Uncanny X-Men (1963-2011) #251 by Chris Claremont

In addition to his own creations, Claremont also continued to develop existing X-Women such as the former Marvel Girl Jean Grey and Storm of the “All-New All-Different” X-Men. The same rang true with two other of his women, 1981’s Rachel Summers, and 1983’s Madelyne Pryor, both of them multifaceted characters that the writer invited readers to welcome over a series of stories and multiple plotlines. The power-stealing Rogue surprised readers in AVENGERS ANNUAL #10, but Claremont didn’t stop there, taking the southern belle down a path to heroism and heartache that resonated with fans.Īnother baddie-turned-hero Emma Frost was introduced in UNCANNY X-MEN #132 as a malevolent member of the Hellfire Club, though Claremont saw much more potential within her. Kitty Pryde entered the X-Mansion in 1980’s UNCANNY X-MEN #129 and almost immediately shook up the status quo as she trained for a role on the team. Likewise, Betsy Braddock, who debuted in 1976’s CAPTAIN BRITAIN #8, began as the younger sister of England’s hero Brian Braddock, but years later transformed into the mutant hero Psylocke to become a Claremont fan-favorite female.Īfter the villainous Mystique’s introduction in 1978, the writer hit the ground running in the 1980s with a string of new female characters who proved their worth alongside their male teammates. One of the earliest of his creations, Lilandra of the alien Shi’ar race, grew from Claremont’s plan for a love interest for Charles Xavier into a force for change.

Ask any X-fan to tell you one of Chris Claremont’s greatest impacts on the mutant team and the probability’s high that they’ll cite his creation of and focus on female characters.

Uncanny X-Men (1963-2011) #251 by Chris Claremont