Top 10: Best X-Men Line-Ups

When it comes to superheroes, very few teams are more popular and recognizable than Marvel's X-Men. As with any group, their ranks have changed over the years to include new characters or to bring back old ones. Many of these variations have become just as iconic as the individuals themselves. From the original group from the swingin' '60s to the '90s-rific Blue Team, this post takes a look at the top ten greatest X-Men line-ups. 

10. Astonishing Team, Redux

(Astonishing X-Men Vol. 3 #48-68)

ROSTER: Gambit, Iceman, Karma, Northstar, Cecilia Reyes, Warbird, Wolverine

When the businesswoman turned supervillain Susan Hatchi sought to acquire the nation of Madripoor, she used the X-Men as pawns in her twisted game. These X-Men were an eclectic bunch and easily became one of the most diverse rosters in recent years. It included two LGBTQ characters, as well as three women of colour. This was especially important for a franchise whose struggles have been an analogy for homophobia and racism. Aside from the diversity angle, this team was notable for its familial vibe. Writer Marjorie Liu took the time to nurture the relationships between these characters and it really helped to make them that much more captivating.

09. Original Team

(X-Men Vol. 1 #1-66)

ROSTER: Angel, Beast, Cyclops, Iceman, Marvel Girl
LATECOMERS: Havok, Mimic, Polaris

Created by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the original X-Men were five teenagers who banded together under the tutelage of Professor Charles Xavier to save the world that fears them. As the first mutants to fight for Xavier's Dream, nostalgia for this line-up is high. In fact, Marvel continually revisits this group due to its iconic status. In titles like X-Men: The Hidden Years and X-Men: First Class, writers have revisited this team in their early days. More recently they've become the focus of Brian Michael Bendis' best-selling All-New X-Men series.

08. Gold Team

(Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #281-315)

ROSTER: Archangel, Bishop, Colossus, Iceman, Jean Grey, Storm

Following the events of the crossover X-Tinction Agenda, the ranks of the X-Men swelled to the size of a small army. To address this, they were split into two squads. Storm was given control of the Gold Strike Team, which dealt with threats from the future and Colossus' villainous brother Mikhail Rasputin. Her group was more classic in its line-up, especially since it featured three of the five original X-Men. However, it was also notable for the inclusion of '90s newcomer Bishop.

07. All-Female Team

(X-Men Vol. 4 #1-?)

ROSTER: Jubilee, Psylocke, Rachel Grey, Storm

EARLY DEPARTURES: Kitty Pryde, Rogue

LATECOMERS: Monet St. Croix

There's no denying that the X-Men have some of the fiercest superheroines in their ranks. That's why it's so surprising that it took so long to get an all-female squad for the franchise. This group, currently appearing in the pages of X-Men, became the first of its kind and is notable for emphasizing the sisterhood formed amongst the X-Women. As far as its membership is concerned, Storm leads a crop of A-listers and fan-favourites who are considered some of the most powerful mutants in the universe. Of course, it could still use a pinch of Dazzler to make it perfect.

06. Rogue's Team

(X-Men Vol. 2 #188-204)

ROSTER: Cable, Cannonball, Iceman, Mystique, Rogue, Sabretooth

LATECOMERS: Lady Mastermind, Omega Sentinel

After Cyclops grants Rogue the opportunity to lead her own team, she puts together one of the most unconventional and dysfunctional rosters the X-Men have ever had. While she recruited trusted allies like Iceman and Cannonball, Rogue was certainly asking for trouble when she threw three supervillains into the mix. This is undoubtedly what made this trainwreck so interesting and made the ride that much more fun.

05. X-Treme Sanctions Executive Team

(Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #444-474)

ROSTER: Bishop, Marvel Girl, Sage, Storm, Wolverine
EARLY DEPARTURES: Cannonball
LATECOMERS: Psylocke, X-23

When Storm is deputized to deal with mutant-related crimes, she and her X.S.E. set about establishing themselves as an authority in a world that hates their kind. This band of X-Men featured a stellar cast that felt like a return to the glory days of the 1980s, especially since Chris Claremont was on hand to write their adventures. Beyond the A-list status of its members, this group was so compelling due to their closeness and their interactions. This wasn't just a group of musclebound superheroes, this was a family.

04. Astonishing Team

(Astonishing X-Men Vol. 3 #1-24)

ROSTER: Beast, Colossus, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Kitty Pryde, Wolverine

LATECOMERS: Armor

Following the conclusion of Grant Morrison's critically-acclaimed run on New X-Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator (and future Avengers director) Joss Whedon made his X-Men debut with this beloved team in the pages of Astonishing X-Men. This small but mighty group was instantly iconic and completely rejuvenated the X-Men's universe. While it certainly helped that its members were legends, what made this team so compelling was that they felt like a love letter to the seminal Post-Dark Phoenix Saga material from the 1980s.

03. Outback Team

(Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #214-250)

ROSTER: Colossus, Dazzler, Havok, Longshot, Psylocke, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine

In the late-1980s, X-Men scribe Chris Claremont defied the status quo when he moved the X-Men from their home in New York to the dusty expanses of the Australian Outback. This would be the biggest shake-up in the team's history since the introduction of the all-new, all-different X-Men in the mid-1970s. Formed in the wake of the devastating massacre of the Morlocks at the hands of the Marauders, this team took a proactive approach to combatting the forces that threatened mutant kind. With newcomers Psylocke, Dazzler and Longshot on-hand, this roster was a breath of fresh air and focused on the budding interpersonal relationships between its members. It also helps that the stories from this era were among some of the best in the history of the X-Men.

