First to set the rules, only X-Men team books will be applicable such as X-Men: Legacy or New Mutants, no solo books are allowed in this top ten such as Wolverine or Cable. Each volume must at least have 25 issues to be applicable in the top ten, so no new series or mini-series. 

These are the top ten X-Men books and volumes for the said books. 

10. Wolverine and X-Men Volume 1

Number of Issues: 26

Publication: 2011-present

Best Run: Jason Aaron (Writer) and Chris Bachalo (Penciler/Colorist) Issue 1-12

Best Writer: Jason Aaron Issue 1-26

Best Artist: Chris Bachalo Issue 1-12

Best Story Arc: "Hellfire Club" Issue 1-8 Jason Aaron (Writer) and Chris Bachalo (Artist)

Best Single Issue: "Wolverines Secret Weapon" Issue 17 Jason Aaron (Writer) and Michael Allred (Artist)

Lasting Impact: Wolverine becomes head-master of The X-Men school and its De-facto leader.

Wolverine and The X-Men was the centerpiece for the Wolverine side of X-Men post the Schism between him and Cyclops. The series is an off beat comedy following the students and teachers of The Jean Grey School of Higher Learning. Jason Aaron has been the writer for the series for its 26 issues and continuing. He brings some hilarity to the X-Men world, that has been sorely missed since X-Statix. While the title does name Wolverine, the book is focused more towards his students. The best are its single issues such as a Doop centric issue regarding his purpose to the school (Issue 17), the search for a new school teacher by co-headmistress Kitty (issue 19) and the quirky valentines story (issue 24). 

        

9. X-Factor Volume 1 

Number of Issues: 149

Publication: 1986-1998

Best Run: Peter David (Writer) and Larry Stroman (Penciler) Issue 71-81

Best Writer: Peter David Issue 71-89

Best Artist: Walter Simonson Issue 10-39

Best Story Arc: "Trials of The Angel" Issue 16-24 Louise Simonson (Writer) and David Mazzucchelli/Walter Simonson (Artist)

Best Single Issue: "Guardian" Issue 47 Kieron Dwyer (Writer and Artist) and "X-Aminations" Issue 87 Peter David (Writer) and Joe Quesada (Artist)

Lasting Impact: Angel's wings were clipped, with the help of evil mutant Apocalypse he went onto become death. A mutant with metal wings that could be used as projectiles, eventually Angel would become good again and be re-christened the Archangel. Every story revolving around Warren since then has been inclusive of his struggle as the killer winged mutant. 

Initially created as a method to bring together the original X-Men; Cyclops, Jean, Beast, Angel and Ice-Man. This comic had difficulties to start due to each characters status quot (especially Cyclops marital status and Jean's death). It began when the five decided to continue Xavier's dream, after he had presumable died and left the school at hands of their reformed arch-enemy Magneto. 

The team posed as mutant hunters, people would inform them about mutants in society and they would execute them (in reality they would save them). This would help them form the off-shoot team X-Terminators. Funded and represented publicly by Warren's good friend Cameron Hodge (in reality a bigot). Cameron would turn a plot where he would amputate Angel's wings (already destroyed during the Mutant Massacre) and sign his estate over to Hodge.

The series introduced the oldest villainous mutant Apocalypse who would make Warren into his horseman Death. Warren eventually turned good and became he trouble Archangel. Issues after that would lag until the X-Over (X-Men crossover) Extinction Agenda, where all X-Men teams would defeat Hodge and the Mutant slave nation of Genosha.

A new government X-Factor team would form with; Havok, Polaris, Multiple Man, Quicksilver, Strong Guy, Wolfsbane and liaison Valerie Cooper. This team was first written by Peter David, who made it a unique book with its oddball humor and pop-cultural refrences. Once he left Cooper was replaced by mutant builder Forge and once again the series went into doldrums. Eventually the team was replaced with just Polaris, Forge, Wild Child, Shard, Mystique and Sabertooth. Poor reception and sales caused it to be cancelled. 

It started good, dropped in the middle after Archangel saga, became unique thanks to Peter David and then just lost its way. X-Factor could have been something special even though it had two very unique concepts squashed by poor writing from time to time.

