The Best X-Men with Elemental Abilities Who Aren’t Storm

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There is something eternally fascinating about elemental abilities. This may be why Marvel Comics creates new characters with elemental abilities. Some of the most iconic characters in Marvel history had such powers, including the famous Storm. However, while Storm gets the most attention for being an X-Men with elemental abilities, she’s far from the only one.

When it comes to the X-Men, the range of abilities is far and wide. Given this breadth of abilities, it’s easy to forget that many mutations have a foundation in elemental control, be it air, earth, water, or fire. Yet there’s no denying these characters’ fantastic nature or limitless potential.

10

Sofia Mantega, aka Wind Dancer

Wind Dancer Can Manipulate Wind and Fly

First appeared in New Mutants #1 (2003)

Previously a member of New Mutants, New Warriors, Xavier’s Institute

Not every X-Men signs up to join the team for the long run. Enter Sofia Mantega, previously known as Wind Dancer. Sofia’s mutant ability is wind manipulation, which can be used to create strong gusts. While that may not sound like much, it’s enough to enable Sofia to fly or throw people around the room.

Like many of her fellow mutants, Sofia Mantega has been through a lot. She lost her mother at a young age, only to wind up in the hands of an uncaring father. The only silver lining here is that it eventually led Sofia to find Xavier’s institute. Since then, Sofia lost her powers during M-Day, only to receive them again during the Krakoa era. Despite having her powers, Sofia has decided not to return to the X-Men and instead is supporting Dazzler’s world tour.

9

Roberto Da Costa, aka Sunspot

Sunspot Is a Mutant With Solar Radiation Absorption & Control

First appeared in Marvel Graphic Novel #4 (1982)

Created by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod

Roberto Da Costa is one of several mutants who can handle massive levels of heat. His superhero name is Sunspot, which is appropriate. Roberto can channel massive amounts of solar radiation, allowing for a power boost. This absorbed radiation can supplement Sunspot’s strength and even replace food and other forms of nourishment.

Naturally, absorbing solar energy gives Sunspot a significant power boost, granting him the gift of flight, super strength, speed, and even enchanted reflexes. He can also create concussive blasts and survive in outer space, which are convenient abilities to have for any X-Men character. Roberto has a long history in the comics, having worked with the Young X-Men, Hellfire Club, U.S. Avengers, X-Force, and the Brotherhood of Arakko.

8

Shiro Yoshida, aka Sunfire

Sunfire Is an Alpha-Mutant with Solar and Heat Manipulation Powers

First appeared in X-Men #64 (1969)

Created by Roy Thomas and Don Heck

Shiro Yoshida, aka Sunfire, is another X-Men with solar-based abilities. He’s an alpha-mutant who can absorb multiple forms of radiation, but primarily solar radiation. Because of this, Sunfire can generate dangerously hot plasma, matching the heat levels of the infamous Human Torch. Naturally, Shiro has a level of immunity against heat and radiation.

Sunfire may be one of several mutants powered by the sun, but it would be a mistake to overlook him. In addition to creating basic attacks via plasma, Sunfire can generate enough heat to act as a shield. Likewise, he can sense heat signatures, even from a distance. This makes him slightly more unique, even among the fire-wielding characters. As a mutant, Sunfire has worked with several teams, including the X-Men, Mauraders, Alpha Flight, and even the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

7

Idie Okonkwo, aka Temper

Temper Can Manipulate Temperatures and Generate Fire

First appeared in Uncanny X-Men #528 (2010)

Created by Matt Fraction and Kieron Gillen

Idie Okonkwo is a mutant with a unique history. She was one of the first new mutants to manifest powers following the events of M-Day, and thus, she became known as one of the Five Lights. Also known as Temper, Idie can control and redistribute the temperature in an area, person, or item. In other words, she can transfer heat from one location to the next, allowing her to heat or freeze as needed.

At a glance, it’s easy to mistake Idie Okonkwo, aka Temper, as one of many thermal-based mutants. However, her ability is much more nuanced, as she controls what is already in the area, as opposed to directly producing or removing thermals. Following her dramatic introduction to the world of mutants, Idie has worked with the Exiles, X-Men, and Hellfire Academy. She has since gained complicated feelings based on her experience.

6

Noriko Ashida, aka Surge

Surge Is an Electrical-Based Mutant

First appeared in New Mutants #8 (2004)

Member of X-Force, War College, X-Men, New X-Men

Currently deceased (X-Force #5 2024)

Noriko Ashida, aka Surge, is a younger mutant with the ability to control and absorb electricity. While this may not fall under the traditional purview of elemental abilities, it certainly still counts. Ashida naturally absorbs the electrical energy around her, from the smallest bits of static energy to massive blasts directed at her allies. Once charged, Surge can create lightning blasts.

