Renowned comic book writer Mark Waid has disclosed his all-time favorite X-Men lineup, igniting a conversation among fans. With over three decades of prolific contributions to the comic industry, Waid has penned stories for nearly every major publisher while also taking on editorial roles. As a lifelong enthusiast of comics, his insights into the medium and its diverse characters remain invaluable.
Currently, Waid is working on Justice League Unlimited for DC Comics.
During a recent appearance at WonderCon 2025, Comicbookclublive.com recapped Waid’s engaging panel titled “50 Questions in 50 Minutes,” where he tackled a wide array of queries ranging from obscure trivia—like Superman’s Social Security Number—to his views on notable story arcs. When asked about his favorite X-Men lineup, Waid emphatically referenced the iconic “Claremont/Byrne” era from the late 1970s to early 1980s.
The Claremont-Byrne Era Transformed the X-Men
The X-Men Struggled Before Claremont’s Arrival
Waid’s admiration for the Claremont and Byrne era is well-founded, as this dynamic duo revitalized a previously faltering franchise, transforming it into one of Marvel’s premier titles. Chris Claremont, who had been crafting stories for a few years, brought depth and sophistication to Uncanny X-Men, markedly elevating its narrative quality. He succeeded Len Wein, who introduced the game-changing cast of the “all-new, all-different X-Men” in Giant Size X-Men #1, featuring iconic characters like Wolverine.
Claremont remained integral to the X-Men for an impressive 16 years, departing in 1991 amid shifting editorial directions. Throughout his tenure, he collaborated with talented artists, including Dave Cockrum—who played a pivotal role in designing new characters such as Storm, Colossus, and Nightcrawler. Cockrum’s art, combined with Claremont’s intricate storytelling, captured the hearts of numerous fans and fostered a new generation of readers. He served on the title until issue #107, further solidifying the franchise’s legacy.
John Byrne Elevated the X-Men Experience
Claremont and Byrne’s Collaboration was Pivotal
Following Cockrum, artist John Byrne joined the team, marking the beginning of a collaboration that would reshape the X-Men narrative. Byrne, already notable for his work on The Avengers, made his debut in issue #108, becoming a co-plotter within six issues. This partnership between Claremont and Byrne gave rise to some of the most memorable stories in the franchise, including the legendary “Days of Future Past” and the iconic “Dark Phoenix Saga” —tales that continue to resonate with audiences today.
The synergy between Claremont and Byrne, while sometimes tumultuous, significantly impacted the superhero genre. Byrne departed from Uncanny X-Men at issue #143, later revitalizing the Fantastic Four and steering it to remarkable heights. Meanwhile, Claremont maintained his hold on X-Men until 1991, working alongside a host of esteemed artists like Paul Smith, John Romita Jr., Marc Silvestri, and Jim Lee, helping to further redefine the landscape of comic storytelling.
Waid’s Brief Stint on the X-Men
The Lasting Impact of Claremont and Byrne’s Era
The legacy of Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s collaboration is clearly felt today, justifying Mark Waid’s appreciation for their work. Their storytelling prowess brought tales like “Dark Phoenix” to life, overflowing with emotion and energy that set a new standard for comics. Their influence has left an indelible mark on a generation of creators, including Waid himself, who made a brief but notable contribution to the X-Men franchise in the mid-1990s.
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