Summary

• From Professor Xavier to Cyclops to Jean Grey, the iconic, "To me, my X-Men," phrase holds deep significance and leadership across generations.
• The evolution of this rallying cry reflects character growth and pivotal moments in X-Men lore, from Xavier's initial call to Scott's newfound control over his powers.
• Whether it's Kitty Pryde leading the Days of Future Past X-Men or Emma Frost resurrecting Professor X and Magneto, the phrase symbolizes unity, power, and change.

There is arguably no phrase in X-Men lore more iconic than, "To me, my X-Men!" Ever since its first appearance on- in 1963, the slogan has been repeated across the entirety of the franchise in all mediums (especially comics). It seems to have gained a newfound popularity and attention thanks to the title of the premiere episode of Disney's X-Men '97.

Now, a new generation of fans are discovering just how rooted and integral this one seemingly simple phrase is to the franchise. As these new fans begin to research and understand the significance of that same quote, it makes sense to start with a collection of the most important and memorable instances in which the, "To me, my X-Men!" quote has been used.

10 The Famous Slogan Debuts On- (Sort Of)

X-Men #1 by Stan Lee, Paul Reinman, Sam Rosen, and Jack Kirby

As a phrase, "To me, my X-Men!" dates as far back as the very first issue of The X-Men. The official debut of Marvel's strangest superheroes to date features its most iconic line as the final one of the issue. Granted, in totality, the line is different from what it would become in later years. To end the premiere issue, a congratulatory Professor Xavier utters, "And now, return to me, my X-Men!" In later years, the phrase would be shortened ever so slightly to become the X-Men's major motto. Yes, it is a little different from the actual motto, but this rendition is essential for what would come later.

Readers never would have gotten the official phrase in isolation if not for this extended first appearance. It's also significant that, while numerous people have echoed the phrase over the years, the first to do so is none other than the leader of the X-Men, Professor Charles Xavier.

9 Pete Wisdom Impersonates Xavier

Excalibur #93 by Warren Ellis, Casey Jones, Tom Simmons, Ariane Lenshoek, and Richard Starkings

The name Pete Wisdom may not mean much to some readers, as he is one of the more obscure characters in X-Men lore, at least compared to names like Wolverine or Cyclops. However, the secret agent certainly makes an impression during this issue of Excalibur, or rather gives an impression of Charles Xavier. Pete is wheelchair bound after a violent encounter with Colossus, who beats Pete within an inch of his life after seeing his ex, Kitty Pryde, move on from him and into Wisdom's arms.

Peter miraculously survives, but rather than mope around, he decides to take advantage of the moment by grabbing a bald cap for the perfect Professor X cosplay. Even if he gets a groan from his girlfriend, he at least gets some chuckles from a couple of of Excalibur.

8 Cyclops is Ready to Lead After Controlling His Powers

Astonishing X-Men #23 by Joss Whedon, John Cassaday, Laura Martin, and Chris Eliopoulos

As much as "To me, my X-Men" has become a recurring staple of the X-Men franchise, Scott Summers' lack of control over his power beams is a recurring staple of the Cyclops character. It's been established that Cyclops struggles to control his powers due to brain damage from a childhood plane crash (or at least the emotional trauma from partaking in that plane crash, depending on who is writing). That's been the consistent explanation for his visor for years, but during the Astonishing X-Men series of old, steps were taken for Cyclops to finally gain control over his powers.

Finally, with control of his powers for once in his life following an encounter with the agents of S.W.O.R.D., Cyclops is ready to lead the X-Men better than he ever has before. "To me, my X-Men," he says with the same bravado that's connecting with those who have viewed him say it in X-Men '97.

7 Kickstarting the Krakoa Era

House of X #1 by Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia, VC's Clayton Cowles, and Tom Muller

Perhaps the most important nod to Xavier's original iconic line is seeing him repeat it at the dawn of the Krakoa Era of X-Men. Up until this point, the franchise had maintained the usual status quo of Professor X guiding the next generation by way of his school and the X-Men team comprised of his top students. The Krakoa Era was ready to reflect something completely different when Jonathan Hickman launched it in 2019. Now, as the Krakoa Era comes to a close, it becomes easier to think of the highs and lows of that era in retrospect.

The very first words spoken in the first issue of the Krakoa Era come from Professor X as he greets a group of resurrected mutants. "To me, my X-Men," he says, harkening back to the final words of the very first issue of The X-Men. This sole moment ranks up there among some of the highest highs of the era because it is so symbolic of a new beginning.

6 Madelyne Pryor leads Dark X-Men

Dark Web: X-Men #3 by Gerry Duggan, Phil Noto, Rod Reis, and VC's Cory Petit

Madelyne Pryor has such a complicated standing in the Marvel Universe. Even as 2023 helped mold her into a big-time player, it's hard to argue whether the Jean Grey clone is truly a villain, or a complex character who rightfully has a chip on her shoulder. This is a character who has had so much taken away from her and is merely on a warpath to get what she believes is owed to her. That narrative is especially evident in her fight with Jean Grey in the Dark Web event, where Jean finally starts to understand where Pryor is coming from.

