7 Marvel Characters Who Betrayed The X-Men

Overview of X-Men Betrayals

Wolverine unwittingly caused the demise of his entire team.
Colossus shifted his loyalty to Magneto’s Acolytes following the loss of his family.
Angel fell under Apocalypse’s influence, becoming one of his Horsemen, which marked a significant betrayal.

The X-Men, created in 1963 by the iconic duo Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, have become a cultural phenomenon thanks to their deep narratives and complex characters. These mutant heroes, led by the visionary Professor Charles Xavier, have fought against threats like Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, showcasing stories that have captivated audiences across comic-book pages, films, and video games alike. Their adventures, from the tragic “Old Man Logan”to the transformative “Phoenix Saga, ”continue to resonate in popular culture.

The X-Men’s rich cast of characters each brings unique motivations that contribute to their evolving narratives. Over the years, certain members of this illustrious team have made surprising allegiances, leading to profound ramifications within the Marvel universe. Explore the journeys of these characters who betrayed the X-Men and the reasons behind their choices.

7. Wolverine

Tricked Into the Unthinkable

Debuted in The Incredible Hulk #180
Responsible for the tragic deaths of the X-Men in Wolverine #70

Wolverine stands as one of the most iconic figures in the X-Men franchise, thanks in part to Hugh Jackman’s memorable portrayal. Renowned for his fierce combat skills and resilience, Wolverine’s arc took a dark turn when Mysterio manipulated him into believing he was defending the X-Men from an illusionary attack. As a result, Wolverine unknowingly slaughtered his comrades, creating a haunting narrative filled with grief that reverberates throughout his character’s history.

6. Colossus

A Tragic Shift in Loyalty

Introduced in Giant-Size X-Men #1
Joined Magneto’s Acolytes after personal loss

Colossus, known for his steadfast commitment to the X-Men, experienced a heart-wrenching moment of betrayal in Uncanny X-Men #304. Following the grief of losing his entire family, he was swayed by Magneto to join his Acolytes, thereby temporarily abandoning his principles and siding against the X-Men. Colossus’s journey back to the X-Men was fraught with challenges, exemplifying the deep emotional turmoil and impact of loss on loyalty.

5. Angel

From Hero to Villain

First appeared in X-Men #1
Transformed into Apocalypse’s Horseman of Death

Angel, a beloved character known for his aerial abilities and compassionate nature, faced a turning point when he lost his wings. Under duress, he became the Horseman of Death for Apocalypse, donning a dark identity as Archangel. His actions, though manipulated, caused significant trauma to the X-Men, especially as he believed he had betrayed his closest friends, vividly illustrating how personal loss can lead individuals down a dark path.

4. Magneto

A Villain with Complex Morality

First introduced in X-Men #1
A complex antagonist who has allied with the X-Men

Magneto epitomizes the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. Although often positioned as the archetypal antagonist to the X-Men, he has also taken on roles that blurred those distinctions, such as leading the New Mutants. Despite moments of cooperation with the X-Men, his frequent returns to villainy highlight the ongoing struggle between mutant survival and his quest for dominance, making his betrayals both expected and painful for fans.

3. Cyclops

The Tragic Downfall of a Leader

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

Cyclops, a fundamental figure in the X-Men narrative, faces his own dramatic transformation when he becomes the unwitting catalyst for his mentor’s demise. In the “Avengers vs. X-Men”storyline, Cyclops’s possession of the Phoenix Force leads him to fatal consequences, resulting in the death of Professor X. This heartbreaking choice marks one of the most significant betrayals in X-Men lore, as a loyal soldier’s actions lead to devastating repercussions.

2. Professor X

From Mentor to Betrayer

Debuted in X-Men #1
Travelled back in time to kill Moira McTaggert

Professor Charles Xavier, a symbol of hope and guidance for mutants, found himself on a dark path in “X-Men: From the Ashes.”Disillusioned with the notion of coexistence between humans and mutants, he made an alarming pact with Orchis, resulting in actions that horrified his students and allies alike. His betrayal underscores a tragic shift from a visionary leader to one who compromises his ideals for what he believes is the greater good.

1. Scarlet Witch

The Ultimate Act of Betrayal

First appeared in X-Men #4
Stripped all mutants of their powers

Wanda Maximoff, known as Scarlet Witch, orchestrated one of the most colossal betrayals in X-Men history during the “House of M”saga. Although not a formal member of the team, her actions against mutant-kind were catastrophic; by uttering the fateful words “No more mutants, ”she obliterated the powers of countless mutants, including those within the X-Men. This dramatic shift placed her betrayal at the pinnacle of emotional and narrative impact within the Marvel universe.

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