The Uncanny X-Men

Publication history 1963–1970: Original run Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby , the series launched in September 1963. Lee originally wanted to title the book The Merry Mutants , but Marvel’s editorial team insisted on using X-Men instead. The first issue introduced the original five X-Men ( Warren Worthington III/Angel , Hank McCoy/Beast , Scott Summers/Cyclops , Robert "Bobby" Drake/Iceman , and Jean Grey/Marvel Girl ) and their teacher, Charles Xavier/Professor X as well as their nemesis, the supervillain Erik Magnus Lehnsherr/Magneto . Although Lee would deny it, it was noticed by contemporary writer Arnold Drake , that the concept of the series emulated his own earlier series for National Periodical Publications 's (now DC Comics ) Doom Patrol , in many respects.

However, National's editorial staff did not support Drake's concerns. Initially published bimonthly, it became a monthly with issue #14 (November 1965). Lee's run lasted 19 issues, and featured the X-Men battling villains such as Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants (which included the siblings Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver ); the Sentinels , giant robots programmed to destroy all mutants, and their creator Bolivar Trask ; and Cain Marko/Juggernaut , Xavier's stepbrother transformed by a mystical gem and seeking revenge on Xavier. The series was placed firmly in the Marvel Universe , with guest appearances by Namor the Sub-Mariner in #6 and the Avengers in #9.

The jungle adventure hero Kevin Plunder/Ka-Zar and the Savage Land were introduced in issue #10. Roy Thomas wrote the series from #20–43 (May 1966 – April 1968). Thomas and artist Werner Roth created Sean Cassidy/Banshee in #28 (Jan. 1967).

The X-Men #45 (June 1968) featured a crossover with The Avengers #53 (June 1968). After brief runs by Gary Friedrich and Arnold Drake – the latter of whom introduced the new X-Men Lorna Dane/Polaris and Alex Summers/Havok , and during which the series adopted a new logo designed by Jim Steranko – Thomas returned to the series with issue #55 and was joined by artist Neal Adams the following issue for an acclaimed run of stories. After a battle with the Hulk in issue #66 (March 1970), the title ceased publishing original material and featured reprints in issues #67–93 (December 1970 – April 1975).