The Greatest X-Men Comic Storylines

X-Men comics have always stood out from the pack thanks to the dark and realistic themes their books have brought to the spandexed and jaunty world of comic book superheroes. The X-Men aren't wooden analogs of ancient pantheons or idealized icons destined to punch each other eternally. They may have outrageous powers, but emotionally, they are just as immature as the rest of us. Their stories are varied, but this list ranks the best X-Men story lines of all time.

Sadly, not every issue is great. Some of them are awful, or worse, inconsequential. If you don't have the time to read literally infinite comic books, here are the most essential X-Men story lines to get you caught up.