Surge’s power has a natural downside, limiting the potential for her character. While Noriko Ashida has been seen absorbing immense amounts of electricity, there is a limit to how much she can safely absorb. This limit was recently given context in the events of X-Force #5. Likewise, when Surge releases her lightning blasts, she has little to no control over them, making her a bit of a liability for her teammates.

5

Amara Aquilla, aka Magma

Magma Can Manipulate Earth and Magma

First appeared in New Mutants #8 (1983)

Created by Chris Claremont, Sal Buscema, and Bob McLeod

Amara Aquilla may look young, but she’s actually one of the oldest members of the X-Men team. Originally from the time of the Romans, Amara is far older than she appears. She has the power to control the earth in both its natural and molten states. When using her abilities, Amara takes on an appearance resembling the heated earth she commands, earning her the name Magma.

Magma is a powerful character with several heat-based abilities. In addition to controlling the earth, she is immune from extreme heat and can even produce her own fire. Finally, Amara can heal when she’s in contact with a substance that’s hot enough. Given her long history, it’s no surprise that Magma has worked with dozens of teams over the years, including the X-Men, New Mutants, X-Corps, Brotherhood of Evil, and New Hellions.

4

Julio Richter, aka Rictor

Rictor Can Manipulate Earth and Plants

First appeared in X-Factor #17 (1987)

Created by Louise and Walt Simonson

When it comes to earth elemental abilities, there’s arguably nobody stronger than Rictor, aka Julio Richter. Given his ability set, the superhero name Rictor is apt, as he can generate and manipulate seismic energies in addition to a raw ability to terraform the earth around him. This includes manipulating magma, which, while unexpected, makes a certain sense.

Julio Richter, aka Rictor, is a powerful mutant with limitless potential. His earth-based projectiles are as dangerous as they sound, while his magma control gives him a basic resistance to heat. Rictor also has a way with plants, rounding out his ability set with a different method of trapping his enemies. Over the years, Rictor has been associated with several teams, including X-Corps, Knights of X, Excalibur, X-Force, and New Mutants.

3

Angelica Jones, aka Firestar

Firestar Is a Mutant Who Can Manipulate Microwave Energy & Heat Emission

First appeared in Uncanny X-Men #193 (1985)

Created by John Romita Sr., Rick Hoberg, and Dennis Marks

Superhero stories love a good fire wielder, but Angelica Jones, aka Firestar, isn’t quite like the rest. Technically, Firestar’s abilities let her control microwave radiation. However, this is portrayed as Angelica having control over plasma and flames, effectively making her one of several Marvel characters who play with fire. This control provides her with a few secondary benefits, including flight and psionic disruption.

Firestar is capable of generating massive amounts of heat and is immune to the heat she creates. Angelica Jones has been around for a few years, but it does feel like there’s more room to test her abilities. Since her introduction, she’s worked with the West Coast Avengers, X-Men, New Warriors, Young Allies, and the Hellions.

2

Gabriel Summers, aka Vulcan

Vulcan Is an Omega-Level Mutant With Energy Manipulation

First appeared in X-Men: Deadly Genesis #1 (2005)

Previously a member of the X-Men Red, X-Men, and the Shi’ar Empire

Gabriel Summers, aka Vulcan, is a mutant with a complicated history in X-Men and a massive power set. Gabriel can manipulate and control energy in any form, including electricity. This puts him well within the spectrum for elemental abilities, especially as Vulcan has canonically survived being thrown into the Sun. Additionally, Vulcan can create various blasts, including heat, light, or electrical blasts, making him unpredictable in battle.

There’s no denying the power of Vulcan’s abilities and potential. Depending on the timeline, Gabriel’s power levels may vary. He is generally considered to be an Omega-level mutant, though following the events of M-Day, some consider him to be more than that. Gabrial has many relatives in the X-Men universe and a complicated history, including time spent in the Shi’ar Empire.

1

Robert “Bobby” Drake, aka Iceman

Iceman Is an Omega-Level Mutant With Ice Powers

First appeared in X-Men #1 (1963)

Founding member of the X-Men

Robert “Bobby” Drake is arguably one of the most iconic elemental mutants, second only to Storm. Also known as Iceman, Bobby is an Omega-Level mutant with the ability to control water and ice. His powers allow him to freeze objects, generate ice and snow, and manipulate thermals within his body and the surrounding environment.

Iceman has spent decades proving to readers why he is one of the most powerful elementals in X-Men. Until recently, it was believed that Bobby couldn’t even die, as he had survived otherwise catastrophic events. While Bobby started with control issues and significant power caps, he worked hard to test boundaries and improve his abilities. Now, Iceman is famous for his ability to freeze anything, including hellfire.

“}]] While characters like Storm often steal the show, the truth is that Marvel Comics has a long history of creating X-Men with elemental abilities.  Read More