The X-Men are and have always been a diverse group of characters from various backgrounds with a wide variety of unique powers and abilities. The very first core group, for example, consisted of a rich kid, an orphan, an intelligent athlete, a girl and a young boy. Later incarnations of the team would include a range of races and creeds further applying the ongoing theme of tolerance, acceptance and the fight against racism and prejudice.

There are some members of the X-Men ranks that are more notable than others, but all played their roles in the rich history of the team's history. The original team of Scott Summers (Cyclops), Jean Grey (Marvel Girl), Henry "Hank" McCoy (Beast), Warren Worthington III (Angel) and Bobby Drake (Iceman) are naturally some of the most memorable and beloved of the X-family. Likewise, some members of the replacement team years later when the original team disappeared are also notable, like Logan (Wolverine), Ororo Munroe (Storm), Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler) and Piotr Rasputin (Colossus).

Cyclops was and is the leader of the team as the choice pupil of Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X), though he is not that popular with fans. Now co-leading with his current girlfriend Emma Frost, who is a former villain and enemy of the team, interest in the character has risen a little.

Jean Grey, who is more known by that name than her former codename, had a rocky existence on the team, and in her relationship with Cyclops. She's also died and risen from the dead a few times thanks to the Phoenix Force, which resided in her. Currently she is deceased.

Beast is the brain and power of the team. He is a gentle soul with an incredible mind, and many times plays the heart of the team.

Angel, AKA Archangel, always felt like he had to prove something and never felt quite like he completely fit in because of his heritage. But his loyalty to the team is unmatched.

Iceman is that youthful exuberance the X-Men so desperately need. He is growing and maturing, but he still knows how to have fun and let loose. Sometimes it gets him in trouble though.

Wolverine is the backbone of the team. He's the workhorse, the big brother, and the ruthless machine of unpredictable destruction when he needs to be.

Storm is the soul of the team. She's strong, independent, smart and sexy, and her loyalty is unwavering. The team gave her life purpose and she never forgot that.

Nightcrawler is the spirit and true heart of the team. He is a man of faith who loves despite the hate he's been given his entire life.

Colossus is the muscle, but also the love of the team. He's a warrior with an artist's and romantic's heart.

There are other noteworthy members of the X-Men as well, including Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee, Bishop, Shadowcat, Havok and Cannonball. Each of these have played important roles in the team over the years. Other members of the legendary team include Warpath, Banshee, Forge, Dazzler, Longshot, Polaris, Beak, Juggernaut, Sunfire, Psylocke, Rachel Summers, Cable, Mimic, Changeling, Vulcan, Petra, Darwin, Sway, Thunderbird, Magneto, Marrow, Maggot, X-Man, Moonstar, Sage, Chamber, Xorn, Stacy X, Lifeguard, Northstar, Husk, Slipstream, Armor, Hepzibah, Caliban, Dust, Rockslide, Blindfold, Wolf Cub, Ink, Pixie, Sabretooth and Blink.