X-Force was always more aggressive than the rest of the mutant teams and wasn’t opposed to using more than their mutant powers. For example, Cable always had a giant gun handy, and Shatterstar carried two swords. Even without the weapons, some of the team were okay with killing. At one point, it was a requirement.
Over the years, the goal of X-Force has shifted depending on what’s needed, and it’s doubtful that will change. Thankfully, the teams have usually had members who’ve adjusted to what will help protect mutants.
8
Beast of Krakoa
It may seem egregious to have Hank McCoy of Krakoa as one of the best members of X-Force. He’s done unforgivable things like mind-controlling Wolverine and sending some of his team on a mission knowing they’d likely be killed. He’s deplorable, and his motives are unforgivable, but he was what some of the Quiet Council wanted.
When Krakoa was created, the one thing for certain was that mutants were going to be hated and feared more than ever. With that in mind, X-Force became Krakoa’s version of the C.I.A. That meant plenty of clandestine missions and preemptive strikes against their enemies. Sadly, a person with questionable morals was needed for that, and Hank McCoy did that job better than anyone.
7
Deadpool
Every black ops team needs someone who will follow orders. They also need someone who’s stealthy or can become a distraction if needed. Wade Wilson did all of that and more both times he’s been on an X-Force team.
Fans can say what they want about Deadpool. He’s loud, obnoxious, and tells jokes at the wrong time. Nevertheless, he was a model teammate on X-Force after Cyclops disbanded the team and during the Krakoan era. He killed anyone who needed to be killed, and only questioned orders when they were completely immoral. For example, he was against killing Apocalypse when he was a child. Plus, despite being a mercenary, Wade joined because he wanted to help mutants.
6
Wolverine
Logan isn’t known for being a leader. However, when Cyclops needed a new installment of X-Force that hunted and killed mutant threats, Scott Summers called on Wolverine to lead the charge. It was an easy decision for Logan since he was always willing to get his hands dirty so no one else would have to. Unfortunately, like everything in Logan’s life, things didn’t go as planned.
Wolverine was constantly thrown into situations where something always went wrong. His team was thrown into the future (twice), had to fight undead mutants infected with the techno-organic bodies, and ventured to the Age of Apocalypse. Thankfully, Wolverine always found a way to lead his team out of disaster. At the very least, he took the hits so his team didn’t have to.
5
Warpath
James Proudstar (Warpath) was one of the original members of X-Force. He’s also among the people who always quit the team. Something would happen to make him realize that this wasn’t a life that he wanted for himself. Whether it was all the blood he spilled or secrets he kept from his friends, he would always leave. Yet, when he was called on, he returned to the fold. Granted, it was usually reluctantly.
James hates that he has to be on a team that is sometimes forced to kill people. Sadly, he understands that there aren’t many people who can do the things he does and move on. Even when there are friends he knows can take it, he’d rather be the one to do it so they don’t have to. This self-sacrifice is one of the few things that he and Logan have in common. It makes him an elite teammate and an even better friend.
4
Cannonball
Like Warpath, Sam Guthrie was one of the original members of X-Force. Unlike his teammate, Sam didn’t spend a lot of time on the mutant hit squad. This was mostly because he eventually grew out of being in Cable’s shadow. Eventually, he needed to spread his wings (or rocket powers) and move in a different direction. That usually meant leading the New Mutants squad.
Sam Guthrie’s short time on X-Force doesn’t mean he wasn’t crucial to the team. On more than a few occasions, he was the difference between life and death for his teammates. If it wasn’t for Cable being so stubborn, Sam might have remained on the team indefinitely. At the very least, been around long enough to lead a team long-term.
3
Boom Boom
There’s never been a person more loyal to Cable or X-Force than Tabitha Smith (Boom Boom). In the most recent series, she talked about Nathan being a father figure. It’s the reason she trusts him with her life and would follow him to Hell and back. As great as that is, sometimes it’s a bad thing.
Tabitha doesn’t give her trust to just anyone. So, when she does, there are blinders. That was the case in Tim Seeley’s Inglorious X-Force, when she thought Domino attempted to kill Cable and wouldn't listen to anyone saying otherwise. Thankfully, there’s good news. The next run will show her as the leader of the new X-Force team. It’s been a long time coming, and could be the next step in her evolution as a character.
2
Domino
Domino’s mutant luck powers always put her where she’s supposed to be. For reasons that should be obvious, Lady Luck always has her landing on X-Force. She’s usually the right hand to whatever X-Force team she’s on, and not because she can’t lead. Neena Thurman sees things that no one else can. Maybe it’s luck, or maybe it’s because she sees things that her stubborn bosses don’t.
Domino is the perfect second-in-command because she doesn’t blindly follow orders. There have been plenty of times when she’s told Cable and Wolverine that they were being idiots. Each time, they took her advice because it isn’t just luck that keeps her alive. It’s her attention to detail, too.
1
Cable
There have been more than a few X-Force rosters without Cable, but they never feel right. Marvel could have all of the best mutants on the roster, and it still wouldn't feel the same without him. Nathan Summers is X-Force. He started the team, led them for years, and understands what it means to be a member. He’s everything Cyclops is to the X-Men, which makes sense since Scott Summers is his father.
Nate Summers is a soldier on many fronts, and X-Force is his army. When he gives an order, everyone falls in line. There was a moment when Logan was the team leader during X-Men: Second Coming, and Cable took over. Wolverine may not see eye-to-eye with Nathan, but he knows a good commander when he sees one.
When it comes to X-Force, there isn’t a better person to have on your team. Cable will be the first person through the door, and the last one out watching his team's back. And, at the end of the day, isn't that what anyone would want from your mutant hit squad?
Writer
Rob Liefeld, Benjamin Percy, Rick Remender
Penciler
Rob Liefeld, Greg Capullo, Tony Daniel, Adam Pollina, Jim Cheung, Whilce Portacio, Jorge Lucas, Mike Allred
Inker
Dan Panosian, Harry Candelario, Kevin Conrad, Bud LaRosa, Mark Morales, Gerry Alanguilan
Colorist
Dan Panosian, Harry Candelario, Kevin Conrad, Bud LaRosa, Mark Morales, Gerry Alanguilan
Publisher(s)
Marvel
English (US) ·