X-Men's Most Controversial Retcons: Ranked!

As someone who’s been gaming for years, I can confidently say that the world of X-Men has undergone quite a transformation. The tales of iconic teams like the X-Men ebb and flow in a way that feels both familiar and new. Sometimes changes seem seamless, fitting perfectly into the storyline. Other times, they can feel abrupt and jarring. And then there are those instances where events are rewritten, or retcons, which can either preserve continuity or disrupt it entirely. There’s no shortage of X-Men retcons that fans passionately debate as the most problematic.

In simpler terms, “Retcon” stands for “retroactive continuity,” which means alterations made to a story or series after it has already been established. For instance, when characters receive a backstory much later in their appearance, this could be seen as a retcon, especially if the new backstory significantly changes crucial aspects about the character.

But He Appeared Again, This Time on Earth-616

From what I understand, Bailey, it seems you can intentionally create an explosion, and you’re also capable of controlling the intensity and form of that explosion, much like how one might control a sparkler or a small firework.
-Beast to Bailey Hoskins

Initially, the character Bailey Hoskins was introduced in the Marvel comic “X-Men: The Worst X-Man Ever”. Although he doesn’t belong to the main universe (Earth-616), his story serves as a benchmark for unfortunate mutations. In essence, Bailey was overjoyed at discovering he was a mutant. However, his joy turned to despair when it was disclosed that his mutant power allowed him to explode, but without any ability to endure the blast.

Bailey’s tale holds a unique mix of sadness and significance, a trait that only the X-Men can convey so effectively. Yet, there are speculations he might now be part of the Earth-616 narrative, which some believe lessens his story’s intensity. In “Empyre: X-Men #4”, an array of peculiar events unfolds. Among these oddities is a zombified character named Explodey Boy. Since he’s already deceased, he’s free from the fear of his explosions taking his life. Interestingly, when Krakoa allows for resurrections, the living and undead versions of Explodey Boy engage in conversation.

Changing Family Lines and Character Origins

I’ve always distinguished between physical attraction and emotional feelings, my love. Throughout history, these two aspects rarely coincide. So, return to the Baron, keep yourself secure and snug in the charming, sheltered, secure environment you’re part of, and nurture our child – our offspring – as his.
-Azazel to Mystique

Many X-Men who’ve been active for a while have encountered at least one retcon in their tenure. Notably, Nightcrawler has undergone numerous retcons, quite a few of which are surprising. Alterations to his backstory involve revealing his mother (a fact fans have come to terms with, given that it’s Mystique), altering his biological family, and even introducing an adopted sister, Rogue being famously adopted by Mystique.

In a move that sparked much debate among fans, one significant alteration to Nightcrawler’s background revolves around the character Azazel. This revised backstory portrays Nightcrawler as the offspring of Mystique and Azazel. Many fans found this twist unsettling because it redefined Nightcrawler’s family lineage and fundamentally transformed Azazel from a demon to a mutant. Since then, the X-Men series has made further adjustments with similar negative responses from the audience.

To Mystique, of All People

Since I’ve moved on, there’s no other option but for me to pass this along to you. The tale behind its origin and the actions required from you now are a secret that casts a shadow over me…
-Professor X

Occasionally, surprises and plot twists are essential for a story’s success. At other times, they seem more like sensational additions meant to generate interest. A significant retcon took place between Charles Xavier and Mystique. It’s crucial to remember that this revelation was disclosed after Charles Xavier had already passed away. The will was publicly read in Uncanny X-Men #24 (2013), and it brought to light a clandestine marriage with Raven Darkhölme.

The retcon was quite shocking and upsetting, and the storyline in All-New X-Men #27 (2012) added fuel to the fire. This plot development presented Mystique as carrying Professor X’s child, only for her to eventually give the baby up for adoption. It’s not hard to understand why fans weren’t fond of this storyline, particularly given its impact on Xavier 2.0.

Strange Family Ties to Longshot

You noticed, Star, that there seems to be a resemblance between you and Longshot, not just in appearance but also in mannerisms and speech. Additionally, you share the distinctive ‘eye thing’ and hail from the same world as Mojo.
-Rictor to Shatterstar

The saga of family relationships among fictional characters is consistently intricate, often due to revisions (retcons) that weave their narratives together in unusual manners. One particularly peculiar instance involves Shatterstar and Longshot, both hailing from the same world – Mojoworld. Since they share striking similarities in appearance and origin, fans were eagerly awaiting a revelation of some familial bond between them. What unfolded, however, was far more unusual than anyone could have imagined.

It was generally thought that Marvel Comics might unveil Shatterstar and Longshot as siblings, but this isn’t the case. Instead, a retcon (a change made after a story has been published) declared Longshot to be a clone of Shatterstar. However, things get peculiar because later on, Dazzler and Longshot had a child named Shatterstar. This means that they are essentially each other’s fathers, making their family tree more akin to a tangled root system.

