As the excitement builds for the revival of the beloved ’90s animated series, ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ with X-Men ’97 on Disney+, it’s the perfect time to revisit the classic X-Men comics that inspired the show. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the mutant-filled world of Marvel, diving into these iconic storylines will deepen your appreciation for the characters and their rich history.Â
That said, there are many runs of the highly successful X-Men comics, and there’s never a perfect list for all fans. Just by a rule of thumb though, writer Chris Claremont’s body of work on the X-Men, from 1975 to 1991 is regarded as seminal, and this includes his work with John Byrne (1977 – 1980) that serves as a great starting point for any and all X-Men fans, and you should definitely not miss the Chris Claremont and Jim Lee’s (1989 – 1991) run either.
Here are some must-read X-Men comics (in no particular order) to catch up on before the animated series makes its triumphant return.
1) X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
God Loves, Man Kills is a standalone graphic novel written by Chris Claremont, a titan in the comics industry who commands a remarkable 16-year tenure sculpting the X-Men.
In this powerful story, the X-Men must confront religious fanaticism and bigotry personified by the charismatic Reverend William Stryker. The themes of prejudice and intolerance are central to the X-Men franchise, and resonate strongly even today, making this story as relevant now as it was when it was first published.
2) X-Men: First Class
X-Men: First Class (unrelated to the movie of the same name) offers a contemporary spin on the early adventures of Professor X’s inaugural team of mutants, featuring the likes of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Angel, Beast, and Iceman. Bursting with a deep reverence for the eccentricities of the Marvel Universe, this series ventures into realms of awe and wonder.
From a rendezvous with Invisible Girl of the Fantastic Four to expeditions on Monster Island, and even brushes with the mystical Doctor Strange and the divine presence of Thor, alongside encounters with the shape-shifting Skrulls, this saga immerses readers in a rich tapestry of superheroic lore.
3) X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga
No list of classic X-Men comics would be complete without mentioning The Dark Phoenix Saga. This legendary storyline, written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by John Byrne, is widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero stories ever told, and has even seen two film adaptations — X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: Dark Phoenix.
The story follows Jean Grey’s transformation into the all-powerful Phoenix and the tragic consequences that follow. It’s a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and cosmic forces that forever changed the X-Men universe. Furthermore, The Dark Phoenix Saga features the debut of the Hellfire Club, which will be battling the X-Men in X-Men ’97.
4) X-Men: The Brood Saga
While The Dark Phoenix Saga reigns as the most iconic X-Men storyline, The Brood Saga is a close contender for second place. Penned by the legendary Chris Claremont, this saga thrusts the mutant heroes into a chilling confrontation with the malevolent alien parasites known as the Brood.
With Claremont’s masterful narrative craftsmanship and Paul Smith’s evocative artwork depicting surreal alien worlds, the saga unfolds as a captivating blend of sci-fi horror and compelling character drama. Iconic elements such as Lockheed the Dragon, Kitty Pryde and Colossus’ burgeoning romance, and the Broods’ formidable presence on the cosmic stage are introduced, leaving an indelible mark on X-Men lore.
5) New Mutants: Renewal
After the traumatic events of the X-Men’s abduction by the Brood, Professor X finds himself questioning the purpose of the Xavier Institute. In response, he embarks on a mission to recruit a fresh cohort of mutant teenagers to join his academy, thus giving rise to the New Mutants. Conceived as a new generation of youthful heroes under Xavier’s tutelage, this team mirrors the original five X-Men in both its structure and its mission, with frequent clashes against the Hellfire Club.
Among the New Mutants is Sunspot, a Brazilian mutant endowed with the extraordinary ability to harness and manipulate solar energy — a new character slated to join the main roster in X-Men ’97.
6) X-Men: Days of Future Past
Another classic and iconic storyline that left a lasting impact on the X-Men mythos is Days of Future Past. In this dystopian tale, a future where mutants are hunted to extinction prompts Kitty Pryde to travel back in time to prevent disastrous events from occurring. With its blend of action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes, Days of Future Past remains a fan favourite and essential reading for any X-Men fan. It’s earned itself a film adaptation that was amazing, but of course, the original is better.
