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If there is one comic series that has its share of female characters, it’s X-Men. Storm and Jean Grey are the first to come to mind when thinking of X-Men female characters, not to mention the plethora of female villains. But what is more interesting are the ones that started out somewhat obscure before becoming popular. Jubilee, Kitty Pryde, and Dazzler are three mutants that didn’t seem to be particularly memorable or interesting at first, yet they proved to hold their own and last the test of time in the Marvel universe.
The obscurity of these chicks often stemmed from their initial portrayals, which lacked the depth and complexity that fans typically gravitate towards. However, as the stories evolved in X-Men comics, so did their character arcs, allowing them to shine in ways that were previously unimagined. This transformation not only solidified their places within the team but also resonated with audiences who appreciated their growth and resilience. These characters have since been considered among the best female X-Men characters by many fans.
Jubilee: The Mall Rat Turned Powerful Mutant
Starting off with probably the most popular of the bunch, Jubilee was just a typical mall-rate kid that would do little fireworks to draw a crowd. She was first seen in 1989, which almost made her your typical 90s brat hanging outside the arcade. While not exactly top-notch material as far as The X-Men goes, her character proved to be popular, especially on the X-Men: The Animated Series from 1992. Jubilee is seen in the first episode, immediately drawing your attention to a character that would otherwise be obscure. She has an appeal for being a sort of outsider from the group, along with having a youthful energy. As far as her mutant abilities go, she isn’t worth doggy doo-doo initially. Still, she has proven to be a memorable female character of X-men, often considered one of the hottest X-Men in terms of popularity.
Her journey from a seemingly one-dimensional character to a beloved member of the X-Men team showcases the writers’ ability to flesh out her backstory and motivations. As the series progressed, Jubilee evolved into a symbol of youthful rebellion and hope, embodying the struggles of adolescence while navigating the complexities of being a mutant in the Marvel universe.
With every good, there’s a bad, and Jubilee often found herself at odds with the more seasoned members of the X-Women. Her impulsive nature sometimes led to reckless decisions, putting herself and her teammates in danger. Yet, it was these very flaws that made her relatable, as she grappled with the consequences of her actions while striving to prove her worth as a powerful mutant.
Kitty Pryde: The Phasing Prodigy
Another female character in X-Men that nobody expected to be popular was Kitty Pryde. Portrayed as a thirteen-year-old cute girl, Pryde has the ultra-cool ability to walk through walls. Perhaps not the deepest character, yet her simple powers proven useful, even if not as versatile as controlling the weather like Storm can do or the psychic abilities of powerful mutants like Phoenix or Emma Frost. There was also that time when she was inside a giant bullet headed toward Earth, and she made it phase through the planet. Read Giant Sized Astonishing X-Men 1 if you don’t believe me.
There is so much to be said about Kitty Pryde. Her ability to phase through solid objects not only makes her a unique asset in battle but also serves as a metaphor for her struggles with identity and belonging. As she navigates the challenges of adolescence and the complexities of her mutant abilities, Kitty becomes a relatable figure for many fans, embodying the resilience and courage needed to face life’s obstacles.
Her character really stands out in Days of Future Past, where her future self plays a crucial role in altering the timeline. Kitty’s ability to phase becomes a pivotal element in the fight against oppression, showcasing her growth from one of the X-Men girls to a formidable hero. This evolution not only highlights her strength but also reinforces the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity within the X-Men team.
Dazzler: From Marketing Gimmick to Beloved X-Woman
I saved the best for last, which is Dazzler. This character, honestly, should never have lasted. With the power to turn sound into light, Dazzler started off as a collaboration between Marvel Comics and Casablanca Records to have movie and album tie-ins. So right off the bat, you can tell that Dazzler was designed to be a calculated cash-grab, a character that was made to be used and thrown away like used toilet paper. Despite the absurdity of the character and its origin, she has appeared in many story arcs, and even got her own series. How this character was able to make a major impact as a female character of The X-Men is a mystery to me.
Dazzler seemed to defy the odds, transforming from a marketing gimmick into a beloved character who embodies the spirit of the era she represents. Her ability to manipulate sound into dazzling light displays not only captivated audiences but also symbolized the vibrant culture of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Over time, she evolved beyond her origins, becoming a symbol of empowerment and resilience within the X-Men narrative.
Final Thoughts
I think what happened was that these characters resonated with readers in unexpected ways. Their unique mutant abilities, while seemingly trivial, allowed fans to connect with them on a personal level, embodying the idea that anyone can be a hero regardless of their powers. This relatability, combined with their distinct personalities, helped them carve out a lasting place in the X-Men universe.
So there you go, three X-Women characters that were not exactly the deepest or well-thought-out, yet they proved to be among the most popular. Jubilee just creates mini fireworks with her hands, and Dazzler started as a disco dancer. Kitty Pryde not only has a cool name, but perhaps has the most practical abilities of these three characters. Too bad neither of them have cool powers like, ya know, shooting lasers out of your eyes, or having metallic claws that slide out of your fists. Nevertheless, these characters have shown that even without being a telepath or having the most flashy mutant abilities, they can still stand tall among the best female X-Men characters in the rich tapestry of X-Men comics.