Shocking Betrayals: Marvel Characters Who Turned Against the X-Men!

Summary

Wolverine betrayed X-Men by unknowingly killing his entire team.
Colossus switched allegiances to join Magneto’s Acolytes after a personal tragedy.
Angel became a Horseman under Apocalypse’s control, a significant X-Men betrayal.

The X-Men are renowned comic book characters who’ve graced numerous movie and gaming adaptations since their creation in 1963 by comics greats Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. These extraordinary characters, known as mutants, each possess unique abilities and are mentored and led by Professor X (Charles Xavier) in his struggle against Magneto and his Evil Mutant Brotherhood. Over the years, their comic book tales have captivated audiences with epic stories like Old Man Logan and The Phoenix Saga, many of which have been brought to life on the big screen.

Over time, the X-Men team has been populated by an array of intricately crafted characters, each with unique motivations and ambitions. Given this rich tapestry, it’s not uncommon for certain members to shift their loyalties, which can have significant consequences for Marvel’s mutant superheroes. In the context of these events, who among the X-Men has chosen to switch sides?

7. Wolverine

Once Was Tricked Into Killing His Entire X-Men

First introduced in The Incredible Hulk #180
Killed the X-Men in Wolverine #70

Wolverine stands out among the X-Men team, making appearances in significant comic book storylines and brought to life on screen by Hugh Jackman. In the Wolverine comic series, he’s often depicted as a combative individual. As time passed, he retired his claws and has been known as Old Man Logan.

In issue #70 of Wolverine, we find out why he chooses not to use his claws. During this storyline, a group of supervillains, including Doc Ock and The Silver Samurai, attack X-Mansion. Wolverine bravely defends his home, fighting off the villains and seemingly killing them in the process. However, it was later revealed that the entire event was a trick by Mysterio, who had been projecting an illusion. In reality, Wolverine had unknowingly slain members of the X-Men. Although the attack was fake, Wolverine’s emotional distress and guilt are evident when he hears “you’re supposed to be our friend.” This tragic incident adds his actions to a list of questionable deeds, regardless of whether they were genuine or not.

6. Colossus

The Huge Metal Man Has Switched Allegiances In The Comics

First appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1
Joined Magneto’s Acolytes following the death of his parents, brother, and sister

In the X-Men squad, Colossus is often recognized as a faithful member, seldom deviating from the course laid out by Charles Xavier. Yet, in Uncanny X-Men #304, an unexpected shift occurred as Colossus chose to align with Magneto’s Acolytes.

It’s worth mentioning that Colossus had been facing numerous hardships, as he had recently lost his parents, brother, and sister. As Colossus started drifting away from the X-Men in several issues of Uncanny X-Men, it was during his sister Ilyanna’s funeral where Magneto approached members of the X-Men with an invitation to join his team, the Acolytes. However, when Magneto was attacked by Bishop, Colossus stepped in, aligning himself with Magneto and laying the blame on Professor X, feeling that if he had joined Magneto earlier, his sister might still be alive. Later, Colossus returned to the X-Men, but this act of betrayal was a heavy blow for fans who followed him closely.

5. Angel

The Kind-Hearted Winged Hero Becomes Archangel

First appeared in X-Men #1
Joined Apocalypse as a horseman of the Apocalypse

In the initial X-Men comic series, Angel, who boasts an extraordinary talent to sprout wings, was initially presented as a character. He demonstrated bravery beyond reproach, rescuing his comrades from a blazing building, thereby earning the title of Avenging Angel. Eventually, he caught the attention of Charles Xavier and was subsequently recruited for his team.

Originally, Angel found himself drawn toward Apocalypse when he lost his feathery wings and was offered the chance to regain them by becoming the Horseman of Death. As the Dark Angel, he managed to grow metallic wings and orchestrated attacks alongside Apocalypse. However, he broke free from Apocalypse’s control only after being led to believe that he had killed his friend, Scott Summers. This role as the Horseman of Death marked a treacherous act that left the X-Men in shock and disarray.

