Magneto
Erik Magnus Lehnsherr
The Master of Magnetism and Xavier's oldest friend turned greatest enemy. A Holocaust survivor who swore that mutants would never face the same fate, Magneto's methods (violence, separatism, supremacy) represent the path Xavier rejected. But Claremont's genius was making Magneto sympathetic: a man whose rage is righteous even when his actions are monstrous. He has been villain, X-Man, headmaster, and co-founder of Krakoa. He is never one thing for long.
Appearances Over Time
Most Appearances By Series
The Uncanny X-Men (1981) 85 issues
X-Men: Legacy (2008) 46 issues
X-Men (1991) 38 issues
The New Mutants (1983) 34 issues
X-Men: Blue (2017) 34 issues
X-Men (2024) 33 issues
Uncanny X-Men (2013) 28 issues
The X-Men (1963) 27 issues
Uncanny X-Men (2012) 25 issues
Magneto (2014) 22 issues
Event Participation
The X-Men #1
1963
The X-Men #1
September 1963
Magneto stands as one of Marvel's most compelling and morally complex figures, with his Holocaust survivor background lending weight to his extremist methods in protecting mutantkind. Claremont's original run and the Krakoan era solidified his status as a tragic revolutionary rather than a simple villain, though recent adaptations have sparked debate. X-Men '97's controversial Rogue romance divided fans, while his dramatic flair (like moving the Golden Gate Bridge when a boat would suffice) remains both beloved and mocked. His brutal takedowns of bigots and Nazis consistently earn fan approval, cementing his reputation as Marvel's most sympathetic "villain."
Erik Magnus Lehnsherr
Stan Lee & Jack Kirby