X-Men ’97 reunites the most famous rendition of Marvel’s famed mutant hero team. But which of these formidable heroes is the most powerful?

Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for X-Men ’97 episode 2 “Mutant Liberation Begins”X-Men ’97 features a stunning array of powerful mutant heroes, though some are distinctly more powerful than others. Marvel’s X-Men ’97 is the triumphant continuation of the classic 1990s X-Men: The Animated Series. As such, X-Men ’97 reunited many original cast members and characters to continue the original narrative just months later. The dramatic ending to X-Men ’97 episode 2, “Mutant Liberation Begins,” saw one of these incredibly powerful characters experience a major upheaval, prompting yet more speculation over which mutant hero is the most powerful.

Mutant classifications have altered throughout Marvel Comics, with various categorizations proffered to determine which mutants are more powerful than others. Generally, the most powerful mutants with potentially unlimited use of their abilities are classified as Omega-level mutants. Alpha-level mutants, on the other hand, are those with extremely formidable power, but with defined limitations. Other categories include Beta-level and a numbered class system.

13. Jubilee, AKA Jubilation Lee

Producing Pyrotechnic Energy Blasts

Jubilee is the weakest member of the X-Men ’97 team but is still a formidable mutant hero. Jubilee possesses the ability to generate and manipulate energy in the form of brightly colored plasmoids or “fireworks.” These energetic bursts are not explosive in the traditional sense but can be intensely bright and dazzling. Jubilee can control the intensity and direction of these bursts, using them for offensive attacks or as defensive shields.

Jubilee is still a student in X-Men ’97 and developed her powers notably throughout X-Men: TAS, meaning that while her abilities are great, they also haven’t had as much time to be honed as many other members of the X-Men team. In Marvel Comics, Jubilee slowly strengthens her powers even further, and it seems likely that X-Men ’97 will see this also be the case for the animated universe too.

12. Sunspot, AKA Roberto “Bobby” Da Costa

Absorbing And Channeling Solar Power

Sunspot is the newest member of the X-Men ’97 team, and boasts impressive power, though they are currently underdeveloped compared to his fellow X-Men, especially since his story shows he’s actively attempted to avoid using or training with his abilities. Sunspot has the power to absorb and manipulate solar energy, granting him superhuman strength, endurance, and flight.

Roberto’s mutant physiology enables him to convert solar radiation into raw physical power, enhancing his strength, and a degree of invulnerability, as he can absorb solar energy to regenerate and heal injuries rapidly. Sunspot eventually learns to project powerful blasts of heat and light, which he will presumably develop throughout X-Men ’97.

11. Bishop, AKA Lucas Bishop

Energy Absorption And Redirection

Bishop possesses the ability to absorb various forms of energy and release them as concussive blasts. This power allows him to absorb and redirect energy-based attacks, making him highly resilient. Bishop can store absorbed energy within his body, increasing his strength, speed, and durability. Additionally, he can channel this stored energy into powerful blasts, capable of causing significant damage to his opponents depending on the level of power absorbed. Bishop’s mutant abilities also grant him limited time-travel capabilities, enabling him to journey through temporal rifts. This is presumably how Bishop became a full-time member of the X-Men ’97 team.

10. Beast, AKA Dr. Henry “Hank” McCoy

Superhuman Strength, Agility And Reflexes

Beast boasts impressive superhuman strength, agility, and reflexes, as seen while battling Sentinels in X-Men ’97. Beast’s physiology also includes prehensile feet and hands, and, following a secondary mutation which gives him blue fur all over his body and razor-sharp claws.

Beast also has a genius-level intellect, which he often employs in scientific pursuits – particularly his expertise in biochemistry and genetics, which allows him to create advanced technologies and formulate antidotes. This boosts the hero’s power ranking notably, as he is able to tackle situations through both brains and brawn. Additionally, Beast has keen observational skills and is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant.

9. Morph, AKA Kevin Sydney

Shapeshifting

Rejoining the X-Men ’97 team, Morph is a talented shape-shifter, allowing him to alter his physical appearance at will. This enables him to transform into anyone, mimicking their appearance, weaponry, and even mannerisms with remarkable accuracy. Morph’s shape-shifting abilities also grant him enhanced flexibility and agility. Beyond mere mimicry, he can change his body to mimic various objects or creatures, providing versatility in combat and covert operations.

Throughout X-Men ’97, Morph has demonstrated the full extent of his capabilities, transforming into numerous mutants depending on the situation. As such, Morph’s power and combat ability fluctuate depending on who he mimics.

8. Gambit, AKA Remy LeBeau

Kinetic Energy Generation And Manipulation

Gambit has the mutant ability to kinetically charge any object with explosive energy, which he typically uses with playing cards. He can control the intensity and timing of the explosions, making him a skilled and unpredictable combatant. Additionally, his agility, speed, and mastery of martial arts complement his explosive abilities, making him a formidable opponent in hand-to-hand combat as well as ranged engagements. The key to Gambit’s power is in its application, having far greater potential if deployed correctly. X-Men ’97 demonstrated this potential when Gambit charged Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton in “To Me, My X-Men.”