4. Magneto

The Most Famous X-Men Villain Has Also Been A Hero

First appeared in X-Men #1
The X-Men’s main villain has played both sides in the past

In various installments of the X-Men series, Magneto is portrayed as an antagonist, harboring resentment towards humans because of their inhumanity towards mutants, which frequently positions him against Charles Xavier. Yet, it’s worth noting that Magneto has collaborated with the X-Men on multiple occasions.

In the world of comics, Magneto initially supervised Xavier’s School for Exceptionally Talented Individuals. However, when he took charge of The New Mutants, things went awry. Afterwards, he assumed leadership of the Hellfire Club and returned to his nefarious deeds, claiming that his role at the school was to win their trust and manipulate them for future purposes. Subsequently, he frequently clashed with the X-Men. Although Magneto’s actions against the X-Men were in line with his character, they remain shocking due to signs of transformation observed within the character by fans.

3. Cyclops

The Loyal Soldier Killed Professor X

First appeared in X-Men #1
Killed Professor X in Avengers vs. X-Men

As a die-hard fan of the X-Men universe, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the unwavering presence of Scott Summers since the inception of the comic books way back when. Through the years, he’s evolved into an exceptional leader, commanding respect and admiration from his teammates. And let’s not forget his heart-stirring romance with Jean Grey – a tale of love that has left its mark on comic book history.

The heroic acts of Cyclops are what make his subsequent betrayal all the more heart-rending. In the epic showdown between the Avengers and X-Men, Cyclops absorbs the final fragment of the Phoenix Force, prompting Charles Xavier to intervene. Unfortunately, this results in Cyclops killing his leader and mentor, Charles Xavier. Overpowered by the Phoenix Force, he wreaks havoc on the planet. When eventually freed from its influence, he acknowledges his mistakes, expressing regret but stating that he would do it again if necessary to protect mutant-kind. The death of Charles Xavier and the ensuing destruction serve as a profound act of betrayal against the X-Men.

2. Professor X

The Figurehead Of The School For Gifted Students Betrayed His Team

First appearance in X-Men #1
Went back in time to kill Moira McTaggart

Charles Xavier has consistently strived towards achieving harmony between mankind and mutants, firmly convinced of their ability to live harmoniously together. He established the School for Exceptional Children as a sanctuary for mutants, serving as a guide for them in mastering their abilities.

In the story “X-Men: From the Ashes”, Professor X grows disenchanted with the X-Men due to his increasing belief that harmonious cohabitation with humans is impossible. To ensure mutants have a sanctuary, he strikes a deal with Orchis, agreeing to sabotage a ship and cause widespread destruction, including innocent lives. This act contradicts everything Professor Xavier and the X-Men stand for, emphasizing his betrayal. The X-Men eventually thwart Orchis’s plans, but Charles is jailed for crimes against humanity, leading to a new leader emerging among the X-Men.

1. Scarlet Witch

“No More Mutants” Is The Biggest Betrayal Of All

First appeared in X-Men #4
Wanda took away the power of every mutant

In comic book lore, Wanda Maximoff is portrayed as the child of Magneto and holds immense power. Initially, Wanda was associated with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, but later became a member of the Avengers.

In essence, though Wanda was never officially part of the X-Men team, her actions during the House of M storyline were a significant act of treachery towards not only the X-Men but all mutants. In this narrative, both Professor X and Doctor Strange sought to control Wanda as she manipulated Genosha. Upon the Avengers and X-Men arriving to communicate with her, Wanda crafted an illusion depicting a utopian world governed by mutants. Once the deception was revealed, Wanda criticized Magneto for his advocacy of mutant supremacy and pronounced “No more mutants,” effectively eliminating all mutant powers. This drastic shift constituted a massive betrayal against the entire mutant race, ranking among the most significant acts of disloyalty within X-Men history.

2025-02-02 01:27