Warning: SPOILERS for X-Manhunt Omega #1 The X-Men stand as one of Marvel’s most formidable teams. Each mutant possesses incredible powers, but together, their combined abilities allow them to achieve remarkable feats and withstand even the most formidable adversities. With a history marked by collaboration, the X-Men consistently demonstrate that their collective strength surpasses their individual capabilities when faced with existential threats.
Throughout their storied past, the X-Men have largely favored teamwork over solo endeavors. Characters like Wolverine, who often prefer solitude, frequently join forces with their teammates to fulfill the ongoing missions of their mutant family. This teamwork was famously showcased in Uncanny X-Men #100 by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum, where the iconic “Fastball Special”introduced a thrilling new tactic. The franchise has since broadened these cooperative maneuvers, leading to the creation of inventive “mutant circuits.”
1 The Fastball Special
Colossus and Wolverine; Uncanny X-Men #100 by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum
Perhaps the most iconic move in X-Men history, the “Fastball Special” first appeared when the “New X-Men”found themselves ambushed by their predecessors. Under Professor X’s orders, the original team attacked the new generation of mutants. Amidst the confusion, Wolverine detected the scent of not just old friends but disguised Sentinels. As a fierce battle erupted, the New X-Men rallied and resolved to take down their adversaries.
In a brilliant display of teamwork, Colossus launched Wolverine into the fray, sending the clawed mutant into action against their mechanical foes. This tactic has since become a defining feature of the X-Men franchise, with other heroes, such as X-23, Juggernaut, and Psylocke, employing similar strategies.
2 The Red Surfer
Cyclops and Magik; X-Manhunt Omega #1 by Murewa Ayodele, Gail Simone, Gleb Melnikov, Federica Manciń, and Enid Balám
In a thrilling 2025 installment, Cyclops and a team of Alaska-based X-Men find themselves in hot pursuit of Professor Xavier and his wife, who are attempting to escape Earth. In a desperate effort to stop them, Cyclops and Magik unveil the “Red Surfer,”a cutting-edge maneuver where Cyclops directs a powerful optic beam onto Magik’s Soulsword.
As Magik rides her sword through various portals with increasing velocity, she maneuvers toward Xavier’s escape vehicle. Just before impact, she creates a formidable blade, unleashing a flaming attack that breaches the ship’s hull. Thankfully, it turns out their target was merely a decoy, sparing Xavier from disaster.
3 “Cutting the Deck”
Gambit, Wolverine, and Mimic; X-Men ’97 Episode 1
Although originating from the animated series, the tag-team move dubbed “Cutting the Deck” is too remarkable not to mention. Facing overwhelming odds against a horde of Sentinels, the X-Men pushed themselves to the limit. With individual mastery of their powers, they executed a brilliantly coordinated attack.
As Wolverine confronted a Sentinel directly, Gambit leapt onto his back. By channeling his kinetic energy into Wolverine’s adamantium claws, Gambit created a powerful projectile, launching Wolverine into the heart of the mechanical foe. Mimic then transformed into the Blob, altering Wolverine’s trajectory to ensure a direct hit, resulting in a spectacular explosion.
4 The Living Bomb
Gambit and Rockslide; Uncanny X-Men #542 by Kieron Gillen, Greg Land, and Jay Leisten
In another episode, Gambit devises a plan to infuse Rockslide with his kinetic charges, making him a formidable living bomb. Rockslide, characterized by his control over stone, allowed Gambit to channel all of his energy into his body, leading to one of the most significant mutant-generated blasts in history. Despite its magnitude, the attack failed to take down Juggernaut.
5 The Electromagnetic Circuit
Magneto, Storm, and Blue Marvel; Resurrection of Magneto #4 by Al Ewing and Luciano Vecchio
During the Krakoa saga, an unexpected alliance formed between Magneto and Storm, two legendary leaders of mutantkind. As battles escalated, Magneto’s fate seemed sealed until Storm, using her mystical prowess and advanced technology, intervened to resurrect him.
With Stark Sentinels threatening the mutant uprising, the trio of Magneto, Storm, and Blue Marvel leveraged their powers to create an unprecedented human/mutant electromagnetic circuit. Storm summoned thunderous lightning while Blue Marvel stabilized the energy transfer, orchestrating a series of relentless attacks that overwhelmed their foes.
6 Breaking the Speed of BAMF
Rogue and Nightcrawler; Uncanny X-Men #4 by Gail Simone and David Marquez
In the 2024 series, Rogue finds herself racing against time to save Wolverine from the deadly witch, Sarah Gaunt. Despite her extraordinary speed from Captain Marvel’s powers, she recruits Nightcrawler for a dynamic rescue mission.
With Rogue flying at supersonic speeds and Nightcrawler teleporting at the right moments, they ultimately manage to reach Wolverine just in time, successfully averting a tragic ending.
7 The Red Diamond
Rogue, Cyclops, and Emma Frost; X-Men #188 by Mike Carey, Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend, and Jaime Mendoza
Showcasing Rogue’s versatile powers once again, this remarkable synergy emerges during a fierce battle against the Sentinels. With Cyclops and Emma Frost incapacitated, Rogue relies on their abilities as she navigates through the chaos.
After absorbing her allies’ powers, Rogue activates Emma’s diamond form and mixes it with Cyclops’s optic beams. As a result, she unleashes a multitude of refracted blasts that devastate her adversaries, leaving Rogue as the sole survivor of the confrontation.
8 Great Globs of Fire
Glob Herman and Redneck; New X-Men #137 by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, and Avalon Studios
Amid the “Riot at Xavier’s”storyline, Quentin Quire and the Omega Gang rebel against Xavier’s vision of peace. Teaming up with Glob Herman, they employ a tactical fire-and-flame offensive against Xavier’s Academy.
Utilizing his unusual petroleum-like properties, Glob is ignited by Redneck, becoming a humanoid fireball that unleashes a torrent of flaming projectiles, igniting chaos as they attack innocent rioters below. This unique collaboration, while morally ambiguous, showcases the raw potential of mutant abilities.
9 The Sand Bomb
Rogue, Surge, Dust, Hellion, and Armor; Uncanny X-Men #517 by Matt Fraction, Greg Land, and Jay Leisten
In the aftermath of Utopia’s establishment, the X-Men confront an invasion by Predator X, an engineered menace unleashed by entrepreneur Lobe, who sought to harvest mutant DNA. As Utopia faces imminent destruction, Rogue employs a combination of powers from fellow mutants to craft a stunning counterattack.
By melding the abilities of her teammates, Rogue disperses herself into countless sand particles, launching a powerful desperate strike that obliterates a Predator X, showcasing the power of teamwork and adaptive strategies in the face of danger.
10 The 5-in-1 X-Men Combo
Rogue, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Wolverine, and Kitty Pryde; Uncanny X-Men #194 by Chris Claremont, John Romita Jr., Steve Leialoha, and Dan Green
Rogue once again takes a central role in one of the X-Men’s most impressive team-up battles. When New York finds itself under siege from Juggernaut, the X-Men quickly mobilize to stop him. However, the appearance of the formidable Nimrod challenges their combined strength.
Faced with overwhelming odds, Rogue proposes a radical solution by combining the strengths of her fellow X-Men into her own form. As she integrates their powers, she teleports around the battlefield, leveraging her augmented abilities to strike Nimrod down successfully, showcasing the power of unity among mutants.