Not only does Jean decide that Madelyne has earned the right to lead her own X-Men in New York City, but she earned the right to say the famous battle cry at the center of this list. Jean even supplies Maddie with a megaphone to say it loud and proud.

5 Kitty Pryde Leads The Days of Future Past X-Men

X-Men: Days of Future Past - Doomsday by Marc Guggenheim, Manuel García, Cam Smith, Yen Nitro, and Clayton Cowles

She's gone by many names over the years - Kitty Pryde, Captain Kate Pryde, Sprite, Shadowcat - but the most deserving name she gains in the future is the leader of the X-Men. In X-Men: Days of Future Past - Doomsday, Marvel revisits the timeline from the seminal Days of Future Past story. Here, readers are graced with a new generation of X-Men with a roster led by Pryde. The team also features Magneto, Synch, Bishop, Rachel Summers, and Laura Kinney's Wolverine.

When Xavier first coined the phrase in 1963, it introduced the X-Men to an entire generation of comic readers. In repeating that line, Pryde singlehandedly enters the X-Men into a new, hopeful generation of mutanthood. And considering what came prior, for those familiar with the Days of Future Past storyline, it's a much-needed rechristening for the squad. After a dark period for mutantkind, Pryde is ready to lead the X-Men into a new dawn.

4 Xavier Kills Cassandra Nova

New X-Men #116 by Grant Morrison, Mark Morales, Dan Green, Hi-Fi Design, Richard Starkings, and Frank Quitely

Cassandra Nova is the evil twin sister of Professor Xavier whom a healing factor even better than Wolverine's. Introduced at the start of writer Grant Morrison's franchise-redefining New X-Men, Cassandra Nova's level of evil knows no bounds as she orchestrates a mutant massacre in Genosha. Even the typically pacifist Charles Xavier knows that it's time for his sister to go. She reaches Cerebra in an attempt to amplify her power, only for Emma Frost to snap her neck, but that's not enough to stop her.

Before Cassandra gets a chance to use that aforementioned healing factor, her brother shoots several bullets into her. Even the surrounding X-Men are shaken by the sight of their professor wielding a gun. Xavier calling his X-Men to him with his sister's blood pouring down his face is a haunting twist on the more uplifting 1963 moment that introduced that line into canon.

3 Cyclops Ushers in a New Dream

All-New X-Men #9 by Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, Marte Gracia, Rain Beredo, and VC's Cory Petit

There was a time when Cyclops fully believed in Xavier's dream. But when he becomes disillusioned with his mentor's worldview, Scott Summers goes rogue to carve out a dream of his own. In doing so, he breaks away from the original X-Men lineup in hopes of forming his own Extinction team, a team so powerful that they give the Avengers a run for their money and stake a claim to the title of "Earth's Mightiest Heroes." Led by Cyclops, the Extinction team also features the likes of Emma Frost, Magik, Magneto, Colossus, Storm, and Hope Summers.

At this point in time, Cyclops and his fellow rogues have been M.I.A. for a considerable amount of time, so when All-New X-Men #9 ends with Scott Summers and his mighty squadron showing up on the front lawn of Xavier's school, it's serious business. To usher in his new dream, Cyclops repeats the lines of his former mentor, ready to re-shape the dream in his image.

2 Emma Frost Resurrects Xavier and Magneto

Inferno #4 by Jonathan Hickman, Valerio Schiti, Stefano Caselli, David Curiel, and VC's Joe Sabino

Emma Frost undoubtedly ranks among one of the X-Men's most proficient leaders and most powerful mutants, which is why this moment feels so significant. When it comes time to resurrect both Professor X and Magneto, it's Emma Frost who does the deed. Emma Frost standing tall and hovering over two of the most historically important of the X-Men is borderline symbolic. For her to do so while saying, "To me, my X-Men" takes that symbolism to a whole other level.

One can argue that the visual suggests that it positions Emma as being far more powerful than either Max or Charles. Another argument could suggest that it foreshadows Emma being upgraded from being one of the X-Men's key leaders into the one and only leader, or at least the highest ranking leader of the team.

1 Cyclops Lets Jean Grey "Take it From Here"

X of Swords: Destruction #1 by Jonathan Hickman, Tini Howard, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia, VC's Clayton Cowles, and Tom Muller

Cyclops has been frequently namedropped and featured throughout this list, which makes sense. "To me, my X-Men" is typically a phrase reserved for the leader of the team, so it's only natural that Xavier and Scott are the ones who have probably said it the most in the comics over the years. For that same reason, it is a big deal to see Cyclops the baton, maybe even the torch, so to speak, to Jean Grey. He gives her the go-ahead to not just lead the charge, but to say "To me, my X-Men."

Jean Grey has always been one of the most pivotal of the X-Men since its inception. Whether they be merely teammates or romantically linked, it's been established that Cyclops rightfully trusts Jean more than anyone else on the team. It's just as much Jean's X-Men as it is Xavier's or Cyclops', and Scott trusting her to issue the signature "To me, my X-Men" rallying cry puts her on the same level as the team's greatest leaders.