It All Came Out at His Funeral

For a considerable period, I didn’t have physical contact with anyone. He was the unique individual who could embrace me, but unfortunately, he is no longer here.
-Rogue at Sentry’s funeral

Rogue, a highly respected and adored figure within the X-Men group, possesses an extraordinary characteristic: she can’t physically touch anyone without causing significant harm. Over time, however, through rigorous effort and persistence, she managed to acquire enough control to make contact with others, albeit this development took many years, even when measured in comic book standards.

Nevertheless, it was disclosed through Sentry’s funeral that Rogue could touch at least one individual. During this emotional event, Rogue had to depart abruptly, leaving her unaware of what happened afterwards. This revelation seemed unsettling for readers, as it delved into a past romantic relationship with a character who was already deceased. Furthermore, the manner in which the information was disclosed felt rather gossipy and unnecessary.

Ironically, a Previous Retcon It What Made Him Xorn in the First Place

“Did no one tell them my name? Magneto? Master of Magnetism?”
-Xorn/Magneto

Back in 2001, the character Xorn made his debut as a fresh addition to the X-Men squad, starring in the New X-Men Annual. He soon formed bonds with numerous heroes, even Charles Xavier himself. However, when it came to the revelation that followed in issue #146 of New X-Men, it was quite a jaw-dropping moment. The shocker? Xorn had been Magneto all along! His helmet served as a disguise and an explanation for Professor Xavier’s inability to read his mind.

Evidence hinted at a surprising revelation, making it a well-thought-out and effective plot twist. However, all of this would ultimately be revealed as untrue. It started in New X-Men #150 where Wolverine decapitated Xorn, who was wearing the helmet. Excalibur #1 further reinforced this twist by showing the supposedly deceased Magneto resurfacing. He clarified his presence with the explanation that it wasn’t Magneto impersonating Xorn, but rather the other way around.

Not All Fans Loved This Move

“I fear… I fear the fire within me has been extinguished.”
-Vulcan

Hey there! As a gamer, let me tell you, the X-Men’s family tree is a whopper. It’s got space pirates like Corsair mixed in with clones, children of clones, and kids from the future or alternate realities. It’s so complex that fans love to debate which retcons made it better or worse.

Generally speaking, many people found it excessive or overboard when Vulcan was introduced as part of the Summers family tree. After all, Gabriel Summers, also known as Vulcan, is Scott Summers’ half-brother. His arrival came with a memory wipe (to explain why the family had forgotten this long-lost sibling), time spent in the Shi’ar Empire, and a significant interstellar war. The narrative surrounding his introduction was quite layered, which may have contributed to its mixed reception initially.

They Just Can’t Leave His History Alone

“Silver Fox is dead!”
-Wolverine

Wolverine is a widely admired and popular character who has miraculously lived through multiple centuries. Essentially, he’s been around for quite some time and experienced growth. To put it plainly, the stories of Wolverine have undergone numerous changes at Marvel Comics, ranging from his origins (encompassing details like his age and related events), to his family background, and everything in between.

Over the course of numerous years, Wolverine from the X-Men series has undergone numerous revisions to his backstory, often more than can be counted. His healing ability has been adjusted in various ways, new details like intricate layers on his claws have been added, he’s found himself in multiple storylines and teams, had his true name altered, developed a complex relationship with Silver Fox, and his family background has been significantly modified.

There Have Been So Many Changes to the Phoenix

“I did. And in you’ve forgotten, my small-but-volatile friend– the name is PHOENIX!”
-Phoenix/Jean Gray

In many instances, the background and development of X-Men characters have undergone significant transformations since their initial creation. A moment that resonated deeply with fans was when Jean Grey gave up her life for her team, a selfless act that carried great weight. However, this emotional impact may have been somewhat diluted in later comic books due to two revelations.

Firstly, it was disclosed that Jean was still alive, and secondly, it emerged that the Phoenix Force had actually replicated Jean’s body during the iconic scene where it appeared she died.

Currently, fans aren’t keen on repeatedly seeing beloved characters perish, as keeping Jean Grey deceased indefinitely could have been devastating. Nevertheless, it’s fair to acknowledge that a prolonged or permanent death can bring depth to the narrative or symbolize sacrifice. Consequently, fans haven’t always been enthusiastic about the Phoenix-themed retcons and alterations in the past.

The Maximoff Twins Were Previously Retconned to Be Related to the Iconic Villain

“You have no family Magnus, you are truly alone.”
-Scarlet Witch to Magneto

At last, I can’t help but reflect on the captivating saga involving Magneto. In the past, his tale took an unexpected turn when it was disclosed that he was the long-lost father of twins. The revelation added a layer of complexity to their relationship, leading creators to delve into why these twins had been separated and raised by another family. Admittedly, this twist was peculiar, but it’s a change that the fan community has largely embraced and grown fond of.

Regrettably, the earlier claim that the twins were Magneto’s biological children was reversed in Uncanny Avengers #4 (2015). This revelation caused a rift within the family, but Magneto continues to view the twins, particularly Wanda, as his children emotionally. Additionally, Magneto maintains a close bond with Pietro’s daughter, considering her more like a granddaughter. The retconning of their identities continued further when it was revealed that they no longer possessed mutant abilities.

2025-05-10 06:32

X-Men’s Most Controversial Retcons: Ranked!