Top Twelve X-men-Number 9

Number 9-Rogue
Of all the characters in the X-men, I think that Rogue provides the greatest opportunities for story and drama. Not only does she have a power that limits her interaction with others, but she also has an outgoing personality that craves that kind of interaction. She has a past as a criminal. She's 'stolen' the lives of countless people-most for just a few minutes, but there's one case where it was much longer, and her power always has that potential to steal another life.

Rogue's first appearance was in the pages of the Avengers. It was Avengers Annual # 10, a book that I actually own. Mystique is the leader of the Brotherhood of Evil mutants at this point and Rogue is her adopted daughter. She convinces Rogue to attack the Avengers so the Brotherhood won't be bothered by that team while they pull another job. Rogue almost defeats the Avengers single handed because she gets the drop on Thor. In a What if? story, Rogue completely absorbs the powers of Thor and eventually becomes the goddess of thunder.

I should probably take a step back and talk about Rogue's powers. Rogue has the ability to absorb the abilities, powers and memories from anyone she comes in contact with. For a very long time, she had no control over this ability, but I guess through some convoluted circumstances, that has changed. (At least for the time being.) Rogue has ghost memories of the people she touches even though the transfer is only temporary, but in one case she did steal a person's mind and powers 'permanently' or at least as anything in the world of comic books can be considered permanent. Rogue also faces the possibility that her personality might be overtaken by someone that she touches.

The first story where a member of the X-men accepts Rogue after she joins the team.

Her powers have changed from time to time. She originally just had the power to absorb powers, memories and skills. For a long time she possessed the powers and memories of Ms. Marvel-flight, strength, invulnerability. After gaining control of her powers, Rogue can now access most if not all of the powers she has gained at different times.


Rogue took charge of training a group of new X-men shortly after the Mutant Massacre story. The team ended up facing off against the Juggernaut and actually beating him. (Go Rogue!)


So why does Rogue get on the list? I think that question is pretty easy to answer. While Rogue has never been the center of any major plot lines, she has been a steadfast part of the X-men since she joined up with the team. I know this is contrary to the movies, and some of the animated story lines, but while Rogue might think about getting rid of her powers or going back to Mystique, she never really went for it.

Rogue is possessed by Spiral when she accidentally makes contact with her foe. (Even the bad guys look scared.)

One of my favorite aspects of Rogue is her willingness to use her natural powers to help the team even though it's going to be hard for her to face that absorption. Rogue has had the minds of Spiral (see above) Juggernaut, Naze (the Native American god of chaos), and Loki inside her head as well as many other unsavory people.

Well, Rogue's number nine on my list. I hope you enjoyed learning more about her. I'd recommend you check out what she's up to these days. For now though, feel free to leave any comments or feed back on Rogue.