02. Blue Team

(X-Men Vol. 2 #1-34)

ROSTER: Beast, Cyclops, Gambit, Jubilee, Psylocke, Rogue, Wolverine

When the Jim Lee-helmed X-Men hit shelves in 1991, it broke sales records and became an instant hit. The title saw Cyclops leading his squad of X-Men, then known as the Blue Strike Team, against forces such as Omega Red, Mojo and long-time foe Magneto. This roster became the defining membership of the X-Men in the '90s and was the basis for the legendary X-Men: The Animated Series. Aside from the overwhelming popularity of this line-up, the Blue Team was brilliantly composed and featured a balanced mix of power and skill types. It also birthed intriguing character relationships, some of which included Rogue and Gambit's on-off courtship, Psylocke's pursuit of Cyclops and Wolverine's mentorship of Jubilee.

01. 1980s Team

(X-Men Vol. 1 #139-141, Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #142-213)

ROSTER: Colossus, Kitty Pryde, Nightcrawler, Storm, Wolverine

EARLY DEPARTURES: Angel, Cyclops

LATECOMERS: Magneto, Rachel Grey, Rogue

Following the conclusion of the epic Dark Phoenix Saga, the X-Men entered into what would be one of their most critically-acclaimed and commercially successful eras. With Cyclops taking a leave of absence from the team, Storm took over as leader and this tenure would be one of the longest in the history of the team. While the line-up of her team fluctuated over the years, it was bolstered by mainstays Wolverine, Kitty Pryde, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Rogue. This brilliant mix of outcasts captured the attention of readers and singlehandedly defined the 1980s. 

Top 10: Greatest Women of Marvel Comics

When it comes to strong heroines, Marvel has some of the most diverse leading ladies in the superhero genre. These women have graced the small screen, big screen and, of course, the pages of countless comic books. While they don't always get as much love as their male counterparts (or even their rivals at DC Comics), there's no denying that Marvel's superheroines are fierce and fabulous.

Having previously counted down the Top 10 Greatest Women of the X-Men and the Top 10 Greatest Women of DC Comics, this entry focuses on the women from Marvel proper. To encourage fairness and a little more objectivity, this list has been compiled using the votes from The Women of Marvel Poll.

10. Firestar

REAL NAME: Angelica Jones

FIRST APPEARANCE: Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #193 (1985)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Microwave Radiation Manipulation, Flight

When she was thirteen years old, Angelica Jones was recruited and trained by the former villain Emma Frost to become an assassin for the Hellfire Club. Upon learning of her mentor's true intentions, Angelica emancipated herself and transformed herself into the heroine known as Firestar. After a lengthy tenure with a group of teen heroes called the New Warriors, Firestar became a member of the Avengers and later served as a mentor for the next generation of superheroes.

Originally created for the seminal Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends cartoon as a replacement for the Human Torch, Firestar's popularity guaranteed her transition into the comic book canon. Though she's most well-known for her appearances in the aforementioned series, her stints with the New Warriors, Avengers, Marvel Divas and, most recently, the X-Men have cemented her place in the Marvel Universe as a beloved icon.

09. Elektra

REAL NAME: Elektra Natchios

FIRST APPEARANCE: Daredevil Vol. 1 #168 (1981)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Master Martial Artist

When Elektra Natchios was still in college, her father was gunned down by terrorists. The embittered Elektra then trained to become a martial artist in order to avenge her father's death. After completing her training in China, she returned to America where she was employed by New York City's Kingpin as his chief assassin. Though she would later meet her end at the hands of the villain known as Bullseye, Elektra was resurrected and dedicated her life to repenting for her past sins.

As one of the deadliest women in the Marvel Universe, Elektra is as beautiful as she is dangerous. She has been a key player in both Daredevil and Wolverine's comics, as well as headlining several of her own mini-series and ongoing series. If her illustrious comic book career weren't enough, Elektra has also been adapted into numerous video games and even appeared in two live-action films portrayed by Jennifer Garner.

08. Scarlet Witch

REAL NAME: Wanda Maximoff

FIRST APPEARANCE: X-Men Vol. 1 #4 (1964)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Probability Manipulation

Raised as a gypsy, Wanda Maximoff and her brother Pietro became indebted to the mutant terrorist Magneto after he saved them from a lynch mob. Taking on the codename Scarlet Witch, Wanda used her unique gifts to further Magneto's agenda. However, she gave up her life of crime and instead became one of the longest running members of the Avengers.

With just over five decades of comic book appearances under her crimson-hued belt, there's no denying that Scarlet Witch is an icon. Equally reviled and loved for her cooky history, this probability-altering mutant has been a member of the Avengers for longer than most of her contemporaries. She's powerful, beautiful and a little bit batty. Still, fans can't get enough. Thanks to appearances in X-Men: Evolution, Avengers: United They Stand and her upcoming appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron, she's become one of the most recognizable heroines in Marvel's stable.

07. Wasp

REAL NAME: Janet van Dyne

FIRST APPEARANCE: Tales to Astonish Vol. 1 #44 (1963)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Size Manipulation, Flight, Bio-Electric Energy Blasts

Once a flighty socialite, Janet van Dyne was transformed into the winsome Wasp thanks to her then-boyfriend Hank Pym's experiments. She was a founding member of the Avengers and went on to become one of the longest running leaders for the team. Over the years Janet would endure her fair share of drama in her personal life, but her zest for life and resourcefulness have made her an incredible superhero.

While she may have once been the weakest link on the Avengers, Wasp's evolution into one of the team's chairpersons has mirrored that of Storm from the X-Men. She's smart, she's sassy and she's got a wardrobe so huge that it would put Carrie Bradshaw to shame. With her appearances in cartoons like Avengers: United They Stand and Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, she has ruled the small screen and her legacy will no doubt be felt later this year in Ant-Man.