7. Cyclops, AKA Scott Summer

Concussive Optic Blasts

Cyclops’ powers have been refreshed in X-Men ’97, depicted more accurately and dynamically than ever before. Cyclops possesses the mutant ability to emit incredibly powerful optic blasts from his eyes. These concussive force beams are uncontrollable without the use of special ruby-quartz visors or glasses that he wears to contain them.

Cyclops can adjust the intensity and focus of his optic blasts, enabling him to unleash devastating attacks or precise strikes. His eyes constantly emit this energy, so he must keep them covered to prevent accidental discharge – which does provide him something of a tactical disadvantage in specific scenarios, as Scott is shown more than once being forced to shut his eyes because his visor has been removed. However, Cyclops’ mastery over his powers are also matched by his tactical leadership skills, bolstering his overall power level due to his tactical accumen.

6. Nightcrawler, AKA Kurt Wagner

Teleportation

Nightcrawler wasn’t in the first two episodes of X-Men ’97, but Marvel confirmed that he will appear at some point. Nightcrawler is an extremely powerful teleporter, which he achieves by slipping through an alternate dimension. This allows him to instantaneously transport himself from one location to another, typically accompanied by a distinct “bamf” sound and a puff of smoke.

Nightcrawler’s teleportation is not limited by distance but is constrained by his line of sight and his mental image of the destination – giving Nightcrawler boundless potential. His agility, prehensile tail, and adhesive hands and feet also aid him in acrobatics and combat, ensuring he can uphold a level of fighting prowess whether relying on his powers or not.

5. Wolverine, AKA Logan, AKA James Howlett

Rapid Healing Factor, Retractable Claws, And An Adamantium-Laced Skeleton

As seen in X-Men ’97, Wolverine can heal from virtually any injury. Wolverine’s remarkable regenerative power enables him to recover from wounds, including gunshot wounds and even severed limbs, within minutes. This made it possible for scientists to graft adamantium metal onto his skeleton and retractable claws, which extend from his forearms and can cut through almost any substance. His heightened senses, including enhanced smell, hearing, and sight, coupled with his centuries of combat experience, make him an unparalleled fighter. Wolverine’s durability makes him particularly powerful, able to relentlessly maintain his lethal force even after sustaining severe injury.

4. Storm, AKA Ororo Munroe

Weather Manipulation

Storm possesses the mutant ability to manipulate the weather. She can summon winds, generate lightning, create rain, and control temperature, among other meteorological phenomena. Indeed, in the show, Storm has such mastery over wind manipulation that she can even fly, aided by her signature cape design. Storm’s control over the elements grants her immense power and versatility in combat, able to summon storms of varying intensity to incapacitate foes or aid her allies.

X-Men ’97 has confirmed that Storm is an Omega-level mutant in the animated universe, and therefore her powers have limitless potential. While not confirmed until the sequel show, this power level was repeatedly teased throughout the character’s animated history, with the animated Spider-Man show – set in the same universe – picking Storm over all other X-Men for a hero team because he thought she’d be capable of taking on the Beyonder.

3. Professor X, AKA Charles Xavier

Telepathy

Professor Charles Xavier is one of the most powerful telepaths in Marvel Comics. With his extraordinary mind, Xavier can read, influence, and communicate with the thoughts of others, regardless of distance. He can also project his own thoughts into the minds of others, enabling him to communicate with multiple individuals simultaneously. Xavier’s telepathic abilities extend to the manipulation of memories and emotions, as well as the ability to induce paralysis or unconsciousness. Xavier is missing from X-Men ’97, with several references to his apparent death. However, the fact he remains in the title sequence suggests he will return.

2. Rogue, AKA Anna Marie

Attribute, Power, & Memory Absorption

Rogue is the second-strongest member of the X-Men ’97 team, with the ability to absorb the memories, powers, and life force of anyone she touches skin-to-skin. This power, while extremely powerful, also prevents her from having physical contact without endangering others. Rogue’s absorption is temporary, but if she maintains contact for too long, it can be lethal.

This leads to Rogue absorbing powers permanently – such as Ms. Marvel’s superstrength, invulnerability, and flight abilities. These make Rogue particularly formidable, but the fact she can borrow any mutant’s power means she can match even the most powerful.

1. Jean Grey, AKA Marvel Girl, AKA Phoenix

Telepathy, Telekinesis, And Mastery Of The Phoenix Force

Jean Grey is the most powerful mutant in X-Men ‘97. Endowed with telepathic and telekinetic abilities, Jean’s powers are limitless – making her an Omega-level mutant.

Jean can read and manipulate minds and communicate telepathically. Her telekinetic powers allow her to move objects with her mind and generate powerful force fields. However, her most infamous manifestation is the Phoenix, granting her cosmic powers beyond comprehension, including reality manipulation and resurrection. Jean’s struggle to control the immense power of the Phoenix Force highlights the risks that come with this level of power, and have a recurring theme in X-Men: The Animated Series, which X-Men ’97 is primed to continue exploring.