Marvel’s Prime universe, also known as Earth-616, boasts some of the most powerful X-Men. Earth-1610 was Marvel's Ultimate universe, which featured mutants with even greater abilities. Ultimate X-Men reimagined the X-Men, their origins, and their most famous stories.
Many of the reimagined X-Men characters demonstrated significantly stronger mutations or augmentations to their established power sets. Because of this, some of the strongest Ultimate mutants differ from Earth-616's most powerful X-Men.
Updated on May 8, 2023, by Scoot Allan: The Ultimate X-Men may be gone, but they certainly aren't forgotten. Marvel's alternate take on Earth-616's mutants used their powers in exciting new ways to become some of the strongest X-Men. Members from the Ultimate universe have continued to appear on Earth-616 over the years, showcasing their incredible mutant abilities.
23 Angel
AKA Warren Worthington III
Unlike the mainstream version of the X-Men, Warren Worthington III was not a founding member of the team. Instead, the high-flying Angel joined the second class of the Ultimate X-Men alongside members like Rogue and Dazzler. Worthington had little combat training, but his skills in the air were unparalleled due to his love of flying.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #40 (December 2003) by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch
Angel never received any of the physical upgrades or wing enhancements like his 616 version. His skill and strengths relied on his flight, which made him a valuable reconnaissance agent. Unfortunately, it also made him a target, and he was mauled and killed by Sabretooth during the Ultimatum event.
22 Beast
AKA Hank McCoy
The Ultimate version of Beast is strongly reflective of his mainstream counterpart. While he may not boast powerful omega-level abilities like Iceman or Jean Grey, Hank McCoy was the brains behind the X-Men operation. He was born with incredibly dextrous feet and eventually gained agility and superhuman strength alongside his incredible intellect.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #1 (December 2000) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
Beast was further transformed by Weapon X into his more familiar blue-furred form with claws, fangs, and heightened senses. Beast became one of the strongest X-Men as well as thier go-to technical engineer and scientist. Unfortunately, his incredible strength couldn't save his life when Magneto drowned New York City with a tidal wave.
21 Pyro
AKA Unknown
The Ultimate X-Men's version of Pyro proved quite different from the one introduced to readers in the early 1980s. His real name was never revealed in the comics, but it's possible he was still St. John Allerdyce, like the Earth-616 version. Pyro was covered in third-degree burns, as he wasn't immune to his own abilities.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #80 (March 2007) by Robert Kirkman and Yanick Paquette
However, Ultimate Pyro could generate flames without the means of apparatus built into his suit. He initially joined Bishop's team of X-Men to go undercover with the Mutant Liberation Front. However, after Wolverine killed Bishop, Pyro joined Xavier's branch of the X-Men.
20 Psylocke
AKA Betsy Braddock
The 1610 version of Psylocke was a force to be reckoned with, which she demonstrated time and again. Betsy Braddock established herself as England’s most powerful telepath. She could read minds, create psychic grenades, and brandish a psychic blade.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #17 (June 2002) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
David Haller/Legion once possessed Psylocke, but she was strong enough to overpower him momentarily. When Colossus dropped a car on her, Betsy's consciousness proved powerful enough to survive after the death of her body. Betsy then jumped into the body of a coma patient named Kwannon, somewhat like her Earth-616 counterpart.
19 Dazzler
AKA Alison Blaire
Much like her 616 counterpart, Alison Blaire was a musician whose mutant ability allowed her to convert sound into light. However, as the Ultimate universe took place in a modernized continuity, she was no longer a disco queen but instead, a pop/punk princess which gave the character a bit of an extra edge.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #42 (February 2004) by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch
However, it also made Ultimate Dazzler a bit of a counter-culture-loving loner. She rarely trained her abilities alongside the rest of the Ultimate X-Men and instead relied on her raw unfiltered emotions to fuel her abilities. It was revealed the light show created by her mutant power was a side effect of her real ability to split molecules, making her even more powerful if she trained.
18 Guardian
AKA Derek Morgan
Derek Morgan discovered he could transform into a powerful avian form that featured a set of retractable wings and other bird of prey features like razor-sharp talons. He operated in secret due to the public phobia of mutants in the Ultimate universe, though still earned a reputation around his neighborhood as a guardian angel.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X #3 (June 2010) by Jeph Loeb and Arthur Adams
He joined Jean Grey/Karen Grant's secret mutant strike team after his brother discovered his activities as a mutant hero and turned on him. Morgan was one of the few mutants who escaped the death of the Ultimate universe to become the New Marauders before their eventual deaths.