06. Spider-Woman

REAL NAME: Jessica Drew

FIRST APPEARANCE: Marvel Spotlight Vol. 1 #32 (1977)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Superhuman Strength, Speed, Stamina, Agility, Reflexes and Senses, Flight, Bio-Electric Energy Blasts, Resistance to Poison and Radiation, Ability to Adhere to Walls

At a young age, a sickly Jessica Drew was injected with an irradiated spider serum that cured her and subsequently gave her superhuman abilities. After the death of her mother, Jessica was captured by the terrorists known as HYDRA and was brainwashed into becoming an assassin for them. Upon regaining control of her memories, she took on the codename Spider-Woman and sought to make up for her past sins as a superhero. Though she would work professionally as both a private investigator and bounty hunter, her most famous job title would be that of an Avenger.

As one of the heroines responsible for ushering in the wave of female-led titles in the late-1970s, Spider-Woman's self-titled series became one of the longest-running comics starring a woman published by Marvel. Though she would spend years in publication limbo, she was later brought back into the fold by Brian Michael Bendis as a member of the Avengers. With a snazzy new costume and her first ongoing series in years, Spider-Woman's stock couldn't be higher.

05. Captain Marvel

REAL NAME: Carol Danvers

FIRST APPEARANCE: Marvel Super-Heroes Vol. 1 #3 (1968)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Superhuman Strength, Speed, Stamina and Durability, Flight, Energy Absorption and Projection

While working for NASA, Carol Danvers was caught in an explosion that turned her into an alien-human hybrid. With a bevy of superpowers at her disposal, she became the costumed heroine known as Ms. Marvel. After fighting solo for several years, Carol became a key member of the Avengers and even joined the X-Men for a time. Now going by the codename Captain Marvel, Carol continues to pursue her goal of being the best superhero in the universe.

As one of Marvel's very first attempts at making a female counterpart to a well known hero à la Supergirl, Carol Danvers' popularity as Ms. Marvel exceeded that of her predecessor. Her original series posited her as Marvel's premiere feminist heroine, thus establishing her as the company's potential equivalent to DC Comics' Wonder Woman. She's been a favourite in video games and has appeared in adaptations such as The Super Hero Squad Show and Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes. She also holds the distinction of being the very first heroine to headline her own Marvel Studios film, with her movie tentatively scheduled for a 2018 release.

04. Black Cat

REAL NAME: Felicia Hardy

FIRST APPEARANCE: The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #194 (1979)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Probability Manipulation, Expert Martial Artist, Master Thief

Following in the footsteps of her father, platinum-haired Felicia Hardy became the master thief known as Black Cat to break her father out of prison. An occasional thorn in Spider-Man's side, she found the web-slinger irresistible and maintained a flirtatious relationship with him despite her criminal pursuits. Black Cat would eventually give up her wayward ways, thus becoming Spider-Man's ally and part-time lover.

Often inaccurately cited as Marvel's answer to Catwoman, Black Cat was actually originally created as a nemesis for Spider-Woman but debuted as a Spider-Man antagonist instead. As one of Spider-Man's most famous enemies and allies, Black Cat's legacy has spanned over three decades' worth of comic appearances. Her roles in cartoons such as Spider-Man: The Animated Series and The Spectacular Spider-Man have further helped to make her a fan-favourite.

03. Black Widow

REAL NAME: Natalia Romanova

FIRST APPEARANCE: Tales of Suspense Vol. 1 #52 (1964)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Expert Martial Artist and Marksman

Natalia Romanova was recruited into a special project developed by the KGB when she was still a child. She was trained in deception, martial arts and was brainwashed into becoming a spy for the Russian government. Under the moniker of Black Widow, she faced off against heroes like Iron Man and Spider-Man while forging a partnership with then-villain Hawkeye. Since then Natalia has switched sides and has gone on to become one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top agents, as well as one of the most recognizable members of the Avengers.

Originally debuting as a villain, Black Widow successfully made the transition to hero following her tenure as Daredevil's partner in his self-titled ongoing series. She would go on to become a member of the Avengers, a team which she would lead for a short time during the 1990s, and would even headline several books of her own. Despite this, she operated on the fringes of the Marvel Universe and never quite found a following until she appeared in the movie Iron Man 2. Her subsequent roles in The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier have cemented her place on the A-list, making her Marvel's premiere filmic heroine.

02. Invisible Woman

REAL NAME: Susan Storm-Richards

FIRST APPEARANCE: Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #1 (1961)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Invisibility, Force Field Generation

When Reed Richards and his best friend Ben Grimm planned a trip into space, his girlfriend Susan Storm and her brother Johnny tagged along with them. This mission into the stars would forever change their lives, as they would be bombarded by cosmic rays that transformed them into the superheroes known as the Fantastic Four. Originally adopting the codename Invisible Girl, Susan would use her abilities to battle despotic sorcerers, alien invaders and subterranean monsters. Since then, she's honed her abilities to become one of the most powerful heroes in the universe.

As Marvel's First Lady, Invisible Woman was the first ever female superhero created during Marvel's Silver Age. Often cited as the glue that holds the group together, this legendary heroine has braved countless missions as a member of the Fantastic Four and weathered unimaginable setbacks in her personal life. She is a survivor and a proud mama bear that will do whatever it takes to protect her family. On top of that, she has appeared in all four of the Fantastic Four's television adaptations and was featured in the big screen adaptation Fantastic Four, as well as its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. While the reception of these adaptations have varied over the years, Invisible Woman's status as an icon has not.

