10 Greatest X-Men Introduced in the 90s, Ranked

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Marvel introduces new X-Men every year, and because of that, it’s hard to keep track of which heroes hail from which decade. Some iconic characters, like Jean Grey and Charles Xavier, have been around since the ’60s, but other fan-favorite mutants, like Deadpool, were introduced in the ’90s and still manage to steal the show all these years later.

While it’s hard to say which decade had the best X-Men stories, the mutants of the ’90s left a lasting impression. These characters helped prove that X-Men comics could change with the times. These characters may not have been founding members of the X-Men, but they still became major heroes.

10

Omega Red Is a ’90s X-Men Villain

Arkady Rossovich First Appeared in X-Men #4in1991

“Who has brought me back from the dark domain of death? Who has summoned, Omega Red?”

Arkady Rossovich, aka Omega Red, is a solid reminder that not all X-Men characters from the ’90s fit neatly into the hero category. His origin story is firmly rooted in the USSR military as it churned him through the Super Soldier Program. As a mutant, he caught their attention early on. Omega Red has a few different abilities, including the ability to emit lethal pheromones (also known as death spores). He can also drain life from others and is inhumanely strong. All of these make for one highly dangerous character.

While Omega Red’s backstory might be a product of the ’90s, he’s continued to play a role in X-Men comics and even sought asylum in Krakoa. The character has also appeared in Marvel cartoons and video games and even had a cameo role in Deadpool 2, where he was one of the mutant prisoners at the Ice Box.

Clarice Ferguson Debuted in Uncanny X-Men #317 in 1994

“I’m sorry, Mr. Banshee, sir, but I can stop this monster — here and now — and forever.”

Clarice Ferguson was introduced in 1994 as a descendant of Apocalypse. However, that didn’t protect her from the Phalanx, who captured her along with the rest of the X-Men. She earned her freedom alongside the team and joined the X-Men as part of Generation X, taking on the mantle of Blink. Blink’s bright pink tones make her easy to spot, even when she’s simply in the background.

Blink has continued to appear in X-Men comics over the years. She was seen alongside Selene during Necrosha and later helped people escape various disasters, which brought her to the attention of Cyclops and his team. Since then, she has appeared in some of the best storylines of the Krakoa era, and Blink even worked with Abigail Brand as part of S.W.O.R.D.

8

Synch Was a Forgotten X-Men Who Made a Comeback

Everett Thomas Debuted in X-Men #36 in 1994

“Love is not dying for someone… it’s living for them.”

Everett Thomas, aka Synch, first appeared in 1994. His mutant ability is both interesting and powerful, as he can become “in sync” with any other superhuman in the area. This essentially allows him to use their powers and abilities. Synch is unique in that he can mimic abilities beyond the mutant realm, which opens up many possibilities.

He debuted during the Phalanx’s attack on the X-Men, a particularly dangerous time. Afterward, he joined the Massachusetts Academy with the rest of Generation X. Unfortunately, Synch died in 2000 and remained that way until Dawn of X, when the Five resurrected him along with many other mutants. Since then, he has been involved in several major adventures and a significant romance.

7

Domino Is an X-Men With an Unusual Ability

Domino Debuted in X-Force #8 in 1992

“Looks. Charm. And self-confidence. I can’t imagine why you don’t have a date tonight.”

Neena Thurman, aka Domino, is an unpredictable character with a lucky streak. Her mutant ability to manipulate probability effectively gives her good luck while casting bad luck on her enemies. It’s an unusual ability that doesn’t really have defined parameters, and over the years, writers have used Domino’s powers in interesting ways.

Many people became familiar with Domino when she appeared in Deadpool 2, where she was played by Zazie Beetz. Aside from her live-action appearances, she’s been a regular feature in X-Men comics and has worked with dozens of different teams, including X-Force and Mercs for Money. There’s a good chance the character will make a comeback when the X-Men join the MCU.

6

Monet St. Croix Shined in X-Factor

Monet’s First Appearance Was in Generation X #1in 1994

“It’s me again! I have my old body back! But…that means Nicole and Claudette are trapped in the form of Penance!”

Monet St. Croix has a complicated history, even by X-Men standards. She has several mutant siblings, and her relationships with them haven’t always been easy. Her younger twin sisters, Nicole and Claudette, fused together and impersonated Monet, and her brother, a vampiric mutant known as Emplate, transformed her into a mute creature with red skin.