        

8. X-Statix Volume 1

Number of Issues: 26

Publication: 2002-2004

Best Run: Peter Milligan (Writer) and Michael Allred (Artist) Issue 1-26

Best Writer: Peter Milligan Issue 1-26

Best Artist: Michael Allred Issue 1-26

Best Story Arc: "Good Guys and Bad Guys" Issue 6-10 Peter Milligan (Writer) and Mike Allred (Artist)

Best Single Issue: "Wolverine and Doop" Wolverine and Doop Issue 1-2 Peter Milligan (Writer) and Mike Allred (Artist)

Lasting Impact: Gave X-Fans the hilarious pickle look alike character; Doop. Who also has his own language and is surprisingly powerful. 

X-Statix was a continuation of the X-Force volume 1. Instead of the dull and dark comic prior, it was a satirical presentation of mutant life. This was a team of mutant celebrities, only out for the fame. A hilarious book that has gained cult status within the comic community. Milligan would laugh at the genre by constantly killing off characters and making fun off the mutant plight. The best thing however was the introduction of the quirky Mike Allred art to mainstream audiences. He really gave a zany touch to the book. On the other hand we also got the hilarious Doop and his oddball language. Unfortunately low sales and an impending X-Men status quot change caused this books cancellation. 

7. Generation X Volume 1

Number of Issues:75

Publication:1994-2001

Best Run: Scott Lobdell (Writer) and Chris Bachalo (Artist) Issue 1-28

Best Writer: Scott Lobdell Issue 1-28

Best Artist: Chris Bachalo Issue 1-6, 17-22, 25, 27-31, -1

Best Story Arc: "The Origin of Generation X" Issue 1, Wolverine Vol.1 Issue 85, Cable Vol.1 Issue 16, Excalibur Vol.1 Issue 82, Uncanny X-Men Vol.1 Issue 316-317, X-Factor Vol.1 Issue 106, X-Force Vol.1 Issue 38 and X-Men Vol.1 Issue 36-37

Best Single Issue: "My Journal by Paige Guthrie" Generation X 0.5 

Lasting Impact: Gave us a new bunch of younger intriguing mutant characters especially Husk and the cool looking Chamber. Elevated the character of Jubilee and made Banshee much more interesting, pitiful and began the path to his heroic death. Made Emma Frost more sympathetic without compromising her bitchiness, and began the turn for her to become a main X-Men character for the 2000's. 

A series that began due to the events of the X-Over Phalanx Covenant. The formation of a new generation of young mutants. This series allowed Scott Lobdell to be remembered as a great X writer after his X-Men and Uncanny X-Men run were overshadowed (due to having followed the seminal work of Chris Claremont). This series was interesting during his time alongside Bachalo where we were given some interesting characters like M, Penance, Husk and Chamber. He also went to make Jubilee more interesting than she was and made readers sympathetic to Emma Frost (without having to do away with her dark side). His run revolved mostly around the mystery of M and her family St. Croix. 

Unfortunately the run would be cut short and the mysteries were badly solved by other writers. Apart from the poor writing and art afterwards. The characters really became less interesting although the easier ones to writer such as Jubilee, Husk and Angelo really shined. Unfortunately nothing could save this series and it eventually got cancelled after 75 issues.

6. Astonishing X-Men Volume 3

Number of Issues: 56

Publication: 2004-present

Best Run: Joss Whedon (Writer) and John Cassaday (Artist) Issue 1-24

Best Writer: Joss Whedon Issue 1-24

Best Artist: Simone Bianchi 25-30

Best Story Arc: "Gifted" and "Unstoppable" Issue 1-6, 19-24 and Giant Size 1 Joss Whedon (Writer) and John Cassaday (Artist)

Best Single Issue: "Northstar" Issue 51 Majorie Liu (Writer) and Mike Perkins (Artist)

Lasting Impact: Due to its ongoing nature, its hard to say but as off yet it gave us the first superhero gay marriage. The marriage of X-Man Northstar and his boyfriend Kyle coincided with the yes to the rights of Gay marriage in the United States of America. 

Astonishing X-Men started as a way to give noted TV writer and director as well as fan proclaimed geek god Joss Whedon an X-Men book to write. His run with Cassaday brought one of the best and most fun filled X-Men runs since Chris Claremonts tenure on the X-Titles. He also reduced the cast, for the first time in years made Wolverine a supporting member and gave voice to the leadership of Cyclops making him the lead character of the X-Books and moving him towards his current militant attitude. The run was marred by late shipping due to the amount of time it took Cassaday to produce his sensational art (he would have been the best artist, but for the amount of time spent his art was not worth it, although it was really good). 