01. She-Hulk

REAL NAME: Jennifer Walters

FIRST APPEARANCE: Savage She-Hulk Vol. 1 #1 (1980)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Superhuman Strength, Speed, Agility, Stamina and Durability, Enhanced Healing Factor

After being shot by enemies of her father, criminal defence lawyer Jennifer Walters received a blood transfusion from her cousin Bruce Banner in order to save her life. Unbeknownst to Jennifer, her cousin was the Hulk and his irradiated blood resulted into her transformation into the green-skinned Amazon known as She-Hulk. Unlike her famous cousin, She-Hulk embraced her newfound abilities. She would go on to become a member of the Avengers and temporarily served as the Thing's replacement on the Fantastic Four.

Much like Spider-Woman before her, She-Hulk was created by Marvel to maintain a copyright over a female version of an existing male hero. As a solo heroine, She-Hulk holds the unique distinction of having two of the longest-running female-led ongoing series at Marvel. Her lengthy memberships with the Avengers and the Fantastic Four have also helped to establish her as an icon. This fan-favourite is beloved for her humorous qualities, with her ability to break the fourth wall and apparent inability to make any of her comics last becoming recurring jokes for the Jade Giantess. While she may not be as much of a household name as some of the other women on this list, she has a devoted fanbase and a legacy that proves she deserves to be number one.

Top 10: Greatest Women of DC Comics

In 1941, DC Comics revolutionized the world of comic books when they introduced the very first female superhero -- Wonder Woman. After her triumphant debut in the pages of Sensation Comics, Wonder Woman became a hit amongst readers and she would go on to inspire the creation of countless other superheroines.

Consequently, DC Comics has remained dedicated to promoting their heroines by placing them in the spotlight and giving them the chance to shine through a plethora of ongoing solo series.

This article focuses on the ten greatest women of DC Comics as chosen through The Women of the DC Universe Poll.

10. Huntress

Real Name: Helena Wayne (I), Helena Bertinelli (II)
First Appearance: All Star Comics #69 1979 (Wayne), The Huntress Vol. #1 1989 (Bertinelli), Huntress Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Archery, Martial Arts, Marksmanship

On the alternate Earth known as Earth-Two, Helena Wayne was the only daughter of Batman and Catwoman. By day she was an unassuming attorney, but at night she was the costumed vigilante known as the Huntress. Motivated to take up crimefighting after the tragic death of her mother, Huntress used her keen sense of morality and killer aim to dish out her own brand of justice.

Following the soft reboot of the DC Universe in the mid-1980s, Huntress was revamped as Helena Bertinelli. As the heiress to a mafia dynasty, Helena was the sole survivor of a massacre that all but eradicated the Bertinelli family. Vowing vengeance, Helena took on the mantle of the Huntress to destroy the mafia.

As one of DC Comics' most enduring heroines, Huntress has become a modern icon and fan-favorite who has gone on to headline several mini-series. She has also been a key member of the beloved Birds of Prey comic and has been adapted into such hit series as Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Brave & The Bold and Arrow.

09. Starfire

Real Name: Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran
First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #26 1980 (Classic), Red Hood & The Outlaws #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Durability, Energy Projection, Flight

Princess Koriand'r was the youngest daughter of the royal family of the planet Tamaran. During a conflict with a neighbouring planet, she was used as a bargaining chip to reach an agreement. After years in captivity, Koriand'r escaped her imprisonment and fled to Earth where she became the superheroine known as Starfire.

As one of the new characters introduced in Marv Wolfman and George Perez's seminal The New Teen Titans, Starfire's free-spirited nature and Amazon-like appearance made her an instant hit. Despite this, the character wouldn't really reach A-list status until she was adapted for the children's cartoon Teen Titans. While this adaptation made her a household name, it also created a lot of misconceptions about her due to the extreme liberties they took with her. Regardless, Starfire is currently the sole female member of the Outlaws and is more powerful and independent than she's ever been.

08. Power Girl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #58 1976 (Classic), Mister Terrific #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

As Superman's cousin from another reality, Kara Zor-El found herself stranded in a strange land. Never one to be comfortable in the shadow of her more famous relative, she would go on to blaze a trail for herself as the brash and bodacious heroine known as Power Girl.

Perhaps best known for her controversial cut-out costume, Power Girl has established herself as both a sex symbol and problematic feminist character. Despite the divisive nature of her physical appearance, she continues to be a fan-favourite due to her sassy personality and relatable persona. Whether she's debuting cutting edge technology as the CEO of Starr Industries or chilling at home watching horror movies, Power Girl has readers hooked.

07. Supergirl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: Action Comics Vol. 1 #252 1959 (Classic), Supergirl Vol. 6 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

After years of believing himself to be the only survivor of Krypton's destruction, Superman discovered that one other Kryptonian had survived when his cousin Kara Zor-El crash landed on Earth. Bearing the familiar S-shield, Kara proved herself as the champion Supergirl through a series of trials and has established herself as one of Earth's greatest heroes.

As one of the earliest examples of a female version of a prominent male hero, Supergirl set the standard for plucky teen heroines. Her popularity led towards her headlining the pages of Adventure Comics, as well as several self-titled ongoing series. While her origins may have fluctuated over the years, Supergirl's status as an icon is undeniable and has only been further bolstered by her appearances in Superman: The Animated Series and Smallville, not to mention a planned live-action series based off of her adventures.