17 Bishop
AKA Lucas Bishop
Much like his 616 counterpart, the mutant known as Bishop came back from the future to help the X-Men. In the Ultimate universe, he was one of Cable's soldiers from the X-Men's future who joined the mutant after he got stranded in the past.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #43 (March 2004) by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch
Ultimate Bishop's mutant abilities differ from the mainstream version of the character. While the 616 Bishop can absorb and re-channel energy, 1610 Bishop is a density manipulator. He can adjust the density of objects to crush them or direct his power toward himself, increasing his strength to superhuman levels.
16 Firestar
AKA Liz Allan
The Ultimate universe featured a unique take on the classic Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends animated series. Liz Allen was a friend of Peter Parker, and her mutant abilities manifested when she got too close to a bonfire. Spider-Man and Iceman helped Liz deal with her new abilities before she officially joined the X-Men.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (September 2000) by Brian Michael Bendis, Bill Jemas, and Mark Bagley
Ultimate Firestar's powers had a different angle than Earth-616's microwave-generating Angelica Jones. Besides bursting into flame, Firestar could absorb electromagnetic energy and disperse it in various forms and intensities. By heating the air around her, Firestar could fly and lift heavy loads.
15 Armor
AKA Hisako Ichiki
Armor is an incredibly powerful member of the X-Men who can create a psionic exoskeleton of impenetrable armor. Her exoskeleton is incredibly strong and durable and is fueled by energy from Hisako’s Japanese ancestors in the 616 universe.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate Comics X-Men #18 (October 2012) by Brian Wood and Carlo Barberi
In the Ultimate universe, Armor’s exoskeleton is powered by 10,000 mythological Japanese spirit demons. It often takes the form of giant animals and dragons. Armor is savvy and powerful, which allowed her to escape the destruction of the Ultimate universe and find a new home in the Prime Universe.
14 Nightcrawler
AKA Kurt Wagner
Ultimate Nightcrawler was just a child when he was kidnapped by Weapon X. He became an effective black ops agent and assassin due to his ability to teleport. He eventually defected to the X-Men, where he further honed his abilities. Nightcrawler also demonstrated superhuman reflexes, agility, speed, and the ability to stick to various surfaces.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #7 (August 2001) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
Nightcrawler’s mutations further advanced after using Banshee, which Colossus provided to members of the X-Men. He developed the ability to generate flaring energy batons that could teleport both himself and other objects over much greater distances. Nightcrawler died during Magneto's Ultimatum wave like several other X-Men.
13 Wolverine
AKA James Howlett/Logan
Earth-616’s version of Wolverine has one of Marvel's most powerful healing factors. Much like the mainstream version, Ultimate Wolverine has enhanced animal senses, an adamantium skeleton, and adamantium-laced claws. Weapon X trained Wolverine as an emotionless assassin before he joined the X-Men.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #1 (December 2000) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
One big difference between the 616 version and Ultimate Wolverine is that his regenerative ability is a survival factor. Wolverine's body can adapt to survive being torn in half, decapitated, and even blown up by a nuclear bomb. Unfortunately, one of Wolverine's strongest villains pushed his limits to the test. Magneto incinerated his body before ripping the adamantium off his bones.
12 Poison
AKA James "Jimmy" Hudson, Jr.
Following the death of Wolverine in the Ultimate universe, Kitty Pryde was sent to deliver a final message to his secret son, James "Jimmy" Hudson, Jr. Jimmy inherited similar abilities as his father, but he could cover his bones, teeth, and claws in an organic metal at will. Jimmy Hudson followed in his father's footsteps as the second Ultimate Wolverine.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X #1 (February 2010) by Jeph Loeb and Arthur Adams
Hudson survived the destruction of the Ultimate universe and briefly joined a roster of X-Men Blue on Earth-616. Unfortunately, he was forcibly bonded with a symbiote and transformed by an other-dimensional creature into Poison. Jimmy's powers were increased, but he was lost to the alien hive mind. Fans are hoping that Poison is one X-Man who will make a comeback.
11 Shadowcat
AKA Kitty Pryde
Kitty Pryde and her 1610 counterpart could both phase through solid objects. This allowed them to walk on air and water and destroy electronics they passed through. However, Ultimate Kitty Pryde discovered she could also minimize the negative space around her atoms to become super dense.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #21 (October 2002) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
Ultimate Kitty Pryde simulated superhuman strength and disguised herself as The Shroud, adding to Pryde's numerous costumed identities. Her powers were further altered by exposure to the Giant-Man serum, which temporarily gave her the ability to increase in size.
