10. Uncanny X-Men 248, 1989 "The Cradle Will Fall"
This issue makes this list as it featured Jim Lee's first work on the title. Jim Lee's art has never been as gorgeous as his run on Uncanny X-Men. His art redefined the generation and propelled the comic into universal awareness. His art became so popular Marvel gave him his own X-Men title to feature both his art and storytelling. The early 90s craze of the X-Men starts here just as our Top Ten List does.
9. Uncanny X-Men 251, 1989 "Fever Dream"
Wolverine, beaten and broken by the nefarious Reevers, hangs crucified as he falls in and out of consciousness as he hallucinates of nightmares of the past. This comic featured amazing art by Marc Silvestri and was still written at a time that Wolverine's healing factor wasn't as such ridiculousness proportions as you actually felt his pain, much like his early Marvel Comics Presents run, also penned by Claremont. There is still something so humane and touching when Jubilee removes him from the cross that would be the glue that would form a relationship of friendship that would last for decades.
8. Uncanny X-Men 201, 1986 "Duel"
An epic showdown over who will lead the X-Men ensues as the first appearance of Cable occurs in baby form in this epic comic by Claremont himself.
7. Uncanny X-Men 255, 1989 "The Key that Breaks the Locke"
This issue redefined Psylocke as she was turned into the Japanese assassin of the Mandarin. This story line in the hands of any other comic book writer would be doomed from the start, however Claremont develops Besty's character perfectly in flashbacks to her childhood that establish her as a heroic and brave individual, even much more so than her brother, Captain Britain. Claremont was famous for making strong female characters, and Psylock is no exception. Oh yea, and did I forget to mention that this issue was penned by the master himself, Jim Lee! This issue features arguably some of his best work on the series.
6. Uncanny X-Men 207, 1986 "Ghosts"
A subconscious cat-and mouse game between a wounded Wolverine and a scarred and vengeful Rachael Summers turns into more than either character can handle. This comic features one of the greatest monologue's ever spoken by Wolverine as he declares that the X-Men stand above revenge and murder and that they must stand for something more no matter what their emotions tell them. This issue also end with one of the greatest cliffhangers only the a comic medium can deliver! I won't spoil the ending for you but the comic is beautifully illustrated by the talented artist Johm Romita Jr which features one of the most iconic X-Men covers of all time!
5. Uncanny X-Men 234, 1988 "Glory Day"
If the image of Wolverine fighting off a Brood infection doesn't come to mind when you remeber this issue, I doubt you've ever seen the cover. It still haunts me to this day, as it was beautifully drawn by the master artist Marc Silvestri. This few issue run expanded the X-Men's threats to a more dangerous level as the alien brood race poses a threat to earth. However, once again our heroes rise victorious and features one of the best lines Wolverine has ever spoken, "Like Ben Franklin said, bub...only two things are certain in life, an' this ain't taxes! Nuff Said!
4. X-Men 137, 1980 "The Fate of Phoenix"
The epic conclusion to the Dark Phoenix Saga comes to an end here. This story-line helped redefine death in comics, only to have it ruined with the reincarnation of Jean Grey over and over again. Though its importance to the X-Men mythos has not wavered over time, the inclusion of Space Travel and Shi'ar Empire looses some of the edge X-Men comics are so famous for. However, its still a classic read that deserves a spot in the Top 5 on this list.
3./2. Uncanny X-Men 141-142, 1981 "Days of Future's Past"
Taking place in present day and in an dystopian future, Claremont and John Byrne continue their epic run as our favorite mutant heroes entrapped in prisons camps with only an elder Kitty Pryde and Wolverine to save them! This story line is one of the most popular X-men runs of all time and future issues would revisit this dystopian future time and time again, never to reclaim the realism and intensity found here. These two issues also feature some of the most iconic X-Men covers of all time. Oh, and I forgot to mention, in the concluding issue, THEY ALL DIE!
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1421. Uncanny X-Men "God Loves, Man Kills" 1982
This graphic novel treatment had a feel of a blockbuster movie and was the absolute epitome of what the X-Men stand for, forgiveness and tolerance. When the evil Reverand Stryker is out to rid the world of Mutants, the X-Men must protect the people who fear and loathe them. This trade was one of the more overt metaphor for race relations in the United States at the time and also represented the unique dichotomy of the conflicting philosophies of Magneto and Professor X. Magneto represents the old testament philosophy of justice, "an eye for an eye" as Professor X is the new testament, "turn the other cheek" variety. This dichotomy is well defined and illustrated throughout this heart-wrenching story line. This trade was also the influence for the X-Men movie X2:Xmen United, one of the best in the series. To this day, this is the one of the greatest and most meaningful X-Men comics ever written, and it stands a top an excellent decade of X-Men comics!
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