06. Zatanna

Real Name: Zatanna Zatara
First Appearance: Hawkman Vol. 1 #4 1964 (Classic), Justice League Dark #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Sorcery via spells spoken backwards

As the only daughter of the legendary magician Giovanni Zatara, Zatanna followed in her father's footsteps and became a popular stage magician. Her mystical abilities also led her down the path of heroism, using her unique talents to investigate magical mysteries and fight crime as a member of the Justice League.

Despite being one of the most prominent female members of the Justice League, Zatanna was inexplicably relegated to the fringes of the DC Universe for decades. Due to her appearances in Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited and Smallville, as well as her role in the controversial limited series Identity Crisis, interest in the character was renewed. This increased recognizability helped establish her as an A-lister, leading towards her critically-acclaimed self-titled ongoing series and membership within Justice League Dark.

05. Catwoman

Real Name: Selina Kyle
First Appearance: Batman Vol. 1 #1 1940 (Classic), Catwoman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Acrobatics, Thievery, Martial Artist

Orphaned at a young age, Selina Kyle turned to thievery to survive on the streets. She perfected her craft by stealing from the rich, using these spoils to lead a new life as a pampered socialite. Inspired by her affection for cats and the vigilante known as Batman, Selina donned a catsuit and became the master thief Catwoman. A constant thorn in Batman's side, Catwoman has been both the Dark Knight's foe and ally.

Debuting a full year before Wonder Woman, Selina Kyle began her career as The Cat. From these humble beginnings, she would go on to become Batman's most prominent female antagonist. Earning the moniker of the feline fatale, her enigmatic persona and undeniable sex appeal made her a favourite amongst readers. Multiple incarnations and adaptations later, she has earned the right to be considered a true comic book legend.

04. Harley Quinn

Real Name: Dr. Harleen Quinzel

First Appearance: Batman: Harley Quinn 1999 (Classic), Suicide Squad Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Psychology, Gymnastics

Once an ambitious young psychiatrist, Harleen Quinzel sought to establish a name for herself by helping to rehabilitate the sociopathic Joker. Persuaded by his lies and manipulations, Quinzel fell for the villain and gave up her life to become his costumed associate Harley Quinn. Harley's toxic relationship with the Joker wouldn't last, encouraging her to strike out on her own and becoming a key member of the Suicide Squad.

Originally created for the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn won audiences over with her hilarious antics and quirky persona. Her popularity saw her official introduction into the comics, where she's become one of DC Comics' most prominent villains. She has since gone on to become a modern icon thanks to appearances in video games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Injustice: Gods Among Us, as well as her roles in television adaptations like Birds of Prey and The Batman. If that weren't enough, she's also set to be one of the leads in the upcoming Suicide Squad film.

03. Black Canary

Real Name: Dinah Lance

First Appearance: Flash Comics Vol. 1 #86 1947 (Classic), Birds of Prey Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Canary Cry, Master Martial Artist

Trained from a young age in the ways of hand-to-hand combat, the heroine known as Black Canary has used the combined might of her fists and distinctive sonic scream to fight crime as a vigilante. As the field leader of the Birds of Prey, she has taken down terrorists and supervillains alike.

As one of DC Comics' earliest heroines, Black Canary has kicked more collective ass than most other superheroes (male or female). She's been a member of the Justice League, the Justice Society and has led the various incarnations of the Birds of Prey for nearly three decades. She's also become a favourite amongst casual fans due to her numerous appearances in adaptations, some of which include Justice League Unlimited, Smallville, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, Young Justice and Arrow. This is one birdie you can't keep down.

02. Batgirl

Real Name: Barbara Gordon
First Appearance: Detective Comics Vol. 1 #359 1967 (Classic), Batgirl Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Martial Arts, Eidetic Memory

Inspired by the exploits of Batman, Barbara Gordon donned the mantle of Batgirl in pursuit of bringing peace and justice to the streets of Gotham City. Though she was crippled for several years by the Joker, Barbara recovered and resumed her career as the thrill-seeking Batgirl.

Barbara Gordon is easily one of DC Comics' most inspirational and recognizable feminist heroes. Whether swinging from rooftops as Batgirl or hacking sophisticated computer systems as Oracle, she has proven herself to be an independent woman who is the equal of her male contemporaries. From her iconic portrayal in the live-action Batman series to more recent incarnations in Batman: The New Adventures, The Batman and Young Justice, Batgirl continues to be a household name whose exuberance and spunky personality have earned her a devoted fanbase. 

01. Wonder Woman

Real Name: Princess Diana of Themyscira

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #8 1941 (Classic), Wonder Woman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Durability, Speed, Reflexes, Agility and Stamina, Flight, Enhanced Healing Factor, Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant

As the daughter of the Queen of the Amazons, Princess Diana left her island home to fight for truth and love in "Man's World" as the costumed heroine Wonder Woman. Known for her compassion and strong sense of morality, Wonder Woman believes wholeheartedly in equality and works tirelessly to promote world peace.

There's no disputing that Wonder Woman is the most iconic superheroine of all-time. Her impact is undeniable, having inspired the creation of countless others over the years. She has proven that women can be taken seriously as heroes and that they can be just as captivating as their male counterparts (if not more so). Her recognizable star-spangled costume and her unique accessories make for an instantly iconic look, while her ideals have endeared her towards the LGBTQ and feminist communities. It's no wonder she's number one.

Top 10: Best Sailor Moon Villains

As the saying goes, a hero is only as good as his or her villain. When it comes to Sailor Moon, this billion dollar franchise has one of the most complex and devious rogues' galleries in fiction. This list counts down the ten greatest enemies Sailor Moon and her allies has faced off against over the years across all versions.