10 Colossus
AKA Piotr Rasputin
Much like his 616 counterpart, Ultimate Colossus could cover his body in powerful organic steel. In his metallic form, Colossus has enormous strength, durability, and near invulnerability. However, there was one big difference with the Ultimate version of Colossus. He didn't have enough strength to move his armored form.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #1 (December 2000) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
Colossus secretly used Banshee for years to enhance his mutant powers. He became the distributor for Banshee, which was used by other mutants to enhance their abilities as well. Colossus' frequent use of Banshee resulted in a further mutation that allowed him to properly utilize his armored form without the drug.
9 Cyclops
AKA Scott Summers
Scott Summer's mutant abilities in the 1610 universe share some similarities to his 616 counterpart. Cyclops can absorb solar energy and redirect it as powerful concussive blasts through his custom ruby quartz visor. Its design mirrors the one Cyclops used when the main X-Men line was relaunched in 1991.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #1 (December 2000) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
However, his power increased when Cyclops used the drug called Banshee, allowing him to control his optic blasts without the visor. Cyclops' mutant abilities shifted as he became dependent on the drug, and he could briefly fly and survive in the vacuum of space. When the drug wore off, Ultimate Cyclops returned to his regular power levels until Quicksilver assassinated him.
8 Magma
AKA Amara Aquilla
Much like her mainstream counterpart, Amara Aquilla has the mutant ability to manipulate rock and molten lava as Magma. Unfortunately, she hasn't had as many opportunities to display her incredible abilities as she only joined the Ultimate X-Men's Mutant Resistance during the later "United We Stand" event.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate Comics X-Men #19 (November 2012) by Brian Wood and Paco Medina
Magma described herself as a mutant deterrent when asked about her position with the mutant resistance. She might have been as present in battle as some of her fellow X-Men, but it's because her mutant powers could physically move continents and divert the flow of oceans. She helped keep her allies safe in battles against Sentinels and Nimrods to protect their home of Utopia.
7 Storm
AKA Ororo Munroe
There's something different but still familiar about the Earth-1610 version of Storm. Ororo Munroe has the same powers as the 616 version, but less experience due to her reduced age. She can create storms and generate lightning. Storm can creatively use her powers to whip up a tornado or manipulate weather systems in several other ways.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #1 (December 2000) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
It's Storm's origin that's radically different in the Ultimate Universe. Ororo was a Moroccan car thief living in Texas who didn't have the same regal attitude as her 616 counterpart. She was harsh and sarcastic, but also romantic. Storm's powers made her a powerful threat and helped form the new mutant homeland after years of fighting.
6 Professor X
AKA Charles Francis Xavier
In the Earth-1610 universe, Professor X maintained his place as one of the most powerful mutants in existence. His mutation gifted him with incredibly powerful telepathic abilities, along with some limited telekinetic power as well. Xavier was also a genius who used his telepathy to enhance his medical expertise in various ways.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #1 (December 2000) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
The ultimate version of Xavier was a little more willing to be corrupt and manipulative. He had no reservations about reading or manipulating the minds of others. Xavier also contributed to the creation of the mutant drug, Banshee. However, all of Xavier's vast mental abilities couldn't protect him from Magneto, who killed his old friend during the Ultimatum event.
5 Iceman
AKA Bobby Drake
The ultimate version of Bobby Drake acclimated to his omega-level abilities quicker than his 616 counterpart. Iceman skipped the snowman phase and went right to his fully functional ice body. His powers included cryokinesis and hydrokinesis, and he could manipulate his own body as well as create ice constructs and beings.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #1 (December 2000) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
Ultimate Iceman proved his worth to the X-Men on more than one occasion. He stopped an invasion by Weapon X and took out the Ultimates all on his own. Professor Xavier even claimed Iceman was one of the three most powerful X-Men.
4 Rogue
AKA Marian Carlyle
The Ultimate version of Rogue is one of the most powerful X-Men. She is similar to the Anna Marie version from the 616 universe in most ways except her real name, which is Marian Carlyle. Both versions of Rogue can drain the life force and absorb the memories and abilities of others through skin-to-skin contact.
First Appearance:
- Ultimate X-Men #7 (August 2001) by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert
Ultimate Rogue could access the coolest abilities she absorbed in the past while under the influence of Banshee. She also absorbed a dying Juggernaut's strength to enhance her own power permanently. Rogue gained superhuman speed, agility, strength, and stamina and could enhance her power even more by absorbing new abilities.