The uniqueness of this title stemmed from the fact that each arc could only last 6 issues. After Whedon the title was taken over by multiple writers and artists, notable among which was Warren Ellis. After which at issue 48, Majorie Liu took over with focus on the Wolverine side of X-Men and the eradication of the six issue arc rule. Her focus went on gay superhero Northstar and his marriage to long time boyfriend Kyle (a first in comic history) and the Shiar warrior Warbird. 

The book is lowered due to its good but eventually boring middle runs and the inconsistent work of Liu, which is ongoing. Nonetheless Whedon's run is considered one of the best and most influential in X-Men history this decade. In fact his work is was one of the factors in convincing Marvel to name him director of The Avengers and supervisor for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

5. Uncanny X-Force Volume 1

Number of Issues: 35

Publication: 2012-2013

Best Run: Rick Remender (Writer) and Jerome Opena (Artist) Issue 1-4, 14-18

Best Writer: Rick Remender Issue 1-35

Best Artist: Jerome Opena Issue 1-4 and 14-18

Best Story Arc: "The Dark Angel Saga" Issue 8-19 Rick Remender (Writer) and various artists

Best Single Issue: "Rainbows, Puppy Dogs and Sunshine" Issue 35

Lasting Impact: After he goes rogue, Archangel is killed by his lover Psylocke. Due to Apocalypse prior experimentation on making Angel into Death, a life see resurects the original X-Man with no memories of his old life. 

Uncanny X-Force may just be the best and most beloved of any X-Title with name Force in it. Remender brought readers the black-ops squad to the forefront of the X-Men line without ever crossing over with other X-Books. 

It is clearly the most accessible books for readers who have vague knowledge of the X-Men and does not require them to also follow other X-Book sets due to its stand alone nature. Remender touched and broke hearts with once not so lovable couple of Archangel and Psylocke, he made Fantomex a damn cool character, gave heart and soul to Deadpool and after years made Wolverine likeable again.

The only reason why its low is because the repricussions and impacts of the series have yet to develop for years. Angel may get back his memories or Daken (Wolverines son) may come back to life. Also the impact is yet to settle in as Remender continues Wolverine's story onto his book; Uncanny Avengers while Psylocke is still being developed in the second volume under Sam Humphries. 

        

4. New X-Men Volume 1 (X-Men Volume 1)

Number of Issues: 41

Publication: 2001-2004

Best Run: Grant Morrison (Writer) and Frank Quitely (Artist) 114-138

Best Writer: Grant Morrison Issue 114-154, Annual 1

Best Art: Marc Silvestri Issue 151-154

Best Story Arc: "Planet X" Issue 146-150 Grant Morrison (Writer) and Phil Jimenez (Artist)

Best Single Issue: "E is for Extinction-Part 1" Issue 114 Grant Morrison (Writer) and Frank Quitely (Artist)

Lasting Impact: Jean Grey dies as Phoenix for the second time and she has not been resurrected for ten years, Emma Frost and Scott Summers also became a couple. The mansion really became a school as now the X-Men became teachers and there were many mutants as students from henceforth. The death of millions of mutants on Genosha which unlike M-Day incident (caused by Scarlet Witch) is still to be reverted.

A reboot and renaming but still part of the second (or first?) volume of X-Men book started in 1991. This book only is in this place due to its lasting impact. After years since Jean came back, the Phoenix once again kicked in and she has ended up dead for a decade (although her younger self is time displaced in the present). This was very advantageous to Cyclops as he was removed from the shackles of his character as Jeans husband and proved to become a character worthy of X-Men leadership. This also brought forth the more interesting dynamic between Scott and Emma. Frost became a really important to the X-Men mythos. 

This series is mostly lauded for the collaboration between Morrison and Quitely. In my opinion Quitely is a great artist, but one who I feel does not fit the X-Men universe. The faces he draws are too squashed with shriveled lips and too much similarity between one and another. Quitely also makes the ladies of the book seem very unsexy and unelegant. On the other hand I really loved the prior X-Men and Wolverine work of Silvestri. He was fitting for the final Wolverine centric arc. 

This was a book that really changed a lot of things and led up to M-Day as well as Whedon's Astonishing X-Men perfectly.

3. New Mutants Volume 1 

Number of Issues: 100

Publication: 1982-1991

Best Run: Chris Claremont (Writer) and Bill Sienkiewicz (Artist) Issue 18-31, 35-38

Best Writer: Chris Claremont Issue 1-54, 63 and 81

Best Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz Issue 18-31 and 35-38

Best Story Arc: "The Demon Bear Saga" Issue 18-21 Chris Claremont (Writer) and Bill Sienkiwicz (Artist)

Best Single Issue: "Into the Abyss" Issue 27 Chris Claremont (Writer) and Bill Sienkiwicz (Artist)

Lasting Impact: The creation of a plethora of New Mutants/X-Men (pun intended) and the birth of the X-Book franchise. Also we were introduced to the impact-full character of Legion; Professor Xavier's son. 