10. Vampir (Musicals)

As the primary antagonist in the 2000 Sailor Moon musical Transylvania no Mori, Vampir was the daughter of the famed vampire Dracula. After the death of her father at the hands of Sailor Moon and her allies, Vampir joins forces with a group of demons to exact her revenge on her father's killer.

Portrayed by fan-favourite Hikari Ono, Vampir was a layered character whose character arc revealed her to be more of an antihero than a straight-up villain. Combined with Ono's flawless performance in the role, Vampir has proven to be one of the most memorable creations from the musicals.

09. Nephrite (Anime)

In the 1992 anime Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, Nephrite was Queen Beryl's second flunky in charge of collecting energy for the Dark Kingdom. Though he was initially just as manipulative and dangerous as his predecessor, Nephrite fell in love with Sailor Moon's best friend Naru and turned his back on his evil ways.

While Queen Beryl's henchmen were little more than cannon fodder in the manga at the time, Nephrite was an early example of how the anime fleshed out its villains in a creative and interesting way. His evolution from bad guy to good guy marked him as the very first reformed antagonist of the series. Additionally, his death scene goes down as one of the most gut-wrenching moments from the anime.

08. Fisheye (Anime)

As one third of the villainous Amazon Trio in Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon SuperS, Fisheye was a flamboyant cross-dresser who took on female disguises to ensnare his victims. Despite being quite flighty, Fisheye eventually uncovered Sailor Moon's identity and subsequently betrayed the Dead Moon Circus to protect her.

Much like Nephrite, Fisheye is a villain made sympathetic by his reformation. His complexity as a character is to be commended, especially given his status as one of the many queer characters in the series. Whether he's strictly considered a gay man who enjoys dressing in drag or whether he's an early example of a transgender character, Fisheye adds a bit of diversity to an already diversified cast of villains.

07. Zoisite (Anime)

As Queen Beryl's third general, Zoisite is renowned for his narcissism and deceptiveness. Over the course of Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, Zoisite plotted the demise of Nephrite and was responsible for nearly killing Tuxedo Mask.

Zoisite had all the makings of the perfect love-to-hate character. From his catty remarks to his manipulative streak, this was one character no one wanted to cross. However, there was a soft side to this thorny villain. His loving relationship with Kunzite was an early example of the anime's groundbreaking inclusion of positive queer relationships.

06. Eudial (Anime)

The feisty Eudial made her debut in Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon S as one of the Witches 5. Intelligent and enterprising, Eudial created a variety of weapons to aid her in her quest to find the owners of the mythical Talismans. Unlike most henchmen, Eudial succeeded in her task and proved herself as being more than just a bumbling foot soldier.

There is a lot to love about Eudial. She's smart and sassy, but also quiet tragic. Eudial is alienated by her peers and her loneliness serves as a reminder that villains are not above having their feelings hurt. Due to her clear superiority to the other members of Witches 5, Eudial was singled out and was subsequently killed by the manipulative Mimete to prevent her from completing her mission before the others got the chance to act.

05. Kuroki Mio (Live Action)

As a student and part-time pop idol, Kuroki Mio was a full-time pain in the ass for Sailor Moon in the 2003 live-action television series Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. Whether it meant lying, cheating or deceiving, she made it her personal mission to do everything it took to destroy the plucky superheroine.

No villain has ever been quite as mean as Kuroki Mio. While most villain were content to duke it out with Sailor Moon on the battlefield, Mio made it personal by nearly destroying Usagi's life outside of her identity as Sailor Moon. Mio was a sociopath through-and-through and was rarely punished for her evil deeds, which just makes her all the more dangerous.

04. Black Lady (Manga)

During the second arc of Naoko Takeuchi's manga, Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask's future daughter is transformed into the twisted femme fatale known as Black Lady. Since she is so filled with hate and resentment towards Sailor Moon, Black Lady uses the full extent of her dark powers to hurt her.

While Black Lady's characterization is fairly similar across all adaptations, her actions are far more disturbing in its original narrative. Of course, it is also how she transforms back into her former self that makes the character so compelling. Beyond that, Black Lady sets a precedent in the franchise for good girls turned bad. We'd later see this in the musicals and live-action with Sailor Mercury, as well as with Hotaru Tomoe being turned into Mistress 9.

03. Queen Nehellenia (Manga)

Queen Nehellenia was once the self-proclaimed ruler of the dark side of the moon. She was the dark counterpoint to the benevolent Queen Serenity and her resentment towards the people of the Silver Millennium led her to curse them. Though she was sealed away for her deeds, Queen Nehellenia escaped her prison and used her powers to invade the dimension of Elysion before setting her sights on destroying Sailor Moon.

While Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon SuperS is typically viewed as the anime's weakest season, its equivalent arc in the manga is arguably the strongest. Based partly off of Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty fairytale, Queen Nehellenia played the role of the evil fairy whose resentment towards those in power led her to curse a young princess. Her actions in the manga are despicable and she's easily one of the most evil villains Naoko Takeuchi had ever written. It's also worth mentioning that it is Queen Nehellenia who is truly responsible for the Silver Millennium's downfall due to her curse. Maleficent eat your heart out!

02. Sailor Galaxia (Musicals)

As the leader of Shadow Galactica, Sailor Galaxia's goal was to defeat the Sailor Guardians and become the ruler of all. Manipulative and ruthless, Galaxia picked off Sailor Moon's friends one by one and turned them against her. Noted for being the first person Sailor Moon ever truly hated, this flaxen-haired diva proved herself to be a truly formidable foe.

Galaxia appears in a total of seven musicals, making her one of the most frequently adapted foes in this medium. While her characterization remains similar to that of the anime, it is her brilliant mind and innovative schemes that mark her as being at her most interesting. Though she's nowhere near as evil as she is in the manga, Galaxia makes history by resurrecting Sailor Moon's past foes to help her in her mission for universal domination. If that weren't enough, she perfects gloating and mocking as well as rocking out to some of the most badass songs ever from the musicals.