7) X-Men: Age of Apocalypse
For fans craving an epic, alternate reality storyline, Age of Apocalypse delivers in spades. When Professor X’s son, Legion, travels back in time to kill Magneto, he inadvertently terminates his father instead, creating a nightmarish world ruled by the tyrannical Apocalypse. This sprawling crossover event, written by various authors and artists, presents a dark and thrilling take on familiar characters and remains a standout in X-Men lore.
Moreover, it aligns with the status quo presented by the end of the X-Men animated series and the beginning of X-Men ‘97, which sees Professor X gone and the time-travelling Bishop in the picture.
8) House of M
House of M is yet another fan-favourite alternate universe storyline where the Scarlet Witch alters reality to create a world where mutants are the dominant species, offering a fresh and intriguing premise. The storyline explores complex themes of power, identity, and the consequences of altering reality, adding depth to the narrative.
Additionally, this classic saga features a rich ensemble cast of characters from across the Marvel Universe, including iconic heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain America, as well as prominent mutants like Magneto and the X-Men. This diverse array of characters adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the story, making it engaging for readers.
9) Wolverine Omnibus Vol. 3
Wolverine is undeniably one of the most prominent figures among the X-Men’s colourful cast, both in the animated series and across the franchise. Consequently, it’s only fitting that he finds himself at the heart of some key narratives in X-Men lore.
This collection showcases Wolverine’s involvement in critical storylines, such as his joint venture with Jubilee to unearth the secrets of the Weapon X facility, and Professor X and Jean Grey’s daring attempts to unravel the enigmatic depths of Wolverine’s psyche. Alongside these gripping tales, readers are treated to encounters with iconic X-Men adversaries like Sabretooth, Mojo, and Omega Red, ensuring a thrilling and action-packed exploration of Wolverine’s enduring legacy within the X-Men mythos.
10) Astonishing X-Men
Writer Joss Whedon and artist John Cassady’s Astonishing X-Men serves as a poignant homage to the beloved Claremont era, injecting fresh vitality into the classic X-Men mythos while honouring its rich legacy. Their work seamlessly melds contemporary cultural themes with timeless superheroic escapades, offering a captivating fusion of past and present.
Decked out in their classic blue and gold threads, the X-Men embrace their status as ambassadors for mutantkind. Additionally, Whedon and Cassady explore bold new territory — from the inception of a sentient Danger Room to the resurgence of the enigmatic Hellfire Club and exhilarating cosmic exploits — delving into the eccentric and flamboyant facets of the X-Men’s world.
Bonus: X-Men ’92
In Marvel’s 2015 Secret Wars event, a kaleidoscope of alternate comic universes was unleashed, reinvigorating older series and diving deep into nostalgic realms. Among these cherished continuities was the iconic 1992 X-Men animated series, resurrected in vibrant hues by writers Chris Sims and Chad Bowers and illustrator Scott Koblish, resulting in a well received limited series.
While not tethered to the exact continuity of the beloved cartoon, X-Men ‘92 masterfully captures its spirit, embracing its flamboyant ’90s aesthetic, vivid colours, and a plethora of nostalgic cultural references.
Noteworthy Mention — X-Men: Hellfire Gala Red Carpet Edition
The X-Men ’97 trailer kicks off with the front page of the Daily Bugle fluttering through the frame, showcasing mutants adorned in chic attire while teasing the Hellfire Gala. This most likely draws inspiration from more recent X-Men comics, which include an annual event called the Hellfire Gala, reminiscent of the renowned Met Gala. If X-Men ‘97’s take on the event is anything like the comics, there’ll be plenty of character-driven narratives intertwined with spectacle and drama.
With X-Men ’97 on the horizon, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the rich catalogue of X-Men comics. Whether you’re drawn to epic battles, complex characters, or thought-provoking themes, these comics have it all.
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
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