Mirage

Few characters can claim they helped define an entire generation of Marvel storytelling, but Mirage — born into the Bronze Age pages of The Uncanny X-Men #167 in 1983 under the guiding hands of Chris Claremont and Paul Smith — is exactly that kind of foundational figure. A proud member of both the X-Men and the New Mutants, Mirage became a cornerstone of the younger, wilder corner of the Marvel mutant universe, sharing adventures across decades with beloved figures like Rahne Sinclair, Wolfsbane, Sam Guthrie, Cannonball, and Illyana Rasputina. With 225 catalog appearances stretching an remarkable 43 years from 1983 all the way to 2026, and 17 key issues to their name, this is a character whose staying power speaks for itself. If you love the heart and soul of the X-Men's extended family, Mirage is absolutely essential reading.