01. Queen Beryl (All Versions)

Thousands of years ago, Queen Beryl was a peasant girl who fell in love with Earth's Prince Endymion. When he began seeing Princess Serenity, she turned to witchcraft to mend her broken heart. She would subsequently join forces with the dark entity known as Metallia to destroy the Silver Millennium. Years later, a resurrected Queen Beryl would return to wreak havoc on those who survived the destruction and became Sailor Moon's very first Big Bad.

Classics never truly go out of style and that really couldn't be more true in Queen Beryl's case. As the most frequently adapted Sailor Moon villain, this evil witch has been a continued thorn in Sailor Moon's side and has proven herself to be the most iconic antagonist from the series. Each version has offered something special and different, so it's difficult to really single out one as being better than the others. Truthfully, Queen Beryl is a boss ass bitch whether she's sitting on her twisted throne or singing duets with Sailor Pluto.

Top 10: Ways 20th Century Fox Ruined the X-Men

When X-Men was released in the summer of 2000, it redefined action films and jumpstarted the superhero trend. It was sleek and stylish, proving that comic books could be adapted in a way that wasn't silly or campy. Despite taking liberties with the source text, X-Men stayed true to the essence of the comics. Mutants were presented as outcasts who are feared and hated by the general public. Its subsequent sequel X2 continued that trend and is considered by some to be one of the best comic book adaptations.

With the release of X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006, everything fell apart. The fidelity towards the comics slipped away and subsequent prequels made this even more evident. To make matters worse, continuity between the films in the franchise became a muddled mess and each entry was bloated with running times that were much longer than necessary. Sadly, every X-Men film after X2 had simply lost their way.

This list explores the many ways in which 20th Century Fox has failed the X-Men and has managed to disrespect one of the most beloved comic book teams in history.

10. Continuity Errors

On the lesser end of the mistakes made in adapting the X-Men is the overabundance of continuity errors between the films in the series. Though it may be small, this lack of attention to detail signals greater issues at play and hinder the cohesion of the franchise.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men: First Class are the worst perpetrators of continuity errors. Cyclops appears in the former as a teenager, which is an impossibility since he would have been an infant at the time the film takes place. In the latter, Emma Frost is used as one of the primary antagonists even though she'd appeared in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which takes place a decade after First Class. Moira MacTaggert's appearance in First Class further messes up the continuity. In X-Men: The Last Stand, Moira is adapted faithfully as a Scottish doctor yet she's portrayed in First Class as an American government agent. Tragically, the list goes on.

08. Bad Writing and Poor Character Choice

X-Men and its sequel X2 can be celebrated for their straightforward narratives. Unfortunately, later entries bog down their narratives with unnecessary subplots, which cause the films to run longer than they need to be and complicate the story too much. Much of this can be attributed to bad writing and poor character choice.

X-Men: Days of Future Past is the worst film in the franchise for this. First of all, the storyline itself is heavily altered from its source text. In the comics, it is Kitty Pryde that goes back in time to prevent an assassination. In the film, it was impossible for Kitty to go back because she has not been born yet. This dilemma is "solved" by making up an unnecessary reason for Wolverine to go back in time. It would have been better for them to eschew this explanation and have Xavier go back instead.

Furthermore, DOFP introduces a subplot of Xavier and Beast using a drug to suppress their mutant abilities. It's incredibly pointless and is only there because the filmmakers were too lazy to find a way of choreographing Xavier's wheelchair and spending time on Beast's makeup.

Lastly, the film introduces Quicksilver. Aside from the fact that Evan Peters is a terrible actor and his hair looks like a cheap Halloween store wig, his character provides absolutely nothing to the movie. If they had eliminated the drug subplot, then Quicksilver could have been eliminated and Xavier could have broken Magneto out of prison, thereby providing more room for other characters to shine.

08. Too Many Mutants

It's not easy juggling an ensemble cast, but 20th Century Fox made it that much harder for themselves by throwing just about every mutant imaginable at audiences. The first film kept things simple by sticking to a core cast of three X-Men, Professor Xavier, two new mutants, and four antagonists. These numbers would swell to enormous proportions with its sequels and made it difficult to properly develop the characters used. The two worst films for committing this mistake are X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: Days of Future Past. Both films introduce multiple new mutants to the franchise, but both fail to develop them beyond their powers.

07. Rogue

As one of the greatest X-Women in the comics, Rogue is beloved for her transition from villain to superhero. With her signature sass and iconic Southern accent, she's easily one of the most recognizable Marvel characters.

Despite this, Rogue's treatment in the films is abysmal. The first film depicts the character as a timid damsel in distress, while X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand limit her screentime and usefulness. There is so little development made with her character that she merely fades into the background. If this weren't bad enough, all of her scenes were cut for the theatrical release of X-Men: Days of Future Past with the exception of a cameo in the end.

The tragedy in all of this is that Anna Paquin is actually a fantastic actress and should have nailed this role. In fact, she's pretty much made a career out of playing sassy Southerners (see: True Blood) and yet she's completely abandoned by the directors and writers for the franchise.

06. Professor Xavier is a Jerk!

As the patriarch of the X-Men, Professor Xavier helped shape the team and was responsible for giving them their mission to create peace between humans and mutants. Xavier and his dream have been canonized in the comics as the ultimate symbol of hope. He is a champion for all those who have been outcast, perhaps because he knows what it's like having been bullied as a child and been bound to a wheelchair.