Eventually, Monet got her body back, and she’s made an impression on X-Men readers. Her early appearances were in the mutant teen group Generation X, and she went on to play a major role in X-Factor Investigations. Later on, Monet was cursed by her brother, which left her with a desire to feed on mutants. Monet’s life hasn’t been easy, but she’s always made X-Men comics interesting.

Jonothon Starsmore Debuted in Generation X #1 in 1994

“I…I guess one advantage to not having a mouth is that I can’t puke.”

Some of the best X-Men of any era, ’90s included, remind readers that there can often be a cost to mutations. Jonothon “Jono” Starsmore is one such character. Dubbed Chamber, Jono’s mutation allowed him to generate and manipulate concussive blasts, which sounds amazing in theory. Unfortunately, one of his first major experiences with the blasts also took out most of his lower face and parts of his chest.

Fortunately, this didn’t actually kill Chamber, though it did remove his ability to talk for some time. With time, Chamber gained better control over his abilities, learning the ins and outs of how his body worked. All things considered, Jonothon’s story is a harsh reminder that not all mutations are flashy or fun, and as such, he left a mark on X-Men history.

4

Nate Grey Made Jean and Scott’s Family Tree Even More Complicated

Nate Grey First Appeared in X-Man #1 in1995

“I never wanted the notoriety my powers brought me.”

Over the years, Jean and Scott’s family tree has gotten pretty complicated, and Nate Grey is part of that. Nate Grey was genetically engineered during the Age of Apocalypse using a combination of Jean and Scott’s DNA, effectively making him their son, albeit through elaborate means. Nate is easily one of the more powerful X-Men characters, though his levels wax and wane depending on the plot at hand.

Now known as X-Man, Nate Grey is often considered to be above an Omega-Level mutant. In other words, he exceeds the current classification standards for mutants. Given his lineage, it’s no surprise that Nate has access to several abilities, including telepathy, technopathy, and mind control. He’s also borderline omniscient when at the height of his power, which is fairly concerning and memorable.

3

Gambit Instantly Became an X-Men Fan Favorite

Remy LeBeau Debuted in X-Men #266 in1990

“The gentleman assumes the pot is his to win… but I have a literal ace up my sleeve.”

Remy LeBeau was first introduced in 1990, and fans have slowly been falling in love with him since then. As a career heartbreaker, that’s no real surprise. Remy was first introduced during a rough time in Storm’s life, having fallen victim to an attack from Mister Sinister. Remy helped her escape and took care of her while she regained her memories. In return, Storm vouched for Remy, supporting him when most heroes would not.

Since his introduction, Remy LeBeau has proved to be a massive flirt and has had many memorable relationships over the years, though he’s arguably better known for his lasting romance with Rogue. Gambit is a trained thief with fast hands and an even quicker mind. His mutant ability is inherently flashy, making him easy to remember.

2

Deadpool Became One of the Most Popular X-Men Characters

Wade Wilson First Appeared in New Mutants #98 in 1990

“You have any idea how hard it is to find a joint that’ll serve a guy in a mask and bandolier? They won’t even let into Taco Bell!”

Wade Wilson, also known as Deadpool and the Merc with a Mouth, is more of an anti-hero than a proper hero. While he’s played a major role in X-Men comics, he isn’t actually a mutant. Instead, he’s a mutate, a human who gained powers after being exposed to mutagenic agents. Deadpool got his abilities after participating in the Weapon X program, where he was given a serum made from Wolverine’s DNA.

The character really came into his own in 1997, when he was given a solo series. These comics established Deadpool as a comedic character with a fondness for breaking the fourth wall. Since then, Deadpool has become hugely popular, starring in multiple films and working with many comic book teams, like X-Factor and the X-Men.

1

Lucas Bishop Is a Mutant from the Future

Bishop Debuted in Uncanny X-Men #283 in 1991

“Long time since anyone called me a baby. The name’s Bishop.”

Lucas Bishop, more commonly called simply Bishop, is a hero from the future. He comes from a time when Sentinels reigned supreme, especially over mutants. Bishop was part of the resistance from this time, and he jumped back to the past, which was the present for the X-Men to try and prevent this version of the future from happening.

Having been introduced in one of the more intense plots for the X-Men, Bishop quickly became a known entity in Marvel. Since then, he’s been involved in many other major events, including Age of Apocalypse, X-Treme X-Men, M-Day, Messiah Complex, and the era of Krakoa. At this point, it’d be strange to have a major event not include this iconic character.

“}]] Marvel is famous for introducing new heroes each year, but some of the most memorable X-Men hailed from the ’90s.  Read More