Ranking 12 X-Men: First Class Characters by Their Potential Effectiveness Against Thanos

X-Men: First Class opened the door to a vibrant array of mutants within the Marvel Universe. As the MCU prepares for Avengers: Secret Wars, speculation arises about the potential for a multiversal showdown. This raises the exciting possibility that characters from X-Men: First Class might join forces with the Avengers against formidable foes like Thanos. This article delves into the capabilities of these mutants, assessing their theoretical impact within the MCU narrative.

The conflict against Thanos marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history. Imagining the inclusion of characters from the Eternals and the original Fox X-Men reveals untapped potential in the battle. However, Matthew Vaughn’s prequel introduced some of the most powerful mutants. Each mutant’s unique abilities could have significantly altered the odds against the Mad Titan during the climactic battles.

12 Mystique

Raven’s Skillset Would Not Add Much to This Battle

MystiqueMystique in X-Men ApocalypseMystique in BlackbirdMystique in X-MenMystique in White Costume

The relationship between Mystique and Charles Xavier is critical in X-Men: First Class, yet her abilities might not have proved beneficial against Thanos. While her transformation powers have tactical advantages in espionage and subterfuge, they lack the brute strength and tactical intelligence needed for such an overwhelming cosmic battle.

In normal human conflict, Mystique’s skills would shine. However, against Thanos, a being of vast cosmic power, her contributions might be minimal, placing her at a disadvantage in this lineup. Her capacities for disguise, while notable, do not match the urgency of combating a being like Thanos.

11 Beast

Beast Would Not Be Useless, But Would Also Not Be Useful in This Fight

Nicholas Hoult as BeastBeastBeast Foot Turned BlueBeast SnarlingMoira MacTaggert and Beast Helping Charles

While Beast possesses intelligence and agility, his impact in a fight against Thanos would be limited. His analytical mind and physical prowess might assist in strategizing, yet compared to cosmic entities, his abilities could fall short, especially against Thanos’ immense power.

Thus, while he wouldn’t be wholly ineffective, his contributions might not be substantial enough to influence the battle’s outcome decisively.

10 Angel Salvadore

Angel’s Bug Powers Would Be Assistive, But Not Meaningful

Zoe Kravitz as Angel SalvadoreAngel SalvadoreAngel Salvadore ImageAngel's Powers IllustrationCatwoman

Angel Salvadore, portrayed by Zoë Kravitz, introduces a unique skill set with insect-like physiology, flight, and acidic spit. While these abilities could offer some tactical advantages, they are unlikely to pivot the battle against Thanos meaningfully.

Her agility may provide limited support, but compared to powerhouses like Ant-Man, her contributions would likely be negligible, raising concerns about her survivability in such a dangerous conflict.

9 Riptide

Riptide’s Tornado Powers Would Be Useful, But Limited

Riptide's PowersWolverine Encountering RiptideRiptide in ActionRiptide DefeatedRiptide Producing Cyclones

Riptide’s ability to create tornadoes could offer some tactical advantages, but his overall effectiveness against an opponent like Thanos is questionable. His powers have proven unreliable against stronger foes, underscoring his vulnerability. Historical experiences, such as his defeat by characters like Colossus, suggest that he may not withstand the formidable presence of Thanos.

Ultimately, while Riptide could contribute to altering the battlefield dynamic, he might lack the sufficient strength required to shift the battle’s tide.

8 Banshee

Banshee Would Fight Well, But Is Too Fragile

Banshee in ActionBanshee and TeamBanshee's LimitationsBanshee CoverBanshee Serious Pose

Banshee possesses potent sonic abilities that could disrupt Thanos’ efforts. His powers offer tactical advantages, particularly against sound-sensitive foes, though his physiological fragility poses a serious concern in combat. Despite being a strong counter to certain threats, his susceptibility to injury would make him a liability in a direct confrontation with Thanos.

In the grand scheme of the battle against Thanos, Banshee possesses valuable powers but would require protection to capitalize on his abilities effectively.

7 Azazel

His Teleportation Powers Could Be Helpful in a Fight Against Thanos

Azazel and TeamAzazelAzazel Stand Next to PixieAzazel in ActionAzazel Poster

Azazel emerges as a clever and resourceful character; his teleportation abilities might be crucial in a standoff against Thanos. While Doctor Strange shares similar powers, Azazel’s quick reflexes offer a different strategic dimension. He could potentially snatch the Infinity Gauntlet away in crucial moments, impacting Thanos’ tactics during the clash.