With X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men First Class, Xavier's character is completely undermined by transforming him into a commanding, sexist jerk. The Last Stand gives us a glimpse of an Xavier who wishes to control Jean Grey, while First Class characterizes him as a superficial womanizer who believes in homogenization instead of integration. This is detrimental to the character and spits in the face of who he is supposed to be. Professor Xavier should be viewed as a Martin Luther King-style leader, not some kind of shallow dictator.

05. The Marginalization of Cyclops

For many diehard fans of the X-Men, Cyclops is the greatest leader the team has ever had. He's smart, resourceful and complex, possessing a tortured quality that keeps him from indulging in his arrogance. He's also proven himself to be more dedicated to bringing about human-mutant equality than most of his fellow teammates. Of course, you'd never know this from the movies.

Even with the talented James Marsden at the helm of the character (perfect casting, by the way), Cyclops is pushed to the margins of the films and is relegated to playing the role of a cuckold. This de-valuing of the character has altered the audience's perception of him and harms the franchise.

04. X-Men Origins: Wolverine

'Nuff said.

03. The Dark Phoenix Saga

The Dark Phoenix Saga is regarded as one of the best X-Men stories ever told. It is a masterpiece delivered by the legendary Chris Claremont and John Byrne. It tells the story of Jean Grey's struggle to control a cosmic entity known as the Phoenix and her touching sacrifice to save the life of the man she loves (Cyclops, not Wolverine).

When translated to the big screen, this galaxy-spanning storyline is relegated to a subplot. This was a huge misstep on the part of the filmmakers and was truly the biggest downfall when it comes to the execution of X-Men: The Last Stand. Instead of being treated as the Big Bad she deserves to be, the Dark Phoenix largely stands around looking blankly at things. While X-Men: Days of Future Past would similarly fail its source text (another Claremont-Bryne collaboration), the mistreatment of this story robbed audiences of one of the most touching and epic narratives in the X-Men's history.

02. The Treatment of Characters of Colour

If the hatred for mutants is an allegory for racism and homophobia, then why is it that the films spend the most time developing straight, Caucasian characters? The franchise's treatment of its characters of colour is sadly quite atrocious.

Storm, easily one of the most iconic X-Men and one of its most prominent leaders, plays second fiddle to the men in the films. In fact, were it not for Halle Berry's insistence on exploring the character's powers further on film and her Oscar win in 2001, it's doubtful that she would have been utilized very much in X2 or X-Men: The Last Stand. She was also vastly under-utilized in X-Men: Days of Future Past, with those involved blaming Berry's pregnancy on how much she could have been involved.

Another trend within the franchise is the tendency to kill off characters of colour. Lady Deathstrike is killed in X2, Callisto, Arclight, Psylocke, Kid Omega and Dr. Kavita Rao are killed in X-Men: The Last Stand, Kayla Silverfox and John Wraith are killed in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Darwin is killed in X-Men: First Class, Angel in the interim between X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past, the Silver Samurai is killed in The Wolverine, and Storm, Bishop, Blink, Sunspot and Warpath are killed in X-Men: Days of Future Past. This distinct lack of respect towards these characters shows a surprising racist undercurrent to the films, especially since there are far fewer deaths among Caucasian characters. This ultimately destroys the entire thematic premise for the X-Men.

01. Everything About Mystique

Despite being one of the most beloved characters from the film franchise, Mystique represents everything that is wrong with the X-Men movies.

First of all, she is completely misunderstood by the writers. In the comics, Mystique is an enigmatic individual whose motives are known only by herself and is characterized as being opportunistic, misandric and extremely untrustworthy. She's also known as a leader, having been responsible for the creation of several iterations of the Brotherhood of Mutants. When translated to film, she is portrayed as a devoted henchman to Magneto in the initial trilogy and is later a weepy victim caught in the middle of Xavier and Magneto's opposing views in the prequel films. In fact, the only way she can define herself is through Xavier and Magneto. Whatever actions she may take are negated by the fact that she has become dependent on the actions of the men in her life. She isn't narcissistic at all or even remotely mysterious. The prequel films make her transparent, so much so that her codename becomes a misnomer. A well-written Mystique would be her own woman and would have originated as such. She is self-made and does not rely on men, she uses them. She wouldn't be some tragic victim. Mystique should be more Amy Dunne than the Females Are More Innocent trope. We should never be able to say this about Mystique, "behind every bitch, there's a man who made her that way."

Secondly, Mystique's body is sexualized to be easily objectified by the male gaze. Whatever agency she may have is diminished by the fact that her body is filmed in seductive poses meant to titillate the viewer. While Mystique may wield her sexuality as a weapon in the comics, she still manages to kick ass with her clothes still on.

Lastly, the character is watered down and made more palatable for audiences by eliminating one of her most notable characteristics -- she is bisexual. In the comics, Mystique is one of the pioneering queer characters whose relationship with Destiny helped to set a precedent for the depiction of same-sex families in superhero comics. As arguably the only person Mystique loved more than herself, Destiny was a compassionate woman who brought a dimension of humanity to the mysterious shapeshifting mutant through their relationship with one another. When it came to men, they were pawns in Mystique's schemes and were rarely anything more than notches in her lipstick case. Her queerness is completely ignored in the film franchise, a further example of the white-washing of the X-Men, and she is transformed into a woman who defines herself through her relationships with men.

Her entire translation to the films suggests that in order for a woman to be marketed to an audience, they must be white (let's face it, they spend a whole lot of time focusing on J-Law outside of her makeup), they must be a good girl deep down, they must be straight and they must be comfortable with revealing as much of their body as possible.