The X-Men and Avengers are two of the biggest teams in all of comics. Each cast is constantly rotated and updated, constantly adding new characters to the roster as the situation demands. However, the way you expand your roster is different. While the X-Men primarily add new heroes through the introduction of new mutants, the Avengers add to their ranks by offering membership to other established heroes. With that in mind, many X-Men joined the Avengers. Beast and Wolverine were long-time members, and Storm was the newest member.
The X-Men and Avengers have occasionally feuded, but ultimately both want to make the world a safer place for everyone. To that end, considering how many existential threats the X-Men face, it’s always a good idea to include more mutants in Marvel’s most beloved superhero team. It’s also a lot of fun to see your favorite heroes join teams with other favorite heroes. With that in mind, here are seven X-Men who have never joined the Avengers, but who definitely should at some point.
7) Iceman
Iceman is one of the original X-Men, but he currently feels he has no purpose. He is not part of any of the current X-Teams, and although he is the leader of Gray Matter Lane, the newest mutant school, he hasn’t done anything special in recent years. He needs a new direction, and joining the Avengers could be just that. Bobby is also a ridiculously powerful mutant, so adding his mastery on the ice helps prove the Avengers worthy of the title of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. All Bobby needs is a chance to strut what he’s got, and this will be a whole new stage.
6) Captain Britain
Betsy Braddock has come a long way to become the hero she is today, including a complex body swap and an ever-changing power set. Nevertheless, she has proven herself more than enough and it’s about time to move on to bigger goals. Kwannon is the Psylocke of the X-Men, so Betsy needs her own niche, and the Avengers are just that. This would allow her to further embrace her role as a mutant, defender of Avalon, and overall hero by showing how she is not bound to a particular place or group, but to the very concept of heroism. There’s always room for another Captain in the Avengers, and her previous mantleholders have already paved the way for Betsy.
5) Colossus
Like Iceman, the X-Men’s resident Living Shield has been aimlessly fumbling for far too long. He’s currently starring in a pretty awesome miniseries with his sister, but beyond that, he’s separated from the rest of the X-Men. Colossus’ kind nature and complicated past mix together to create a very interesting and nuanced character who struggles to understand who he is and who he wants to be. A new environment with new people may be exactly what his character needs. Beyond narrative reasons, he also has great physical ability. Hulk is the villain now, so it’s always nice to add another guy who can give and take some big punches.
4) Forging
The Avengers’ resident technician has always been Iron Man, but bringing in fresh blood and new ideas doesn’t help. With the power to build anything you can imagine, Forge truly brings new ideas to life. At this point, Iron Man has been a permanent member of the team for a while, which is great, but it’s also led to the team relying heavily on Stark’s technology and Tony’s innovations. Forge is the perfect person to introduce an entirely new technology and perspective to the Avengers. He’s criminally underrated and underutilized by the X-Men, so a new team that can push him to his limits and force him to improve would be perfect for him.
3) Phoenix
With Thor removed from duty and Captain Marvel stepping away from her leadership role, the Avengers need a cosmic heavy hitter. Jean Gray is the perfect person for the role. She has fully embraced her connection to the Phoenix Force, making her one of the most powerful beings in Marvel at this time. Over the last few years in particular, the Avengers have, above all else, taken on massive threats that threaten to destroy the universe, and their roster has reflected that. Phoenix is currently separated from the X-Men, so by joining the Avengers, she is in the perfect position to protect home and explore the universe at the same time.
2) Nightcrawler
This Blue Elf is one of the classic X-Men, happy to be part of Rogue’s creepy crew, but not one to scoff at new opportunities. Nightcrawler is one of Marvel’s best supporting characters. He is a very pious human being and has a demonic appearance, having the appearance of darkness but bringing sunlight into every room he enters. He is the emotional anchor that every team needs. He reminds everyone what it’s like to fight for good. His gentle personality brings out the best in those around him, and his boundless optimism is perfect for a group that saves the world every day. Plus, Nightcrawler and Captain America’s conversation will probably be the most uplifting conversation ever.
1) Cyclops
It may seem strange that the X-Men’s number one leader and unifying character would suggest joining the Avengers, but that’s exactly why he should. Cyclops has been a member of the X-Men since their founding. His leadership helped the team through its darkest moments, and his face has become synonymous with the team. Scott is Mutankind’s number one warrior and always does his best for his people, but the X-Men have always strived for coexistence. The ultimate step in that direction is to show everyone that there is no difference between mutant and non-mutant heroes, and Cyclops’ joining the Avengers is an important statement proving that. He is one of Marvel’s best tacticians and has unparalleled situational awareness. Scott should always be in the X-Men, but the Avengers could always use someone like him.
Which X-Man would you like to join the Avengers, or vice versa? Leave a comment in the comments section below and join the conversation in the ComicBook forums.
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