In a collaborative effort with the Avengers, Azazel could turn the tides of battle, leveraging his unique attributes in unexpected and effective ways.

6 Wolverine

Wolverine Would Be Nearly Impossible to Beat

WolverineWolverine Bone ClawsWolverine Claws in ActionWolverine in X-MansionWolverine in 1970s

Despite Wolverine’s brief cameo in X-Men: First Class, his legendary status brings immense value to any team. His indomitable spirit, combined with regenerative healing and formidable claws, renders him a nearly unbeatable combatant. His raw strength and ferocity could be invaluable assets against Thanos, despite the absence of unique powers not already represented in the Avengers’ ranks.

Wolverine’s relentless nature and fierce loyalty would bolster morale in the fight against the Mad Titan, making him a vital complement to the team’s combative efforts.

5 Havok

Alex Summers Can Absorb and Repel Cosmic Energy

Havok and CyclopsHavok in X-Men First ClassHavok Facing a ChallengeHavok in Solitary ConfinementCyclops and Havok Meeting

Amidst Thanos’ onslaught, Alex Summers (Havok) possesses the unique capability of absorbing offensive cosmic energies. This ability allows him to redirect them back at attackers, potentially turning the tide during pivotal moments. While his effectiveness against all aspects of the Infinity Stones might be limited, smart deployment of his powers could render him a formidable force in the battle.

Thus, employing his energies strategically would elevate Havok’s relevance in combating Thanos, particularly in chaotic, tumultuous scenarios.

4 Emma Frost

The Mutant’s Psionic Powers Could Make an Enormous Difference

Emma FrostEmma Frost in CaptivityEmma Frost's EscapeEmma Frost PortraitEmma Frost in Action

Emma Frost represents a powerhouse of mental abilities that could critically impact any confrontation with Thanos. Her psionic skills span beyond mere telepathy, offering vast tactical advantages. In comic lore, Frost has demonstrated the capacity to manipulate Thanos’ mind, an ability that could prove decisive during their clash.

In contrast to Mantis in the MCU, who could momentarily incapacitate Thanos, Emma’s nuanced mental strategies could potentially turn the tides in the battle’s favor dramatically.

3 Professor X

Charles Xavier’s Abilities Would Be an Incredible Help

James McAvoy as Professor XProfessor X Shooting SceneProfessor X in X-Men First ClassProfessor X with TeamProfessor X in Days of Future Past

Professor X could play a vital role in the battle against Thanos, leveraging his immense telepathic abilities to probe Thanos’ mind. While Thanos has shown resistance to telepathic influences, the strategic significance of Charles’ intellect and powers cannot be underestimated. If harnessed effectively, Professor X could provide invaluable insights and strategies during the confrontation.

In a well-coordinated team effort, Xavier could enhance the Avengers’ plans, crafting crucial approaches to weaken Thanos’ position in the battle.

2 Darwin

Adapting to Survive Would Be Important to Resisting Thanos

Darwin Under AttackDarwin in X-MenDarwin Dying in X-MenDarwin in ActionEdi Gathegi as Darwin

Darwin’s unique ability to adapt in response to threats positions him as a crucial asset against Thanos. His skill set allows him to evolve on-the-fly, which could be pivotal in unforeseen clashes. This capacity for adjustment could assist not only himself but also bolster his teammates in dynamic combat scenarios.

Nevertheless, Darwin’s abilities have their limits, as seen when he faced formidable opponents. His adaptability may not always translate into offensive capabilities, but his potential remains an essential factor in combating powerful threats.

1 Magneto

Erik Lehnsherr Would Be the Most Important Combatant from The X-Men

MagnetoMagneto SeriousMagneto in X-Men First ClassMagneto's Emotional MomentMagneto in Action

Magneto embodies both ideological and physical opposition to Thanos. Motivated by his belief in mutant superiority, he represents a moral foil to the destructive intentions of the Mad Titan. His mastery of metal, particularly in manipulating the magically charged material of the Infinity Gauntlet, positions him as a formidable adversary to Thanos.

Given Magneto’s ability to control various metals, including Uru, it stands to reason that he could swiftly relieve Thanos of the Infinity Stones, potentially shifting the power imbalance in their battle. In a combat environment against Thanos, Magneto emerges not just as a combatant but as a game-changer.

      Source & Images

      © 2021 The Filibuster Blog