Top X-Men Character Keys to Grab for Your PC

X-Men #1 (1963, Marvel Comics)

First appearances of the X-Men, Cyclops, Marvel Girl (Jean Grey), Beast, Angel, Iceman, Professor X, and Magneto. The foundational issue introduces the original team and their iconic adversary, setting the stage for the mutant saga.

X-Men #4 (1964, Marvel Comics)

First appearances of Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Toad, and Mastermind. This issue introduced the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, with Wanda and Pietro debuting as hesitant adversaries who would go on to play central roles across Marvel’s stories.

X-Men #12 (1965, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Juggernaut (Cain Marko)

Professor X’s half-brother makes his debut as the unstoppable Juggernaut, Cain Marko, cementing himself as one of the X-Men’s most formidable and enduring enemies

X-Men #14 (1965, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of the Sentinels and Dr. Bolivar Trask

This issue debuts the mutant-hunting Sentinels and their creator, Dr. Bolivar Trask. These towering machines, fueled by anti-mutant paranoia, introduced a relentless mechanical threat that has remained a hallmark of X-Men lore.

X-Men #58 (1969, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Havok (Alex Summers)

Cyclops’s brother enters the scene, bringing family ties and new tensions to the X-Men’s ranks. His arrival added fresh layers to the team’s internal dynamics.

Incredible Hulk #181 (1974, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Wolverine (Logan)

The full debut of Wolverine, a character who would rise to become one of Marvel’s most recognizable and central figures, especially within the X-Men.

Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975, Marvel Comics)

First Appearances of Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, and Thunderbird; Early Appearances of Wolverine, Banshee and Sunfire

This landmark issue unveils the “all-new, all-different” X-Men, a globally diverse team that reinvigorated the series and set the stage for its modern era.

X-Men #101 (1976, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Jean Grey as Phoenix

After the X-Men return to Earth, Jean Grey emerges transformed into the powerful Phoenix. The story also takes the team to Banshee’s ancestral home in Ireland, where a supposed retreat turns into a deadly encounter.

Iron Fist #14 (1977, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Sabretooth (Victor Creed)

Introduces a savage and relentless foe who would become Wolverine’s defining rival and one of the X-Men’s most dangerous enemies.

Ms. Marvel #18 (1978, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Mystique (Raven Darkhölme)

Debuts the clever shapeshifter Mystique, a character who would evolve into both a formidable villain and a morally complex anti-hero in the X-Men saga.

Uncanny X-Men #129 (1980, Marvel Comics)

First Appearances of Emma Frost (White Queen) and Kitty Pryde

Emma Frost makes her debut as a powerful adversary in the Dark Phoenix Saga, later becoming a key member and leader of the X-Men. Kitty Pryde enters the team as a young, relatable mutant, quickly growing into one of the franchise’s most beloved heroes.

Uncanny X-Men #130 (1980, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Dazzler (Alison Blaire)

A talented singer and performer, also possesses mutant abilities to transform sound into dazzling light and energy beams, which she initially used to enhance her disco performances.Her lasting appeal stems from her unique characterization, relatable struggles, and the way she embodies the intersection of pop culture and superheroics within the X-Men 

Avengers Annual #10 (1980, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Rogue (Anna Marie)

Rogue debuts as a formidable adversary, her struggle with uncontrollable powers eventually guiding her toward the X-Men and a path of redemption.

Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants (1982, Marvel Comics)

First Appearances of the New Mutants: Cannonball, Karma, Wolfsbane, Mirage, Sunspot

Professor X’s first spin-off team debuts, spotlighting the struggles and growth of teenage mutants navigating their powers and place in the world.

X-Factor #6 (1986, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Apocalypse (En Sabah Nur)

Introduces one of the X-Men’s most formidable foes, an ancient mutant whose philosophy of “survival of the fittest” shapes his role as a legendary and enduring villain.

The New Mutants Annual #2 (1986, Marvel Comics)

First U.S. Appearance of Psylocke (Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock)

Psylocke debuts as a gifted telepath, later evolving into a skilled ninja assassin and bringing distinctive abilities and cultural depth to the X-Men.

Uncanny X-Men #221 (1987, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Mister Sinister (Nathaniel Essex)

Introduces a cold, calculating geneticist whose schemes and manipulations have left a lasting impact on mutant history.

X-Factor #24 (1988, Marvel Comics)

First Full Appearance of Archangel (Warren Worthington III)

Archangel makes his full debut, transforming from Angel into a darker, winged mutant with enhanced abilities, marking a dramatic shift in his character and role within the X-Men universe.

Uncanny X-Men #244 (1989, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Jubilee (Jubilation Lee)

Jubilee debuts as a quintessential ’90s mallrat, full of attitude and youthful energy that added a fun, vibrant edge to the X-Men.

New Mutants #87 (1990, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Cable (Nathan Christopher Charles Summers)

Cable makes his full debut as a time-traveling warrior, later becoming a key figure and leader within X-Force.

Uncanny X-Men #266 (1990, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Cable (Nathan Christopher Charles Summers)

Cable makes his full debut as a time-traveling warrior, later becoming a key figure and leader within X-Force.

New Mutants #98 (1990, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Deadpool (Wade Wilson)

Deadpool debuts as a wisecracking mercenary with a penchant for breaking the fourth wall, quickly becoming one of Marvel’s most unconventional and iconic anti-heroes.

Uncanny X-Men #282 (1991, Marvel Comics)

First Appearance of Bishop (Lucas Bishop)

Bishop debuts as a time-traveling mutant from a dystopian future, formerly part of Xavier’s Security Enforcers (XSE). He joins the X-Men in the present day, bringing his energy-absorbing powers and a strong sense of justice.