The X-men - Founders

Professor X

Joined In: Prior to X-men #1

Notes: Professor X is the founder of the X-men. Having lost his legs while fighting the alien Lucifer, Xavier knew he couldn't fight the evil mutants, so he gathered a team of mutants to do it. He became a father figure to most of the X-men, particularly Cyclops and Jean Grey. Since the founding of the X-men, he has often left it side to pursue other mather or he was injured or lost his powers. He has also founded other X-teams like The New Mutants and Cadre K

Cyclops

Joined In: Prior to X-men #1

Notes:Cyclops was the first X-men (not Xavier first student that was Jean Grey). Cyclops has been the team's field leader for most of his adult life. While a member of the team, he fell in love with fellow member Jean Grey. They had some problems getting together but eventually were inseparatable. After Jean was believed to have commited suicide to stop the Phoenix, Scott met amd married Madelyne Prior, who gave birth to his son, who eventually became Cable. When Jean was found alive, Cyclops left them for her. After Madelynne death, they eventually married. After Jean most recent death, Cyclops has been dating Emma Frost.

Iceman

Joined In: Prior to X-men #1

Notes:Iceman was the second member to joined the X-men and was the youngest member of the team. He was saved by Cyclops and Professor X after he activated his powers to saved his girlfriend and was about to be attacked by a mob. He was arrested by the Sherrif to protect his life but was released by Professor X. While a member of the team, he was the prankster of the team. He was also one of the first to leave the team. He later joined with Angel to form the Champions of LA and then with Beast to join the Defenders. They later were joined by Cyclops and Jean Grey to form the first X-Factor team. After that he rejoined the X-men team, where he has left and returned a number of times.

Angel / Archangel

Joined In: Prior to X-men #1

Notes:Angel was already a costumed crime fighter known as the Avenging Angel, when both Magneto and Professor X tried to recruit him. He joined the X-men and was the one who suggested that they wear costumes to hide their identities. He also had a crush on Jean Grey and would flirt with her often. After the new X-men rescued them, he left the team. He soon set up the Champions of LA and joined the Defenders. When he became a member of the X-factor team, during the Morlock Massacre, his wings were injured and, that the request of a Mutant hating "friend", had them amputated. Apocalypse later restore his wings and transformed him into Archangel, his horseman of Death. However, he soon betrayed Apocalypse and help X-Factor in defeating him.

Beast

Joined In: Prior to X-men #1

Notes:Beast was the strenght of the original team and the brains behind them. He is considered by many to be one of the smartest character in the Marvel Universe. He was also the first to leave the team. It was during his time away from the X-men that he first transformed into the furry beast we know today. He then joined the Avengers and stayed with them for some time before leaving to help the Defenders. He eventually joined the X-factor team where he returned to his human form at the cost of his intelligence. He later returned to his furry form and the X-men where he has bearly left the team. He has since mutated into a more feline form.

Marvel Girl / Jean Grey / Phoenix

Joined In: X-men #1

Notes:While Cyclops was the first X-men, he wasn't Xavier's first student. That honour goes to Jean Grey. Jean was a young girl when she witnessed her friend getting hit by a cars and her power forced her to see her friends mind as she died. To help Jean control these power, the Grey contacted Xavier. After years of tutoring, Xavier convinced the Grey's to let her study at the institude. There she became the last member of the original X-men. She would later "sarcifice" her life to save her friend but the Phoenix saved her and took her place on the X-men team. She later was discovered in a cacoon in the ocean by the Avenger and joined the X-factor team. She later rejoined the X-men team, married the recent widowed Cyclops but was killed by Xorn during the Planet X saga.