It's actually fun to see one run dominate a book like New Mutants. Created by Claremont as a younger off shot to the slowly aging X-Men, the New Mutants were meant to be fodder for a Brood infected Xavier. Instead they became the pillar from where the X-Men franchise was born. 

The series created by Claremont brought some fan favorite mutants such as Dani, Canonball, Sunspot, Wolfsbane and Magik. For me personally this series was favorite from the heyday of Chris and Bill till the oft chastised Rob Liefield (I even liked Louise Simonson's hated take). 100 issues of dark teenage angst and touching moments.

2. X-Factor Volume 3

Number of Issues: 103

Publication: 2006-Present

Best Run: Peter David and Multiple artists Issue 1-50, 200-253

Best Writer: Peter David Issue 1-50 and 200-253

Best Artist: Pablo Raimondi Madrox Mini-series Issue 1-5

Best Story Arc: "Madrox" Issue 1-7

Best Single Issue: "X-Aminations II" Issue 13 and "Recent Events Part 11" Issue 45

Lasting Impact: It made Jamie Madrox a true X-Men star and affirmed the Rictor and Shatterstar relationship that had been boiling since the first volume of X-Force. 

A title that made it clear that Peter David is the second best (if not the best) X-Man writer. His run on the first volume was short and he negated it by giving us his take on X-Factor with volume 3. A noir detective styled series making the X-Men led by Madrox a mutant investigation agency. David has been going along with this series since its inception seven year ago. Unfortunately he has gone through some trauma recently and with the massive Hell on Earth storyline, it seems this title wont remain for long. 

X-Factor has been a joyous ride from start to end, even with the inconsistent art teams. David handles past mysteries and allusions left by past writers of these characters nicely, from Rahne and Asgard Wolf princes romance to the secret coupling of Siryn and Madrox, from the hints of love between Rictor and Shatterstar to the previous fleeting mention that Shatterstar is the son of Longshot. 

David has been shining these relatively unknown X-Men for a long time. 

1. Uncanny X-Men Volume 1 

Number of Issues: 541 Issues

Publication: 1963-2013

Best Run: Chris Claremont (Writer) and John Byrne (Artist) Issue 108-143

Best Writer: Chris Claremont Issue 94-279, 381-389 and 444-473

Best Artist: Dave Cockrum Issue 94-107, 145-164, Giant Size X-Men

Best Story Arc: "The Dark Phoenix Saga" Issue 129-138 Chris Claremont (Writer) and John Byrne (Writer/Artist)

Best Single Issue: "Second Genesis" Giant Size X-Men 1 Len Wein (Writer) and Dave Cockrum (Artist)

Lasting Impact: This book was the beginning of everything X-Men. 

Uncanny X-Men was the begging of all things X. Started in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the book would introduce readers to Professor Xavier and his merry band of mutants. Alngside him there would be their arch-enemy Magneto and a hoard of other characters. 

Unfortunately sales slumps meant that the book was cancelled, then along came a second genesis. Ginat Size X-Men changed the face of mutanity. Readers got a reboot with soon to be iconic characters; Storm, Wolverine, Colossus and Nightcrawler. Since then this title has never looked back, accumulating a more than 500 issues and becoming Marvel's longest running volume without having to be renumbered (other volumes like Spider-Man would only reach 700 because they would use old numbering in volume 2 and 3). 

Currently in the span of two years, Uncanny has bumped up to 3 volumes. With the third on-going. This first volume is however the cornerstone of the X-Men franchise. It encompasses the wide variety of superheroics as well as the themes of the X-Men. 

A franchise that would not have been possible if Len Wein, Dave Cockrum and after them Chris Claremont wouldn't have picked up the broken toys and started playing with. 

Others Worth Checking-X-Men Vol.1, New Mutants Vol.3, Excalibur Vol.1, X-Force Vol.3, X-Men: Legacy Vol.1

Don't Bother-X-Force Vol.1 and X-Treme X-Men Vol.1 

PS.: I know I said there would be an A+X top ten, but its taking longer due to the minimal amounts of friendships between the two sides.

'Nuff Said Bub

Aneesh Raikundalia